thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-29--Donald Trump's Tax Dodging Gets Short Shrift In First Debate

A New York Times investigation disclosing that President Donald Trump had paid little or no income taxes from 2000 through 2017 dominated the national discussion in the days leading up to Trump ’ s first debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
But Chris Wallace , the Fox News anchor who moderated the debate , breezed through the discussion of Trump ’ s taxes in a few minutes .
And Biden did not emphasize the issue during the rest of the debate .
Wallace began by asking the president to respond to the Times ’ Sunday report , based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , that included the revelation that Trump had paid just $ 750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017 .
“ I know that you pay a lot of other taxes , but I ’ m asking you the specific question : Is it true that you paid $ 750 in federal income taxes each of those two years ?
” Wallace asked .
The Times did not obtain information about Trump ’ s 2018 or 2019 tax payments .
And , in order to protest its sources , the newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to report its findings about Trump ’ s taxes in the years prior .
In defiance of decades of presidential tradition , Trump has declined to disclose his personal tax returns , which would give the public a clearer view of his wealth , charitable contributions , tax avoidance schemes and potential conflicts of interest .
On Tuesday night , Trump gave Biden the same response he has given since he first ran for president in 2016 : That he would release his tax returns once the IRS is done conducting a routine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on high net worth individuals .
( Nothing prevents an individual being audited from voluntarily disclosing their returns , according to the IRS . )
Wallace followed up by asking again exactly how much Trump had paid in federal income taxes in those two years .
Trump ’ s response appears to be at odds with what an attorney for his company told the Times .
The attorney , Alan Garten , specifically avoided saying what Trump had paid in personal income taxes , instead claiming that Trump had paid millions in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― a category that could include , among other things , Social Security and Medicare taxes .
And even as Trump insisted that he had paid millions of dollars in federal income taxes , he defended his efforts to pay as little as possible .
“ I don ’ t want to pay tax , ” he said .
“ Before I came here , I was a private developer , I was a private business people [ sic ] .
Like every other private person , unless they ’ re stupid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what it is.
” Indeed , according to the Times , Trump used the General Business Tax Credit , an amalgam of different business-related credits , to reduce almost all of his federal income tax burden in 2016 and 2017 .
And in the period from 2000 to 2015 , business expenses that tax law allowed him to count as losses , as well as other arcane rules , enabled him to avoid paying any federal income tax for 10 of those years .
“ He says he ’ s smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax code .
And he does take advantage of the tax code , ” Biden said .
“ That ’ s why I ’ m going to eliminate the Trump tax cuts , and we ’ re going to ... make sure that we invest in the people who , in fact , need the help.
” Trump asked why Biden hadn ’ t managed to make the tax system fairer during his tenure as a senator and then as vice president .
“ Why didn ’ t you do it over the @ @ @ @ @

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A New York Times investigation disclosing that President Donald Trump had paid little or no income taxes from 2000 through 2017 dominated the national discussion in the days leading up to Trump’s first debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
But Chris Wallace, the Fox News anchor who moderated the debate, breezed through the discussion of Trump’s taxes in a few minutes. And Biden did not emphasize the issue during the rest of the debate.
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Wallace began by asking the president to respond to the Times’ Sunday report, based on access to Trump’s personal tax information, that included the revelation that Trump had paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017.
“I know that you pay a lot of other taxes, but I’m asking you the specific question: Is it true that you paid $750 in federal income taxes each of those two years?” Wallace asked.
Trump responded by falsely claiming that he had paid millions of dollars in federal income taxes, adding to the mountain of lies that has defined his presidency.
“I paid millions of dollars in taxes ― millions of dollars of income tax,” Trump said.
“Show us your tax returns!” Biden interjected.
President Donald Trump falsely claimed he paid millions of dollars in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017 when the topic was briefly broached at Tuesday's presidential debate Win McNamee/Getty Images
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The Times did not obtain information about Trump’s 2018 or 2019 tax payments. And, in order to protect its sources, the newspaper did not publish the documents it obtained to report its findings about Trump’s taxes in the years prior.
In defiance of decades of presidential tradition, Trump has declined to disclose his personal tax returns, which would give the public a clearer view of his wealth, charitable contributions, tax avoidance schemes and potential conflicts of interest.
On Tuesday night, Trump gave Biden the same response he has given since he first ran for president in 2016: That he would release his tax returns once the IRS is done conducting a routine audit of the kind it normally conducts on high net worth individuals. (Nothing prevents an individual being audited from voluntarily disclosing their returns, according to the IRS.)
“You’ll see it ― as soon as it’s finished, you’ll see it,” Trump responded.
Wallace followed up by asking again exactly how much Trump had paid in federal income taxes in those two years.
“Millions of dollars ― and you’ll get to see it,” he reiterated.
Trump’s response appears to be at odds with what an attorney for his company told the Times. The attorney, Alan Garten, specifically avoided saying what Trump had paid in personal income taxes, instead claiming that Trump had paid millions in “personal taxes” to the federal government ― a category that could include, among other things, Social Security and Medicare taxes.
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And even as Trump insisted that he had paid millions of dollars in federal income taxes, he defended his efforts to pay as little as possible.
“I don’t want to pay tax,” he said. “Before I came here, I was a private developer, I was a private business people [sic]. Like every other private person, unless they’re stupid, they go through the laws and that’s what it is.”
Indeed, according to the Times, Trump used the General Business Tax Credit, an amalgam of different business-related credits, to reduce almost all of his federal income tax burden in 2016 and 2017. And in the period from 2000 to 2015, business expenses that tax law allowed him to count as losses, as well as other arcane rules, enabled him to avoid paying any federal income tax for 10 of those years.
Biden did use the exchange to discuss the fairness of a tax system that allowed Trump to pay a lower figure than the typical school teacher.
“He says he’s smart because he can take advantage of the tax code. And he does take advantage of the tax code,” Biden said. “That’s why I’m going to eliminate the Trump tax cuts, and we’re going to ... make sure that we invest in the people who, in fact, need the help.”
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Trump asked why Biden hadn’t managed to make the tax system fairer during his tenure as a senator and then as vice president. “Why didn’t you do it over the last 25 years?”
“Because you weren’t president screwing things up,” Biden replied.
In fact, the tax laws that favor corporations and wealthy individuals long predate Trump’s presidency.
Wallace might have followed up with Biden about Trump’s question or asked Trump why he hasn’t sought to make the tax code more progressive.
But rather than stick with the topic, Wallace moved on to a discussion of the two men’s economic recovery plans.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--‘Worst Thing I’ve Ever Seen’ Meme Shows How Bad Trump-Biden Debate Really Was

Tuesday night ’ s debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden is destined to be remembered for all the wrong reasons .
Cable TV analysts and focus groups gave the raucous debate low marks after constant interruptions and injections by Trump derailed any attempt at discussing the issues .
But one meme , in particular , revealed just how bad it got .
Some in show business called the debate the “ worst thing I ’ ve ever seen , ” then named the most unloved projects they ’ ve worked on as a point of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been kicked off by Jeremy Slater , who prior to developing the Netflix hit “ The Umbrella Academy ” was a co-writer of the much-maligned 2015 film version of “ Fantastic Four ” : That was the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen , and I wrote FANTASTIC FOUR .
— Jeremy Slater ( @ jerslater ) September 30 , 2020 It wasn ’ t long before others joined in , including “ Star Wars ” icon Mark Hamill : That debate was the worst thing I 've ever seen & I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
— Mark Hamill ( @ HamillHimself ) September 30 , 2020 That # debate was the worst thing I 've ever seen , and I wrote # Sharknado !
It was so bad it was bad !
— Thunder Levin ( @ ThunderLevin ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen and I wrote Disaster Zone : Volcano In New York .
https : //t.co/6ISQ5eAsLb — Sarah Watson ( @ SarahWatson42 ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I 've ever seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //t.co/lTReBUjDTW — Randi Mayem Singer ( @ rmayemsinger ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen , and I wrote a video game adaptation .
https : //t.co/pom7rmeiSn — Justin Marks ( @ Justin_Marks_ ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen and we wrote a scene where The Rock and Zac Efron examine a dead man ’ s taint .
https : //t.co/J59iMdAzh4 — Shannon & Swift ( @ shannonandswift ) September 30 , 2020 It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever seen and I wrote The Cat In The Hat movie .
— Alec Berg ( @ realalecberg ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen and I wrote DATE MY MOM .
https : //t.co/es4Lh6SuKc — 𝚊𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚗 𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚐 ( @ DrLawyercop ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen and I produced the Morton Downey Jr show .
https : //t.co/dz6IOtJ0GI — Brian Bedol ( @ brizilla ) September 30 , 2020 That 's the worst thing I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EDDIE ... which had a cameo by Trump .
Top THAT , motherf**ckers https : //t.co/T9IUbDRqwe — Eric Champnella ( @ champnella ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I 've ever seen , and I wrote Strawberry Shortcake : the animated series https : //t.co/oEjGFEcjQH — Judy Rothman Rofé ( @ neurotic_parent ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen and I wrote the stolen Horse semen Christmas episode of Hawaii Five-0 .
https : //t.co/4QVj5SH4fF — Sue Palmer ( @ _suecasa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen and I wrote Love at the Christmas Table .
— Dayan Ballweg ( @ DayanBallweg ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I 've ever seen , and I wrote TEENAGE CAVEMAN .
https : //t.co/04wwyeREex — Christos Gage ( @ Christosgage ) September 30 , 2020 That was the worst thing I ’ ve ever seen , and I wrote all the Carrot Top CALL AT & T commercials .
@ jerslater — Ted McCagg ( @ tedmccagg ) September 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've ever seen and I wrote the My Left Foot episode of Kickin ' it .
— Glenn Farrington ( @ HaHaScribe ) September 30 , 2020 We want to know what you ’ re hearing on the ground from the candidates .
If you get any interesting ― or suspicious !
― campaign mailers , robocalls or hear anything else you think we should know about , email us at scoops @ huffpost.com

