Third debate to be virtual; Trump says he won’t participate

[Thomas Veil]

At last Trump does something we can like.

Trump says he won't participate in next debate after commission announces it will be virtual

"I am not going to do a virtual debate," Trump said on Fox Business. "I am not going to waste my time on a virtual debate."

...and America thanks you.

 

[Eric]

Trump with a mute button?

 

[Thomas Veil]

I think that’s what he’s afraid of.

 

[Thomas Veil]

Biden agrees to format.

Biden's campaign on Thursday swiftly agreed to the virtual format. But Trump's comment throws the debate into question after the commission took the significant step to wholly remake the event. The move was seen as needed by members of the debate commission given the uncertainty around the President's health.

Neither the Biden nor Trump campaigns were consulted about the change in format.

Bill Stepien, Trump's campaign manager, accused the commission on Thursday of "unilaterally canceling an in-person debate" to help Biden and said the President will be holding a rally instead of attending the debate.

My bold.

 

[Eric]

Biden agrees to format.



My bold.

60 million people will be watching and they'll be having it either way, Biden will be there. A couple of pro-Trump networks will be covering any rally he may have and it won't be a drop in the bucket in comparison. It seems likely that he will backtrack and show up virtually, or risk giving Biden all that free air time.

 

[fooferdoggie]

good Biden can have the debate without the orange spreader.

 

[Thomas Veil]

This is so typical for Trump. If there’s no way for him to cheat at it, he doesn’t want any part of it.

I hope the commission does hold the debate with Biden only. It’ll give him 90 minutes to talk to America while Trump is off somewhere being a disease vector and spreading Covid among a crowd of his adoring fans.

 

[fooferdoggie]

This is so typical for Trump. If there’s no way for him to cheat at it, he doesn’t want any part of it.

I hope the commission does hold the debate with Biden only. It’ll give him 90 minutes to talk to America while Trump is off somewhere being a disease vector and spreading Covid among a crowd of his adoring fans.

who needs trump anyway he does not contribute anything.

 

[Eric]

Biden will not agree to a new date as "demanded" by Trump. He says he wants a town hall himself on debate night and will continue to commit to the final debate later this month. Good for Joe for holding fast here, this is one area Trump cannot force anyone to bend to his will. In the end it hurts Trump far worse.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

who needs trump anyway he does not contribute anything.

Optics.

Biden needs to be seen to be fair, and to be wiling to participate in a debate (not least given ceaseless comments on his ability, health, mental and cognitive capacity, or function) under reasonable conditions.

Biden will not agree to a new date as "demanded" by Trump. He says he wants a town hall himself on debate night and will continue to commit to the final debate later this month. Good for Joe for holding fast here, this is one area Trump cannot force anyone to bend to his will. In the end it hurts Trump far worse.

Agreed.

 

[Mark]

Biden agrees to format.



My bold.

he did the same thing during the 2016 nomination campaign.
he decided to not participate in an r debate and instead held a huge rally.