Last Updated on October 1, 2020
After a contentious debate filled with interruptions and name-calling, the commission that oversees setting the structure for presidential debates is set to add some “additional structure” so that there is no repeat of Tuesday melee.
The Commission on Presidential Debates issued a statement Wednesday saying it wanted to augment the format of the two remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues. The first debate was filled with interruptions and derogatory remarks initiated by both candidates and, for the most part, outside of moderator Chris Wallace’s control.
“Last night’s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues.” The statement continued to say the commission will be “carefully considering the changes that it will adopt and will announce those measures shortly.”
The commission’s statement went on to give accolades to Wallace’s performance, a complete juxtaposition to what many on social media thought was a poor performance:
Facts:
Chris Wallace interrupted Donald Trump 76 times last night.
He only interrupted Joe Biden 15 times.
Trump shouldn’t have to debate two opponents at once, but he did—and he STILL won.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 30, 2020
https://twitter.com/patton6966/status/1311409465162436609
He never dreamt it would go off track?? How can a journalist have been so unprepared for what was entirely predictable. https://t.co/nb5Jxjn76Y
— Jen "I dissent " Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) September 30, 2020
This is why Chris Wallace lost control of the debate-his first question was not about what either would do for the country going forward but designed to create a fight. Once you lose control of a debate, you can’t regain… pic.twitter.com/nYr01pySFn
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) September 30, 2020
The interruptions and insults started at the very beginning of the debate and sustained throughout, with Biden calling the President a “clown” and a “fool” and telling him several times to “shut-up.” He also labeled Mr. Trump the “the worst president America has ever had.”
The President countered by questioning Biden’s education claims and introducing the subject of Hunter Biden’s exploits in Russia, Ukraine, and China into the mix.
https://twitter.com/Harrison_of_TX/status/1311121921686335488
“They’re only doing this because their guy got pummeled last night,” Trump campaign Communications Director Tim Murtaugh said about the proposed changes. “President Trump was the dominant force and now Joe Biden is trying to work the refs. They shouldn’t be moving the goalposts and changing the rules in the middle of the game.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates is sponsoring two more debates for Trump and Biden, one on October 15th, 2020, in Miami, Florida, and one on October 22nd, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee.
