MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Biden Town Hall: Is he reading from a teleprompter? Democratic supporters say 'Joe is on fire'

It was a drive-in town hall and Biden answered questions from voters in an unconventional setup in the parking lot of PNC Field in Moosic

Political town halls aren’t a new concept. So when CNN decided to host a town hall with presidential candidate Joe Biden on September 17 in Pennsylvania, everyone thought usual. However, the difference was, it was a drive-in town hall. Biden will answer questions from voters in an unconventional setup in the parking lot of PNC Field in Moosic. The cars will be parked following social distancing guidelines.

As expected, President Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic and availability of vaccine were discussed. As per the CNN website, commenting on Trump downplaying the pandemic, Biden to CNN host Anderson Cooper, “But he knew it. He knew it, and did nothing. It is close to criminal.” Biden clearly stated that he does not trust Trump regarding the availability and safety of a vaccine. But he has faith in Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He said, “I don't trust the President on vaccines. I trust Dr Fauci. If Fauci says a vaccine is safe, I would take the vaccine. We should listen to the scientists, not to the president.”

Biden also defended peaceful protesters who are fighting racial injustice and police brutality. He did say that Covid-19 safety is an issue if protesters don’t wear a mask, but protesters have a “right to speak” and also said their assembling was different than the recent Trump rallies. About his financial plan, he said first and foremost he would address the need of additional health care workers and “pay them in ways that is a living wage.” “So they don't have to live hand to mouth,” he said.

Biden spoke about police accountability, he said, “The vast majority of police are decent, honorable people. One of the things I've found is, the only people who don't like bad cops more than we don't like them are police officers. And so what we have to do is we have to have a much more transparent means by which we provide for accountability within police departments.” His plan, if elected, includes gathering a coalition of police chiefs, officers, unions and communities of color to "sit at the table and agree on the fundamental things that need to be done, including much more rigorous background checks that apply for and become police officers."

He also said, he is looking forward to his presidential debate with Trump. Biden said, “I have gone back and talked about and looked at not only the things he said, but making sure I can concisely say what I’m for and what I’m going to do.”

There was a lot of chatter on Twitter about this town hall under #BidenTownHall. One user said, “Biden has stated more facts in 30 minutes than Trump has in 4 Years. #BidenTownHall” Another user stated, “Watching this #BidenTownHall gives me #BidenCalm. Americans are in desperate need of healing. We need to #BringBackHope.” One user said, “Without hesitation, Joe Biden says he will accept the election results -- that's what a REAL President does. #BidenTownHall.”

Biden has been accused by the Republicans of using a teleprompter to answer questions during his public appearances. In July, Trump had tweeted, “Biden was asked questions at his so-called Press Conference yesterday where he read the answers from a teleprompter. That means he was given the questions, just like Crooked Hillary. Never have seen this before!” So, a user said, “Joe Biden is absolutely perfect tonight.  I can’t wait for Republicans to claim he is reading off a teleprompter. #BidenTownHall” 

One user said, “Grabs magnifying glass.  Nope, don't see a teleprompter. Such a nice feeling to see a smart, caring American on stage talking about policy and facts. We got this!  #BidenTownHall” One stated, “#BidenTownHall No teleprompter tonight. Joe is on fire.” Another concurred, "@JoeBiden is on FIRE!! And guess what? NO teleprompter, so even if he received the questions in advance (MAGAt's argument, no mine), he memorized the answers, hell, even I can't do that!! #BidenTownHall #BidenHarris2020".