A Short Summary of the Vice Presidential Debate

The scene is a Donald Trump rally, aired in its entirety on several networks.

Donald Trump: Vladimir Putin is a great leader. He’s certainly a better leader than Barack Obama.

Two weeks later, the vice presidential debate convenes.

Sen. Tim Kaine: How can you defend Donald Trump’s comments about admiring Putin? The Russian leader has annexed a neighboring territory and persecuted his political opponents. How can you defend that?

Gov. Mike Pence (shaking head and smirking): Oh, that didn’t happen. He never said that.

Kaine: Two weeks ago, Trump said, and I quote, “Vladimir Putin is a great leader. He’s certainly a better leader than Barack Obama.” He’s made similar comments regularly throughout the campaign.

Pence (smirking): That never happened.

A video screen behind the candidates suddenly begins playing footage of the Trump rally.

Donald Trump: Vladimir Putin is a great leader. He’s certainly a better leader than Barack Obama.

Pence (smirking): Oh, come on. What does that prove?

Kaine: It’s on video. It was on live TV in front of hundreds of people. We have several eyewitnesses who can attest to the fact that Trump said it.

A federal judge, several police officers, a surgeon, three college professors, four district attorneys and a notary public rise from their seats in the audience.

Pence (still smirking): Pshh! (He gives a dismissive hand gesture)

Audience at home: Pence is a poised and polished liar! He wins the debate!