Joe Biden says he will only debate coronavirus-infected Trump ‘if scientists say it’s safe’
Next debate is slated for 15 October in Florida, a crucial swing state
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Democratic nominee Joe Biden said Monday he is willing to debate Donald Trump later this month even though the president has coronavirus “if scientists say it’s safe.”
Speaking to reporters in Delaware before boarding a flight to campaign in Florida, the former vice president said he intends to “listen to the science," adding: “If scientists say that it’s safe, that distances are safe, then I think that’s fine.”
Mr Biden declined to say whether he would prefer a virtual second debate.
During his first face-to-face debate with the president, the two stood about 10 feet apart. Mr Biden and others have suggested since Mr Trump was diagnosed with coronavirus on Thursday and hospitalized on Friday that the two might need to stand further apart during their next two scheduled debates.
The next one is set for 15 October in Miami but that falls within what would be Mr Trump’s 14-day quarantine period.
The Trump campaign has canceled all of the president’s rallies and other campaign events, and it is unclear whether he will feel up to next week’s debate.
Coronavirus is washing through Mr Trump’s inner circle and among some top Republican officials.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced she is positive, along with two of her press office deputies. Previously, close Trump aide Hope Hicks and campaign manager Bill Stepien tested positive. So did Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis. An aide who serves as the president’s “body man” also tested positive, as did First Lady Melania Trump.
Reporters at the White House say many offices in the space they can access are empty and dark, with the Trump operation going remote.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments