thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-27--Read Donald Trump’s Prepared Speech For The 2020 RNC

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President Donald Trump formally accepted the Republican nomination for president Thursday during a lengthy speech delivered from the White House lawn.
Read Trump’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, below:
Friends, delegates, and distinguished guests: I stand before you tonight honored by your support; proud of the extraordinary progress we have made together over the last four years; and brimming with confidence in the bright future we will build for America over the NEXT four years!
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As we begin this evening, our thoughts are with the wonderful people who have just come through the wrath of Hurricane Laura. We are working closely with state and local officials in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, sparing no effort to save lives. While the hurricane was fierce, one of the strongest to make landfall in 150 years, the casualties and damage were far less than thought possible only 24 hours ago. This is due to the great work of FEMA, law enforcement, and the individual states. I will be going this weekend. We are one national family, and we will always protect, love and care for each other.
Here tonight are the people who have made my journey possible, and filled my life with so much joy.
For her incredible service to our nation and its children, I want to thank our magnificent First Lady. I also want to thank my amazing daughter Ivanka for that introduction, and to all of my children and grandchildren – I love you more than words can express. I know my brother Robert is looking down on us right now from Heaven. He was a great brother and was very proud of the job we are doing. Let us also take a moment to show our profound appreciation for a man who has always fought by our side, and stood up for our values – a man of deep faith and steadfast conviction: Vice President Mike Pence. Mike is joined by his beloved wife, a teacher and military mom, Karen Pence.
My fellow Americans, tonight, with a heart full of gratitude and boundless optimism, I proudly accept this nomination for President of the United States.
The Republican Party, the party of Abraham Lincoln, goes forward united, determined, and ready to welcome millions of Democrats, Independents, and anyone who believes in the GREATNESS of America and the righteous heart of the American People.
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In a new term as President, we will again build the greatest economy in history – quickly returning to full employment, soaring incomes, and RECORD prosperity! We will DEFEND AMERICA against all threats, and protect America against all dangers. We will LEAD AMERICA into new frontiers of ambition and discovery, and we will reach for new heights of national achievement. We will rekindle new faith in our values, new pride in our history, and a new spirit of unity that can ONLY be realized through love for our country. Because we understand that America is NOT a land cloaked in darkness, America is the torch that enlightens the entire world.
Gathered here at our beautiful and majestic White House – known all over the world as the People’s House – we cannot help but marvel at the miracle that is our Great American Story. This has been the home of larger-than-life figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Andrew Jackson who rallied Americans to bold visions of a bigger and brighter future. Within these walls lived tenacious generals like Presidents Grant and Eisenhower who led our soldiers in the cause of freedom. From these grounds, Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark on a daring expedition to cross a wild and uncharted continent. In the depths of a bloody Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln looked out these very windows upon a half-completed Washington Monument – and asked God, in His Providence, to save our union. Two weeks after Pearl Harbor, Franklin Delano Roosevelt welcomed Winston Churchill, and just inside, they set our people on a course to victory in the Second World War.
In recent months, our nation, and the entire planet, has been struck by a new and powerful invisible enemy. Like those brave Americans before us, we are meeting this challenge. We are delivering lifesaving therapies, and will produce a vaccine BEFORE the end of the year, or maybe even sooner! We will defeat THE VIRUS, end the pandemic, and emerge stronger than ever before.
What united generations past was an unshakable confidence in America’s destiny, and an unbreakable faith in the American People. They knew that our country is blessed by God, and has a special purpose in this world. It is that conviction that inspired the formation of our union, our westward expansion, the abolition of slavery, the passage of civil rights, the space program, and the overthrow of fascism, tyranny and communism.
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This towering American spirit has prevailed over every challenge, and lifted us to the summit of human endeavor.
And yet, despite all of our greatness as a nation, everything we have achieved is now endangered. This is the most important election in the history of our country. At no time before have voters faced a clearer choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies, or two agendas.
This election will decide whether we SAVE the American Dream, or whether we allow a socialist agenda to DEMOLISH our cherished destiny.
