Biden, Sanders to Debate Without Live Audience as Coronavirus Fears Grow

Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Vice President Joe Biden speak during a break at the Democratic presidential primary debate at the Charleston Gaillard Center in Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 25, 2020. Win McNamee/Getty Images

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced on March 10 it is ditching plans to have a live audience for the Arizona debate scheduled Sunday between former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), because of the coronavirus outbreak.

“At the request of both campaigns and out of an abundance of caution, there will be no live audience at the Arizona debate taking place on Sunday, March 15,” DNC Communications Director Xochitl Hinojosa said in a statement.