Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia on Tuesday repeatedly provoked Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana with criticism of his running mate, Donald J. Trump, trying to make him answer for some of Mr. Trump’s more provocative comments and contentious proposals as the men faced off in the sole vice-presidential debate.

But it may not have worked. Commentators and critics said Mr. Pence successfully played defense for 90 minutes, dodging, denying and ultimately appearing more stately as he handled an unenviable challenge with remarkable steadiness.

Here is a sampling of the post-debate reaction:

“My Take: VP Debate goes to Pence — he showed less can sometimes be more — Kaine looked over-caffeinated; Pence looked calm and reassuring.”

Edward Mejia Davis, senior producer for CNN

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“Pence is doing well tonight but he will never unlock the big orange anchor around his neck because he answered the ‘will you be VP’ question wrong.”