Conspiracy theories and court expansion
| EDITOR'S NOTE
Hello,
Instead of a debate last night, we witnessed two separate town halls. They aired at the same time but showed two starkly different candidates.
In an NBC event, President Trump fielded a series of tough, persistent questions from moderator Savannah Guthrie before he had a chance to hear from the audience. Trump, among other things, defended his stance on wearing masks to prevent coronavirus (he's fine with them, but cast doubt on their effectiveness). And he refused to condemn the virulent conspiracy theory QAnon, which the FBI has labled a potential domestic terrorism threat. "Let me just tell you what I do hear about it is they are very strongly against pedophilia and I agree with that," he said.
Over on ABC, Joe Biden took questions from the audience almost right away. It was a much calmer event than Trump's town hall. Biden still found himself challenged on some points, including his support for a controversial crime bill and whether the progressive Green New Deal is a framework for his own climate plan. Biden also made a bit of news, saying he would reveal before the election his position on expanding the Supreme Court. His stance will depend on how the Republicans handle the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett. "I'm open to considering what happens from that point on," Biden said.
It's hard to say whether the candidates' performances Thursday night will end up swaying any voters. At this point, there aren't many undecideds left. Also, millions have already cast ballots. Trump and Biden will have one more big chance to make their pitch to a national television audience. Their second and final debate is next Thursday.
Thoughts? Email Mike Calia at CNBCPolitics@nbcuni.com.
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