thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Large Countries Are Lifting Lockdowns Even As Virus Cases Continue To Rise

WELLINGTON , New Zealand ( AP ) — The number of global coronavirus cases continued to surge Tuesday in many large countries that have been lifting lockdowns , including the U.S. , even as new infections stabilized or dropped in parts of Western Europe .
India has been recording about 15,000 new infections each day , and some states Tuesday were considering fresh lockdown measures to try to halt the spread of the virus in the nation of more than 1.3 billion .
The government earlier lifted a nationwide lockdown in a bid to restart the ailing economy , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with more than 1.1 million cases and 51,000 deaths , has been affected more than anywhere but the U.S. , which has reported more than 2.3 million cases and 120,000 deaths , according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
In the U.S. , surges in cases across the South and West are raising fears that progress against the virus is slipping away , as states reopen and many Americans resist wearing masks and keeping their distance from others .
His testimony comes after President Donald Trump said at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked administration officials to slow down testing , because too many positive cases are turning up .
Many rally goers did not wear masks , and for some that was an act of defiance against what they see as government intrusion .
White House officials later tried to walk back Trump ’ s comment on testing , suggesting it wasn ’ t meant to be taken literally .
Dr. Michael Ryan , the World Health Organization ’ s emergencies chief , said the record number of new cases couldn ’ t be explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries have seen large increases in hospital admissions and deaths .
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it took more than three months for the world to see 1 million confirmed infections , but just eight days to see the most recent 1 million cases .
“ The greatest threat we face now is not the virus itself ; it ’ s the lack of global solidarity and global leadership , ” he said during a video conference for the Dubai-based World Government Summit .
In Australia , Victoria state on Tuesday reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing of two primary schools in Melbourne .
State Premier Daniel Andrews said there would be significant community transmission among the new cases .
China reported 22 new cases , including 13 in Beijing , a day after a city government spokesperson said containment measures had slowed the momentum of a new outbreak in the capital that has infected more than 200 people .
The country has been struggling to stem a resurgence of the virus in the Seoul metropolitan area , where hundreds of infections have been linked to entertainment and leisure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as door-to-door salespeople and warehouse workers who couldn ’ t afford to stay home .
South Korea also said it was testing 176 workers at the southern port of Busan following a virus outbreak among crew members of a Russian cargo ship that has so far sickened 16 .
Saudi Arabia said this year ’ s pilgrimage , or hajj , to Islam ’ s holy sites will not be canceled , but only “ very limited numbers ” of people will be allowed to take part .
The hajj traditionally draws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world for five intense days of worship and rituals in Mecca .
Worldwide , more than 9 million people have been confirmed infected by the virus and more than 472,000 have died , according to the Johns Hopkins University tally .
Experts say the true numbers are much higher because of limited testing and cases in which patients had no symptoms .

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The number of global coronavirus cases continued to surge Tuesday in many large countries that have been lifting lockdowns, including the U.S., even as new infections stabilized or dropped in parts of Western Europe.
India has been recording about 15,000 new infections each day, and some states Tuesday were considering fresh lockdown measures to try to halt the spread of the virus in the nation of more than 1.3 billion. The government earlier lifted a nationwide lockdown in a bid to restart the ailing economy, which has shed millions of jobs.
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Hospitals in Pakistan are turning away patients, but with the economy there teetering, the government remains determined to reopen the country.
New cases have also been rising steeply in Mexico, Colombia and Indonesia.
Brazil, with more than 1.1 million cases and 51,000 deaths, has been affected more than anywhere but the U.S., which has reported more than 2.3 million cases and 120,000 deaths, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
In the U.S., surges in cases across the South and West are raising fears that progress against the virus is slipping away, as states reopen and many Americans resist wearing masks and keeping their distance from others.
On Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci will return to Capitol Hill at a fraught moment in the nation’s response. The government’s top infectious disease expert will testify before a House committee.
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His testimony comes after President Donald Trump said at a weekend rally in Oklahoma that he had asked administration officials to slow down testing, because too many positive cases are turning up.
Many rally goers did not wear masks, and for some that was an act of defiance against what they see as government intrusion. White House officials later tried to walk back Trump’s comment on testing, suggesting it wasn’t meant to be taken literally.
Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization’s emergencies chief, said the record number of new cases couldn’t be explained by increased testing alone, noting many countries have seen large increases in hospital admissions and deaths.
“The epidemic is now peaking or moving towards a peak in a number of large countries,” he said.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it took more than three months for the world to see 1 million confirmed infections, but just eight days to see the most recent 1 million cases.
“The greatest threat we face now is not the virus itself; it’s the lack of global solidarity and global leadership,” he said during a video conference for the Dubai-based World Government Summit.
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Even some countries that have had initial success in stamping out the virus are finding pockets of resurgence.
In Australia, Victoria state on Tuesday reported 17 new cases, resulting in the closing of two primary schools in Melbourne. State Premier Daniel Andrews said there would be significant community transmission among the new cases.
China reported 22 new cases, including 13 in Beijing, a day after a city government spokesperson said containment measures had slowed the momentum of a new outbreak in the capital that has infected more than 200 people.
And South Korea reported 46 new cases, including 30 linked to international arrivals.
The country has been struggling to stem a resurgence of the virus in the Seoul metropolitan area, where hundreds of infections have been linked to entertainment and leisure activities, church gatherings and low-income workers such as door-to-door salespeople and warehouse workers who couldn’t afford to stay home.
South Korea also said it was testing 176 workers at the southern port of Busan following a virus outbreak among crew members of a Russian cargo ship that has so far sickened 16.
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Saudi Arabia said this year’s pilgrimage, or hajj, to Islam’s holy sites will not be canceled, but only “very limited numbers” of people will be allowed to take part. The hajj traditionally draws around 2 million Muslims from around the world for five intense days of worship and rituals in Mecca.
Worldwide, more than 9 million people have been confirmed infected by the virus and more than 472,000 have died, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. Experts say the true numbers are much higher because of limited testing and cases in which patients had no symptoms.
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Associated Press journalists from around the world contributed.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta: 'We Are Right Back To Square One' On Flattening The Curve

CNN ’ s chief medical correspondent , Dr. Sanjay Gupta , on Monday warned that “ we are right back to square one ” when it comes to flattening the curve of coronavirus infections in some parts of the United States .
On Monday ’ s broadcast of “ CNN Tonight , ” Gupta told host Don Lemon that he felt like the discussions around tackling the pandemic were no different from what they were a few months ago .
He also said he was concerned about the 23 states that are seeing increasing numbers of new infections , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida .
This is a state where 20 % of the population is over the age of 65 , ” Gupta said .
“ We know that the virus — there is a vulnerable population , people who are elderly , have preexisting conditions .
Seventy-five percent of the ICU beds are already occupied in Florida.
” “ We kept talking about flattening the curve so as to not tax the hospital system , ” he added .
“ We are right back to square one in terms of that discussion again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We should be having a new discussion , which is ‘ bring this down to near zero.
’ Instead , we ’ re talking about how to keep the hospitals from redlining once again.
” “ I ’ m particularly worried about Florida , ” says Dr. Sanjay Gupta about a spike in Covid-19 cases .
“ 75 % of the ICU beds are already occupied in Florida .
We kept talking about flattening the curve so as to not tax the hospital system .
We are right back to square one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNNTonight ) June 23 , 2020

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CNN’s chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, on Monday warned that “we are right back to square one” when it comes to flattening the curve of coronavirus infections in some parts of the United States.
On Monday’s broadcast of “CNN Tonight,” Gupta told host Don Lemon that he felt like the discussions around tackling the pandemic were no different from what they were a few months ago. He also said he was concerned about the 23 states that are seeing increasing numbers of new infections, especially Florida.
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“My parents live in Florida. This is a state where 20% of the population is over the age of 65,” Gupta said. “We know that the virus — there is a vulnerable population, people who are elderly, have preexisting conditions. Seventy-five percent of the ICU beds are already occupied in Florida.”
“We kept talking about flattening the curve so as to not tax the hospital system,” he added. “We are right back to square one in terms of that discussion again, flattening the curve. That was March. We should be having a new discussion, which is ‘bring this down to near zero.’ Instead, we’re talking about how to keep the hospitals from redlining once again.”
Check out the full interview here:
“I’m particularly worried about Florida,” says Dr. Sanjay Gupta about a spike in Covid-19 cases. “75% of the ICU beds are already occupied in Florida. We kept talking about flattening the curve so as to not tax the hospital system. We are right back to square one." pic.twitter.com/ECdPxkZ75K — CNN Tonight (@CNNTonight) June 23, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Rudy Giuliani Says Black Lives Matter Wants To ‘Take Your House Away From You’

Rudy Giuliani went on an ugly , fearmongering rant against the Black Lives Matter movement on Monday , warning viewers of Fox News that the activist group “ wants to come and take your house away from you.
” Giuliani , President Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney , claimed BLM was part of an organized anarchist network that wants to “ destroy ” the U.S. government , “ do away with our system of courts ” and “ take your property away and give to other people.
” “ This is an orchestrated effort , ” Giuliani told Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide anti-racism protests were “ no longer ” about the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month .
Giuliani ’ s tirade echoed racist remarks of Fox News host Tucker Carlson , who last week suggested the United States faces a “ dangerous moment ” because of the BLM movement .
“ They flood the streets with angry young people who break things , and they hurt anyone who gets in the way , ” said Carlson .
“ When they want something , they take it .
Make them mad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on fire .
Annoy them , and they will occupy your downtown and declare a brand-new country .
You ’ re not going to do anything about it .
They know that for certain .
”

