thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Trump vs. Biden On Health Care: A Stark Choice For Voters

The Return Of The Public Option As for what a second Trump term might bring , more of the same @ @ @ @ @ , Trump gave a speech on health care and signed executive orders for his “ @ @ @ @ @ ” which isn ’ t so much a plan as a collection of slogans and @ @ @ @ @ example is Trump ’ s claim that the order makes protecting people with preexisting conditions @ @ @ @ @ United States , ” despite his ongoing attempts to eliminate it and his record of @ @ @ @

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The future of the U.S. health care system will depend a great deal on whether President Donald Trump wins reelection or former Vice President Joe Biden defeats him, and the contrasts between Trump’s record and Biden’s aspirations make the stakes plain.
Although Biden, a Democrat, isn’t campaigning in favor of anything as dramatic as “Medicare for All,” it’s hard to overstate the differences between his vision for American health care and Trump’s.
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Like his fellow Republicans, Trump wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and for the government to do less about the cost and the availability of decent coverage. Biden wants to preserve and build upon the 2010 law also known as “Obamacare” and enlarge the government’s role in making health care more accessible and affordable.
Either man’s agenda would depend on outside political forces.
Trump is counting on the Supreme Court to eliminate the law, and has faced legal challenges to many of his health policies. Many of Biden’s key proposals, such as the creation of a government-run public option as an alternative to private health insurance, would run into staunch opposition from industry groups. And both face the prospects of a split Congress, with Democrats controlling the House and Republicans controlling the Senate, or a majority in the Senate not large enough to overcome the filibuster.
Biden’s Plan: Making The Affordable Care Act More Affordable
In 2010, when President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, Biden famously called it a “big fucking deal.” Although Biden’s campaign proposal doesn’t live up to that standard, it’s closer than most people probably realize.
Biden’s plan consists of several interlocking provisions designed to fortify and expand the Affordable Care Act, mainly by spending more government money to help people get insurance and creating a new, government-run insurance plan open to anybody. Biden would also let the federal government negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical industry over the price of drugs, and he’d lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60.
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The complexity makes it tough to explain and it doesn’t envision the sort of wholesale transformation that would come with Medicare for All, the proposal to replace existing insurance arrangements with a single government-run plan. Under Biden’s plan, some Americans still wouldn’t have insurance and some of those with coverage would still struggle with high out-of-pocket costs.
But, as a whole, Biden’s proposal would represent one of the largest expansions of health coverage in American history.
One reason is a provision that has gotten very little attention because it’s somewhat technical: A set of policy changes designed to improve the affordability of insurance available through HealthCare.gov and state-run “exchanges” like the Maryland Health Connection and Your Health Idaho.
Right now, people who buy coverage through the exchanges can choose from a range of policies, from cheap “Bronze” policies that cover relatively little to expensive “Platinum” policies that cover nearly everything. The Affordable Care Act also discounts premiums, through a system of tax credits, with a goal of making sure anybody can get a “Silver” plan for no more than about 10% of their income.
But the tax credits cut off once household income hits four times the poverty line ― which, for a family of four, works out to about $105,000 a year. And Silver plans aren’t that generous: They cover roughly 70% of the typical person’s medical costs, which means they can have deductibles of several thousand dollars.
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Insurance under these circumstances can be very expensive or flat-out unaffordable for some people at higher-middle incomes, especially those in their 50s or early 60s who are charged higher rates.
The Biden plan would redefine “affordable” as 8.5% of income, rather than nearly 10%; extend that guarantee to everybody, not just people with incomes below four times the poverty line; and peg the subsidies to gold plans, which offer coverage pretty similar to what typical employer plans do.
That is a lot of moving parts, but it could add up to some very big savings, as a report from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation recently showed. Today, for example, a 60-year-old living alone and making $50,000 would not qualify for subsidies; nationally, the average monthly premium for a Gold plan with a $1,500 annual deductible is $1,029.
Under the Biden plan, monthly premiums for that same Gold plan would be just $354. That’s 66% lower ― or, to put in more concrete terms, the difference between paying more than $12,000 a year for insurance and just a little more than $4,000.
Biden would also open subsidized plans to all Americans. That’d be a big change from the Affordable Care Act, which opens subsidized plans only to people who can’t get an affordable employer plan.
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The ACA defines “affordable” as premiums below roughly 10% of income. But many retail workers, security guards and other low-wage workers can’t afford to put 10% of their income toward health insurance. Worse still, the method of calculation can make it especially difficult to get spousal or dependent coverage.
This is called the “family glitch,” and it effectively means there’s no cap on what some families could spend on health care.
With the Biden plan, 12.3 million Americans with employer coverage ― including those who fall into the family glitch ― could save money with subsidized coverage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation projection.
The Return Of The Public Option
People buying coverage in the exchanges would also have a new way to get insurance: through a new government-run insurance plan. This is basically the “public option” that liberals had desperately wanted the ACA to include, partly because they believed it would use the government’s pricing power to pay less to the providers of medical care than private insurance does.
It’s not clear whether the public option Biden envisions would actually offer that better deal, because he hasn’t provided enough details on how it would work. But, at the very least, it could be the foundation for a bigger plan in the future, one that really did use government pricing power to get better deals from doctors and hospitals. It could then pass along lower premiums to enrollees.
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The public option would serve another vital function: as a fallback for Medicaid. The ACA expanded the federal-state program for low-income Americans, opening it to anyone whose income is below or just above the poverty line. Millions have gotten care that way and, as a large body of research has shown, the result has been better access to care, reduced financial hardship and better health outcomes.
But Republican officials in a dozen states still haven’t expanded Medicaid eligibility, even though the federal government picks up nearly all of the cost. An estimated 4.7 million adults who would be eligible remain uninsured.
Biden’s plan would enroll these people into the new public option automatically. That’d make a huge difference, especially in big states like Florida, Georgia and Texas that have not embraced the expansion.
Tradeoffs And Costs
Health policy is all about tradeoffs, and the Biden plan has its share. With the Biden plan in place, it’s likely that the number of people with employer-based insurance would fall and the number of people with subsidized coverage (including the public option) would rise.
But it’s important to be clear about who these people are ― and why they’d be moving. For the most part, experts say, it’d be low-wage workers who will be moving voluntarily, because subsidized insurance would be much cheaper.
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And while it’s possible employers could drop coverage on their own, few experts expect that to happen anytime soon. Among other things, businesses still see health benefits as a useful way to lure and retain workers, especially the higher-paid workers who wouldn’t get much of a subsidy and thus wouldn’t save money by switching into the exchanges.
The other, clearer tradeoff is the price tag to the federal government. The 10-year cost of Biden’s plan would be $850 billion, according to an estimate from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. That is a lot of money and it will have to come from somewhere.
But any money the government would be spending on health care would largely displace money that individual Americans are already spending. Overall, national health care spending would probably come down slightly, according to the Committee’s estimate, thanks in part to lower spending on drugs once the federal government starts negotiating directly with drugmakers over what they charge.
And the new government spending would buy something important: An expansion of insurance to around 95% of the population, with more generous insurance overall for those who have coverage.
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Trump’s Record : Repeal And Don’t Replace
Trump campaigned on grandiose promises of “terrific” health care. “People are going to be able to go out and negotiate great plans with lots of different competition with lots of competitors with great companies and they can have their doctors, they can have plans, they can have everything,” he said on “60 Minutes” in September 2015.
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Trump hasn’t changed his tune much since then. “Republicans will be providing far better Healthcare than the Democrats, at a far lower cost...And will always protect people with Pre-existing conditions!!!!” he posted on Twitter Oct. 13.
In truth, Trump has never thought past repealing the ACA and still has no coherent health care agenda. He and congressional Republicans failed to repeal it in 2017 and haven’t tried again. But Trump’s Justice Department backs a lawsuit brought from a group of state Republican officials to achieve the same outcome, a case the Supreme Court is due to hear one week after Election Day. If the plaintiffs win, the entire law could disappear, along with health coverage for an estimated 21 million people. Companies could also deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions once again.
Although Trump hasn’t been able to kill Obamacare yet, his administration has taken a number of steps to undermine its programs, as well as Medicaid. He declared early in his presidency that he would make the ACA “fail.” On his watch, the uninsured rate has risen and the number of uninsured children is at a decade high.
Trump has proposed or imposed policies that have weakened the ACA’s health insurance marketplace, limited access to Medicaid for low-income people and sought ways around the ACA’s guarantee that people with preexisting conditions be allowed to buy health insurance at the same rates as everyone else. Many of these policies are tied up in legal battles, and courts have blocked others.
Two years ago, Trump halted payments to insurers that cover the poorest policyholders, making the process of buying coverage more confusing and causing insurers to increase premiums (although, for convoluted reasons, some subsidized policyholders wound up with cheaper coverage anyway). The same year, Trump slashed the budget for public outreach about the insurance sign-up period and enrollment counselors.
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During his presidency, Trump has broadened access to insurance policies that don’t meet the ACA’s standards for essential benefits and can reject people with preexisting conditions or at least charge them more, such as short-term plans and association health plans, and he has encouraged states to adopt similar policies.
On Friday, for example, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced the Trump administration will approve his plan to block Georgians from using HealthCare.gov and send them to insurance brokers instead, where they will see not only ACA-compliant plans but also junk insurance. The plan also would impose work requirements on Medicaid enrollees.
As many as 100,000 people could become uninsured as a result of Kemp’s plan ― although, here too, the judicial branch may have something to say about it, particularly the work requirements federal courts have rejected in other states.
Targeting Medicaid
In January, Trump revived an idea that has been popular with Republicans for years: converting Medicaid from an entitlement program with open-ended funding into a “block grant” that caps annual spending. The administration touted the “flexibility” this allows states to redesign their programs.
The actual effect of these budget caps, however, would be to limit benefits and reduce access to Medicaid because states wouldn’t have enough federal funding to continue their current programs.
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Trump’s other big Medicaid initiative was to allow states to impose burdensome work requirements on some Medicaid enrollees, despite the fact that the vast majority of those who are physically able to work already are employed. Sixteen states have asked for permission to set up work requirements since 2018. Courts have thus far blocked work requirements in several states and others have postponed implementation, so no one currently is subject to these requirements.
But during the seven months Arkansas carried out the policy, nearly one-quarter of those who had to abide by the rule lost their benefits. Studies show the policy didn’t increase employment, but it did lead to higher medical debt.
Smoke And Mirrors On Preexisting Conditions
Trump can, however, claim some actual successes. The 2017 tax bill eliminated the fines associated with the much-hated individual mandate that required most U.S. residents to obtain health coverage or pay a tax penalty. And a previous bill repealed the unpopular, but never actually implemented, “Cadillac tax” on the value of the most expensive health insurance policies, as well as taxes on health care companies.
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The Trump administration also carried out some consumer-friendly reforms, such as permitting pharmacists to tell patients when there’s a cheaper drug available and requiring hospitals to publish the prices they charge for procedures. The administration also established a widely praised new system to care for Medicare enrollees with end-stage renal disease.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Easy Salmon Recipes To Boost Your Health

