Trump mocks Biden for wearing masks while at public events

Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
(Image credit: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

During Tuesday night's debate, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and President Trump showcased their differing opinions on masks, rallies, and how to get the economy back up and running amid the coronavirus pandemic.

When asked by moderator Chris Wallace about reopening the economy and schools, Biden said businesses must receive personal protective equipment and sanitation products in order to safely open their doors again. Biden was interrupted by Trump, who said, "Tell that to Nancy Pelosi," to which Biden responded that the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have a recovery plan, but Trump won't meet with them as he "sits on his golf course." Trump quickly retorted, "You probably play more than I do Joe," which got a laugh out of Biden.

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On the matter of wearing masks to stop the spread of coronavirus, Trump said he wears face coverings "when needed. I don't wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he's got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away, he shows up with the biggest mask I've ever seen." Biden responded that masks make "a big difference," and noted that CDC Director Robert Redfield recently talked about how wearing masks and social distancing is more effective than a vaccine.

Regarding his decision to keep holding large rallies amid the pandemic, Trump said he still having them because "people want to hear what I have to say," and said because they are outside, "we have had no problem whatsoever." Biden shot back, saying Trump is "not worried" about the health of his supporters. "He's been totally irresponsible the way he's handled the social distancing and people wearing a mask, basically encouraging them not to," Biden said. "He's a fool on this."

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Catherine Garcia, The Week US

Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.