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Rudy Giuliani went on an ugly, fearmongering rant against the Black Lives Matter movement on Monday, warning viewers of Fox News that the activist group “wants to come and take your house away from you.”
Giuliani, President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, claimed BLM was part of an organized anarchist network that wants to “destroy” the U.S. government, “do away with our system of courts” and “take your property away and give to other people.”
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“This is an orchestrated effort,” Giuliani told Fox prime time personality Laura Ingraham, claiming nationwide anti-racism protests were “no longer” about the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.
“That ended a long time ago,” he added.
See Giuliani’s comments here:
Giuliani’s tirade echoed racist remarks of Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who last week suggested the United States faces a “dangerous moment” because of the BLM movement.
“They flood the streets with angry young people who break things, and they hurt anyone who gets in the way,” said Carlson. “When they want something, they take it. Make them mad, and they will set your business on fire. Annoy them, and they will occupy your downtown and declare a brand-new country. You’re not going to do anything about it. They know that for certain.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Donald Trump Makes 'Hustory' With Latest Weird Twitter Typo

`` HUSTORY '' ?
We watched it on TV so we could tweet along and make fun of you .
@ @ @ @ @ 6,200 who showed up in person were your true supporters .
I have never seen @ @ @ @ @ televised event in my entire life .
The best part was the outdoor stage being @ @ @ @ @ //t.co/ZxuD7WsnhG

"HUSTORY"?
We watched it on TV so we could tweet along and make fun of you.
The (less than) 6,200 who showed up in person were your true supporters.
I have never seen more empty seats at a televised event in my entire life.
The best part was the outdoor stage being torn down. https://t.co/ZxuD7WsnhG


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--The R-Rated Art Campaign That’s A 2-Word 'Primal Scream’ Against Donald Trump

The “ Fuck Trump ” project asks creatives to submit works featuring only that phrase .
It invites audiences to download those images for free to print and display wherever they want .
“ Our statement is blunt and bold , sure , but that is also its strength .
It is a Primal Scream .
It says what it means and it ’ s not shy about it , ” White and Gibson explained in an email .
“ It tells President Trump exactly what we think of him .
Isn ’ t that kind of transparency a welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullshit , lies and deceit ?
” They added : “ Trump has no qualms about offending anyone , and his ego is the tallest glass mountain .
To shatter his self-perception with a pointed and direct statement of total outrage and utter disappointment , one piece of art at a time , is a victory.
” The date was no accident .
White and Gibson wrote that they aim to draw attention “ to the fragmentation of the American union , as precipitated by the current administration , a direct contrast to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s attacks on underrepresented groups , including the LGBTQ community .
So far , the project has received more than 200 submissions .
It ’ s been backed by “ Star Wars ” actor Mark Hamill , whose son Nathan Hamill is a contributor .
“ I loved the idea ( of the campaign ) and was honored to be amongst so many wonderful artists who feel the same about our leadership in this country , ” the younger Hamill told HuffPost .
“ It ’ s been a long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ ve never had a sitting president that has been so deranged and so dangerous .
Extreme danger calls for an extreme response.
” It was that “ economy of fear ” and smell of “ the McCarthyism we thought we ’ d long since left behind ” that the anti-Trump campaign is fighting , added the organizers .
White and Gibson said they hope to collect thousands of pieces of art by the time Americans go to the polls in November .
“ This artwork is a resource for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s lies and incompetence , ” they said .
“ During this vital period , leading up to the 2020 election , we need as much counter-programming as possible to hit the public eye .
”

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They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
But artists worldwide are using just two to make crystal clear their feelings about President Donald Trump.
The “Fuck Trump” project asks creatives to submit works featuring only that phrase. It invites audiences to download those images for free to print and display wherever they want.
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Like on bumper stickers or “on the White House perimeter fence,” the campaign’s organizers, Amanda White and Jon Gibson, told HuffPost this week.
“If you’re offended, you’re missing the point,” said the organizers, who co-own the Los Angeles art gallery and creative production company iam8bit.
“Our statement is blunt and bold, sure, but that is also its strength. It is a Primal Scream. It says what it means and it’s not shy about it,” White and Gibson explained in an email. “It tells President Trump exactly what we think of him. Isn’t that kind of transparency a welcome change after nearly 4 years of presidential bullshit, lies and deceit?”
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They added: “Trump has no qualms about offending anyone, and his ego is the tallest glass mountain. To shatter his self-perception with a pointed and direct statement of total outrage and utter disappointment, one piece of art at a time, is a victory.”
Count Dunula
The campaign’s website went live on Jun. 14 ― on Flag Day and during Pride Month.
The date was no accident. White and Gibson wrote that they aim to draw attention “to the fragmentation of the American union, as precipitated by the current administration, a direct contrast to what the American flag represents” and Trump’s attacks on underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQ community.
It was also Trump’s 74th birthday.
“We hope we made his special day just a little bit less enjoyable,” they said.
Zach Gomez
So far, the project has received more than 200 submissions. It’s been backed by “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill, whose son Nathan Hamill is a contributor.
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“I loved the idea (of the campaign) and was honored to be amongst so many wonderful artists who feel the same about our leadership in this country,” the younger Hamill told HuffPost.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Nathan Hamill said. “We’ve never had a sitting president that has been so deranged and so dangerous. Extreme danger calls for an extreme response.”
Some artists have submitted pieces anonymously, lest they jeopardize their visas or green card status, said White and Gibson.
It was that “economy of fear” and smell of “the McCarthyism we thought we’d long since left behind” that the anti-Trump campaign is fighting, added the organizers.
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White and Gibson said they hope to collect thousands of pieces of art by the time Americans go to the polls in November.
“This artwork is a resource for all, to use as that countermeasure against Trump’s lies and incompetence,” they said. “During this vital period, leading up to the 2020 election, we need as much counter-programming as possible to hit the public eye.”
“The Trump administration is a danger not just to the United States, but to all citizens of the world.”
Check out some of the art below and the full catalog on the website here.
Adam Shub
FTrump Alex Shannon
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Benjamin Sawyer
FTrump Bert Lerser
Blud Bros Blud Bros
FTrump Brock Gallagher
Chip Wass
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Chloe Rice
Julianna Castigliego
Keita Takahashi
KiwiFruitBird


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Trump Says He's Issuing An Edict To 'Make Cities Guard Their Monuments'

President Donald Trump claimed in a tweet on Tuesday that he had “ authorized ” the federal government to arrest people who vandalize monuments “ with up to 10 years in prison ” after admonishing cities to “ guard their monuments.
” The president promised some sort of executive order that will serve to punish anyone who tries to destroy monuments as anti-racism protesters continue to topple those honoring figures from the Confederacy .
Laws already allow local police to protect property from illegal destruction , so it ’ s not clear what Trump ’ s order would change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or state governments what to do unless he invokes the Insurrection Act in extreme circumstances .
The “ Veterans ’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003 ” also covers some offenses .
It authorizes fines or imprisonment for the destruction of veterans ’ memorials on public property .
In Tuesday ’ s tweets , Trump said his order “ may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused.
” He seemed anxious to project a hard line on the issue as he prepared to depart for Phoenix on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the White House , he thanked police for thwarting protesters ’ attempts to topple a statue of former President Andrew Jackson nearby on Monday night .
“ I will have an executive order very shortly .
And all it ’ s really going to do is reinforce what ’ s already there , but in a more uniform way , ” Trump said .
Trump first discussed his plan Monday in an interview with Raymond Arroyo , host of the “ World Over , ” a program on the EWTN Global Catholic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do an executive order , and we ’ re going to make the cities guard their monuments , ” he said .
“ You saw Ulysses S. Grant , where they want to take him down .
He ’ s the one that stopped the ones that everybody dislikes so much , ” Trump said , referring to the Confederates , whose supporters he usually defends .
He pronounced Ulysses as “ Ulyssee-us.
” “ It ’ s a disgrace , ” he added .
“ Also , remember , some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnificent artwork , as good as there is anywhere in the world — as good as you see in France .
As good as you see anywhere .
It ’ s a disgrace.
” Monday night , protesters near the White House attempted to topple a bronze statue of former President Andrew Jackson , but were repulsed by police in riot gear who used pepper spray , according to The Washington Post .
Jackson , a former U.S. Army general and slave owner known for harsh treatment of Native Americans , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

