Nine segments, two walls of plexiglass, one socially distanced audience. Although more civilized than the first presidential debate between Trump and Biden, the vice presidential debate was still saturated with striking moments. From the 90 minute debate between vice presidential nominees Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, here are the facts, figures and fun.
Segment One: The Pandemic
210,000 deaths in the last month from coronavirus.
3,000,000 cumulative coronavirus cases in the United States.
2 divided parties, both claiming similar plans towards American recovery centered around the widespread distribution of testing and vaccines.
1 accusation of political party plagiarism regarding the supposed recovery plan:
Pence: “It looks a little bit like plagiarism, which is something Joe Biden knows a little bit about.”
Segment Two: The Role of the Vice President Pandemic, Part Two
1 call to return to the topic of the coronavirus pandemic:
Pence: “Well thank you, but I would like to go back.”
750 dollars President Trump paid in federal income taxes per year.
400,000,000 dollars President Trump is in debt.
0 questions answered about the health and age of Trump and Biden.
Segment Three: The Economy
2 fundamentally different positions regarding economic recovery, with Biden proposing to raise 4 trillion dollars by taxing the wealthy and Trump planning to promote economic growth by further cutting taxes.
1 controversial tax bill passed by President Trump in 2017.
1 eerie warning concerning Trump’s position on repealing the Affordable Care Act:
Harris: “If you have a pre-existing condition? Heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer? They’re coming for you. If you love someone who has a pre-existing condition, they’re coming for you. If you are under the age of 26 under your parents’ coverage, they’re coming for you.”
Segment Four: Climate Change
2 vice presidential candidates claiming to “follow the science.”
4 stand-out quotes from both parties:
Harris: “Joe Biden will not ban fracking. This is a fact. This is a fact.”
Pence: “As I said Susan, the climate is changing.”
Harris: “You lost the trade war. You lost it.”
Pence: “Joe Biden’s been a cheerleader for communist China through over the last several decades.”
Segment Five: China (and other foreign nations)
3 other countries debated besides China: Russia, Israel and Iran.
2 radical terrorists discussed: Qasem Soleimani and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
1 inevitable mention of Putin and connections to the 2016 and current elections.
1 also inevitable return to Obama’s alleged missteps against terrorism during his presidency.
Segment Six: The Supreme Court
27 days until the presidential election.
1 open seat on the Supreme Court.
1 eccentric 1864 history lesson from Harris on “Honest Abe.”
1 pivotal question regarding the possibility of Democrats packing the court if Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed to the Supreme Court.
0 straight answers from Harris.
Segment Seven: Racial Justice
1 unexpected cameo landing on Vice President Pence’s head.
123 seconds of much treasured screen time before the special guest flew away.
1 unexpected mention of Trump’s Jewish grandchildren.
Segment Eight: The Election
2 incredibly important calls to vote.
1 confident Pence concerning election results.
0 confirmation regarding Trump’s commitment to a peaceful transfer of power if faced with defeat in November.
Segment Nine: Student Questions
1 heartwarming question tackling American unity, asked by 8th grader Brecklynn Brown:
“When I watch the news all I see is arguing between Democrats and Republicans. When I watch the news all I see is citizen fighting against citizen. When I watch the news all I see are two candidates from opposing parties trying to tear each other down. If our leaders can’t get along, how are the citizens supposed to get along?”
2 personable answers focusing on unity, respect, and friendship across party lines.
To Wrap It Up, some Overall Figures
6 occasions where Harris reclaimed her time with, “I’m speaking.”
2 times Pence busted out the line, “You’re entitled to your own opinions but not your own facts.”
4 times Harris addressed the camera with a call-to-action.
4 times Pence obliged to return to a previous question.
12+ times Harris gave the eyebrow raise/head shake combo.
108 times moderator Susan Page (often unsuccessfully) tried to cut off a speaker with, “Thank you.”
30+ fact checks performed on information presented by both candidates, courtesy of the New York Times.
Article Thumbnail: Associated Press