But seeing that video that the Clinton campaign made with Pence denying Trump or him saying things followed by them actually saying those things? He achieved what he needed to achieve, which was showing everyone that Pence can't defend Trump and showing him lying about things they've said.
The debate itself isn't going to change any minds, but it gives the Clinton campaign the material it needs to continue shoring up support among Democrats, turning out voters, and convincing fence-sitters.
How pissed do you think Trump is right now with HRC tweeting that Pence won't defend him and other media sources are picking up on that too?
I'm slow to get to the end of this thread but I agree that Hillary got what she needed on this one. While watching I was disappointed with how annoying Kaine came across because I expected him to be his usual cool and collected self, but he did manage to get under Pence's skin pretty well by the end and got the denials they needed. Plus Trump is going to be pissed about all of it, including the good feedback on Pence because it makes him look worse, and will be going into Sunday's debate in a hot rage. So, overall, I think it was very well played.
Delurking to post a theory that had me up all night. I keep wondering why so many Rs are backing in Trump and putting party before country. Is it possible that they want to get Trump elected and then let him do something outrageous within the first 6 months (because Trump), and then lead the charge to impeach him "for the good of the country". It allows them to look like champions and this is how we get President Pence, which is a much more palatable R for them. Please tell me this scenario isn't possible, right?
I also wonder if more people are endorsing him than would otherwise because of the Supreme Court. There's already one vacancy, and a good chance for 1 or 2 more. The next president could have a huge influence on the Court, so some GOP may be glossing over everything else, so they get a Republican in office for that.
Now..... they probably think they can tell Trump who to nominate - and Trump released a list that was very conservative - but who knows what Trump would actually do.
ETA: not that there is ANY justifiable excuse for glossing over what an asshole Trump is....
I can get on board with the theory that Kaine's role in this debate was absolutely to goad Pence into denying Trump's history. I'm curious how it will play out.
I believe that Pence might be worried that Donald isn't taking his performance well. He's telling people that Trump won Pence's debate.
HARRISONBURG, Va. -- Mike Pence, coming off his biggest night of the campaign, suggested to a gathering of supporters here Wednesday that "some people think I won" the vice presidential debate.
"Donald Trump called me late last night from Nevada to congratulate me on the debate," Pence said at the first rally of his four-day, four-state bus tour. "That really meant the world to me. Some people think I won. But, I'll leave that to others."
...
"You know what I could tell you -- from where I sat, Donald Trump won the debate," Pence continued, seemingly trying to thwart any notion that Pence did not aid Trump as much as his own possible political ambitions down the road. "Donald Trump's vision to make America great again won the debate!"
I believe that Pence might be worried that Donald isn't taking his performance well. He's telling people that Trump won Pence's debate.
HARRISONBURG, Va. -- Mike Pence, coming off his biggest night of the campaign, suggested to a gathering of supporters here Wednesday that "some people think I won" the vice presidential debate.
"Donald Trump called me late last night from Nevada to congratulate me on the debate," Pence said at the first rally of his four-day, four-state bus tour. "That really meant the world to me. Some people think I won. But, I'll leave that to others."
...
"You know what I could tell you -- from where I sat, Donald Trump won the debate," Pence continued, seemingly trying to thwart any notion that Pence did not aid Trump as much as his own possible political ambitions down the road. "Donald Trump's vision to make America great again won the debate!"
When I heard that he said Trump won, my only thought was that he was scared of Trump's reaction or he had heard the news that Trump was pissed. It's such an obvious ploy.