Vice Presidential Debate: Pence, Harris Have New Rules to Increase Safety

By Dana Cruz First Posted: Oct 06, 2020 03:22 AM EDT

A combination picture shows democratic U.S. vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence

(Photo : REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
A combination picture shows democratic U.S. vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence

The vice presidential debate will feature new safety measures to make sure everyone is safe when Mike Pence and Kamala Harris face off on Wednesday.

The vice presidential debate between Pence and Harris will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah.

During the debate, a plexiglass barrier will separate Harris and Pence from one another, reported Politico.

In a statement released Monday, the Commission on Presidential Debates said it was an "approach to overall health and safety".

The request for the vice presidential debate safety measures were made by the Biden-Harris campaign and was approved by the CPD, CBS News reported. On the other hand, the Trump-Pence campaign opposed the barrier.

Candidates will not be given time to make opening or closing statements.

"If Sen. Harris wants to use a fortress around herself, have at it," said Katie Miller, Pence's communications director. She has contracted COVID-19 herself in May.

A spokesperson from Harris' camp did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The plexiglass barrier was erected due to concerns of coronavirus transmission. This is especially important now that several staffers from the White House have tested positive of the virus.

Other Safety Measures

A barrier will also be put between the two candidates and moderator Susan Page.

Cleveland Clinic, which is setting protocols for the forum, also supported the plans.

Apart from the barrier, the candidates will also be standing 12 feet and three inches apart for the run of the debate.

The original plan was to put Pence and Harris at least seven feet apart, said CNBC. Once they are on stage, they will not wear masks.

The distance is bigger than during the first presidential debate that was at least six feet. Both candidates also didn't wear masks during that event, USA Today noted.

For everyone in the debate hall, there will also be a variety of safety measures in place. There will be COVID-19 testing and the use of masks.

CPD said those who refuse to wear a mask will be escorted out of the venue.

The debate will take place from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday without commercial breaks. It will be nine segments of 10 minutes each.

The vice presidential debate on Wednesday will be Harris and Pence's first and only face-to-face showdown. There will be a "small number" of ticketed guests at the debate, added the CPD.

Plexiglass has also been used in a weekend debate between Republican senator Lindsay Graham and challenger Jaime Harrison. Harrison put a barrier between himself and Graham.

Pence Leaves for Utah

Vice President Pence has already left for Utah to prepare for the debate. He departed from Joint Base Andrews on Monday.

Before going on board, he told reporters that he had spoken with the president. "He told me to head to Utah and we're looking very much forward to the vice presidential debate," Pence said.

Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden had their first presidential debate on Tuesday last week. Later that week, Trump announced that he had been infected by coronavirus.

Pence tested negative of the virus on Monday.