The VP debate: Kamala Harris and Mike Pence face off behind plexiglass

The stage is set with glass between seats ahead of the vice-presidential debate at the University of Utah. Photo / AP

The stage in Utah has been set with all the trappings of a modern United States political debate: Red, white and blue carpets, a backdrop of the Declaration of Independence — and plexiglass.

The clear partitions that will divide Vice-President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris in today's vice-presidential debate in Salt Lake City are a late addition that serve as a clear reminder that the coronavirus pandemic rages on less than a month before the November 3 election.

The two candidates will sit in desks spaced more than 3.7m apart, and each desk will have a partition on the side facing the other candidate.

Everything you need to know about Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for vice president: https://t.co/OAvhNBz0cB pic.twitter.com/DoOso6vefI

— ABC News (@ABC) October 7, 2020

The partitions caused a stir: Harris' team requested they be used after President Donald Trump was diagnosed with Covid-19 shortly after his first presidential debate against Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Pence's team insisted they were not medically necessary, an objection that came as Trump returned to the White House.

The Trump campaign is trying to move past the virus despite the President's own diagnosis.

Vice President Mike Pence and vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris couldn't be further apart on where they stand on some of the biggest issues. https://t.co/kP7o1DRbsj

— ABC News (@ABC) October 7, 2020

Other reminders that these are not normal times for a vice-presidential debate: 20 chairs for guests are spaced roughly 1.8m apart in the debate hall, a performing arts centre on the University of Utah campus.

Additional guests will be seated in traditional theater seats, though they will have to sit spaced apart.

Everyone will be required to wear a mask.

Even the network TV cameras have plexiglass wrapping on the sides and back.

What you need to know about Vice President Mike Pence: https://t.co/s1Ommxf9iU pic.twitter.com/WwRcmmSU0V

— ABC News (@ABC) October 7, 2020

But the moderator, Susan Page of USA Today, does not.

The existence of barriers between Harris and Pence — but not between the candidates and Page — serves as a visual cue from Democrats that sharing the stage with Pence is the primary concern.

Both Harris and Pence tested negative for the virus yesterday, their respective teams said. A number of members of the Trump Administration are continuing to test positive.

- AP