Meeting the commander-in-waiting: Undecided voters and the 2016 vice-presidential debate

When Two Become One? Examining Kamala Harris and Joe Biden's Campaign Themes from Primary to General Election

“…That's more of the same.” In 2016, Mike Pence helped balance the ticket as an elected, experienced politician with a steadier, conservative hand. Focus group participants liked Pence's “calm,” “measured” demeanor during the VP debate (Wrasse et al 2018). Pence also needed to contend with Trump's off‐the‐cuff style, which was appealing to many Republicans, but often translated into inconsistent policy positions, challenging Pence to defend a moving target.…”

“…Pence also needed to contend with Trump's off-the-cuff style, which was appealing to many Republicans, but often translated into inconsistent policy positions, challenging Pence to defend a moving target. Focus group participants noted Pence's inability to rise to the occasion (Wrasse et al 2018), meaning he failed to meet some of Carlin and Bicak's (1993) running mate standards.…”