Tonight, Mike Pence and Tim Kaine will
face off for their only debate of the general election. Historically, and for
obvious reasons, the VP debates have earned fewer headlines and lower ratings
than the main presidential debates, and this year the same should be doubly
true. With such big names as Trump and Clinton choosing such low-key and,
frankly, boring running mates, tonight’s debate will feel almost likely a
disappointment sandwiched between the main events.
Still, the debate will be important in
other ways. The Vice President has two constitutional duties—presiding over the
Senate (which usually only entails voting to break a tie) and being prepared to
take over the country upon the death, resignation, or impairment of the
President. Compared to Clinton and Trump, who are known commodities to even the
most low-information of low-information voters, Pence and Kaine might as well
be “stereotypical Midwestern politician” and “that guy with the eyebrow”.
Voters will need to know both of them can handle the Presidency, during what
would undoubtedly be a turbulent time for the nation (even more so than it is
now).
Neither Pence nor Kaine should have any
problem doing that. Both are experienced politicians with executive experience
who have been preparing for this moment for weeks. Elaine Quijano will likely
throw out several Trump and Clinton-specific questions, asking Pence and Kaine
to defend various remarks and explain various scandals, but the focus of the
debate should be on the two men actually on stage.
For it to be a successful debate, she
will need to get the candidates to prove that they are prepared to be
President, and discuss what other roles, formal or informal, they would have in
a Trump or Clinton administration. Save the questions on Trump University or
the Clinton Foundation for Sunday night.
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