thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--Maya Rudolph Still Doesn't Know If 'SNL' Wants Her As Kamala Harris

But it may not be a sure thing , according to the actor herself ― though she remains hopeful .
Rudolph ’ s performance as the senator on “ SNL ” earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series , but she still hasn ’ t heard any firm confirmation that the show wants her to play Harris this season ( and beyond ) .
“ He sent me a GIF of myself , as Kamala , in sunglasses , sipping a cocktail and saying , “ Oh no.
” That really made me laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rudolph admits she didn ’ t have a Kamala impression before being invited to play her on “ SNL ” earlier this year , but she did have a resemblance .
“ After a while , it was sort of like what happened with Tina Fey , ” Rudolph said .
( Fey famously played 2008 vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin on the show . )
“ There were enough people that said , ‘ OK , you look like her .
You ’ re going to get a call like any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such an amazing personality and is so charismatic .
That part ’ s really easy , because it ’ s fun to embody the joy of her.
” She said the key to her version of Harris is to think of her like “ a cool mom or like a fun aunt.
” She elaborated : “ She ’ s cool , but she ’ s also responsible .
So what does that look like ?
I didn ’ t really know exactly how to do her , but I kept going back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are like , ‘ You kids can smoke weed , but you have to do it at my house.
’ ” “ I ’ m not saying that ’ s Kamala !
, ” Rudolph added .
“ But that ’ s the feeling : cool but there are definitely rules at her house .
”

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But it may not be a sure thing, according to the actor herself ― though she remains hopeful.
Rudolph’s performance as the senator on “SNL” earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, but she still hasn’t heard any firm confirmation that the show wants her to play Harris this season (and beyond).
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Instead, show producer Lorne Michaels sent her something slightly more cryptic.
“He sent me a GIF of myself, as Kamala, in sunglasses, sipping a cocktail and saying, “Oh no.” That really made me laugh,” Rudolph told The Hollywood Reporter.
Rudolph admits she didn’t have a Kamala impression before being invited to play her on “SNL” earlier this year, but she did have a resemblance.
“After a while, it was sort of like what happened with Tina Fey,” Rudolph said. (Fey famously played 2008 vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin on the show.) “There were enough people that said, ‘OK, you look like her. You’re going to get a call like any day now.’ She’s got such an amazing personality and is so charismatic. That part’s really easy, because it’s fun to embody the joy of her.”
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She said the key to her version of Harris is to think of her like “a cool mom or like a fun aunt.”
She elaborated: “She’s cool, but she’s also responsible. So what does that look like? I didn’t really know exactly how to do her, but I kept going back to the idea of those parents that are like, ‘You kids can smoke weed, but you have to do it at my house.’”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--2 Men Charged In 2002 Killing Of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Two men have been indicted in the 2002 slaying of hip hop artist Jam Master Jay , which until now had been one of New York City ’ s most notorious unsolved killings , three law enforcement officials told the Associated Press on Monday .
The officials were not authorized to speak publicly and did so on the condition of anonymity .
One of them identified the suspects as Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan .
Federal prosecutors were expected to announce the charges at a news conference Monday afternoon .
Washington , who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jay ’ s home in the days before his death , was publicly named as a possible suspect or witness as far back as 2007 .
He is currently serving a federal prison sentence stemming from a string of robberies he committed while on the run from police after Jay ’ s death .
In court papers filed at the time , prosecutors alleged that Washington waved a handgun around and ordered people in Jay ’ s Queens recording studio to lie on the ground while another man killed him on Oct. 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mizell , known professionally as Jam Master Jay , was a member of 1980s hip-hop sensation Run-DMC with Joseph “ Run ” Simmons and Darryl “ DMC ” McDaniel .
Their hits included “ It ’ s Tricky , ” “ Christmas in Hollis ” and the Aerosmith remake collaboration “ Walk This Way.
” Jay was shot once in the head with a .40-caliber bullet by a masked assailant at his studio in Hollis , the Queens neighborhood where he grew up , police said at the time .
He left behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified at least four people in the studio with Jay , including the two armed gunmen .
The city and Jay ’ s friends offered more than $ 60,000 in reward money , but witnesses refused to come forward and the case languished .
Jay ’ s acquaintance with Washington upset his family .
Before sleeping on Jay ’ s couch , Washington had been linked to the 1995 fatal shooting of Randy Walker , a close associate of the late Tupac Shakur .

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NEW YORK (AP) — Two men have been indicted in the 2002 slaying of hip hop artist Jam Master Jay, which until now had been one of New York City’s most notorious unsolved killings, three law enforcement officials told the Associated Press on Monday.
The officials were not authorized to speak publicly and did so on the condition of anonymity. One of them identified the suspects as Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan. Federal prosecutors were expected to announce the charges at a news conference Monday afternoon.
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Washington, who had reportedly been living on a couch at Jay’s home in the days before his death, was publicly named as a possible suspect or witness as far back as 2007. He is currently serving a federal prison sentence stemming from a string of robberies he committed while on the run from police after Jay’s death.
In court papers filed at the time, prosecutors alleged that Washington waved a handgun around and ordered people in Jay’s Queens recording studio to lie on the ground while another man killed him on Oct. 30, 2002.
Washington “provided cover for his associate to shoot and kill Jason Mizell,” prosecutors wrote.
Jason “Jay” Mizell, known professionally as Jam Master Jay, was a member of 1980s hip-hop sensation Run-DMC with Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniel. Their hits included “It’s Tricky,” “Christmas in Hollis” and the Aerosmith remake collaboration “Walk This Way.”
Jay was shot once in the head with a .40-caliber bullet by a masked assailant at his studio in Hollis, the Queens neighborhood where he grew up, police said at the time. He left behind a wife and three children.
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Police identified at least four people in the studio with Jay, including the two armed gunmen. The city and Jay’s friends offered more than $60,000 in reward money, but witnesses refused to come forward and the case languished.
Jay’s acquaintance with Washington upset his family. Before sleeping on Jay’s couch, Washington had been linked to the 1995 fatal shooting of Randy Walker, a close associate of the late Tupac Shakur.
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--300 Pizza Huts To Close After Franchisee Declares Bankruptcy

Up to 300 Pizza Hut restaurants will be closed , most of them dine-in locations not well suited for carryout and delivery at a time when millions of people are sheltering and eating at home .
Pizza sales have exploded during the pandemic .
Domino ’ s last month reported a 30 % spike in quarterly profits .
On Monday it said that it was hiring more than 20,000 people to handle surging orders .
Franchisee NPC International said Monday in documents filed in bankruptcy court that it had come to an agreement with Pizza Hut to close hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company filed for bankruptcy protection last month .
NPC owns 1,225 Pizza Huts and 385 Wendy ’ s restaurants in 27 states .
There are 6,700 Pizza Hut restaurants in the U.S .
In its filing , NPC said that closing stores not designed for pick-up or delivery will allow it to invest in smaller stores that can better handle online orders .
In May , Pizza Hut ’ s U.S. carryout and delivery sales reached an eight-year high , according to Yum Brands Inc. , the Louisville , Kentucky , company that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Pizza Hut ’ s U.S. sales grew just 1 % in the April-June period ; rival Domino ’ s Pizza , which has smaller , carryout-focused stores , posted a 20 % jump in U.S. sales .
Yum Brands in a prepared statement said the stores being closed had underperformed others owned by NPC , and that shedding them would strengthen NPC ’ s remaining portfolio .

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Up to 300 Pizza Hut restaurants will be closed, most of them dine-in locations not well suited for carryout and delivery at a time when millions of people are sheltering and eating at home.
Pizza sales have exploded during the pandemic. Domino’s last month reported a 30% spike in quarterly profits. On Monday it said that it was hiring more than 20,000 people to handle surging orders.
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Franchisee NPC International said Monday in documents filed in bankruptcy court that it had come to an agreement with Pizza Hut to close hundreds of locations. The Leawood, Kansas, company filed for bankruptcy protection last month.
NPC owns 1,225 Pizza Huts and 385 Wendy’s restaurants in 27 states. There are 6,700 Pizza Hut restaurants in the U.S.
In its filing, NPC said that closing stores not designed for pick-up or delivery will allow it to invest in smaller stores that can better handle online orders.
In May, Pizza Hut’s U.S. carryout and delivery sales reached an eight-year high, according to Yum Brands Inc., the Louisville, Kentucky, company that also owns KFC and Taco Bell.
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But Pizza Hut’s U.S. sales grew just 1% in the April-June period; rival Domino’s Pizza, which has smaller, carryout-focused stores, posted a 20% jump in U.S. sales.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--Twins React To Hearing 'Fallin' For First Time And Alicia Keys Loves It

Earlier this month , 20-something twins Tim and Fred Williams listened to the singer ’ s 2001 No .
1 hit “ Fallin ’ ” for their YouTube channel TwinsTheNewTrend .
The brothers loved the song and Keys ’ voice , calling her “ a cold-blooded killer ” ― it ’ s a compliment , people !
However , Tim Williams was skeptical that a human could be that talented .
“ Trying to figure out how you a person and your voice made like that ?
” he said in the clip , according to The Los Angeles Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a robot .
What ?
You got ta be a computer or something , bro .
I ain ’ t never heard nothing like that.
” Keys retweeted the twins ’ video on Sunday , but felt obliged to nip the robot rumors in the bud .
It ’ s not the first time I ’ ve heard people call me a robot but I promise I ’ m not 🤣😂🤣 https : //t.co/bZmXvor1EE — Alicia Keys ( @ aliciakeys ) August 16 , 2020 Tim Williams told the Los Angeles Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was born ” is “ actually good , if you pay attention to it , because back then , you really had to use your voice and sing without AutoTune and everything .
... Nowadays , you got computers and all to do that.
” Important conversations are happening now .
Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

