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The Trump vs. Biden debate continues to take the nation by storm. Last month, President Donald Trump and former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden sparred in one of the most contentious and heated showdowns. Both candidates covered a series of issues from healthcare-particularly the coronavirus-to immigration, law enforcement, and more. Trump and Biden were so far apart on every single issue, which ultimately led to both candidates clashing and sometimes speaking over each other. The second presidential debate was set to take place on October 15. However, on Friday, the Commission on Presidential Debates officially canceled this second Trump vs. Biden debate.

Trump rejects a virtual debate format

The day after the vice-presidential debate, the Commission on Presidential Debates decided that the next event between Trump and Biden must be virtual. This, of course, did not go well with the president and his supporters. Some Americans questioned the decision to change the jurisdictions at the last second, especially after the showdown between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic rival Senator Kamala Harris. Conservatives, in particular, stated that a virtual format would allow Biden's campaign staffers to assist him off-camera during the debate. During a Fox Business interview, President Trump called the debate commission's shift to a virtual format as "ridiculous" and a waste of time. The president and his allies also argued that a virtual debate format would provide Biden with an unfair advantage. The Debates Commission's decision was prompted by the fact that President Trump tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center for a few days. The president is already in the White House and claimed that he is feeling so much better now. However, the commission and Biden's camp are not convinced since the White House refused to tell as to when the president tested negative for COVID-19. They believe a virtual debate is the best option for now. President Trump, as we all know, loves to discuss his policies in front of a big crowd.

What to Expect Next?

The October 15, the debate is officially off, however, the third presidential debate is still scheduled to take place in Tennessee on October 22 Thus far, the Commission on Presidential Debates has not announced that this debate format will be virtual. If this announcement does arrive, then the likelihood of participation from the president is slim to none. Like many Republicans, President Trump believes that a proper debate happens in person, face-to-face. The traditional format would block either candidate from getting assistance throughout the debate.