"Trump And I Are Always Going To Put American Workers First": Mike Pence

US Democratic challenger Kamala Harris attacked Vice President Mike Pence for the Donald Trump administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic during their only debate today, as the White House struggles to contain an outbreak that has infected US President Donald Trump and dozens of others.

Mike Pence defended the US administration's efforts to battle the disease, including Donald Trump's decision in late January to restrict travel from the pandemic's epicenter in China.

"I want the American people to know that from the very first day President Donald Trump has put the health of America first," he said.

Mike Pence said he and Donald Trump are "always going to put American jobs and American workers first."

With Mike Pence first in line for the presidency should Trump be unable to perform his duties, and Kamala Harris essentially auditioning to be the Democratic Party's future leader under President Joe Biden, their pandemic showdown took on fresh urgency 27 days before the election.