Rather Than Face COVID Scrutiny, Trump Bails on Virtual Debate
Facing increasing scrutiny about the timeline of a bout with the coronavirus President Trump vowed not to participate in next week’s town hall style debate, now recast into a virtual format.
“I’m not going to waste my time on a virtual debate. That’s not what debating is all about,” he told Maria Bartiromo on the Fox Business Network.
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien blasted the commission’s decision in a statement, saying the President would “do a rally instead” of participating in what he called a “pathetic” decision.
On the other side of the partisan fence, spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield said the former Vice President welcomed the chance to participate in a virtual debate.
The decision to go to a virtual format was announced about an hour prior to Trump’s refusal to participate. Miami’s Republican Mayor Francis Suarez had already gone on record, saying Donald Trump shouldn’t come to his city for the Oct. 15 debate with Joe Biden if the president is still testing positive with Covid-19.
The issue about the President’s potentially contagious condition has emerged in recent days. The White House’s refusal to answer questions about when Trump became infected has emerged in recent days, since the official timeline indicated he wouldn’t be out of the quarantine period in time for the debate.
The refusal to say when Trump last tested negative before last week's diagnosis has also raised suspicions that the White House could be staying quiet on purpose if Trump actually knew he was positive and still traveled to meet supporters.
CNN’s Jim Acosta reported Wednesday evening that the White House confirmed Trump was not being tested daily before he tested positive late last week. And, as The New York Times wrote, there is no certainty about how long a COVID-19 patient is infectious.
I believe the President’s decision was based on the probability that his brash and bullying style wouldn’t work in a virtual format, with moderators capable of muting one side or the other.
So last night’s Vice Presidential debate was most likely the final meeting between the two sides.
UPDATE: Maybe, maybe not. Now Trump wants everything delayed. Biden's like, "no thanks. Let's just do the final one."
https://twitter.com/NicoleSganga/status/1314252844468502530?s=20
I suppose it’s fitting the real excitement among observers of the Harris vs Pence showdown was a fly landed on the Vice President’s perfectly coiffed hair helmet and hung out for more than two minutes.
Those of us that remember the 2016 debates recall that a fly interrupting Hillary Clinton’s arguments was touted by Alex Jones as evidence that she and Obama are both literally demons from hell. (Here’s the video for those with masochistic tendencies.)
As to the content of the debate, both candidates frequently ignored moderator Susan Page, using the debate school tactic that “you answer the question you want to, not the one that’s asked.”
Kamala Harris gave a master class in how to throw shade on an opponent without saying a word using facial expressions.
Mike Pence also gave a master class in talking over women.
https://twitter.com/RachelLaing/status/1314016116008603648?s=20
https://twitter.com/BoKnowsNews/status/1314047861596794880?s=20
By the way, I voted yesterday. Dropped off my ballot the Registrar’s tent located next to the University Heights public library.
How about you? When are you going to vote?
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