It will decide whether we rapidly create millions of high paying jobs, or whether we crush our industries and send millions of these jobs overseas, as has foolishly been done for many decades.
Your vote will decide whether we protect law abiding Americans, or whether we give free reign to violent anarchists, agitators, and criminals who threaten our citizens.
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And this election will decide whether we will defend the American Way of Life, or whether we allow a radical movement to completely dismantle and destroy it.
At the Democrat National Convention, Joe Biden and his party repeatedly assailed America as a land of racial, economic, and social injustice. So tonight, I ask you a very simple question: How can the Democrat Party ask to lead our country when it spends so much time tearing down our country?
In the left’s backward view, they do not see America as the most free, just, and exceptional nation on earth. Instead, they see a wicked nation that must be punished for its sins.
Our opponents say that redemption for YOU can only come from giving power to THEM. This is a tired anthem spoken by every repressive movement throughout history.
But in this country, we don’t look to career politicians for salvation. In America, we don’t turn to government to restore our souls – we put our faith in Almighty God.
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Joe Biden is not the savior of America’s soul – he is the destroyer of America’s Jobs, and if given the chance, he will be the destroyer of American Greatness.
For 47 years, Joe Biden took the donations of blue collar workers, gave them hugs and even kisses, and told them he felt their pain – and then he flew back to Washington and voted to ship their jobs to China and many other distant lands. Joe Biden spent his entire career outsourcing the dreams of American Workers, offshoring their jobs, opening their borders, and sending their sons and daughters to fight in endless foreign wars.
Four years ago, I ran for President because I could not watch this betrayal of our country any longer. I could not sit by as career politicians let other countries take advantage of us on trade, borders, foreign policy and national defense. Our NATO partners, as an example, were far behind in their defense payments. But at my strong urging, they agreed to pay $130 billion more a year. This will ultimately go to $400 billion. Secretary General Stoltenberg, who heads NATO, was amazed, and said that President Trump did what no one else was able to do.
From the moment I left my former life behind, and a good life it was, I have done nothing but fight for YOU.
I did what our political establishment never expected and could never forgive, breaking the cardinal rule of Washington Politics. I KEPT MY PROMISES.
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Together, we have ended the rule of the failed political class – and they are desperate to get their power back by any means necessary. They are angry at me because instead of putting THEM FIRST, I put AMERICA FIRST!
Days after taking office, we shocked the Washington Establishment and withdrew from the last Administration’s job-killing Trans Pacific Partnership. I then approved the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines, ended the unfair and costly Paris Climate Accord, and secured, for the first time, American Energy Independence. We passed record-setting tax and regulation cuts, at a rate nobody had ever seen before. Within three short years, we built the strongest economy in the history of the world.
Washington insiders asked me NOT to stand up to China – they pleaded with me to let China continue stealing our jobs, ripping us off, and robbing our country blind. But I kept my word to the American People. We took the toughest, boldest, strongest, and hardest hitting action against China in American History.
They said that it would be impossible to terminate and replace NAFTA – but again, they were wrong. Earlier this year, I ended the NAFTA nightmare and signed the brand new U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement into law. Now auto companies and others are building their plants and factories in America, not firing their employees and deserting us.
In perhaps no area did the Washington special interests try harder to stop us than on my policy of pro-American immigration. But I refused to back down – and today America’s borders are more secure than EVER before. We ENDED catch-and-release, stopped asylum fraud, took down human traffickers who prey on women and children, and we have deported 20,000 Gang Members and 500,000 Criminal Aliens. We have already built 300 miles of Border Wall – and we are adding 10 new miles every single week. The Wall will soon be complete, and it is working beyond our wildest expectations.
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We are joined this evening by members of the Border Patrol union, representing our country’s courageous border agents. Thank you all.
When I learned that the Tennessee Valley Authority laid off hundreds of American Workers and forced them to train their lower-paid foreign replacements, I promptly removed the Chairman of the Board. And now, those talented American Workers have been RE-HIRED and are back providing power to Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia. They have their old jobs back, and some are here with us this evening. Please stand.
