I’d say that was a slim victory for Harris. Pence was way better than Trump, but he still fell into that fatiguing Trumpian condescension toward women which I’d say was the primary take-away. Trump desperately needs suburban women,& Pence’ performance just made that problem worse
In response to some of the comments: I mean victory electorally. I don't think she landed any KO blows, and I think Pence did reasonably well making Trumpism seem not terrifying (like when Trump dithered on the Proud Boys). But that is good enough for Biden-Harris, bc they're /2
winning by 10%. Harris needed to hold her own/look presidential, put solid points on the board (covid & police/justice reform were her best, IMO), and let hang Pence hang himself with educated women voters when he started mansplaining and talking over her and the moderator.And /3
she did that. In terms of accuracy, she was obviously vastly better, but only political junkies are going to realize just how much Pence lied, for example, on health care and pre-existing conditions. And on style, Pence was awful, of course. Not as bad as Trump, but Pence came /4
off as the condescending mansplaining uncle at Thanksgiving, boss at work, bad date guy, etc. that I imagine drive modern women up the wall. To me, this is the big take-away, rather any policy point. Pence came off quite annoying; Trump came off very annoying in his debate. /5
This toxic masculinity may play to the Trump base - and Pence may have been doing it for Trump watching on TV - but it will kill Trump-Pence with female voters whom they desperately need. I think that is one of reasons why Harris was smiling so much and probably didn't fight /6
Pence as much as she might otherwise have. She knew Pence was damaging himself w/ his attitude, just as Trump lost the first debate by acting like such a jerk. Honestly, I am surprised Pence' people didn't realize that obvious problem & encourage his restraint. So yes, she won /7
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