US Presidential debate 2020: Trump, Biden to have mics muted to prevent interruptions

Commission on Presidential debate on October 19 anunced that US President Donald Trump and former US Vice President Joe Biden will have ir microphones muted during some parts of second presidential debate on October 23. A move that was indicated after first disjointed face-off took place between both contenders in Cleveland, is likely to disappoint Trump who had initially opposed any change in existing rules. 

As per Associated Press report, in final Trump-Biden debate before US Elections 2020, mics will be muted when ir rival is delivering opening two-minute answer to each of debate topics. In basic format, 90-minute debate is divided into six segments of 15 minutes each and candidates get at least two minutes to put forth ir views, uninterrupted. n y proceed to open debate which will reportedly t feature a mute button.  However, interruptions by eir candidate will be counted towards ir time in face-off on October 23. 

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mute feature came after candidates held a chaotic first presidential debate with interruptions mostly by Donald Trump. So much so, that moderator Chris Wallace was seen battling to gain control of discussion. As per Washington Post analysis, in 90-minute-debate last month, candidates eir interrupted Wallace or ir opponent at least 90 times, out of which, 71 times it was Republican leader.

Even though Trump’s team was opposing any changes, Biden camp was reportedly hoping for a more structured debate. As quoted by AP, Debate Commission said in a statement that it had “determined that it is appropriate to adopt measures intended to promote adherence to agreed upon rules and inappropriate to make changes to those rules”.  

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Trump thinks it’s ‘unfair’

As per CNN report, when Donald Trump was asked about update on debate rules on October 19, he told reporters that he will participate but added, “I think it’s very unfair.” Meanwhile, Trump campaign’s communications director Time Murtaugh charged, without any proof, that decision made by Debate Commission is an “attempt to provide an advant to ir favoured candidate.” However, Murtaugh assured that Republican contender is “committed to debating Joe Biden” irrespective of change. 

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