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The brothers loved the song and Keys’ voice, calling her “a cold-blooded killer” ― it’s a compliment, people!
However, Tim Williams was skeptical that a human could be that talented.
“Trying to figure out how you a person and your voice made like that?” he said in the clip, according to The Los Angeles Times. “It’s gotta be a robot. What? You gotta be a computer or something, bro. I ain’t never heard nothing like that.”
Keys retweeted the twins’ video on Sunday, but felt obliged to nip the robot rumors in the bud.
It’s not the first time I’ve heard people call me a robot but I promise I’m not 🤣😂🤣 https://t.co/bZmXvor1EE — Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) August 16, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--Trump Supports Attack On ‘Democrat Cities’

President Donald Trump shared a Tweet that called for leaving “ Democrat cities ” to “ rot .
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Nursing Home Cases Up Nearly 80% In COVID-19 Rebound, Report Says

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — COVID-19 cases in U.S. nursing homes jumped nearly 80 % earlier this summer , driven by rampant spread across the South and much of the West , according to an industry report released Monday .
“ The case numbers suggest the problem is far from solved , ” said Tamara Konetzka , a research professor at the University of Chicago , who specializes in long-term care .
She was not involved with the study .
The situation is a politically sensitive issue for President Donald Trump , who is scrambling to hold on to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his administration ’ s response to the pandemic .
The White House announced in late July the release of $ 5 billion for nursing homes , while launching a program to equip each of some 15,000 facilities with a fast-test machine to screen residents and staff for the coronavirus .
Nursing homes in Sunbelt states had more time to prepare than facilities in the Northeast that were hit in late winter and early spring , with grim results .
But Konetzka and other researchers have been warning that once a community anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a matter of time before the coronavirus enters its nursing homes .
A leading theory is that staffers who don ’ t yet know they ’ re infected unwittingly bring the virus in .
Inside , the coronavirus encounters an ideal environment in which to spread among frail older people living in close quarters .
“ As the virus surges in Sunbelt states , there ’ s no reason to think it won ’ t affect nursing homes in the same way it did in states that surged earlier , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things about how to minimize the effect in nursing homes , but providers need the tools to implement those best practices .
This is the critical role of federal policy that has not been fulfilled— securing supply chains for ( personal protective equipment ) and rapid testing.
” As of the week of May 31 , fewer than one-third of the weekly coronavirus cases were from nursing homes in Sunbelt states .
But by the week starting July 26 , that share was 78 % .
Deaths followed a similar pattern .
Nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the West accounted for 28 % of deaths the week of May 31 .
That share was 69 % by the week starting July 26 .
The Trump administration says it ’ s executing on its plan to provide fast-test machines to nursing homes and make sure that all facilities have the protective equipment they need .
But Seema Verma , head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services , said states and nursing homes also have responsibility to safeguard residents .
She called on nursing homes to step up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ( a ) facility ’ s infection control practices is the number one factor leading to the spread of COVID within these facilities , ” Verma said in a statement .
Inspectors “ have seen staff forgetting to wash their hands , congregating in break rooms , and wearing ( protective equipment ) improperly .
All the testing in the world is for naught if staff don ’ t adhere to the basic , longstanding infection control practices that the federal government has had in place for years.
” “ The data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asymptomatic carriers and that even perfect infection control wouldn ’ t have stopped it , ” he said .
“ The challenge with this virus is that because it is spread by asymptomatic carriers the prior infection control procedures didn ’ t work.
” He said the administration ’ s effort to distribute fast-test machines could be a “ game changer , ” but added “ there ’ s still a long way to go.
” Distribution is expected to be completed by the end of September .
In the meantime , Parkinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and sometimes more , to get results .
“ We continue to be plagued with a testing problem , ” he said .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — COVID-19 cases in U.S. nursing homes jumped nearly 80% earlier this summer, driven by rampant spread across the South and much of the West, according to an industry report released Monday.
“The case numbers suggest the problem is far from solved,” said Tamara Konetzka, a research professor at the University of Chicago, who specializes in long-term care. She was not involved with the study.
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Long-term care facilities account for less than 1% of the U.S. population, but more than 40 percent of COVID-19 deaths, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
The situation is a politically sensitive issue for President Donald Trump, who is scrambling to hold on to support from older voters as polls show disapproval of his administration’s response to the pandemic.
The White House announced in late July the release of $5 billion for nursing homes, while launching a program to equip each of some 15,000 facilities with a fast-test machine to screen residents and staff for the coronavirus.
Monday’s study from the American Health Care Association found there were 9,715 coronavirus cases in nursing homes the week starting July 26, a 77% increase from a low point the week of June 21. The group is the industry’s main trade association.
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Weekly deaths, rose to 1,706 the week of July 26, an increase of nearly 25% from a low point the week starting July 5.
Nursing homes in Sunbelt states had more time to prepare than facilities in the Northeast that were hit in late winter and early spring, with grim results. But Konetzka and other researchers have been warning that once a community anywhere experiences an outbreak, it’s only a matter of time before the coronavirus enters its nursing homes. A leading theory is that staffers who don’t yet know they’re infected unwittingly bring the virus in. Inside, the coronavirus encounters an ideal environment in which to spread among frail older people living in close quarters.
“As the virus surges in Sunbelt states, there’s no reason to think it won’t affect nursing homes in the same way it did in states that surged earlier,” said Konetzka. “We have learned some things about how to minimize the effect in nursing homes, but providers need the tools to implement those best practices. This is the critical role of federal policy that has not been fulfilled— securing supply chains for (personal protective equipment) and rapid testing.”
The industry analysis illustrates the march of the virus across the U.S.
As of the week of May 31, fewer than one-third of the weekly coronavirus cases were from nursing homes in Sunbelt states. But by the week starting July 26, that share was 78%.
Deaths followed a similar pattern. Nursing homes in states across the South and parts of the West accounted for 28% of deaths the week of May 31. That share was 69% by the week starting July 26.
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The Trump administration says it’s executing on its plan to provide fast-test machines to nursing homes and make sure that all facilities have the protective equipment they need. But Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said states and nursing homes also have responsibility to safeguard residents. She called on nursing homes to step up their game.
“The reality is that (a) facility’s infection control practices is the number one factor leading to the spread of COVID within these facilities,” Verma said in a statement. Inspectors “have seen staff forgetting to wash their hands, congregating in break rooms, and wearing (protective equipment) improperly. All the testing in the world is for naught if staff don’t adhere to the basic, longstanding infection control practices that the federal government has had in place for years.”
Mark Parkinson, head of the nursing home trade group that produced the study, said the problem is bigger.
“The data indicate that this virus is spread by asymptomatic carriers and that even perfect infection control wouldn’t have stopped it,” he said. “The challenge with this virus is that because it is spread by asymptomatic carriers the prior infection control procedures didn’t work.”
Parkinson said that about 10% of facilities still report lacking an adequate supply of N95 masks, considered standard for hospital personnel.
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He said the administration’s effort to distribute fast-test machines could be a “game changer,” but added “there’s still a long way to go.” Distribution is expected to be completed by the end of September.
In the meantime, Parkinson said it can still take three days, and sometimes more, to get results. “We continue to be plagued with a testing problem,” he said.
Guidelines call for nursing homes to test all residents at least once, and staffers on a regular basis.
Health and Human Services spokeswoman Mia Heck said, “We are prepared to exert our full authority to make sure the most vulnerable are being tested.”
The nursing home association is urging states struggling with the latest coronavirus surge to enact mandates for people to wear masks, saying it would indirectly benefit residents cloistered in such facilities. “There’s a direct link between COVID in the community and COVID in the building,” Parkinson said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--Kristin Urquiza Rebukes Trump Over Her Dad's COVID-19 Death In Somber DNC Speech

