Get 40% Off
🤯 This Tech Portfolio is up 29% YTD! Join Now to Get April’s Top PicksGet The Picks – Just 99 USD

Trump rejects virtual debate with Biden, who announces solo event instead

Published 10/08/2020, 06:08 AM
Updated 10/08/2020, 04:26 PM
© Reuters. Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence participate in their 2020 vice presidential campaign debate in Salt Lake City

© Reuters. Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence participate in their 2020 vice presidential campaign debate in Salt Lake City

By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump added more turbulence on Thursday to the U.S. presidential race by refusing to participate in an Oct. 15 debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden after it was changed to a virtual event to guard against the spread of COVID-19, prompting Biden to book a solo televised town hall-style event instead.

Trump, who was hospitalized for three days after disclosing last Friday that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, blasted the format change announced by the nonpartisan commission in charge of the debates and expressed concern that his microphone could be cut off. Trump, still receiving COVID-19 treatment, also said he wanted to resume campaign rallies.

"I'm not going to waste my time on a virtual debate. That's not what debating is all about," Trump said in a nearly hour-long phone interview with Fox Business. "You sit behind a computer and do a debate - it's ridiculous, and then they cut you off whenever they want."

Following the Republican president's comments, the Biden and Trump campaigns both proposed pushing back the debate - which had been planned as the second of three - until Oct. 22, the date of what was scheduled as their final encounter before the Nov. 3 election. Trump's campaign also proposed holding another debate on Oct. 29, which Biden's campaign rejected.

"Trump's erratic behavior does not allow him to rewrite the calendar, and pick new dates of his choosing," said Kate Bedingfield, Biden's deputy campaign manager.

Biden's campaign quickly arranged a town hall-style event in Philadelphia on Oct. 15 to be hosted by ABC News in lieu of the debate.

Even before his illness was announced, Trump's performance in the chaotic first debate with Biden last week prompted calls for a change in format. Trump constantly interrupted and talked over both Biden and the moderator.

With Election Day fast approaching, early voting has exceeded records. More than 6 million ballots already have been cast as Americans change their behavior to avoid possible infection at polling places amid a pandemic that already has killed more than 210,000 Americans. Opinion polls show Biden leading Trump nationally, though the race appears closer in battleground states that could decide the outcome.

The two running mates, Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, engaged in a debate on Wednesday evening that was far more orderly than the first Trump-Biden encounter.

The Commission on Presidential Debates announced on Thursday morning it planned to host the Oct. 15 debate - planned as a town hall-style conversation - virtually rather than in-person in Miami, a move both campaigns said they were not consulted on.

Some had proposed giving the moderator in future debates the power to cut off any candidate who disrupted the proceedings. The debate commission said nothing about muting the participants in its announcement, while describing the new format as needed "to protect the health and safety of all involved."

Some Trump advisers questioned his decision not to participate in the new format, arguing that he would miss an opportunity to make his case to millions of voters tuned in, a source familiar with the situation said.

After Trump said he would not take part, the Biden campaign issued a statement saying the commission should move the town-hall format debate to Oct. 22 to give voters a chance to question the candidates. Trump's campaign then issued a statement agreeing to push the encounter to Oct. 22, but proposed holding what would be a third debate a week later.

A Biden aide said the Oct. 22 debate should be the final one, and that the commission decides the debate schedule.

'I'D LOVE TO DO A RALLY'

Saying he was feeling "really good," Trump called himself ready to resume campaign rallies. Such rallies, particularly held indoors, have raised concern among public health exerts about spreading the virus. Trump said he is still taking steroids to treat the respiratory disease.

Trump said he did not believe he was still contagious, though that contention was not yet backed up by solid evidence from his doctors.

"I'd love to do a rally tonight. I wanted to do one last night," Trump said, adding that "if I'm at a rally, I stand by myself very far away from everybody."

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines say people who are severely ill with COVID-19 might need to stay home for up to 20 days after symptoms first appear. The White House has not provided detailed information on the severity of Trump's illness and has refused to say when he last tested negative for the virus.

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House after being hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Washington

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, challenged Trump to reveal when he last tested negative, asking at a press briefing: "Why is the White House not telling the country that important fact?"

