News analysis

US V-P debate civil and robust, but unlikely to change minds

Viewers will not vote based on presidential candidates' running mates, say analysts

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The vice-presidential debate between Republican Vice-President Mike Pence and Democratic challenger Senator Kamala Harris on Wednesday night was relatively civil, though both speakers often evaded the questions directed at them.

That was a welcome change, analysts said, from the first presidential debate between United States President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden that turned into a shouting match.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 09, 2020, with the headline US V-P debate civil and robust, but unlikely to change minds. Subscribe