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ALEXANDER BURNS, 9:05 P.M. Eastern: Mr. Mondale began by laying out the major questions of the night, as he sees them.

WALTER MONDALE, 9:05: I hope you will open up the issue of what kind of vice presidency they are planning. Do they have an understanding about what they will do? What authority will he have? Do they have a clear understanding with their principal, or is it up in the air? I’m doubtful that Pence has an understanding. This is very important. VPs can get lost.

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BURNS, 9:06: What do you see as the major goals of a vice-presidential candidate in this setting?

MONDALE, 9:06: One of the first and central issues is what will the VP do when he disagrees with the pres. candidate. Big, silent question.

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BURNS, 9:10: Is there a “right” answer to that question? Did you have an explicit understanding with Carter?