Kristin Urquiza ’ s speech about her late father , a 65-year-old Trump supporter who died of the coronavirus in June , was a striking and emotional moment during the first night of the Democratic National Convention .
“ My dad was a healthy 65-year-old .
His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump , and for that , he paid with his life , ” Urquiza said in a pre-recorded video played at the virtual event Monday night .
This moment : Kristin Urquiza ’ s father voted for Trump , listened to him and died from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
But his dishonesty and his irresponsible actions made it so much worse.
” # DemConvention pic.twitter.com/kqGubZEAY3 — philip lewis ( @ Phil_Lewis_ ) August 18 , 2020 Urquiza blamed President Donald Trump and his administration ’ s willingness to relax social distancing guidelines as the reason for the death of her father , Mark Anthony Urquiza , and others who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic .
In early July , Urquiza wrote an obituary for her father that pinned his death on “ the carelessness of the politicians ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severity ” of the virus .
The obituary , which went viral , didn ’ t name any political leaders , but an op-ed Urquiza published for The Washington Post later that month specifically called out Trump and Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey ( R ) .
Urquiza said at the DNC on Monday night her father “ had faith in Donald Trump.
” “ He voted for him .
Listened to him , believed him and his mouthpieces when they said that coronavirus was under control and going to disappear , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK to end social distancing rules before it was safe .
And that if you had no underlying health conditions , you ’ d probably be fine.
” According to Urquiza , her father went to a karaoke bar with friends after Arizona lifted its social distancing regulations .
Weeks later , he was hospitalized , placed on a ventilator and died on June 30 .
“ Trump may not have caused the coronavirus .
But his dishonesty and his irresponsible actions made it so much worse , ” she said .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s speech , which took less than two minutes , was a clear standout in the stream of speeches by politicians .
Kristin Urquiza , whose father died from Coronavirus , delivers a powerful speech tonight at the DNC : `` His only pre-existing condition was trusting Donald Trump and for that , he paid with his life . ''
( her father was a Trump voter and supporter ) — Abby D. Phillip ( @ abbydphillip ) August 18 , 2020 The most bruising line of the night so far was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose father died of COVID : `` His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump and , for that , he paid with his life . ''
— Greg Bluestein ( @ bluestein ) August 18 , 2020 Listening to Kristin Urquiza tell of her father ’ s death from COVID was a moment that echoed Khizr Khan , who lost a son in the Iraq War , holding up a pocket Constitution at the 2016 convention and asking Donald Trump if he had read it .
— Peter Nicholas ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Kristin Urquiza’s speech about her late father, a 65-year-old Trump supporter who died of the coronavirus in June, was a striking and emotional moment during the first night of the Democratic National Convention.
“My dad was a healthy 65-year-old. His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump, and for that, he paid with his life,” Urquiza said in a pre-recorded video played at the virtual event Monday night.
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This moment: Kristin Urquiza’s father voted for Trump, listened to him and died from the coronavirus.
“Trump may not have caused the coronavirus. But his dishonesty and his irresponsible actions made it so much worse.”#DemConvention pic.twitter.com/kqGubZEAY3 — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 18, 2020
Urquiza blamed President Donald Trump and his administration’s willingness to relax social distancing guidelines as the reason for the death of her father, Mark Anthony Urquiza, and others who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early July, Urquiza wrote an obituary for her father that pinned his death on “the carelessness of the politicians” and their “refusal to acknowledge the severity” of the virus.
The obituary, which went viral, didn’t name any political leaders, but an op-ed Urquiza published for The Washington Post later that month specifically called out Trump and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R).
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Powerful obituary in today’s AZ Republic. Regular people are starting to boil over pic.twitter.com/fNdL1bCDh2 — Bill Scheel (@billyscheel) July 9, 2020
Urquiza said at the DNC on Monday night her father “had faith in Donald Trump.”
“He voted for him. Listened to him, believed him and his mouthpieces when they said that coronavirus was under control and going to disappear,” she said. “That it was OK to end social distancing rules before it was safe. And that if you had no underlying health conditions, you’d probably be fine.”
According to Urquiza, her father went to a karaoke bar with friends after Arizona lifted its social distancing regulations. Weeks later, he was hospitalized, placed on a ventilator and died on June 30.
“Trump may not have caused the coronavirus. But his dishonesty and his irresponsible actions made it so much worse,” she said.
Many reporters and viewers noted that Urquiza’s speech, which took less than two minutes, was a clear standout in the stream of speeches by politicians.
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Kristin Urquiza, whose father died from Coronavirus, delivers a powerful speech tonight at the DNC: "His only pre-existing condition was trusting Donald Trump and for that, he paid with his life." (her father was a Trump voter and supporter) — Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) August 18, 2020
The most bruising line of the night so far wasn't from a politician but from @kdurquiza, whose father died of COVID: "His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump and, for that, he paid with his life." — Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) August 18, 2020
IMPORTANT MOMENTS: Whitmer, Cortez-Masto, Kaisich, Jones, Bowser, etc.
MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT SO FAR: Kristin Urquiza — Jesse Ferguson (@JesseFFerguson) August 18, 2020
Most damning line so far from a woman whose father died of the coronavirus: “His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump.” — Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) August 18, 2020
Listening to Kristin Urquiza tell of her father’s death from COVID was a moment that echoed Khizr Khan, who lost a son in the Iraq War, holding up a pocket Constitution at the 2016 convention and asking Donald Trump if he had read it. — Peter Nicholas (@PeterAtlantic) August 18, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--Michelle Obama: Donald Trump 'In Over His Head,' Is 'Wrong President For This Country'

In her nearly 19-minute remarks , Obama condemned President Donald Trump ’ s divisiveness , ineptitude and “ utter lack of empathy.
” She urged Americans to show up to the polls in November to vote for Joe Biden .
“ Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country , ” Obama said in a video address recorded ahead of the convention .
“ He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job , but he is clearly in over his head .
He can not meet this moment .
He simply can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be for us .
It is what it is.
” She added : “ So if you take one thing from my words tonight , it is this : If you think things can not possibly get worse , trust me , they can ; and they will if we don ’ t make a change in this election .
If we have any hope of ending this chaos , we have got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it.
” If we want to end the chaos and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the issues we hold dear—we ’ ve got to vote for @ JoeBiden and @ KamalaHarris like our lives depend on it .
Register today by texting VOTE to 30330. https : //t.co/xPu5o0SYLJ — Michelle Obama ( @ MichelleObama ) August 18 , 2020 “ But let ’ s be clear : Going high does not mean putting on a smile and saying nice things when confronted by viciousness and cruelty , ” she said .
“ Going high means standing fierce against hatred while remembering that we are one nation under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survive , we ’ ve got to find a way to live together and work together across our differences.
” Americans must do everything in their power to make sure they vote in November , she said .
“ Look , we have already sacrificed so much this year , ” Obama said .
“ This is who we still are : compassionate , resilient , decent people whose fortunes are bound up with one another .
And it is well past time for our leaders to once again reflect our truth.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders ( I-Vt. ) , who had previously been one of Biden ’ s main challengers in the 2020 Democratic race , were the headline speakers on the opening night of the four-day convention .
The gathering was initially scheduled to kick off on July 13 , but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The convention is based at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee , though much of the programming will not take place in person .
Most of the major speeches ― including from Biden , his running mate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former President Barack Obama ― are expected to be delivered live from various locations across the country .
DNC organizers have assigned themes to each convention day .
Monday ’ s theme was “ We the People ” to reinforce the idea that Americans who stand united “ can overcome anything , ” according to a party press release .

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Former first lady Michelle Obama delivered a stirring speech to close out the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Monday.
In her nearly 19-minute remarks, Obama condemned President Donald Trump’s divisiveness, ineptitude and “utter lack of empathy.” She urged Americans to show up to the polls in November to vote for Joe Biden.
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“Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country,” Obama said in a video address recorded ahead of the convention. “He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job, but he is clearly in over his head. He cannot meet this moment. He simply cannot be who we need him to be for us. It is what it is.”
She added: “So if you take one thing from my words tonight, it is this: If you think things cannot possibly get worse, trust me, they can; and they will if we don’t make a change in this election. If we have any hope of ending this chaos, we have got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it.”
If we want to end the chaos and division—and keep alive the possibility of progress on the issues we hold dear—we’ve got to vote for @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris like our lives depend on it. Register today by texting VOTE to 30330. https://t.co/xPu5o0SYLJ — Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 18, 2020
Referencing her iconic 2016 DNC speech, Obama once again called on Americans to keep “going high” while others “go low.”
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“But let’s be clear: Going high does not mean putting on a smile and saying nice things when confronted by viciousness and cruelty,” she said. “Going high means standing fierce against hatred while remembering that we are one nation under God, and if we want to survive, we’ve got to find a way to live together and work together across our differences.”
Americans must do everything in their power to make sure they vote in November, she said.
“Look, we have already sacrificed so much this year,” Obama said. “This is who we still are: compassionate, resilient, decent people whose fortunes are bound up with one another. And it is well past time for our leaders to once again reflect our truth.”
The former first lady and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who had previously been one of Biden’s main challengers in the 2020 Democratic race, were the headline speakers on the opening night of the four-day convention.
The gathering was initially scheduled to kick off on July 13, but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The convention is based at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, though much of the programming will not take place in person.
Most of the major speeches ― including from Biden, his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, and former President Barack Obama ― are expected to be delivered live from various locations across the country.
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DNC organizers have assigned themes to each convention day. Monday’s theme was “We the People” to reinforce the idea that Americans who stand united “can overcome anything,” according to a party press release.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Marco Rubio Decimated For Tweet Criticizing DNC For Celebrity Host Eva Longoria

Longoria , known best for her role on “ Desperate Housewives , ” has a long-running history of political activism @ @ @ @ @ disadvantaged groups .
She ’ s been a vocal advocate of political issues faced by @ @ @ @ @ created the Eva Longoria Foundation to help Latino families through education and entrepreneurship .
She @ @ @ @ @ for former President Barack Obama and national co-chair of his 2012 reelection campaign .
She @ @ @ @ @ last two Democratic National Conventions , in Charlotte , North Carolina , in 2012 and @ @ @ @ @ also co-founded the Latino Victory Fund , an organization that works to build Latino representation @ @ @ @ @ the first national Latino group to endorse Joe Biden for president .

