Icon: enlarge
The TV duel between Donald Trump and Joe Biden
Photo: Kevin Dietsch / Pool / imago images / ZUMA Wire
After the chaotic TV debate between US President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden, the organizers are planning changes to the concept.
The course of the duel made it clear that "the format of the remaining debates needs additional structure in order to ensure a more regular discussion of the issues," said the Presidential Debate Commission on Wednesday.
The first argument between Trump and Biden on Wednesday night was sunk into chaos for long periods.
Trump kept interrupting Biden and not letting him finish his sentences.
Biden also spoke in between, but a little less often.
The experienced TV journalist Chris Wallace as a presenter repeatedly lost control of the situation - and could only warn the candidates to let each other have their say.
According to the concept of the debate, six topics should have been discussed in 15-minute blocks.
First, Trump and Biden were supposed to present their position undisturbed for two minutes, after which a free discussion was planned.
But even with the opening statements there were interruptions and the candidates sometimes spoke at the same time.
In addition, they often deviated from the topic just given, such as the corona crisis or the economic situation.
The second of the three debates between Trump and Biden is scheduled for October 15, local time (3:00 a.m. on Wednesday CEST).
It is planned in a different format than the first one anyway - as question time for voters.
As things stand, the third debate is again planned as a 90-minute speech duel with a moderator.
Vice-President Mike Pence and Biden's Vice-candidate Kamala Harris will meet on October 7th.
Icon: The mirror
pgo