Oct. 15 presidential debate cancelled amid concerns over Trump's COVID-19 status
Trump balked at debate commission's proposal for virtual townhall format
The second presidential debate between U.S. President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden is officially off.
The non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed Friday that the Oct. 15 face-off would be scrapped.
The Trump campaign criticized the decision, saying there was no medical basis for it.
"There is no medical reason to stop the Oct.15 debate in Miami from proceeding as scheduled, since the President will be healthy and ready to debate," the campaign said in a statement, alluding to Trump's coronavirus infection.
The decision was made a day after the commission announced the debate would take place "virtually" because Trump had contracted COVID-19.
WATCH | Trump refuses virtual debate:
![](https://thumbnails.cbc.ca/maven_legacy/thumbnails/539/51/us-elex-day-after-vp-debate-simpson-081020.jpg?crop=1.777xh:h;*,*&downsize=510px:* 510w")
Trump refuses virtual debate, takes shots at Kamala Harris
The National
6 months agoTrump balked at holding the debate in that format, and Biden scheduled a town hall with ABC News for that night once Trump said he would not participate.
Trump's team later countered with a call to hold the debates as scheduled once the president's doctor said he would be cleared to hold public events beginning on Saturday.
But the commission said it would not reverse its decision not to have the candidates on stage together, citing an abundance of caution with health concerns — particularly for the town-hall-style debate that was set to feature questions from average voters.
The third debate, scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tenn., is still on.
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Become a CBC Member
Join the conversationCreate account
Already have an account?