Originally Posted: October 5, 2016
DALLAS (SMU) – To assist journalists covering Tuesday night’s presidential debate, SMU election experts provided real-time insights throughout the evening. READ MORE
WHEN THE DEBATE TURNED TO RELIGION
jmwilson@smu.edu
On Kaine’s unexpected death penalty answer…
- “Very good answer from Kaine on the death penalty. It surprised me that he chose that issue, but it’s a smart choice – it shows him actually ignoring his faith to take conservative action.”
On the religious debate at the end…
- “Pence wants to say that Kaine has sold out his faith, but he’s too nice to go there. The winner of the religion question depends on the audience. Each candidate resonated well with his base.”
On who won the debate…
- “Pence was better. He was smoother and more likeable. He was strongest when he wasn’t talking about Trump. He made a great personal impression, but maybe less so for the ticket as a whole.”
Wilson is an SMU associate professor of Political Science with specific expertise in politics and religion.