President Donald Trump claimed in a tweet on Tuesday that he had “authorized” the federal government to arrest people who vandalize monuments “with up to 10 years in prison” after admonishing cities to “guard their monuments.”
The president promised some sort of executive order that will serve to punish anyone who tries to destroy monuments as anti-racism protesters continue to topple those honoring figures from the Confederacy.
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Laws already allow local police to protect property from illegal destruction, so it’s not clear what Trump’s order would change. He lacks the power to order local or state governments what to do unless he invokes the Insurrection Act in extreme circumstances.
The “Veterans’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003” also covers some offenses. It authorizes fines or imprisonment for the destruction of veterans’ memorials on public property.
In Tuesday’s tweets, Trump said his order “may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused.”
He seemed anxious to project a hard line on the issue as he prepared to depart for Phoenix on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House, he thanked police for thwarting protesters’ attempts to topple a statue of former President Andrew Jackson nearby on Monday night.
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“We are looking at long term jail sentences for these vandals, hoodlums, anarchists and agitators,” Trump said.
He then promised an executive order that wouldn’t contain anything new.
“I will have an executive order very shortly. And all it’s really going to do is reinforce what’s already there, but in a more uniform way,” Trump said.
Trump first discussed his plan Monday in an interview with Raymond Arroyo, host of the “World Over,” a program on the EWTN Global Catholic Network.
“We’re going to do an executive order, and we’re going to make the cities guard their monuments,” he said.
For the “most part” the statues “are not federal,” Trump noted, underscoring a jurisdictional issue.
“You saw Ulysses S. Grant, where they want to take him down. He’s the one that stopped the ones that everybody dislikes so much,” Trump said, referring to the Confederates, whose supporters he usually defends. He pronounced Ulysses as “Ulyssee-us.”
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“It’s a disgrace,” he added. “Also, remember, some of this is great artwork. This is magnificent artwork, as good as there is anywhere in the world — as good as you see in France. As good as you see anywhere. It’s a disgrace.”
Monday night, protesters near the White House attempted to topple a bronze statue of former President Andrew Jackson, but were repulsed by police in riot gear who used pepper spray, according to The Washington Post. Jackson, a former U.S. Army general and slave owner known for harsh treatment of Native Americans, has been compared with Trump for his populist style.
Preserving monuments is an issue Trump “clearly has on his mind,” Arroyo told Laura Ingraham on Fox News.
Arroyo also asked Trump about “unprecedented violence across the country,” apparently referring to anti-racism protests, which have been overwhelmingly peaceful.
Trump said all the protest areas are “run by Democrats.” He added: “Take a look at the way we’re running things. We’re running ’em good.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-22--Confederate Flag-Waving Trump Supporter Praises KKK, Vows To Teach Hate

A woman decked out in one of President Donald Trump ’ s signature “ Make America Great Again ” caps waved a Confederate flag at a Black Lives Matter protest in Branson , Missouri , on Sunday while she praised the Ku Klux Klan and vowed to teach hate to her grandchildren .
“ I ’ m teaching them to fuckin ’ hate all of you people , ” the woman , identified by the Springfield News-Leader as Kathy Bennett , said Sunday evening .
“ I will teach my grandkids to hate you all.
” She spoke from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up into it to wave the flag , raise a fist and call out , “ KKK belief !
” Actor and musician Ice T was among the many to share footage of the woman : Branson Mayor Edd Akers said on Facebook that the city “ does not condone any type of hate speech.
” The Kansas City Star said the store is owned by Anna and Nathan Robb .
Nathan Robb , the newspaper said , is the son of KKK leader Thomas Robb .
The News-Leader said in 2015 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a highway in the name of the KKK .
Anna Robb told the newspaper at the time that she herself had attended Klan events “ years ago ” but that it ’ s “ not even something that comes up anymore.
” She said they hadn ’ t spoken to the elder Robb in years .

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A woman decked out in one of President Donald Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” caps waved a Confederate flag at a Black Lives Matter protest in Branson, Missouri, on Sunday while she praised the Ku Klux Klan and vowed to teach hate to her grandchildren.
“I’m teaching them to fuckin’ hate all of you people,” the woman, later identified as Kathy Jenkins, said Sunday evening. “I will teach my grandkids to hate you all.”
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She spoke from the bed of a pickup, then climbed up into it to wave the flag, raise a fist and call out, “KKK belief!”
Actor and musician Ice T was among the many to share footage of the woman:
Racist of the Day... https://t.co/0FOhifur8L — ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) June 22, 2020
Branson Mayor Edd Akers said on Facebook that the city “does not condone any type of hate speech.”
The protesters were demonstrating outside a store called Dixie Outfitters that sells Confederate-themed merchandise, the Springfield News-Leader reported.
The Kansas City Star said the store is owned by Anna and Nathan Robb. Nathan Robb, the newspaper said, is the son of KKK leader Thomas Robb.
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The News-Leader said in 2015 that Nathan Robb had once tried to adopt a highway in the name of the KKK. Anna Robb told the newspaper at the time that she herself had attended Klan events “years ago” but that it’s “not even something that comes up anymore.”
She said they hadn’t spoken to the elder Robb in years.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--MSNBC Supercut Exposes Donald Trump’s Go-To Defense Of His Outrageous Statements

President Donald Trump ’ s penchant for pretending he was “ just kidding ” after garnering backlash for an outrageous @ @ @ @ @ a damning new montage .
The supercut , which aired Monday on MSNBC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Melber , ” includes clips of Trump asking Russia for help , encouraging police brutality @ @ @ @ @ a treatment for the coronavirus .
The video shows how , after garnering blowback over @ @ @ @ @ or his aides often try to walk back them back as just a joke .
@ @ @ @ @ : WATCH : Over the course of his political career , Trump has made many @ @ @ @ @ backtrack by saying he is just “ joking.
” pic.twitter.com/abdchttXGt — The Beat with Ari @ @ @ @ @ @ TheBeatWithAri ) June 22 , 2020

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President Donald Trump’s penchant for pretending he was “just kidding” after garnering backlash for an outrageous statement is laid bare in a damning new montage.
The supercut, which aired Monday on MSNBC’s “The Beat With Ari Melber,” includes clips of Trump asking Russia for help, encouraging police brutality and pondering injecting disinfectant as a treatment for the coronavirus.
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The video shows how, after garnering blowback over such comments, the president or his aides often try to walk back them back as just a joke.
Check out the montage here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Police Pepper-Spray Protesters Trying To Pull Down Andrew Jackson Statue In DC

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Protesters tried to pull down a statue of President Andrew Jackson near the White House Monday night before being dispersed by police .
WUSA-TV in Washington reported that police used pepper spray to move protesters out of Lafayette Square , where the Jackson statue is located .
Videos posted on social media showed that the protesters had climbed on the statue and tied ropes around it , then tried to pull it off its pedestal .
The statue shows Jackson in a military uniform , riding a horse that is rearing on its hind legs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruthless treatment of Native Americans has made his statue a target of demonstrators protesting the United States ’ legacy of racial injustice .
WASHINGTON , DC - JUNE 22 : Protestors attempt to pull down the statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square near the White House on June 22 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
( Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images ) President Donald Trump tweeted late Monday that “ Numerous people ” had been arrested for “ the disgraceful vandalism.
” He added : “ 10 years in prison under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Beware !
” Numerous people arrested in D.C. for the disgraceful vandalism , in Lafayette Park , of the magnificent Statue of Andrew Jackson , in addition to the exterior defacing of St. John ’ s Church across the street .
10 years in prison under the Veteran ’ s Memorial Preservation Act .
Beware !
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) June 23 , 2020 Interior Secretary David Bernhardt was at the scene Monday night , and issued a statement saying : “ Let me be clear : we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and order will prevail , and justice will be served.
” On June 1 , law enforcement officers forcefully cleared peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square so Trump could stage a photo op at a nearby church .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Protesters tried to pull down a statue of President Andrew Jackson near the White House Monday night before being dispersed by police.
WUSA-TV in Washington reported that police used pepper spray to move protesters out of Lafayette Square, where the Jackson statue is located. Videos posted on social media showed that the protesters had climbed on the statue and tied ropes around it, then tried to pull it off its pedestal.
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The statue shows Jackson in a military uniform, riding a horse that is rearing on its hind legs. The 19th century president’s ruthless treatment of Native Americans has made his statue a target of demonstrators protesting the United States’ legacy of racial injustice.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Protestors attempt to pull down the statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square near the White House on June 22, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Tasos Katopodis via Getty Images
The Jackson statue remained on its pedestal Monday night.
President Donald Trump tweeted late Monday that “Numerous people” had been arrested for “the disgraceful vandalism.” He added: “10 years in prison under the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act. Beware!”
Numerous people arrested in D.C. for the disgraceful vandalism, in Lafayette Park, of the magnificent Statue of Andrew Jackson, in addition to the exterior defacing of St. John’s Church across the street. 10 years in prison under the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act. Beware! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 23, 2020
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Interior Secretary David Bernhardt was at the scene Monday night, and issued a statement saying: “Let me be clear: we will not bow to anarchists. Law and order will prevail, and justice will be served.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Even Lou Dobbs Admits Donald Trump's Rally In Tulsa Was 'A Mess'

Fox Business host Lou Dobbs on Monday took time out from his regular fawning over Donald Trump to admit that @ @ @ @ @ ’ s underattended campaign rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , over the weekend was a @ @ @ @ @ is , no question about it , it ’ s a mess for the campaign @ @ @ @ @ the event at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center that was reportedly only around one-third full .
@ @ @ @ @ president , but it ’ s a mess for him , ” Dobbs confusingly added @ @ @ @ @ month said Trump is “ arguably the greatest president in our history , ” asked @ @ @ @ @ there should be a shakeup of Trump ’ s campaign team .
Rollins expressed concern @ @ @ @ @ campaign manager Brad Parscale , and explained why it was naive for Parscale to claim @ @ @ @ @ registered for rally tickets .
Check out the segment here :

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Fox Business host Lou Dobbs on Monday took time out from his regular fawning over Donald Trump to admit that even he thought the president’s underattended campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, over the weekend was a “mess.”
“This is, no question about it, it’s a mess for the campaign,” Dobbs said of the event at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center that was reportedly only around one-third full.
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“Not necessarily for the president, but it’s a mess for him,” Dobbs confusingly added.
Dobbs, who last month said Trump is “arguably the greatest president in our history,” asked GOP strategist Ed Rollins if there should be a shakeup of Trump’s campaign team.
Rollins expressed concern over Trump’s inexperienced campaign manager Brad Parscale, and explained why it was naive for Parscale to claim that 1 million people had registered for rally tickets.
Check out the segment here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Chuck Schumer Faces The Progressive Surge

