The final meetup of 2020 presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden is scheduled to take place Thursday, Oct. 22 up the boulevard at Belmont University. After an uncertain few weeks since President Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis and the cancellation of the second debate, Belmont is moving full speed ahead with debate plans. But those plans have sparked another controversy after officials announced microphones will be muted during portions so that candidates are able to make their points. President Trump has said he is displeased with this new rule sprung by his behavior at the first debate.
Meanwhile, Belmont University has called for numerous area road and business closures, the majority of which will go into effect Wednesday.
Belmont Boulevard from Portland Avenue to Bernard Avenue, is currently closed till Friday.
Belmont Boulevard from 18th Avenue South to Delmar Avenue will close Wednesday at noon.
Acklen Avenue from 17th Avenue South to 18th Avenue South closes at noon Wednesday.
Acklen Avenue from 14th Avenue South to 15th Avenue South, closes 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Delmar Avenue from 15th Avenue South to Belmont Boulevard, closes 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Compton Avenue from 15th Avenue South to Belmont Boulevard, closes noon Wednesday.
Caldwell Avenue from 15th Avenue South to 12th Avenue South closes 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The excitement of a presidential debate is not felt by at least one Belmont-area business that already has been hit by COVID-19-forced closures during the pandemic shutdown. In an Instagram post to their more than 16,000 followers, local business Proper Bagel expressed frustration toward the road closures.
“Belmont has no concept of what it takes to actually operate a restaurant where everything is made from scratch, daily – on the premises,” said the account.
“We are so sorry for any inconvenience, but it is simply out of our hands…so thank you, Belmont for being negligent, and self-serving. You’re displacing our business and staff (with no compensation for lost wages) for five days during a pandemic – all for your prestigious event.”
A spokesperson for Belmont University told News Channel Five that the businesses can still be open to foot traffic and debate workers are being encouraged to utilize them.
As for the debate itself, there is a fresh controversy, as the Commission on Presidential Debate announced that microphones will be muted during portions, giving both candidates two full, uninterrupted minutes to state their cases after being questioned. The other candidate will be able to discuss or disagree after his microphone is unmuted.
According to a report from CNN, the commission decided to make this major change because the first presidential debate turned chaotic after President Trump continued to interrupt and yell over former Vice President Biden when he was trying to make a point.