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Tuesday night’s debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden is destined to be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Cable TV analysts and focus groups gave the raucous debate low marks after constant interruptions and injections by Trump derailed any attempt at discussing the issues. But one meme, in particular, revealed just how bad it got.
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Some in show business called the debate the “worst thing I’ve ever seen,” then named the most unloved projects they’ve worked on as a point of comparison. The trend appeared to have been kicked off by Jeremy Slater, who prior to developing the Netflix hit “The Umbrella Academy” was a co-writer of the much-maligned 2015 film version of “Fantastic Four”:
That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen, and I wrote FANTASTIC FOUR. — Jeremy Slater (@jerslater) September 30, 2020
It wasn’t long before others joined in, including “Star Wars” icon Mark Hamill:
That debate was the worst thing I've ever seen & I was in The Star Wars Holiday Special. — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) September 30, 2020
That #debate was the worst thing I've ever seen, and I wrote #Sharknado!
It was so bad it was bad! — Thunder Levin (@ThunderLevin) September 30, 2020
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That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen and I wrote Disaster Zone: Volcano In New York. https://t.co/6ISQ5eAsLb — Sarah Watson (@SarahWatson42) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I've ever seen, and I wrote Tooth Fairy. https://t.co/lTReBUjDTW — Randi Mayem Singer (@rmayemsinger) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen, and I wrote a video game adaptation. https://t.co/pom7rmeiSn — Justin Marks (@Justin_Marks_) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen and we wrote a scene where The Rock and Zac Efron examine a dead man’s taint. https://t.co/J59iMdAzh4 — Shannon & Swift (@shannonandswift) September 30, 2020
It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen and I wrote The Cat In The Hat movie. — Alec Berg (@realalecberg) September 30, 2020
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That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen and I wrote DATE MY MOM. https://t.co/es4Lh6SuKc — 𝚊𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚗 𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚐 (@DrLawyercop) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen and I produced the Morton Downey Jr show. https://t.co/dz6IOtJ0GI — Brian Bedol (@brizilla) September 30, 2020
That's the worst thing I've ever seen, and I wrote EDDIE... which had a cameo by Trump.
Top THAT, motherf**ckers https://t.co/T9IUbDRqwe — Eric Champnella (@champnella) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I've ever seen, and I wrote Strawberry Shortcake: the animated series https://t.co/oEjGFEcjQH — Judy Rothman Rofé (@neurotic_parent) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen and I wrote the stolen Horse semen Christmas episode of Hawaii Five-0. https://t.co/4QVj5SH4fF — Sue Palmer (@_suecasa) September 30, 2020
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That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen and I wrote Love at the Christmas Table. — Dayan Ballweg (@DayanBallweg) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I've ever seen, and I wrote TEENAGE CAVEMAN. https://t.co/04wwyeREex — Christos Gage (@Christosgage) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen, and I wrote all the Carrot Top CALL AT&T commercials. @jerslater — Ted McCagg (@tedmccagg) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I've ever seen and I wrote the My Left Foot episode of Kickin' it. — Glenn Farrington (@HaHaScribe) September 30, 2020
That debate was the worst thing I’ve ever seen. And I was in this: pic.twitter.com/5cXgv7f76D — Michael Shanks (@MichaelShanks) September 30, 2020
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That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen, and I was in SHAKMA. https://t.co/XuGcjEcroz — Amanda Wyss (@_AmandaWyss) September 30, 2020
That was the worst thing I've ever seen, and I worked on SPECIES II *and* MORTAL KOMBAT: ANNIHILATION. https://t.co/cqH4qJCZEx — Mark Spatny VFX (@MarkSpatny) September 30, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Stephen Colbert Reveals ‘One Of The Most Upsetting Moments Of My Lifetime’

“ The Late Show ” host Stephen Colbert said Tuesday night ’ s debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic @ @ @ @ @ single moment that will stand out in history ― and not in a good way @ @ @ @ @ Trump to condemn violent white supremacist groups .
Instead , the president urged them to @ @ @ @ @ by.
” Colbert called Trump ’ s response “ one of the most telling , @ @ @ @ @ moments , not only of the night but of my lifetime.
” Colbert then launched @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t support white supremacists , ” he said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ a dog , that ’ s why I ’ ve got this shiny dog whistle.
@ @ @ @ @ monologue below : We want to know what you ’ re hearing on the ground @ @ @ @ @ you get any interesting ― or suspicious !
― campaign mailers , robocalls or hear @ @ @ @ @ should know about , email us at scoops @ huffpost.com

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“The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert said Tuesday night’s debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden had a single moment that will stand out in history ― and not in a good way.
Moderator Chris Wallace asked Trump to condemn violent white supremacist groups. Instead, the president urged them to “stand back and stand by.”
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Colbert called Trump’s response “one of the most telling, one of the most upsetting moments, not only of the night but of my lifetime.”
Colbert then launched into his Trump impression.
“I don’t support white supremacists,” he said. “I just command them, like a dog, that’s why I’ve got this shiny dog whistle.”
See more of his monologue below:
We want to know what you’re hearing on the ground from the candidates. If you get any interesting ― or suspicious! ― campaign mailers, robocalls or hear anything else you think we should know about, email us at scoops@huffpost.com


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--JetBlue To Offer At-Home COVID-19 Tests For Travelers With Upcoming Flights

JetBlue announced its intention on Tuesday to provide customers with pending flights the option to purchase an at-home COVID-19 saliva test .
The tests are coordinated through a partnership with health care company Vault Health and are intended for JetBlue customers who need to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result before entering various states or countries , or as a requirement to avoid mandatory quarantine .
Tests will be supervised by Vault Health professionals , who will participate in online video calls with customers to ensure they are properly collecting saliva samples .
The samples will then be sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health promises results within 72 hours .
In an interview with CNBC , Vault Health CEO Jason Feldman said JetBlue passengers can expect to obtain the test for the discounted price of $ 143 , as opposed to the normal $ 150 price advertised on the company ’ s website .
“ The convenience of this is that you actually get results in the time you need to travel ; that ’ s the key , ” Feldman said .
“ So we ’ re spending a good chunk of that money on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really quickly .
Remember when testing today comes back something north of 10 days , it ’ s not very valuable , so we ’ ve made it very , very , very certain that you ’ re going to get your results back in the time that you need to be able to get on that airplane and go.
” Joanna Geraghty , president of JetBlue , echoed these words in a company press release , stating that “ with easier testing options ... safety requirements may not be a deterrent for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and peace of mind with little inconvenience.
” JetBlue is not the only airline offering COVID-19 testing for travelers , though other providers thus far have more limited testing .
United Airlines , for example , has announced airport and at-home testing options only for flights to Hawaii , and American Airlines has worked on preflight testing for passengers going to Jamaica and the Bahamas as well .
According to Hawaii ’ s travel policies , from Oct. 15 onward , travelers who have obtained a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landing .

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JetBlue announced its intention on Tuesday to provide customers with pending flights the option to purchase an at-home COVID-19 saliva test.
The tests are coordinated through a partnership with health care company Vault Health and are intended for JetBlue customers who need to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result before entering various states or countries, or as a requirement to avoid mandatory quarantine.
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Tests will be supervised by Vault Health professionals, who will participate in online video calls with customers to ensure they are properly collecting saliva samples. The samples will then be sent to a lab for analysis, and Vault Health promises results within 72 hours.
In an interview with CNBC, Vault Health CEO Jason Feldman said JetBlue passengers can expect to obtain the test for the discounted price of $143, as opposed to the normal $150 price advertised on the company’s website.
“The convenience of this is that you actually get results in the time you need to travel; that’s the key,” Feldman said. “So we’re spending a good chunk of that money on UPS and being able to overnight it really quickly. Remember when testing today comes back something north of 10 days, it’s not very valuable, so we’ve made it very, very, very certain that you’re going to get your results back in the time that you need to be able to get on that airplane and go.”
Joanna Geraghty, president of JetBlue, echoed these words in a company press release, stating that “with easier testing options ... safety requirements may not be a deterrent for travel, but rather provide greater public health and peace of mind with little inconvenience.”
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JetBlue is not the only airline offering COVID-19 testing for travelers, though other providers thus far have more limited testing. United Airlines, for example, has announced airport and at-home testing options only for flights to Hawaii, and American Airlines has worked on preflight testing for passengers going to Jamaica and the Bahamas as well.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Subway Sandwich Loaves Too Sugary To Be Called Bread: Irish Court

Chew on this : The loaves used to make the sandwiches at Subway apparently don ’ t count as bread .
At least not in Ireland , where the country ’ s Supreme Court has ruled that the starch used in the loaves is too sugary to meet the country ’ s legal definition of bread , according to the New York Post .
Apparently , the sugar content in the loaves is 10 % of the weight of the flour included in the dough , according to the Irish Independent .
The court ruling could cost Subway shops on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high sugar content means the bread can ’ t be deemed a staple food and therefore isn ’ t eligible for a zero value-added tax rate in Ireland .
For the chain to get that deal , the sugar , fat and bread improver in the loaves would have to be only 2 % of the weight of flour in the dough .
Customers in the European Union typically pay a VAT on goods or services that is usually included in the price .
But the VAT doesn ’ t apply to staple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsweek .
The court ruling is only a legal definition for tax purposes : Subway can still refer the doughy loaves on its sandwiches as “ bread.
” This isn ’ t the first time that Subway has been chewed out for the way it makes its bread .
Back in 2014 , the chain faced controversy after it was revealed that its loaves contained azodicarbonamide ― a chemical used in shoe rubber and yoga mats .

