Culver-Stockton College hosted the second debate-watching ACE event in the series on Wednesday, showcasing the Vice Presidential debate between Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence.

When polled for a winner at the end, students in attendance gave no votes to Pence, a handful to Harris, and a majority agreeing that it had been a draw.  Senior Criminal Justice major Gyderious Rogers held that the debate was “all over the place,” but Harris was more “put together.”

Moderator and Assistant Professor of Political Science Chad DeWaard asserted that it was more dignified and closer to what was expected of the candidates. However, many of the same problems that plagued the first Presidential debate returned.  Harris and Pence often talked over and interrupted each other. Both often disregarded the moderator’s direct questions.   Instead the candidates spoke on unrelated matters, or returned for two more minutes of a response to the prior topic.  Pence was more flagrant in this disregard for the debate’s terms, but Harris did the same with less frequency.

USA TODAY reporter and moderator Susan Page reminded the candidates that they did agree to the rules of the debate, echoing a similar moment with Chris Wallace in the Presidential debate the previous week.

There seemed to be an absence of good humor, with tension between the candidates.  The candidates both had strong attacks on one another’s records, such as Harris’ criticisms of Pence’s response to the pandemic.  Pence alleged that Harris had overseen an increase in the incarceration and discriminatory rates of drug prosecution against black Californians.

Senior Criminal Justice major Jordan Scurlock felt Harris was the winner. “I do feel like Harris had a lot of informative facts that were put together over Pence. Pence beat around the bush a lot. Harris was pretty straight-foward and straight to the point.”

Further ACE events in the series are planned for the debates on October 15th and 22nd, and on election night, November 3rd. All are planned to be held in Meaders Hall in the Gladys Crown Student Center, with spillover seating in the cafeteria. Refreshments will be provided.