The Harvard School of Public Health suggests eating up to two portions of fish per week to reduce your risk @ @ @ @ @ third .
But if you ’ re stuck on the same old salmon recipe , @ @ @ @ @ easy to tire of .
That ’ s why we ’ ve rounded up our @ @ @ @ @ There are so many ― we couldn ’ t narrow it down below 34 ― @ @ @ @ @ flavors , there ’ s no way you ’ ll get sick of the fatty @ @ @ @ @ next year .
There are teriyaki and pomegranate glazes and creamy sauces flavored with spinach-artichoke @ @ @ @ @ your pick and get cooking .

Salmon is jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been said to prevent certain cancers, alleviate depression, boost brain health and give you skin that glows like J. Lo’s (omega-3s calm inflammation, which can lead to a breakdown of collagen and elastin, both of which keep skin looking youthful).
The Harvard School of Public Health suggests eating up to two portions of fish per week to reduce your risk of heart disease by a third. But if you’re stuck on the same old salmon recipe, its strong flavor can be easy to tire of.
That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite salmon recipes below. There are so many ― we couldn’t narrow it down below 34 ― that are so wide-ranging in flavors, there’s no way you’ll get sick of the fatty fish any time in the next year. There are teriyaki and pomegranate glazes and creamy sauces flavored with spinach-artichoke and dill butter. Take your pick and get cooking.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Dancing In The Dark: Doctor Cheers Up COVID-19 Patients By Busting Moves In Med Gear

Sometimes all you can do is dance , dance , dance .
That ’ s apparently the strategy of a physician in India who ’ s helping patients battle COVID-19 .
Dr. Arup Senapati of Silchar Medical College in Assam , India was captured on video busting some moves to entertain patients while wearing head-to-toe protective gear .
He danced to the song “ Ghungroo ” from the Bollywood movie “ War , ” starring Hrithik Roshan .
Meet my # COVID duty colleague Dr Arup Senapati an ENT surgeon at Silchar medical college Assam .
Dancing infront of COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID19 # Assam pic.twitter.com/rhviYPISwO — Dr Syed Faizan Ahmad ( @ drsfaizanahmad ) October 18 , 2020 Roshan was so impressed by the doc that he retweeted the video : Tell Dr Arup I ’ m gon na learn his steps and dance as good as him someday in Assam .
Terrific spirit .
🕺🏻 https : //t.co/AdBCarfCYO — Hrithik Roshan ( @ iHrithik ) October 19 , 2020 Sir , this is dr Arup Thanks a lot sir you are my hero , you are my inspiration since kaho na pyar hai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to teach my inspiration , thanks a lot sir for your tweet and welcome to assam — Arup Senapati ( @ arupsena1234 ) October 19 , 2020 Reaction elsewhere on Twitter was surprisingly mixed .
Although some complained it was unprofessional , many were moved by both the dance and the physician ’ s desire to cheer up his patients : In this time of great collective grief , this doctor is the proof that human spirit is invincible .
— Exploding Tree Singh , MD 🌊 ( @ LabyrinthWeaver ) October 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a lot of joy in hospital -- particularly if one is elderly , away from family , and medical caretakers are dressed like astronauts .
This is a rare surgeon who treats mind & spirit as well as the body .
— Debra England ( @ debra_england ) October 19 , 2020 Your colleague is a massively talented dancer .
If his dancing has brought joy to those suffering from COVID , than I thank him for the joy he has brought to all who he has performed for .
— Joseph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 , 2020 India has more than 7 million cases of COVID-19 .
More than 115,000 people there have died since February .

Sometimes all you can do is dance, dance, dance. That’s apparently the strategy of a physician in India who’s helping patients battle COVID-19.
Dr. Arup Senapati of Silchar Medical College in Assam, India was captured on video busting some moves to entertain patients while wearing head-to-toe protective gear. He danced to the song “Ghungroo” from the Bollywood movie “War,” starring Hrithik Roshan.
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Meet my #COVID duty colleague Dr Arup Senapati an ENT surgeon at Silchar medical college Assam .
Dancing infront of COVID patients to make them feel happy #COVID19 #Assam pic.twitter.com/rhviYPISwO — Dr Syed Faizan Ahmad (@drsfaizanahmad) October 18, 2020
Roshan was so impressed by the doc that he retweeted the video:
Tell Dr Arup I’m gonna learn his steps and dance as good as him someday in Assam . Terrific spirit . 🕺🏻 https://t.co/AdBCarfCYO — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) October 19, 2020
Sir , this is dr Arup
Thanks a lot sir you are my hero , you are my inspiration since kaho na pyar hai .. i am not that much eligible to teach my inspiration , thanks a lot sir for your tweet and welcome to assam — Arup Senapati (@arupsena1234) October 19, 2020
Reaction elsewhere on Twitter was surprisingly mixed. Although some complained it was unprofessional, many were moved by both the dance and the physician’s desire to cheer up his patients:
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In this time of great collective grief, this doctor is the proof that human spirit is invincible. — Exploding Tree Singh, MD 🌊 (@LabyrinthWeaver) October 19, 2020
True charity: There is not a lot of joy in hospital -- particularly if one is elderly, away from family, and medical caretakers are dressed like astronauts. This is a rare surgeon who treats mind & spirit as well as the body. — Debra England (@debra_england) October 19, 2020
Your colleague is a massively talented dancer. If his dancing has brought joy to those suffering from COVID, than I thank him for the joy he has brought to all who he has performed for. — Joseph Morin 🇨🇦 (@joemorin73) October 20, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-19--Jeff Bridges Reveals He’s Been Diagnosed With Lymphoma

In a way only he could do it , Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges in his Dude persona announced Monday that he is ill with lymphoma .
“ As the Dude would say ... New S**T has come to light , ” the 70-year-old actor tweeted , referring to his starring role as a sweet stoner in the Coen brothers ’ California cult classic “ The Big Lebowski.
” “ I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma , ” he revealed .
“ Although it is a serious disease , I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cancer of the lymphatic system , which includes bone marrow and lymph nodes , and is part of the body ’ s germ-fighting network .
Treatment usually involves chemotherapy and radiation .
Bridges thanked people for their “ prayers and wishes ” and said he was “ grateful for his friends and family.
” He added : “ While I have you , please remember to go vote .
Because we are all in this together .
Vote.org.
” As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a serious disease , I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good .
I ’ m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery .
— Jeff Bridges ( @ TheJeffBridges ) October 20 , 2020 I ’ m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends .
Thank you for your prayers and well wishes .
And , while I have you , please remember to go vote .
Because we are all in this together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Jeff Bridges ( @ TheJeffBridges ) October 20 , 2020 Bridges , second son of the late actor Lloyd Bridges , made his film debut in the early 1970s .
He has been nominated for Oscars seven times in a busy career that has included “ The Last Picture Show , ” “ Thunderbolt and Lightfoot , ” “ Starman , ” “ The Fabulous Baker Boys , ” “ The Fisher King , ” “ True Grit , ” “ The Giver , ” and “ Hell or High Water.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his performance as a country singer battling alcoholism in “ Crazy Heart.
” Bridges was bombarded on Twitter with quotes from “ The Big Lebowski , ” tips and inspirational messages from lymphoma survivors .
Longtime New York Times film critic Janet Maslin told Bridges he “ made the world a better place ... thanks for being the beautiful guy you are and lighting up our screens since you were a baby.
” Love and strength to you , Jeff .
You make the world a better place .
It owes you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are and lighting up our screens since you were a baby .
( First official credit : “ Infant at Train Station ” in “ The Company She Keeps , ” 1951 ) .
— Janet Maslin ( @ JanetMaslin ) October 20 , 2020 Oh no !
The Earth needs you -- Living in the Future 's Past was one of the best docs I 've ever seen -- - and we are not giving you permission to leave .
Please stay strong and pull through .
Love you !
— Carolyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 Dude , you had our back for so many years .
Now we have your back .
— Billy Jensen ( @ Billyjensen ) October 20 , 2020 The dude will be fine .
I 'm 20+ years into recovery from 4b hodgkin 's .
The dude is a lot tougher than me .
My life would not have been the same without you , please stick around ❤ — Alex Smith ( @ aosmith ) October 20 , 2020

