What Mike Pence Really Thinks Of Kamala Harris

Former Vice President Joe Biden made headlines on Aug. 11, 2020, when he formally named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate in the 2020 presidential election. It's a historic choice, as it makes Harris the "first Black woman and the first Asian American to appear on a major-party ticket," according to The Washington Post.

Though they've been political rivals in the past, Biden couldn't be happier about his new right-hand woman. He took to Twitter to make the official announcement and complimented Harris as a "fearless fighter" and "one of our countries finest public servants." Likewise, Harris has nothing but good things to say about Biden. Shortly after the official announcement, she responded via Twitter saying she was "honored" and that she believes he can "build an America that lives up to our ideals." Although many were happy in the Democratic camp, the pair's Republican counterparts weren't exactly pleased with the pick.

During a White House press briefing, President Donald Trump said Harris was "extraordinarily nasty" and that he was disappointed with Biden's choice, per Forbes. But, while Trump's never made a secret of his feelings for Harris, it was Vice President Mike Pence who really had something to say.

Vice President Mike Pence wasted no time addressing his new opponent and potential replacement during a rally on Aug. 11, 2020. Mike Pence was in Arizona for a "Latter-Day Saints for Trump" event when the news broke, and the New York Post reported that Pence was quick to address the elephant (err donkey?) in the room. "On the way here, I learned that Joe Biden named his running mate," Pence said, adding that Biden and the "democratic party have been overtaken by the radical left."

He continued, "...given their promises of higher taxes, open borders, socialized medicine and abortion on demand, it's no surprise that he chose Sen. Harris." Pence concluded with a plug for his next televised appearance, telling the crowd, "You all might like to know that the vice presidential debate is on Oct. 7 in Utah. So my message to the Democratic Nominee for vice president: Congratulations. I'll see you in Salt Lake City." 

Harris spent years perfecting the art of debate while working as a prosecutor and then as San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general. Pence, on the other hand, hosted a radio show before entering politics in 2000, CNN noted. However, Pence has experienced plenty of debates since then, so this matchup should be compelling.

During an appearance on Fox News' Hannity in August 2020, Vice President Mike Pence told host Sean Hannity that he's looking forward to sharing the stage with presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee, California Sen. Kamala Harris. "I think she is a skilled debater, but I can't wait to get to Salt Lake City and be on the stage — whether to compare Joe Biden's nearly 50 years in public life, the agenda of the radical left, the agenda that she's embraced throughout her political career — with the results of this president and this administration," he stated, per Fox News.

However, analysts believe that Harris's performance on the Democratic presidential primary debate stage makes her quite the formidable opponent. "[Harris] wasn't just solid. She was compelling, effective, and memorable," John Nichols wrote for The Nation. "She held her own against other candidates — when they attacked her and when she was going after them — and just as importantly, she came at issues with bold and quick-witted language. It wasn't necessary to agree with Harris...to recognize that had she been nominated, she would have pummeled Donald Trump in the fall 2020 debates."

Although Harris' bid for the presidency fizzled, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden recognized her "fierce urgency" and invited one of his biggest competitors to become his greatest ally, Nichols explained.

Although all eyes are on Republican incumbent Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, many are already looking toward 2024, as both Vice President Mike Pence and California Sen. Kamala Harris appear to be prime presidential candidates. As former White House director of communications Anthony Scaramucci told CNN, Pence's continued loyalty to Trump has put him in good standing with many in the GOP.

"My nickname for the vice president when I worked with him was 46," Scaramucci said. "I do think he is positioning himself, but the way he operates is just common sense. It is the way you have to conduct yourself in Trump's world." However, according to CNN, Pence's allies have repeatedly emphasized that Pence's ambitions hinge on his ability to help Trump secure his second term.

Biden, on the other hand, likely chose Harris because, in her, he sees his promising successor. Since he's in his late 70s, analysts presume that Biden would serve only one term. As Martin Kettle wrote for The Guardian, Biden "has referred to himself as a transitional figure in the party, paving the way for a new generation." Biden's choice, he added, comes as "part of an effort to unify a very divided party to defeat Trump and measure up to the issues facing America and the world."

Of course, only time will how this plays out!