The plan was to hold a virtual debate because of Mr Trump's recent treatment for Cove it, but the president said that that would be a waste of his time.

Last night saw the only face to face debate between the vice presidential candidates, Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, as our North America editor, John Super Reports.

Never before has a VP debate.

Bean so important on there's a reason for that.

With both presidential candidates well into their seventies, the old phrase about the number two being only a heartbeat away from the Oval Office has never seemed more relevant in the debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, Co vid was sent to stage.

Although divided by plexiglass, the American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country.

But I want the American people to know that from the very first day President Donald Trump has put the health of America first, whatever the vice president is claiming, the administration has done clearly it hasn't worked But when you say with the American people have done over these last eight months hasn't worked.

That's a great disservice.

The sacrifices the American people have made this debate had none of the histrionics and shouting of last week in what felt like a nil all draw.

To be honest, the most exciting bit came when a very black fly landed in Mike Pence's very white hair and stayed there.

President Trump and I stand with you.

It ended with this trail ahead.

The second presidential debate is next week on October 15th, a town hall style debate in Miami.

But this morning, the independent commission that runs the presidential debates ruled that next week's encounter should be virtual the president's reaction.

A furious I'm out.

No, I'm not going to waste my time in a virtual debate.

That's not what debating is all about.

You sit behind a computer and do a debates ridiculous, and then they cut you off whenever they want.

Joe Biden, who's agreed to a virtual debate, was today throwing up his hands.

We don't know what the president's gonna dio change his mind every second for me to comment on that now would be irresponsible.

I think that I'm gonna follow the commission recommendation.

If he goes off and he's gonna have a rally, I'll I don't know what Theo strategy of the president pre illness had Bean to change the subject away from the pandemic.

Now he seems to be embracing it as a gift.

I think this was a blessing from God that I caught it.

This was a blessing in disguise.

But for a while that he still confined to quarters while Joe Biden is out campaigning, something that will add to the president's growing frustration.

Incredible the way it's understandable that the president would much prefer to have an in person debate.

But arguably, he's cutting off his nose to spite his face.

All the polls suggest that Donald Trump is way behind Joe Biden and needs the debates as a way of resetting the race.

Now a final debate is scheduled for the 22nd of October in Nashville.

Frankly, I think there must be a question mark over whether that will happen as well.

One other thing that significant that has happened today.

The Senate majority leader, a Republicans normally slavishly loyal to Donald Trump, has come out with absolute withering criticism off the White House is handling on, has said that the president more or less has got what he deserves by the laxness over mask wearing and keeping social distancing.

Maybe we're seeing the first cracks in Republican unity.

Hugh John.

Many thanks again, John Sopa with the latest thoughts there for us in Washington.