thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Hundreds Of Military Families Sign Letter In Support Of Joe Biden

More than 300 military families signed a letter Friday endorsing Joe Biden for president , saying he ’ s “ intimately familiar ” with their experiences , while President Donald Trump has “ made a mockery ” of their ideals .
Organized by the group Military Families for Biden , the open letter , addressed to all Americans , takes aim at some of Trump ’ s most controversial moments .
“ When the White House threatens to use the military to ‘ dominate ’ the streets , he puts our service members against their peaceful fellow citizens and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referencing Trump ’ s unprecedented threats to unleash the military on anti-racism protesters this summer .
“ When our foreign policy abandoned allies we have fought side by side with for years , as happened with the Kurds in Syria , Donald Trump makes a mockery of the loyalty that we prize , ” the letter continued .
Trump was widely condemned for greenlighting a Turkish military operation that jeopardized the lives of U.S.-allied Kurdish forces fighting the self-described Islamic State in northern Syria last year .
The letter praises Biden , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and his wife Dr. Jill Biden as “ staunch advocates ” for service members , veterans and their families and caregivers , citing his early advocacy for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other toxins in the line of duty .
Julie Luckey , an Army spouse from North Carolina , said in a statement with the letter that endorsing Biden was easy .
“ There is no doubt in my mind or conflict in my heart that we are at a crossroads in history , and that the current Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing us together as Americans , ” said Luckey , a senior adviser to Military Families for Biden .
Trump often touts his military policies , saying he turned the Department of Veterans Affairs “ from a horror show to HIGH APPROVAL , ” but the reality is that most of the improvements he takes credit for began under President Barack Obama .
Some of those programs were led by the late Sen. John McCain ( R-Ariz. ) , a veteran who was held prisoner during the Vietnam War .
Trump has repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veterans issues during the Obama administration , tweeting last month that he “ disagreed with him on many things including ridiculous endless wars and the lack of success he had in dealing with the VA and our great Vets.
” Members of the military , once a reliable part of Trump ’ s base , appear to be catching on .
A survey conducted over the summer by the Military Times and Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University found that there ’ s been a steady drop in service members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slight uptick in their favorable views toward Biden .

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More than 300 military families signed a letter Friday endorsing Joe Biden for president, saying he’s “intimately familiar” with their experiences, while President Donald Trump has “made a mockery” of their ideals.
Organized by the group Military Families for Biden, the open letter, addressed to all Americans, takes aim at some of Trump’s most controversial moments.
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“When the White House threatens to use the military to ‘dominate’ the streets, he puts our service members against their peaceful fellow citizens and the First Amendment,” they wrote, referencing Trump’s unprecedented threats to unleash the military on anti-racism protesters this summer.
“When our foreign policy abandoned allies we have fought side by side with for years, as happened with the Kurds in Syria, Donald Trump makes a mockery of the loyalty that we prize,” the letter continued. Trump was widely condemned for greenlighting a Turkish military operation that jeopardized the lives of U.S.-allied Kurdish forces fighting the self-described Islamic State in northern Syria last year.
The letter praises Biden, whose two sons both served in the military, and his wife Dr. Jill Biden as “staunch advocates” for service members, veterans and their families and caregivers, citing his early advocacy for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other toxins in the line of duty.
Julie Luckey, an Army spouse from North Carolina, said in a statement with the letter that endorsing Biden was easy.
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“There is no doubt in my mind or conflict in my heart that we are at a crossroads in history, and that the current Administration has not served the Nation well in bringing us together as Americans,” said Luckey, a senior adviser to Military Families for Biden.
Trump often touts his military policies, saying he turned the Department of Veterans Affairs “from a horror show to HIGH APPROVAL,” but the reality is that most of the improvements he takes credit for began under President Barack Obama.
Some of those programs were led by the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a veteran who was held prisoner during the Vietnam War. Trump has repeatedly trashed McCain’s bipartisan work on veterans issues during the Obama administration, tweeting last month that he “disagreed with him on many things including ridiculous endless wars and the lack of success he had in dealing with the VA and our great Vets.”
Members of the military, once a reliable part of Trump’s base, appear to be catching on. A survey conducted over the summer by the Military Times and Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University found that there’s been a steady drop in service members’ positive opinions of the president and a slight uptick in their favorable views toward Biden.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Fauci: Slo-Mo Video Of Someone Speaking Proves 'Beautifully' The Need For Masks

Dr. Anthony Fauci said the latest video from YouTube stars The Slow Mo Guys is a perfect demonstration of why it ’ s important to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic .
Gavin Free , one of half of the British duo famed for their spectacular slow-motion footage of random events , filmed himself counting from one to four with and without his mouth covered .
He then showed the slowed-down footage to Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , who described it as a “ graphically beautiful demonstration of the importance of wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vast difference in the plume of particles flowing from Free ’ s mouth when his face was covered and when it wasn ’ t .
“ Graphic demonstrations like you ’ ve just shown now really solidify ” the need for face coverings , Fauci told Free .
Fauci explained that “ about 40 % to 45 % of people infected don ’ t have any symptoms ” and there is an “ understandable but incorrect ” idea the coronavirus only spreads “ when you are just coughing and sneezing all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out , shows how aerosol particles spread just by talking ― it “ proved it beautifully just by saying one , two , three , four.
” Free also showed footage of himself sneezing in slow-motion ― spraying out a vast spray of particles and streams .
In discussing the footage , Fauci also revealed his pandemic frustrations ― the lack of a cohesive response from states and the “ lack of appreciation ” on the part of some young people who “ think they ’ re in a vacuum ” and @ @ @ @ @

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Dr. Anthony Fauci said the latest video from YouTube stars The Slow Mo Guys is a perfect demonstration of why it’s important to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Gavin Free, one of half of the British duo famed for their spectacular slow-motion footage of random events, filmed himself counting from one to four with and without his mouth covered.
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He then showed the slowed-down footage to Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who described it as a “graphically beautiful demonstration of the importance of wearing masks and face coverings.”
Fauci noted the vast difference in the plume of particles flowing from Free’s mouth when his face was covered and when it wasn’t. “Graphic demonstrations like you’ve just shown now really solidify” the need for face coverings, Fauci told Free.
Fauci explained that “about 40% to 45% of people infected don’t have any symptoms” and there is an “understandable but incorrect” idea the coronavirus only spreads “when you are just coughing and sneezing all over someone.”
The slo-mo video, he pointed out, shows how aerosol particles spread just by talking ― it “proved it beautifully just by saying one, two, three, four.”
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Free also showed footage of himself sneezing in slow-motion ― spraying out a vast spray of particles and streams.
In discussing the footage, Fauci also revealed his pandemic frustrations ― the lack of a cohesive response from states and the “lack of appreciation” on the part of some young people who “think they’re in a vacuum” and flout social distancing guidelines.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Octavia Spencer Conned Her Way Into Ted Kennedy's Office As A Youth

Octavia Spencer has won an Oscar , but she couldn ’ t act like a New Englander when she tried to meet Sen. Ted Kennedy ( D-Mass . )
on a youth trip to Washington , D.C. , many years ago .
“ The Witches ” star told Jimmy Kimmel Thursday she was visiting the Capitol with other politically active kids from her home state of Alabama .
They were about to meet one of their state ’ s reps , “ but I didn ’ t want to meet my state rep , I wanted to meet Ted Kennedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interview below . )
“ That was against the rules , ” Spencer continued on “ Jimmy Kimmel Live.
” “ But I kind of broke the rules.
” The “ Hidden Figures ” actor waited for her group to leave and she “ snuck into ” Kennedy ’ s office , pretending to be from Massachusetts .
A suspicious secretary noticed her Southern accent and asked where she was from .
Spencer said she blurted out the name of a town she thought she had heard in conversation with kids from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the determined Spencer said her ruse paid off , somewhat .
“ I didn ’ t get to see Ted but she did give me a Massachusetts state pin , ” Spencer remembered .
“ The thing about that pin , though , is everybody thought that I got to meet Ted Kennedy .
”

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Octavia Spencer has won an Oscar, but she couldn’t act like a New Englander when she tried to meet Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) on a youth trip to Washington, D.C., many years ago.
“The Witches” star told Jimmy Kimmel Thursday she was visiting the Capitol with other politically active kids from her home state of Alabama. They were about to meet one of their state’s reps, “but I didn’t want to meet my state rep, I wanted to meet Ted Kennedy,” she said. (See the interview below.)
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“That was against the rules,” Spencer continued on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” “But I kind of broke the rules.”
The “Hidden Figures” actor waited for her group to leave and she “snuck into” Kennedy’s office, pretending to be from Massachusetts. A suspicious secretary noticed her Southern accent and asked where she was from. Spencer said she blurted out the name of a town she thought she had heard in conversation with kids from the state.
The secretary was unconvinced, but the determined Spencer said her ruse paid off, somewhat.
“I didn’t get to see Ted but she did give me a Massachusetts state pin,” Spencer remembered.
“The thing about that pin, though, is everybody thought that I got to meet Ted Kennedy.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--More Than 47 Million Ballots Cast In U.S. Election, Eclipsing 2016 Early Turnout

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) — U.S. voters have cast more than 47 million votes for the Nov. 3 presidential election , eclipsing total early voting from the 2016 election with 12 days to go , according to data compiled by the U.S .
Elections Project .
Some 47.5 million Americans have turned in ballots , roughly eight times the number of early votes cast at about same point before the 2016 presidential contest , and above the 47.2 million early votes that were cast before Election Day in 2016 .
The surge comes after many states have expanded mail-in voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to vote during the coronavirus pandemic and amid voter eagerness to weigh in on the political future of Republican President Donald Trump , who is facing a stiff challenge from Democrat Joe Biden .
Biden leads Trump in national opinion polls , although surveys in crucial battleground states indicate a tighter race .
The high level of early voting has led Michael McDonald , the University of Florida professor who administers the U.S .
Elections Project , to predict a record turnout of about 150 million , representing 65 % of eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump has railed against mail-in voting , making unfounded accusations that it leads to fraud .
Experts have said such fraud is rare .
Those attacks by the president have shown signs of depressing Republican interest in voting by mail .
Democrats have roughly doubled the number of returned mail-in ballots by Republicans in states that report voter registration data by party , according to the Elections Project .