Senate Democrats ’ political operation , previously led by former Nevada Sen. Harry Reid and now by Schumer , has not lost a primary since the 2010 election cycle , but must fend off left-wing candidates in both Kentucky and Colorado over the course of the next week .
And after originally declining to pick sides in a contested House primary in his home state , Schumer endorsed House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Eliot Engel , who is desperately trying to fend off a challenge from educator Jamaal Bowman .
These coalitions ’ potential strength has only grown as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of George Floyd have exposed systemic inequalities in health care and policing .
If the left can successfully re-create them in the years to come , almost every Democratic politician in America ― up to and including those as powerful as Schumer ― could face serious primary challenges .
“ From New York to Kentucky , there ’ s a multiracial slate of progressive candidates that are surging , ” said Sochie Nnaemeka , the New York state director of the Working Families Party , which is backing Booker and Bowman .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ message that politics as usual won ’ t get us heading in the right direction.
” Progressives are targeting a number of primaries in New York .
The Working Families Party and other left-leaning groups are optimistic about Mondaire Jones ’ chances to replace retiring Rep. Nita Lowey in a district representing a swath of suburbs to the north of the city .
Adem Bunkeddeko is mounting a second challenge to Clarke in a Brooklyn-based seat after losing by less than 2,000 votes in 2018 .
And there are two dueling progressive candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is the nation ’ s most Democratic .
But it ’ s the battle for Engel ’ s seat where Schumer has expended the most political capital .
In early June , Schumer made it clear he hadn ’ t picked sides between Engel and Bowman as the latter picked up political momentum .
Schumer ’ s declaration forced Engel to remove his state ’ s senior senator from an online list of campaign endorsers .
Schumer has long been more conciliatory toward the left wing of the party than other Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keith Ellison for Democratic National Committee chair in 2016 , gave both Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren roles in Senate leadership , and voted with Sanders and other progressive senators against a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada late last year .
“ I think the important thing moving forward is to take the left seriously , ” he continued .
“ It ’ s going to be the place where the most energizing ideas are coming from , and where a lot of the grassroots money is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term political goal of reclaiming the Senate majority is now within his grasp .
President Donald Trump ’ s continued political decline has increased Democrats ’ chances of winning Senate seats even in red-tinted states like Georgia and Iowa , and Schumer ’ s political operation has matched or outspent Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s in most states .
And after some early recruiting struggles , he managed to convince two former presidential candidates ― former Colorado Gov .
John Hickenlooper and Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock ― to run for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 2018 Senate map , which was heavy on Democratic incumbents running for re-election , meant Schumer has largely been able to avoid the party ’ s Trump-era ideological battles until this year .
So far , the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee-backed candidates have cruised , easily winning in Iowa and North Carolina against a mostly disorganized left wing of the party .
But that may change in Kentucky and Colorado .
Senate Democrats have long viewed victory in the Bluegrass State as unlikely , but believed McGrath ’ s incredibly strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 40 million , compared to McConnell ’ s $ 23 million , according to Federal Election Commission records ― could help pin McConnell down and prevent him from aiding other GOP incumbents financially .
Senate Democrats are still confident McGrath can hold off Booker , though they acknowledge the race will be far closer than previously expected .
Booker ’ s participation in Black Lives Matter protests in recent weeks has helped galvanize support , rallying progressives both in Kentucky and nationally to his cause .
One of his ads features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t participated in the protests .
If the race in Kentucky is mostly about draining McConnell ’ s resources , the contest in Colorado on June 30 is essential to Democratic victory in the battle for the Senate .
It was seen as a coup when Schumer convinced Hickenlooper , a popular former governor and mayor of Denver , to drop out of the presidential race and run for Senate against vulnerable incumbent GOP Sen. Cory Gardner .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A slew of ideological battles within the Democratic Party over the coming weeks, stretching from the Bronx to the hollers of eastern Kentucky to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, will test Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s ability to dictate primary outcomes both nationally and in his home state.
Senate Democrats’ political operation, previously led by former Nevada Sen. Harry Reid and now by Schumer, has not lost a primary since the 2010 election cycle, but must fend off left-wing candidates in both Kentucky and Colorado over the course of the next week. And after originally declining to pick sides in a contested House primary in his home state, Schumer endorsed House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Eliot Engel, who is desperately trying to fend off a challenge from educator Jamaal Bowman.
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Both Bowman’s bid in New York’s 16th District and the Kentucky contest ― which pits Schumer-backed former fighter pilot Amy McGrath against progressive state Rep. Charles Booker ― point to a still-emerging alliance between Black and Latino voters and progressive groups that could spoil the Democratic establishment’s ability to swat aside primary challenges.
These coalitions’ potential strength has only grown as the coronavirus pandemic and the protests following the death of George Floyd have exposed systemic inequalities in health care and policing. If the left can successfully re-create them in the years to come, almost every Democratic politician in America ― up to and including those as powerful as Schumer ― could face serious primary challenges.
“From New York to Kentucky, there’s a multiracial slate of progressive candidates that are surging,” said Sochie Nnaemeka, the New York state director of the Working Families Party, which is backing Booker and Bowman. “Primary voters are sending a clear message that politics as usual won’t get us heading in the right direction.”
L. Joy Williams, a New York Democratic strategist and consultant for New York Rep. Yvette Clarke’s re-election bid, was blunt about the potential impact progressive wins could have on Schumer.
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“It will have an immediate impact in terms of people thinking about whether he is vulnerable,” she said.
Schumer’s office declined to comment. Any attempt to unseat Schumer, who remains popular throughout the state, would be a monumental uphill battle. Persistent rumors have suggested Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the pioneer of modern left-wing primary challenges, could run against Schumer in 2022.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is navigating increasingly powerful ideological currents this primary cycle as progressive challengers face off against establishment candidates. Win McNamee via Getty Images
Progressives are targeting a number of primaries in New York. The Working Families Party and other left-leaning groups are optimistic about Mondaire Jones’ chances to replace retiring Rep. Nita Lowey in a district representing a swath of suburbs to the north of the city. Adem Bunkeddeko is mounting a second challenge to Clarke in a Brooklyn-based seat after losing by less than 2,000 votes in 2018. And there are two dueling progressive candidates in the race for a Bronx-based district that is the nation’s most Democratic.
But it’s the battle for Engel’s seat where Schumer has expended the most political capital. In early June, Schumer made it clear he hadn’t picked sides between Engel and Bowman as the latter picked up political momentum. Schumer’s declaration forced Engel to remove his state’s senior senator from an online list of campaign endorsers.
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Schumer’s neutrality couldn’t last: Pro-Israel groups count both men as crucial allies, and are desperately working to keep Engel in office. Dov Hikind, a former New York assemblyman, questioned Schumer’s pro-Israel credentials.
A little over a week later, Schumer told the Jewish Insider he was supporting the incumbent.
Schumer has long been more conciliatory toward the left wing of the party than other Democratic leaders. He backed now-Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for Democratic National Committee chair in 2016, gave both Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren roles in Senate leadership, and voted with Sanders and other progressive senators against a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada late last year.
“Chuck is responsive to these kinds of pressures when he pays attention to them,” said Adam Jentleson, a Democratic strategist who was a top aide to Reid. “There’s a misplaced confidence in the centrist vision of the party based on [former Vice President Joe] Biden’s victory in the primary.”
“I think the important thing moving forward is to take the left seriously,” he continued. “It’s going to be the place where the most energizing ideas are coming from, and where a lot of the grassroots money is coming from.”
And Schumer’s long-term political goal of reclaiming the Senate majority is now within his grasp. President Donald Trump’s continued political decline has increased Democrats’ chances of winning Senate seats even in red-tinted states like Georgia and Iowa, and Schumer’s political operation has matched or outspent Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s in most states. And after some early recruiting struggles, he managed to convince two former presidential candidates ― former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock ― to run for Senate instead.
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Still, the structure of the 2018 Senate map, which was heavy on Democratic incumbents running for re-election, meant Schumer has largely been able to avoid the party’s Trump-era ideological battles until this year. So far, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee-backed candidates have cruised, easily winning in Iowa and North Carolina against a mostly disorganized left wing of the party.
But that may change in Kentucky and Colorado. Senate Democrats have long viewed victory in the Bluegrass State as unlikely, but believed McGrath’s incredibly strong fundraising ― she’s raised more than $40 million, compared to McConnell’s $23 million, according to Federal Election Commission records ― could help pin McConnell down and prevent him from aiding other GOP incumbents financially.
Early last week, Schumer told reporters he believed McGrath would triumph, happily explaining how a super PAC controlled by McConnell had reserved $10 million worth of airtime in the state. Later in the week, he ignored a HuffPost reporter’s questions about his confidence in his prized recruit.
“Progressive voters, and voters as a whole, are embracing and running toward the most systemic policy changes.” - Sochie Nnaemeka, Working Families Party
Senate Democrats are still confident McGrath can hold off Booker, though they acknowledge the race will be far closer than previously expected. Booker’s participation in Black Lives Matter protests in recent weeks has helped galvanize support, rallying progressives both in Kentucky and nationally to his cause. One of his ads features McGrath struggling to answer why she hasn’t participated in the protests.
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McGrath has hit back with an electability argument.
“She’s Kentucky’s best chance to move on from Mitch McConnell,” an announcer says at the start of McGrath’s latest ad. “Polling shows she’s the only Democrat who can beat him.”
If the race in Kentucky is mostly about draining McConnell’s resources, the contest in Colorado on June 30 is essential to Democratic victory in the battle for the Senate. It was seen as a coup when Schumer convinced Hickenlooper, a popular former governor and mayor of Denver, to drop out of the presidential race and run for Senate against vulnerable incumbent GOP Sen. Cory Gardner.
Instead, Hickenlooper has made multiple gaffes in recent weeks as his lone remaining primary rival, former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, has repeatedly attacked him from the left on climate change and other issues.
After Romanoff released an ad on Friday attacking Hickenlooper over an ethics violation, a quickly formed super PAC fired back with an ad attacking Romanoff’s immigration record.
🚿 It’s pure & simple: we need the strongest Democrat to defeat @CoryGardner. Help us win the #cosen primary—and bring a fresh, progressive voice to the Senate—by supporting our grassroots campaign.
Watch our new ad & chip in here to keep it on the air 👉 https://t.co/JN0IDvA3il pic.twitter.com/1VZCNOK04G — Andrew Romanoff (@Romanoff2020) June 19, 2020
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The super PAC, Let’s Turn Colorado Blue, won’t have to make its donors public until after the primary because it began spending after the pre-primary FEC filing deadline. Groups affiliated with Schumer have used similar tactics in the past to temporarily hide their donors.
The race between Hickenlooper and Romanoff has not become the flashpoint the Kentucky contest has. While both Warren and Sanders endorsed Booker, Sanders has remained neutral in Colorado and Warren has sided with Hickenlooper.
In part, this is because Romanoff doesn’t have sterling progressive credentials, even if he now supports the Green New Deal and “Medicare for All.” In 2014, he aired an ad touting his support for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution while running for House, and he voted against in-state college tuition for undocumented college students in the legislature.
Even if Schumer’s Senate picks survive, however, it’s clear the left is growing more capable of causing headaches for the establishment.
“Progressive voters, and voters as a whole, are embracing and running toward the most systemic policy changes,” Nnaemeka said. “That’s the ground we’re operating on now, and I don’t think it’s going to shift.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-22--Republican Group Relentlessly Dunks On 'Disheveled' Post-Rally Trump In New Ad

