/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5f7b99fd1e5ff29ce3327ca4/0x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=4417&cropY1=0&cropY2=2484&w=1200&resize=1200,675&ssl=1 "Pence And Harris Will Be Separated By Plexiglass During Debate")
Topline
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Vice President Mike Pence will be separated by a plexiglass wall during Wednesday’s vice presidential debate, a precautionary measure taken in the wake of President Donald Trump’s Covid-19 diagnosis and fears that the disease could up-end the November election.
Vice President Mike Pence delivers an update on the nations coronavirus testing strategy in the Rose … [+]
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Key Facts
The Commission on Presidential Debates approved plans Monday for a plexiglass barrier between Harris and Pence, and between the candidates and the moderator, Susan Page, according to Politico.
The vice presidential debate is usually relegated to sideshow status, but will likely become a huge draw this year with Trump out of commission due to the coronavirus, Pence stepping into his shoes on the campaign trail, and both candidates wanting to reassure the American public they are ready to step in as president should they have to.
Pence’s team allegedly pushed back against the decision to put the plexiglass barriers in place, while Harris’ welcomed the additional measures.
Following Trump’s Covid-19 diagnosis, the Commission on Presidential Debates also increased the distance between the candidates during the debate from seven to 13 feet.
Pence will continue hitting the campaign trail while Trump convalesces, and plans visit key swing states after Wednesday’s debate, starting with Arizona.
Key Quote
“If Sen. Harris wants to use a fortress around herself, have at it,” Pence’s Communications Director Katie Miller said in a statement.
Tangent
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday he is willing to face President Donald Trump in the second presidential debate, scheduled for October 15, despite Trump’s recent hospitalization for Covid-19, as long as experts say it’s safe.
Interesting Fact
Jaime Harrison, the Democrat challenging Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) for his Senate seat, set up his own plexiglass barrier before the two began a fierce debate on Saturday, saying “I’m taking it seriously. That’s why I put this plexiglass up, because it’s not just about me.”
What To Watch For
Depending on the speed of Trump’s recovery, Wednesday’s debate could be the last of the 2020 election.
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