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) — U.S. voters have cast more than 47 million votes for the Nov. 3 presidential election, eclipsing total early voting from the 2016 election with 12 days to go, according to data compiled by the U.S. Elections Project.
Some 47.5 million Americans have turned in ballots, roughly eight times the number of early votes cast at about same point before the 2016 presidential contest, and above the 47.2 million early votes that were cast before Election Day in 2016.
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The surge comes after many states have expanded mail-in voting and in-person early voting as a safe way to vote during the coronavirus pandemic and amid voter eagerness to weigh in on the political future of Republican President Donald Trump, who is facing a stiff challenge from Democrat Joe Biden.
Biden leads Trump in national opinion polls, although surveys in crucial battleground states indicate a tighter race.
The high level of early voting has led Michael McDonald, the University of Florida professor who administers the U.S. Elections Project, to predict a record turnout of about 150 million, representing 65% of eligible voters, the highest rate since 1908.
Trump has railed against mail-in voting, making unfounded accusations that it leads to fraud. Experts have said such fraud is rare.
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Those attacks by the president have shown signs of depressing Republican interest in voting by mail. Democrats have roughly doubled the number of returned mail-in ballots by Republicans in states that report voter registration data by party, according to the Elections Project.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--'And THAT'S That!' Tarana Burke Is Taking Me Too Into Its Second Act

Photo illustration by Rebecca Zisser Tarana Burke started the Me Too movement in 2006 .
This year , a confluence of social catastrophes in America has shed light on longstanding , life-altering power imbalances .
The coronavirus pandemic , protests against police violence and numerous high-profile incidents involving sexual and domestic violence have all revealed that suffering is not shared equally .
Even during times of universal crisis , there are always groups who fare better than others by exploiting their privilege .
Tarana Burke , founder of the Me Too movement , has spent decades dismantling these kinds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind behind the modern movement against sexual violence and abuse , which was founded in 2006 .
Today she is ushering the movement into its next phase .
“ We have to shift the narrative and make people understand that movements move , because people move them , ” she said .
“ Every bit of the work that we need has to be moved by a person who ’ s willing to contribute something.
” With Me Too entering its “ second act , ” Burke joined “ And THAT ’ S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is endangering victims of assault .
Her new platform , called “ Act Too , ” is designed to give users tools to combat abuse and to ensure that marginalized voices have a stake in how the movement proceeds .
This episode is good for the soul and will leave you with some powerful action items .
Check it !
Listen to Jones , Finley and Romblay ’ s full interview with Tarana Burke about the next phase of the Me Too movement on the latest episode of “ And THAT ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And THAT ’ S That !
” is produced and edited by Izzy Best , Nick Offenberg , Sara Patterson and Becca DeGregorio .
If you have a question or a comment about the show or a suggestion for an episode , email us at andthatsthat @ huffpost.com .

'And THAT'S That!' Tarana Burke Is Taking Me Too Into Its Second Act
The hosts talk with the founder of the Me Too movement about the next phase of the organization's work against sexual violence and abuse.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--'The Daily Show' Begins Counting Down 100 Of Donald Trump’s Most Tremendous Scandals

“ The Daily Show with Trevor Noah ” is counting down the “ most tremendous ” scandals of Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , the Comedy Central program ’ s correspondent Roy Wood Jr. launched the first @ @ @ @ @ at 100 controversies that have engulfed the White House in the Trump era .
They @ @ @ @ @ forgot and the ones you wish you could , ” said the comedian .
The @ @ @ @ @ featured the president reportedly trying to buy Greenland , and shoving his way past foreign @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Scandals , every president ’ s had one , ” said Wood Jr. @ @ @ @ @ are only known for one big scandal , Donald Trump has truly changed the game.
@ @ @ @ @ here :

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“The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” is counting down the “most tremendous” scandals of Donald Trump’s presidency.
On Thursday, the Comedy Central program’s correspondent Roy Wood Jr. launched the first of four segments looking back at 100 controversies that have engulfed the White House in the Trump era.
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They include “the ones you forgot and the ones you wish you could,” said the comedian.
The countdown from 100 to 76 featured the president reportedly trying to buy Greenland, and shoving his way past foreign leaders during a NATO summit.
“Scandals, every president’s had one,” said Wood Jr. “But while most presidents are only known for one big scandal, Donald Trump has truly changed the game.”
Check out the video here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--What The Fa-La-La Is THIS?!? Hallmark Channel Is Going Full Christmas Already

Halloween is still more than a week away , but you wouldn ’ t know it from watching the Hallmark Channel .
The network ’ s full slate of Christmas programming kicks off at 6 a.m. on Friday .
“ Jingle Bell Bride , ” the first of this season ’ s 23 original new movies , premieres on Saturday , followed by “ Chateau Christmas ” on Sunday .
New films will continue to premiere every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas as well as one each day during Thanksgiving week .
Highlights include “ Christmas Waltz ” starring Lacey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” starring Danica McKellar and “ The Christmas House , ” the network ’ s first foray in LGBTQ programming for the holidays .
Hallmark Channel has a full listing of this season ’ s new releases on its website .
The rest of the schedule will be filled out by repeats of the network ’ s famous ― or perhaps infamous ― back catalog of films such as “ A Shoe Addict ’ s Christmas , ” where a guardian angel helps a department store worker named Noelle ( of course ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course ) to find love ( of course ) .
This year ’ s “ Countdown to Christmas ” also has a new theme from Gwen Stefani : In recent years , Hallmark Channel has launched into Christmas programming the weekend before Halloween .
With Halloween landing on a weekend , that placed this year ’ s launch more than a full week before the safe and socially distant trick-or-treating begins .

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Halloween is still more than a week away, but you wouldn’t know it from watching the Hallmark Channel. The network’s full slate of Christmas programming kicks off at 6 a.m. on Friday.
“Jingle Bell Bride,” the first of this season’s 23 original new movies, premieres on Saturday, followed by “Chateau Christmas” on Sunday. New films will continue to premiere every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas as well as one each day during Thanksgiving week.
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Highlights include “Christmas Waltz” starring Lacey Chabert, “Christmas She Wrote,” starring Danica McKellar and “The Christmas House,” the network’s first foray in LGBTQ programming for the holidays.
Hallmark Channel has a full listing of this season’s new releases on its website.
The rest of the schedule will be filled out by repeats of the network’s famous ― or perhaps infamous ― back catalog of films such as “A Shoe Addict’s Christmas,” where a guardian angel helps a department store worker named Noelle (of course) played by Candace Cameron Bure (of course) to find love (of course).
This year’s “Countdown to Christmas” also has a new theme from Gwen Stefani:
In recent years, Hallmark Channel has launched into Christmas programming the weekend before Halloween. With Halloween landing on a weekend, that placed this year’s launch more than a full week before the safe and socially distant trick-or-treating begins.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Jimmy Kimmel Uses Video Of Son’s Heart Surgery To Show What’s Really At Stake This Election

Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday aired a video detailing his young son Billy ’ s multiple heart surgeries to highlight what @ @ @ @ @ in the 2020 election — health care .
Kimmel noted that his son , born @ @ @ @ @ defects , has a preexisting condition .
But President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers are @ @ @ @ @ of preexisting conditions from health insurance , despite a consensus among many Americans that it @ @ @ @ @ the comedian .
The video produced by Kimmel ’ s wife Molly McNearney documents Billy @ @ @ @ @ emergency open-heart surgery when he was just 3 days old to the happy and energetic @ @ @ @ @ now .
It ends with a message to voters : “ Americans take care of @ @ @ @ @ your heart.
” Check out the video here : And watch the rest of Kimmel @ @ @ @ @ his analysis of the final presidential debate and a supercut that contrasts Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ former President Barack Obama ― here :

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Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday aired a video detailing his young son Billy’s multiple heart surgeries to highlight what’s really at stake in the 2020 election — health care.
Kimmel noted that his son, born in 2017 with congenital heart defects, has a preexisting condition. But President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers are seeking to remove the coverage of preexisting conditions from health insurance, despite a consensus among many Americans that it should be included, noted the comedian.
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The video produced by Kimmel’s wife Molly McNearney documents Billy’s journey from receiving emergency open-heart surgery when he was just 3 days old to the happy and energetic little boy that he is now.
It ends with a message to voters:
“Americans take care of one another. Vote with your heart.”
Check out the video here:
And watch the rest of Kimmel’s monologue ― including his analysis of the final presidential debate and a supercut that contrasts Trump’s rallies with one hosted by former President Barack Obama ― here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--New Borat Video Mocks Rudy Giuliani With A 'Defense' That’s Definitely Not Gonna Help