In a way only he could do it, Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges in his Dude persona announced Monday that he is ill with lymphoma.
“As the Dude would say ... New S**T has come to light,” the 70-year-old actor tweeted, referring to his starring role as a sweet stoner in the Coen brothers’ California cult classic “The Big Lebowski.”
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“I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma,” he revealed. “Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good.”
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes bone marrow and lymph nodes, and is part of the body’s germ-fighting network. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy and radiation.
Bridges thanked people for their “prayers and wishes” and said he was “grateful for his friends and family.”
He added: “While I have you, please remember to go vote. Because we are all in this together. Vote.org.”
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He signed the tweet: “Love Jeff.”
As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light.
I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good.
I’m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery. — Jeff Bridges (@TheJeffBridges) October 20, 2020
I’m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends.
Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. And, while I have you, please remember to go vote. Because we are all in this together. https://t.co/6sAU4MYixl
Love, Jeff — Jeff Bridges (@TheJeffBridges) October 20, 2020
He nabbed an Oscar in 2010 for his performance as a country singer battling alcoholism in “Crazy Heart.”
Bridges was bombarded on Twitter with quotes from “The Big Lebowski,” tips and inspirational messages from lymphoma survivors. Longtime New York Times film critic Janet Maslin told Bridges he “made the world a better place ... thanks for being the beautiful guy you are and lighting up our screens since you were a baby.”
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Love and strength to you, Jeff. You make the world a better place. It owes you. Thanks for being the beautiful guy you are and lighting up our screens since you were a baby.
(First official credit: “Infant at Train Station” in “The Company She Keeps,” 1951). — Janet Maslin (@JanetMaslin) October 20, 2020
This aggression will not stand, man.
You’ve got this, Mr. Bridges. Be well. — Sleeping Giants (@slpng_giants) October 20, 2020
Oh no! The Earth needs you -- Living in the Future's Past was one of the best docs I've ever seen --- and we are not giving you permission to leave.
Please stay strong and pull through.
Love you! — Carolyn Porco (@carolynporco) October 20, 2020
Dude, you had our back for so many years. Now we have your back. — Billy Jensen (@Billyjensen) October 20, 2020
The dude will be fine. I'm 20+ years into recovery from 4b hodgkin's. The dude is a lot tougher than me. My life would not have been the same without you, please stick around ❤ — Alex Smith (@aosmith) October 20, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-19--'Angry' Trump Attacks Polls, Press And Dr. Fauci

On the third day of a western campaign swing , Trump was facing intense pressure to turn around his campaign , hoping for the type of last-minute surge that gave him a come-from-behind victory four years ago .
But his inconsistent message , another rise in virus cases and his attacks on experts like Fauci could undermine his final efforts to appeal to voters outside his most loyal base .
“ We ’ re going to win , ” he told campaign staff on a morning conference call from Las Vegas .
He went on to acknowledge that he “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe two or three weeks ago , ” referring to the days when he was hospitalized with COVID-19 .
But he said he felt better now than at any point in 2016 .
“ We ’ re in the best shape we ’ ve ever been , ” he said .
Seeking to shore up the morale of his staff amid growing private concerns that he is running out of time to make up lost ground , Trump blasted his government ’ s own scientific experts as too negative , even as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 220,000 Americans remains a central issue to voters .
At his rally , Trump also ramped up his attacks on the news media , singling out NBC ’ s Kristen Welker , the moderator of the next presidential debate , as well as CNN for aggressively covering a pandemic that is now infecting tens of thousands of Americans every day .
The rule changes come three weeks after a chaotic opening faceoff between the two presidential contenders that featured frequent interruptions — most often by Trump .
The open discussion portion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ button , but interruptions by either candidate will count toward their time .
The commission has faced pressure from the Trump campaign to avoid changing the rules , while Biden ’ s team was hoping for a more ordered debate .
In a statement , the commission said it “ had determined that it is appropriate to adopt measures intended to promote adherence to agreed upon rules and inappropriate to make changes to those rules.
” That ’ s become apparent in advertising , where Biden and his Democratic allies are on pace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Republicans in the closing days of the race , according to data from the ad tracking firm Kantar/CMAG .
Concerns about a possible loss to Biden that have been spilling into the open in recent days have been percolating behind the scenes at the Trump campaign .
Trump himself has alternated between disbelief and anger at the idea that he could lose to a candidate whom he views as washed up and incompetent , according to three campaign and White House officials not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations .

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TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — An angry President Donald Trump came out swinging Monday against Dr. Anthony Fauci, the press and polls that show him trailing Democrat Joe Biden in key battleground states in a disjointed closing message two weeks out from Election Day.
On the third day of a western campaign swing, Trump was facing intense pressure to turn around his campaign, hoping for the type of last-minute surge that gave him a come-from-behind victory four years ago. But his inconsistent message, another rise in virus cases and his attacks on experts like Fauci could undermine his final efforts to appeal to voters outside his most loyal base.
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“I’m not running scared,” Trump told reporters before taking off for Tucson, Arizona, for his fifth rally in three days. “I think I’m running angry. I’m running happy and I’m running very content ’cause I’ve done a great job.”
His aggressive travel comes as Trump plays defense in states he won four years ago, though the president insisted he was confident as he executed a packed schedule despite the pandemic.
“We’re going to win,” he told campaign staff on a morning conference call from Las Vegas. He went on to acknowledge that he “wouldn’t have told you that maybe two or three weeks ago,” referring to the days when he was hospitalized with COVID-19. But he said he felt better now than at any point in 2016. “We’re in the best shape we’ve ever been,” he said.
Seeking to shore up the morale of his staff amid growing private concerns that he is running out of time to make up lost ground, Trump blasted his government’s own scientific experts as too negative, even as his handling of the pandemic that has killed nearly 220,000 Americans remains a central issue to voters.
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“People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots,” Trump said of the government’s top infectious disease expert. “Every time he goes on television, there’s always a bomb. But there’s a bigger bomb if you fire him. But Fauci’s a disaster.”
At a rally in Prescott, Arizona, Trump assailed Biden for pledging to heed the advice of scientific experts, saying dismissively that his rival “wants to listen to Dr. Fauci.”
The doctor is both respected and popular, and Trump’s rejection of scientific advice on the pandemic has already drawn bipartisan condemnation.
Trump held a rally in Tucson, Arizona -- his fifth in three days -- as he aggressively campaigns in states he won in 2016. ASSOCIATED PRESS
At his rally, Trump also ramped up his attacks on the news media, singling out NBC’s Kristen Welker, the moderator of the next presidential debate, as well as CNN for aggressively covering a pandemic that is now infecting tens of thousands of Americans every day.
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Fauci, in an interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes” that aired Sunday, said he was not surprised that Trump contracted the virus after he held a series of large events with few face coverings.
“I was worried that he was going to get sick when I saw him in a completely precarious situation of crowded, no separation between people, and almost nobody wearing a mask,” Fauci said of the president.
Biden was off the campaign trail Monday, but his campaign praised Fauci and criticized Trump for “reckless and negligent leadership” that “threatens to put more lives at risk.”
“Trump’s closing message in the final days of the 2020 race is to publicly mock Joe Biden for trusting science and to call Dr. Fauci, the leading public health official on COVID-19, a ‘disaster’ and other public health officials ‘idiots,’” the campaign said.
Monday’s professed confidence in victory stood in contrast to some of Trump’s other public comments in recent days reflecting on the prospect that he could lose.
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“Could you imagine if I lose my whole life? What am I going to do?” he asked a rally crowd last week in Macon, Georgia. “I’m not going to feel so good. Maybe I’ll have to leave the country. I don’t know.”
Biden, meanwhile, was in Delaware for several days of preparation ahead of Thursday’s final presidential debate. His running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris, returned to the campaign trail after several days in Washington after a close adviser tested positive for the coronavirus.
Late Monday, the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates announced that Trump and Biden will each have his microphone cut off in Thursday’s debate while his rival delivers his opening two-minute answer to each of the six debate topics.
The rule changes come three weeks after a chaotic opening faceoff between the two presidential contenders that featured frequent interruptions — most often by Trump. The open discussion portion of the debate will not feature a mute button, but interruptions by either candidate will count toward their time.
The commission has faced pressure from the Trump campaign to avoid changing the rules, while Biden’s team was hoping for a more ordered debate. In a statement, the commission said it “had determined that it is appropriate to adopt measures intended to promote adherence to agreed upon rules and inappropriate to make changes to those rules.”
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Trump’s campaign said he would participate in the debate despite his concerns about the new rule.
In addition to public polling that indicates Biden has an edge, the former vice president enjoys another considerable advantage: money.
Over the past four months, Biden has raised over $1 billion, a massive amount of money that has significantly eclipsed Trump’s once-overwhelming cash advantage.
That’s become apparent in advertising, where Biden and his Democratic allies are on pace to spend twice as much as Trump and the Republicans in the closing days of the race, according to data from the ad tracking firm Kantar/CMAG.
“We have more than sufficient air cover, almost three times as much as 2016,” said Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, who insisted Trump has the advantage with the campaign’s field staff and data targeting.
Though Trump has pulled back from advertising in Midwestern states that secured his 2016 win, he’s invested heavily elsewhere, including North Carolina, where he is on pace to slightly outspend Biden.
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Concerns about a possible loss to Biden that have been spilling into the open in recent days have been percolating behind the scenes at the Trump campaign. Trump himself has alternated between disbelief and anger at the idea that he could lose to a candidate whom he views as washed up and incompetent, according to three campaign and White House officials not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations.
Trump has directed anger at press coverage but also has vented about his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, whom he blames for mishandling his hospitalization for the virus and COVID relief talks.
He has asked some of his closest advisers if a campaign shakeup was needed, according to the officials. The president was encouraged to hold off on any moves so close to Election Day.
Meanwhile, aides have started privately wondering whether or not Trump’s campaign rallies, which have helped define American politics for the last five years, were in their final days.
In recent weeks, meanwhile, some White House staff offices have also tried to rotate in aides who have never flown on Air Force One or have done so infrequently so they can do so before Election Day.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--GOP Strategist Tells The Only Way To Save The Republican Party From Donald Trump

