Trump and Biden Hold Separate TV Broadcast Town Hall Events
Trump Sensitive to 'Far-Right' Question... "You Are Always Like This" Complaint
Biden Criticizes Trump... "Did Nothing to Control COVID-19"
CNN: "Showed Completely Different Worlds"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden met American viewers through separate events instead of a debate.
President Trump listens to the host's question at the town hall event held on the 15th. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
Both candidates disappointed voters greatly in the first TV debate with interruptions and harsh remarks, but on this day, they focused on answering citizens' questions and advocating their positions at simultaneously broadcast town hall events, still showing different characteristics.
President Trump, attending the NBC town hall held in Miami, Florida, faced tough questions from host Savannah Guthrie, an NBC anchor, about his response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and far-right groups spreading conspiracy theories.
At the ABC town hall held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Biden answered sharp questions about expanding the number of federal Supreme Court justices, his support for the 1994 federal crime bill that led to mass arrests of people of color, and the Green New Deal policy. He was also asked to clarify his remark that those who do not support him are not Black.
Even at these events, the two showed contrasting behaviors. President Trump interrupted the host’s questions and gave some false answers, clashing with host Guthrie.
When asked to comment on far-right extremists spreading conspiracy theories like QAnon, Trump said, "You always do this," showing a displeased expression. He also said, "I condemn white supremacy. What’s the next question?"
Trump did not answer when he last took a COVID-19 test before the first TV debate. He was infected with COVID-19 two days after the first TV debate.
Regarding a New York Times report that he has $400 million in debt, he claimed, "That number is completely wrong," and insisted, "I do not owe Russia." When asked if he has loans from foreign banks, he said, "I don’t know," emphasizing, "$400 million is peanuts."
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden attended a town hall event held on the 15th. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
Voters who switched channels to ABC after watching Trump’s remarks saw a completely different scene. Unlike Trump’s interruptions, Biden focused on calmly explaining his points.
Biden was repeatedly asked about significantly expanding the current nine-member federal Supreme Court and appointing additional justices. Recently, Democrats have argued that the number of Supreme Court justices should be increased to prevent the court’s conservative shift due to Trump’s appointments. Biden replied, "I do not support expanding the number of justices," but added, "My position could change depending on the confirmation process of Amy Coney Barrett, the nominee for the Supreme Court."
Biden: "What Was Trump Doing While 210,000 Died from COVID-19?"
Biden criticized President Trump for doing nothing to control COVID-19. Biden said, "Even after testing positive for COVID-19, he refused to strengthen efforts to fight the coronavirus," adding, "Over 210,000 people have died, so what is he doing?" and "He did nothing." He also pointed out, targeting Trump, "He still does not wear a mask."
Regarding the statements of the two candidates broadcast simultaneously that day, CNN reported, "Viewers must have experienced completely different worlds as they switched channels."
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