US President Donald Trump refuses to do next presidential debate virtually
The second US presidential debate on 15 October will be virtual, the Commission on Presidential Debates has said, with President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden participating in the townhall style event from remote locations.
The audience, who typically ask the candidates questions in the town-meeting format, and moderator Steve Scully will gather in one spot in Florida, Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the commission said in a statement.
However, Mr Trump, speaking in a phone interview with Fox Business, said it is not acceptable to do the next debate virtually.
“I’m not going to do a virtual debate,” he said.
The commission said the decision was made “to protect the health and safety of all involved”.
Mr Trump tested positive for Covid-19 last Thursday, raising concerns that during the first debate on the preceding Tuesday he had infected Mr Biden and moderator Chris Wallace.
Mr Biden has tested negative.
