" One of the undervalued contributors to Trump’s stunning 2016 victory was the masterful performance Pence had in his debate against Hillary Clinton running mate Tim Kaine, who was admittedly a bit of a disaster. "
- Mollie Hemingway

The quote highlights Mike Pence's significant contribution to Donald Trump’s surprising victory in the 2016 presidential election. It emphasizes that during a vice-presidential debate, Pence outperformed Hillary Clinton’s running mate Tim Kaine, which helped boost confidence and support for Trump’s campaign.

Beyond its surface meaning, this statement underscores the critical role of debates in shaping public opinion and voter perception during elections. By portraying Mike Pence as an effective debater who convincingly countered Tim Kaine's arguments, it suggests that Pence’s performance reassured conservative voters and potentially swayed undecided ones towards supporting Trump. This insight into political strategy reveals how a well-executed debate can influence election outcomes more than initially anticipated.

Mollie Hemingway is the author of this quote. She is an American journalist and commentator known for her work on conservative politics, particularly focusing on the Republican Party’s activities and figures in Washington D.C. Hemingway often writes about political strategies and their impact on elections, providing detailed analysis that helps readers understand complex political dynamics.