Will Mike Pence Retain Any Credibility After Debating Kamala Harris?
Republicans widely support Mike Pence, while Democrats do not. In contrast, Democrats back Kamala Harris, and Republicans do not. The upcoming debates are unlikely to provide a significant bounce for either candidate among their respective bases or sway undecided voters.
The Debates: Pence's Lack of Credibility
Mike Pence enters this debate without a solid foundation of credibility. His aggressive and often controversial stances have made him appear more like a figure from another era. Pence is often described as a misogynist and a homophobe, and his public statements have led even some Republicans to question his Christian values and motives. He is seen as an aged dog shit, lacking in appeal and charisma.
During the Democratic debate earlier this year, Kamala Harris effectively engaged with her opponents, going for the jugular. The confrontational style may result in intense debates, with Pence possibly struggling to maintain the ease he showed in previous debates against Tim Kaine.
Pence’s Debating Record and Future Prospects
Initially selected as a running mate by Donald Trump, Pence was not chosen for his theatrics, charisma, or extemporaneous skills. His sterling reputation among Trump supporters vanished when the latter’s controversial statements fueled discussions about Pence's tactical and stances.
During his debate against Tim Kaine, Pence demonstrated a reasonable performance. While he is unlikely to make serious gaffes or appear as a total embarrassment, his debating skills are not what they should be. Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has a significant track record of engaging effectively in debates. Pence's performance is subjected to lowered expectations, much like Republicans are lowering their expectations for Joe Biden.
Unlikely Path to Credibility
In order to gain credibility with undecided voters, Pence must start with some. But he’s been unsuccessful in doing so. It’s highly improbable that Pence would regain these voters' trust through repeated efforts or strategic positioning, as the electorate's perception of him is already set in stone. He would need to perform flawlessly, which seems unlikely given his past behavior and public statements.
Debate Stakes and Performance Expectations
The stakes for Mike Pence are high. Pence originated from a base of moderate Republicans who believed he provided a counterbalance to Donald Trump. He must now distinguish himself from Trump. But his performance in the debate is not expected to dramatically shift any undecided voters. The electorate has already formed their opinions about Pence, and he needs to defend his credibility and credentials effectively.
Despite his reputation, Pence’s potential debate performance does not seem to challenge the current narrative. If Pence were to win the debate easily like before, he would face scrutiny and questions about his continuous support for Trump. On the other hand, if Harris were to dominate, it could significantly impact the perception of Pence and the Trump campaign.
Concluding Thoughts on Credibility
The debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris is more likely to validate the current perceptions of both candidates rather than fundamentally alter them. Pence must find a way to retain his previous credibility, and while Harris's aggressive debating style may highlight her strengths, it may also bring more scrutiny to Pence. Both candidates will seek to frame the debate in a manner that benefits their respective campaigns, but the outcome is unlikely to result in a sweeping change in voter perceptions.