Everything else is virtual. Let this be the one thing that is not.
President Trump declining the offer to participate in a virtual form of the second presidential debate is just another target for the Democrats to attack him on. (As if they do that enough already). On the contrary, I believe that his decision was smart. After the chaotic mess of the first debate, both candidates need a chance to redeem themselves in order to win the majority hearts of voters before Nov. 3. However, a virtual debate is not going to provide that opportunity for either Trump or Biden because of three reasons.
1. Going virtual is never reliable. We all have experience with Zoom now, and when has it ever been 100% reliable? Never. Someone starts talking and the mic is muted. Classmates talk over one another and you can not hear anything that was just said. Sucky internet connections lead to pauses in someone’s speech and laptops freezing. Or the occasional professor who does not use headphones to eliminate background noise so all you hear is his bird squawking (this is a true story). All of those problems have the possibility of occurring during a virtual presidential debate. In my opinion, this would only make the debate more chaotic and annoying to watch than the first, and this is not what the American voters need right now.
2. Going virtual opens up the opportunities for both candidates to cheat. During any election-related debate, it is prohibited to have notes or wireless ear devices in aiding the conversation. All statements made must be completely off-the-whim or out of memory. Having a virtual debate will only encourage the candidates to cheat. Whether that be a sheet of paper beside the computer screen, a hidden ear device shaping responses, or the occasional wife out of site from the camera instructing her husband on what to say. This just provides the opportunity for the candidates to stage their answers instead of delivering a natural presentation.
3. There is absolutely no need to go virtual. The main reason that stirred up ideas of a virtual presidential debate is when Trump tested positive for COVID-19. However before the scheduled debate on Oct. 15, Trump tested negative. Therefore, the reason why they wanted a virtual debate was no longer valid. COVID-19 protocols were also followed during the first presidential debate that was held in-person, with more coming for future debates. The candidates did not make physical contact with one another by shaking at the start of the debate, they were safely distanced away from one another and the moderator, and no spectators were allowed in the building to watch. In fact, plexi-glass barriers were supposed to be installed to help further separate the candidates and prevent the spread of the virus. All in all, because of the obedience of the COVID-19 safety protocols and improved health of Trump, there was absolutely no need to virtualize the second presidential debate.
Now since the second debate was cancelled completely, the candidates lost another opportunity to inform their voters on their policies and plans for the future. Sure, there was still a potential opportunity for this by going virtual; however, it would not have been any more effective than the first debate disaster. He saved us from disaster once again. Hate to break it to all the anti-Trump supporters out there, but he was right on this one.
Kerri Hoover
Kerri Hoover is in her third year working on the Eagle Eye staff and currently serves as the President and Editor-in-Chief. As a Lock Haven University senior, she majors in Communication with a triple-concentration focus in Advertising & Public Relations, Electronic Media, and Journalism. With her versatile skill set, Kerri hopes to pursue a career working as a social media content creator, journalist, or video editor. On the rare occasion Kerri isn’t working in the newsroom, she can be found hanging out with her friends, working at the PUB, or creating content for the LHU Media and Journalism Department.
