Second Presidential Debate will not proceed

WASHINGTON, D. C. — On Thursday, Oct. 8, the Commission on Presidential Debates ( CPD) announced that for the health and safety of all involved, the second presidential debate scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15 in Miami, would be conducted virtually.

Subsequently, the campaigns of the two candidates who qualified for participation in the debate made a series of statements conspiring their respective positions regarding their willingness to participate in a virtual debate on October 15, and now each has announced alternate plans for that date.

It is now apparent there will be no debate on Oct. 15, and the CDP will turn its attention to preparations for the final presidential debate scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22.

Subject to health security considerations, in accordance with all required testing, masking, social distancing, and other protocols, the debate will take place at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

As announced on June 23, the debate will be divided into six 15- minute segments. The topics for the six segments will be selected and announced by the moderator at least one week before the debate. Kristen Welker of NBC News will serve as moderator for the debate.

Both candidates have reportedly agreed to participate in the Oct. 22 debate.

In a statement made on Wednesday, Sept. 30 the CDP noted that they sponsor televised debates for the benefit of the American electorate. They went on to say that the first debate made it clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion on the issues. They said they’re carefully considering the changes that will be adopted to help maintain order.

The CDP has sponsored the presidential and vice presidential general election debates since 1988.