#Biden ready for second debate with President Trump: campaign

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is prepared to meet President Trump for their second debate next week despite the commander-in-chief being hospitalized after testing positive for the coronavirus, Biden’s deputy campaign manager said on Sunday.

“Obviously, that’s going to depend on a lot of factors here. First and foremost, President Trump’s health, which we – we send him the best – and we are hoping for a speedy and full recovery, as is everybody in this country,” Kate Bedingfield said on ABC News’ “This Week.”

“So our hope is that the debate will go forward on the day that it’s scheduled, but obviously we will be attuned to any changes that need to be made,” Bedingfield said about the Oct. 15 debate in Miami.

Biden tested negative for the coronavirus, the campaign announced on Sunday evening.

The president was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland on Friday after tests Thursday showed he was infected with COVID-19.

He has been receiving treatment at the hospital and his medical team on Sunday said he could be discharged as soon as Monday and return to the White House.

Bedingfield also said that Biden’s running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, is set to attend the first and only debate between her and Vice President Mike Pence Wednesday.

“We have every expectation that the Debate Commission will take all necessary precautions to ensure that everybody who attends the debate is safe. Obviously, that includes distancing, that includes a requirement on masks,” Bedingfield said.

Pence was among the attendees at Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination ceremony on Sept. 26 at the White House.

At least eight people at the event have come down with the coronavirus, including the president and first lady Melania Trump.

But Pence, who has tested negative, has maintained a full campaign schedule and has continued to make public appearances.

As long as safety precautions are followed, Bedingfield said the campaign looks “forward to any opportunity for Sen. Harris and for Joe Biden to make their case directly to the American people.”

With Post Wires