Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris face off in Salt Lake City, separated on stage by a protective plexiglass panel, for a vice presidential debate with uncommonly high stakes for a showdown between running mates.
Both Pence and Harris are auditioning not just for the No. 2 job in the White House but also as future leader of the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively, as the nation struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession a month before election day.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) stands with her husband, Douglas Emhoff, while Vice President Mike Pence stands with his wife, Karen Pence, on the debate stage.
(Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)
Karen Pence kisses the cheek of Vice President Mike Pence after the debate.
(Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)
Kamala Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff, greets her onstage after the debate.
(Eric Baradat / AFP/Getty Images)
Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence applaud at the end of the debate in Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah.
(Eric Baradat / AFP/Getty Images)
Sen. Kamala Harris smiles on the debate stage.
(Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images)
USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page, left, moderates the debate between the vice presidential candidates.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)
A fly resting on the head of Vice President Mike Pence became a trending topic on social media during the debate.
(Eric Baradat / AFP/Getty Images)
Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence sit behind plexiglass on the debate stage.
(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)
Archer, a xoloitzcuintli dog, takes in the scene while people watch the debate and the Dodgers’ postseason game against the San Diego Padres from outdoor seating at Pedone’s Pizza in Hermosa Beach.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Sen. Kamala Harris listens as Vice President Mike Pence answers a question.
(Morry Gash / Associated Press)
People at outdoor seating under a canopy watch the debate and the Dodgers game at Pedone’s Pizza in Hermosa Beach.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris listens to a question during the debate.
(Justin Sullivan / Pool Photo)
Sen. Kamala Harris raises her hand, gesturing for Mike Pence to let her finish speaking during the debate.
(Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)
Vice President Mike Pence waves as he arrives for the vice presidential debate.
(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)
Sen. Kamala Harris arrives for the vice presidential debate.
(Morry Gash / Pool Photo)
Debate moderator Susan Page, Washington bureau chief for USA Today.
(Justin Sullivan / Pool Photo )
Kamala Harris and Mike Pence greet the audience upon arriving on the debate stage.
(Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)
A plexiglass barrier is cleaned onstage before the debate.
(Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images)
Demonstrators outside the debate hall at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday.
(Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)
A debate attendee outside Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah.
( Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images )
Supporters of President Trump outside the debate hall at the University of Utah.
(Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)
Workers sit separated by newly installed plexiglass barriers on the stage before the debate.
(Eric Baradat / AFP/Getty Images )
A sign for the vice presidential debate.
(Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images )
A member of the production staff before the debate.
(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)