Last month, I took on Big Pharma and signed orders that will massively lower the cost of your prescription drugs, and to give critically ill patients access to lifesaving cures, we passed the decades long-awaited RIGHT TO TRY legislation. We also passed VA Accountability and VA Choice.
By the end of my first term, we will have approved more than 300 federal judges, including two great new Supreme Court Justices. To bring prosperity to our forgotten inner cities, we worked hard to pass historic criminal justice reform, prison reform, opportunity zones, the long-term funding of historically black colleges and universities, and, before the China Virus came in, produced the best unemployment numbers for African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Asian-Americans ever recorded. I have done more for the African-American community than any president since Abraham Lincoln, our first Republican president. I have done more in three years for the black community than Joe Biden has done in 47 years—and when I’m reelected, the best is yet to come!
When I took office, the Middle East was in total chaos. ISIS was rampaging, Iran was on the rise, and the war in Afghanistan had no end in sight. I withdrew from the terrible, one-sided Iran Nuclear Deal. Unlike many presidents before me, I kept my promise, recognized Israel’s true capital and moved our Embassy to Jerusalem. But not only did we talk about it as a future site, we got it built. Rather than spending $1 billion on a new building as planned, we took an already owned existing building in a better location, and opened it at a cost of less than $500,000. We also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and this month we achieved the first Middle East peace deal in 25 years. In addition, we obliterated 100 percent of the ISIS Caliphate, and killed its founder and leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Then, in a separate operation, we eliminated the world’s number one terrorist, Qasem Soleimani.
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Unlike previous administrations, I have kept America OUT of new wars – and our troops are coming home. We have spent nearly $2.5 trillion on completely rebuilding our military, which was very badly depleted when I took office. This includes three separate pay raises for our great warriors. We also launched the Space Force, the first new branch of the United States military since the Air Force was created almost 75 years ago.
We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years.
Biden’s record is a shameful roll call of the most catastrophic betrayals and blunders in our lifetime. He has spent his entire career on the wrong side of history. Biden voted for the NAFTA disaster, the single worst trade deal ever enacted; he supported China’s entry into the World Trade Organization, one of the greatest economic disasters of all time. After those Biden calamities, the United States lost 1 in 4 manufacturing jobs. The laid off workers in Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and many other states didn’t want Joe Biden’s hollow words of empathy, they wanted their jobs back!
As Vice President, he supported the Trans Pacific Partnership which would have been a death sentence for the U.S. Auto Industry; he backed the horrendous South Korea trade deal, which took many jobs from our country. He repeatedly supported mass amnesty for illegal immigrants. He voted FOR the Iraq War; he opposed the mission to take out Osama bin Laden; he opposed killing Soleimani; he oversaw the rise of ISIS, and cheered the rise of China as “a positive development” for America and the world. That’s why China supports Joe Biden and desperately wants him to win.
China would own our country if Joe Biden got elected. Unlike Biden, I will hold them fully accountable for the tragedy they caused.
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In recent months, our nation, and the rest of the world, has been hit with a once-in-a-century pandemic that China allowed to spread around the globe. We are grateful to be joined tonight by several of our incredible nurses and first responders – please stand and accept our profound thanks. Many Americans have sadly lost friends and cherished loved ones to this horrible disease. As one nation, we mourn, we grieve, and we hold in our hearts forever the memories of all of those lives so tragically taken. In their honor, we will unite. In their memory, we will overcome.
When the China Virus hit, we launched the largest national mobilization since World War II. Invoking the Defense Production Act, we produced the world’s largest supply of ventilators. Not a single American who has needed a ventilator has been denied a ventilator. We shipped hundreds of millions of masks, gloves and gowns to our front line healthcare workers. To protect our nation’s seniors, we rushed supplies, testing kits, and personnel to nursing homes and long term care facilities. The Army Corps of Engineers built field hospitals, and the Navy deployed our great hospital ships.
We developed, from scratch, the largest and most advanced testing system in the world. America has tested more than every country in Europe put together, and more than every nation in the Western Hemisphere COMBINED. We have conducted 40 million more tests than the next closest nation.