Stuart Stevens , a top GOP strategist in the 2012 election , on Monday rued the “ complete collapse ” of the Republican Party during the presidency of Donald Trump .
And Stevens suggested to CNN ’ s Jake Tapper the only way forward for the party was to “ burn it down and start over.
” “ I don ’ t think we ’ ve ever seen in American politics a complete collapse of a party as the way the Republican Party has collapsed , ” Stevens told Tapper on “ The Lead.
” “ If somebody held a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Tell me what it is to be a conservative and a Republican and an American today , ’ I ’ d just say , ‘ Shoot me , I have no idea , ’ ” he continued .
“ There ’ s no coherent theory of government .
There ’ s no moral center to it.
” Stevens ― who before the 2016 election warned Trump was “ dangerous ” and “ someone who would embarrass America ” ― lamented the Republican politicians who criticized Trump before his election victory , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He likened the descent of the GOP to “ the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union , where what the party said it was for and what it was for was just so disparate it collapsed .
”

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Stuart Stevens, a top GOP strategist in the 2012 election, on Monday rued the “complete collapse” of the Republican Party during the presidency of Donald Trump.
And Stevens suggested to CNN’s Jake Tapper the only way forward for the party was to “burn it down and start over.”
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“I don’t think we’ve ever seen in American politics a complete collapse of a party as the way the Republican Party has collapsed,” Stevens told Tapper on “The Lead.”
“If somebody held a gun to my head and said, ‘Tell me what it is to be a conservative and a Republican and an American today,’ I’d just say, ‘Shoot me, I have no idea,’” he continued. “There’s no coherent theory of government. There’s no moral center to it.”
Stevens ― who before the 2016 election warned Trump was “dangerous” and “someone who would embarrass America” ― lamented the Republican politicians who criticized Trump before his election victory, but failed to stand up to him.
He likened the descent of the GOP to “the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union, where what the party said it was for and what it was for was just so disparate it collapsed.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--CNN Fact-Checker Makes Blistering Conclusion About Donald Trump’s Dishonesty

CNN ’ s fact-checking reporter Daniel Dale showed how President Donald Trump ’ s “ dishonesty is getting worse ” @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 election .
Dale noted in an article for the CNN website Monday that @ @ @ @ @ 66 separate false and misleading claims ” over the weekend at public events and rallies @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin , Michigan and Nevada .
The president also repeated some of those 66 lies @ @ @ @ @ Dale .
“ For fact-checkers , the period from Friday through Sunday was one of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s entire presidency , ” he lamented .
Trump ’ s dozens of untruths @ @ @ @ @ Democratic rival Joe Biden , the economy and his own record , said Dale .
@ @ @ @ @ s penchant for lying is well known ( The Washington Post in July reported that @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 falsehoods during his time in office ) , Dale said Trump ’ s truth-defying @ @ @ @ @ stretch for the President , no matter how much he was talking .
”

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CNN’s fact-checking reporter Daniel Dale showed how President Donald Trump’s “dishonesty is getting worse” in the final stretch of the 2020 election.
Dale noted in an article for the CNN website Monday that Trump made “at least 66 separate false and misleading claims” over the weekend at public events and rallies in Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada.
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The president also repeated some of those 66 lies on multiple occasions, said Dale.
“For fact-checkers, the period from Friday through Sunday was one of the most challenging of Trump’s entire presidency,” he lamented.
Trump’s dozens of untruths featured the coronavirus pandemic, Democratic rival Joe Biden, the economy and his own record, said Dale.
And while the president’s penchant for lying is well known (The Washington Post in July reported that Trump had told a whopping 20,000 falsehoods during his time in office), Dale said Trump’s truth-defying weekend was “an egregious stretch for the President, no matter how much he was talking.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--End The Chaos: New Attack Ad Turns Stirring Anthem Into Anti-Trump Chant

The progressive super PAC MeidasTouch posted what it called the beginning of its closing argument against President Donald Trump with @ @ @ @ @ to end the chaos by choosing former Vice President Joe Biden .
“ Trump has @ @ @ @ @ of 1984 and Idiocracy , ” the PAC said in a news release .
“ @ @ @ @ @ he has ever touched , Trump has bankrupted America and we are all left to @ @ @ @ @ with a stirring and mournful take on the national anthem that slowly gives way to @ @ @ @ @ rising chants of “ vote him out ” : “ We ’ ve built our @ @ @ @ @ America to dispose of and vote out ... the most disastrous person in America history @ @ @ @ @ in its news release .
“ It ’ s time to End the Chaos by @ @ @ @ @

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The progressive super PAC MeidasTouch posted what it called the beginning of its closing argument against President Donald Trump with a new ad urging voters to end the chaos by choosing former Vice President Joe Biden.
“Trump has turned America into a combination of 1984 and Idiocracy,” the PAC said in a news release. “As he has bankrupted everything he has ever touched, Trump has bankrupted America and we are all left to suffer.”
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The video begins with a stirring and mournful take on the national anthem that slowly gives way to a rhythmic beat leading to rising chants of “vote him out”:
“We’ve built our case video-by-video and call upon America to dispose of and vote out ... the most disastrous person in America history,” the PAC said in its news release. “It’s time to End the Chaos by voting out Trump!”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Admiral In Charge Of Bin Laden Raid Endorses Biden In Stinging Trump Rebuke

Retired four-star Adm. William McRaven , who led the U.S. Special Operations Command from 2011 to 2014 , endorsed Democratic nominee Joe Biden in an editorial published on Monday by The Wall Street Journal .
“ This week I went to the polls in Texas , ” wrote McRaven , who oversaw the raid that led to the 2011 killing of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden .
“ Truth be told , I am a pro-life , pro-Second Amendment , small-government , strong-defense and a national-anthem-standing conservative.
” But , I also believe that black lives matter , that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that diversity and inclusion are essential to our national success , that education is the great equalizer , that climate change is real and that the First Amendment is the cornerstone of our democracy .
Most important , I believe that America must lead in the world with courage , conviction and a sense of honor and humility .
Retired four-star Adm. William McRaven endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in an editorial published on Monday by The Wall Street Journal .
Although McRaven didn ’ t mention President Donald Trump by name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what this presidency has done to the nation ’ s standing in the world .
“ They have seen us tear up our treaties , leave our allies on the battlefield and cozy up to despots and dictators , “ McRaven wrote .
“ They have seen our incompetence in handling the pandemic and the wildfires .
They have seen us struggle with social injustice.
” America , he said , is no longer looked to for leadership , but that could change if Biden is elected .
McRaven has been a persistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , he called Trump ’ s attacks on the media “ the greatest threat to our democracy in my lifetime.
” And last year , McRaven said the nation was under attack “ not from without , but from within .
”

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“This week I went to the polls in Texas,” wrote McRaven, who oversaw the raid that led to the 2011 killing of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. “Truth be told, I am a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, small-government, strong-defense and a national-anthem-standing conservative.”
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He added:
But, I also believe that black lives matter, that the Dreamers deserve a path to citizenship, that diversity and inclusion are essential to our national success, that education is the great equalizer, that climate change is real and that the First Amendment is the cornerstone of our democracy. Most important, I believe that America must lead in the world with courage, conviction and a sense of honor and humility.
Retired four-star Adm. William McRaven endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in an editorial published on Monday by The Wall Street Journal. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Although McRaven didn’t mention President Donald Trump by name, he delivered a cutting summary of what this presidency has done to the nation’s standing in the world.
“They have seen us tear up our treaties, leave our allies on the battlefield and cozy up to despots and dictators,“ McRaven wrote. “They have seen our incompetence in handling the pandemic and the wildfires. They have seen us struggle with social injustice.”
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America, he said, is no longer looked to for leadership, but that could change if Biden is elected.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Ex-Bush Aide Peter Wehner Tells Evangelicals What Trump Really Thinks Of Them

Peter Wehner is warning evangelical Christians that they made a “ bad bargain ” with President Donald Trump , who does not respect them or their faith .
“ Trump clearly sees white evangelicals as a means to an end , people to be used , suckers to be played , ” Wehner wrote in The Atlantic .
Wehner , who served in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W .
Bush and as a senior aide in the White House of President George W. Bush , added : “ He had absolutely no interest in evangelicals before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have absolutely no interest in them after his exit .
In fact , it ’ s hard to imagine a person who has less affinity for authentic Christianity ― for the teachings of Jesus , from the Sermon on the Mount to the parable of the Good Samaritan ― than Donald Trump.
” Wehner backed his assertion by pointing to a series of insider reports , such as Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-Neb . )
telling supporters last week that Trump “ mocks evangelicals behind closed doors , ” and former Trump attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can you believe people believe that bullshit ?
” after evangelicals did a laying-of-hands ceremony on him .
Wehner wrote that some Christians view their relationship as transactional ; they accept Trump ’ s flaws to gain access to the White House and a slew of conservative judges .
But that transaction comes with a price .
″ [ B ] y overlooking and excusing the president ’ s staggering array of personal and public corruptions , Trump ’ s evangelical supporters have forfeited the right to ever again argue that character counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he wrote .
“ They might try , but if they do , they will be met with belly laughs .
”