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Chew on this: The loaves used to make the sandwiches at Subway apparently don’t count as bread.
At least not in Ireland, where the country’s Supreme Court has ruled that the starch used in the loaves is too sugary to meet the country’s legal definition of bread, according to the New York Post.
Apparently, the sugar content in the loaves is 10% of the weight of the flour included in the dough, according to the Irish Independent.
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The court ruling could cost Subway shops on the Emerald Isle some dough. The high sugar content means the bread can’t be deemed a staple food and therefore isn’t eligible for a zero value-added tax rate in Ireland.
For the chain to get that deal, the sugar, fat and bread improver in the loaves would have to be only 2% of the weight of flour in the dough.
Customers in the European Union typically pay a VAT on goods or services that is usually included in the price.
But the VAT doesn’t apply to staple food items like bread, according to Newsweek.
The court ruling is only a legal definition for tax purposes: Subway can still refer the doughy loaves on its sandwiches as “bread.”
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In a statement, Subway insisted that “Subway’s bread is, of course, bread,” and added, “We have been baking fresh bread in our restaurants for more than three decades and our guests return each day for sandwiches made on bread that smells as good as it tastes.”
The company is reviewing the complex tax ruling, which it claims is based on an outdated bread exemption set by the Irish government in 1972.
Subway said the law was updated in 2012 and its bread can legally considered bread.
Still, isn’t the first time that the chain has been chewed out for the way it makes its bread.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--COVID-19 Symptoms More Severe For Patients With Neanderthal Genes: Study

BERLIN ( AP ) — Scientists say genes that some people have inherited from their Neanderthal ancestors may increase their likelihood of suffering severe forms of COVID-19 .
A study by European scientists published Wednesday by the journal Nature examined a cluster of genes that have been linked to a higher risk of hospitalization and respiratory failure in patients who are infected with the new coronavirus .
Researchers Hugo Zeberg and Svante Paabo determined that the genes belong to a group , or haplotype , which likely came from Neanderthals .
The haplotype is found in about 16 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population in South Asia , while in Africa and East Asia it is non-existent .
Modern humans and Neanderthals are known to have interbred at various points in history , resulting in an exchange of genes than can still be found today .
The genes are one of several risk factors for COVID-19 , including age , sex and pre-existing conditions like obesity , diabetes and heart problems .
Zeberg and Paabo , who work at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany , noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gene group is highest in people from Bangladesh , where 63 % are estimated to carry a copy of the haplotype .
They cited studies from the U.K. showing that people of Bangladeshi descent have about two times higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than the general population .
“ It is striking that the genetic heritage from the Neanderthals has such tragic consequences during the current pandemic , ” Paabo said in a statement .
“ Why this is must now be investigated as quickly as possible.
” But Andre Franke , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biology at the University of Kiel , Germany , said the findings have no immediate impact on the treatment of COVID-19 .
In a comment ahead of the study ’ s final publication , Franke said one interesting question arising from the study is why that haploytpe — unlike most Neanderthal genes — survived until today .
“ Perhaps it ’ s good for a very active immune system if one doesn ’ t have other risk factors , ” he suggested .

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BERLIN (AP) — Scientists say genes that some people have inherited from their Neanderthal ancestors may increase their likelihood of suffering severe forms of COVID-19.
A study by European scientists published Wednesday by the journal Nature examined a cluster of genes that have been linked to a higher risk of hospitalization and respiratory failure in patients who are infected with the new coronavirus.
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Researchers Hugo Zeberg and Svante Paabo determined that the genes belong to a group, or haplotype, which likely came from Neanderthals. The haplotype is found in about 16% of the population in Europe and half the population in South Asia, while in Africa and East Asia it is non-existent.
Modern humans and Neanderthals are known to have interbred at various points in history, resulting in an exchange of genes than can still be found today.
The genes are one of several risk factors for COVID-19, including age, sex and pre-existing conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart problems.
Zeberg and Paabo, who work at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, noted that the prevalence of the particular Neanderthal gene group is highest in people from Bangladesh, where 63% are estimated to carry a copy of the haplotype.
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They cited studies from the U.K. showing that people of Bangladeshi descent have about two times higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than the general population.
“It is striking that the genetic heritage from the Neanderthals has such tragic consequences during the current pandemic,” Paabo said in a statement. “Why this is must now be investigated as quickly as possible.”
But Andre Franke, director of the Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology at the University of Kiel, Germany, said the findings have no immediate impact on the treatment of COVID-19.
In a comment ahead of the study’s final publication, Franke said one interesting question arising from the study is why that haploytpe — unlike most Neanderthal genes — survived until today.
“Perhaps it’s good for a very active immune system if one doesn’t have other risk factors,” he suggested.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Your Self-Care Toolkit For Dealing With The Tough COVID-19 Months Ahead

Take your annual leave , even if you stay home Start or learn something new Do what you can to @ @ @ @ @ news when you need to Keep your friends close and your pets closer Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ help

