The DNC has moved the Democratic debate from its original location in Phoenix, Arizona, to Washington, DC, citing concerns over COVID-19. The debate, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, will be the first time progressive favorite Bernie Sanders and former vice president Joe Biden debate one-on-one. As the disease spreads, numerous events throughout the US have been canceled out of an abundance of caution.
COVID-19 caused both Sanders and Biden to cancel numerous events in order to prevent large gatherings from spreading the virus. Likewise, the debate coverage will not include a live audience, as it normally would. The presence of that many people could spread the virus more. CNN has also confirmed that it won’t be holding spin or press rooms for the debate like they usually do.
Xochitl Hinojosa, the DNC communications director, said in a statement,
“Out of an abundance of caution and in order to reduce cross-country travel, all parties have decided that the best path forward is to hold Sunday’s debate at CNN’s studio in Washington, D.C., with no live audience.”
Hinojosa also confirmed something disconcerting. Moderator and Univision anchor, Jorge Ramos, had recently interacted with a person who had been around confirmed COVID-19 patients. Ramos has not been showing symptoms, and has needed no flu symptom relief. He has been medically cleared. Still, out of an abundance of caution, Ramos will not be participating in the upcoming debate.
“Our number one priority has and will continue to be the safety of our staff, campaigns, and all those involved in the debate,” Hinojosa told reporters. Anchor Ilia Calderón will fill in for the moderator role in place of Ramos. The candidates will debate on Sunday, as originally scheduled.
Sanders and Biden, the dueling front runners, will both be placing a lot of stock in the debate. Despite Biden’s wins in some recent contests, Sanders remains only 129 delegates behind.
As such, this debate will be a pivotal moment for both campaigns. Sanders will seek to deliver a stunning, come-from-behind victory as the primaries roll on.
Biden, on the other hand, is surely eager to land a knock-out punch that will get rid of his primary rival. Whoever wins the Democratic presidential nomination will then face off against incumbent Donald Trump in the general election.