Rudy Giuliani , the former New York mayor-turned-hatchet man for President Donald Trump , has an unlikely defender after the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bizarre hotel room footage .
Actor Sacha Baron Cohen released a new video @ @ @ @ @ he , in character as Borat , explains Giuliani ’ s actions in the new @ @ @ @ @ Moviefilm , ” which was just released on Amazon .
And he ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ : The footage from the film ’ s hidden-camera prank shows Giuliani in bed , @ @ @ @ @ into his pants in front of actor Maria Bakalova , who he believed was a @ @ @ @ @ scene to warn Giuliani that the woman is his 15-year-old daughter ( Bakalova is 24 @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani insists he merely leaned back on the bed to tuck in his shirt after @ @ @ @ @ equipment .
Here 's the Rudy Giuliani Borat scene so everyone can make up their @ @ @ @ @ ( @ DanMilanoHere ) October 23 , 2020

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Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor-turned-hatchet man for President Donald Trump, has an unlikely defender after the inauspicious debut of this week’s bizarre hotel room footage.
Actor Sacha Baron Cohen released a new video on Thursday night in which he, in character as Borat, explains Giuliani’s actions in the new film, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” which was just released on Amazon. And he’s not exactly doing Giuliani any favors:
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OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM BORAT SAGDIYEV pic.twitter.com/vM92Lam5vV — Borat (@BoratSagdiyev) October 23, 2020
The footage from the film’s hidden-camera prank shows Giuliani in bed, fully dressed, but reaching into his pants in front of actor Maria Bakalova, who he believed was a reporter. Borat crashes the scene to warn Giuliani that the woman is his 15-year-old daughter (Bakalova is 24 in real life).
Giuliani insists he merely leaned back on the bed to tuck in his shirt after Bakalova helped to remove audio equipment.
Here's the Rudy Giuliani Borat scene so everyone can make up their minds pic.twitter.com/PChEkSQ2Kw — Dan Milano (@DanMilanoHere) October 23, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Stephen Colbert Celebrates The 1 Thing We’ll Never See Donald Trump Do Again

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

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Stephen Colbert was in a celebratory mood following Thursday’s final presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
“Tonight had its ups and downs,” noted “The Late Show” host.
“But the highlight for me,” he explained, “was that we’ll never have to watch Donald Trump debate ever again.”
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Colbert pointed out that Trump has now taken part in 16 televised debates “counting the 2016 Republican primary.”
“It’s excruciating,” said the comedian. “It’s like dental surgery and tonight was like getting our last wisdom tooth taken out. Yes, it hurt, and yes we can still taste the blood in our mouths.”
Check out Colbert’s monologue here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Ariana Grande Hailed As 'Our President' In White House Video For New Single 'Positions'

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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Mandy Patinkin Fact-Checks Trump With His Most Famous 'Princess Bride' Line

If you need a new administration keep fighting for it .
Get involved in these last weeks to # GOTV @ @ @ @ @ //t.co/RdSXWy4z4X to phone bank for swing states from wherever you are .
We are making @ @ @ @ @ the vote .
Join us .
Keep going .

If you need a new administration keep fighting for it. Get involved in these last weeks to #GOTV sign up with https://t.co/RdSXWy4z4X to phone bank for swing states from wherever you are. We are making phone calls to get out the vote. Join us. Keep going.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--U.S. Sees Second-Highest COVID-19 Single-Day Spike On Record

CHICAGO - The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the United States on Thursday was the second-highest on record , coming in just short of a midsummer peak as the spread of the novel coronavirus accelerates in nearly every region of the country .
Cases , hospitalizations , and deaths are all accelerating as cooler weather descends on much of the country .
With 76,195 new cases on Thursday , the United States was approaching its one-day record high of 77,299 new cases on July 16 , according to a Reuters analysis .
U.S. deaths are also trending higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a day after the country recorded over 1,200 new deaths for the first time since August .
COVID-19deaths are up 13 % from last week , averaging 785 a day over the past seven days .
At the same time , the number of COVID-19 patients in U.S. hospitals climbed to a two-month high .
There are now nearly41,000 hospitalized coronavirus patients across the country , up34 % from Oct. 1 , according to a Reuters analysis .
North Dakota , with 887 new cases on Thursday , remains the hardest-hit state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by South Dakota , Montana , and Wisconsin .
In terms of sheer numbers , Texas reported the newest cases on Thursday with 6,820 new infections , followed by California with 6,365 .
Eight states set new records for single-day increases in cases , an ominous trend that is prompting some governors to issue new restrictions , including on bars and restaurants in some parts of Illinois .
Colorado , Illinois , Indiana , Montana , North Dakota , Ohio , Oklahoma , and Utah all reported their biggest daily increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seven states reported record numbers of COVID-19 patients in the hospital : Iowa , Kentucky , Oklahoma , South Dakota , Tennessee , Wisconsin , and Wyoming .
The number of hospitalized coronavirus patients in the Midwest reached 11,369 on Thursday , a record-high for the seventh day in a row .
Dr. Jeff Pothof , an emergency medicine physician at the University of Wisconsin Health in Madison , expressed worry about lack of compliance with public health measures in the state where some groups have challenged Democratic Governor TonyEvers ’ COVID-19 restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get that and we have such tremendous prevalenceof COVID-19 in our communities , I don ’ t see a great way out ofthis , ” Pothof said .
“ The picture isn ’ t rosy.
” The Northeast remains the one region of the county without a significant surge in cases , but infections are trending higher there , forcing Boston public schools to shift to online-only learning this week .
Vermont is a bright spot with no hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 16 new cases on Thursday .
In New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in the spring , movie theaters will open their doors to live audiences for the first time in months , albeit at 25 % capacity and with restrictions .
But in New York City , theaters would remain darkened for now , according to Governor Andrew Cuomo ’ sdirective .

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CHICAGO - The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the United States on Thursday was the second-highest on record, coming in just short of a midsummer peak as the spread of the novel coronavirus accelerates in nearly every region of the country.
Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all accelerating as cooler weather descends on much of the country. With 76,195 new cases on Thursday, the United States was approaching its one-day record high of 77,299 new cases on July 16, according to a Reuters analysis.
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Only India has reported more cases in a single day: 97,894 on Sept. 17.
U.S. deaths are also trending higher, with 916 fatalities reported on Thursday, a day after the country recorded over 1,200 new deaths for the first time since August. COVID-19deaths are up 13% from last week, averaging 785 a day over the past seven days.
At the same time, the number of COVID-19 patients in U.S. hospitals climbed to a two-month high. There are now nearly41,000 hospitalized coronavirus patients across the country, up34% from Oct. 1, according to a Reuters analysis.
North Dakota, with 887 new cases on Thursday, remains the hardest-hit state, based on new cases per capita, followed by South Dakota, Montana, and Wisconsin. In terms of sheer numbers, Texas reported the newest cases on Thursday with 6,820 new infections, followed by California with 6,365.
Eight states set new records for single-day increases in cases, an ominous trend that is prompting some governors to issue new restrictions, including on bars and restaurants in some parts of Illinois. Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah all reported their biggest daily increase in cases since the pandemic started.
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Seven states reported record numbers of COVID-19 patients in the hospital: Iowa, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The number of hospitalized coronavirus patients in the Midwest reached 11,369 on Thursday, a record-high for the seventh day in a row.
Dr. Jeff Pothof, an emergency medicine physician at the University of Wisconsin Health in Madison, expressed worry about lack of compliance with public health measures in the state where some groups have challenged Democratic Governor TonyEvers’ COVID-19 restrictions in court.
“If we don’t get that and we have such tremendous prevalenceof COVID-19 in our communities, I don’t see a great way out ofthis,” Pothof said. “The picture isn’t rosy.”
The Northeast remains the one region of the county without a significant surge in cases, but infections are trending higher there, forcing Boston public schools to shift to online-only learning this week. Vermont is a bright spot with no hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 16 new cases on Thursday.
In New York state, which was devastated by the pandemic in the spring, movie theaters will open their doors to live audiences for the first time in months, albeit at 25% capacity and with restrictions. But in New York City, theaters would remain darkened for now, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo’sdirective.
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Europe is also seeing a surge in cases and globally new infections hit a one-day record high of 423,290 on Wednesday.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--How To Help Teens Turning To Disordered Eating For Pandemic Relief

“ Eating our feelings ” has been a running theme for many coping with mental health struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic .
For many isolated teens , however , eating too much or too little has become a constant source of stress .
Helplines have seen a spike in calls related to disordered eating since March : Teens are calling Kids Help Phone in Canada about food and their body image more than any other issue .
Those who were previously in sports are especially at risk ; sports nutritionist Jennifer Sygo told CTV News in Canada that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they eat , in the absence of their regimented lives .
This all falls in line with a recent U.S. academic review on adolescents , which found that the pandemic has worsened stressors linked to eating disorders : Depression , social isolation , money worries , trauma , and problems at home .
If you ’ re worried about your teen ’ s eating and want to help them cope , here ’ s what you should know .
Eating could be their way of asserting control The pandemic has greatly increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is a big factor when it comes to disordered eating and more severe eating disorders like anorexia .
Aryel Maharaj of Canada ’ s National Eating Disorder Information Centre told CTV News that many teens calling the center have described how controlling what they ate made them feel better .
“ I guess I ’ m feeling out-of-control of life circumstances right now and eating , and weight , is what I can control , ” was how Maharaj summed up the theme of their calls .
Some teens may also feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of online communities and pandemic weight gain jokes ; a teenager interviewed by Good Morning America said jokes that gaining more pounds , or “ the COVID 15 , ” led her to unfollow social media accounts .
“ Like , it feels like he eats 800 meals a day ... [ it ] has me worried about how much of this is hunger , and how much of it is just him trying to gain control of what feels like an out-of-control life , ” Edwards wrote .
Teens may also show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine specialist Hina J. Talib told the Science Times that hearing phrases like “ I am so fat ” and “ If I gain weight , I will be disgusting ” said often should be taken seriously .
Anybody can be at risk Parents might believe that their child ’ s eating habits aren ’ t a problem unless they ’ re underweight , but that ’ s untrue , according to the National Eating Disorder Association .
Young people of any weight , ethnicity , and gender are at risk , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go untreated , according to The New York Times .
It helps if kids feel less uncertain and alone They may also find comfort in online communities .
If so , unfollowing people that make their disordered eating tendencies flare up , such as those that promote unrealistic beauty standards , can be helpful .
Substituting those accounts with disordered eating recovery resources may enforce more self-compassionate thoughts and behaviors .
Kids Help Phone and similar initiatives have counselors who can listen to teens without judgement and connect them to resources if needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental struggle , know that it ’ s OK to reach out for help from a professional — like a virtual appointment with a family therapist or treatment centre — if needed .