We developed a wide array of effective treatments, including a powerful anti-body treatment known as Convalescent Plasma that will save thousands of lives. Thanks to advances we have pioneered, the fatality rate has been reduced by 80 percent since April.
The United States has among the lowest case fatality rates of any major country in the world. The European Union’s case fatality rate is nearly three times higher than ours. Altogether, the nations of Europe have experienced a 30 percent greater increase in excess mortality than the United States.
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We enacted the largest package of financial relief in American history. Thanks to our Paycheck Protection Program, we have saved or supported more than 50 million American jobs. As a result, we have seen the smallest economic contraction of any major western nation, and we are recovering much faster. Over the past three months, we have gained over 9 million jobs, a new record.
Unfortunately, from the beginning, our opponents have shown themselves capable of nothing but a partisan ability to criticize. When I took bold action to issue a travel ban on China, Joe Biden called it hysterical and xenophobic. If we had listened to Joe, hundreds of thousands more Americans would have died.
Instead of following the science, Joe Biden wants to inflict a painful shutdown on the entire country. His shutdown would inflict unthinkable and lasting harm on our nation’s children, families, and citizens of all backgrounds.
The cost of the Biden shutdown would be measured in increased drug overdoses, depression, alcohol addiction, suicides, heart attacks, economic devastation and more. Joe Biden’s plan is not a solution to the virus, but rather a surrender.
My Administration has a different approach. To save as many lives as possible, we are focusing on the science, the facts and the data. We are aggressively sheltering those at highest risk – especially the elderly – while allowing lower-risk Americans to safely return to work and school.
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Most importantly, we are marshalling America’s scientific genius to produce a vaccine in RECORD TIME. Under Operation Warp Speed, we have three different vaccines in the final stage of trials right now, years ahead of what has been achieved before. We are producing them in advance, so that hundreds of millions of doses will be quickly available.
We will have a safe and effective vaccine this year, and together we will crush the virus.
At the Democrat convention, you barely heard a word about their agenda. But that’s not because they don’t have one. It’s because their agenda is the most extreme set of proposals ever put forward by a major party nominee. Joe Biden may claim he is an “ally of the Light,” but when it comes to his agenda, Biden wants to keep you completely in the dark.
He has pledged a $4 trillion tax hike on almost all American families, which will totally collapse our rapidly improving economy and once again record stock markets. On the other hand, just as I did in my first term, I will cut taxes even further for hardworking moms and dads, not raise them. We will also provide tax credits to bring jobs out of China BACK to America – and we will impose tariffs on any company that leaves America to produce jobs overseas. We’ll make sure our companies and jobs stay in our country, as I’ve already been doing. Joe Biden’s agenda is Made in China. My agenda is MADE IN THE USA.
Biden has promised to abolish the production of American oil, coal, shale, and natural gas – laying waste to the economies of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico. Millions of jobs will be lost, and energy prices will soar. These same policies led to crippling power outages in California just last week. How can Joe Biden claim to be an “ally of the Light” when his own party can’t even keep the lights on?
Joe Biden’s campaign has even published a 110-page policy platform co-authored with Far-Left Senator Bernie Sanders. The Biden-Bernie Manifesto calls for suspending ALL removals of illegal aliens, implementing nationwide Catch-and-Release; and providing illegal aliens with free taxpayer-funded lawyers. Joe Biden recently raised his hand on the debate stage and promised to give away YOUR healthcare dollars to illegal immigrants. He also supports deadly Sanctuary Cities that protect criminal aliens. He promised to end national security travel bans from Jihadist nations, and he pledged to increase refugee admissions by 700 percent. The Biden Plan would eliminate America’s borders in the middle of a global pandemic.
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Biden also vowed to oppose School Choice and close down Charter Schools, ripping away the ladder of opportunity for Black and Hispanic children.
In a second term, I will EXPAND charter schools and provide SCHOOL CHOICE to every family in America. And we will always treat our teachers with the tremendous respect they deserve.
