Will President Trump, Joe Biden Debate Oct. 15? Biden 'Cautious,' Will Listen To Scientists

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Monday he would debate President Donald Trump as scheduled Oct. 15 – provided scientists say it’s safe.

Trump has been hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Hospital for COVID-19 since Friday after testing positive and developing symptoms, including fever and dropping blood oxygen levels.

“I’m not an expert on that but I think we should be very cautious as I’ve thought all along, and I’m going to continue listening to the scientists,” Biden told reporters as he boarded a campaign plane en route to Miami.

“Listen to the science. If scientists say that it’s safe … then I think that’s fine. I’ll do whatever the experts say is appropriate for me to do.”

The second of the three presidential debates is scheduled for Miami. At the first debate in Cleveland last week, Trump mocked Biden’s cautious approach to the virus, saying the former vice president wears the biggest mask he’s ever seen and stands 200 feet from people – both exaggerations.

In preceding weeks, Trump also repeatedly ridiculed Biden for campaigning virtually from the basement of his Delaware home during the spring and summer to avoid exposure to the virus.

Biden is tested frequently and said Sunday his most recent test was negative. Trump may have exposed Biden to the virus last week.

A number of people who attended the Sept. 26 announcement of Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court at which few practiced coronavirus mitigation guidelines have tested positive for the virus, including Trump. After that event, Trump attended a number of other events, including a fundraiser at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club where he may have exposed 206 people.

Trump has consistently downplayed the danger from the virus and eschewed advice from public health experts, often touting unproven treatments and undermining expert advice.

(Site of second debate was corrected)