Republican record

Wednesday night’s vice-presidential debate was hardly the Thrilla in Manila. It was a throwback to what debates were like before Donald Trump entered electoral politics: polished, boring and an exercise in dodging the question.

Nevertheless, having Mike Pence defend the Republican record, rather than Mr Trump doing it, was illuminating. The administration has made some significant achievements. Taxes have been cut, regulations rolled back. Prior to the coronavirus, the economy was performing very well; there have since been signs of recovery.

The administration has not done “nothing” to tackle the pandemic: Mr Pence cited the closure of international travel and the direction of federal funds as examples. The Republicans have even pursued criminal justice reform, and taken a tough stand on China. During Mr Pence’s critical remarks about the communist dictatorship, Chinese viewers were treated to a screen that read “No signal – please stand by”.

The Democrats, meanwhile, have plans to raise taxes and push through vast new spending, while their positions on subjects such as fossil fuels or law and order appear to be a movable feast. Throughout this campaign, they have chosen to focus on character, not policy – and Mr Trump has been their willing accomplice.

The president could not help falling ill, of course, but his behaviour and remarks have sometimes eclipsed his own accomplishments. It took Mr Pence, a much more sober politician, to set the record straight. If Mr Trump is going to defy the polls with another surprise victory, spreading a little light, rather than heat, would help.