Pence Was Smooth, But Sort of Just Hung Trump Out to Dry

[TomCADem]

I know some pundits will like the fact that he recited standard right wing talking points about lower taxes and less regulations, but he not only failed to articulate any clear Trump policies, but he just simply refused to defend Trump on taxes, racism, sexism, or nuclear proliferation.

Kaine probably came off as aggressive and rude early, but toward the end, as Pence kept on deflecting, I think it made the point that Pence clearly was not going to make any effort to defend Trump.

Finally, while Pence also probably came off as smooth, he also really did not score any clear hits to Hillary Clinton. You can't both be a nice guy, while also being an attack dog, and it seems like Pence was sort of trying to maintain his political viability.

I was thinking toward the end that Pence almost seemed like he was in it for himself.

[exboyfil]

1. It is tough to defend the indefensible

but that a was good technique to nod no when Kaine was talking about something Trump said. He never denied it so a fact check would not pick it up.

[TomCADem]

4. I Get the Strategy Not To Try to Defend Trump...

...but it was also clear that Kaine's strategy was to keep on bringing up what Trump said to make it really clear towards the end that Pence was not going to try to defend Trump.

The pundits might like the strategy choice, but I was thinking at the end, "Wow, that is now just getting awkward how Pence is not lifting a finger to defend Trump, and that must piss Trump off."

Think about how Trump insists that his people defend him and what he says. Pence just pretty much did his best to change the subject.

[BlueStater]

2. From a style perspective, Pence did well.

He never lost his cool and remained calm the whole time. At least compared to his idiot running mate (which is low bar to get over, I know), he looked professional.

From a substance perspective, he was terrible. He seriously could not defend the orange one on anything.

[TomCADem]

6. I Guess The Choice Was Attack Dog or Look Sane...

...and given how Trump has acted, they probably made the decision that Pence needed to over compensate and look cool. However, this means that he also really did not get in any good red meat attacks on Hillary, since Pence had to tone down the emotion. In contrast, Kaine was clearly in attack mode.

My read was that Clinton/Kaine were also trying to provoke Trump into saying or doing something rash in the next 24 hours, since Trump can't stand a sleight.

[Quixote1818]

3. I agree. He did not look eager to defend Trumps insanity.

He looked uncomfortable every time Kaine put him on the spot and deflected. That was the big take away tonight.

[Gothmog]

5. Pence is running to be the nominee in 2020

[uponit7771]

8. I don't even see how he can even think about it with the stench of tRump about him

[herding cats]

11. I agree.

At least I agree that was his strategy tonight. I'm in no way saying I think he has a chance in hell after backing Trump, and tying his kite to him. If/when Trump loses Pence is done politically. He'll be the next Gingrich, or Giuliani at best.

[uponit7771]

7. This is FAUX news take also other than Pence was better on style

[TomCADem]

9. You Are Kidding. Even Faux News Is Saying That Pence Hung Trump Out to Dry?

I thought it was sort of obvious, but I did not think it was that obvious that Pence was not going to touch Trump's positions with a ten foot pole, except to sort of snort and shake his head with a vague sort of half-denial that cannot quite be fact checked.

[uponit7771]

10. Yes, the setup for 2020 and Kellyanne sounded nuts with Megan on the fact checking ...

... Conway is good though, she keeps a straight face while saying really stupid shit