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(Reuters) – The debate scheduled for October 15 between US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden was officially canceled on Friday, a day after Trump rejected a non-partisan commission decision that organized it from changing its format to a virtual event to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
The debate, originally scheduled as a Miami city hall-style gathering, was intended to be the second of three presidential debates. The last one is scheduled for October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee. After Trump refused to participate in the Oct. 15 debate, Biden scheduled a televised town hall-style event for him that night.
The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) said in an emailed statement: “It is now clear that there will be no debate on October 15, and the CPD will focus its attention on preparations for the final presidential debate scheduled for October 22. “.
Trump announced last Friday that he had tested positive for the new coronavirus and spent three days hospitalized receiving treatment before being released on Monday. The Republican president, who was seeking reelection on Nov. 3, called the format change in which he and Biden were to participate from remote locations on Thursday “ridiculous” and said it would be a waste of time to participate.
Trump’s campaign on Friday accused the commission, led by a former Republican National Committee chairman, of “bias” toward Biden.
“There is no medical reason to prevent the Oct. 15 debate in Miami from proceeding as scheduled as the president will be healthy and ready to debate,” said Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh.
The commission said both candidates agreed to participate in the Oct. 22 debate and would be subject to required coronavirus testing, mask use and social distancing protocols.
“It’s embarrassing that Donald Trump avoided the only debate where voters can ask the questions, but it’s no surprise,” said Biden’s campaign spokesman Andrew Bates.
Trump constantly interrupted and spoke about Biden and the moderator in the chaotic first debate.
Questions remain as to whether Trump is still contagious. The White House has declined to say when Trump last tested negative for the virus. But Trump, eager to get back into the election campaign despite his fight with COVID-19, is ready to give remarks to supporters outdoors at the White House on Saturday and hold a rally in Florida two days later.
Trump has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic, as well as a lax approach to wearing masks and social distancing in the White House and, in recent days, mixed messages about how sick he has been.
A new Reuters / Ipsos poll showed Americans consistently losing confidence in how Trump has handled the pandemic, with his net approval rating on the issue hitting a new low.
(Reported by Michael Martina and Jim Bourg; Editing by Chris Reese and Will Dunham)