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Feeling blue? You’re not alone. The COVVID-19 pandemic has had clear repercussions for mental health, with some people impacted more than others.
A study published in the Lancet journal comparing our mental health in April 2019 to this year found the prevalence of “clinically significant” levels of mental distress have risen from 18.9% to 27.3%. Increases were greatest among 18- to 34-year-olds, women and people living with young children.
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With local lockdowns coming back into effect across parts of the globe, more people are once again confined to their homes without social contact, and many of us are experiencing an overwhelming sense of déjà vu.
Niall Campbell, a psychiatrist and consultant in the UK, is also worried about the impact of what he calls “COVID burnout” on the generation of women who are “sandwiched” between jobs, a dependent child and an adult relative who requires care.
Many people are working long hours through fear of losing their job and because days and nights are blurring into one, he adds – and alcohol can become a crutch for some when there’s an absence of support. “Long hours generally mean less sleep, poorer diet, less exercise, more stress, feeling you are constantly ‘on’ and having to prove yourself,” he says.
On top of that, as autumn turns to winter, some of us are facing down the prospect of seasonal affective disorder, which sees roughly 1 in 15 in the UK hit with feelings of lethargy and depression on a life-altering scale.
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So, how can you keep your head above water in the months ahead? Thankfully, there are ways. Here’s your ultimate self-care toolkit”
Take your annual leave, even if you stay home
Ever-changing restrictions make planning hard, but taking leave is crucial right now – even if the only place you go is your living room.
Gary Wood, author of “The Psychology of Wellbeing” (out in October), says a well-earned break is crucial for us to reflect and plan. “When we relax, we access the full range of higher-level functions such as problem-solving and planning,” he says. “But over the pandemic, we might have not had the time out to stock-take and plan.”
If you can’t go anywhere, Wood recommends creating a mini-break or spa day at home. Stuck for ideas of what to do? Holistic health and lifestyle coach Milla Lascelles previously shared her top tips with HuffPost UK.
Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images
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Keep in touch with loved ones
“News of tightening of social measures to combat the rising number of COVID-19 infections will be making the winter months ahead look even darker for many people,” says Keith Grimes, a physician for online doctor service Babylon.
Feelings of sadness are understandable, he notes, but know that we have learned a huge amount about how to reduce the spread of this illness and treat it successfully. So it’s not all doom and gloom.
During this time it’s important to stay in touch with friends and family, he says. If you live alone, it’s worth bubbling up with another household so you can spend time with them. And if you can’t see others, it might help to schedule regular FaceTime conversations or phone calls with your nearest and dearest.
Aragona Giuseppe, a physician and medical advisor for Prescription Doctor, says calling friends and family will not only lift you, but also be a lovely surprise for the other person. “We may not be able to meet all our friends at the pub, but a Zoom call or a phone call should help to boost your mood and remind you what’s waiting at the end of this lockdown.”
Social media can be useful for keeping in touch with others however it should complement phone calls and face-to-face chats, rather than replace them.
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Plan time to enjoy yourself
We might be stuck at home but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan smaller activities to look forward to – whether that’s a long walk, a movie night or a visit to that restaurant you’ve been meaning to check out for some time.
“Make sure you plan time to enjoy yourself, exercise and get outside in nature and experience the change of the seasons in person,” advises Grimes.
Failing that, why not treat yourself to a pamper day? Hair salons, nail places and spas are still open and in need of your support. (Just wear a mask when you go, of course.)
Create a self-care box
One of experts’ top tips for people with SAD is to fill a box with things that comfort you or help you to relax – also known as a self-care box.
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Try including your favorite book or film, and a notebook and pen to write down your thoughts or notes of encouragement to yourself.
Not feeling up to the task? Order one. For example, the depression charity Blurt has created a self-care subscription box called The BuddyBox, which is full of mood-lifting treats. Each box contains at least five surprise products hand-picked to nourish, inspire and encourage self-care.
Keep active
It might be hard to find the motivation to move your body, especially as the days get shorter and the temperature drops, but it’s really important to try and stick to an exercise regime if you can.
“Exercise is not only a great way to keep yourself fit and healthy but will also increase your overall mood from the endorphins being released during and after each session,” Giuseppe says.
You don’t have to do anything too strenuous ― even moving your body once a day can help improve your mood, he says. This could mean getting out each day for a brisk walk or doing a bit of yoga. And with it getting darker earlier, it might be best to schedule it in for first thing in the morning, or on your lunch break, rather than after work.
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Start or learn something new
If there’s one thing we learned during the beginning of the pandemic, it’s how to amuse ourselves. Keeping occupied with hobbies or learning new skills can help us take our mind off the bigger picture, which, let’s face it, is pretty overwhelming.
People will undoubtedly feel increased stress and anxiety over work and the possibility of redundancy in the coming months, says Giuseppe. While there’s not much you can do about job security, there are ways to take control of other parts of your life, he says.
“Learning a new skill may help to keep you busy and your mind occupied, whether that is something you’re passionate about that you’ve never taken further or a new outdoor hobby such as cycling,” he says. “Taking up something which you can use to burn energy and keep yourself busy will really help with your long-term physical and mental health.”
It can be useful to set goals – and these can center around your hobbies, too. That could be wanting to learn a certain amount of phrases in Spanish by Christmas, for example, or being able to run a mile non-stop by January.
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Claudia Pastides, also a physician with Babylon, urges people to put their efforts into something productive which can help them feel good about themselves, whether that’s organizing your cupboards, painting your front door, or upcycling and selling old furniture.
“All these things are positive tasks or hobbies that you can put your energy into and make you feel good at the end,” she says. “Motivation comes from inside us all. We are in charge of creating it and holding on to it.”
Do what you can to stay safe
Adopting COVID-19 safety measures can actually help people’s mental health, according to Penn State University research. Researchers surveyed participants between the ages of 18 and 90, measuring how much they felt the pandemic was affecting them financially, physically, socially and mentally; whether they were adhering to recommendations such as mask wearing; and what kinds of coping strategies they were using.
“Things like keeping a consistent schedule, reminding yourself that things will get better, finding activities to distract yourself, and taking care of others who need help are all helpful,” says Erina MacGeorge, professor of communication arts and sciences.
“Additionally, adhering to the national recommendations for protecting oneself from COVID-19, like hand-washing, social distancing and masking, was also associated with better mental health.”
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“Sometimes we need to take a break from thinking about how we feel and do something to help alleviate the threat and make us feel a lot better about our situation in life,” says Jessica Myrick, an associate professor of media studies.
“COVID-related messages that emphasize that even small actions are worthwhile might have the doubly positive effect of getting people to take small actions, like washing their hands more often, but also alleviate some mental strain, too.”
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Structure your day
Humans are creatures of habit and we (understandably) like to feel in control, so sticking to a structure – where possible – can be incredibly stabalizing. Planning your day out can also be helpful if you struggle with SAD.
“Try to maintain the same structure as you had back in the pre-quarantine days,” says Giuseppe, noting that parents will likely find sticking to a daily routine much easier than just seeing how the days go. “When working from home, it can be tempting to fall into a bit of a lethargic lifestyle which could lead to negative thoughts and feelings of worthlessness.”
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So, wake up early, change out of your pajamas, do a bit of exercise and get into some comfy work clothes – maybe take a walk around the block to act as a faux commute, or make yourself a nice coffee to set you up for the day. Eating balanced meals and sticking to a regular sleep routine is also crucial.
“Keeping your normal exercise routine is imperative and also making your work space separate from your living space should help you to separate your working day to your evening routine,” adds Giuseppe.
Rethink your social circles
Another finding from Penn State’s research is that “social strain” – such as someone making demands, giving criticism, or simply getting on your nerves – is a strong and consistent predictor of poor mental health.
Yanmengqian Zhou, a graduate assistant in communication arts and sciences, says “this suggests that in difficult times like this, it could be particularly important to proactively structure our social networks in ways that minimize negative social experiences.”
Choose your friends wisely and don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do – these are challenging times and you need to be kind to yourself.
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Another reason to focus on your friendship list is that both good and bad moods can be “picked up” from friends, according to the University of Warwick.
Researchers found that having more friends who suffer worse moods is associated with a higher probability of an individual experiencing low moods and a decreased probability of them improving. The opposite applied to those who had a more positive social circle.
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Turn off the news when you need to
One tip therapists and doctors swear by is not to overdo your exposure to news and keeping on top of all things COVID.
“Avoid excessive watching of coronavirus coverage,” says Giuseppe. “It’s good to keep up to date with what’s going on however watching the news reel 24/7 will likely have detrimental effects on your mental health and will cause your stress and anxiety levels to rise.”
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“You can’t change or fix what is happening so obsessing over the news will not help you get through the next six months,“Giuseppe adds. “If you want to keep abreast of the news, limit it to one news update per day, or every few days.”
Keep your friends close and your pets closer
Pet owners know that animals can be a huge boost to mental health – and new research backs this up.
The study, conducted from March to June this year by the University of York and the University of Lincoln, found that having a pet was linked to better mental health and reduced loneliness. More than 90% of respondents said their pet helped them cope emotionally with the lockdown and 96% said their pet helped keep them fit and active.
Daniel Mills, the study’s co-author, says the research indicates how having a companion animal in your home can buffer against some of the psychological stress associated with lockdown.
Elena Ratschen, the study’s lead author, warned that people shouldn’t necessarily rush to acquire a pet during the pandemic. But for those who do own animals – especially those who adopted pets during lockdown – the finding will surely be of comfort.
Shift your thinking
It can be hard to stay positive when everything feels like it’s working against you, however there are some ways we can reframe our thinking to focus on the positives, rather than all the negatives.
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“Maintain an attitude of curiosity about the world and practice gratitude, even for the small stuff,” says Wood. “At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for, and at the start of each day write down three things you’re looking forward to.”
For example, rather than thinking “I’m stuck inside,” Giuseppe suggests trying “I am stuck inside, however I can use this time to work on myself and my passions.”
The first lockdown has left us more prepared, we now know what to expect, and we can use this knowledge to our advantage. “If there’s something you wanted to start but never had the time, then this could be the moment,” Giuseppe said.
Don’t be afraid to seek help
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can still feel down or anxious, says Pastides. If it gets to the point where every day is a struggle, this is the time to seek help.
“Reach out to your GP, or a friend, and speak about how you’re feeling,” she says. “You won’t be alone in having those feelings and there is help available.”
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Your doctor should be able to offer more support and can also help with treatment options, which can include talking therapies or medication.
Dave Smithson, from Anxiety UK, urges people to surround themselves with a support network – and if you don’t have anyone in your life you feel comfortable talking to about how you feel, try a local peer-support groups.
“Talking to people and sharing your thoughts and feelings with others in similar situations can be really supportive,” he previously told HuffPost UK. “They understand what you’re going through and what you’re dealing with because they’re in the same boat.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Timothy Ray Brown, 1st Person Cured Of HIV, Dies Of Cancer

Timothy Ray Brown , who made history as “ the Berlin patient , ” the first person known to be cured of HIV infection , has died .
He was 54 .
Brown died Tuesday at his home in Palm Springs , California , according to a social media post by his partner , Tim Hoeffgen .
The cause was a return of the cancer that originally prompted the unusual bone marrow and stem cell transplants Brown received in 2007 and 2008 , which for years seemed to have eliminated both his leukemia and HIV , the virus that causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is possible , under special circumstances , ” to rid a patient of HIV ― something that many scientists had doubted could be done , said Dr. Gero Huetter , the Berlin physician who led Brown ’ s historic treatment .
“ It ’ s a very sad situation ” that cancer returned and took his life , because he still seemed free of HIV , said Huetter , who is now medical director of a stem cell company in Dresden , Germany .
The International AIDS Society , which had Brown speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment , issued a statement mourning his death and said he and Huetter are owed “ a great deal of gratitude ” for promoting research on a cure .
Brown was working in Berlin as a translator when he was diagnosed with HIV and then later , leukemia .
Transplants are known to be an effective treatment for the blood cancer , but Huetter wanted to try to cure the HIV infection as well by using a donor with a rare gene mutation that gives natural resistance to the AIDS virus .
Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only partly successful : His HIV seemed to be gone but his leukemia was not .
He had a second transplant from the same donor in 2008 and that one seemed to work .
A second man , Adam Castillejo ― called “ the London patient ” until he revealed his identity earlier this year ― also is believed to have been cured by a transplant similar to Brown ’ s in 2016 .
Because such donors are rare and transplants are medically risky , researchers have been testing gene therapy and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect .
At an AIDS conference in July , researchers said they may have achieved a long-term remission in a Brazil man by using a powerful combination of drugs meant to flush dormant HIV from his body .
“ He has said from the beginning , ‘ I don ’ t want to be the only one .
They have to keep working on this , ’ ” King said .

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Timothy Ray Brown, who made history as “the Berlin patient,” the first person known to be cured of HIV infection, has died. He was 54.
Brown died Tuesday at his home in Palm Springs, California, according to a social media post by his partner, Tim Hoeffgen. The cause was a return of the cancer that originally prompted the unusual bone marrow and stem cell transplants Brown received in 2007 and 2008, which for years seemed to have eliminated both his leukemia and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
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“Timothy symbolized that it is possible, under special circumstances,” to rid a patient of HIV ― something that many scientists had doubted could be done, said Dr. Gero Huetter, the Berlin physician who led Brown’s historic treatment.
“It’s a very sad situation” that cancer returned and took his life, because he still seemed free of HIV, said Huetter, who is now medical director of a stem cell company in Dresden, Germany.
Timothy Ray Brown, nicknamed "the Berlin patient," in Seattle on March 4, 2019. ASSOCIATED PRESS
The International AIDS Society, which had Brown speak at an AIDS conference after his successful treatment, issued a statement mourning his death and said he and Huetter are owed “a great deal of gratitude” for promoting research on a cure.
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Brown was working in Berlin as a translator when he was diagnosed with HIV and then later, leukemia. Transplants are known to be an effective treatment for the blood cancer, but Huetter wanted to try to cure the HIV infection as well by using a donor with a rare gene mutation that gives natural resistance to the AIDS virus.
Brown’s first transplant in 2007 was only partly successful: His HIV seemed to be gone but his leukemia was not. He had a second transplant from the same donor in 2008 and that one seemed to work.
But his cancer returned last year, Brown said in a recent interview with The Associated Press.
“I’m still glad that I had it,” he said of his transplant.
“It opened up doors that weren’t there before” and inspired scientists to work harder to find a cure, Brown said.
A second man, Adam Castillejo ― called “the London patient” until he revealed his identity earlier this year ― also is believed to have been cured by a transplant similar to Brown’s in 2016.
Because such donors are rare and transplants are medically risky, researchers have been testing gene therapy and other ways to try to get a similar effect. At an AIDS conference in July, researchers said they may have achieved a long-term remission in a Brazil man by using a powerful combination of drugs meant to flush dormant HIV from his body.
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Mark King, a Baltimore man who writes a blog, said Brown “was just this magnet for people living with HIV, like me,” and embodied the hope for a cure.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Republicans Aren't Happy With Trump's Debate Performance

