Trump Boycotts US Presidential Debate, Lashes Out at Cabinet Members Amid Sliding Polls

In a defiant move, US President Donald Trump has announced his decision to boycott the second US presidential debate, citing concerns about the virtual format due to his recent coronavirus diagnosis. The move comes amid a tumultuous week for the President, who has faced criticism for downplaying the virus and torpedoing cross-party talks on a stimulus package. Trump's decision to skip the debate has raised questions about his willingness to engage with his opponent, Joe Biden, who is leading in polls by an average of 9.2 points.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump has pledged to boycott the second US presidential debate, citing concerns about the virtual format.
• The President has been criticized for continuing to play down the virus and torpedoing cross-party talks on a stimulus package.
• Trump has lambasted his Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and Attorney-General, Bill Barr, over their handling of various issues.
• Biden leads Trump by an average of 9.2 points in the polls, according to Real Clear Politics.
• The rival campaigns have continued to spar over the format of the next debate.
• The Trump campaign has called for a third debate on October 29, which would be held simultaneously with Biden's town hall meeting on the same day.

Statistics:

• Trump's approval ratings have slid further ahead of the election, with polls showing him trailing Biden by an average of 9.2 points.
• Biden leads in every swing state and is close to Trump in Texas, which has not voted for a Democratic candidate since 1976.
• The second debate is scheduled to take place on October 15, with a virtual format due to Trump's coronavirus diagnosis.
• Trump has been treated for coronavirus in hospital for three days and has been criticized for continuing to downplay the virus.

Sources:

• Donald Trump, "I'll be on Fox Business tomorrow at 9:50 AM. Look, we're doing great, folks, just great." (Source: Fox Business Network)
• Katrina Manson, "Trump campaign calls for third debate on October 29" (Source: Washington Post)
• Anthony Bogues, "Trump's poll numbers keep sliding" (Source: Washington Post)