Now Say You’re Sorry
The people of this country value respect for others when considering which presidential candidate to support, especially in this election. I am referring to both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Although these two people are our main focus within the political realm, it is also important to analyze how Tim Kaine and Mike Pence treat each other. What does the respect these two men have for one another say about their running mates? The cordial behavior these men show to one another is a mechanism used by both of them to make-up for each of their running mates behavior, language, and tone during the presidential debates.
Pence and Kaine vs. Trump and Clinton
During last Tuesday’s vice presidential debate, the two candidates disagreed about almost everything. However one thing Pence and Kaine have in common is the ability to actively listen and treat one another with the respect they deserve. During their first debate, there were significant differences in verbal and nonverbal communication among Kaine and Pence compared to the first presidential debate between Clinton and Trump.
One of the most significant examples is when both Kaine and Pence are discussing the relationship between society and the police force. Both men tell personal stories in order to appeal to voters, and both of them respect each other during this time. Pence and Kaine show signs of active listening by making intentional eye contact, nodding in agreement, and not interrupting one another. Although their opinions differ, they remain cordial.
Trump and Clinton are asked a very similar question about the relationships between race, communities, and the police force, while Clinton is speaking Trump is restless. He sighs loudly, shakes his head, shifts his eyes, tells Lester Holt he is wrong, and then tells Hillary Clinton she is wrong. Clinton reacts somewhat differently. First she listens and looks at Trump, but when he is finished speaking she immediately shakes her head and sarcastically smiles. Even though she shows more politeness by listening, she immediately disregards all of the things Trump has said. Clinton knows how to cover her disrespect in more clever ways because of her years of experience in politics. Either way, these two people continue to act inappropriately.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Respect for any human is the one thing many uncommitted voters are looking for in potential presidential candidates. Trump degrades Hispanic people, Black people, Muslims, Veterans, women, and Clinton degrades Trump. The vice presidential candidates only tactic to prove to Americans that their running mates are respectful people is by respecting each other, and they did this by remaining absolutely polite and respectful to one another during their debate.
I agree with your assessment of Pence and Kaine’s cordiality and mutual respect for each other compared to Clinton and Trump. The Vice Presidential Debate was much more enjoyable to watch than the Presidential Debates because of this. Although Pence and Kaine have been given a great task in standing beside two of the most controversial presidential candidates in American history, I think their likable personalities and usually calm but collected speaking styles greatly aid them in supporting their running mates.
I think that respect is important in any presidential election. I do agree that both Pence and Kaine were much more respectful to each other during their vice presidential debate than were their running mates, Trump and Clinton, in either of the presidential debates thus far. However, I do somewhat disagree with your statement that Kaine and Pence showed cordial behavior to each other throughout their debate. I think that Kaine was at times too harsh, attacking when it was unnecessary and interruptive, just like Trump was to Clinton in the first debate. Pence was more reserved and conservative when it came to rhetorical messages and discussion, just as Clinton was to Trump in the first debate. It is interesting to point out that in the first presidential debate, Trump and Kaine acted more alike as Clinton and Pence acted more alike when it came to their debate strategies. You are right that Pence and Kaine have been given a great task in standing beside two of the most controversial presidential candidates in American history. It shall be interesting to see how the rest of this election plays out in the upcoming weeks before voting occurs and to analyze the roles each vice presidential candidate plays in the meantime. ES