Why is Donald Trump Refusing to Participate in a Virtual Debate?

1. 83

   crankaliciousposted 4 years ago

   It seems pretty reasonable to me that, given Trump's COVID diagnosis, the next debate should be held virtually since he will not have passed the 14-day recommended quarantine period.
   
   However, Trump has said he will not participate.
   
   Why do you think he will not participate and prefers to have the debate in person?
   
   He has stated he does not want to be in a position where his microphone can be turned off. Why? Does that automatically mean it's his intention to interrupt when interrupting is explicitly against the rules agreed upon by both candidates?
   
   Is it possible that Trump wants to show up to the debate contagious, hoping others will get sick? Why would somebody want to attend a debate while possibly contagious with a virus?
   
   Should Biden be willing to participate in an in-person debate if he doesn't know whether the President is still contagious?

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      wildernessposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      I suspect that he fears his mic would be turned off.  How that would differ from a normal debate, with the moderator having that power, I don't quite understand.
      
      I highly doubt that he wishes to give Biden, or anyone else, the COVID virus.

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      PrettyPantherposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      I saw a White House spokesperson refuse to answer whether Trump had  tested negative for COVID within 72 hours prior to the first debate with Biden. Given that Trump experienced symptoms just two days later, it is actually likely he had the virus during the first debate.
      
      I would not put it past him to intentionally want to infect Biden. Look at his behavior. He tells us everything we need to know about his character every day.

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         GA Andersonposted 4 years agoin reply to this

         "I would not put it past him to intentionally want to infect Biden. "
         
         Wow.
         
         GA

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         1. 83

            crankaliciousposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, GA, wow. But why is Trump simultaneously insisting on an in-person debate and unwilling to positively confirm he is no longer contagious. What are we to deduce from that other than what seems obvious? Well, maybe not obvious, but clearly fits the data.

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            1. 84

               GA Andersonposted 4 years agoin reply to this

               Of course, I can't speak for Pres. Trump's reasons, but I would suspect they are the same as mine. I believe a presidential debate can only be valid as an in-person debate.
               
               As for his Covid-19 status, maybe he can't confirm because he isn't yet. That would be my thinking because I think they will call a major press event when they can confirm it.
               
               GA

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            PrettyPantherposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            I'm not surprised at your reaction, as it is an awful possibility. However, we already know he went to an indoor fundraiser knowing Hope Hicks was sick. Obviously, he knew he had been exposed and could be infected but went ahead and potentially exposed others,
            
            To me, it seems completely within his character to intentionally expose Biden.
            
            Maybe some day we'll know for sure.

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            1. 83

               crankaliciousposted 4 years agoin reply to this

               PP, and look at Trump's reaction to the Whitmer kidnapping plot. Did you denounce the right-wing group? No, he criticized Whitmer. Why is it so hard that he would want to sicken Biden given he consider him a political enemy?

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                  PrettyPantherposted 4 years agoin reply to this

                  I don't know. It seems that some people are able to see him for what he is and others cannot,

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   3. 94

      MizBejabbersposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      I don't think that Trump wants another debate, period. It's just an excuse to keep from having to defend his non-policies, which he can't do.
      
      And absolutely not, Biden should not participate in an in-person debate with this cretan. He's lucky he didn't get the coronavirus from the first debate, and he would be foolish to chance it again. In addition to putting himself at risk, to agree to Trump's terms would make Biden appear weak. Just say "NO", Joe.

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   4. 84

      GA Andersonposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      "Is it possible that Trump wants to show up to the debate contagious, hoping others will get sick? "
      
      Now that is just mean and malicious.
      
      Regardless of what Pres. Trump's reasons are, I agree with him. I also would not want a presidential debate to be virtual. I think the essence of the debate is the in-person interaction. If you are not going to have that, why bother, just replace the debate with more contradictory and competing ad buys.
      
      GA

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      Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

      That is easy, Trump is a bully. He will not debate under a set of rules and decorum, that would put him at an distinct disadvantage. He can only apply his intimidation style effectively in person. Without that venue, he cannot evade questions or subject others to his tantrums that minimize the actual exchange of information sought by the electorate.

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   IslandBitesposted 4 years ago

   I think Trump is despicable and has no regard for others. But in this, I agree with wilderness. He doesnt want his mic to be turned off. Simply because to interrupt others non stop to ramble is his only strategy when it comes to debating ideas.
   
   I could not think worse of Trump but I dont think he wants Biden sick (but not out of the goodness  of his heart.)

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      PrettyPantherposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      At first, I felt the same way as you do, but if you consider the refusal of Trump's staff and doctor to say when his last negative test was (after months of regularly reporting the results of his tests), and their unwillingness to say he tested negative within the 72-hour time frame before the debate as required by the rules....well, it seems pretty clear to me. There is no reason for them to hide this information, unless Trump was positive before the debate.

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         IslandBitesposted 4 years agoin reply to this

         I think the negative to say when was his last negative test and the conflicting versions on when he tested positive is because is very likely he tested positive and went ahead with the fundraiser. So that would mean that he knowingly exposed the public to covid.

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            MizBejabbersposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            I agree. I don't think he gives a damn about anybody else.

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      wmhoward4posted 4 years agoin reply to this

      Such a hater you are.

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         GA Andersonposted 4 years agoin reply to this

         Is that your best contribution to the discussion?
         
         Contrary opinions are what makes these forums interesting, but one-offs like your comment don't add to the discussion.
         
         GA

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