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Peter Wehner is warning evangelical Christians that they made a “bad bargain” with President Donald Trump, who does not respect them or their faith.
“Trump clearly sees white evangelicals as a means to an end, people to be used, suckers to be played,” Wehner wrote in The Atlantic.
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Wehner, who served in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush and as a senior aide in the White House of President George W. Bush, added:
“He had absolutely no interest in evangelicals before his entry into politics and he will have absolutely no interest in them after his exit. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a person who has less affinity for authentic Christianity ― for the teachings of Jesus, from the Sermon on the Mount to the parable of the Good Samaritan ― than Donald Trump.”
Wehner backed his assertion by pointing to a series of insider reports, such as Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) telling supporters last week that Trump “mocks evangelicals behind closed doors,” and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen writing that Trump said “can you believe people believe that bullshit?” after evangelicals did a laying-of-hands ceremony on him.
Wehner wrote that some Christians view their relationship as transactional; they accept Trump’s flaws to gain access to the White House and a slew of conservative judges. But that transaction comes with a price.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-19--Neuroscientist Explains Why Trump Is Unlikely To Win This Time

President Donald Trump won ’ t likely win the 2020 election because the fear he triggered so effectively among voters in 2016 is losing its grip on Americans as they face the facts of his presidency , a neuroscientist believes .
Trump successfully tapped into voters ’ fear in his last campaign by relentlessly hyping the threats he claimed America faced , neuroscientist and author R. Douglas Fields explained in an opinion piece Sunday in Scientific American .
He concocted a nation dark with peril and Christmas-haters .
He demonized immigrants and rival Hillary Clinton .
Trump continues to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brain ’ s threat-detection circuitry and emotion-based decision process to attract votes and vilify opponents , ” but this is losing its impact , Fields argues .
The fear Trump provoked triggered the part of voters ’ brains driven by emotions , especially fear — and overrode critical , rational thought , according to Fields , senior investigator in the nervous system development and plasticity department at the National Institutes of Health .
“ Trump ’ s strategy does not target the neural circuitry of reason in the cerebral cortex , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , undecided voters were influenced by the brain ’ s fear-driven impulses — more simply , gut instinct — once they arrived inside the voting booth.
” Many of them struggled to articulate their position because it was driven by emotion , not thought , according to Fields .
But that initial powerful flush of overwhelming fear that compelled so many to instinctively support Trump is dissolving in increasingly skeptical minds armed with facts , wrote Fields .
Trump continues to use the “ same strategy of appealing to the brain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attract votes and vilify opponents ” — but this is losing its impact , Fields argues .
In a textbook example of his strategy , the president insisted at a Wisconsin campaign rally last month : “ [ Joe ] Biden wants to surrender our country to the violent left-wing mob … .
If Biden wins , very simple , China wins .
If Biden wins , the mob wins .
If Biden wins , the rioters , anarchists , arsonists and flag-burners , they win.
” Fields also noted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential debate to smother rational discussion and replace it with aggression .
“ Trump annihilated the format to inflame emotion , ” Fields said .
Humans rely on “ gut reaction ” when they have few facts — including facts about the political newcomer they elected into office and the conspiracy theories he touts .
But now Americans know the facts about Trump , Fields said .
“ Fear-driven appeals will likely persuade fewer voters this time , because we overcome fear in two ways : by reason and experience , ” Fields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quash fear if the dangers are not grounded in fact .
”

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President Donald Trump won’t likely win the 2020 election because the fear he triggered so effectively among voters in 2016 is losing its grip on Americans as they face the facts of his presidency, a neuroscientist believes.
Trump successfully tapped into voters’ fear in his last campaign by relentlessly hyping the threats he claimed America faced, neuroscientist and author R. Douglas Fields explained in an opinion piece Sunday in Scientific American. He concocted a nation dark with peril and Christmas-haters. He demonized immigrants and rival Hillary Clinton.
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Trump continues to use the “same strategy of appealing to the brain’s threat-detection circuitry and emotion-based decision process to attract votes and vilify opponents,” but this is losing its impact, Fields argues. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
The fear Trump provoked triggered the part of voters’ brains driven by emotions, especially fear — and overrode critical, rational thought, according to Fields, senior investigator in the nervous system development and plasticity department at the National Institutes of Health.
“Trump’s strategy does not target the neural circuitry of reason in the cerebral cortex,” Fields wrote. “In the 2016 election, undecided voters were influenced by the brain’s fear-driven impulses — more simply, gut instinct — once they arrived inside the voting booth.” Many of them struggled to articulate their position because it was driven by emotion, not thought, according to Fields.
But that initial powerful flush of overwhelming fear that compelled so many to instinctively support Trump is dissolving in increasingly skeptical minds armed with facts, wrote Fields.
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Trump continues to use the “same strategy of appealing to the brain’s threat-detection circuitry and emotion-based decision process to attract votes and vilify opponents” — but this is losing its impact, Fields argues.
In a textbook example of his strategy, the president insisted at a Wisconsin campaign rally last month: “[Joe] Biden wants to surrender our country to the violent left-wing mob …. If Biden wins, very simple, China wins. If Biden wins, the mob wins. If Biden wins, the rioters, anarchists, arsonists and flag-burners, they win.”
Fields also noted that the president relentlessly interrupted Biden in the first presidential debate to smother rational discussion and replace it with aggression. “Trump annihilated the format to inflame emotion,” Fields said.
Humans rely on “gut reaction” when they have few facts — including facts about the political newcomer they elected into office and the conspiracy theories he touts. But now Americans know the facts about Trump, Fields said.
“Fear-driven appeals will likely persuade fewer voters this time, because we overcome fear in two ways: by reason and experience,” Fields wrote. “Reason” will “quash fear if the dangers are not grounded in fact.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--DANCE OFF!: Kamala Harris And Trump Bust Out Competing Moves At Dueling Rallies

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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--More Than 50 Former Intel Officials Say Hunter Biden Smear Smells Like Russia

A coalition of former intelligence officials issued a joint letter condemning a recent smear campaign against Hunter Biden , the son of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , saying it appeared to have the hallmarks of a Russian disinformation campaign meant to influence the upcoming election .
The group includes former director of national intelligence James Clapper , former CIA directors Mike Hayden , Leon Panetta and John Brennan , and dozens of other former deputy directors and senior officials of American intelligence agencies .
“ Each of us believes deeply that American citizens should determine the outcome of elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group wrote in a letter first obtained by Politico .
“ It is for all these reasons that we write to say that the arrival on the U.S. political scene of emails purportedly belonging to [ former ] Vice President Biden ’ s son Hunter , much of it related to his time serving on the Board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma , has all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation.
” “ If we are right , ” they continued , “ this is Russia trying to influence how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we believe strongly that Americans need to be aware of this.
” The group notes they do not know if the purported emails published by the New York Post are genuine and they do not have concrete evidence if they are a Russian disinformation campaign , but their “ expertise makes us deeply suspicious.
” Politico notes several signatories have publicly endorsed Biden ’ s campaign , although they have worked under presidents from both parties , including President Donald Trump .
The so-called revelations against Hunter Biden were first published last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described them as a “ smoking-gun email ” on its front page .
The publication ’ s story claims Hunter Biden took a damaged laptop to a repair store in Delaware but never returned .
Contents of the laptop later found their way into the hands of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani , who gave it to the newspaper .
Republicans , namely Trump , have latched on to Hunter Biden ’ s work on the board of a Ukrainian energy company as a political attack , although is no evidence of wrongdoing by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s story arose almost immediately , and The New York Times wrote Sunday several of the reporters on the story had refused to put their bylines on it .
Biden ’ s campaign said at the time it couldn ’ t comment on the allegations in the piece as the Post hadn ’ t reached out about “ critical elements ” in the story , although a spokesperson told Politico : “ Joe Biden carried out official U.S. policy toward Ukraine and engaged in no wrongdoing.
” The Associated Press reported last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emails published by the Post were connected to a Russian disinformation campaign .
The bureau declined to comment to the publication , but the report prompted the former intelligence officials to say their concern was widespread throughout Washington .
“ We do not know whether these press reports are accurate , but they do suggest concern within Executive Branch departments and agencies that mirrors ours , ” they wrote .
“ It is high time that Russia stops interfering in our democracy .
”