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“Eating our feelings” has been a running theme for many coping with mental health struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many isolated teens, however, eating too much or too little has become a constant source of stress.
Helplines have seen a spike in calls related to disordered eating since March: Teens are calling Kids Help Phone in Canada about food and their body image more than any other issue. Those who were previously in sports are especially at risk; sports nutritionist Jennifer Sygo told CTV News in Canada that many young athletes have turned to controlling what they eat, in the absence of their regimented lives.
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This all falls in line with a recent U.S. academic review on adolescents, which found that the pandemic has worsened stressors linked to eating disorders: Depression, social isolation, money worries, trauma, and problems at home.
If you’re worried about your teen’s eating and want to help them cope, here’s what you should know.
Eating could be their way of asserting control
The pandemic has greatly increased feelings of helplessness in our lives, which is a big factor when it comes to disordered eating and more severe eating disorders like anorexia. Aryel Maharaj of Canada’s National Eating Disorder Information Centre told CTV News that many teens calling the center have described how controlling what they ate made them feel better.
“I guess I’m feeling out-of-control of life circumstances right now and eating, and weight, is what I can control,” was how Maharaj summed up the theme of their calls.
Some teens may also feel pressured to control their food intake because of online communities and pandemic weight gain jokes; a teenager interviewed by Good Morning America said jokes that gaining more pounds, or “the COVID 15,” led her to unfollow social media accounts.
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Disordered eating isn’t always skipping meals
Psychology Today lists feeling anxiety over certain food groups, body dysmorphia, avoiding meal times, and obsessing over calories as possible signs.
ScaryMommy writer Clint Edwards notes that he’s seen his son over-eat more throughout the pandemic.
“Like, it feels like he eats 800 meals a day ... [it] has me worried about how much of this is hunger, and how much of it is just him trying to gain control of what feels like an out-of-control life,” Edwards wrote.
Teens may also show signs through what they say. Adolescent medicine specialist Hina J. Talib told the Science Times that hearing phrases like “I am so fat” and “If I gain weight, I will be disgusting” said often should be taken seriously.
Anybody can be at risk
“Without a proper diagnosis and intervention, young people with distorted eating behaviors can jeopardize their growth and long-term health and may even create a substance abuse problem,” the paper reported.
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It helps if kids feel less uncertain and alone
Mental wellness strategies like making self-care routines together and encouraging open conversations about feelings can help parents support teenagers who feel out of control.
They may also find comfort in online communities. If so, unfollowing people that make their disordered eating tendencies flare up, such as those that promote unrealistic beauty standards, can be helpful. Substituting those accounts with disordered eating recovery resources may enforce more self-compassionate thoughts and behaviors.
Many recovery pages share body-positive content teens may find uplifting when they’re feeling down or struggle with eating issues.
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Kids Help Phone and similar initiatives have counselors who can listen to teens without judgement and connect them to resources if needed. And as with any emotional or mental struggle, know that it’s OK to reach out for help from a professional — like a virtual appointment with a family therapist or treatment centre — if needed.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--MSNBC Hosts Say Trump Owes Kristen Welker An Apology

NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker has garnered wide praise for how she moderated Thursday ’ s second and final presidential debate — and her MSNBC colleagues think now is the perfect time for President Donald Trump to apologize .
Welker , the first Black woman to moderate a general-election presidential debate since ABC News ’ Carole Simpson in 1992 , notably maintained order throughout the event , which , unfortunately , is a striking accomplishment considering the disaster of the first presidential debate .
Furthermore , Welker has been commended for the questions she asked , like when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism and their thoughts on the experiences of many Black families and “ the talk ” — difficult conversations parents have had to have with Black children about racism , police brutality and survival .
Trump had spent much of the days leading up to the debate publicly criticizing Welker , calling her “ terrible and unfair ” on Twitter last week .
The president then called Welker , who was honored last month at the annual Washington Women in Journalism Awards as an outstanding journalist in broadcast television , a “ radical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week .
Trump continued his attacks on Welker at that rally , falsely accusing her of deleting her Twitter account .
NBC told the Associated Press that Welker ’ s Twitter account was at some point temporarily halted for security purposes , and not because she had any past tweets to hide .
The president ’ s recent attacks on Welker are a stark contrast to his comments about the correspondent in January , when he took a moment out of a news conference to congratulate her on new role as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MSNBC Thursday night , Maddow said that Trump had attacked Welker “ over and over and over again ” in the days leading up to the debate , adding that he was “ trying to intimidate her.
” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said after the debate that he thought Welker did a “ great job ” of making the event run smoothly .
Even Trump at one point during the debate told Welker , “ By the way , so far , I respect very much the way you ’ re handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welker after the debate , saying she is “ owed congratulations by the country .
”

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NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker has garnered wide praise for how she moderated Thursday’s second and final presidential debate — and her MSNBC colleagues think now is the perfect time for President Donald Trump to apologize.
“Somebody owes our colleague, Kristen Welker, an apology,” “The 11th Hour” anchor Brian Williams said on air after the debate concluded Thursday night.
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“She is owed an apology, you’re right, Brian, from the president,” host Rachel Maddow added.
Welker, the first Black woman to moderate a general-election presidential debate since ABC News’ Carole Simpson in 1992, notably maintained order throughout the event, which, unfortunately, is a striking accomplishment considering the disaster of the first presidential debate.
Furthermore, Welker has been commended for the questions she asked, like when she pushed both candidates to address systemic racism and their thoughts on the experiences of many Black families and “the talk” — difficult conversations parents have had to have with Black children about racism, police brutality and survival.
Trump had spent much of the days leading up to the debate publicly criticizing Welker, calling her “terrible and unfair” on Twitter last week. The president then called Welker, who was honored last month at the annual Washington Women in Journalism Awards as an outstanding journalist in broadcast television, a “radical Democrat” at a rally in Arizona earlier this week.
I am so honored to receive this award and am looking forward to Thursday! https://t.co/QarHuUquAf — Kristen Welker (@kwelkernbc) September 22, 2020
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Trump continued his attacks on Welker at that rally, falsely accusing her of deleting her Twitter account. NBC told the Associated Press that Welker’s Twitter account was at some point temporarily halted for security purposes, and not because she had any past tweets to hide.
The president’s recent attacks on Welker are a stark contrast to his comments about the correspondent in January, when he took a moment out of a news conference to congratulate her on new role as co-anchor on “Weekend Today.”
Welker noted on air at the time that she was “not expecting that.”
On MSNBC Thursday night, Maddow said that Trump had attacked Welker “over and over and over again” in the days leading up to the debate, adding that he was “trying to intimidate her.”
“Clearly Kristen Welker was not intimidated,” Maddow continued.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said after the debate that he thought Welker did a “great job” of making the event run smoothly. Even Trump at one point during the debate told Welker, “By the way, so far, I respect very much the way you’re handling this.”
Maddow continued her praise of Welker after the debate, saying she is “owed congratulations by the country.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Donald Trump Tries ― And Fails ― To Get Bibi Netanyahu To Attack Joe Biden

Trump : “ Do you think Sleepy Joe could have made this deal , Bibi , Sleepy Joe ?
Do @ @ @ @ @ made this deal ?
Somehow I don ’ t think so.
” Netanyahu : “ @ @ @ @ @ President , one thing I can tell you is we appreciate the help for peace @ @ @ @ @ ”

Trump: “Do you think Sleepy Joe could have made this deal, Bibi, Sleepy Joe? Do you think he would have made this deal? Somehow I don’t think so.”
Netanyahu: “Uh ... well ... Mr. President, one thing I can tell you is we appreciate the help for peace from anyone in America.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Conservative CNN Pundit Slams Trump's Lies In Final Debate: 'Very Sad For Our Country'

Conservative pundit S.E .
Cupp had a blunt assessment of Donald Trump following his final presidential debate against Democratic nominee Joe Biden on Thursday ― don ’ t give the president too much credit for being relatively toned down , because the words coming out of his mouth were still highly questionable and often downright falsehoods .
CNN host Don Lemon asked Cupp , appearing on a panel of commentators , about Trump ’ s more subdued performance compared with his raging interruptions during the first debate in September , which CNN political analyst host Dana Bash had called a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be really careful with the way we describe Trump ’ s debate performance , ” Cupp responded .
“ By [ CNN reporter and fact-checker ] Daniel Dale ’ s standards , he lied more in this debate performance than in the quote-unquote ‘ crazy ’ debate , and the bar is so low ( for Trump ) that it ’ s on the floor .
And so I get why we talk about , well , he was better this time .
But that bar is so incredibly low .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we talk about it in those terms.
” Cupp then referenced Trump ’ s claims during the debate that America was “ learning to live with ” COVID-19 ― despite the deaths of more than 220,000 people from the disease in the U.S. , with over 1,100 reported deaths on Wednesday , the highest toll in over a month .
“ This was a terrible debate for the president of the United States to get on a national stage and tell millions of Americans that COVID ain ’ t so bad and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon and winter ’ s going to be fine , ” Cupp said .
Referring to a controversial aspect of the Trump administration ’ s migrant policy , she added , “ To look in the camera and express absolutely zero compassion for kids separated from families ; I could go on and on .
It was a terrible debate performance and very , very sad for our country .
So , I do think our language around his performance matters.
” Cupp , one of a cadre of GOP pundits who oppose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Mike Pence during his debate earlier this month with Biden ’ s running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris of California .
Cupp said that that the way Pence answered questions amounted to “ gaslighting .
”