Longoria, known best for her role on “Desperate Housewives,” has a long-running history of political activism, philanthropy and advocacy for disadvantaged groups. She’s been a vocal advocate of political issues faced by Latino communities and in 2012 created the Eva Longoria Foundation to help Latino families through education and entrepreneurship. She was also a top fundraiser for former President Barack Obama and national co-chair of his 2012 reelection campaign. She’s spoken at the last two Democratic National Conventions, in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2012 and Philadelphia in 2016. She also co-founded the Latino Victory Fund, an organization that works to build Latino representation in politics, which was the first national Latino group to endorse Joe Biden for president.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Fox News Hosts Laud Michelle Obama's DNC Speech: 'Sliced And Diced' Trump

In her nearly 19-minute speech , Obama denounced President Donald Trump for creating chaos and division and failing to lead with empathy and competence .
She also urged Americans to bring his presidency to an end and elect former Vice President Joe Biden .
Many right-wing figures , including some Fox News contributors , criticized the address online .
Fox News chose not to air much of the first portion of the convention , opting instead to show Sean Hannity interviewing Donald Trump Jr .
Nonetheless , the conservative network ’ s panel for the convention was apparently impressed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s very difficult to try to connect with an audience without an actual audience there with you but she has the ability to connect with people through the screen , ” Fox News anchor Dana Perino said .
“ You got the sense when you talk about authenticity , she has it in spades.
” “ She has that voice , she has clarity , and she knows what she is out there wanting to do , ” Perino added .
“ She was trying to get everybody to really focus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ask for your ballot tonight .
I think that the DNC if they look over the course of the night , the first virtual convention of our history , I think they would say that Michelle Obama stuck the landing.
” “ She really flayed , sliced and diced Donald Trump , talking about the chaos and confusion and lack of empathy , especially coming from this president and from this White House , ” he said .
Juan Williams , a network co-host and political analyst , said he believed Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When they go low , we go high ” speech in July 2016 .
He compared the tone she took with viewers as something like that of a mother addressing her family .
″ ‘ This is who we are in this family .
This is our identity .
We have empathy .
We understand compassion , ’ ” he said .
“ I am surprised at how penetrating I felt it to be .
I really thought that was a great speech.
” “ She was very good , she ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who doesn ’ t like politics she certainly is good at it , ” he said .
However , Hume also claimed Obama ’ s remarks were “ laced with distortions and exaggerations .
”

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A Fox News panel had high praise to offer after former first lady Michelle Obama’s address at the Democratic National Convention Monday night.
In her nearly 19-minute speech, Obama denounced President Donald Trump for creating chaos and division and failing to lead with empathy and competence. She also urged Americans to bring his presidency to an end and elect former Vice President Joe Biden.
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Many right-wing figures, including some Fox News contributors, criticized the address online. Fox News chose not to air much of the first portion of the convention, opting instead to show Sean Hannity interviewing Donald Trump Jr. Nonetheless, the conservative network’s panel for the convention was apparently impressed by Obama’s speech.
“It’s very difficult to try to connect with an audience without an actual audience there with you but she has the ability to connect with people through the screen,” Fox News anchor Dana Perino said. “You got the sense when you talk about authenticity, she has it in spades.”
“She has that voice, she has clarity, and she knows what she is out there wanting to do,” Perino added. “She was trying to get everybody to really focus and then she had a call to action. Ask for your ballot tonight. I think that the DNC if they look over the course of the night, the first virtual convention of our history, I think they would say that Michelle Obama stuck the landing.”
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Fox News host Chris Wallace agreed, saying Obama’s speech was a “heck of a contribution” to Biden’s campaign.
“She really flayed, sliced and diced Donald Trump, talking about the chaos and confusion and lack of empathy, especially coming from this president and from this White House,” he said.
Juan Williams, a network co-host and political analyst, said he believed Obama’s address outdid her rousing “When they go low, we go high” speech in July 2016. He compared the tone she took with viewers as something like that of a mother addressing her family.
″‘This is who we are in this family. This is our identity. We have empathy. We understand compassion,’” he said. “I am surprised at how penetrating I felt it to be. I really thought that was a great speech.”
Even conservative analyst Brit Hume had mostly positive notes to offer.
“She was very good, she’s a very good speaker, for someone who doesn’t like politics she certainly is good at it,” he said. However, Hume also claimed Obama’s remarks were “laced with distortions and exaggerations.”
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Former DNC chair Donna Brazile, now a Fox News contributor, said she was disappointed that Obama didn’t mention Biden’s historic running mate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).
Watch the full panel discussion about the speech below


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Eric Trump’s ‘Absolutely Terrible’ Tweet During The DNC Gets Flipped On Him

It ’ s ok Eric .
It takes some ppl longer then others to realize how terrible some ppl are @ @ @ @ @ s hard for you to go against your dad .
But he is terrible

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Eric Trump tweeted just four words during Monday’s opening night of the Democratic National Convention.
“This is absolutely terrible,” wrote President Donald Trump’s son.
The post prompted ridicule as the majority of responders, who assumed it was about the DNC, used the comment to attack his father’s administration.
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This is absolutely terrible — Eric Trump (@EricTrump) August 18, 2020
“The state of the union? Yes it is,” one person commented.
Added another: “This Presidency sure is. Can’t end soon enough.”
Others mocked the lineup for next week’s Republican National Convention:
If only they had Scott Baio, Diamond and Silk, Ted Nugent, and an empty chair — rabia O'chaudry (@rabiasquared) August 18, 2020
Yeah, but we couldn't get the My Pillow guy, so... — Randi Mayem Singer (@rmayemsinger) August 18, 2020
And yet here you are, watching. — Connie Schultz (@ConnieSchultz) August 18, 2020
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You can also save that tweet for Nov 4th when your dad loses. #DemConvention https://t.co/jsIu0S8B0X — John Smith (son of Harry Leslie Smith) (@Harryslaststand) August 18, 2020
Yes, but when Biden is President it will get better.... — Noble Prize in Sarcasm (@rewegreatyet) August 18, 2020
The state of the union? Yes it is. #BidenHarris2020Landslide — Mueller, She Wrote Podcast (@MuellerSheWrote) August 18, 2020
Coming from you, that means it's spot on and terrific. — Dude Gotta Go and that's No Malarkey! (@raising_hill) August 18, 2020
For you, yes. — Leslie - 78 Days 🇺🇲🌊 (@Leslieoo7) August 18, 2020
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This Presidency sure is. Can’t end soon enough. — CountryOverConman (@TrumpNewsPolls) August 18, 2020
Hold that thought. Too distracted listening to all the Republicans voting for Biden. — YS (@NYinLA2121) August 18, 2020
I agree! Our country has gone to hell! It’s absolutely terrible! That’s why I’m voting #BidenHarris2020 — John McCallum (@johncmack) August 18, 2020
Thanks for confirming by your triggered tweet that the convention has been a great success so far. — Executive Order Singh, MD 🌊 (@LabyrinthWeaver) August 18, 2020
I have to agree with you on this. Absolutely terrible. pic.twitter.com/Q2YuEAiEvR — Chidi® (@ChidiNwatu) August 18, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Gretchen Whitmer Drops Hilarious Hot Mic F-Bomb Just Seconds Before DNC Speech

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) delivered a scathing indictment of President Donald Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic on Monday for the opening night of the Democratic National Convention .
Whitmer described Trump as “ a president who fights his fellow Americans rather than fight the virus that ’ s killing us and our economy , ” and urged citizens to vote Democratic in November .
“ Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will lead by example , ” she said .
“ Science , not politics or ego , will drive their decisions.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speech ― the part you weren ’ t supposed to see ― that received the most attention .
“ It ’ s not just Shark Week , ” Whitmer said during the hot-mic pre-speech moment posted online by The Recount .
“ It ’ s Shark Week , motherfuckers.
” Whitmer whispered that last word , which was barely audible : Gov .
Whitmer ( D-MI ) jokes before going live : `` It 's not just Shark Week ... it 's Shark Week *mouths expletive* '' pic.twitter.com/KSndbTvLZi — The Recount ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not clear what the context was , but Discovery Channel ’ s “ Shark Week ” concluded over the weekend , and the phrase with the profanity attached is sometimes used by fans hyped up for the event .
“ I have learned about the hot mic , ” she cracked with a finger wag .
@ WhySharksMatter I am ok declaring It 's `` Shark Week Motherfuckers '' the official rallying cry of Team Ocean 2020 .
@ ayanaeliza , @ MiriamGoldste I 'm going to need a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( @ DrAndrewThaler ) August 18 , 2020 If Whitmer had actually opened her speech with a hard and deliberate `` It 's shark week motherfuckers ! ''
It would have been the best line of the night .
https : //t.co/ohkpUmVhnV — Chris Colasurdo ( @ CColasurd ) August 18 , 2020 Let 's live every one of the next 11 weeks like it 's shark week , motherfuckers .
https : //t.co/tVVTpjLSQf — Rebecca Parks ( @ BeckyRParks ) August 18 , 2020

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) delivered a scathing indictment of President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic on Monday for the opening night of the Democratic National Convention.
Whitmer described Trump as “a president who fights his fellow Americans rather than fight the virus that’s killing us and our economy,” and urged citizens to vote Democratic in November.
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“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will lead by example,” she said. “Science, not politics or ego, will drive their decisions.”
But it’s what she said before the speech ― the part you weren’t supposed to see ― that received the most attention.
“It’s not just Shark Week,” Whitmer said during the hot-mic pre-speech moment posted online by The Recount. “It’s Shark Week, motherfuckers.”
Whitmer whispered that last word, which was barely audible:
Gov. Whitmer (D-MI) jokes before going live: "It's not just Shark Week ... it's Shark Week *mouths expletive*" pic.twitter.com/KSndbTvLZi — The Recount (@therecount) August 18, 2020
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It’s not clear what the context was, but Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” concluded over the weekend, and the phrase with the profanity attached is sometimes used by fans hyped up for the event.
“I have learned about the hot mic,” she cracked with a finger wag.
Twitter users appreciated the moment of levity:
@WhySharksMatter I am ok declaring It's "Shark Week Motherfuckers" the official rallying cry of Team Ocean 2020. @ayanaeliza, @MiriamGoldste I'm going to need a second. https://t.co/sZfZx5WGpY — Andrew Thaler (@DrAndrewThaler) August 18, 2020
I need a shirt that says “It’s Shark Week, motherfuckers” https://t.co/rKwq1uhuMM — Pgh Gurl (@PghGurl) August 18, 2020
If Whitmer had actually opened her speech with a hard and deliberate "It's shark week motherfuckers!" It would have been the best line of the night. https://t.co/ohkpUmVhnV — Chris Colasurdo (@CColasurd) August 18, 2020
“It’s shark week motherfuckers. “ Big Gretch is queen 👑 https://t.co/1ZHWGjlr5p — Megan Eme (@megan_eme) August 18, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--Republicans Cross Party Lines To Back Joe Biden At Democratic Convention

