OPINION | Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those held by Sarah Palin.
The Commission on Presidential Debates canceled the second debate between President Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden after the president tested positive for the coronavirus and refused to participate in a virtual debate.
But, the debate should be held as it was initially scheduled with the candidates appearing in-person, 175 doctors and physicians argued in a new series of letters.
According to them, the president is in good health and would be able to attend and fully participate in an in-person debate without risk of infecting others.
The New York Post reports the letter, which was signed by “board-certified physicians,” was written just days after the president spent several days at Walter Reed Medical Center for coronavirus treatment.
In the letter, Dr. Joseph T. Dougherty wrote: “I am a family medicine physician who has treated many COVID patients, both in hospital and in the outpatient setting. I am requesting that the Commission reverse its decision and hold an in-person debate.”
“Based on science, data, and epidemiology, the debate can, and should, be held safely in person and it is essential to do so,” he added.
Dr. Jacqueline Koski added: “I am a board certified family medicine physician and additionally hold a Masters in Public Health.”
“Regarding the upcoming presidential debate, according to the current scientific knowledge regarding Covid transmission, there should be no concern whatsoever about holding a debate with proper precautions in place,” she wrote.
These sentiments have been echoed by the president’s own physician, Dr. Sean Conley, who cleared Trump to continue in-person rallies and events.
Trump’s 2020 Communications Director Tim Murtaugh has repeatedly vocalized that the president has been cleared to attend in-person events and is “ready to participate.”
“There is no medical reason for either Joe Biden or the commission to alter, postpone, or cancel the in-person Miami debate. The President will be healthy and ready to participate,” he said.