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Conservative pundit S.E. Cupp had a blunt assessment of Donald Trump following his final presidential debate against Democratic nominee Joe Biden on Thursday ― don’t give the president too much credit for being relatively toned down, because the words coming out of his mouth were still highly questionable and often downright falsehoods.
CNN host Don Lemon asked Cupp, appearing on a panel of commentators, about Trump’s more subdued performance compared with his raging interruptions during the first debate in September, which CNN political analyst host Dana Bash had called a “shitshow.”
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“I think we need to be really careful with the way we describe Trump’s debate performance,” Cupp responded. “By [CNN reporter and fact-checker] Daniel Dale’s standards, he lied more in this debate performance than in the quote-unquote ‘crazy’ debate, and the bar is so low (for Trump) that it’s on the floor. And so I get why we talk about, well, he was better this time. But that bar is so incredibly low. And I think we do a disservice when we talk about it in those terms.”
Cupp then referenced Trump’s claims during the debate that America was “learning to live with” COVID-19 ― despite the deaths of more than 220,000 people from the disease in the U.S., with over 1,100 reported deaths on Wednesday, the highest toll in over a month.
“This was a terrible debate for the president of the United States to get on a national stage and tell millions of Americans that COVID ain’t so bad and it’s going to be gone soon and winter’s going to be fine,” Cupp said.
Referring to a controversial aspect of the Trump administration’s migrant policy, she added, “To look in the camera and express absolutely zero compassion for kids separated from families; I could go on and on. It was a terrible debate performance and very, very sad for our country. So, I do think our language around his performance matters.”
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Cupp, one of a cadre of GOP pundits who oppose Trump, previously had strong words for Vice President Mike Pence during his debate earlier this month with Biden’s running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris of California. Cupp said that that the way Pence answered questions amounted to “gaslighting.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Trump Campaign Caught Videotaping Voters At Philadelphia Ballot Drop Boxes

The Trump campaign has been videotaping voters as they deposit ballots in drop boxes in Philadelphia ― a practice that the campaign claims is to document ballot fraud but that the Pennsylvania attorney general warns could amount to illegal voter intimidation .
Linda A. Kerns , a lawyer representing the Trump campaign , complained to city election officials last week after she said campaign representatives took video showing voters dropping more than one ballot into the boxes .
Kerns said such behavior is a “ blatant violation ” of election law .
A copy of Kerns ’ letter was reviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania law , voters are only allowed to deposit their own mail-in or absentee ballot in a drop box , though exceptions exist for voters with disabilities .
“ Third party delivery is permitted in certain circumstances , ” Field wrote .
“ The Board can not agree with your conclusion on the basis of the information you provided .
Nor can the Board , in exercising its duties , assume that an individual is violating the Election Code when that person can act as an agent for a voter who required assistance.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowing all voters the choice to vote by mail .
City and county election authorities have opened drop boxes in recent days , allowing voters to deposit their mail-in ballots without relying on the Postal Service .
A petition that would have allowed third parties to deliver mail-in ballots to drop boxes was denied late last month , potentially causing some confusion .
State Attorney General Josh Shapiro , a Democrat , told HuffPost in an email that this is actually the second time the Trump campaign has claimed voters are depositing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier lawsuit seeking to ban drop boxes cited similar photos , Shapiro said , and was dismissed .
The bigger issue may be the Trump campaign ’ s surveillance of drop box locations , which Shapiro said may very well be illegal .
“ Pennsylvania law permits poll watchers to carry out very discrete and specific duties — videotaping voters at drop boxes is not one of them , ” Shapiro said .
“ Our entire system of voting is built on your ballot being private and your choice to vote being a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the act of photographing or recording a voter casting a ballot could be voter intimidation — which is illegal.
” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner told The Associated Press that his office is committed to investigating “ any and all ” allegations of voter intimidation and harassment .
We want to know what you ’ re hearing on the ground from the candidates .
If you get any interesting ― or suspicious !
― campaign mailers , robocalls or hear anything else you think we should know about , email us at @ @ @ @

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The Trump campaign has been videotaping voters as they deposit ballots in drop boxes in Philadelphia ― a practice that the campaign claims is to document ballot fraud but that the Pennsylvania attorney general warns could amount to illegal voter intimidation.
Linda A. Kerns, a lawyer representing the Trump campaign, complained to city election officials last week after she said campaign representatives took video showing voters dropping more than one ballot into the boxes. Kerns said such behavior is a “blatant violation” of election law. A copy of Kerns’ letter was reviewed by The New York Times.
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Under Pennsylvania law, voters are only allowed to deposit their own mail-in or absentee ballot in a drop box, though exceptions exist for voters with disabilities.
Philadelphia city attorney Benjamin Field emphasized that exemption in a response to Kerns Monday.
“Third party delivery is permitted in certain circumstances,” Field wrote. “The Board cannot agree with your conclusion on the basis of the information you provided. Nor can the Board, in exercising its duties, assume that an individual is violating the Election Code when that person can act as an agent for a voter who required assistance.”
Pennsylvania expanded mail-in voting in October, allowing all voters the choice to vote by mail. City and county election authorities have opened drop boxes in recent days, allowing voters to deposit their mail-in ballots without relying on the Postal Service.
A petition that would have allowed third parties to deliver mail-in ballots to drop boxes was denied late last month, potentially causing some confusion.
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State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, told HuffPost in an email that this is actually the second time the Trump campaign has claimed voters are depositing multiple ballots. The campaign’s earlier lawsuit seeking to ban drop boxes cited similar photos, Shapiro said, and was dismissed.
The bigger issue may be the Trump campaign’s surveillance of drop box locations, which Shapiro said may very well be illegal.
“Pennsylvania law permits poll watchers to carry out very discrete and specific duties — videotaping voters at drop boxes is not one of them,” Shapiro said.
“Our entire system of voting is built on your ballot being private and your choice to vote being a personal one. Depending on the circumstance, the act of photographing or recording a voter casting a ballot could be voter intimidation — which is illegal.”
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner told The Associated Press that his office is committed to investigating “any and all” allegations of voter intimidation and harassment.
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So far this election cycle, 294 pandemic-related lawsuits have been filed in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Fauci Says Trump Hasn't Been To A Coronavirus Task Force Meeting In 'Several Months'

Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told MSNBC ’ s “ Meet the Press Daily ” on Friday that President Donald Trump hasn ’ t been present at coronavirus task force meetings for quite some time .
“ That was several months ago , ” Fauci said to host Chuck Todd after he was asked when the president had last attended a meeting.
“ ... We certainly interact with the vice president [ Mike Pence ] at the task force meetings .
The vice president makes our feelings and what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But direct involvement with the president in the discussions , I have not done that in a while.
” Fauci explained that compared to the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. , the number of task force meetings had decreased over time .
“ We used to have them during the early spring , when things were really hot , particularly in the northeastern part , when New York was having a terrible time , ” Fauci said .
“ We were meeting five , six , sometimes seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , when things pivoted around to more of the economic reopening , as it were , of the country , the number of task force meetings have diminished .
And we ’ re averaging right now about one a week .
We had one last week.
” Dr. Scott Atlas , who was appointed by Trump to act as a task force adviser in August , is a neuroradiologist who does not have formal training in the field of infectious diseases .
He has been a strong proponent of COVID-19 herd immunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the American Public Health Association .
Herd immunity is the belief that individuals will develop natural antibodies to a virus over time if enough people are exposed to it .
Fauci , for his part , has argued that letting COVID-19 run rampant until the development of herd immunity would cause an “ enormous ” death toll .
“ I think he ’ s a Democrat , but that ’ s OK , ” Trump said during Thursday ’ s final presidential debate , insisting that Fauci had made mistakes in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimate authority on the disease .
Fauci , for his part , has insisted that he will never publicly endorse any political candidate .

