The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

Pence cleaned Harris’ clock

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Vice President Mike Pence scored point after point in the vice-presidential debate with Sen. Kamala Harris.

Obviously, whom you think won has much to do with your politics. But when it comes to the horrible job that President Donald Trump did in his debate last week, Pence was clear, precise, calm and thorough. He had more on-point, relevant responses than Harris (and Trump). He managed to get more substance into the debate. Harris’ response too often was to make a face.

Both candidates avoided answering questions, particularly on what they would do about abortion if Roe v. Wade were overturned. But she dodged more often, particularly on whether a Biden and Democratic controlled government would seek to pack the Supreme Court. It is unconscionable and transparently fraudulent that Biden and Harris refuse to answer a question about this fundamental issue.

He made better arguments on such points as China, foreign policy and energy. She didn’t persuade me that she would make a better commander-in-chief than President Donald Trump.

The closing question from a student was the most revealing. Why the ugly partisan flogging of each other; what to do about it, she asked. Pence was eloquent and thoughtful. Harris flunked this one; she turned it into a partisan rant instead trying to move us any closer to calm discourse.

The question is whether Pence could make up for Trump’s many blunders.