The Trump campaign has reportedly requested that both candidates submit to a third-party check for an earpiece prior to tonight’s debate.
Fox News reports that President Trump asked for the additional ground rule and consented to the inspection for himself.
The Biden team reportedly declined the request for an inspection, and the Trump campaign issued a statement condemning the decision.
“Joe Biden’s handlers several days ago agreed to a pre-debate inspection for electronic earpieces but today abruptly reversed themselves and declined.” Trump Communications Director Tim Murtaugh wrote.
RELATED: Trump On Wanting Drug Test Before Biden Debate: ‘I’m Not Joking’
Trump Wants Earpiece Check and Drug Test For Biden
The desire for a check of electronic devices or transmitters on both candidates isn’t the only unusual ground-rule request by the Trump campaign.
On Sunday, the President continued to insist on a drug test prior to the first presidential debate.
“No. I’m not joking,” Trump said during a White House press conference. “I’m willing to take a drug test, I think he should too.”
Joe Biden just announced that he will not agree to a Drug Test. Gee, I wonder why?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 28, 2020
For weeks now, Trump has claimed Biden is using drugs to boost his performance during televised speeches.
When asked how Biden can seem fine during debates against Bernie Sanders but revert to being gaffe-prone in scripted speeches, Trump suggested, “there’s probably – possibly – drugs involved.”
President Trump continues to suggest Joe Biden is taking performance enhancement drugs for debates.
“I’m not joking. I’m willing to take a drug test. I think he should too.” – Trump pic.twitter.com/BVXwXK8xq5
— BG (@TheBGates) September 27, 2020
Did Biden Request Multiple Breaks?
Fox News also claims that Biden’s camp had requested that the 90-minute debate include two breaks – one every 30 minutes.
“Biden’s handlers have asked for multiple breaks during the debate, which President Trump doesn’t need, so we have rejected that request,” Murtaugh said in a statement.
A campaign source also told Fox News “our guy doesn’t need breaks … he gives 90-minute speeches all the time.”
Biden’s deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield denied that any request for breaks was ever made.
How To Watch The Debate
First Presidential Debate
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
9 – 10:30pm Eastern
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
WATCH LIVE at The Political Insider
Networks Airing the Debate:
- Fox News
- CNN
- CBS
- ABC
- C-SPAN
- NBC
- MSNBC
Outlets Livestreaming the Debate:
- The Political Insider
- NPR
- New York Times
- C-Span
- CBS