A handful of high-profile Republicans , including former Govs .
John Kasich of Ohio and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey , made virtual appearances at the Democratic National Convention on Monday .
First , Whitman — who served as New Jersey ’ s governor from 1994 to 2001 and later as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under former President George W. Bush — described herself as a “ lifelong Republican.
” “ But this isn ’ t about Republican or Democrat .
It ’ s about a person… who could work with everyone , Democrats and Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the vocal critic of President Donald Trump .
“ Donald Trump isn ’ t that person .
Joe Biden is.
” Next , Meg Whitman ( no relation ) , a prominent business executive and current CEO of Quibi , took a dig at the president : “ Let me tell you , Donald Trump has no clue how to run a business , let alone an economy , ” said the former CEO of Hewlett Packard and eBay .
Former Rep. Susan Molinari ( R-N.Y. ) , a GOP lobbyist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of her career , calling him “ so disappointing and lately so disturbing.
” Finally , Kasich , whose video appearance was longer than most others ’ on Monday night , said that “ the stakes in this election are greater than any in modern times.
” “ I ’ m a lifelong Republican , but that attachment holds second place to my responsibility to my country , ” the former governor said , adding that “ these are not normal times.
” Kasich then made the case that he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite there being issues on which “ Joe and I absolutely disagree , ” he didn ’ t believe the moderate Democrat would “ turn sharp left ” and “ leave behind ” potential Republican supporters .
These are “ times that call for all of us to take off our partisan hats and put our nation first , ” Kasich said .
“ He 's unlike all of our best leaders before him who worked to unite us — to bridge our differences former , '' former Ohio Gov .
John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm a lifelong Republican .
That attachment holds second place to my responsibility to country ” pic.twitter.com/dM25sboJWB — CNN Politics ( @ CNNPolitics ) August 18 , 2020 Some Democrats were disappointed that the DNC featured Kasich so prominently , given his record on restricting abortion rights .
“ It ’ s great that Kasich has woken up [ and ] realized the importance of supporting a Biden-Harris ticket .
I hope he gets through to GOP voters , ” progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) tweeted Monday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which Kasich said that just “ because AOC gets outsized publicity doesn ’ t mean she represents the Democratic Party.
” “ Yet also , something tells me a Republican who fights against women ’ s rights doesn ’ t get to say who is or isn ’ t representative of the Dem party , ” Ocasio-Cortez added .
Kasich ’ s remarks Monday night were almost four minutes long .
Ocasio-Cortez , a rising star in the Democratic Party who is slated to speak at the convention on Tuesday , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address .
It ’ s great that Kasich has woken up & realized the importance of supporting a Biden-Harris ticket .
I hope he gets through to GOP voters .
Yet also , something tells me a Republican who fights against women ’ s rights doesn ’ t get to say who is or isn ’ t representative of the Dem party .
https : //t.co/38h6JGpbMj — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( @ AOC ) August 17 , 2020

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A handful of high-profile Republicans, including former Govs. John Kasich of Ohio and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey, made virtual appearances at the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
Actor Eva Longoria, who hosted Monday night’s event, introduced a slate of Republicans who were supporting Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, as “unexpected voices.”
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First, Whitman — who served as New Jersey’s governor from 1994 to 2001 and later as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under former President George W. Bush — described herself as a “lifelong Republican.”
“But this isn’t about Republican or Democrat. It’s about a person… who could work with everyone, Democrats and Republicans, to get things done,” said the vocal critic of President Donald Trump. “Donald Trump isn’t that person. Joe Biden is.”
Next, Meg Whitman (no relation), a prominent business executive and current CEO of Quibi, took a dig at the president: “Let me tell you, Donald Trump has no clue how to run a business, let alone an economy,” said the former CEO of Hewlett Packard and eBay.
Both Whitmans supported Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016.
Former Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.), a GOP lobbyist, said she’s known Trump for most of her career, calling him “so disappointing and lately so disturbing.”
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Finally, Kasich, whose video appearance was longer than most others’ on Monday night, said that “the stakes in this election are greater than any in modern times.”
“I’m a lifelong Republican, but that attachment holds second place to my responsibility to my country,” the former governor said, adding that “these are not normal times.”
Kasich then made the case that he’s known Biden for three decades, and, despite there being issues on which “Joe and I absolutely disagree,” he didn’t believe the moderate Democrat would “turn sharp left” and “leave behind” potential Republican supporters.
These are “times that call for all of us to take off our partisan hats and put our nation first,” Kasich said.
“He's unlike all of our best leaders before him who worked to unite us — to bridge our differences former," former Ohio Gov. John Kasich tells the DNC about President Trump.
"I'm a lifelong Republican. That attachment holds second place to my responsibility to country” pic.twitter.com/dM25sboJWB — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) August 18, 2020
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Some Democrats were disappointed that the DNC featured Kasich so prominently, given his record on restricting abortion rights.
“It’s great that Kasich has woken up [and] realized the importance of supporting a Biden-Harris ticket. I hope he gets through to GOP voters,” progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) tweeted Monday night. She linked to a BuzzFeed article in which Kasich said that just “because AOC gets outsized publicity doesn’t mean she represents the Democratic Party.”
“Yet also, something tells me a Republican who fights against women’s rights doesn’t get to say who is or isn’t representative of the Dem party,” Ocasio-Cortez added.
Kasich’s remarks Monday night were almost four minutes long. Ocasio-Cortez, a rising star in the Democratic Party who is slated to speak at the convention on Tuesday, has been given just 60 seconds for her address.
It’s great that Kasich has woken up &realized the importance of supporting a Biden-Harris ticket. I hope he gets through to GOP voters.
Yet also, something tells me a Republican who fights against women’s rights doesn’t get to say who is or isn’t representative of the Dem party. https://t.co/38h6JGpbMj — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 17, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--‘Astoundingly Powerful’: Michelle Obama’s DNC Speech Raises The Virtual Roof

Michelle Obama ’ s speech Monday night at the Democratic National Convention is drawing widespread praise from TV pundits and those on social media for her ringing endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden .
The author , attorney and spouse to former President Barack Obama delivered a powerful indictment of President Donald Trump ’ s first term , which has been marked by a deadly pandemic , widespread civic unrest and massive unemployment .
But Obama warned that could be just the beginning .
“ If you take one thing from my words tonight , it is this : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get worse , trust me , they can , ” she said .
“ And they will if we don ’ t make a change in this election .
If we have any hope of ending this chaos , we have got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it.
” Obama also echoed her 2016 DNC speech , in which she said : “ When they go low , we go high.
” “ Going high means standing fierce against hatred while remembering that we are one nation under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And if we want to survive , we ’ ve got to find a way to live together and work together across our differences.
” Michelle Obama - That was probably the best political speech that I ’ ve ever seen .
— John Bresnahan ( @ BresPolitico ) August 18 , 2020 '' Joe knows the anguish of sitting at a table with an empty chair , '' says Michelle Obama , with a dagger of an emotional image for anyone who has experienced loss .
— Ruby Cramer ( @ rubycramer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s speech - and especially her delivery – was the kind stuff they ’ ll teach in classes .
But the biggest takeaway for me was that Joe Biden vs. Trump is a campaign that can bring together Bernie Sanders and John Kasich - and that ’ s a real big tent .
— John Avlon ( @ JohnAvlon ) August 18 , 2020 .
@ joyannreid says Michelle Obama 's speech had this message : This is 'Come with me if you want to live . '
Watch more : https @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thereidout ) August 18 , 2020 Michelle Obama just have one of the best convention speeches of all time sitting in her house .
— Bill Burton ( @ billburton ) August 18 , 2020 '' She was n't just putting the President down , she was trying to pick the country up . ''
- @ VanJones68 reacts to former first lady Michelle Obama 's speech at the # DemConvention .
https : //t.co/9C3D7h7d75 pic.twitter.com/P7SAqYYqMK — CNN ( @ CNN ) August 18 , 2020 Michelle Obama right now is setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other speaker at this convention .
She ’ s hitting every argument Democrats want to make but in a personal “ I get it , I get you ” way .
— Lisa Desjardins ( @ LisaDNews ) August 18 , 2020 It 's a rare skill to be able to speak well to a cheering crowd .
To speak this well to a silent camera is remarkable .
— John Cassidy ( @ JohnCassidy ) August 18 , 2020