Joe Biden claims he has empathy for the vulnerable – yet the party he leads supports the extreme late-term abortion of defenseless babies right up to the moment of BIRTH. Democrat leaders talk about moral decency, but they have no problem with stopping a baby’s beating heart in the 9th month of pregnancy.
Democrat politicians refuse to protect innocent life, and then they lecture us about morality and saving America’s soul? Tonight, we proudly declare that all children, born and unborn, have a GOD-GIVEN RIGHT TO LIFE.
During the Democrat Convention, the words “Under God” were removed from the Pledge of Allegiance – not once, but twice. The fact is, this is where they are coming from.
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If the left gains power, they will demolish the suburbs, confiscate your guns, and appoint justices who will wipe away your Second Amendment and other Constitutional freedoms.
Biden is a Trojan horse for socialism. If Joe Biden doesn’t have the strength to stand up to wild-eyed Marxists like Bernie Sanders and his fellow radicals, then how is he ever going to stand up FOR you?
The most dangerous aspect of the Biden Platform is the attack on public safety. The Biden-Bernie Manifesto calls for Abolishing cash bail, immediately releasing 400,000 criminals onto your streets and into your neighborhoods.
When asked if he supports cutting police funding, Joe Biden replied, “Yes, absolutely.” When Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called the Minneapolis police department a cancer that is “rotten to the root,” Biden wouldn’t disavow her support and reject her endorsement – he proudly displayed it on his website.
Make no mistake, if you give power to Joe Biden, the radical left will Defund Police Departments all across America. They will pass federal legislation to reduce law enforcement nationwide. They will make every city look like Democrat-run Portland, Oregon. No one will be safe in Biden’s America.
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My administration will always stand with the men and women of law enforcement. Every day, police officers risk their lives to keep us safe, and every year, many sacrifice their lives in the line of duty.
One of these incredible Americans was Detective Miosotis Familia. She was part of a team of American Heroes called the NYPD or New York’s Finest. Three years ago on Fourth of July weekend, Detective Familia was on duty in her vehicle when she was ambushed just after midnight and murdered by a monster who hated her purely for wearing the badge.
Detective Familia was a single mom – she’d recently asked for the night shift so she could spend more time with her kids. Two years ago, I stood in front of the U.S. Capitol alongside those children, and held their Grandmother’s hand as they mourned their terrible loss and we honored Detective Familia’s extraordinary life.
Detective Familia’s three children are with us this evening. Genesis, Peter, and Delilah, we are so grateful to have you here tonight. I promise you that we will treasure your mom in our memories forever.
We must remember that the overwhelming majority of police officers in this country are noble, courageous and honorable. We have to give law enforcement, our police, back their power. They are afraid to act. They are afraid to lose their pension. They are afraid to lose their jobs, and by being afraid they are not able to do their jobs. And those who suffer most are the great people who they want so desperately to protect.
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When there is police misconduct, the justice system must hold wrongdoers fully and completely accountable, and it will. But what we can never have in America – and must never allow – is MOB RULE. In the strongest possible terms, the Republican Party condemns the rioting, looting, arson and violence we have seen in Democrat-run cities like Kenosha, Minneapolis, Portland, Chicago, and New York.
There is violence and danger in the streets of many Democrat-run cities throughout America. This problem could easily be fixed if they wanted to. We must always have law and order. All federal crimes are being investigated, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
When the anarchists started ripping down our statues and monuments, I signed an order, ten years in prison, and it all stopped.
During their convention, Joe Biden and his supporters remained completely silent about the rioters and criminals spreading mayhem in Democrat-Run Cities. In the face of left-wing anarchy and mayhem in Minneapolis, Chicago, and other cities, Joe Biden’s campaign did not condemn it – they DONATED to it. At least 13 members of Joe Biden’s campaign staff donated to a fund to bail out vandals, arsonists, looters, and rioters from jail.
