Trump keeps claiming Biden, who has recommitted to the next 2 debates, wants to cancel the debates

(Image credit: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

published 1 October 2020

Joe Biden got mixed reviews for his performance in Tuesday night's presidential debate, but President Trump's show was almost universally panned. He was panned by voters, former Trump voters, undecided voters, people who helped him prepare for the debate, even Rush Limbaugh. The small list of people who approved of Trump's performance include Trump, Sean Hannity, and the far-right white nationalist Proud Boys group. Still, Trump said twice Wednesday that it is Biden who wants to cancel their next two debates.

Biden's campaign had immediately recommitted to the final two debates after the first one wrapped up, suggesting that maybe Trump would bow out. Trump didn't actually say he will show up, so make of his comments what you will.

The debate commission is working on new tools to constrain the candidates from interrupting and overstepping their time.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.