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Michelle Obama’s speech Monday night at the Democratic National Convention is drawing widespread praise from TV pundits and those on social media for her ringing endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden.
The author, attorney and spouse to former President Barack Obama delivered a powerful indictment of President Donald Trump’s first term, which has been marked by a deadly pandemic, widespread civic unrest and massive unemployment.
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But Obama warned that could be just the beginning.
“If you take one thing from my words tonight, it is this: If you think things cannot possibly get worse, trust me, they can,” she said. “And they will if we don’t make a change in this election. If we have any hope of ending this chaos, we have got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it.”
Obama also echoed her 2016 DNC speech, in which she said: “When they go low, we go high.”
“Going high means standing fierce against hatred while remembering that we are one nation under God,” she said. “And if we want to survive, we’ve got to find a way to live together and work together across our differences.”
TV pundits and voices of social media praised her speech:
Astoundingly powerful speech by Michelle Obama. — Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) August 18, 2020
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Michelle Obama - That was probably the best political speech that I’ve ever seen. — John Bresnahan (@BresPolitico) August 18, 2020
.@MichelleObama is just the best. Full stop. — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) August 18, 2020
"Joe knows the anguish of sitting at a table with an empty chair," says Michelle Obama, with a dagger of an emotional image for anyone who has experienced loss. — Ruby Cramer (@rubycramer) August 18, 2020
Michelle Obama’s speech - and especially her delivery – was the kind stuff they’ll teach in classes.
But the biggest takeaway for me was that Joe Biden vs. Trump is a campaign that can bring together Bernie Sanders and John Kasich - and that’s a real big tent. — John Avlon (@JohnAvlon) August 18, 2020
.@joyannreid says Michelle Obama's speech had this message: This is 'Come with me if you want to live.'
Watch more: https://t.co/kARWrO1R86 pic.twitter.com/VTWowuzdUW — The ReidOut (@thereidout) August 18, 2020
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Michelle Obama just have one of the best convention speeches of all time sitting in her house. — Bill Burton (@billburton) August 18, 2020
"She wasn't just putting the President down, she was trying to pick the country up."
- @VanJones68 reacts to former first lady Michelle Obama's speech at the #DemConvention. https://t.co/9C3D7h7d75 pic.twitter.com/P7SAqYYqMK — CNN (@CNN) August 18, 2020
Michelle Obama right now is setting a very very high bar for every other speaker at this convention.
She’s hitting every argument Democrats want to make but in a personal “I get it, I get you” way. — Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) August 18, 2020
Raise your hand if Michelle Obama spoke to your heart tonight. — Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) August 18, 2020
So that was a speech that rose to the moment. — Schooley (@Rschooley) August 18, 2020
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I’m adding Michelle Obama’s speech to my cardio playlist — Roland Scahill (@rolandscahill) August 18, 2020
It's a rare skill to be able to speak well to a cheering crowd. To speak this well to a silent camera is remarkable. — John Cassidy (@JohnCassidy) August 18, 2020
Michelle Obama. That’s all. — Rob Reiner (@robreiner) August 18, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Mike Pence’s Oblivious Boast About The Stock Market Ticks People Off

The stock market is NOT the U.S. ECONOMY !
I ca n't pay my rent , or buy food or @ @ @ @ @ People are starving , being evicted , & dying because of you .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ not actually do something for the American people instead of your obsequious babbling .
https @ @

The stock market is NOT the U.S. ECONOMY!
I can't pay my rent, or buy food or insurance with the NASDAQ. People are starving, being evicted, & dying because of you.
It's an election year, why not actually do something for the American people instead of your obsequious babbling. https://t.co/XF2eNoGD8H


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-17--Bernie Sanders Makes Case For Supporters To Unite Behind Joe Biden

“ My friends , thank you for your trust and the love you showed Jane and me ...
Together we have moved this country in a bold new direction , ” Sanders said , referring to his wife .
“ Our campaign ended several months ago , but our movement continues and is getting stronger every day .
Many of the ideas we fought for that just a few years ago were considered radical are now mainstream.
” Sanders remains a somewhat polarizing figure within the Democratic electorate .
He inspires passionate devotion from the party ’ s progressive wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conventional Democratic leadership , but he also elicits resentment from more moderate Democrats who often blame him for sowing division within the party during his 2016 run against Hillary Clinton .
Though Sanders caucuses with the Democratic Party and is a member of Democratic leadership , his critics often note that he is not technically a Democrat .
“ In 2016 , Trump promised he would stand with working families .
He said that he would ‘ drain the swamp , ’ take on Wall Street and powerful special interests , ” Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security , Medicare and Medicaid , and , by the way , he would provide health care to ‘ everybody.
’ Well , none of it was true.
” Sanders is known for delving into economic policy in his speeches to a much greater degree than other politicians .
His remarks Monday were no exception , pitching progressives on Biden ’ s merits rather than focusing exclusively on Trump ’ s flaws .
He cited Biden ’ s plans to provide universal paid family leave , make it easier to join unions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , transform the country ’ s infrastructure , eliminate private prisons and end cash bail .
It says as much about Trump ’ s power to galvanize his rivals as it does about Sanders ’ s flexibility as a politician that Sanders kept his remarks brief .
Sanders ’ s speech was 800 words shorter than his remarks in support of the nomination of Clinton in 2016 .
But in addition to tighter time constraints for this year ’ s remote convention , Sanders ’ s relative brevity was a feature of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 , Sanders described Trump as a threat likely to destabilize the country , on Monday he denounced the president for the destruction he has already wrought .
“ Under this administration , authoritarianism has taken root in our country , ” Sanders said .
“ As long as I am here , I will work with progressives , with moderates and , yes , with conservatives to preserve this nation from a threat that so many of our heroes fought and died to defeat.
” Sanders endorsed Biden in April shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency following a series of poor showings in Democratic primaries around the country .
At the time , the Vermont senator urged his progressive followers to back the more moderate former vice president , while saying he would remain on the ballot in an effort to ensure his policies were included in the Democratic Party platform .
Biden has been more open to adjusting his platform to include more progressive proposals , and while the task force ’ s ultimate positions may have been disappointing to some of Sanders ’ more activist supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good foundation Biden could build on during his presidency .
Many of Sanders ’ s progressive supporters have been less satisfied with the hints that Biden has dropped about how he plans to govern .
Activists were especially disappointed to see Republicans like former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich get more prominent billing at the convention than progressive stars like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) .
Biden ’ s inner circle of economic and foreign policy advisers is comprised of experts and consultants from Washington ’ s business-friendly centrist establishment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ― with only the most dubious of evidence ― Biden has sold out to Sanders almost entirely .
Shortly after Sanders ’ s remarks , the Trump campaign sent out a fundraising email with the subject line “ Bernie Sanders ’ s Socialist Agenda Is On The Ballot.
” It ’ s perhaps a measure of Sanders ’ s influence that Republicans see him as a significant enough force to be a political liability for Democrats , but mainstream Democrats no longer view his ideas as politically lethal .
While Biden continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All ” and student debt cancellation , Sanders helped make other policies , such as a federal minimum wage of $ 15 an hour , official party doctrine .
One thing is clear : Sanders ’ s relationship with Biden is far warmer than his tenuous alliance of convenience with Clinton was in 2016 .
He has admitted that he has a stronger working relationship with Biden that dates back to their many years together in Congress .
Some of Sanders ’ s campaign staffers this cycle even faulted Sanders for letting his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former vice president more effectively during the primary contest .

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Sen. Bernie Sanders urged his supporters to vote for presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in November, calling his onetime presidential rival the party’s best hope to unseat President Donald Trump in a sweeping online address Monday at the Democratic National Convention.
“This election is the most important in modern history,” Sanders said during his keynote address. “We need an unprecedented response. A movement like never before, against greed, oligarchy and bigotry. And we need Joe Biden as our next president.”
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The independent senator from Vermont spoke directly to his own supporters on Monday, urging them to throw their weight behind the former vice president while noting Biden had adopted a spate of progressive policies and earned Sanders’ support.
“My friends, thank you for your trust and the love you showed Jane and me ... Together we have moved this country in a bold new direction,” Sanders said, referring to his wife. “Our campaign ended several months ago, but our movement continues and is getting stronger every day. Many of the ideas we fought for that just a few years ago were considered radical are now mainstream.”
We face the most important election in the modern history of this country. We need a movement of people to stand up for democracy and decency. Join me live at the @DemConvention: https://t.co/qFIXSJeGpW — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 18, 2020
Sanders remains a somewhat polarizing figure within the Democratic electorate. He inspires passionate devotion from the party’s progressive wing and voters who have lost faith in conventional Democratic leadership, but he also elicits resentment from more moderate Democrats who often blame him for sowing division within the party during his 2016 run against Hillary Clinton. Though Sanders caucuses with the Democratic Party and is a member of Democratic leadership, his critics often note that he is not technically a Democrat.
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But on Monday night, Sanders toned down his populist pitch in favor of a partisan rallying cry, complete with mocking asides that, at times, resembled the anti-Trump broadsides of a more mainstream liberal.
He took direct aim at Trump’s first term in office, pointing to the president’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and his efforts to undermine doctors and scientists as tens of thousands of Americans died of COVID-19.
“Nero fiddled while Rome burned,” the senator said. “Trump golfs. His actions fanned this pandemic resulting in over 170,000 deaths and a nation still unprepared to protect its people.”
Sanders’s case against Trump was nonetheless distinct from the argument presented by other Democrats. From the moment Trump was elected, Sanders vowed to hold him accountable for the Republican president’s campaign-trail promises to eschew GOP economic orthodoxy on Social Security, Medicare, corporate influence and other kitchen-table priorities.
With Trump’s first term coming to a close, Sanders declared on Monday that the verdict was in: Trump and his administration had been “to put it bluntly, frauds.”
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“In 2016, Trump promised he would stand with working families. He said that he would ‘drain the swamp,’ take on Wall Street and powerful special interests,” Sanders said. “He would protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and, by the way, he would provide health care to ‘everybody.’ Well, none of it was true.”
Sanders is known for delving into economic policy in his speeches to a much greater degree than other politicians. His remarks Monday were no exception, pitching progressives on Biden’s merits rather than focusing exclusively on Trump’s flaws. He cited Biden’s plans to provide universal paid family leave, make it easier to join unions, lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60, transform the country’s infrastructure, eliminate private prisons and end cash bail.
“Joe Biden will end the hate and division Trump has created. He will stop the demonization of immigrants, the coddling of white nationalists, the racist dog whistling, the religious bigotry and the ugly attacks on women.”
It says as much about Trump’s power to galvanize his rivals as it does about Sanders’s flexibility as a politician that Sanders kept his remarks brief. Sanders’s speech was 800 words shorter than his remarks in support of the nomination of Clinton in 2016.
But in addition to tighter time constraints for this year’s remote convention, Sanders’s relative brevity was a feature of his simpler and more dire message. Whereas in 2016, Sanders described Trump as a threat likely to destabilize the country, on Monday he denounced the president for the destruction he has already wrought.
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It is not just the economic and social well-being of the country at stake in the November election, but democracy itself, Sanders warned.
“Under this administration, authoritarianism has taken root in our country,” Sanders said. “As long as I am here, I will work with progressives, with moderates and, yes, with conservatives to preserve this nation from a threat that so many of our heroes fought and died to defeat.”
Sanders endorsed Biden in April shortly after ending his own bid for the presidency following a series of poor showings in Democratic primaries around the country. At the time, the Vermont senator urged his progressive followers to back the more moderate former vice president, while saying he would remain on the ballot in an effort to ensure his policies were included in the Democratic Party platform.
“I’m asking every Democrat, I’m asking every independent, I’m asking a lot of Republicans to come together in this campaign to support your candidacy, which I endorse,” Sanders had said, addressing Biden.
The two have deepened their cooperation in recent months, unveiling a massive set of joint policy proposals in July as part of a “unity task force.” The positions included a ban on for-profit charter schools, a mandate on net-zero emissions for all buildings by 2030 and a 100-day moratorium on deportations.
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Biden has been more open to adjusting his platform to include more progressive proposals, and while the task force’s ultimate positions may have been disappointing to some of Sanders’ more activist supporters, the Vermont lawmaker said they were a good foundation Biden could build on during his presidency.
We must come together, defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president. My friends, the price of failure is just too great to imagine. #DemConvention — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 18, 2020
“Though the end result is not what I or my supporters would have written alone, the task forces have created a good policy blueprint that will move this country in a much-needed progressive direction,” Sanders told NBC last month after the proposals were released.
Many of Sanders’s progressive supporters have been less satisfied with the hints that Biden has dropped about how he plans to govern. Activists were especially disappointed to see Republicans like former Ohio Gov. John Kasich get more prominent billing at the convention than progressive stars like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Biden’s inner circle of economic and foreign policy advisers is comprised of experts and consultants from Washington’s business-friendly centrist establishment.
Of course, to hear Republicans tell it ― with only the most dubious of evidence ― Biden has sold out to Sanders almost entirely. Shortly after Sanders’s remarks, the Trump campaign sent out a fundraising email with the subject line “Bernie Sanders’s Socialist Agenda Is On The Ballot.”
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Republican National Committee spokesman Steve Guest wrote in an email to reporters, “Bernie Sanders speaking tonight is proof that Sanders’ socialist agenda is Joe Biden’s agenda.”
It’s perhaps a measure of Sanders’s influence that Republicans see him as a significant enough force to be a political liability for Democrats, but mainstream Democrats no longer view his ideas as politically lethal. While Biden continues to steer clear of “Medicare for All” and student debt cancellation, Sanders helped make other policies, such as a federal minimum wage of $15 an hour, official party doctrine.
One thing is clear: Sanders’s relationship with Biden is far warmer than his tenuous alliance of convenience with Clinton was in 2016. He has admitted that he has a stronger working relationship with Biden that dates back to their many years together in Congress. Some of Sanders’s campaign staffers this cycle even faulted Sanders for letting his personal affection for Biden interfere with attacking the former vice president more effectively during the primary contest.
Biden has reciprocated, embracing Sanders’s support despite their earlier rivalry. He thanked Sanders last month for “working together to unite our party and deliver real, lasting change for generations to come.” Biden’s team also agreed to seat hundreds of convention delegates that Sanders would have otherwise forfeited and shepherded the passage of a rule change extending for another cycle the disempowerment of “superdelegates” and other reforms initially sought by Sanders.
On Monday, Sanders said that, though the pair had disagreed in the past, he knew that the former vice president would enter the White House ready to “fight on Day One.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Kamala Harris Secret Service Code Name Revealed