Latest comments

What is he afraid of?
Getting doubled teamed like like his last debate and his Vps debate.
Winning
This way Baby Joe can participate from his basement.
For Flippy Dump, the purpose of debate is all about spreading virus, either pandemic or political, so he doesn’t respect the citizens commission that ministers the real debate. How did US get such a pain-in-somewhere to be the president at the first place? What did US do to subject itself into such a pity position?
Electoral  College - the  thing  (2016)  Trump  did not like!
What are you going on about?
They could not have picked a worse picture. LOVE IT! MAGA!
Stick to the original format or withdrawal. End of story
do ya think he even had corona in the first place
Trump knows a second debate is only a liability. He is getting desperate.
Goldberg. Thanks. That helps a lot. Is it that unreasonable to just do what you say? Trump says he has a healthcare plan. Repeal and replace. How can anyone make an informed decision without data? Where is this healthcare plan?
 Thanks. I am trying to compare healthcare plans. You posted an executive order that states things he plans on doing. I am sorry, this is not a healthcare plan. I have pre-existing conditions. The executive order says I will be protected but does not say how. A healthcare plan is an actual plan. It shows how it is illegal to discriminate against someone with pre-existing conditions and it outlines the penalties that would be imposed. The executive order you linked to has no details as to how he plans on implementing and/or paying for his "plan". Again, I would love to see the Presidents plan.
 He noted that the Administration put forward a replacement bill in the Senate which failed to pass by one vote. The only time that pre-existing conditions is explicitly mentioned in the bill is to direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study “the availability and cost of health insurance policies for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.” Experts have noted that the executive order on pre-existing conditions is a statement, not an action.
Furthermore, An executive order can direct agencies to act within the scope of authority permitted by law. The President’s current order does not direct any government agency to enact a regulation nor does it request Congress to pass legislation with respect to preexisting conditions.
Can a Republican please explain your healthcare plan? I am so confused, Trump/Pence say it is out there, but I cannot find it anywhere. Trying to do a comparison is difficult. Just post a link to it please.
 Thanks, but I do not understand your comparison. Biden said he was not going to answer that question. Trump answered the healthcare question. Since no one can produce the healthcare plan, I assume Republicans prefer to be lied to? If you do not have an answer, say that. If you do not have an answer or a plan, admit it. Trump has no plan to replace the ACA but he cannot say it. Instead, he lies and you guys defend him. My original question was "Can a Republican please explain your healthcare plan?" Republicans use to be able to produce legislation. But again, healthcare? Crickets...
I’m sure you have tried very hard to understand what I have described as a nonanswer. If you are confused by a nonaswer there is not much left for me to do. Regards.
 If there is no Republican healthcare plan just state that. Why lie? Why defend the lie? Will any Republican be honest and just state "we have no healthcare plan". Trump has stated on many, many, many occasions that his plan would be better for all Americans. I was so excited, then I realized it was a lie and that for some reason all Republicans would then defend the lie...this is absurd!
This is results that we all saw coming from his fake covid hoax. He never got it. His tail is between his legs.
ok mr qanon conspiracy theorist
Another meaningless debate would only serve to further disrupt the Democrat riots in Portland and else where.
so many lefty conspiracies below. Trump Pence 2020
See Bill H’s comment below. I would suggest he pick up a copy of this week’s The Economist, a well-respected news publication. Among many other things in support of Biden’s economic plans, The Economist said to suggest that Biden is a socialist is just plain silly. But be forewarned....The Economist uses many words of more than one syllable, so uneducated Trumpers may need to pay someone to read and translate the article in question for them....kinda like Trump had to pay someone to take his SATs.
It used to be well respexted. Not anymore.
Respexted? I rest my case, Trumper!
Next debate should go on as scheduled.. Harris says the truth is what needs to be told? So which of her flip flops is? Joe is unable to talk about his proposals for the same reason. Let the debates go on as scheduled. Tests for safety. Add plexiglass. No more hiding Biden.
Debatus Intrumptus
Trump is pulling out of debate because he is afraid of falling even further behind (maybe 20%) the more people get to see what a complete (blank) he really is
hes dropping out cause he wants to debate in person. like you know the debate they had last night. stop spreading propaganda, you're ruining our country.
All Americans see the truth. A strong work ethic and an educated population is the best thing to counteract socialism!
Bill.....Pick up a copy of this week’s The Economist, a well-respected news publication. Among many other things in support of Biden’s economic plans, The Economist said to suggest that Biden is a socialist is just plain silly. But be forewarned....The Economist uses many words of more than one syllable, so uneducated Trumpers may need to pay someone to read and translate the article in question for them....kinda like Trump had to pay someone to take his SATs.
Debating is a good way for voters to learn what to expect. For example I learned that if elected Biden/Harris plan to change the number of Supreme Court members and "pack the court" with liberal judges.
No doubt about that if the corrupt cowardly Republicans place Barrett
They actually should do that if Barrett is placed
The Democrats are running two candidates who do a great job of motivating their oppostion.
I am confused once again. L. Graham "“He’s a race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot,” the senator says. “You know how you make America great again? Tell Donald Trump to go to *****” L Graham “If you can’t admire Joe Biden as a person then there’s probably — you’ve got a problem.” D. Trump "I bring rage out. I do bring rage out. I always have... I don't know if that's an asset or a liability, but whatever it is, I do. I also bring great unity out, ultimately. I've had many occasions like this, where people have hated me more than any human being they've ever met." He has united the white supremacist!
Debating is a waste of time Debating and being president require different skills. Being a good debated doesn't say anything about your ability to lead.
Trump doesn't need to accept any of their terms for debates after Pence did so well. That is a good place to leave it.
Ok, ok, i am willing to take over as the next president. Will make America great again. Yust say the word and i'll fly in.
Just...
just fyi, china censored the US VP debates, when pence was talking about china they aired a blank screen, but they allowed kamala's answer to be aired. that really shows who is for america and who is for china.
EVIL OR.ANGE MAN GOT OVER THE FLU IN ! DAY AND IS NOW IMMUNE!!!! OH NO!!!!!!
He is right. Last Debate didnt swing anything.
in terms of the VP debates, independent and undecided voters significantly favored pence
Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.