Notre Dame withdraws as host for first 2020 presidential debate

The University of Notre Dame has withdrawn as the host of the first 2020 presidential debate, which was scheduled for September 29.

The announcement was made by university President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. on Monday.

The decision was made as a result of consolation with the county's deputy Health officer Dr. Mark Fox.

Jenkins said he made the decision, "Because the necessary health precautions would have greatly diminished the educational value of hosting the debate on our campus."

Father Jenkins added: “I am grateful to the many members of the University community who have devoted countless hours planning this event, and to the Commission on Presidential Debates leadership for their professionalism and understanding. But in the end, the constraints the coronavirus pandemic put on the event — as understandable and necessary as they are — have led us to withdraw.”

The debate will now be co-hosted by Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic at the Health Education Campus in Cleveland.