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The opponents Trump and Biden did not know each other directly, but in their televised questionnaires with voters the respective opponent was ubiquitous. Crisis management in the crown crisis was the predominant theme.
US President Donald Trump dodged questions about a coronavirus test on Citizen Television Question Time on the day of the first debate. “Maybe yes, maybe no,” Trump said in Miami when asked if he had a test Sept. 29 before meeting with his Democratic challenger Joe Biden in Cleveland.
The rules for debate state that both candidates test negative, but they do not have to prove it. Trump tested positive for the virus two days later. For this reason, the second debate, which was scheduled for Thursday night, was canceled. Instead, both candidates answered voters’ questions in their own individual appearances.
“I listen to science”
Biden appeared on ABC News in Philadelphia, Trump answered questions from voters on NBC News in Miami. At first, Biden again criticized Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s “the responsibility of a president to lead,” Biden said. Trump “didn’t do that.”
He said he was too focused on the stock market while downplaying the spread of the coronavirus, which threatened both the health of American citizens and the economy. He would listen to the science himself, Biden said. He also accused Trump of not being more active in pursuing another stimulus package.
Mandatory vaccinations?
Trump, for his part, doubted the usefulness of masks against the corona virus. “People with masks get infected all the time,” he said. The question asked earlier was aimed at an important meeting at the White House on September 26. Many people, including the president and his wife Melania, are believed to have contracted the virus at the event. Most of the guests did not wear a mask. Trump rarely uses one.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes that wearing a mask is the best way to protect yourself from infection while a vaccine is being developed. In the United States, more than 215,000 people have died from the coronavirus infection.
When asked if such vaccination should be mandatory, Biden did not answer clearly. It should be talked about, Biden said, but at the same time noted that a commitment is difficult to enforce. It also depends on reliability. If a future vaccine had “very beneficial effects,” he would probably vaccinate himself.
Trump avoided questions
Trump was partially sweating and seemed visibly angry at the aggressive question, especially at the beginning of Question Time. He dodged questions about the timing of his coronavirus test, his health insurance plans in the United States, and his tax returns. Voters also asked him questions about racism, conspiracy narratives and his unwillingness to wear masks.
Biden had to answer questions about racism and tax cuts. The two candidates’ question times were held at the same time instead of a second television debate. This had been canceled due to Trump’s coronavirus infection. Trump did not want to participate in a virtual duel with Biden. Next week, Biden and Trump will meet for the final debate before the November 3 election.
