The 2020 US Presidential Election saw heated debates and discussions not only between the primary candidates, former Vice President Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump, but also between their running mates. California Senator Kamala Harris, Biden’s pick for Vice Presidency, found herself engaged in numerous clashes with Trump throughout the campaign season.
Before her nomination as the Democratic party’s VP candidate, Harris was already known for her fierce debate performances. Harris, who had served as the District Attorney of San Francisco and the Attorney General of California, used her prosecutorial skills to push Trump on his policies, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his stance on racial justice issues.
Meanwhile, Trump defended his administration’s actions and policies fiercely, presenting a strong front despite facing criticism and pushback. Known for his straightforward, at times confrontational style, Trump was just as adamant in his clashes with Harris. Whilst Trump used his experience as a business tycoon and the President of the US, Harris used her background as a prosecutor to argue their points.
The debates, while heated, were not always attended by all parties. On certain occasions, some candidates opted to skip the debates due to various reasons. One notable instance was the second presidential debate planned for October 15, 2020. Trump declined to participate after it was announced the debate would be held virtually due to his recent Covid-19 diagnosis. The debate was eventually cancelled, and separate town hall events were held by both the candidates instead.
Skipping the debates can significantly impact the candidates’ campaign strategies, as they present a unique platform for candidates to directly address the public and debate their policies. However, in this digitally connected era, the candidates were able to reach out to the public via other mediums and express their stand on various issues.
In conclusion, the 2020 US Presidential Election was punctuated by the fierce debates between, not only the Presidential candidates but also their running mates. Trump and Harris had notable clashes on various topics. The usual debate format was altered due to the global pandemic, highlighting the adaptability of the candidates and the democratic procedures in unprecedented times.