Kamala Harris , the presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee , has reportedly chosen her Secret Service code name ahead of the 2020 election .
The Democratic senator from California will be referred to by security agents as “ Pioneer , ” CNN reported Monday , citing a law enforcement official .
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden named Harris as his running mate last week .
She is the first Black and South Asian American woman to run as vice president for one of the major parties .
Harris selected the name from a preapproved list issued by the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s unclear what Harris ’ husband Douglas Emhoff will be called by agents .
Former Vice President Biden will reportedly retain his former code name of “ Celtic ” and Jill Biden , the former second lady , will still be known as “ Capri.
” President Donald Trump ’ s code name is “ Mogul ” and first lady Melania Trump is called “ Muse.
” Donald Trump Jr. is reportedly called “ Mountaineer , ” Ivanka Trump is “ Marvel ” and Eric Trump is “ Marksman.
” Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ Hoosier , ” in reference to his Indiana roots , while second lady Karen Pence is known by agents as “ Hummingbird.
” The Secret Service calls former President Barack Obama by the name ” Renegade , ” former first lady Michelle Obama by “ Renaissance ” and their children , Malia and Sasha , by “ Radiance ” and “ Rosebud .
”

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Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee, has reportedly chosen her Secret Service code name ahead of the 2020 election.
The Democratic senator from California will be referred to by security agents as “Pioneer,” CNN reported Monday, citing a law enforcement official.
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Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden named Harris as his running mate last week. She is the first Black and South Asian American woman to run as vice president for one of the major parties.
First on CNN: Kamala Harris chooses "Pioneer" as her Secret Service code name https://t.co/zsLd8Xn3ZN pic.twitter.com/AP5DAukhEp — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) August 18, 2020
Harris selected the name from a preapproved list issued by the White House Communications Agency, reported CNN.
It’s unclear what Harris’ husband Douglas Emhoff will be called by agents.
Former Vice President Biden will reportedly retain his former code name of “Celtic” and Jill Biden, the former second lady, will still be known as “Capri.”
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President Donald Trump’s code name is “Mogul” and first lady Melania Trump is called “Muse.” Donald Trump Jr. is reportedly called “Mountaineer,” Ivanka Trump is “Marvel” and Eric Trump is “Marksman.”
Vice President Mike Pence’s code name is “Hoosier,” in reference to his Indiana roots, while second lady Karen Pence is known by agents as “Hummingbird.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--The First Day Of Joe Biden’s Nominating Convention Was Not About Joe Biden

Democratic National Convention Committee via Getty Images Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has a conference call with ( from left ) Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot ; President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson ; Eric Garner ’ s mother , Gwen Carr ; Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo ; and social justice advocate Jamira Burley during the virtual convention Monday , shown on a screenshot of the convention committee 's live feed .
The convention , which was once expected to draw 50,000 people to Milwaukee , is now taking place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convention looked nothing like previous party conventions .
It was entirely virtual .
The lineup included well-known Republicans endorsing Joe Biden for president .
And the star of the night wasn ’ t Biden himself .
It was regular people .
Yes , there were big-name speakers , such as former first lady Michelle Obama and Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) , who capped off the night .
But for most of the two-hour event , the spotlight was on health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , small business owners struggling to get by and former supporters of President Donald Trump who now enthusiastically back Biden .
Kristin Urquiza was among them .
Her dad was a Trump supporter who believed the president when he said the pandemic was under control , said Urquiza , so he went to a karaoke bar in Arizona after the state lifted its stay-at-home order in May .
He ended up testing positive for COVID 19 soon after , and a few weeks later he was put on a ventilator .
Days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care unit .
“ My dad was a healthy 65-year-old .
His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump , and for that he paid with his life , ” Urquiza said .
“ One of the last things that my father said to me was that he felt betrayed by the likes of Donald Trump .
And so , when I cast my vote for Joe Biden , I will do it for my dad.
” So many stories centered on the coronavirus ― and Trump ’ s failure to mitigate its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Connecticut , talked about being scared to lose colleagues in a second wave of the pandemic .
Michelle Boyle , a union nurse in Pittsburgh , said she was a first responder during the Haiti earthquake 10 years ago and even then didn ’ t fear for her life as she does now , going to work in the U.S. without enough protective gear .
Scott , a small business owner from Swathmore , Pennsylvania , started his business 31 years ago with his wife and is barely getting by .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rough ’ is a nice word to say it , ” Scott said .
“ Our revenue is off about 40 % .
We have half the employees that we had before COVID , and our customers are a little scared .
Our employees are sometimes afraid to come to work because of the COVID .
To be honest , I ’ m just frustrated .
I don ’ t understand how we got here.
” Invoking everyday Americans ’ stories — usually stories from the campaign trail — is commonplace in political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These kinds of personal stories and videos that would typically get talked over by thousands of delegates at an in-person convention , and lost to at-home viewers to commercial breaks , were the main event .
“ I ’ ve been a longstanding Republican , and I am telling you , you ’ ve got to vote for Joe Biden , ” Michael , from Rhode Island , said in a prerecorded video montage alongside Republicans from Wisconsin and Florida .
“ I don ’ t think we can deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House any longer.
” The Democratic Party ’ s decision to include elected Republicans , like former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich and former Rep. Susan Molinari , now a lobbyist , on the first night of the convention was controversial within the party — especially on the same night Sanders , who championed a democratic socialist agenda , was slated to speak .
Over the course of Monday ’ s programming , however , it was clear the party sees these longtime Republicans and former Trump voters as part of Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighted their personal experiences on everything from Trump ’ s COVID-19 response to his divisive rhetoric to his trade policy .
Rarely did the speeches go into specifics on Biden ’ s policy platform .
He was followed by Eric , a voter in Illinois , sitting in his living room with what appeared to be a glass of whiskey on the rocks , saying he was an “ ashamed ” former Trump voter .
“ I ’ m sure there are Republicans and independents who couldn ’ t imagine crossing over to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may turn sharp left and leave them behind .
I don ’ t believe that , because I know the measure of the man who is reasonable , faithful , respectful and , you know , no one pushes Joe around .
”