Republican lawmakers found President Donald Trump ’ s performance in the first presidential debate against Democratic nominee Joe Biden lacking , especially when it came to his refusal to unequivocally condemn white supremacists and militia groups .
Debate moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News asked Trump on Tuesday night if he was willing to condemn white supremacists and tell them to “ stand down ” in cities such as Kenosha , Wisconsin , and Portland , Oregon , where heavily armed far-right extremists have shown up to anti-racism demonstrations as counterprotesters .
But after prodding from both Wallace and Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neo-fascist street gang known as the Proud Boys , the president appeared to be unwilling after all .
Instead , he said the group should “ stand back and stand by , ” a comment that stirred widespread criticism from both sides of the aisle and caused celebration among the group ’ s members .
“ I think he misspoke .
I think he should correct it , ” Tim Scott of South Carolina , the only Black Republican senator , told reporters on Capitol Hill .
“ He said it was unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I do so in the strongest possible way , ” McConnell said during a press conference on Capitol Hill .
As he left the White House on Wednesday for a campaign event in Minnesota , Trump claimed he was unfamiliar with the Proud Boys .
Earlier on Wednesday , Sen. Mike Rounds ( R-S.D . )
said he was “ hoping for more clarity ” from Trump about his views regarding extremists and militia groups .
“ He should have made it very clear that there ’ s no room for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes to either antifa or these white supremacist groups , ” Rounds said .
“ Of course , of course , ” Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah said when asked if the president should have condemned white supremacists during the debate .
Asked for his opinion on what was perhaps the ugliest debate in modern history , featuring near-constant interruptions and lying by Trump , the 2012 Republican presidential nominee observed that it “ was not a Lincoln-Douglas debate , that ’ s for sure , ” referring to the series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before becoming president .
He called it an “ embarrassment.
” Other GOP senators also lamented the toxic nature of the debate .
But they , too , refrained from pinning the blame on Trump , who was primarily responsible for derailing it .
Ben Sasse of Nebraska , for example , called the debate a “ shitshow.
” Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said it was “ awful.
” And Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia said it was “ rough .
”

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Republican lawmakers found President Donald Trump’s performance in the first presidential debate against Democratic nominee Joe Biden lacking, especially when it came to his refusal to unequivocally condemn white supremacists and militia groups.
Debate moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News asked Trump on Tuesday night if he was willing to condemn white supremacists and tell them to “stand down” in cities such as Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Portland, Oregon, where heavily armed far-right extremists have shown up to anti-racism demonstrations as counterprotesters.
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“I’m willing to do that,” Trump said.
But after prodding from both Wallace and Biden, who suggested he condemn a violent neo-fascist street gang known as the Proud Boys, the president appeared to be unwilling after all. Instead, he said the group should “stand back and stand by,” a comment that stirred widespread criticism from both sides of the aisle and caused celebration among the group’s members.
GOP senators on Wednesday gingerly urged Trump to rectify his statement.
“I think he misspoke. I think he should correct it,” Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican senator, told reporters on Capitol Hill.
“If he doesn’t correct it, I guess he didn’t misspeak,” he added.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he agreed with Scott.
“He said it was unacceptable not to condemn white supremacists. And so I do so in the strongest possible way,” McConnell said during a press conference on Capitol Hill.
As he left the White House on Wednesday for a campaign event in Minnesota, Trump claimed he was unfamiliar with the Proud Boys.
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“Whoever they are, they need to stand down,” the president told reporters.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said he was “hoping for more clarity” from Trump about his views regarding extremists and militia groups.
“He should have made it very clear that there’s no room for people on the far-left or the far-right when it comes to either antifa or these white supremacist groups,” Rounds said.
“Of course, of course,” Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah said when asked if the president should have condemned white supremacists during the debate.
Asked for his opinion on what was perhaps the ugliest debate in modern history, featuring near-constant interruptions and lying by Trump, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee observed that it “was not a Lincoln-Douglas debate, that’s for sure,” referring to the series of lengthy debates Abraham Lincoln took part in before becoming president. He called it an “embarrassment.”
Other GOP senators also lamented the toxic nature of the debate. But they, too, refrained from pinning the blame on Trump, who was primarily responsible for derailing it. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, for example, called the debate a “shitshow.” Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said it was “awful.” And Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia said it was “rough.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Chris Wallace: 'I’m Just Sad With The Way Last Night Turned Out'

No , Chris Wallace isn ’ t happy with how Tuesday ’ s presidential debate went down either .
“ I ’ m just sad with the way last night turned out , ” the Fox News Sunday host told The New York Times on Wednesday .
“ I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did.
” Still , Wallace admits that he should have realized sooner that Trump was going to run roughshod over the previously agreed-on rules to the debate .
“ I guess I didn ’ t realize — and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being 20/20 — that this was going to be the president ’ s strategy , not just for the beginning of the debate but the entire debate , ” he said .
At one point , Wallace called the debate to a temporary halt and told the Times it was for one reason only : “ desperation.
” But Wallace refused to blame the whole miserable experience exclusively on Trump , though he admitted the president “ certainly didn ’ t help.
” Wallace didn ’ t want to elaborate on that point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ It is what it is , ’ ” he said .
In the aftermath of what many called the worst presidential debate in American history , Wallace said he ’ s done a certain amount of soul-searching .
“ Generally speaking , I did as well as I could , so I don ’ t have any second thoughts there , ” Wallace said .
“ I ’ m just disappointed with the results .
For me , but much more importantly , I ’ m disappointed for the country , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ useful evening than it turned out to be .
”

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No, Chris Wallace isn’t happy with how Tuesday’s presidential debate went down either.
“I’m just sad with the way last night turned out,” the Fox News Sunday host told The New York Times on Wednesday. “I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did.”
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Still, Wallace admits that he should have realized sooner that Trump was going to run roughshod over the previously agreed-on rules to the debate.
“I guess I didn’t realize — and there was no way you could, hindsight being 20/20 — that this was going to be the president’s strategy, not just for the beginning of the debate but the entire debate,” he said.
At one point, Wallace called the debate to a temporary halt and told the Times it was for one reason only: “desperation.”
But Wallace refused to blame the whole miserable experience exclusively on Trump, though he admitted the president “certainly didn’t help.”
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Wallace didn’t want to elaborate on that point. “To quote the president, ‘It is what it is,’” he said.
In the aftermath of what many called the worst presidential debate in American history, Wallace said he’s done a certain amount of soul-searching.
“Generally speaking, I did as well as I could, so I don’t have any second thoughts there,” Wallace said. “I’m just disappointed with the results. For me, but much more importantly, I’m disappointed for the country, because it could have been a much more useful evening than it turned out to be.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Watching The First Debate With Hundreds Of Trump Supporters In Pennsylvania

Rachel Wisniewski / Reuters Fans of President Donald Trump in Lititz , Pennsylvania , watch a stream of the first presidential debate between Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden in Cleveland .
The Shoemakers , who ’ d driven an hour here from Mechanicsburg , seemed unbothered that the president had declined during the debate to denounce white supremacy ; or that he had insinuated any election he loses this November might be illegitimate ; or that he ’ d downplayed the importance of wearing a mask during a pandemic that ’ s already killed over 200,000 Americans .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have struggled to earn money during this year ’ s economic shutdowns — he ’ s a handyman and she ’ s a homemaker — also were satisfied with Trump ’ s response to questions about a recent blockbuster report showing that he , despite being a billionaire , has paid little to no federal income taxes for years .
( “ Even if that is true , ” Joel said , “ I really don ’ t care.
” ) They were among about a thousand people who came to Meadow Spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first presidential debate of 2020 , and to see Vice President Mike Pence speak in a key battleground state that Trump won in 2016 but where polls now show him trailing .
Mike Gee wore a suit , red tie and a “ New York for Trump ” hat .
Gee , who said he was a conservative activist , told HuffPost he ’ d come all the way from Brooklyn for the event .
( When asked what neighborhood in Brooklyn , Gee said he ’ d “ prefer not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there.
” ) The investigation also showed the president owes $ 400 million in debt that ’ s due over the next few years ; that the Internal Revenue Service is auditing a $ 73 million tax refund he once claimed ; that he only paid $ 750 in federal income taxes in both 2016 and 2017 ; and that he once deducted $ 70,000 for the cost of haircuts and hairstyling .
“ Well , in my business , we worked hard to get our taxes as low as we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m ― he ’ s done the same thing , and apparently has done a good job of it .
His response is that he lost money , but I ’ m sure he ’ s got a bunch of good accountants working for him , and I don ’ t have a problem with that.
” Others thought it was important to get Barrett confirmed to the Supreme Court as soon as possible , so that if the presidential election next month ends up in court , Barrett would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s favor .
A man in plain dress , who only gave his name as Mr. Fisher , and who said he was a realtor in Lancaster , said that because “ liberals are like rabid animals , ” next month ’ s election will likely be disputed and end up in the Supreme Court .
“ I don ’ t give two shits about anybody ’ s taxes other than my own , and even then , I don ’ t want to pay taxes , ” said Low , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bethlehem , Pennsylvania , at the beginning of the pandemic .

