By Niresh Eliatamby
NEW DELHI (CWBN)_ U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic Party Challenger Senator Kamala Harris have begun their sole debate between at the Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah, in a high stakes battle that will lead to the White House.
The elderly status of Trump, 74, and his challenger former Vice President Joe Biden, 77, has cast additional scrutiny on the two vice presidential candidates, as either could end up in the President’s seat within a few years.
This year’s Vice Presidential Debate has attracted keen attention unlike in previous elections, due to a multitude of reasons including the chaos that reigned during the first Presidential Debate last week; President Donald Trump’s affliction with COVID; and the excitement surrounding the vibrant California senator. She is only the third woman to secure the Vice Presidential nomination from either of the two major parties and is also the first non-white woman in that role, being of mixed Indian and African American heritage.
The 90-minute debate is expected to showcase the oratory skills of Harris, who stands an extremely good chance of victory at the November 3 election, as the team of Biden-Harris currently enjoys a significant lead in opinion polls.
The second Presidential Debate is scheduled for October 15 in Miami, Florida, but it is not clear if Trump’s illness would lead to its postponement. The third debate is scheduled for October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Moderator Susan Page of USA Today will also be under scrutiny as Fox News’ Chris Wallace was roundly criticized for failing to control the chaotic first presidential debate, including his inability to prevent Trump from constantly interrupting Biden.
Edited by Indeewara Thilakarathne
