WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden squared off, in a way, Thursday night.
Their scuttled second debate were replaced by dueling televised town halls. The events showcased striking differences in temperament, views on racial justice and approaches to the pandemic.
Trump was evasive when pressed about his coronavirus testing, declining to say whether he took a required test before his first debate with Biden. That was two days before he announced he has COVID-19.
In a town hall moderated by ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, Biden said the president was “not chastened” by his impeachment.
“Instead of being chastened by being one of the few presidents, the only president to be impeached and then have a member of his own party vote to expel him, it emboldened him,” said Biden.
Asked how history would view a Biden defeat, the ex-vice president said, “Well, it could say I’m a lousy candidate and I didn’t do a good job. But I think. I hope that it doesn’t say that we are as racially, ethnically and religiously at odds with one another as it appears the president wants us to be.”
Biden said he’s never been more optimistic about the future.
“I think the people are ready, they understand what’s at stake. And it’s not about Democrat or Republican. If I get elected, you know, I’m going to be running as a proud Democrat. I mean, an American president. I’m going to take care of those who voted against me, as well as those who voted for me for real. That’s what Presidents do. We’ve got to heal this nation.”
Meantime, a spokesperson for President Trump’s campaign declared that the president “defeated” town hall moderator, Savannah Guthrie, and derided the NBC “Today” host as a “surrogate” for Democrat Joe Biden’s campaign.
Tim Murtaugh also said after Thursday’s event that the president “masterfully handled Guthrie’s attacks and interacted warmly and effectively with the voters in the room.
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