Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Vie President Mike Pence. (AP Photos)

By Wesley Marsh
Special to the AFRO

The 2020 Vice Presidential Debate took place on Oct. 7 between the U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, and Vice President Mike Pence, former Republican governor of Indiana. The economy, presidential accountability, climate change, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a major topic of contention, were among the topics discussed with moderator Susan Page, USA Today Washington editor.

The concern of many Americans entering this debate was whether these candidates could engage in a civil discussion. Last week’s presidential debate descended into chaos, leaving many voters unsure of their candidates’ policies. 

However, while the vice president and challenger Harris were able to hold a controversy-free discussion, some viewers were unmoved. 

Antwaan Mills of Bowie, Md. stopped watching the debate here not long after it began. “When I listen to Pence speak, it’s the same tired talking points of every Republican.” 

Another said, “Kamala Harris doesn’t inspire me. She doesn’t seem very authentic.” 

Still, Harris made a point of speaking from a moral standpoint and praised running mate Biden on his willingness to be transparent in his actions. Authenticity has been one of the focal points of the Biden-Harris campaign, the vice-presidential challenger argued. 

Ajah Barnes of Philadelphia, Pa., a graduate of Morgan State University, said Harris’ nomination as vice president meant so much to her. “I believe she knows the struggles of those in the Black community more than someone who isn’t of that background. She’s more cognizant of the issues affecting our generation and modern culture compared to Trump, or even Biden.”

While the 2020 vice presidential debate may not have been an intense affair compared to Sept. 29 in Cleveland, the Harris-Pence forum held important ramifications for the upcoming election and our nation’s future at large. 

The writer is a student in the Morgan State University School of Global Journalism and Communication.