Kamala Harris Pinch-Hits for Biden in the Democrats’ Moment of Need

Supporters of the VP want it noticed that she gave the president his only good headlines of the night.

Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris appeared live on CNN via satellite from Los Angeles after the debate. Yuki Iwamura/AP

As Democrats reeled from the shock of the presidential debate Thursday, spinning the president’s performance fell to Vice President Kamala Harris, who appeared live on CNN via satellite from Los Angeles. What followed were the only real minutes of good news beleaguered Democrats got all night.

“Yes, it was a slow start,” Harris said at the outset of her remarks, addressing the Biden performance head-on. “But it was a strong finish.”

Over several minutes, Harris delivered a cogent explanation of the Democratic agenda and forcefully attacked Donald Trump. It was notable for being 180 degrees different from the debate itself. Democrats were still biting their nails across the country, but Harris’ appearance had at least impressed the CNN panel.