After a raucous first debate led organizers to introduce a mute button, Thursday’s second and final meeting between President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden was a downright civil affair.
Whether because of that button or the terrible reviews — especially for Trump — the candidates interrupted each other far less frequently, even as they clashed on issues ranging from the coronavirus to crime to global warming.
Thursday's presidential debate was held at 8 p.m. at Belmont University. NBC News anchor Kristen Welker presided over the debate that featured fewer interruptions between the candidates.
While Trump and Biden responded to each other’s answers — shaking their heads disapprovingly or smiling, in the case of Biden — the two largely avoided speaking over one another this time.
Watch the full debate below:
This debate was originally slated to be the third debate between the two candidates. However, a town hall debate that was scheduled to take place on Oct. 15 was canceled after Trump declined to participate. Trump objected to the Commission on Presidential Debates announced the town hall would take place virtually due to the President's COVID-19 diagnosis.
Read more: 5 takeaways from the final presidential debate
Following the debate, Middle Tennessee voters discussed how they thought each candidate performed during the debate in News Channel 5 town hall..
The Associated Press and Scripps National Desk contributed to this report.