Fans of President Donald Trump in Lititz, Pennsylvania, watch a stream of the first presidential debate between Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden in Cleveland. Rachel Wisniewski / Reuters
LITITZ, Pennsylvania — Joel and Heidi Shoemaker were among the last to leave a debate watch party sponsored by President Donald Trump’s campaign Tuesday night in rural Pennsylvania. Both wore “Trump 2020” baseball caps — his camouflage, hers pink — as they helped fold and stack chairs inside a giant tent on a dairy farm in Lancaster County.
“Awesome, definitely awesome” was Joel’s review of one of the most chaotic debates in modern American history. “We think Trump did pretty well against Biden.”
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The Shoemakers, who’d driven an hour here from Mechanicsburg, seemed unbothered that the president had declined during the debate to denounce white supremacy; or that he had insinuated any election he loses this November might be illegitimate; or that he’d downplayed the importance of wearing a mask during a pandemic that’s already killed over 200,000 Americans.
The couple, who have five children and have struggled to earn money during this year’s economic shutdowns — he’s a handyman and she’s a homemaker — also were satisfied with Trump’s response to questions about a recent blockbuster report showing that he, despite being a billionaire, has paid little to no federal income taxes for years. (“Even if that is true,” Joel said, “I really don’t care.”)
No, the Shoemakers were all smiles, happy to have the opportunity to laugh along with fellow Trump supporters as the president interrupted and insulted his Democratic opponent on TV.
They were among about a thousand people who came to Meadow Spring Farm in Lititz on Tuesday to watch the first presidential debate of 2020, and to see Vice President Mike Pence speak in a key battleground state that Trump won in 2016 but where polls now show him trailing.
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At a security screening checkpoint before the event, Trump supporters swatted away spotted lantern flies — an invasive species native to China that’s threatening crops in this part of Pennsylvania. (“Everything bad comes from China,” one man quipped.)
Secret Service agents waved metal wands over those entering. There were teenage girls wearing “Pennsylvania Dairy Princess” sashes across their chests; men and women in the traditional Plain sect clothing typical of the area’s local Amish and Mennonite communities; one man in the black-and-yellow polo shirt uniform of the Proud Boys, a violent neo-fascist group; and hundreds in red “Make America Great Again” hats.
The crowd was overwhelmingly white. Most didn’t bother wearing masks as they bought milkshakes or barbecue sandwiches or hoagies from food truck vendors.
Trump’s Taxes
Mike Gee, center, applauds for the president while watching the debate stream in Lititz. Rachel Wisniewski / Reuters
Mike Gee wore a suit, red tie and a “New York for Trump” hat. Gee, who said he was a conservative activist, told HuffPost he’d come all the way from Brooklyn for the event. (When asked what neighborhood in Brooklyn, Gee said he’d “prefer not to say [because] antifa’s out there.”)
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He was not concerned about the major investigation published by the New York Times on Sunday detailing Trump’s history of not paying taxes.
“He’s got a great accountant and I would love to know who that accountant is,” Gee said of the president.
The Times investigation showed Trump paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years, mostly because he reported losing more money than he’d made — a fact at odds with his self-portrayal as a successful businessman.
The investigation also showed the president owes $400 million in debt that’s due over the next few years; that the Internal Revenue Service is auditing a $73 million tax refund he once claimed; that he only paid $750 in federal income taxes in both 2016 and 2017; and that he once deducted $70,000 for the cost of haircuts and hairstyling.
“Here’s a question for the failing New York Times,” Gee told HuffPost at Tuesday’s rally. “When’s the last time they paid taxes and how much have they paid in taxes, and what legal loopholes have they used in order to not pay taxes?”
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Bob Brewbaker, 73, a retired farmer from Manheim, Pennsylvania, had a similar assessment.
“Well, in my business, we worked hard to get our taxes as low as we could,” Brewbaker said. “And I’m ― he’s done the same thing, and apparently has done a good job of it. His response is that he lost money, but I’m sure he’s got a bunch of good accountants working for him, and I don’t have a problem with that.”
Diane Coffey, an office worker from Lititz, said the Times investigation didn’t affect how she feels about the president at all.
“My feeling for what he does for this country far transcends what happens with his tax returns. That’s a nonissue for me,” Coffey said, adding that Trump is a “businessman” and that she assumes “everything is aboveboard.”
The Supreme Court Nominee
Coffey also expressed excitement over Trump’s recent Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett.
Barrett “sticks to the Constitution” and wouldn’t be “legislating from the bench like a certain Supreme Court Justice did,” Coffey said, gesturing at the short height of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died earlier this month and whom Barrett would replace if confirmed.
Many Trump supporters at Tuesday’s rally were energized over Barrett’s nomination.
“Reclaiming the Supreme Court after two generations of mad progressive liberalism was the most important reason I voted for Donald Trump,” Edward X. Young, 61, an actor and salesman from Brick, New Jersey, told HuffPost. “Amy will be the best ever. Finally, it’s an even playing field.”
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Young added that he thinks it’s “repulsive” and “nauseating” how “Democrats are grilling her on her Christian faith,” referring to recent, and rather mild, scrutiny over Barrett’s ties to a Christian group that once called its female leaders “handmaids.”
“What is this, the court of Nero in ancient Rome?” Young said. “Are they gonna throw her to the lions if she hasn’t renounced her belief in Jesus? To hell with them. The Democrats are depraved maniacs.” (Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, like Barrett, is Catholic.)
Others thought it was important to get Barrett confirmed to the Supreme Court as soon as possible, so that if the presidential election next month ends up in court, Barrett would be there to tip the vote in Trump’s favor.
A man in plain dress, who only gave his name as Mr. Fisher, and who said he was a realtor in Lancaster, said that because “liberals are like rabid animals,” next month’s election will likely be disputed and end up in the Supreme Court.
Why, Fisher asked, would we want the Supreme Court to decide the outcome when it’s a justice short? “That’s an even number,” he said of the eight current justices.
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Pence Speaks
Vice President Mike Pence addresses the watch party in Lititz. Rachel Wisniewski / Reuters
Vice President Mike Pence arrived at the Pennsylvania rally Tuesday and spoke to the crowd there a little before 7 p.m. He and his wife, Karen, reiterated their support for “faith, family and freedom” and promised a great debate performance from Trump.
“He’s gonna bring it,” Pence said to cheers. “He’s gonna bring it.”
After Pence left, the evening sky opened up with rain, transforming the farm grounds both inside and outside the tent into a sea of mud. Many, who had come here mostly to see Pence speak, decided to leave.
By the time Fox News host Chris Wallace was introducing the debate at 9 p.m. on the two big screens inside the tent, only a few hundred Trump supporters remained.
A torn "Make America Great Again" sign sits in the mud on the farm in Lititz, where some 1,000 Trump supporters gathered to watch the first presidential debate. Christopher Mathias/HuffPost
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They cheered when Trump defended his quick nomination of Barrett after Ginsburg’s death. (“We won the election,” Trump said. “Elections have consequences.”)
They laughed when Trump repeatedly cut in on Biden’s remarks, and when the president said Biden wasn’t smart.
When Trump refused to condemn both white supremacists and the violent far-right group the Proud Boys — instead telling the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” — HuffPost saw a Proud Boy at the rally react with glee and laughter. “Uhuru!” he screamed at the TV screen, using the group’s chant.
When Wallace, the Fox News debate moderator, asked Trump if it was true that the president had only paid $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017, the president responded by claiming, falsely, that he had paid millions in taxes.
No one at the rally seemed to believe this was a lie. And if it was, who cares?
When the debate finally ended, there was no applause. People appeared eager to get their cars out of the mud and make their way home.
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Yvonne Low, 35, hung around and talked to reporters.
“I don’t give two shits about anybody’s taxes other than my own, and even then, I don’t want to pay taxes,” said Low, who was laid off from her job in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at the beginning of the pandemic.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Trump's Family Didn't Wear Masks During Presidential Debate — Except On Social Media

The topic of mask-wearing was quite contentious during the debate , with Donald Trump mocking Biden for wearing a mask @ @ @ @ @ on the notion that people be told to wear masks .
After Biden argued that @ @ @ @ @ difference ” and lives would ’ ve been saved had the president put out a @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , Donald Trump attempted to put the blame on infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony @ @ @ @ @ were not effective back in March .
Fauci would later change his advice the following @ @ @ @ @ the masks did help stop the spread of the virus .

The president and the first lady, as well as senior adviser Hope Hicks, tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday. Biden and his wife, Jill, said Friday that they had tested negative.
The extent of their exposure to others is still unclear. CNN’s Dana Bash reported that Hicks, Trump and several advisers ― including Stephen Miller, Bill Stepien and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ― were all together, unmasked, in a small conference room preparing for the debate. So far, Barron Trump, as well as Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner, have tested negative for the virus, according to the White House.
Testing captures only a snapshot in time — the virus can have a longer untraceable incubation period.
On Friday, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who met with administration officials in recent days, as well as with Trump’s new Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, tested positive for COVID-19. Barrett, who reportedly had the coronavirus over the summer and has recovered, tested negative on Friday.
The White House did not make Hicks’ diagnosis public initially; it was first reported in the press. Since then, the Trump campaign has reportedly sent a letter to attendees of a fundraiser — which the president attended just hours before testing positive — telling them to seek medical care as needed.
There was reportedly karaoke at the fundraiser.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Proud Boys Celebrate Trump's Call For The Hate Group To 'Stand By'

“ Sure , I ’ m willing to do that , ” Trump said , “ but I would say @ @ @ @ @ from the left wing , not from the right wing.
” After a back-and-forth in @ @ @ @ @ nominee Joe Biden pressed Trump to condemn white supremacy , the president instead emboldened an @ @ @ @ @ in acts of violence .
“ Proud Boys , stand back and stand by , @ @ @ @ @ Wallace ’ s question entirely to instead blame anti-fascists for violence .
On the Proud @ @ @ @ @ messaging app Telegram , members of the group celebrated the apparent endorsement .
“ Standing @ @ @ @ @ , ” the account wrote .
One of the Proud Boys ’ leaders , Joe @ @ @ @ @ ’ s endorsement as a call to violence .
“ Trump basically said to go @ @ @ @ @ Biggs said in a chat on the right-wing social media app Parler .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Sure, I’m willing to do that,” Trump said, “but I would say almost everything I see is from the left wing, not from the right wing.”
After a back-and-forth in which both Wallace and Democratic nominee Joe Biden pressed Trump to condemn white supremacy, the president instead emboldened an extremist group that often engages in acts of violence.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Presidential Debate Commission Pledges New Format After Disastrous First Night