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told MSNBC’s “Meet the Press Daily” on Friday that President Donald Trump hasn’t been present at coronavirus task force meetings for quite some time.
“That was several months ago,” Fauci said to host Chuck Todd after he was asked when the president had last attended a meeting.“ ... We certainly interact with the vice president [Mike Pence] at the task force meetings. The vice president makes our feelings and what we talk about there known to the president. But direct involvement with the president in the discussions, I have not done that in a while.”
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Fauci explained that compared to the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., the number of task force meetings had decreased over time.
“We used to have them during the early spring, when things were really hot, particularly in the northeastern part, when New York was having a terrible time,” Fauci said. “We were meeting five, six, sometimes seven days a week ... A few months ago, when things pivoted around to more of the economic reopening, as it were, of the country, the number of task force meetings have diminished. And we’re averaging right now about one a week. We had one last week.”
The infectious disease expert added, “I definitely didn’t have [Trump’s] ear as much as Scott Atlas right now.”
Dr. Scott Atlas, who was appointed by Trump to act as a task force adviser in August, is a neuroradiologist who does not have formal training in the field of infectious diseases. He has been a strong proponent of COVID-19 herd immunity, a concept which has been condemned by the American Public Health Association.
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Herd immunity is the belief that individuals will develop natural antibodies to a virus over time if enough people are exposed to it. Fauci, for his part, has argued that letting COVID-19 run rampant until the development of herd immunity would cause an “enormous” death toll.
Trump has shifted back and forth between calling Fauci a “wonderful guy” and undermining his coronavirus safety suggestions and press appearances.
“I think he’s a Democrat, but that’s OK,” Trump said during Thursday’s final presidential debate, insisting that Fauci had made mistakes in his analysis of COVID-19 and was not an ultimate authority on the disease.
Fauci, for his part, has insisted that he will never publicly endorse any political candidate.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Time Magazine Makes History For What's NOT On The Cover

`` Few events will shape the world to come more than the result of the upcoming U.S. presidential election , @ @ @ @ @ the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of TIME .
`` To mark this historic moment , arguably @ @ @ @ @ any of us has ever made at the ballot box , we have for the @ @ @ @ @ 100-year history replaced our logo on the cover of our U.S. edition with the imperative @ @ @ @ @ exercise the right to vote .
To help , we 've provided readers with a @ @ @ @ @ safely during this extraordinary year . ''
The artwork on the cover is by Shepard @ @ @ @ @ two prior TIME covers .
`` Even though the subject in the portrait knows there @ @ @ @ @ during a pandemic , '' Fairey says of the image , the person is determined @ @ @ @ @ and power by voting . ''
Read everything you need to know about voting at @ @ @ @ @ Illustration by Shepard Fairey ( @ obeygiant ) for TIME

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"Few events will shape the world to come more than the result of the upcoming U.S. presidential election," writes Edward Felsenthal, the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of TIME. "To mark this historic moment, arguably as consequential a decision as any of us has ever made at the ballot box, we have for the first time in our nearly 100-year history replaced our logo on the cover of our U.S. edition with the imperative for all of us to exercise the right to vote. To help, we've provided readers with a guide on how to vote safely during this extraordinary year." The artwork on the cover is by Shepard Fairey, whose work includes two prior TIME covers. "Even though the subject in the portrait knows there are additional challenges to democracy during a pandemic," Fairey says of the image, the person is determined to use their "voice and power by voting." Read everything you need to know about voting at the link in bio. Illustration by Shepard Fairey (@obeygiant) for TIME


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Report: Right-Wing Militia Groups ‘Pose A Serious Threat’ To Voters

Over the past several months , private militias “ have become more assertive , ” the two organizations found in a report published Thursday , titled “ Standing By : Right-Wing Militia Groups & The US Election.
” The report cites kidnapping plots targeting elected officials and interventions in protests throughout the country .
Parts of Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania , Wisconsin and Oregon are at the highest risk of increased militia activity around the election , it says , while parts of North Carolina , Texas , Virginia , California and New Mexico are at a moderate risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Patriot Prayer , Proud Boys and Boogaloo Bois as groups that pose a “ high ” or “ very high ” potential for violence .
The report ’ s authors wrote that there ’ s been “ a major realignment ” of U.S. militia activity .
While these groups have traditionally been anti-government , several of them have largely rallied behind a single political leader : Donald Trump .
The president has urged his supporters to go to polling sites during this election “ and watch very carefully , ” a directive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who see themselves as soldiers in a civil war .
Asked to condemn the Proud Boys at a debate last month , Trump instead told them to “ stand back and stand by , ” a directive the neo-fascist group publicly interpreted as marching orders .
When militia members were arrested earlier this month for plotting to kidnap Michigan ’ s Democratic governor , Gretchen Whitmer , the president seemed to delight in their animus toward her , encouraging a “ lock her up ” chant at a campaign rally in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jr. has asked “ every able-bodied man , woman to join the Army for Trump ’ s election security operation , ” an effort to recruit poll watchers who believe Democrats are trying to steal the election .
ACLED and MilitiaWatch , which found that militia activity has been reported in at least 34 states and Washington , D.C. , since May , identified specific factors that increase the risk of election-related militia activity in certain states .
ACLED is a nonprofit that monitors global political violence and MilitiaWatch is an online publication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Militia activity is expected to be higher in competitive spaces like swing states , the report found , where armed groups may work to repress votes for Trump ’ s opponents .
Armed groups appear to be particularly active in areas where there have been protests against the lockdowns aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus — an effort militias perceive as an assault on their freedom — and places that have seen Black Lives Matter protests — which militias view as “ leftist coup ” activities .
Locations where militia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement are likely to see higher levels of militia activity , the report found .
In Kenosha , Wisconsin , law enforcement officers were recorded on video handing water to a group of militia members and telling them , “ We appreciate you guys , we really do , ” shortly before 17-year-old vigilante Kyle Rittenhouse fatally shot two people in late August .
So far this year , right-wing extremists have accounted for two-thirds of domestic terrorist attacks and plots , a counterterrorism expert at the Center for Strategic and International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Several of these plots were organized on Facebook .
The social media giant is currently facing a civil lawsuit for permitting the event page used to recruit armed militants to Kenosha to remain online , despite the page being reported 455 times for violating the platform ’ s rules .
In August , about a week before the Rittenhouse shootings , Facebook announced that it would “ restrict ” the ability of militia groups to organize on its platform , and the following month it updated its policy to ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , support or represent militarized social movements.
” The company has been more aggressive in removing militia groups and pages since then , but far-right extremists have continued to organize on the platform .
Often , Facebook only removes banned content when a reporter or outside group flags it for them .
Faced with the prospect of armed militia members showing up at polling locations , state election officials have scrambled to find additional ways to prevent voter intimidation .
Last week , Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced a ban on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of polling places on Nov. 3 , a recognition of the fact that visibly toting a gun around is an easy way to intimidate others .
Benson ’ s move was a common-sense and seemingly innocuous response to the volatile political climate — about a dozen states already ban open and/or concealed carry at the polls .
But it was met with immediate backlash from the right .
Several sheriffs and an association of police chiefs in Michigan said they wouldn ’ t enforce the ban .
On Thursday , a coalition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , claiming that gun-owners were actually the ones facing intimidation .
The “ practical effect ” of Benson ’ s policy , the plaintiffs alleged , was to “ disenfranchise ” Second Amendment-supporting voters .
But it ’ s unclear why people would need a visible weapon to cast their vote at a polling location — places that are already subject to plenty of restrictions around otherwise constitutionally protected activity in order to create a safe and intimidation-free environment for voters .
Asked why the right to have a visible firearm at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to fight for it in court , Steve Dulan , the second vice chair of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Ownership , conceded it was a fight based on the principle rather than real concerns about self-defense .
“ We just disagree with the idea that the secretary of state , any secretary of state , can just announce new law in this way , too .
”

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Militia groups “pose a serious threat to the safety and security of American voters,” particularly in the nation’s swing states, according to a joint report from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and MilitiaWatch.
Over the past several months, private militias “have become more assertive,” the two organizations found in a report published Thursday, titled “Standing By: Right-Wing Militia Groups & The US Election.” The report cites kidnapping plots targeting elected officials and interventions in protests throughout the country. Parts of Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Oregon are at the highest risk of increased militia activity around the election, it says, while parts of North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, California and New Mexico are at a moderate risk. The report identifies the Three Percenters, Patriot Prayer, Proud Boys and Boogaloo Bois as groups that pose a “high” or “very high” potential for violence.
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The report’s authors wrote that there’s been “a major realignment” of U.S. militia activity. While these groups have traditionally been anti-government, several of them have largely rallied behind a single political leader: Donald Trump. The president has urged his supporters to go to polling sites during this election “and watch very carefully,” a directive likely to inspire far-right militia members, who see themselves as soldiers in a civil war. Asked to condemn the Proud Boys at a debate last month, Trump instead told them to “stand back and stand by,” a directive the neo-fascist group publicly interpreted as marching orders.
When militia members were arrested earlier this month for plotting to kidnap Michigan’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, the president seemed to delight in their animus toward her, encouraging a “lock her up” chant at a campaign rally in the state days later. His son Donald Trump Jr. has asked “every able-bodied man, woman to join the Army for Trump’s election security operation,” an effort to recruit poll watchers who believe Democrats are trying to steal the election.
ACLED and MilitiaWatch, which found that militia activity has been reported in at least 34 states and Washington, D.C., since May, identified specific factors that increase the risk of election-related militia activity in certain states. ACLED is a nonprofit that monitors global political violence and MilitiaWatch is an online publication that tracks militia activity in the U.S.
Militia activity is expected to be higher in competitive spaces like swing states, the report found, where armed groups may work to repress votes for Trump’s opponents. Armed groups appear to be particularly active in areas where there have been protests against the lockdowns aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus — an effort militias perceive as an assault on their freedom — and places that have seen Black Lives Matter protests — which militias view as “leftist coup” activities.
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Locations where militia members have friendly relationships with members of law enforcement are likely to see higher levels of militia activity, the report found. In Kenosha, Wisconsin, law enforcement officers were recorded on video handing water to a group of militia members and telling them, “We appreciate you guys, we really do,” shortly before 17-year-old vigilante Kyle Rittenhouse fatally shot two people in late August.
So far this year, right-wing extremists have accounted for two-thirds of domestic terrorist attacks and plots, a counterterrorism expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies found in a report also issued this week. Several of these plots were organized on Facebook. The social media giant is currently facing a civil lawsuit for permitting the event page used to recruit armed militants to Kenosha to remain online, despite the page being reported 455 times for violating the platform’s rules.
In August, about a week before the Rittenhouse shootings, Facebook announced that it would “restrict” the ability of militia groups to organize on its platform, and the following month it updated its policy to ban users “from running ads that praise, support or represent militarized social movements.” The company has been more aggressive in removing militia groups and pages since then, but far-right extremists have continued to organize on the platform. Often, Facebook only removes banned content when a reporter or outside group flags it for them.
Faced with the prospect of armed militia members showing up at polling locations, state election officials have scrambled to find additional ways to prevent voter intimidation. Last week, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced a ban on open carry of firearms within 100 feet of polling places on Nov. 3, a recognition of the fact that visibly toting a gun around is an easy way to intimidate others.
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Benson’s move was a common-sense and seemingly innocuous response to the volatile political climate — about a dozen states already ban open and/or concealed carry at the polls. But it was met with immediate backlash from the right. Several sheriffs and an association of police chiefs in Michigan said they wouldn’t enforce the ban. On Thursday, a coalition of pro-gun groups sued to prevent its enforcement, claiming that gun-owners were actually the ones facing intimidation.
The “practical effect” of Benson’s policy, the plaintiffs alleged, was to “disenfranchise” Second Amendment-supporting voters. But it’s unclear why people would need a visible weapon to cast their vote at a polling location — places that are already subject to plenty of restrictions around otherwise constitutionally protected activity in order to create a safe and intimidation-free environment for voters.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--No, Nancy Pelosi Was Not 'Dancing In The Streets Of Chinatown'

