Sen. Kamala Harris came through for us all on Wednesday night when she went head to head against Vice President Mike Pence during the first and last vice presidential debate.
“The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country,” Harris said, pressing him over the administrations handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They knew what was happening, and they didn’t tell you,” Harris said. “They knew and they covered it up. … The President said you’re on one side of his ledger if you wear a mask, you’re on the other side of his ledger if you don’t. And in spite of all of that, today they still don’t have a plan.”
Of course, Pence failed to take accountability on behalf of he and Trump’s “ineptitude.”
Despite moderator Susan Page, Washington bureau chief of USA Today, calling for a “respectful exchange,” Pence continued to interrupt Harris throughout the debate.
“Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking. I’m speaking,” Harris told him — evidently annoyed at his refusal to adhere to the rules.
Harris took Pence to task over the recent revelations that Trump is in debt by millions and that he barely pays any taxes. According to a report published by the New York Times, Trump has failed to pay federal income taxes in 10 of 15 recent years and for paying only $750 in 2016 and 2017 each.
“It would be really good to know who the President of the United States, the commander in chief, owes money to,” she said.
When asked whether Breonna Taylor, the unarmed Black woman gunned down by Louisville police officers, received justice — Harris answered plainly.
“I’ve talked with Breonna’s mother, Tamika Palmer, and her family — and her family deserves justice,” Harris said. “She was a beautiful young woman.”
Pence stayed true to the Trump administration’s message — blaming protestors and looters and defending the judicial system.
“Our heart breaks [over] the loss of any innocent American life, and the family of Breonna Taylor has our sympathies,” he said. “But I trust our justice system, a grand jury that reviews the evidence. And it really is remarkable that as a former prosecutor, you would assume that an impaneled grand jury looking at all the evidence got it wrong, but you’re entitled to your opinion, senator.”
Pence’s answer makes it clear that the Black community cannot expect justice from the judicial system. Pence has even stated that he believes that systemic racism does not exist in America.
If Americans want justice and unity — their best shot is a Harris/ Pence administration.
And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this lil’ gem from last night…