The Commission on Presidential Debates , the nonprofit group that produces the presidential debates , announced Wednesday that it would change the formatting for the remaining debates following a disastrous first faceoff between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
“ Last night ’ s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues , ” CPD said in a statement .
The group said it was “ carefully considering ” changes and would announce those measures “ shortly.
” Both campaigns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was supposed to split up the debate into six 15-minute sections , each dedicated to a specific topic .
Each candidate was to have two minutes to address the topic at hand before Wallace would allow “ open discussion ” for the remaining time .
But Trump refused to follow the rules , even after Wallace repeatedly implored the president to stop speaking over him and Biden .
He also reminded the president that his campaign had agreed to the format .
“ Will you shut up , man ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop speaking during the former vice president ’ s allotted response time .
Later on , Trump interrupted Biden ’ s tribute to his late son , Beau Biden , to attack his other son , Hunter Biden .
“ It ’ s hard to get any word in with this clown ― excuse me , this person , ” Biden said at one point .
Viewers , cable news hosts and political commentators were united in their disgust with the chaotic event .
“ I have to speak personally here as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 40 years , “ ABC News ’ George Stephanopoulos said after the debate .
“ As somebody who ’ s moderated presidential debates , as somebody who ’ s prepared candidates for presidential debates , as someone who ’ s covered presidential debates — that was the worst presidential debate I ’ ve ever seen in my life .
”

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The Commission on Presidential Debates, the nonprofit group that produces the presidential debates, announced Wednesday that it would change the formatting for the remaining debates following a disastrous first faceoff between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
“Last night’s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues,” CPD said in a statement.
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The group said it was “carefully considering” changes and would announce those measures “shortly.”
Throughout the 90-minute debate on Tuesday, Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden and debate moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News.
Both campaigns had agreed to Tuesday’s format, which was supposed to split up the debate into six 15-minute sections, each dedicated to a specific topic. Each candidate was to have two minutes to address the topic at hand before Wallace would allow “open discussion” for the remaining time.
But Trump refused to follow the rules, even after Wallace repeatedly implored the president to stop speaking over him and Biden. He also reminded the president that his campaign had agreed to the format.
“Will you shut up, man?” an exasperated Biden asked when Trump refused to stop speaking during the former vice president’s allotted response time.
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Later on, Trump interrupted Biden’s tribute to his late son, Beau Biden, to attack his other son, Hunter Biden.
“It’s hard to get any word in with this clown ― excuse me, this person,” Biden said at one point.
Viewers, cable news hosts and political commentators were united in their disgust with the chaotic event.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--No One Wins In A Debate With An Abusive Bully

A few years ago , I was interviewing a domestic violence survivor when she made an unexpected comment .
Quietly and with something akin to shame in her voice , she told me that she found her partner ’ s emotional and verbal abuse more harmful than when he slapped or punched her .
The physical violence , at least , had a beginning and an end .
Bruises and cuts healed .
But the psychological abuse — the taunting , the lying , her partner ’ s penchant for aggressively denying events that clearly happened , his constant humiliating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her on edge , unable to get her footing .
I ’ ve heard this many times since .
Emotional and verbal abuse can corrode a person , undermining their very sense of self .
It is nearly impossible to try to reason with someone employing these tactics , as the goal is to make the person on the receiving end feel crazed and confused .
Advocates will generally tell victims of such abuse to disengage and detach .
Walk away .
No one wins in an argument with an abusive bully .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ game and force you on the defense , where you will end up quibbling over absurd claims that have no basis in reality .
So what to do with the president of the United States of America who uses similar tactics against his opponent on the national stage ?
In the first presidential debate on Tuesday , Donald Trump exhibited all the classic signs of verbal abuse .
He bullied , interrupted , smeared and tried to intimidate Joe Biden , while lying about his own record and framing himself as the misunderstood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , this behavior is not shocking .
Trump did the same thing in his primary debates in 2015 ( remember the litany of derogatory names he shelled out to his opponents ? )
, and then in the presidential debates with Hillary Clinton .
The day after the very first presidential debate of 2016 , I wrote about how Trump ’ s behavior was deeply familiar to domestic violence victims .
The exact same article could be written in light of last night ’ s performance .
On Tuesday , faced with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constant interruptions , Biden remained on the defense for most of the night .
It was excruciating to watch as he struggled to keep up with Trump ’ s rapid-fire barrage of attacks , a taxing task under any conditions .
Biden laughed ; he grimaced ; he shook his head in bewilderment .
He tried to reason with Trump and to correct the record .
But by the time he could address one of Trump ’ s false statements , the president had spewed out a handful more .
While laudable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation to a place where facts matter is not going to happen in a debate with Trump .
People who are skilled in verbally abusive tactics never admit they are wrong .
They don ’ t listen .
The way they win is by dominating the conversation and forcing the other person into a defensive crouch .
Trump wanted to sabotage the debate , and he did .
There was no substantive discussion of policy issues , no new understanding of the candidates ’ positions on issues that are important to the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Unless the format is radically altered in a way that facilitates intelligent discourse , we should consider calling off the rest of the presidential debates .
No one got anything out of Tuesday night except a master class in how to bully another human being .
What ’ s the point of repeating it ?

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A few years ago, I was interviewing a domestic violence survivor when she made an unexpected comment. Quietly and with something akin to shame in her voice, she told me that she found her partner’s emotional and verbal abuse more harmful than when he slapped or punched her.
The physical violence, at least, had a beginning and an end. Bruises and cuts healed. But the psychological abuse — the taunting, the lying, her partner’s penchant for aggressively denying events that clearly happened, his constant humiliating attacks on her character — it left her on edge, unable to get her footing.
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I’ve heard this many times since. Emotional and verbal abuse can corrode a person, undermining their very sense of self. It is nearly impossible to try to reason with someone employing these tactics, as the goal is to make the person on the receiving end feel crazed and confused.
Advocates will generally tell victims of such abuse to disengage and detach. Walk away. No one wins in an argument with an abusive bully. An abuser will goad you into their game and force you on the defense, where you will end up quibbling over absurd claims that have no basis in reality.
President Donald Trump bullied and interrupted his way through the first presidential debate with former Vice President Joe Biden. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
So what to do with the president of the United States of America who uses similar tactics against his opponent on the national stage? In the first presidential debate on Tuesday, Donald Trump exhibited all the classic signs of verbal abuse. He bullied, interrupted, smeared and tried to intimidate Joe Biden, while lying about his own record and framing himself as the misunderstood hero, the true victim.
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Of course, this behavior is not shocking. Trump did the same thing in his primary debates in 2015 (remember the litany of derogatory names he shelled out to his opponents?), and then in the presidential debates with Hillary Clinton.
The day after the very first presidential debate of 2016, I wrote about how Trump’s behavior was deeply familiar to domestic violence victims. The exact same article could be written in light of last night’s performance.
On Tuesday, faced with Trump’s lies, insults and constant interruptions, Biden remained on the defense for most of the night. It was excruciating to watch as he struggled to keep up with Trump’s rapid-fire barrage of attacks, a taxing task under any conditions. Biden laughed; he grimaced; he shook his head in bewilderment. He tried to reason with Trump and to correct the record. But by the time he could address one of Trump’s false statements, the president had spewed out a handful more. While laudable, Biden’s desire to return the conversation to a place where facts matter is not going to happen in a debate with Trump.
People who are skilled in verbally abusive tactics never admit they are wrong. They don’t listen. The way they win is by dominating the conversation and forcing the other person into a defensive crouch.
Trump wanted to sabotage the debate, and he did. There was no substantive discussion of policy issues, no new understanding of the candidates’ positions on issues that are important to the American public.
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So, what can be done?


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Brian Kilmeade Calls Out Trump For Failing To Condemn White Supremacists

President Donald Trump didn ’ t have a friend in “ Fox & Friends ” for at least a moment on Wednesday .
Brian Kilmeade , co-host of one of Trump ’ s favorite shows , slammed the president ’ s refusal to condemn right-wing hate groups during Tuesday ’ s first presidential debate .
( See the clip below . )
Debate moderator Chris Wallace , a Fox News colleague , asked Trump to denounce white supremacists for violence at anti-racism protests , and Trump wouldn ’ t go there , blaming “ the left-wing ” for the confrontations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a specific name of a white supremacist group he should condemn , and Democratic challenger Joe Biden offered the neo-fascist Proud Boys .
“ Proud Boys , stand back and stand by , ” the president replied .
( Trump ’ s response was celebrated as a call to readiness by the violent street gang . )
Kilmeade , after admonishing Biden for calling Trump a “ clown ” during the debate , sprinkled in a couple of sports metaphors to criticize the president ’ s performance .
“ Donald Trump ruined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debates by not condemning white supremacists , ” Kilmeade said .
“ I don ’ t know if he didn ’ t hear it , but he ’ s got ta clarify that right away .
That ’ s like , ‘ Are you against evil ?
’ Why the president didn ’ t just knock it out of the park , I ’ m not sure.
” Brian Kilmeade : `` Donald Trump ruined the biggest layup in the history of debates by not condemning white supremists .
I do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he 's got ta clarify that right away .
... Why the president did n't just knock it out of the park , I 'm not sure . ''
pic.twitter.com/Qo52jBDTPl — Bobby Lewis ( @ revrrlewis ) September 30 , 2020

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President Donald Trump didn’t have a friend in “Fox & Friends” for at least a moment on Wednesday.
Brian Kilmeade, co-host of one of Trump’s favorite shows, slammed the president’s refusal to condemn right-wing hate groups during Tuesday’s first presidential debate. (See the clip below.)
Debate moderator Chris Wallace, a Fox News colleague, asked Trump to denounce white supremacists for violence at anti-racism protests, and Trump wouldn’t go there, blaming “the left-wing” for the confrontations.
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The president at one point asked for a specific name of a white supremacist group he should condemn, and Democratic challenger Joe Biden offered the neo-fascist Proud Boys. “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by,” the president replied. (Trump’s response was celebrated as a call to readiness by the violent street gang.)
Kilmeade, after admonishing Biden for calling Trump a “clown” during the debate, sprinkled in a couple of sports metaphors to criticize the president’s performance.
“Donald Trump ruined the biggest layup in the history of debates by not condemning white supremacists,” Kilmeade said. “I don’t know if he didn’t hear it, but he’s gotta clarify that right away. That’s like, ‘Are you against evil?’ Why the president didn’t just knock it out of the park, I’m not sure.”
Brian Kilmeade: "Donald Trump ruined the biggest layup in the history of debates by not condemning white supremists. I don't know if he didn't hear it, but he's gotta clarify that right away. ... Why the president didn't just knock it out of the park, I'm not sure." pic.twitter.com/Qo52jBDTPl — Bobby Lewis (@revrrlewis) September 30, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Who Are The Proud Boys?