Here tonight is the grieving family of retired police Captain David Dorn, a 38-year veteran of the St. Louis Police Department. In June, Captain Dorn was shot and killed as he tried to protect a store from rioters and looters. We are honored to be joined tonight by his wife Ann and beloved family members: Brian and Kielen. To each of you: we will never forget the heroic legacy of Captain David Dorn.
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As long as I am President, I will defend the absolute right of every American citizen to live in security, dignity, and peace.
If the Democrat Party wants to stand with anarchists, agitators, rioters, looters, and flag-burners, that is up to them, but I, as your President, will not be a part of it. The Republican Party will remain the voice of the patriotic heroes who keep America Safe.
Last year, over 1,000 African-Americans were murdered as result of violent crime in just four Democrat-run cities. The top 10 most dangerous cities in the country are run by Democrats, and have been for decades. Thousands more African-Americans are victims of violent crime in these communities Joe Biden and the left ignore these American Victims. I NEVER WILL.
If the Radical Left takes power, they will apply their disastrous policies to every city, town, and suburb in America.
Just imagine if the so-called peaceful demonstrators in the streets were in charge of every lever of power in the U.S. Government.
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Liberal politicians claim to be concerned about the strength of American institutions. But who, exactly, is attacking them? Who is hiring the radical professors, judges, and prosecutors? Who is trying to abolish immigration enforcement, and establish speech codes designed to muzzle dissent? In every case, the attacks on American institutions are being waged by the radical left.
Always Remember: they are coming after ME, because I am fighting for YOU.
We must reclaim our independence from the left’s repressive mandates. Americans are exhausted trying to keep up with the latest list of approved words and phrases, and the ever-more restrictive political decrees. Many things have a different name now, and the rules are constantly changing. The goal of cancel culture is to make decent Americans live in fear of being fired, expelled, shamed, humiliated, and driven from society as we know it. The far-left wants to coerce you into saying what you know to be FALSE, and scare you out of saying what you know to be TRUE.
But on November 3rd, you can send them a thundering message they will never forget!
Joe Biden is weak. He takes his marching orders from liberal hypocrites who drive their cities into the ground while fleeing far from the scene of the wreckage. These same liberals want to eliminate school choice, while they enroll their children in the finest private schools in the land. They want to open our borders while living in walled-off compounds and communities. They want to defund the police, while they have armed guards for themselves.
This November, we must turn the page FOREVER on this failed political class. The fact is, I’m here, and they’re not – and that’s because of YOU. Together, we will write the next chapter of the Great American Story.
Over the next four years, we will make America into the Manufacturing Superpower of the World. We will expand Opportunity Zones, bring home our medical supply chains, and we will end our reliance on China once and for all.
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We will continue to reduce taxes and regulations at levels not seen before.
We will create 10 million jobs in the next 10 months.
We will hire MORE police, increase penalties for assaults on law enforcement, and surge federal prosecutors into high-crime communities.
We will BAN deadly Sanctuary Cities, and ensure that federal healthcare is protected for American Citizens – not illegal aliens.
We will have strong borders, strike down terrorists who threaten our people, and keep America OUT of endless and costly foreign wars.
We will appoint prosecutors, judges, and justices who believe in enforcing the LAW – not their own political agenda.
We will ensure equal justice for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed.
We will uphold your religious liberty, and defend your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
We will protect Medicare and Social Security.
We will always, and very strongly, protect patients with pre-existing conditions, and that is a pledge from the entire Republican Party.
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We will END surprise medical billing, require price transparency, and further reduce the cost of prescription drugs and health insurance premiums.
We will greatly expand energy development, continuing to remain number one in the world, and keep America Energy Independent.
We will win the race to 5G, and build the world’s best cyber and missile defense.
We will fully restore patriotic education to our schools, and always protect free speech on college campuses.
We will launch a new age of American Ambition in Space. America will land the first WOMAN on the moon – and the United States will be the first nation to plant its flag on Mars.
This is the unifying national agenda that will bring our country TOGETHER.
So tonight, I say again to all Americans: This is the most important election in the history of our country. There has never been such a difference between two parties, or two individuals, in ideology, philosophy, or vision than there is right now.
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Our opponents believe that America is a depraved nation.
