President Donald Trump called into Fox and Friends this morning and announced that he refused to do a virtual debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Trump called the virtual debates a “non-starter” claiming that it would be easy for him to be cut off.
In a statement later in the day, the Trump campaign petitioned the Commission for Presidential Debates to move the next two debates by one week. The next debate is scheduled for October 15 and the Trump administration is asking for it to be done on October 22.
“As President Trump said, a virtual debate is a non-starter and would clearly be a gift to Biden because he would be relying on his teleprompter from his basement bunker,” said Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien. “Voters should have the opportunity to directly question Biden’s 47-year failed record of leadership. We agree that this should happen on October 22, and accordingly, the third debate should then be shifted back one week to October 29. The CPD and the media cannot hide Joe Biden forever. Americans deserve to hear directly from both presidential candidates on these dates, October 22 and 29.” (Source: The Hill).
The New York Post is now reporting that Joe Biden has opted to do a town hall on ABC. Biden will be taking questions from voters with George Stephanopoulos moderating.
The Commission for Presidential Debates have not cancelled the next debate and plans to send staff to Miami to set up for the debate in anticipation of the event happening.
