There was an earlier diary about Biden’s conditions for the next debate with Trump. Those are good as far as it goes, but they should not come from the Biden campaign. He is not asking for a special concession. The moderator, audience, and staff have the right not to be exposed to a very contagious and potentially deadly disease.
While the Debate Commission is trying to decide the conditions for the next debate—killing the mike, limiting time—they should also set a rule that NO ONE should be admitted to the debate unless they can demonstrate that they have tested negative to the coronavirus and/or cleared the virus (“feeling ok” does not count), and that those not wearing masks, except for the participants and the moderator, must wear them or be escorted from the premises. A plexiglas shield must be erected between the participants, because Trump’s trick of looming behind the other candidate is potentially deadly. If all parties do not agree to these rules, the debate will be canceled. If one party violates them, they will be escorted from the building.
Trump’s grandstanding mask removal proves beyond all doubt that he does not give a shit about human life. Audience members, moderators, and staffers should not pay the price.
I do not know how public pressure can be applied to the Debate Commission, or perhaps to the networks, but I would very much like to know how.