Who Are The Proud Boys?

The Proud Boys are a violent , nationalist street gang that formed in 2016 amid now-President Donald Trump ’ s election campaign .
Though the group was always known for plotting and carrying out attacks on protesters at political rallies , it gained new notoriety after Trump acknowledged them during a presidential debate with Democratic candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday .
Initially the Proud Boys were a small group of self-described “ Western chauvinists ” under Vice magazine co-founder Gavin McInnes , and made a name for themselves in right-wing circles by fighting with leftist protesters at pro-Trump rallies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and New York City .
After Trump ’ s election , their numbers grew , as did their reputation for violence .
By 2017 , it was a full-blown gang , complete with a uniform — a black and yellow Fred Perry polo that the company recently discontinued in North America due to the group ’ s adoption of it — and a ranking system whose rules included forgoing masturbation and beating up leftists and anti-fascists .
McInnis himself ( who hadn ’ t worked at Vice since 2008 ) was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spewing his racist and misogynist ideology to millions of viewers , and regularly inciting violence among his gang members .
“ Fighting solves everything , ” he has said .
Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators rally on Saturday , Sept. 26 , 2020 , in Portland , Ore. ( AP Photo/Allison Dinner ) But while McInnis has remained insulated from the consequences of his speeches , his Proud Boys continue to get exposed and arrested for assaults , threats and other crimes and gaffes .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their influence and ability to rally their own seemed to wane after the 2018 arrests .
For example , the group expected “ thousands ” to attend a rally they held in Portland last weekend , but only hundreds showed up for an event that was ultimately described by reporters as a dud .
But the group gained new notoriety during the debate this week when Trump , asked to disavow white supremacy and militia groups , told the Proud Boys to “ stand back and stand by.
” While it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ stand by ” in that context , it certainly resonated for the Proud Boys , who interpreted the statement as marching orders .
“ This makes me so happy , ” said Proud Boy Joe Biggs on a group messaging channel , according to New York Times correspondent Mike Baker .
“ Trump basically said to go fuck them up !
”

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Initially the Proud Boys were a small group of self-described “Western chauvinists” under Vice magazine co-founder Gavin McInnes, and made a name for themselves in right-wing circles by fighting with leftist protesters at pro-Trump rallies in and around cities like Portland, Oregon, and New York City. After Trump’s election, their numbers grew, as did their reputation for violence.
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By 2017, it was a full-blown gang, complete with a uniform — a black and yellow Fred Perry polo that the company recently discontinued in North America due to the group’s adoption of it — and a ranking system whose rules included forgoing masturbation and beating up leftists and anti-fascists. McInnis himself (who hadn’t worked at Vice since 2008) was a rising reactionary talk show host on YouTube, spewing his racist and misogynist ideology to millions of viewers, and regularly inciting violence among his gang members. “Fighting solves everything,” he has said.
Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators rally on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner) ASSOCIATED PRESS
But while McInnis has remained insulated from the consequences of his speeches, his Proud Boys continue to get exposed and arrested for assaults, threats and other crimes and gaffes.
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The number of active Proud Boys remains unclear, though their influence and ability to rally their own seemed to wane after the 2018 arrests. For example, the group expected “thousands” to attend a rally they held in Portland last weekend, but only hundreds showed up for an event that was ultimately described by reporters as a dud.
But the group gained new notoriety during the debate this week when Trump, asked to disavow white supremacy and militia groups, told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by.” While it’s not quite clear what Trump meant by “stand by” in that context, it certainly resonated for the Proud Boys, who interpreted the statement as marching orders.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Merriam-Webster Has Strong Words For Trump’s Debate Take On Proud Boys

After moderator Chris Wallace and Democratic nominee Joe Biden both asked the president if he would condemn white supremacist groups like the Proud Boys , Trump responded by telling the violent neo-fascist street gang to “ stand back and stand by.
” On Wednesday morning , Trump campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley attempted to claim to CNN that the president ’ s comment was , indeed , a condemnation of the Proud Boys .
“ This is a reprehensible group , ” Gidley said .
“ The president in the clip you just played , when asked by Chris Wallace if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said sure .
He said it many times just not last night.
” No one seems to be buying it , especially the Proud Boys , who celebrated the not-really-a-denunciation as an endorsement .
Merriam-Webster tweeted on Wednesday to clear up any confusion about what the president was really saying .
'Stand back ' : to take a few steps backwards 'Stand by ' : to be or to get ready to act # Debates2020 — Merriam-Webster ( @ MerriamWebster ) September 30 , 2020 Do n't let anyone convince you this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //t.co/YANBe8xYSH — Zack Ford ( @ ZackFord ) September 30 , 2020 Oh look , now ya done it .
The dictionary is PISSED !
( ALSO they 're 100 % right and Trump 's fanning the flames of racism ) https : //t.co/aPYUS0YjSR — Houston 🏳🌈 ( @ radiohouston ) September 30 , 2020 But one man suggested a way Merriam-Webster could make its point more clearly .

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After moderator Chris Wallace and Democratic nominee Joe Biden both asked the president if he would condemn white supremacist groups like the Proud Boys, Trump responded by telling the violent neo-fascist street gang to “stand back and stand by.”
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On Wednesday morning, Trump campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley attempted to claim to CNN that the president’s comment was, indeed, a condemnation of the Proud Boys.
“This is a reprehensible group,” Gidley said. “The president in the clip you just played, when asked by Chris Wallace if he would condemn the groups, he said sure. He said it many times just not last night.”
No one seems to be buying it, especially the Proud Boys, who celebrated the not-really-a-denunciation as an endorsement.
Merriam-Webster tweeted on Wednesday to clear up any confusion about what the president was really saying.
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'Stand back': to take a few steps backwards
'Stand by': to be or to get ready to act #Debates2020 — Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) September 30, 2020
Some people appreciated the clarity.
Don't let anyone convince you this was anything resembling "condemnation." https://t.co/YANBe8xYSH — Zack Ford (@ZackFord) September 30, 2020
I love it when the dictionary calls out assholes. https://t.co/G0yyfzoWuM — Ang Zimmer (Stefano) (@amstefano988) September 30, 2020
Oh look, now ya done it. The dictionary is PISSED! (ALSO they're 100% right and Trump's fanning the flames of racism) https://t.co/aPYUS0YjSR — Houston 🏳🌈 (@radiohouston) September 30, 2020
But one man suggested a way Merriam-Webster could make its point more clearly.
Just put .@realDonaldTrump's photo next to the word BIGOT. https://t.co/IsIGXLRpp4 — Brian White (@actorbrianwhite) September 30, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-30--Biden Drops Debate Clip With Crying Emoji Over Trump's Face, Asks 'Had Enough?'

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told President Donald Trump to just “ shut up ” during the presidential debate on Tuesday after Trump ’ s repeated interruptions , and it ’ s become the Biden campaign ’ s latest piece of ammunition .
In a clip posted to social media , Biden ’ s team edited the exchange to include a crying emoji pasted over Trump ’ s face and added in the sounds of a wailing baby in the background .
For much of the 90-minute debate , Trump and Biden talked over one another , with the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Fox News anchor , to do his job properly .
The “ Will you shut up , man ?
” remark came after Biden was asked whether , upon winning the presidency , he would end the filibuster or expand the number of seats on the Supreme Court .
During Biden ’ s attempt to answer , Trump interrupted him so incessantly , it rendered the former vice president nearly unable to respond .
“ Are you going to pack the court ?
He doesn ’ t want to answer the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you answer that question ?
” prattled Trump , leading Biden to tell him to “ shut up ” and calling him “ so unpresidential.
” The interaction ultimately did not produce a substantial response , as Wallace moved on to another segment shortly thereafter .
Overall , the debate was panned by critics who called it everything from a “ dumpster fire ” to a “ train wreck ” to “ the worst presidential debate I ’ ve ever seen in my life .
”

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Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told President Donald Trump to just “shut up” during the presidential debate on Tuesday after Trump’s repeated interruptions, and it’s become the Biden campaign’s latest piece of ammunition.
In a clip posted to social media, Biden’s team edited the exchange to include a crying emoji pasted over Trump’s face and added in the sounds of a wailing baby in the background.
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The video’s caption simply asks: “Had enough?”
For much of the 90-minute debate, Trump and Biden talked over one another, with the president making it difficult for moderator Chris Wallace, a Fox News anchor, to do his job properly.
The “Will you shut up, man?” remark came after Biden was asked whether, upon winning the presidency, he would end the filibuster or expand the number of seats on the Supreme Court.
During Biden’s attempt to answer, Trump interrupted him so incessantly, it rendered the former vice president nearly unable to respond.
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“Are you going to pack the court? He doesn’t want to answer the question. ... Why won’t you answer that question?” prattled Trump, leading Biden to tell him to “shut up” and calling him “so unpresidential.”
The interaction ultimately did not produce a substantial response, as Wallace moved on to another segment shortly thereafter.