president's going to do. he changes his mind every second. >> reporter: it started with a surprise announcement that next thursday's presidential debate would be virtual. the commission saying the decision was made "to protect the health and safety of all involved." the biden campaign was open to it, but trump almost immediately shot it down. trump, still battling the virus, says a virtual forum is unnecessary. >> a virtual debate is a -- is a joke. there is no reason. i am in great shape. >> reporter: with no clear solution, last night's vice presidential debate could be the last faceoff of this campaign. >> the american people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country. they were informed that it's lethal in consequence, that it is airborne, that it will affect young people and that it would be contracted because it is airborne. and they knew what was happening and they didn't tell you. >> reporter: mike pence, the head of the coronavirus task force, on defense. >> but i want the american people to know that from the very first day, president donald trump has put the health of america first. >> reporter: on health care,