Trump vs Biden

President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden will hold competing prime-time Q&A sessions later on Thursday, from separate locations.

President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden will hold competing prime-time Q&A sessions later on Thursday, from separate locations.

The events replace a cancelled second presidential debate after Mr Trump's refusal to participate virtually following his Covid-19 diagnosis.

The twin events, both televised at 20:00EST (00:00 GMT), will see the candidates field questions from voters.

Millions of early ballots have already been cast for the 3 November election.

Opinion polls suggest Mr Biden has a 10-point advantage over Mr Trump nationally, but his lead in some key states is narrower.

Campaigning has picked up the pace this week, with Mr Trump holding rallies in the battleground states of Florida, Pennsylvania and Iowa, and Mr Biden travelling to Ohio and Florida.

What can we expect?

President Trump's question and answer session - known as a town hall - in Miami, Florida, will be broadcast on NBC. A similar format for Mr Biden in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is being aired live on ABC. The timing of the events means viewers will not be able to follow them both live, unless they use two separate screens.

NBC has come under criticism for the scheduling of President Trump's town hall event, which was only announced on Wednesday - days after Joe Biden's Q&A was arranged.

Responding to the backlash, which has reportedly come from staff within the network itself, an NBC representative told the New York Post that "ratings were the last on a long list of concerns after public health and [NBC's] public responsibility to inform viewers".

The news network says the event will take place outdoors, with President Trump and moderator Savaannah Guthrie kept at least 12 feet apart, and audience members socially distanced and required to wear masks.

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