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has a conference call with (from left) Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot; President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson; Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr; Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo; and social justice advocate Jamira Burley during the virtual convention Monday, shown on a screenshot of the convention committee's live feed. The convention, which was once expected to draw 50,000 people to Milwaukee, is now taking place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic National Convention Committee via Getty Images
The first night of the Democratic National Convention looked nothing like previous party conventions. It was entirely virtual. The lineup included well-known Republicans endorsing Joe Biden for president. And the star of the night wasn’t Biden himself. It was regular people.
Yes, there were big-name speakers, such as former first lady Michelle Obama and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who capped off the night. But for most of the two-hour event, the spotlight was on health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, teachers worried about returning to school safely, small business owners struggling to get by and former supporters of President Donald Trump who now enthusiastically back Biden.
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Kristin Urquiza was among them. Her dad was a Trump supporter who believed the president when he said the pandemic was under control, said Urquiza, so he went to a karaoke bar in Arizona after the state lifted its stay-at-home order in May. He ended up testing positive for COVID 19 soon after, and a few weeks later he was put on a ventilator. Days later, he died alone in an intensive care unit.
“My dad was a healthy 65-year-old. His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump, and for that he paid with his life,” Urquiza said. “One of the last things that my father said to me was that he felt betrayed by the likes of Donald Trump. And so, when I cast my vote for Joe Biden, I will do it for my dad.”
So many stories centered on the coronavirus ― and Trump’s failure to mitigate its spread. Trung Lee, a nurse in Connecticut, talked about being scared to lose colleagues in a second wave of the pandemic. Michelle Boyle, a union nurse in Pittsburgh, said she was a first responder during the Haiti earthquake 10 years ago and even then didn’t fear for her life as she does now, going to work in the U.S. without enough protective gear. Scott, a small business owner from Swathmore, Pennsylvania, started his business 31 years ago with his wife and is barely getting by.
“It’s been rough. ‘Rough’ is a nice word to say it,” Scott said. “Our revenue is off about 40%. We have half the employees that we had before COVID, and our customers are a little scared. Our employees are sometimes afraid to come to work because of the COVID. To be honest, I’m just frustrated. I don’t understand how we got here.”
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Kristin Urquiza, whose father died of the coronavirus, addresses the virtual convention on Monday. Democratic National Convention Committee via Getty Images
Invoking everyday Americans’ stories — usually stories from the campaign trail — is commonplace in political speeches. But Monday night was different. These kinds of personal stories and videos that would typically get talked over by thousands of delegates at an in-person convention, and lost to at-home viewers to commercial breaks, were the main event.
Prominently featured among these everyday voices were Republicans and Trump supporters, urging their fellow conservatives to cross party lines.
“I’ve been a longstanding Republican, and I am telling you, you’ve got to vote for Joe Biden,” Michael, from Rhode Island, said in a prerecorded video montage alongside Republicans from Wisconsin and Florida. “I don’t think we can deal with the kind of person we have in the White House any longer.”
The Democratic Party’s decision to include elected Republicans, like former Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former Rep. Susan Molinari, now a lobbyist, on the first night of the convention was controversial within the party — especially on the same night Sanders, who championed a democratic socialist agenda, was slated to speak.
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Some of the party’s biggest stars, including progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who is slated to speak for one minute Tuesday night, denounced the decision publicly.
“John Kasich doesn’t get to say who is or isn’t representative of the Democratic Party,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a fundraising email Monday night. “An anti-choice, anti-worker Republican does not get to decide who represents the Democratic Party.”
“I’ve been a longstanding Republican and I am telling you, you’ve got to vote for Joe Biden.” - Michael, from Rhode Island
Over the course of Monday’s programming, however, it was clear the party sees these longtime Republicans and former Trump voters as part of Biden’s path to victory. They highlighted their personal experiences on everything from Trump’s COVID-19 response to his divisive rhetoric to his trade policy. Rarely did the speeches go into specifics on Biden’s policy platform.
Rick Telesz, a 62-year-old dairy and soybean farmer in Volant, Pennsylvania, spoke of how Trump’s trade wars had harmed his business.
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“My biggest fear is that if these trends continue with this type of leadership, I will be the last generation doing this kind of farming,” Telesz said.
He was followed by Eric, a voter in Illinois, sitting in his living room with what appeared to be a glass of whiskey on the rocks, saying he was an “ashamed” former Trump voter.
“I challenge you to think back to what made you vote for Donald Trump in 2016,” Eric said. “I’ve registered as a Democrat for the first time in my life.”
Kasich made the same appeal, beamed into the convention Monday evening standing at a literal crossroads, emphasizing his belief that Biden would remain a moderate in office.
“I’m sure there are Republicans and independents who couldn’t imagine crossing over to support a Democrat, they fear Joe may turn sharp left and leave them behind. I don’t believe that, because I know the measure of the man who is reasonable, faithful, respectful and, you know, no one pushes Joe around.”
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Eventually, these voices did bring it back to Biden: Gregg Weaver, a former Amtrak conductor who rode the train with Biden for decades, said the former vice president is a regular person, too. He said he’s most comfortable around working-class people like him.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Bernie Sanders: 'Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned. Trump Golfs.'

Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) launched into a pointed critique of Donald Trump during his online address Monday at the Democratic National Convention , comparing the president to the Roman emperor Nero , who legend has played the fiddle while his city burned .
“ This president is not just a threat to our democracy , but , by rejecting science , he has put our lives and health in jeopardy , ” Sanders said , referring to the COVID-19 epidemic .
“ Trump has attacked doctors and scientists trying to protect us from the pandemic while refusing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gowns and gloves our health care workers desperately need .
Nero fiddled while Rome burned .
Trump golfs .
His actions fanned this pandemic resulting in over 170,000 deaths and a nation still unprepared to protect its people.
” Trump is n't just a threat to our democracy , but by rejecting science he has put our lives in jeopardy .
Trump has attacked doctors and scientists trying to protect us from the pandemic and refused to take strong action .
Nero fiddled while Rome burned ; Trump golfs .
# DemConvention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 18 , 2020 While historians have debated whether Nero actually played music at the moment of Rome ’ s fiery destruction in 64 AD , the unflattering comparison between the Roman emperor and Trump was previously made across social media in early March , when Trump tweeted a meme of himself playing a violin shortly before he left to play golf at Mar-a-Lago at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak .
Sanders ’ s usage of the expression Monday night immediately hit home , with reactions pouring in on Twitter praising the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s failings .
Interesting that Bernie is the first speaker to directly make the case that Trump is an authoritarian threat to democracy .
— Jonathan Chait ( @ jonathanchait ) August 18 , 2020 That was a very good speech Bernie just gave .
Focus on danger of fascism , the devastating impact of Trump ’ s horrendous covid response , and red meat for progressives who want minimum wage increase .
— Mikel Jollett ( @ Mikel_Jollett ) August 18 , 2020 In his speech , Sanders also urged his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden , stressing that “ the future of our economy ” and “ the future of our planet ” were both at stake .
“ We must come together , defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president , ” Sanders said .
“ My friends , the price of failure is just too great to imagine .
”

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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) launched into a pointed critique of Donald Trump during his online address Monday at the Democratic National Convention, comparing the president to the Roman emperor Nero, who legend has played the fiddle while his city burned.
“This president is not just a threat to our democracy, but, by rejecting science, he has put our lives and health in jeopardy,” Sanders said, referring to the COVID-19 epidemic. “Trump has attacked doctors and scientists trying to protect us from the pandemic while refusing to take strong action to produce the masks, gowns and gloves our health care workers desperately need. Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Trump golfs. His actions fanned this pandemic resulting in over 170,000 deaths and a nation still unprepared to protect its people.”
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Trump isn't just a threat to our democracy, but by rejecting science he has put our lives in jeopardy.
Trump has attacked doctors and scientists trying to protect us from the pandemic and refused to take strong action.
Nero fiddled while Rome burned; Trump golfs. #DemConvention — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 18, 2020
Bernie Sanders: "Under this administration, authoritarianism has taken root in this country...Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Trump golfs." https://t.co/yradm5wGff pic.twitter.com/23lhpfSbqx — CBS News (@CBSNews) August 18, 2020
While historians have debated whether Nero actually played music at the moment of Rome’s fiery destruction in 64 AD, the unflattering comparison between the Roman emperor and Trump was previously made across social media in early March, when Trump tweeted a meme of himself playing a violin shortly before he left to play golf at Mar-a-Lago at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak.
Sanders’s usage of the expression Monday night immediately hit home, with reactions pouring in on Twitter praising the Vermont senator’s analysis of Trump’s failings.
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Bernie Sanders: "Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Trump golfs." — Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) August 18, 2020
“Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Trump golfs.”
Bernie has now applied this metaphor to both McConnell and Trump. Legend. #DemocraticConvention — Emma Vigeland (@EmmaVigeland) August 18, 2020
Interesting that Bernie is the first speaker to directly make the case that Trump is an authoritarian threat to democracy. — Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) August 18, 2020
Bernie’s speech is just top-notch. Focus on authoritarianism and Trump’s radical negligence, passionately delivered. — Emily Nussbaum (@emilynussbaum) August 18, 2020
That was a very good speech Bernie just gave. Focus on danger of fascism, the devastating impact of Trump’s horrendous covid response, and red meat for progressives who want minimum wage increase. — Mikel Jollett (@Mikel_Jollett) August 18, 2020
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Bernie Sanders speech was spot on. Our country is in danger under Trump. — Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) August 18, 2020
a terrific speech from bernie, whose great virtue imo is that he absolutely grasps the stakes of trump and trumpism — b-boy bouiebaisse (@jbouie) August 18, 2020
In his speech, Sanders also urged his progressive supporters to cast their votes for presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, stressing that “the future of our economy” and “the future of our planet” were both at stake.
“We must come together, defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president,” Sanders said. “My friends, the price of failure is just too great to imagine.”