Former Vice President Joe Biden is set to take part in a town hall with ABC on October 15, 2020. The event will be held in Philadelphia and will be moderated by George Stephanopoulos.
Biden’s town hall will take place on the same day as what would have been the second debate between Biden and President Donald Trump. However, the second debate in Miami has been cancelled due to logistical concerns.
Shortly after attending the first debate in Cleveland, the President, First Lady Melania Trump and aide Hope Hicks tested positive for COVID-19. Donald Trump was later taken to Walter Reed Medical Center where he received further treatment. He has since been released from the hospital and is committed to participating in a live debate despite the health concerns.
“That’s not acceptable to us,” Trump said when asked if he would participate in a virtual debate.
JUST IN: @ABC News will host a town hall with @JoeBiden moderated by @GStephanopoulos on October 15th. The primetime event will take place in Philadelphia where the former vice president will answer questions from voters. pic.twitter.com/7IPzdqK9Sx
— ABC News (@ABC) October 8, 2020
In an effort to avoid another COVID-19 outbreak, the Commission on Presidential Debates elected to cancel the second debate when the President refused to attend a virtual event.
“On October 8, CPD announced that for the health and safety of all involved, the second presidential debate, scheduled for October 15 in Miami, would be conducted virtually,” the commission stated.
“Subsequently, the campaigns of the two candidates who qualified for participation in the debate made a series of statements concerning their respective positions regarding their willingness to participate in a virtual debate on October 15, and each now has announced alternate plans for that date.”
The third debate has been scheduled for October 22 in Nashville. It is unclear if it will be held virtually.
“We look forward to participating in the final debate, scheduled for October 22, which already is tied for the latest debate date in 40 years,” Biden Deputy Campaign Manager Kate Bedingfield said.
“Donald Trump can show up, or he can decline again. That’s his choice.”
