Biden, CNN’s Cooper mocked after breaking social distancing rule during town hall commercial break

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Thursday were mocked on social media after a former producer at the network flagged that the two men moved closer to each other, breaking social distancing guidelines, as the network went to a commercial break during a town hall event.

“Joe Biden and Anderson Cooper are making a point of social distancing during the CNN Town Hall while on the stage. But when they think they’ve gone to commercial break, they get so close to each other that Biden is whispering in Cooper’s ear,” wrote former CNN senior digital producer Steve Krakauer in a tweet that included video. 

Joe Biden and Anderson Cooper are making a point of social distancing during the CNN Town Hall while on the stage.

But when they think they’ve gone to commercial break, they get so close to each other that Biden is whispering in Cooper’s ear: pic.twitter.com/ClZXrxFfSo

— Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) September 18, 2020

The tweet came after Cooper informed viewers at the top of the program that he would keep his distance from Biden in following coronavirus guidelines.

“As you can see, I’m not wearing a mask tonight. I tested negative for coronavirus this morning. Still, I’ll be keeping my distance, as will all of the participants in tonight’s town hall who are here,” Cooper said at the top of the drive-in town hall from Moosic, Pa.

The Biden-Cooper close exchange quickly drew reactions, mostly from conservatives, on social media.

Social distancing only when the cameras are rolling
pic.twitter.com/AuDIWuH1YS

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 18, 2020

Where’s the outdoor government court to issue them a fine???https://t.co/bWl2VmbogC

— Elizabeth Harrington (@LizRNC) September 18, 2020

Just like Nancy Pelosi breaking the rules at the hair salon, radical Democrats are all about rules for thee – not for me. https://t.co/B7kEQsllrb

— Marc Lotter – Text TRUMP to 88022 (@marc_lotter) September 18, 2020

LOL! @CNN, @AC360, and @JoeBiden are pretend practicing social distancing at tonight’s #CNNTownHall, but watch what happens when they think the cameras are off and you can’t see them anymore!

Frauds! pic.twitter.com/eGeiJHonic

— Reagan Battalion (@ReaganBattalion) September 18, 2020

The former vice president took questions from voters in a parking lot in what the network called a “drive-in town hall.”

The event came two days after President Trump held a town hall on ABC. Biden and Trump are set to square off for the first presidential debate on Sept. 29 in Cleveland.

Ratings for the CNN Biden Town Hall will be available Friday afternoon.