We want our sons and daughters to know the truth: America is the greatest and most exceptional nation in the history of the world!
Our country wasn’t built by cancel culture, speech codes, and soul-crushing conformity. We are NOT a nation of timid spirits. We are a nation of fierce, proud, and independent American Patriots.
We are a nation of pilgrims, pioneers, adventurers, explorers and trailblazers who refused to be tied down, held back, or reined in. Americans have steel in their spines, grit in their souls, and fire in their hearts. There is no one like us on earth.
I want every child in America to know that you are part of the most exciting and incredible adventure in human history. No matter where your family comes from, no matter your background, in America, ANYONE CAN RISE. With hard work, devotion, and drive, you can reach any goal and achieve every ambition.
Our American Ancestors sailed across the perilous ocean to build a new life on a new continent. They braved the freezing winters, crossed the raging rivers, scaled the rocky peaks, trekked the dangerous forests, and worked from dawn till dusk. These pioneers didn’t have money, they didn’t have fame– but they had each other. They loved their families, they loved their country, and they loved their God!
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When opportunity beckoned, they picked up their Bibles, packed up their belongings, climbed into covered wagons, and set out West for the next adventure. Ranchers and miners, cowboys and sheriffs, farmers and settlers – they pressed on past the Mississippi to stake a claim in the Wild Frontier.
Legends were born – Wyatt Earp, Annie Oakley, Davy Crockett, and Buffalo Bill.
Americans built their beautiful homesteads on the Open Range. Soon they had churches and communities, then towns, and with time, great centers of industry and commerce. That is who they were. Americans build the future, we don’t tear down the past!
We are the nation that won a revolution, toppled tyranny and fascism, and delivered millions into freedom. We laid down the railroads, built the great ships, raised up the skyscrapers, revolutionized industry, and sparked a new age of scientific discovery. We set the trends in art and music, radio and film, sport and literature – and we did it all with style, confidence and flair. Because THAT is who we are.
Whenever our way of life was threatened, our heroes answered the call.
From Yorktown to Gettysburg, from Normandy to Iwo Jima, American Patriots raced into cannon blasts, bullets and bayonets to rescue American Liberty.
But America didn’t stop there. We looked into the sky and kept pressing onward. We built a 6 million pound rocket, and launched it thousands of miles into space. We did it so that two brave patriots could stand tall and salute our wondrous American flag planted on the face of the Moon.
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For America, nothing is impossible.
Over the next four years, we will prove worthy of this magnificent legacy. We will reach stunning new heights. And we will show the world that, for America, no dream is beyond our reach.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-28--GOP Convention Speakers Attack Joe Biden For Fiery Protest That Took Place In Spain

A false `` taste of Biden 's America '' taken in Barcelona last year .
Two sisters who backed Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention used testimonial video to slam Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ― except the fiery protest they showed turned out to be from Spain .
The scene , part of a videotaped address by siblings Catalina and Madeleine Lauf that aired Monday during the convention , was recorded last year in Barcelona , Catalonia public broadcaster CCMA noted in a report that was verified by BuzzFeed .
Protests broke out in Barcelona after Spanish courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outlets traced the street scene to the protest in Barcelona .
The sisters , however , claimed the footage was a “ taste of Biden ’ s America.
” The image was , by far , the most dramatic of four scenes displayed .
The others included a peaceful march in Brooklyn , a car on fire in Chicago and something else on fire in New York City .
It was not known who set the fires .
Important conversations are happening now .
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Two sisters who backed Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention used testimonial video to slam Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ― except the fiery protest they showed turned out to be from Spain.
The scene, part of a videotaped address by siblings Catalina and Madeline Lauf that aired Monday during the convention, was recorded last year in Barcelona, Catalonia public broadcaster CCMA noted in a report that was verified by BuzzFeed. Protests broke out in Barcelona after Spanish courts sentenced Catalan separatists to prison; both media outlets traced the street scene to the protest in Barcelona.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-28--U.S. Detaining More Migrant Children In Hotels Despite Outcry

HOUSTON ( AP ) — The Trump administration has sharply increased its use of hotels to detain immigrant children as young as 1 before expelling them from the United States during the coronavirus pandemic despite facing outcry from lawmakers and human-rights advocates .
