Divergence over the ACA
The fate of the ACA also garnered considerable attention. The discussion underlined a vast difference of opinion between the two candidates on the US healthcare system.
The moderator asked Trump what he would do for the 20 million Americans who get their healthcare through the ACA if it’s taken away.
“Through the legislature, I terminated the individual mandate, the worst part of Obamacare,” Trump said. “And now it’s in court because Obamacare is no good.
“Preexisting conditions will stay,” Trump added.
“I want to terminate Obamacare, and I want to come up with a beautiful healthcare [plan],” Trump added, turning the discussion toward private health insurance. “One thing that is very important is we have 180 million out there who have great private healthcare. Joe Biden will terminate all of their healthcare.”
Trump described Biden’s plan as “socialized medicine.” He also emphasized that protections for people with preexisting conditions “will stay.”
The Trump administration is supporting a lawsuit to overturn the ACA. The suit was filed by 18 Republican-led states. Arguments before the US Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the ACA are scheduled for November 10.
The moderator asked what Biden plans to do if the ACA is struck down. “I will pass Obamacare with a public option ― that will be ‘Bidencare.’ “ He said his plan will reduce premiums and drug prices. “I support private insurance. No one lost their private insurance under Obamacare.
“There is no way he can protect preexisting conditions,” Biden said. He added that 10 million people have already lost their private healthcare through unemployment during the pandemic.
Muting the mic
Following what many described as a chaotic first debate at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on September 29, the Commission on Presidential Debate opted to allow the muting of the microphone during the first 2 minutes of remarks made by each candidate during each debate segment.
The muting of the microphones appeared to prevent crosstalk during the beginning of each segment of the debate. The candidates did manage to talk over and interrupt each other, as well as the moderator, during portions of the debate.
This article first appeared on Medscape.com.