VP debate a nice glimpse of normalcy

The following is from a Bloomberg Opinion editorial:

Wednesday night's vicepresidential debate, despite its limitations, felt like a breakthrough after the recent top-ofthe-ticket atrocity. Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris let each other speak, for the most part. They exchanged some intelligible opinions. They were civil, even if they sometimes voiced their courtesy through gritted teeth.

Many viewers must have felt nostalgic for what used to be normal politics.

Admittedly, the vice-presidential debate rarely affects the outcome of an election. In 2020, it should matter more than usual, with President Donald Trump a victim of COVID-19 and challenger Joe Biden hoping to take his place as the oldest first-term president.

In a country as badly divided as the U.S., talking rather than shouting is an achievement in itself. It's good practice for striking policy compromises that are better for the country than refusing to budge. Political leaders also need to set an example. In a free country, people disagree, but hope to live together peacefully and productively nonetheless.

That's hard when society is organized from top to bottom into warring tribes.

The Pence-harris contest gave voters information, as well, which is really the point. The two contenders could hardly have offered clearer contrasts on the environment, abortion, racial-justice issues and more.

After last week's shambles, though, it's hard to complain. Normal politics has its drawbacks, but compared to the politics of the past four years, it would come as a relief.