During Thursday night ’ s final debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden , Trump told lie after lie , particularly while attempting to defend his disastrous response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
When moderator Kristen Welker asked Trump what he would do if the U.S. experiences another surge in COVID-19 cases this winter , the president blamed seemingly everyone but himself — including by falsely claiming that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) was “ dancing in the streets of Chinatown.
” Trump was referring to Pelosi ’ s visit to San Francisco ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on Feb. 24 , several weeks before COVID-19 cases began to surge in the United States .
She was there to show solidarity for the neighborhood , walking around with community leaders and eating lunch at a dim sum restaurant , in order to assuage anti-Asian sentiments amid fears of the coronavirus .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) , walks with Florence Fang , second from left , to a temple during a tour of Chinatown on Monday , Feb. 24 , in San Francisco .
Pelosi chatted with shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local Chinatown in an effort to let people know the neighborhood is safe and would welcome their support .
At that point , many Asian-owned businesses around the country had experienced a precipitous drop in sales and patronage because of racism related to the coronavirus , which first appeared in Wuhan , China , and had been spreading across parts of Asia .
Throughout this year , Asian Americans have experienced an avalanche of COVID-19-related racism .
Since March , a group of advocacy organizations and scholars called STOP AAPI HATE has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,700 racist incidents , with respondents from nearly every U.S. state .
This week , the group released a report concluding that Trump is by far the biggest “ superspreader ” of anti-Asian racism catalyzed by the pandemic .
The president frequently uses racist slurs and epithets to refer to COVID-19 , and he blames and scapegoats China in order to deflect from his own mishandling of the public health crisis .
Trump has previously trotted out his lie about Pelosi ’ s Chinatown visit , mischaracterizing and embellishing the story during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FactCheck.org .
At a White House event in May , he falsely claimed that the House speaker encouraged international tourists to “ bring your infection.
” “ She ’ s dancing in the streets of Chinatown , trying to say , ‘ It ’ s OK to come to the United States .
It ’ s fine .
It ’ s wonderful .
Come on in .
Bring your infection with you , ’ ” he said .
The president ’ s “ bring your infection ” comment calls to mind racist tropes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These xenophobic attacks have persisted since the 19th century , when Chinese immigrants who arrived in the United States were labeled as harbingers of the “ yellow peril.
” During Thursday ’ s debate , Trump kept playing into these racist fears and stereotypes , among many other racist comments he made on the stage .
For example , in response to a question about climate change , he referred to China and India as “ filthy.
” Yet , he falsely and bafflingly declared himself to be “ the least racist person @ @ @ @ @

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During Thursday night’s final debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, Trump told lie after lie, particularly while attempting to defend his disastrous response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When moderator Kristen Welker asked Trump what he would do if the U.S. experiences another surge in COVID-19 cases this winter, the president blamed seemingly everyone but himself — including by falsely claiming that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was “dancing in the streets of Chinatown.”
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Trump was referring to Pelosi’s visit to San Francisco’s Chinatown, part of her congressional district, on Feb. 24, several weeks before COVID-19 cases began to surge in the United States. She was there to show solidarity for the neighborhood, walking around with community leaders and eating lunch at a dim sum restaurant, in order to assuage anti-Asian sentiments amid fears of the coronavirus.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), walks with Florence Fang, second from left, to a temple during a tour of Chinatown on Monday, Feb. 24, in San Francisco. Pelosi chatted with shop owners and took a walking tour of the local Chinatown in an effort to let people know the neighborhood is safe and would welcome their support. Eric Risberg/AP Photo
At that point, many Asian-owned businesses around the country had experienced a precipitous drop in sales and patronage because of racism related to the coronavirus, which first appeared in Wuhan, China, and had been spreading across parts of Asia.
Throughout this year, Asian Americans have experienced an avalanche of COVID-19-related racism. Since March, a group of advocacy organizations and scholars called STOP AAPI HATE has collected and received reports of more than 2,700 racist incidents, with respondents from nearly every U.S. state.
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This week, the group released a report concluding that Trump is by far the biggest “superspreader” of anti-Asian racism catalyzed by the pandemic. The president frequently uses racist slurs and epithets to refer to COVID-19, and he blames and scapegoats China in order to deflect from his own mishandling of the public health crisis.
Trump has previously trotted out his lie about Pelosi’s Chinatown visit, mischaracterizing and embellishing the story during his White House COVID-19 briefings, according to FactCheck.org. At a White House event in May, he falsely claimed that the House speaker encouraged international tourists to “bring your infection.”
“She’s dancing in the streets of Chinatown, trying to say, ‘It’s OK to come to the United States. It’s fine. It’s wonderful. Come on in. Bring your infection with you,’” he said.
Pelosi did not say that.
The president’s “bring your infection” comment calls to mind racist tropes about Chinese people being disease carriers. These xenophobic attacks have persisted since the 19th century, when Chinese immigrants who arrived in the United States were labeled as harbingers of the “yellow peril.”
During Thursday’s debate, Trump kept playing into these racist fears and stereotypes, among many other racist comments he made on the stage. For example, in response to a question about climate change, he referred to China and India as “filthy.”
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Yet, he falsely and bafflingly declared himself to be “the least racist person in this room.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--How Harris County, Texas, Won The Early Voting Game

Historically a low-turnout state , Texas now leads the nation in early voting , with more than 6.3 million ballots cast .
And Harris County , which includes Houston and its sprawling suburbs , is leading the way , thanks to efforts by local leaders to expand access to voting , even as county and state-level Republicans try to shrink it .
Already , 951,066 Harris County voters have cast ballots either at early in-person polling locations or by absentee ballot .
That is 98 % of all the early and absentee ballots cast in 2016 , and 73 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that election .
This year ’ s early votes and absentee ballots are almost certain to eclipse 2016 ’ s vote total before anyone goes to the polls on Nov. 3 .
These record-breaking numbers are hugely consequential for the 2020 presidential election .
Texas hasn ’ t seen a competitive presidential race since Bill Clinton was president , and a Democrat hasn ’ t won the state since Jimmy Carter in 1976 .
But President Donald Trump ’ s deep unpopularity in heavily populated urban and inner-ring suburban regions is helping Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump in states like Texas once seen as untouchable to Democrats .
Harris County is exactly the type of region primed to dislike Trump .
It boasts a racially diverse population and high levels of college graduates among the 2 million residents of Houston and its suburbs .
Being the state ’ s most populous county with 4.7 million residents , it is key to Democrats who rely on such demographics to win elections .
And the region has swung hard for Democrats since Trump became the Republican Party leader .
In 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Harris County by more than 12 percentage points .
That was a huge improvement over President Barack Obama , who only won the county by slim margins of around 1 point in both 2008 and 2012 .
After Clinton ’ s dominance , Democratic Senate candidate Beto O ’ Rourke increased the spread against Sen. Ted Cruz ( R ) to a 16.7-point margin .
Harris County ’ s huge voter turnout could be a sign of an even greater margin for Democrats this time .
Harris County ’ s massive early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nowhere .
Nor is it solely the result of the first contested presidential election in Texas in a quarter century .
The county ’ s early voting success is the result of an effort by city leaders to make voting easier , safer and more accessible during the coronavirus pandemic ― something that Republicans have fought tooth-and-nail .
Instead of shrinking the number of polling sites , as many localities have done during the pandemic , the county expanded the number of early voting locations from 40 in 2016 to over 120 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An additional eight will soon open as 24-hour locations .
And every county resident over the age of 65 was mailed an absentee ballot application .
This was all possible due to a huge bump in funding from both the county commission and the federal government .
Harris County ’ s election spending jumped from $ 4 million in 2016 to $ 33 million in 2020 .
This is being funded from $ 12 million in appropriations from the county and $ 17 million from the CARES Act , the first federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money for elections .
The county ’ s success also was shaped by the experiences of other counties and cities that held primary elections during the pandemic .
Election officials in Maricopa County , Arizona , explained their successful communications operations .
Those in Miami-Dade County , Florida , provided information on how they coped with a decline in election workers .
And officials in Wisconsin described how drive-thru voting worked .
“ We ’ re trying to serve every single voter and to do so you have to make voting convenient for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ One of the things we heard is that shift workers don ’ t have the time to vote at a time that ’ s convenient for them and their families and their work situation.
” “ Every single thing we ’ ve done to make voting easier for the people of Harris County has been met by opposition by those who don ’ t want people to vote , ” Hollins said .
“ And more often than not , that has directly included the Republican Party or Republican elected officials.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Hollins ’ plan to mail an absentee ballot application to all registered voters .
Texas is one of the very few states that has refused to allow every registered voter to to cast an absentee ballot during the coronavirus pandemic .
Voters over age 65 are eligible , as are those who are sick or disabled .
Mailing absentee ballot applications to all voters would reach those who are eligible , but also some who do not qualify for absentee voting .
The Texas Republican Party sued to block this , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican appointees ―- shot down Hollins ’ plan .
A second challenge , from the Harris County Republican Party , sought to invalidate the 70,000 votes already cast in the county ’ s drive thru polling sites and to shut them down by claiming that Hollins did not have the authority to provide such access .
This time the Texas Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal , thus allowing drive-thru voting and those 70,000 votes to stand .

