The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) is now going to mandate the wearing of facemasks in the audience at upcoming debates, according to CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Saturday night.
"Just today the Commission on Presidential Debates announced that, going forward, all audience members will all, all, be required to wear masks at the debates," Blitzer said at the end of CNN's "The Situation Room" on Saturday, per Mediaite. "Those who don't comply will be escorted out."
The news comes amid widespread mainstream media criticism of guests and family of President Donald Trump having taken their masks while they sat and listened at the debate. But even CNN's video showed all of the Trump entourage walking in with masks on. They sat down and some took off their masks during periods at the debate.
That activity is not unlike walking into a restaurant with a mask on, or entering an airplane, and taking the mask off when eating or drinking.
Michael Smerconish told Blitzer it is "surprising" the CPD had not mandated masks at all times during the debates, "given the climate in the country, the necessity of protecting everybody, especially in that room, which contains the next president of the United States."
Smerconish's comment was unusual in that it ignored the fact the debate room "contains" the current president of the United States, not just the "next" one. President Trump and first lady Melania have since tested positive for COVID-19, exhibiting symptoms and receiving treatment.
The next debate will be a vice presidential square off between VP Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., in Utah on Wednesday. The following week, Oct. 15, will be the next presidential debate in Miami, as long as Trump's COVID-19 recovery permits.