Reporters from WPLN News will be on the ground at debate host Belmont University. They’ll provide regular updates throughout the afternoon and evening as hundreds of activists, staffers and journalists from around the world gather for the event.
Tune into coverage during “All Things Considered” on 90.3 WPLN News, follow us on Twitter @wpln, or check this page for updates.
Coverage begins at 2 p.m. and the debate starts at 8 p.m.
Guests, candidates arrive at debate site
Updated at 7:45 p.m.
Guests are starting to arrive at the Curb Event Center. Among them: TN House Speaker Cameron Sexton and TN Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson. #Debates2020 @WPLN #TNpol pic.twitter.com/sJEdV5yuMj
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (@SergioMarBel) October 22, 2020
I've also seen a few state Democrats here. Among them: Memphis Sen. Raumesh Akbari and Memphis Rep. G. A. Hardaway. @WPLN #Debates2020
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (@SergioMarBel) October 22, 2020
And President Trump's motorcade has arrived at Belmont University for the final presidential debate. #Debates2020 @WPLN pic.twitter.com/qSr2YrQKGb
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (@SergioMarBel) October 23, 2020
Onlookers hope for more unity, restraint in second debate
Posted 5:45 p.m.
Many backers of the two candidates say they’re hoping for a different tone tonight as President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden take the stage.
Michael Figgins of Franklin says he voted for Trump in 2016, but he has some concerns about the administration’s strict view of immigration.
“Tell me what you’re for, not what you’re against or what this other man is against or for,” he says. “Understand that people come here for opportunity and they risk their lives, so let’s keep that in mind.”
Figgins says he hopes both candidates can offer a more unifying message.
The debate, itself, has generated a spectacle of opposing sides at the campus. One group is calling out private prisons and chanting “Black Lives Matter” while others are holding signs opposing abortion with images of fetuses. The event has attracted media from around the world.
Patty Rogers of Dallas says she hopes the president stays on topic and talks more about the economy. She was a reluctant Trump voter four years ago but says she’s now an enthusiastic backer.
“I think what happens with Trump is people don’t like his tone or his attitude or his affect,” she says. “Come on, I’m sorry, that’s not what’s running our country. So, I do want him to tone it down a little about. I think the way the debate is moderated… We’ll see if the moderator is fair on this.”
https://twitter.com/damonmtll_/status/1319412243658924032
Listen: WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán describes the scene from the Belmont campus
Posted 4:15 p.m.
WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has been on the scene at Belmont University as President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden arrive for the second presidential debate.
He says there the event has created disruptions on the campus of Belmont and precautions are being taken to prevent spread of the coronavirus.
Lots of supporters of President Trump in Nashville
Posted 4 p.m.
Backers of President Donald Trump have come from all over to show their support for the president.
Tami Carlson says she road-tripped from the Chicago suburbs. She says she likes the support she gets from other Republicans when she wears her Trump gear.
“We fell into a rally in the suburbs and it was so positive that we thought that it would be fun to do more,” she says, “because everybody was cheering and clapping and waving and positive. At least our people were.”
Talking to folks who showed up to show up at the #Debates2020 in Nashville. Tami Carlson of Chicago said she’s trying to keep things positive and supporting President Trump. Says she was a little worried about putting in her pro-police mask. pic.twitter.com/bLaC6rUkgd
— Blake Farmer (@flakebarmer) October 22, 2020
WPLN reporters also spoke to supporters who came from Texas and Maryland.
Out talking to voters ahead of tonight’s Belmont debate. Patty Rogers came in from Dallas. She says she reluctantly voted for Trump in 2020. He’s since won her full support. pic.twitter.com/jofQ9EMyHZ
— Damon Mitchell (@dam3mtll) October 22, 2020
I’m outside of Belmont University where a handful of Trump supporters are gathering to show their support for the president. These ladies traveled all the way from Texas & Maryland. pic.twitter.com/GkbdZQQomP
— Samantha Max (@samanthaellimax) October 22, 2020
New rules for tonight’s debate
Posted 2:45 p.m.
The Commission on Presidential Debates and the two campaigns have agreed to some new ground rules for tonight’s debate that are meant to impose more order on the event.
The New York Times reports each candidate’s mic will be muted for the first two minutes of each 15-minute segment, giving their opponent some breathing space to make their points. There will be six such segments, covering the topics of fighting the coronavirus, race in America, climate change, national security, leadership and American families. Moderator Kristen Welker of NBC News will not have the ability to mute the candidates.
President Trump just finished his walk-though at Belmont. You can see the motorcade leaving, and Trump is on the second long black car. @WPLN #Debates2020 pic.twitter.com/iufwoeR7vY
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (@SergioMarBel) October 22, 2020
Massive delays as President Trump arrives
Posted 2:30 p.m.
Interstates have been closed from the airport to South Nashville as President Trump arrives.
The president stepped off Air Force One around 2 p.m. with first lady Melania Trump. He was greeted by supporters on the tarmac.
The president is expected to attend a fundraiser at the J.W. Marriott before the debate, which starts at 8 p.m.
#VIDEO: President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS arrive in Nashville aboard Air Force One ahead of tonight’s presidential debate at @BelmontUniv. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/yQniP1e7Yc
— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowTV) October 22, 2020
Street closures around Belmont and downtown
Posted 12:45 p.m.
A handful of streets have already been closed in Nashville in anticipation of tonight’s debate.
On the west side of the Belmont University campus, Belmont Boulevard is closed at Delmar Avenue and Portland Avenue is closed at 18th Avenue South.
Downtown, the area bordered by Demonbreun Street and the 8th Avenue roundabout is also blocked off. That zone includes the J.W. Marriott hotel, where Trump will hold a fundraiser.
Belmont Boulevard closed off at Delmar Ave and Portland at 18th Ave (immediately next to campus). Not many demonstrators out yet. pic.twitter.com/ZbJMpBrfQh
— Chas Sisk (@chassisk) October 22, 2020
Spotted while I was on shuttle ride from the media parking to the media center: a lone Biden supporter, a lone Trump supporter, and Dr. @alexjahangir followed by TV crew. #Debates2020 @WPLN pic.twitter.com/KdT8h33GMC
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (@SergioMarBel) October 22, 2020
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