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On the first day of early voting in Harris County, Texas, on Oct. 13, a single-day record of 128,186 voters turned out to cast ballots. This broke the previous record of 100,005, set on the last day of early voting in 2016.
Then, on the second day of early voting, Harris County voters surpassed 2016’s record again. And again on the third. And yet again on the fourth.
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Historically a low-turnout state, Texas now leads the nation in early voting, with more than 6.3 million ballots cast. And Harris County, which includes Houston and its sprawling suburbs, is leading the way, thanks to efforts by local leaders to expand access to voting, even as county and state-level Republicans try to shrink it.
Already, 951,066 Harris County voters have cast ballots either at early in-person polling locations or by absentee ballot. That is 98% of all the early and absentee ballots cast in 2016, and 73% of the total 1.3 million votes in that election. This year’s early votes and absentee ballots are almost certain to eclipse 2016’s vote total before anyone goes to the polls on Nov. 3.
These record-breaking numbers are hugely consequential for the 2020 presidential election. Texas hasn’t seen a competitive presidential race since Bill Clinton was president, and a Democrat hasn’t won the state since Jimmy Carter in 1976. But President Donald Trump’s deep unpopularity in heavily populated urban and inner-ring suburban regions is helping Democratic nominee Joe Biden run almost even with Trump in states like Texas once seen as untouchable to Democrats.
Harris County is exactly the type of region primed to dislike Trump. It boasts a racially diverse population and high levels of college graduates among the 2 million residents of Houston and its suburbs. Being the state’s most populous county with 4.7 million residents, it is key to Democrats who rely on such demographics to win elections. And the region has swung hard for Democrats since Trump became the Republican Party leader.
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In 2016, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton beat Trump in Harris County by more than 12 percentage points. That was a huge improvement over President Barack Obama, who only won the county by slim margins of around 1 point in both 2008 and 2012. After Clinton’s dominance, Democratic Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke increased the spread against Sen. Ted Cruz (R) to a 16.7-point margin. Harris County’s huge voter turnout could be a sign of an even greater margin for Democrats this time.
Harris County election worker Romanique Tillman prepares mail-in ballots to be sent out to voters Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Harris County’s massive early vote turnout did not just materialize out of nowhere. Nor is it solely the result of the first contested presidential election in Texas in a quarter century. The county’s early voting success is the result of an effort by city leaders to make voting easier, safer and more accessible during the coronavirus pandemic ― something that Republicans have fought tooth-and-nail.
“Our priority was to ensure, and is to ensure, that every single voter can cast their vote safely and conveniently and with the peace of mind that their vote can be counted,” Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins said.
The county has done just that, under Hollins’ leadership and with the support of County Executive Lina Hidalgo, the county commission and numerous voting rights and community organizations.
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Instead of shrinking the number of polling sites, as many localities have done during the pandemic, the county expanded the number of early voting locations from 40 in 2016 to over 120. Ten polling sites allow drive-thru voting. An additional eight will soon open as 24-hour locations. And every county resident over the age of 65 was mailed an absentee ballot application.
This was all possible due to a huge bump in funding from both the county commission and the federal government. Harris County’s election spending jumped from $4 million in 2016 to $33 million in 2020. This is being funded from $12 million in appropriations from the county and $17 million from the CARES Act, the first federal coronavirus relief package and only one containing money for elections.
These additional funds enabled the county to pay for the increased number of election workers needed to expand early voting polling locations, purchase personal protective equipment for those workers and buy new machines to scan and process an influx of absentee ballots.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without increased funding,” Hollins said.
The county’s success also was shaped by the experiences of other counties and cities that held primary elections during the pandemic. Election officials in Maricopa County, Arizona, explained their successful communications operations. Those in Miami-Dade County, Florida, provided information on how they coped with a decline in election workers. And officials in Wisconsin described how drive-thru voting worked.
The idea for 24-hour polling sites came from consultations with voting rights and community organizations. The only other jurisdiction in the country to operate around the clock is Las Vegas.
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“We’re trying to serve every single voter and to do so you have to make voting convenient for every single voter,” Hollins said. “One of the things we heard is that shift workers don’t have the time to vote at a time that’s convenient for them and their families and their work situation.”
Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins has led the county's efforts to expand early voting access and make voting safe during the coronavirus pandemic. ASSOCIATED PRESS
That’s why the 24-hour sites will be located close to locations with a lot of shift workers, like Texas Medical Center.
But not everyone is enthused with how Harris County has made it easier and safer for residents to vote.
“Every single thing we’ve done to make voting easier for the people of Harris County has been met by opposition by those who don’t want people to vote,” Hollins said. “And more often than not, that has directly included the Republican Party or Republican elected officials.”
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In their effort to block Harris County’s plans to increase access to voting, Republicans have filed lawsuits in state courts.
The first challenge came in response to Hollins’ plan to mail an absentee ballot application to all registered voters. Texas is one of the very few states that has refused to allow every registered voter to to cast an absentee ballot during the coronavirus pandemic. Voters over age 65 are eligible, as are those who are sick or disabled. Mailing absentee ballot applications to all voters would reach those who are eligible, but also some who do not qualify for absentee voting. The Texas Republican Party sued to block this, and the Texas Supreme Court ― stacked with Republican appointees ―- shot down Hollins’ plan.
A second challenge, from the Harris County Republican Party, sought to invalidate the 70,000 votes already cast in the county’s drive thru polling sites and to shut them down by claiming that Hollins did not have the authority to provide such access. This time the Texas Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal, thus allowing drive-thru voting and those 70,000 votes to stand.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) also targeted Harris County’s election efforts when he issued an executive order limiting the number of in-person drop-off locations for absentee ballots to one per county. This forced Harris County to eliminate 11 drop-off locations.
As the unprecedented early vote numbers show, however, Republican efforts to suppress the vote in Harris County have not worked.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-23--Trump Balks At Idea Of A ‘Female Socialist President’

The president didn ’ t hide his feelings about the idea of a woman in the executive office during a Florida campaign rally Friday afternoon .
“ We ’ re not supposed to have a socialist — look , we ’ re not going to be a socialist nation .
We ’ re not going to have a socialist president , especially a female socialist president , ” he said , referring to his opponent Joe Biden ’ s running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris of California , who will be a heartbeat away from the presidency if Biden wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be socialist .
“ We ’ re not going to have it .
We ’ re not going to put up with it , ” Trump concluded .
It was a shocking moment even for Trump , who , despite his long history of sexist attacks against women , typically maintains that he is very popular among female voters and has “ done more for WOMEN than just about any President in HISTORY !
” His suggestion that a female socialist would be worse than a male socialist is especially jarring given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes of white suburban women , who have been flocking to the Biden camp this election cycle .
But it certainly resonates with some Republicans .
According to a YouGov poll in January 2019 , just 31 % of Republican voters were “ entirely comfortable ” with the idea of a female president , as opposed to 72 % of Democrats .
Trump reiterated his pleas to female suburban voters at his rally Friday .
“ Please , please , suburban women .
You should love me .
I ended the regulation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” We want to know what you ’ re hearing on the ground from the candidates .
If you get any interesting ― or suspicious !
― campaign mailers , robocalls or hear anything else you think we should know about , email us at scoops @ huffpost.com .

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What’s worse than a socialist president, according to President Donald Trump? A female one.
The president didn’t hide his feelings about the idea of a woman in the executive office during a Florida campaign rally Friday afternoon.
“We’re not supposed to have a socialist — look, we’re not going to be a socialist nation. We’re not going to have a socialist president, especially a female socialist president,” he said, referring to his opponent Joe Biden’s running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, who will be a heartbeat away from the presidency if Biden wins. Neither of them is generally considered to be socialist.
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“We’re not going to have it. We’re not going to put up with it,” Trump concluded.
It was a shocking moment even for Trump, who, despite his long history of sexist attacks against women, typically maintains that he is very popular among female voters and has “done more for WOMEN than just about any President in HISTORY!”
His suggestion that a female socialist would be worse than a male socialist is especially jarring given his very vocal effort to secure the votes of white suburban women, who have been flocking to the Biden camp this election cycle. But it certainly resonates with some Republicans.
According to a YouGov poll in January 2019, just 31% of Republican voters were “entirely comfortable” with the idea of a female president, as opposed to 72% of Democrats.
Trump reiterated his pleas to female suburban voters at his rally Friday. “Please, please, suburban women. You should love me. I ended the regulation that’s going to destroy the suburb.”
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Biden still leads Trump among women by double digits.