The Commission on Presidential Debates approved the use of a plexiglass barrier during Wednesday’s vice presidential debate, Politico reports.
A plexiglass barrier will separate Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, as well as moderator Susan Page.
The plan was supported by the Cleveland Clinic, which is setting the health protocols for the events.
The announcement came after President Donald Trump and numerous White House aides, including top adviser Hope Hicks and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, tested positive for the coronavirus.
Pence team opposed barrier:
The announcement came after days of negotiations between the two sides.
Harris’ team supported the use of a barrier but Pence’s team opposed it.
“If Sen. Harris wants to use a fortress around herself, have at it,” said Pence spokeswoman Katie Miller.
President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden stood seven feet apart at their debate. Biden has since tested negative multiple times.
Wednesday’s debate will see a distance of 13 feet between the two candidates.
SC Senate debate features plexiglass barrier:
Democratic nominee Jamie Harrison brought his own plexiglass barrier to a debate with South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham over the weekend.
“Tonight I am taking this seriously,” he said. “That’s why I put this plexiglass up. Because it’s not just about me — it’s about the people in my life that I have to take care of as well. My two boys, my wife, my grandmother.”