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A coalition of former intelligence officials issued a joint letter condemning a recent smear campaign against Hunter Biden, the son of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, saying it appeared to have the hallmarks of a Russian disinformation campaign meant to influence the upcoming election.
The group includes former director of national intelligence James Clapper, former CIA directors Mike Hayden, Leon Panetta and John Brennan, and dozens of other former deputy directors and senior officials of American intelligence agencies.
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“Each of us believes deeply that American citizens should determine the outcome of elections, not foreign governments,” the group wrote in a letter first obtained by Politico. “It is for all these reasons that we write to say that the arrival on the U.S. political scene of emails purportedly belonging to [former] Vice President Biden’s son Hunter, much of it related to his time serving on the Board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma, has all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation.”
“If we are right,” they continued, “this is Russia trying to influence how Americans vote in this election, and we believe strongly that Americans need to be aware of this.”
The group notes they do not know if the purported emails published by the New York Post are genuine and they do not have concrete evidence if they are a Russian disinformation campaign, but their “expertise makes us deeply suspicious.”
Politico notes several signatories have publicly endorsed Biden’s campaign, although they have worked under presidents from both parties, including President Donald Trump.
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The so-called revelations against Hunter Biden were first published last week by the New York Post, which described them as a “smoking-gun email” on its front page. The publication’s story claims Hunter Biden took a damaged laptop to a repair store in Delaware but never returned. Contents of the laptop later found their way into the hands of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, who gave it to the newspaper.
The device, the Post added, contained an email linking the former vice president to his son’s business dealings.
Republicans, namely Trump, have latched on to Hunter Biden’s work on the board of a Ukrainian energy company as a political attack, although is no evidence of wrongdoing by either Biden.
Questions about the Post’s story arose almost immediately, and The New York Times wrote Sunday several of the reporters on the story had refused to put their bylines on it. Biden’s campaign said at the time it couldn’t comment on the allegations in the piece as the Post hadn’t reached out about “critical elements” in the story, although a spokesperson told Politico: “Joe Biden carried out official U.S. policy toward Ukraine and engaged in no wrongdoing.”
The Associated Press reported last week the FBI was investigating if the emails published by the Post were connected to a Russian disinformation campaign. The bureau declined to comment to the publication, but the report prompted the former intelligence officials to say their concern was widespread throughout Washington.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--At Least 67,000 Felons Registered To Vote In Florida, Group Says

Around 67,000 felons who had their voting rights restored in Florida have since registered to vote , a justice reform group said Monday as the state began in-person voting .
Voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the Florida constitution in 2018 that restored voting rights to an estimated 1.4 million people who had completed “ all terms ” of their sentences .
The state had previously instituted a lifetime ban on voting for those with felony convictions , and while lawmakers and court challenges have added additional hurdles ( including requirements those with criminal convictions pay court fines and fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shift as a historic means to enfranchise many in the swing state .
“ There is no doubt in my mind that there are thousands upon thousands of energized and inspired returning citizens throughout the state that will not be denied , that will be a voice , and will have an impact in determining who wins Florida , ” Desmond Meade , executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition , said Monday , according to Politico .
@ desmondmeade says that at age 53 this will be the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
Calls it an `` exciting '' and `` historical '' moment for those who have gotten their voting rights back — Gary Fineout ( @ fineout ) October 19 , 2020 The GOP-controlled legislature passed a law in 2018 shortly after voters approved Amendment 4 , which required those with criminal convictions to pay restitution , court fines or fees they owed before they could vote .
The University of Florida later found nearly 775,000 felons who could qualify to vote owed money under the terms of the new law and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t pay them off .
Voting rights groups challenged the law , equating it to a “ modern-day poll tax , ” but after some judicial tussling , the Supreme Court declined to hear the case this summer .
Florida had its first day of in-person voting on Monday , and state officials said it was the largest opening day record in history with more than 350,000 ballots cast .
Vote by mail figures have also far exceeded expectations due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
Florida said more than 2.5 million ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to 1.2 million during the same timeframe in 2016 .
The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition helped raise money to pay off fines and fees that could have prevented citizens from registering to vote before Florida ’ s Oct. 5 deadline .
Politico noted Republicans had criticized that effort and a $ 16 million pledge by billionaire Mike Bloomberg , calling for a formal investigation .

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Around 67,000 felons who had their voting rights restored in Florida have since registered to vote, a justice reform group said Monday as the state began in-person voting.
Voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the Florida constitution in 2018 that restored voting rights to an estimated 1.4 million people who had completed “all terms” of their sentences.
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The state had previously instituted a lifetime ban on voting for those with felony convictions, and while lawmakers and court challenges have added additional hurdles (including requirements those with criminal convictions pay court fines and fees), civil rights groups have hailed the shift as a historic means to enfranchise many in the swing state.
“There is no doubt in my mind that there are thousands upon thousands of energized and inspired returning citizens throughout the state that will not be denied, that will be a voice, and will have an impact in determining who wins Florida,” Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, said Monday, according to Politico.
@desmondmeade says that at age 53 this will be the first time he has ever voted in a presidential election.
Calls it an "exciting" and "historical" moment for those who have gotten their voting rights back — Gary Fineout (@fineout) October 19, 2020
The GOP-controlled legislature passed a law in 2018 shortly after voters approved Amendment 4, which required those with criminal convictions to pay restitution, court fines or fees they owed before they could vote. The University of Florida later found nearly 775,000 felons who could qualify to vote owed money under the terms of the new law and would be ineligible if they couldn’t pay them off.
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Voting rights groups challenged the law, equating it to a “modern-day poll tax,” but after some judicial tussling, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case this summer.
Florida had its first day of in-person voting on Monday, and state officials said it was the largest opening day record in history with more than 350,000 ballots cast. Vote by mail figures have also far exceeded expectations due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Florida said more than 2.5 million ballots have been mailed in thus far, compared to 1.2 million during the same timeframe in 2016.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--How Trump Plowed Through $1 Billion, Losing Cash Advantage

