Donald Trump’s lawyer sees ‘no reason’ to delay second presidential debate with Joe Biden

Rudy Giuliani said ‘it’s very possible’ the event will proceed as planned on October 15 if Trump ‘keeps making progress’ in his fight against Covid-19

Chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Monday that officials are ‘still optimistic’ Trump will return to the White House later in the day

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US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden exchange points during their first debate on September 29. Photo: AP

Published: 11:53pm, 5 Oct 2020Updated: 7:11am, 17 Oct 2020

This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Quint Forgey on politico.com on October 5, 2020.

Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer and an adviser to his debate preparations, said on Monday there is “no reason to delay” next week’s forum with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden – even though Trump remains hospitalised with Covid-19.

In an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” the former New York mayor said “it’s very possible” the upcoming town hall-style event will proceed as planned on October 15 if Trump “keeps making progress” in his fight against the coronavirus.

“The doctors assume that by a certain time, he’s going to be in condition. I assume he’s going to be in condition by then to do it. Can’t see any reason why he wouldn’t. And there’s no reason to delay,” Giuliani said.

“There’s only two more left,” he added, referring to the remaining pair of presidential debates. “They’re enormously valuable to the American people. And I think he’ll make every effort to make it. I’m certain he will.”

The president’s medical team said on Sunday that Trump could be discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as early as Monday to “continue his treatment course” at the White House.