Debate Day: 5 Things to Watch for in the Harris-Trump Faceoff

The Stakes Are High

The first vice presidential debate of the 2020 election is finally here, and the stakes are high for both candidates. Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris will face off on the debate stage at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The debate will be moderated by Susan Page of USA Today.

Five Things to Watch For

Here are five things to watch for in the debate:

1. The Body Language

Body language can often reveal a lot about a candidate's state of mind and their level of comfort. Pay attention to the candidates' body language throughout the debate. Are they confident and relaxed, or do they seem nervous and uncomfortable?

2. The Attacks

The candidates are likely to attack each other on a variety of issues. Pay attention to the attacks that are made and how the candidates respond to them. Do the attacks seem fair and reasonable, or do they seem like personal attacks?

3. The Interruptions

The candidates may interrupt each other during the debate. Pay attention to who interrupts more often and how the candidates react to being interrupted. Do the interruptions seem like an attempt to control the debate, or do they seem like a legitimate attempt to make a point?

4. The Fact-Checking

The candidates may make false or misleading statements during the debate. Pay attention to the fact-checking that is done by the moderator and the candidates themselves. Are the candidates being held accountable for their statements, or are they allowed to get away with making false claims?

5. The Closing Statements

The closing statements are an opportunity for the candidates to make a final pitch to the voters. Pay attention to the closing statements and see what the candidates say. Do the closing statements leave you feeling inspired and motivated, or do they leave you feeling disappointed and frustrated?