Now , just two weeks out from the election , some campaign aides privately acknowledge they are facing difficult spending decisions at a time when Democratic nominee Joe Biden has flooded the airwaves with advertising .
That has put Trump in the position of needing to do more of his signature rallies as a substitute during the coronavirus pandemic while relying on an unproven theory that he can turn out supporters who are infrequent voters at historic levels .
“ They spent their money on unnecessary overhead , lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous activity by the campaign staff and vanity ads way too early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran Republican consultant who advised John McCain and Jeb Bush and is an outspoken Trump critic .
“ You could literally have 10 monkeys with flamethrowers go after the money , and they wouldn ’ t have burned through it as stupidly.
” For Trump , it ’ s a familiar , if not welcome , position .
In 2016 , he was vastly outraised by Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton but still pulled off a come-from-behind win .
This time around , though , he was betting on a massive cash advantage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own record .
Biden , Stepien added , was “ putting it all on TV , ” as he eschewed most door-knocking because of the pandemic , while Trump has roughly 2,000 field staffers across the country knocking on doors and making calls for his campaign .
“ Where we have states that are sort of tipping , could go either way , ” Trump told campaign staffers Monday , “ I have an ability to go to those states and rally .
Biden has no ability .
I go to a rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes to a rally , and he has four people.
” While a half-dozen pro-Trump outside groups are coming to the president ’ s aid , Biden and his Democratic allies are on pace to dump $ 142 million into ads in the closing days of the campaign , outspending Republicans by more than 2-to-1 , according to data from the ad tracking firm CMAG/Kantar .
Since 2017 , more than $ 39 million has been paid to firms controlled by Parscale , who was ousted as campaign manager over the summer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to American Made Media Consultants , a Delaware limited liability company , whose owners are not publicly disclosed .
— At least $ 14.1 million spent on the Republican National Convention .
The event was supposed to have been held in Charlotte , North Carolina , but Trump relocated it to Jacksonville , Florida , after a dispute with North Carolina ’ s Democratic governor over coronavirus safety measures .
The Florida event was ultimately cancelled , as well , with a mostly online convention taking its place .
One of the reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because there is deep distrust among some GOP donors that the existing pro-Trump organizations would spend the money wisely , according to a Republican strategist with direct knowledge of the matter .
The strategist spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive discussions with donors .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s sprawling political operation has raised well over $1 billion since he took the White House in 2017 — and set a lot of it on fire.
Trump bought a $10 million Super Bowl ad when he didn’t yet have a challenger. He tapped his political organization to cover exorbitant legal fees related to his impeachment. Aides made flashy displays of their newfound wealth — including a fleet of luxury vehicles purchased by Brad Parscale, his former campaign manager.
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Meanwhile, a web of limited liability companies hid more than $310 million in spending from disclosure, records show.
Now, just two weeks out from the election, some campaign aides privately acknowledge they are facing difficult spending decisions at a time when Democratic nominee Joe Biden has flooded the airwaves with advertising. That has put Trump in the position of needing to do more of his signature rallies as a substitute during the coronavirus pandemic while relying on an unproven theory that he can turn out supporters who are infrequent voters at historic levels.
“They spent their money on unnecessary overhead, lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous activity by the campaign staff and vanity ads way too early,” said Mike Murphy, a veteran Republican consultant who advised John McCain and Jeb Bush and is an outspoken Trump critic. “You could literally have 10 monkeys with flamethrowers go after the money, and they wouldn’t have burned through it as stupidly.”
President Donald Trump departs following a rally at Tucson International Airport in Tucson, Arizona on Oct. 19, 2020. MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
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For Trump, it’s a familiar, if not welcome, position. In 2016, he was vastly outraised by Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton but still pulled off a come-from-behind win. This time around, though, he was betting on a massive cash advantage to negatively define Biden and to defend his own record.
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien insisted money was no issue. “We have more than sufficient air cover, almost three times as much as 2016,” he told reporters Monday.
Biden, Stepien added, was “putting it all on TV,” as he eschewed most door-knocking because of the pandemic, while Trump has roughly 2,000 field staffers across the country knocking on doors and making calls for his campaign.
“Where we have states that are sort of tipping, could go either way,” Trump told campaign staffers Monday, “I have an ability to go to those states and rally. Biden has no ability. I go to a rally, we have 25,000 people. He goes to a rally, and he has four people.”
The campaign and the Republican National Committee will offer a glimpse of their financial situation Tuesday when they file mandatory monthly campaign finance reports.
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Advertising spending figures, however, offer a bleak picture.
While a half-dozen pro-Trump outside groups are coming to the president’s aid, Biden and his Democratic allies are on pace to dump $142 million into ads in the closing days of the campaign, outspending Republicans by more than 2-to-1, according to data from the ad tracking firm CMAG/Kantar.
Signs in support of President Donald Trump and other Republican candidates on a lawn of a suburban Dublin, Ohio, home on on Sept. 18, 2020. ASSOCIATED PRESS
On Monday, the firm Medium Buying reported Trump was canceling ad buys in Wisconsin; Minnesota, which Trump had hoped to flip; and Ohio, which went for Trump in 2016 but now appears to be a tight contest.
It’s a reversal from May, when Biden’s campaign was strapped for cash and Parscale ominously compared the Trump campaign to a “Death Star” that was about to “start pressing FIRE for the first time.”
The ad campaign they unrolled over the next three months cost over $176 million but did little to dent Biden’s lead in public opinion polling.
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Trump is now in a position that’s virtually unthinkable for an incumbent president, said Travis Ridout, co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, which tracks advertising spending.
“Advertising obviously isn’t everything. But we do think ads matter for a couple percentage points in a presidential race. And it’s just not a good sign for the Trump campaign,” Ridout said.
A review of expenditures by Trump’s campaign, as well as the Republican National Committee, lays bare some of the profligate spending.
Since 2017, more than $39 million has been paid to firms controlled by Parscale, who was ousted as campaign manager over the summer. An additional $273.2 million was paid to American Made Media Consultants, a Delaware limited liability company, whose owners are not publicly disclosed.
President Trump's motorcade arrives at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Dec. 29, 2019. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Campaigns typically reveal in mandatory disclosures who their primary vendors are. But by routing money to Parscale’s firms, as well as American Made Media Consultants, Trump satisfied the basic disclosure requirements without detailing the ultimate recipients.
Other questionable expenditures by Trump and the RNC that are included in campaign finance disclosures:
— Nearly $100,000 spent on copies of Donald Trump Jr.’s book “Triggered,” which helped propel it to the top of the New York Times bestsellers list.
— Over $7.4 million spent at Trump-branded properties since 2017.
— At least $35.2 million spent on Trump merchandise.
— $38.7 million in legal and “compliance” fees. In addition to tapping the RNC and his campaign to pay legal costs during his impeachment proceedings, Trump has also relied on his political operation to cover legal costs for some aides.
— At least $14.1 million spent on the Republican National Convention. The event was supposed to have been held in Charlotte, North Carolina, but Trump relocated it to Jacksonville, Florida, after a dispute with North Carolina’s Democratic governor over coronavirus safety measures. The Florida event was ultimately cancelled, as well, with a mostly online convention taking its place.
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— $912,000 spent on ads that ran on the personal Facebook pages of Parscale and Trump spokesperson Katrina Pierson.
— A $250,000 ad run during Game 7 of the 2019 World Series, which came after Trump was booed by spectators when he attended Game 5.
— At least $218,000 for Trump surrogates to travel aboard private jets provided by campaign donors.
— $1.6 million on TV ads in the Washington, D.C., media market, an overwhelmingly Democratic area where Trump has little chance of winning but where he is a regular TV watcher.
Instead of giving more to Trump, some supporters are exploring their options.
Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, recently donated $75 million to Preserve America, a new pro-Trump super political action committee that is not controlled by Trump World political operatives.
One of the reasons the group was founded in August is because there is deep distrust among some GOP donors that the existing pro-Trump organizations would spend the money wisely, according to a Republican strategist with direct knowledge of the matter. The strategist spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive discussions with donors.
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Dan Eberhart, who has given over $190,000 to Trump’s election efforts, said many Republican donors are now focused on keeping control of the Senate in GOP hands — not Trump’s chances of winning.
“The Senate majority is the most important objective right now,” he said. “It’s the bulwark against so much bad policy that the Democrats want to do if they sweep the elections.”
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Ex-RNC Chair Uses MLK Quote To Reveal Why He’s Voting For Joe Biden

Michael Steele , the former chair of the Republican National Committee , has spelled out exactly why he ’ s turning his back on the GOP and voting for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the 2020 election .
In an op-ed for NBC News published Tuesday , Steele acknowledged that he disagrees with Biden “ on many issues and policies , sometimes vigorously.
” “ But this election is not about those issues or policies , ” he wrote .
“ Rather , it is about the course of a nation and the character of her people reflected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking my fellow Americans to consider what is in your best interests , and not Donald Trump ’ s. ” Steele , who has been a fierce critic of Trump throughout his administration , accused the president of exacerbating division , seeking the favor of dictators and embracing outdated economic principles .
“ Trump has posited a single purpose for the GOP — the celebration of him , ” he added , lamenting how the Republican Party had “ given up its voice on things that mattered and instead bent the arc of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one man , who is neither a Republican nor a conservative.
” Steele ended the editorial with the words of Martin Luther King Jr. , writing , “ A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.
” “ Character matters .
Our vote matters .
The leader we choose matters , ” Steele concluded .
“ I can not be silent , and I hope neither can you because we know a vote for Joe Biden is what is best for our country — because America @ @ @

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Michael Steele, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, has spelled out exactly why he’s turning his back on the GOP and voting for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
In an op-ed for NBC News published Tuesday, Steele acknowledged that he disagrees with Biden “on many issues and policies, sometimes vigorously.”
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“But this election is not about those issues or policies,” he wrote. “Rather, it is about the course of a nation and the character of her people reflected in the leader they choose. I am asking my fellow Americans to consider what is in your best interests, and not Donald Trump’s.”
Steele, who has been a fierce critic of Trump throughout his administration, accused the president of exacerbating division, seeking the favor of dictators and embracing outdated economic principles.
“Trump has posited a single purpose for the GOP — the celebration of him,” he added, lamenting how the Republican Party had “given up its voice on things that mattered and instead bent the arc of the party towards the baser motives of one man, who is neither a Republican nor a conservative.”
Steele ended the editorial with the words of Martin Luther King Jr., writing, “A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Asteroid On Track To Buzz Earth The Day Before The Presidential Election

Asteroid 2018VP1 , a refrigerator-sized space-rock , is hurtling towards us at more than 25,000 mi/hr .
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It may @ @ @ @ @ , the day before the Presidential Election .
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But it ’ s not big @ @ @ @ @ So if the World ends in 2020 , it won ’ t be the fault @ @ @ @

View this post on Instagram
Asteroid 2018VP1, a refrigerator-sized space-rock, is hurtling towards us at more than 25,000 mi/hr. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It may buzz-cut Earth on Nov. 2, the day before the Presidential Election. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But it’s not big enough to cause harm. So if the World ends in 2020, it won’t be the fault of the Universe.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Memphis Poll Worker Fired For Turning Away Voters With BLM Shirts

MEMPHIS , Tenn. ( AP ) — A poll worker in Memphis , Tennessee , has been fired after turning away early voters who were wearing “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ I Can ’ t Breathe ” shirts , an elections official said Monday .
The worker was fired Friday after officials received a call from a witness at the Dave Wells Community Center in Memphis , Shelby County Election Commission spokeswoman Suzanne Thompson said .
Tennessee law does not allow voters to wear items bearing the name of a candidate or a political party in a polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibit statements such as “ Black Lives Matter , ” Thompson said .
Black Lives Matter protesters march in the street before participating in early voting on October 13 in Louisville , Kentucky .
A poll worker in Memphis , Tennessee , was fired Friday after turning away early voters who were wearing “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ I Can ’ t Breathe ” shirts .
The number of voters who were told to leave was not immediately known , but Thompson said it was only a few .
The poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic Party , Thompson said .
“ That was pretty bad , ” she said .
“ They were not supposed to be turned away.
” Early voter turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 election has been strong in Memphis and throughout Tennessee .
Early voting ends Oct. 29 in the state .

