Republicans now really wish Mike Pence was their nominee

If vice presidential debates are an opportunity for running mates to set themselves up as an appealing alternative to the other guy, Gov. Mike Pence was maybe a little too good. That's not just because many people agree Pence won the debate against Sen. Tim Kaine, but because he also made himself look a whole lot more attractive than his very own running mate, Donald Trump:

Republican strategists, operatives, and politicians in Politico's Caucus were left with the same feeling. One New Hampshire Republican floated that Pence should "pinch hit" for Trump at the remaining presidential debates while an Ohio Republican wondered if "there is anyone outside of the Trump family who isn't wishing we could flip the ticket? Mike Pence projects calm reassurance and strength and an ability to articulate a vision and policies Americans support. For the first time in months we heard a serious case for conservative principles.”

Even the Democrats saw the appeal. "Pence did a better job of deflecting attacks and articulating his side's positions. Donald Trump should just let Pence do the rest of the debates," a North Carolina Democrat chimed in. At the very least, the debate "elevated Pence to the top of the 2020 GOP nomination" race, an Iowa Republican pointed out.

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And as one Colorado Republican claimed wistfully to Politico, "If the Republican ticket were flipped, it would be game over."