A clamor to make the remaining debates between President Trump and former VP Joe Biden virtual broke out this week, with the New York Times editorial board noting that "under the current circumstances, it would be irresponsible for the show to go on as planned." It looks like those calls were heard, at least for the debate coming up next—though Trump says he won't take part. The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates made the announcement Thursday morning, a week before the two were scheduled to face off in Miami: "In order to protect the health and safety of all involved" in the Oct. 15 "town meeting," the candidates will "participate from separate remote locations," while other participants and the moderator remain in Miami, the commission said. What followed:
- Shortly after the commission's announcement, Trump said he would not take part if it's going to be a remote format, per the Washington Post. "I'm not going to waste my time on a virtual debate," he told Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business Network. "That's not what debating is all about." He added, per Politico, "You sit behind a computer and do a debate. It's ridiculous, and then they cut you off whenever they want."