The Lincoln Project is not letting President Donald Trump ’ s very underwhelming campaign rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , slide .
In a new attack ad dropped Monday , the anti-Trump Republican group hit the president for the second time in two days over the mediocre turnout at the event , which was supposed to kickstart his bid for reelection but ended up falling significantly short of the campaign team ’ s jacked-up expectations .
Trump , who often touts his crowd sizes as an indicator of his support , had boasted that more than a million people had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduling a rally amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Your campaign was so preoccupied with whether they could , they didn ’ t stop to think if they should , ” The Lincoln Project tweeted alongside their new video , titled “ Disheveled.
” Created on a Jurassic Park theme , the video shows Trump walking to Marine One on his way to the rally , set to the movie ’ s triumphant overture .
On his return from the rally at the 19,200-capacity BOK Center , which local fire officials estimated roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover of the theme plays instead as a seemingly exhausted Trump disembarks the chopper with his tie undone .
Your campaign was so preoccupied with whether they could , they did n't stop to think if they should .
pic.twitter.com/cfAAkGLttH — The Lincoln Project ( @ ProjectLincoln ) June 22 , 2020 A day earlier , alongside the release of another ad about the Tulsa rally ’ s lackluster attendance , Lincoln Project co-founder and Republican strategist Rick Wilson said Trump “ can ’ t deliver on his wall .
He can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now he can ’ t even deliver crowds.
” Trump had prepared for a “ record-setting ” crowd , with his team establishing an overflow area outside the center where he and Vice President Mike Pence were supposed to give remarks before the rally .
The outdoor appearance was ultimately scrapped when the was no overflow crowd .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The Lincoln Project is not letting President Donald Trump’s very underwhelming campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, slide.
In a new attack ad dropped Monday, the anti-Trump Republican group hit the president for the second time in two days over the mediocre turnout at the event, which was supposed to kickstart his bid for reelection but ended up falling significantly short of the campaign team’s jacked-up expectations. Trump, who often touts his crowd sizes as an indicator of his support, had boasted that more than a million people had registered to attend, despite criticisms of scheduling a rally amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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He ended up addressing a venue ringed by vast sections of empty seats.
“Your campaign was so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should,” The Lincoln Project tweeted alongside their new video, titled “Disheveled.”
Created on a Jurassic Park theme, the video shows Trump walking to Marine One on his way to the rally, set to the movie’s triumphant overture. On his return from the rally at the 19,200-capacity BOK Center — which local fire officials estimated roughly 6,200 people attended — an amateur melodica rendition of the theme (known colloquially online as “the bad harmonica cover”) plays instead as a seemingly exhausted Trump disembarks the chopper with his tie undone.
Your campaign was so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. pic.twitter.com/cfAAkGLttH — The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) June 22, 2020
A day earlier, alongside the release of another ad about the Tulsa rally’s lackluster attendance, Lincoln Project co-founder and Republican strategist Rick Wilson said Trump “can’t deliver on his wall. He can’t deliver on COVID-19 testing. And now he can’t even deliver crowds.”
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Trump had prepared for a “record-setting” crowd, with his team establishing an overflow area outside the center where he and Vice President Mike Pence were supposed to give remarks before the rally. The outdoor appearance was ultimately scrapped when the was no overflow crowd.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Schools Across U.S. Wonder How To Social Distance With Meager Budgets

