President refuses to do debate virtually
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump added more turbulence to the United States election campaign yesterday, pulling out of an October 15 debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden after it was changed to a virtual event and saying he might hold a rally in Florida tomorrow.
Trump, who was put in hospital for three days after disclosing last Friday he had tested positive for Covid19, blasted the format change announced by the nonpartisan commission in charge of the debates and expressed concern his microphone could be cut off.
‘‘I’m not going to waste my time on a virtual debate. That’s not what debating is all about,’’ Trump said in Fox Business interview. ‘‘You sit behind a computer and do a debate — it’s ridiculous, and then they cut you off whenever they want.’’
He told Fox News he was feeling ‘‘really good’’ and might return to the campaign trail on (US) Saturday night, possibly with a rally in Florida. His physician said in a memo Trump had completed his course of therapy and could return to public engagements tomorrow.
Trump said he would likely get tested for Covid19 today.
Trump’s decision not to participate in a virtual debate means the second and final debate between the two White House contenders will be on October 22, less than two weeks before the November 3 election. In lieu of the October 15 debate, Biden’s campaign quickly arranged a town hallstyle event in Philadelphia that night, to be hosted by ABC News.
Some Trump advisers questioned his decision not to participate in the new debate format, arguing he would miss a chance to make his case to millions of voters, a source familiar with the situation said.
With Trump’s handling of the pandemic dominating the campaign, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Americans were steadily losing confidence in how the president has managed the health crisis with his net approval on the issue hitting a record low.
The poll taken this week found 37% of American adults approved of Trump’s handling of the pandemic and 59% disapproved. — Reuters