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A poll worker in Memphis, Tennessee, has been fired after turning away early voters who were wearing “ Black Lives Matter” and “I Can’t Breathe” shirts, an elections official said Monday.
The worker was fired Friday after officials received a call from a witness at the Dave Wells Community Center in Memphis, Shelby County Election Commission spokeswoman Suzanne Thompson said.
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Tennessee law does not allow voters to wear items bearing the name of a candidate or a political party in a polling place. But state law does not prohibit statements such as “Black Lives Matter,” Thompson said.
Black Lives Matter protesters march in the street before participating in early voting on October 13 in Louisville, Kentucky. A poll worker in Memphis, Tennessee, was fired Friday after turning away early voters who were wearing “Black Lives Matter” and “I Can’t Breathe” shirts. Jon Cherry via Getty Images
The number of voters who were told to leave was not immediately known, but Thompson said it was only a few. The poll worker thought the statements were tied to the Democratic Party, Thompson said.
“That was pretty bad,” she said. “They were not supposed to be turned away.”
Early voter turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 election has been strong in Memphis and throughout Tennessee. Early voting ends Oct. 29 in the state.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Jeff Daniels Uses Donald Trump’s COVID-19 Lies Against Him In New Song

For months , Trump publicly misled the American people by downplaying the threat posed by COVID-19 .
In private , @ @ @ @ @ danger .
Audio of the president ’ s coronavirus falsehoods ― and just a few @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 lies that he ’ s told since taking office ― sit alongside Daniels ’ @ @ @ @ @ below :

For months, Trump publicly misled the American people by downplaying the threat posed by COVID-19. In private, however, he acknowledged its danger. Audio of the president’s coronavirus falsehoods ― and just a few of the other more than 20,000 lies that he’s told since taking office ― sit alongside Daniels’ lyrics in the three-minute track below:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Borat’s Interview With Jimmy Kimmel Quickly Went Off The Rails

Borat Sagdiyev brought chaos to the set of “ Jimmy Kimmel Live !
” on Monday .
Actor Sacha Baron @ @ @ @ @ ego began his interview with Jimmy Kimmel by spraying the studio with what appeared to @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
Things only went further off the rails from there .
Borat spouted @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t look out of place on President Donald Trump ’ s Twitter feed @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 particle as he promoted the sequel to his 2006 mockumentary , “ Borat @ @ @ @ @ for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.
” “ Borat Subsequent Moviefilm , ” directed @ @ @ @ @ out Friday .
The faux Kazak journalist then quizzed and inspected Kimmel for the virus @ @ @ @ @ Jimmy Fallon and Conan O ’ Brien with a “ liquid release ” test gag @ @ @ @ @ to swap pants with him .
Check out the full interview here : And the @ @ @ @ @ here :

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Borat Sagdiyev brought chaos to the set of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Monday.
Actor Sacha Baron Cohen’s fictional alter ego began his interview with Jimmy Kimmel by spraying the studio with what appeared to be disinfectant to ward off the coronavirus.
Things only went further off the rails from there.
Borat spouted wild conspiracy theories — which wouldn’t look out of place on President Donald Trump’s Twitter feed ― and tried to squash a COVID-19 particle as he promoted the sequel to his 2006 mockumentary, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.”
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“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” directed by Jason Woliner, is out Friday.
The faux Kazak journalist then quizzed and inspected Kimmel for the virus, zinged late night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien with a “liquid release” test gag, and then forced Kimmel to swap pants with him.
Check out the full interview here:
And the trailer for the new film here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Sarah Cooper Mocks Donald Trump Jr. In New Viral Impression Video

For the Nov 3 election : States are making it easier for citizens to vote absentee by mail this year @ @ @ @ @ Each state has its own rules for mail-in absentee voting .
Visit your state election @ @ @ @ @ if you can vote by mail .

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Sarah Cooper has turned her biting impressions on another member of the Trump family.
The comedian’s Monday lip-syncing of Donald Trump Jr. alleging censorship on Instagram, has gone viral, garnering millions of views on social media, as have her previous clips mimicking his father President Donald Trump.
Check out Cooper’s “How to Don jr” video here:
How to Don jr pic.twitter.com/NSYhO0DNYS — Sarah Cooper (@sarahcpr) October 19, 2020
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Cooper’s rise to fame in the early months of the coronavirus pandemic culminated with a virtual appearance in August at the Democratic National Convention:
In a dark world, thank goodness for Sarah Cooper.pic.twitter.com/Ke1CCi4YnA — Ted Corcoran (RedTRaccoon) (@RedTRaccoon) August 21, 2020
Trump Jr.’s video, meanwhile, also inspired this response from the comedian J-L Cauvin, who in August was recruited by the anti-Trump Lincoln Project to spoof-endorse Republicans on behalf of the president:
UNEDITED DON JUNIOR VIDEO!
(sub on YT in the thread below) pic.twitter.com/K2UHIy8UUK — J-L Cauvin (@JLCauvin) October 19, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Stephen Colbert Taunts GOP Senator With ‘Tiny Little Testicles’ Over Trump Comments

“ Late Show ” host Stephen Colbert says some Republicans are starting to inch away from President Donald Trump as his poll numbers plunge ahead of next month ’ s elections .
But some aren ’ t exactly being bold about it .
Colbert noted that Sen. John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) is “ starting to sprout tiny little testicles ” when it comes to Trump .
Cornyn is locked in a closer-than-expected race in a once-solid red state that ’ s rapidly becoming a toss-up .
In an attempt to appeal to voters turning on Trump , Cornyn said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at times but handles those issues privately .
“ Sure , just like how there are times I don ’ t say that John Cornyn is a lying coward , ” Colbert said , then brought his voice to a mock whisper : ” But I keep it private.
” Colbert also said Cornyn has voted with Trump 95.1 percent of the time .
“ You can read all about it in his new book , Profiles In 4.9 Percent Courage , ” Colbert cracked .
Check out the rest of his “ @ @ @ @ @ @

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“Late Show” host Stephen Colbert says some Republicans are starting to inch away from President Donald Trump as his poll numbers plunge ahead of next month’s elections. But some aren’t exactly being bold about it.
Colbert noted that Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is “starting to sprout tiny little testicles” when it comes to Trump. Cornyn is locked in a closer-than-expected race in a once-solid red state that’s rapidly becoming a toss-up. In an attempt to appeal to voters turning on Trump, Cornyn said last week he disagrees with the president at times but handles those issues privately.
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“Sure, just like how there are times I don’t say that John Cornyn is a lying coward,” Colbert said, then brought his voice to a mock whisper: ”But I keep it private.”
Colbert also said Cornyn has voted with Trump 95.1 percent of the time.
“You can read all about it in his new book, Profiles In 4.9 Percent Courage,” Colbert cracked.
Check out the rest of his “Late Show” monologue below:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--Seth Meyers Says He Just Found Another Reason To Vote Trump Out

President Donald Trump has been making some strange threats about what he ’ ll do should he lose the election ― and some of them might backfire .
At a campaign rally last month in Fayetteville , North Carolina , Trump told supporters that if Democrat Joe Biden beats him , “ I will never speak to you again.
” Last week , at a rally in Macon , Georgia , Trump called Biden the worst presidential candidate in history and said if he lost he might have to leave the country .
“ Late Night ” host Seth Meyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect , although “ even if he did leave the country I ’ m pretty sure he ’ d go somewhere that still had the internet.
” “ I didn ’ t think I could be any more motivated to vote against Trump until I heard him say if he loses he ’ ll never speak to us again .
I would give anything to not hear Trump ’ s voice anymore , ” Meyers said .
“ He ’ s everywhere .
Our phones , our TVs .
He ’ s even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .

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President Donald Trump has been making some strange threats about what he’ll do should he lose the election ― and some of them might backfire.
At a campaign rally last month in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Trump told supporters that if Democrat Joe Biden beats him, “I will never speak to you again.” Last week, at a rally in Macon, Georgia, Trump called Biden the worst presidential candidate in history and said if he lost he might have to leave the country.
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“Late Night” host Seth Meyers said Monday night that was an exciting prospect, although “even if he did leave the country I’m pretty sure he’d go somewhere that still had the internet.”
“I didn’t think I could be any more motivated to vote against Trump until I heard him say if he loses he’ll never speak to us again. I would give anything to not hear Trump’s voice anymore,” Meyers said.
“He’s everywhere. Our phones, our TVs. He’s even my GPS voice now,” Meyers added.
Watch Meyer’s roast on “Late Night” below.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-20--All Residents Of A Kansas Nursing Home Test Positive For COVID-19

All 62 residents at a nursing home in northwest Kansas have tested positive for COVID-19 and 10 of them have died , local health officials said Monday .
The outbreak at the privately owned Andbe Home in Norton County has forced 51 of the surviving residents into quarantine at the facility .
One remaining resident has been hospitalized .
An unspecified number of staff has also tested positive , the Norton County Health Department said in a release .
The announcement comes amid a rise in COVID-19 cases across the state in recent weeks .
As of Monday , 72,968 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kansas and 872 have died .
Both numbers are roughly double what the state reported in late August .
Carla Gillespie visits her mother , Evelyn Solberg , at the Jones-Harrison Residence in Minneapolis on Oct. 12 .
It was the first time they had been allowed to see each other since March , and the policy change came as COVID-19 cases again begin to rise across the U.S. Nationwide , COVID-19 cases have also risen in the general population and in nursing homes .
The increase over the last four weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped significantly in August and early September , according to data from John Hopkins and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services .
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living ( AHCA/NCAL ) , which represents more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country , warned Monday that nursing homes could soon experience another spike in cases due to community spread .
“ The number one factor in keeping COVID out of our nursing homes , so we can protect our vulnerable population , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surrounding community , ” said Mark Parkinson , president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL , in a statement .

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All 62 residents at a nursing home in northwest Kansas have tested positive for COVID-19 and 10 of them have died, local health officials said Monday.
The outbreak at the privately owned Andbe Home in Norton County has forced 51 of the surviving residents into quarantine at the facility. One remaining resident has been hospitalized. An unspecified number of staff has also tested positive, the Norton County Health Department said in a release.
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The announcement comes amid a rise in COVID-19 cases across the state in recent weeks. As of Monday, 72,968 people have tested positive for the virus in Kansas and 872 have died. Both numbers are roughly double what the state reported in late August.
Carla Gillespie visits her mother, Evelyn Solberg, at the Jones-Harrison Residence in Minneapolis on Oct. 12. It was the first time they had been allowed to see each other since March, and the policy change came as COVID-19 cases again begin to rise across the U.S. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nationwide, COVID-19 cases have also risen in the general population and in nursing homes. The increase over the last four weeks comes after new nursing home cases had dropped significantly in August and early September, according to data from John Hopkins and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), which represents more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country, warned Monday that nursing homes could soon experience another spike in cases due to community spread.
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