As schools consider how and when to reopen their buildings during the pandemic , many are finding themselves overwhelmed by the potential expenses that would come with operating under social distancing guidelines : protective equipment , staff for smaller classrooms , and additional transportation to keep students spread out on bus rides .
In Hartford , Connecticut , Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez shudders at the thought of how to afford a scenario where each teacher had dramatically fewer students .
In some grades , she said , she has individual teachers with up to 27 students in their classrooms .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to announce when they will resume in-person instruction .
The trajectory of the outbreak remains uncertain , and many are waiting on direction from their states .
Many are developing plans for at least some distance learning , and budgets are one of the factors that could determine how much they do from afar .
Head football coach Bob Wager , right , and sophomore safety Cameron Conley greet each other at the re-opening of strength and conditioning camp at Arlington Martin High School , Thursday , June 18 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states have been easing the economic and social lockdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic , some are now letting high school athletes return for summer workouts before teachers have even figured out how they are going to hold classroom instruction .
( AP Photo/LM Otero ) In Camden , New Jersey , one of the state ’ s poorest cities , Superintendent Katrina McCombs said costs for classroom cleanings , protective equipment and other virus-related expenses are a concern , especially because the city relies on cash infusions from a state government that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the current and next fiscal years .
New Jersey has not yet issued guidelines for reopening schools , but McCombs said she hopes the governor leaves flexibility for big urban districts like hers , where families could be at especially high risk for exposure given the number of multi-generational households .
“ I think the big thing that comes to mind right away ... just thinking about those logistics of our city , I would hope that as the governor is rolling out those recommendations they can take those unique factors into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
As schools reopen it will cost the average school district about $ 1.8 million to make social distancing possible , according to an estimate published by AASA , the School Superintendents Association , and the Association of School Business Officials International .
The expense will strain budgets of districts that are bracing for cuts due to the economic downturn and hoping for additional federal aid .
“ You have a significant increase in costs for school districts at a time when school districts are going to have less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the states ’ budgets are going to be decimated , “ said Ben Domenech , executive director of AASA .
“ How is that going to play out ?
” In the town of Stonington , Connecticut , school board chairwoman Alexa Garvey said it would help immensely with finances if the state eased guidance in place for the summer that there should be only one student on each seat of a bus .
There are also unresolved questions about providing masks .
The superintendent of Florida ’ s Miami-Dade County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s largest , said at a recent National Press Club panel that it was considering teachers ’ and parents ’ input on how to continue instruction in light of changes forced by the pandemic and the associated costs .
The affluent town of Greenwich , Connecticut , where the school system has 12.2 students for every teacher and instructor on staff , is like many others developing approaches for various scenarios .
To keep up social distancing when buildings reopen , Superintendent Toni Jones has said the district could use media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classrooms to spread out staff .
In Hartford , which has 14.7 students per teacher , the district serves many high-poverty communities and also brings in thousands of students from 60 other towns through school-choice programs .
The superintendent there said the challenges associated with reopening are so severe , it may be time to come up with entirely new models for instruction .
“ Is it that the entire ecosystem has to be examined ?
” Torres-Rodriguez said .
“ If we ’ re going to go to smaller class sizes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers from ?
” “ We know that we have experts in our community right now .
We have our corporate .
We have our industry .
We have higher ed , ” she said .
“ So how do we leverage our retirees , for example ?
How do we leverage our soon to be college upper class students ?
Industry ?
I just think it is an opportunity .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
As schools consider how and when to reopen their buildings during the pandemic, many are finding themselves overwhelmed by the potential expenses that would come with operating under social distancing guidelines: protective equipment, staff for smaller classrooms, and additional transportation to keep students spread out on bus rides.
The burdens loom large in particular for urban, under-resourced districts that often have neither the space nor the budgets to accommodate new health protocols.
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In Hartford, Connecticut, Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez shudders at the thought of how to afford a scenario where each teacher had dramatically fewer students. In some grades, she said, she has individual teachers with up to 27 students in their classrooms.
“My budget would be non-existent,” she said.
The vast majority of American school districts have yet to announce when they will resume in-person instruction. The trajectory of the outbreak remains uncertain, and many are waiting on direction from their states. Many are developing plans for at least some distance learning, and budgets are one of the factors that could determine how much they do from afar.
Head football coach Bob Wager, right, and sophomore safety Cameron Conley greet each other at the re-opening of strength and conditioning camp at Arlington Martin High School, Thursday, June 18, 2020, in in Arlington, Texas. While states have been easing the economic and social lockdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, some are now letting high school athletes return for summer workouts before teachers have even figured out how they are going to hold classroom instruction. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ASSOCIATED PRESS
In Camden, New Jersey, one of the state’s poorest cities, Superintendent Katrina McCombs said costs for classroom cleanings, protective equipment and other virus-related expenses are a concern, especially because the city relies on cash infusions from a state government that is facing a $10 billion shortfall over the current and next fiscal years.
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New Jersey has not yet issued guidelines for reopening schools, but McCombs said she hopes the governor leaves flexibility for big urban districts like hers, where families could be at especially high risk for exposure given the number of multi-generational households.
“I think the big thing that comes to mind right away ... just thinking about those logistics of our city, I would hope that as the governor is rolling out those recommendations they can take those unique factors into consideration especially in our large urban districts,” she said.
As schools reopen it will cost the average school district about $1.8 million to make social distancing possible, according to an estimate published by AASA, the School Superintendents Association, and the Association of School Business Officials International. The expense will strain budgets of districts that are bracing for cuts due to the economic downturn and hoping for additional federal aid.
“You have a significant increase in costs for school districts at a time when school districts are going to have less money. Why? Because you see all of the states’ budgets are going to be decimated,“ said Ben Domenech, executive director of AASA. “How is that going to play out?”
In the town of Stonington, Connecticut, school board chairwoman Alexa Garvey said it would help immensely with finances if the state eased guidance in place for the summer that there should be only one student on each seat of a bus. There are also unresolved questions about providing masks.
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“Does every child need a mask?” she said. “What are our obligations to supplying those masks?”
The superintendent of Florida’s Miami-Dade County Public Schools district, one of the nation’s largest, said at a recent National Press Club panel that it was considering teachers’ and parents’ input on how to continue instruction in light of changes forced by the pandemic and the associated costs.
“Based on the demands of social distancing and precautions, there will not be enough money to have the old system back in a fully functional way,” Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.
Schools with more resources will have more options.
The affluent town of Greenwich, Connecticut, where the school system has 12.2 students for every teacher and instructor on staff, is like many others developing approaches for various scenarios. To keep up social distancing when buildings reopen, Superintendent Toni Jones has said the district could use media centers, cafeterias and other spaces for classrooms to spread out staff.
In Hartford, which has 14.7 students per teacher, the district serves many high-poverty communities and also brings in thousands of students from 60 other towns through school-choice programs. The superintendent there said the challenges associated with reopening are so severe, it may be time to come up with entirely new models for instruction.
“Is it that the entire ecosystem has to be examined?” Torres-Rodriguez said. “If we’re going to go to smaller class sizes, where are we going to get more teachers from?”
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“We know that we have experts in our community right now. We have our corporate. We have our industry. We have higher ed,” she said. “So how do we leverage our retirees, for example? How do we leverage our soon to be college upper class students? Industry? I just think it is an opportunity.”
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--The Fed’s Coronavirus Spending On Fossil Fuel Could Dig A $19 Billion Money Pit

The $ 250 billion that Congress authorized the central bank to inject into the bond market helped many otherwise healthy balance sheets weather the sudden financial storm .
Of the $ 1.3 billion in funds whose recipients have been disclosed so far , roughly 8 % went to fossil fuel-related bonds ― even though the oil , gas and coal sector comprises just 3 % of the S & P Composite 1500 stock index .
But the fossil fuel sector ’ s credit rating was spiraling downward well before COVID-19 .
Of that nearly $ 100 million known to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million went to prop up bonds with such low credit ratings they are considered non-investment grade ― “ junk ” bonds .
And fossil fuel bonds in general look likely to become riskier in the future .
If the Fed continues buying the same proportion of fossil fuel bonds for the remainder of the program , the central banking system could own about $ 19 billion worth of high-risk fossil fuel bonds , according to a new analysis published Tuesday by the British nonprofit Influence Map , which tracks corporate lobbying on climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in bonds supporting companies that might under normal market conditions go out of business .
“ This is a sector that ’ s in terminal decline in terms of its credit rating , ” Dylan Tanner , executive director of Influence Map , said by phone on Sunday .
“ The credit agencies collectively think there is a good chance of the companies going into default on their bonds.
” The study tracked changes in credit ratings for companies across the S & P 1500 , which represents 90 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big three credit rating agencies ( S & P , Moody ’ s and Fitch ) , Influence Map ’ s researchers found that the fossil fuel sector ’ s average credit rating deteriorated 8 % over the five years leading up to January 2020 .
Stretching the timeline back two decades , the sector ’ s credit rating had fallen 19 % .
That decline is nearly double that of the second-worst hit sector ― the consumer discretionary category , which includes hotels , airlines and auto sales ― which fell 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the past five years , the consumer discretionary sector ’ s credit rating fell just 2 % , “ suggesting that COVID-19 was the primary cause of its recent drop in creditworthiness and that recovery seems likely , ” the report stated .
For the consumer discretionary sector as a whole , “ there are dynamics that balance out , ” Tanner said .
As social distancing shoppers started buying more products from home , online retailers ’ credit rating kept rising , even as that of department stores declined .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ & P 1500 ’ s energy sector don ’ t show that kind of diversification .
They are entirely in the fossil fuel industry , ranging from oilfield services and drilling to coal transport and pipeline builders to integrated oil and gas giants , such as Exxon Mobil and Occidental Petroleum .
Solar , wind and battery companies , on the other hand , are distributed between S & P ’ s utilities and technology categories .
The bond-buying program represents only a sliver of the U.S. government support that fossil fuel companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate scientists around the world to dramatically wind down the industry in a bid to avert catastrophic warming scenarios in the coming decades .
In 2015 alone , the United States gave out $ 649 billion in fossil fuel subsidies , according to an International Monetary Fund study published last year .
That places the U.S. , also the world ’ s second-largest emitter of planet-heating carbon dioxide , behind only China , both the top emitter and the provider of $ 1.4 trillion in subsidies .
Since the start of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid to oil companies by purchasing oil and storing it in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve , suspending environmental regulations , and pressuring Russia and Saudi Arabia to cut production .
“ We get the feeling that some U.S. companies are digging in their heels and saying , ‘ We managed to control regulations for two decades and we ’ re going to double down on that , ’ ” Tanner said .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
As the coronavirus pandemic tanked U.S. markets in March, the Federal Reserve started lending directly to companies across a wide range of business sectors by buying up corporate bonds.
The $250 billion that Congress authorized the central bank to inject into the bond market helped many otherwise healthy balance sheets weather the sudden financial storm. Of the $1.3 billion in funds whose recipients have been disclosed so far, roughly 8% went to fossil fuel-related bonds ― even though the oil, gas and coal sector comprises just 3% of the S&P Composite 1500 stock index.
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But the fossil fuel sector’s credit rating was spiraling downward well before COVID-19. Of that nearly $100 million known to be directed to the industry, $22 million went to prop up bonds with such low credit ratings they are considered non-investment grade ― “junk” bonds. And fossil fuel bonds in general look likely to become riskier in the future.
The Federal Reserve's pandemic investment strategy looks hazy. George Rose via Getty Images
If the Fed continues buying the same proportion of fossil fuel bonds for the remainder of the program, the central banking system could own about $19 billion worth of high-risk fossil fuel bonds, according to a new analysis published Tuesday by the British nonprofit Influence Map, which tracks corporate lobbying on climate policy. That could include $4 billion in bonds supporting companies that might under normal market conditions go out of business.
“This is a sector that’s in terminal decline in terms of its credit rating,” Dylan Tanner, executive director of Influence Map, said by phone on Sunday. “The credit agencies collectively think there is a good chance of the companies going into default on their bonds.”
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A chart from Influence Map's report shows credit ratings nosediving in the energy sector, which is entirely made up of fossil fuel companies. Influence Map
The study tracked changes in credit ratings for companies across the S&P 1500, which represents 90% of the U.S. market. Using scores from the big three credit rating agencies (S&P, Moody’s and Fitch), Influence Map’s researchers found that the fossil fuel sector’s average credit rating deteriorated 8% over the five years leading up to January 2020. Stretching the timeline back two decades, the sector’s credit rating had fallen 19%.
Since the start of 2020, fossil fuels declined another 5% after the price of oil and gas plummeted to historic lows as the pandemic crushed demand.
That decline is nearly double that of the second-worst hit sector ― the consumer discretionary category, which includes hotels, airlines and auto sales ― which fell 3% since the start of the year. Over the past five years, the consumer discretionary sector’s credit rating fell just 2%, “suggesting that COVID-19 was the primary cause of its recent drop in creditworthiness and that recovery seems likely,” the report stated.
For the consumer discretionary sector as a whole, “there are dynamics that balance out,” Tanner said. As social distancing shoppers started buying more products from home, online retailers’ credit rating kept rising, even as that of department stores declined.
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But the 81 companies in the S&P 1500’s energy sector don’t show that kind of diversification. They are entirely in the fossil fuel industry, ranging from oilfield services and drilling to coal transport and pipeline builders to integrated oil and gas giants, such as Exxon Mobil and Occidental Petroleum. Solar, wind and battery companies, on the other hand, are distributed between S&P’s utilities and technology categories.
“The Fed keeps allowing otherwise unviable companies and industries to function via supporting their debt,” Tanner said. “That hampers the ability of clean energy competitors to take the market.”
The Fed declined to comment on the record. The American Petroleum Institute, the oil and gas industry’s biggest lobbying group, did not respond to questions emailed Monday morning.
“The Fed keeps allowing otherwise unviable companies and industries to function via supporting their debt. That hampers the ability of clean energy competitors to take the market.” - Dylan Tanner, executive director of Influence Map
The bond-buying program represents only a sliver of the U.S. government support that fossil fuel companies still receive, despite unequivocal calls from climate scientists around the world to dramatically wind down the industry in a bid to avert catastrophic warming scenarios in the coming decades.
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In 2015 alone, the United States gave out $649 billion in fossil fuel subsidies, according to an International Monetary Fund study published last year. That places the U.S., also the world’s second-largest emitter of planet-heating carbon dioxide, behind only China, both the top emitter and the provider of $1.4 trillion in subsidies. Since the start of the pandemic, the Trump administration has provided additional aid to oil companies by purchasing oil and storing it in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, suspending environmental regulations, and pressuring Russia and Saudi Arabia to cut production.
Yet even as many major European oil companies are spending growing shares of their investment on clean energy development, U.S. firms lag far behind.
“We get the feeling that some U.S. companies are digging in their heels and saying, ‘We managed to control regulations for two decades and we’re going to double down on that,’” Tanner said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Watchdog Launches Probe Of Police Attacks On Protesters Before Trump Posed With Bible

