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U.S. President Donald Trump called for the second presidential debate between himself and Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden to be held on October 22 while the third debate should be held a week later.
The second presidential debate is scheduled to take place on October 15 but Trump had said earlier on Thursday that he will not participate in it following an announcement bythe Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) that it will take place virtually. The CPD said the decision was made "in order protect the health and safety of all involved."
A statement released by Trump's 2020 campaign manager Bill Stepien accused the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) of wanting to "protect" Biden and employing diversionary tactics.
Stepien said Americans should not be denied the chance to see two candidates debate face-to-face two more times.
"It remains extremely suspect that the CPD announced the brand new virtual format at 7.30am ET today immediately after Vice President Mike Pence had just wiped the floor with Senator Kamala Harris. Clearly, the commission wanted to shift attention away from Pence's complete victory," the statement read in part.
Trump's campaign stated that a virtual debate would not be fair to the president and said it will instead play to Biden's advantage.
"As President Trump said, a virtual debate is a non-starter and would clearly be a gift to Biden because he would be relying on his teleprompter from his basement bunker. Voters should have the opportunity to directly question Biden's 47-year failed record of leadership."
"The CPD and the media cannot hide Joe Biden forever. Americans deserve to hear directly from both presidential candidates on these dates, October 22 and 29."
Hours after Trump's refusal, Biden's campaign also issued a statement later saying that he will not participate in the second debate and will instead "find an appropriate place to take questions from voters directly on October 15th."
(CGTN)