The inspector general of the Interior Department is launching an investigation into law enforcement attacks on protesters outside the White House early this month before President Donald Trump walked to a nearby church to hold up a Bible for a photo-op .
The Office of the Inspector General “ confirmed that it is investigating the Trump administration ’ s excessive use of force ” against the protesters , Sen. Ron Wyden ( D-Ore. ) said in a statement Monday .
Wyden was one of three lawmakers who demanded the probe in a letter .
The department is in charge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of law enforcement seen on video striking protesters with shields and batons , and firing tear gas .
The protesters appeared in several cellphone and media videos to be gathered peacefully to demonstrate against racism before they were charged by police .
“ Given the significance of the events , we have already begun collecting and reviewing information concerning the Park Police ’ s activities , ” Greenblatt told the Democratic lawmakers , The Associated Press reported .
Greenblatt noted that the first order of business would be to determine who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the June 1 clash .
The Secret Service , county and military police , and members of the National Guard were all on the scene , in addition to the Park Police .
That “ adds complex and jurisdictional challenges ” to the investigation , Greenblatt said .
Attorney General William Barr , who walked alongside Trump as the president crossed the street at Lafayette Square to stand outside St. John ’ s Episcopal Church for his photo-op , said he gave the order to clear out protesters .
He insisted protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s contradicted by the videos as well as by witnesses .
A police attack on an Australian television news crew covering the protest was so severe that Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison demanded an investigation in a complaint to the U.S. Embassy .
Both the Secret Service and the Park Police admitted using pepper spray on protesters after initially denying that they did .
Both organizations avoided the phrase “ tear gas.
” But pepper spray — which stings the eyes and causes coughing and choking — is considered a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also “ referred to as tear gas , ” states the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The American Civil Liberties Union and Black Lives Matter have sued the Trump administration for what they labeled an “ unconstitutional ” and “ criminal attack ” that evening .
“ The First Amendment rights to free speech , peaceful assembly , and free press are the building blocks of all other rights .
Any actions by the Park Police to muzzle these rights is an affront to all Americans and should be swiftly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greenblatt from Wyden .
The letter was also signed by Rep. Raul Grijalva ( D-Ariz. ) and Rep. Deb Haaland ( D-N.M. ) .

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The inspector general of the Interior Department is launching an investigation into law enforcement attacks on protesters outside the White House early this month before President Donald Trump walked to a nearby church to hold up a Bible for a photo-op.
The Office of the Inspector General “confirmed that it is investigating the Trump administration’s excessive use of force” against the protesters, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said in a statement Monday. Wyden was one of three lawmakers who demanded the probe in a letter.
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The department is in charge of U.S. Park Police, who were among members of law enforcement seen on video striking protesters with shields and batons, and firing tear gas. The protesters appeared in several cellphone and media videos to be gathered peacefully to demonstrate against racism before they were charged by police.
Inspector General Mark Lee Greenblatt said Monday that his team has begun to gather information.
“Given the significance of the events, we have already begun collecting and reviewing information concerning the Park Police’s activities,” Greenblatt told the Democratic lawmakers, The Associated Press reported.
Greenblatt noted that the first order of business would be to determine who was in charge of law enforcement the night of the June 1 clash. The Secret Service, county and military police, and members of the National Guard were all on the scene, in addition to the Park Police. That “adds complex and jurisdictional challenges” to the investigation, Greenblatt said.
Attorney General William Barr, who walked alongside Trump as the president crossed the street at Lafayette Square to stand outside St. John’s Episcopal Church for his photo-op, said he gave the order to clear out protesters. He insisted protesters were “not peaceful” — though that’s contradicted by the videos as well as by witnesses.
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A police attack on an Australian television news crew covering the protest was so severe that Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison demanded an investigation in a complaint to the U.S. Embassy.
Both the Secret Service and the Park Police admitted using pepper spray on protesters after initially denying that they did. Both organizations avoided the phrase “tear gas.” But pepper spray — which stings the eyes and causes coughing and choking — is considered a “riot control agent,” which is also “referred to as tear gas,” states the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The American Civil Liberties Union and Black Lives Matter have sued the Trump administration for what they labeled an “unconstitutional” and “criminal attack” that evening.
“The First Amendment rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and free press are the building blocks of all other rights. Any actions by the Park Police to muzzle these rights is an affront to all Americans and should be swiftly addressed,” said the letter to Greenblatt from Wyden. The letter was also signed by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.).


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-22--TikTok Comedian Knocks It Out Of The Arena Over Trump's 'Amazing' Fake Numbers

Popular Donald Trump impersonator Sarah Cooper was back on TikTok on Monday with a killer video of the “ president ” boasting about the “ amazing ” crowds he expected at his rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma — before it happened .
As she always does , Cooper lip-synced Trump ’ s own recorded words .
This time she played him squirming in a seat before the president was confronted with a sea of empty blue seats at the Bank of Oklahoma Center on Saturday .
In the video , “ How to Empty Seat , ” Trump is heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 22,000 people ( the arena has a capacity of 19,000 ) .
An additional 40,000 supporters would be seated in a convention center next door .
“ It ’ s amazing .
Nobody ’ s ever heard of numbers like this , ” mimes Cooper to Trump ’ s words .
“ We expect to have , you know , like a record-setting crowd .
We ’ ve never had an empty seat — and we certainly won ’ t in Oklahoma.
” Fire marshals reported Sunday that fewer than 6,200 tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The convention center next door was not used , and Trump canceled a talk outside the BOK Center to an expected overflow crowd that turned out to be a mere smattering of supporters .
Check out Cooper ’ s video up top .
Watch out for the nod to Dr .
Evil .

Popular Donald Trump impersonator Sarah Cooper was back on TikTok on Monday with a killer video of the “president” boasting about the “amazing” crowds he expected at his rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma — before it happened.
As she always does, Cooper lip-synced Trump’s own recorded words. This time she played him squirming in a seat before the president was confronted with a sea of empty blue seats at the Bank of Oklahoma Center on Saturday.
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In the video, “How to Empty Seat,” Trump is heard boasting that the arena will be packed with 22,000 people (the arena has a capacity of 19,000). An additional 40,000 supporters would be seated in a convention center next door.
“It’s amazing. Nobody’s ever heard of numbers like this,” mimes Cooper to Trump’s words. “We expect to have, you know, like a record-setting crowd. We’ve never had an empty seat — and we certainly won’t in Oklahoma.”
Fire marshals reported Sunday that fewer than 6,200 tickets were scanned for the arena event. The convention center next door was not used, and Trump canceled a talk outside the BOK Center to an expected overflow crowd that turned out to be a mere smattering of supporters.
Check out Cooper’s video up top. Watch out for the nod to Dr. Evil.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-23--Biden Campaign Commits To 3 General Election Debates

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Joe Biden ’ s campaign said Monday that the presumptive Democratic nominee would commit to participating in three debates , and slammed a push by President Trump ’ s advisers for an additional debate as an “ effort to change the subject.
” “ Our position is straightforward and clear : Joe Biden will accept the Commission ’ s debates , on the Commission ’ s dates , under the Commission ’ s established format and the Commission ’ s independent choice of moderators , ” said Biden Campaign Manager Jen O ’ Malley Dillon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Presidential Debates , the nonprofit group that sponsors general election debates , which was obtained by The Associated Press .
“ Donald Trump and Mike Pence should do the same.
” “ Any ‘ debate proposals ’ in lieu of that are just an effort to change the subject , avoid debates , or create a distracting ‘ debate about debates , ’ ” she added .
The letter , which was first reported by The Washington Post , came in response to a request made by Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to add another , earlier debate to the current schedule of three .
They also proposed that each campaign have a role in selecting the debate moderators .
Trump ’ s team noted absentee and mail voting is being expanded because of the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed concern that some ballots — especially those by elderly voters most at risk to the virus — could be cast before the first debate .
The first is scheduled for Sept. 29 at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana , the second on October 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arbor , and the third for a week later , Oct. 22 , at Belmont University in Nashville , Tenn .
The seeming acceptance that a vast number of this year ’ s votes will be cast by mail marks a change for the campaign .
Both Giuliani and Trump have criticized widespread mail voting and claimed without evidence that mail ballots are ripe for fraud .
In the Monday letter , O ’ Malley Dillon also pointed out that the Trump campaign ’ s request for more debates marked a shift from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump might skip the debates altogether .
That shift comes as Trump ’ s campaign has been seeking to paint Biden as mentally unsuited for the presidency , pointing to some of his verbal flubs on the campaign trail and lambasting the former vice president for campaigning “ from his basement ” during the pandemic , as Trump hit the campaign trail for his first rally during the pandemic this past weekend .
Indeed , in a statement on the Biden campaign ’ s refusal to engage in additional debates , Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aides were “ afraid ” to send the Democrat out in unscripted situations , noting it ’ s been more than 80 days since Biden held a press conference .
“ An earlier and longer debate schedule is necessary so Americans can see the clear difference between President Trump ’ s vibrant leadership and Biden ’ s confused meandering , ” he said .
In the Monday letter , O ’ Malley also asked that the CPD confirm that it ’ s formulating safety plans to ensure that the debates will go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second debate be held in a town hall format , which would allow voters to ask questions of each candidate .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden’s campaign said Monday that the presumptive Democratic nominee would commit to participating in three debates, and slammed a push by President Trump’s advisers for an additional debate as an “effort to change the subject.”
“Our position is straightforward and clear: Joe Biden will accept the Commission’s debates, on the Commission’s dates, under the Commission’s established format and the Commission’s independent choice of moderators,” said Biden Campaign Manager Jen O’Malley Dillon in a letter to the Commission on Presidential Debates, the nonprofit group that sponsors general election debates, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “Donald Trump and Mike Pence should do the same.”
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“Any ‘debate proposals’ in lieu of that are just an effort to change the subject, avoid debates, or create a distracting ‘debate about debates,’” she added.
The letter, which was first reported by The Washington Post, came in response to a request made by Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to add another, earlier debate to the current schedule of three. They also proposed that each campaign have a role in selecting the debate moderators.
Trump’s team noted absentee and mail voting is being expanded because of the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed concern that some ballots — especially those by elderly voters most at risk to the virus — could be cast before the first debate. The first is scheduled for Sept. 29 at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, the second on October 15 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and the third for a week later, Oct. 22, at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.
The seeming acceptance that a vast number of this year’s votes will be cast by mail marks a change for the campaign. Both Giuliani and Trump have criticized widespread mail voting and claimed without evidence that mail ballots are ripe for fraud.
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In the Monday letter, O’Malley Dillon also pointed out that the Trump campaign’s request for more debates marked a shift from December, when advisers were threatening that Trump might skip the debates altogether.
That shift comes as Trump’s campaign has been seeking to paint Biden as mentally unsuited for the presidency, pointing to some of his verbal flubs on the campaign trail and lambasting the former vice president for campaigning “from his basement” during the pandemic, as Trump hit the campaign trail for his first rally during the pandemic this past weekend.
Indeed, in a statement on the Biden campaign’s refusal to engage in additional debates, Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh charged that his aides were “afraid” to send the Democrat out in unscripted situations, noting it’s been more than 80 days since Biden held a press conference.
“An earlier and longer debate schedule is necessary so Americans can see the clear difference between President Trump’s vibrant leadership and Biden’s confused meandering,” he said.
In the Monday letter, O’Malley also asked that the CPD confirm that it’s formulating safety plans to ensure that the debates will go on despite the coronavirus pandemic, and that the second debate be held in a town hall format, which would allow voters to ask questions of each candidate.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-22--Mike Pence Reportedly Voted Via 'Rigged' Mail System, Joining Other Officials (And Trump)

Pence , whose voting record was exposed Monday by Business Insider , joins a long list of White House and Trump campaign officials and Trump family members who have voted by mail .
That includes the president , who on Monday criticized mail-in ballots as the “ scandal of our times !
” Pence and his wife , Karen Pence , used the address of the Indiana governor ’ s mansion for their mail-in ballot , according to the Insider .
The couple hasn ’ t lived there for four years since Pence left the governor ’ s office in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use a former address , as long as they don ’ t also register in Washington , D.C .
The news comes as Trump declared Monday that “ millions of mail-in ballots will be printed by foreign countries ” and the 2020 election will be “ RIGGED.
” Some critics have accused the president of attacking the ballots — which are good enough for him — as part of a Plan B if he ’ s voted out of the White House .
They ’ re convinced he would declare the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
“ I think this is a setup , I think they ’ re going to lose the election , ” New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) said Monday on CNN .
“ I think they ’ re going to claim fraud , and they ’ re going to go back to these states with the mail-in voting and they ’ re going to use that as an argument .
I just hope they don ’ t do that.
” ( Check out the video above . )
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wholesale from mailboxes .
Now he ’ s insisting foreign nations send in fake ballots .
He hasn ’ t presented any evidence for either claim .
Yet on Monday , Barr said twice on Fox News that mail-in voting for other Americans would open the “ floodgates of potential fraud.
” He also claimed foreign countries could print up tens of thousands of counterfeit ballots .
Trump has voted absentee at least three times — in New York City ’ s 2017 mayoral election , the state ’ s midterm election in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election in 2020 .
First lady Melania Trump , Trump ’ s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband , Jared Kushner , attempted to cast absentee ballots in the 2017 mayoral election .
But their votes weren ’ t counted .
The first lady forgot to sign her ballot , the first daughter missed the return deadline and Kushner failed to send his back , The New York Daily News reported at the time .
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway has also used the mail to vote — and White House press secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years by mail , The Tampa Bay Times reported .
Both McEnany — and Trump— may have voted by mail illegally because they used addresses that were not their actual residences , a HuffPost investigation found .
DeVos has permanent absentee voting rights , according to AP .
Parscale skipped voting in the general election in 2016 when Trump ran for the presidency because he missed the deadline for an absentee ballot , he told CBS News .
“ These are people who are taking advantage of — which is perfectly legal — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trevor Potter , the president of the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center , told AP .
“ But they don ’ t want other people to do the same thing.
” Pence ’ s office did not immediately return HuffPost ’ s requests to comment on his use of mail-in ballots .
Spokesman Devin O ’ Malley told Business Insider that the Indiana Constitution allows for elected officials to vote via absentee ballot while serving in an official capacity .

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife reportedly voted in April using a ballot system blasted by President Donald Trump as corrupt — mail-in voting.
Pence, whose voting record was exposed Monday by Business Insider, joins a long list of White House and Trump campaign officials and Trump family members who have voted by mail. That includes the president, who on Monday criticized mail-in ballots as the “scandal of our times!”
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Pence and his wife, Karen Pence, used the address of the Indiana governor’s mansion for their mail-in ballot, according to the Insider. The couple hasn’t lived there for four years since Pence left the governor’s office in 2016. It’s not illegal to use a former address, as long as they don’t also register in Washington, D.C.
The news comes as Trump declared Monday that “millions of mail-in ballots will be printed by foreign countries” and the 2020 election will be “RIGGED.”
RIGGED 2020 ELECTION: MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL BE PRINTED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND OTHERS. IT WILL BE THE SCANDAL OF OUR TIMES! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2020
Some critics have accused the president of attacking the ballots — which are good enough for him — as part of a Plan B if he’s voted out of the White House. They’re convinced he would declare the election invalid and refuse to leave the White House.
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“I think this is a setup, I think they’re going to lose the election,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said Monday on CNN.
“I think they’re going to claim fraud, and they’re going to go back to these states with the mail-in voting and they’re going to use that as an argument. I just hope they don’t do that.” (Check out the video above.)
Trump initially claimed that ballots would be stolen wholesale from mailboxes. Now he’s insisting foreign nations send in fake ballots. He hasn’t presented any evidence for either claim.
State voting records reveal that Attorney General William Barr also voted by mail in 2012 and 2019, The Washington Post reported.
Yet on Monday, Barr said twice on Fox News that mail-in voting for other Americans would open the “floodgates of potential fraud.” He also claimed foreign countries could print up tens of thousands of counterfeit ballots.
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First lady Melania Trump, Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, attempted to cast absentee ballots in the 2017 mayoral election. But their votes weren’t counted. The first lady forgot to sign her ballot, the first daughter missed the return deadline and Kushner failed to send his back, The New York Daily News reported at the time.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, have also voted by mail, The Associated Press reported Monday.
DeVos has permanent absentee voting rights, according to AP. Parscale skipped voting in the general election in 2016 when Trump ran for the presidency because he missed the deadline for an absentee ballot, he told CBS News.
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“These are people who are taking advantage of — which is perfectly legal — their right to vote absentee,” Trevor Potter, the president of the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center, told AP. “But they don’t want other people to do the same thing.”