The Associated Press reported on the practice last month , with the Trump administration citing the threat of the virus in rapidly expelling those children and other migrants under an emergency declaration that denies them a chance to seek asylum .
Keeping kids in hotels circumvents federal anti-trafficking laws and a two-decade-old court settlement , and advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigrant from Haiti says government contractors at a hotel where he was detained gave his family , including his 1-year-old daughter , cups of ice to eat to pass temperature checks before their deportation flight , though they had tested negative for COVID-19 .
“ We were given them with only one instruction , to eat them to lower our temperature , ” Verty told the AP last week .
He ’ s being identified only by his last name because he fears retribution if he tries to come to the U.S. again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his house in Port-au-Prince , Haiti , on Aug. 25 , 2020 .
Verty says government contractors at a hotel where he was detained gave his family , including his daughter , cups of ice to eat to pass temperature checks prior to their deportation flight , even though they had tested negative for COVID-19 .
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement guidelines say no detainee with a temperature above 99 degrees ( 37 degrees Celsius ) can board a deportation flight — a way to protect against the spread of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement , the agency said it “ does not seek to alter an individual ’ s temperature through artificial cooling measures.
” The Trump administration has defended expelling more than 100,000 adults and children , saying the practice is necessary to protect border agents and stop the virus from spreading .
It has effectively shut down the asylum system during the pandemic , which opponents of President Donald Trump say is being used as a pretext to implement long-sought restrictions on immigration .
Instead , the Trump administration is holding children in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sometimes weeks , before expelling them .
At least 2,000 children who came to the U.S. without a parent have been sent back to their home countries , though officials haven ’ t updated the total since late June .
Immigration authorities say “ transportation specialists ” from the private contractor MVM Inc. care for children in hotels .
ICE has described them as “ non-law enforcement staff members trained to work with minors and to ensure that all aspects of the transport or stay are compliant.
” The agency declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The federal government compiled the new data as part of the Flores settlement agreement that governs the treatment of immigrant children in custody .
The report says children are being housed in more than 25 hotels , up from three last month .
In court filings , the Trump administration says children in hotels are given medical care and temperature checks every four hours .
Surfaces are sanitized and meals from local restaurants are served three times a day , plus snacks , the government says .
As first reported by ProPublica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detained in hotels only after they test negative for COVID-19 .
The AP interviewed two fathers from Haiti who were detained with their wives and infant children in July at the Hampton Inn & Suites in McAllen , Texas .
In addition to Verty , the AP is identifying the second father , Paul , only by his first name because he has a pending immigration case in the U.S .
Both said the hotel had good meals , showers and comfortable beds , unlike a border detention center where they were first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shower for days .
Their temperatures were checked throughout the day at the hotel , where many people appeared to be Haitian , they said .
But they weren ’ t allowed to leave their rooms .
The telephones were removed , and to call relatives , they had to ask the contractors supervising them .
Paul said a contractor stayed in his room at all hours , insisting that the family keep the bathroom door open anytime they went inside .
Both Paul and Verty had fled Haiti , the poorest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 and settled in Chile .
They decided in November 2019 to try to enter the U.S .
It took the families six months to traverse South and Central America , crossing often-deadly jungles and migration routes , before they arrived in July .

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HOUSTON (AP) — The Trump administration has sharply increased its use of hotels to detain immigrant children as young as 1 before expelling them from the United States during the coronavirus pandemic despite facing outcry from lawmakers and human-rights advocates.
Federal authorities said they detained 577 unaccompanied children in hotels through the end of July, up from 240 in April, May and June, according to a report published late Wednesday from a court-appointed monitor for detained immigrant youth.
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The Associated Press reported on the practice last month, with the Trump administration citing the threat of the virus in rapidly expelling those children and other migrants under an emergency declaration that denies them a chance to seek asylum. Keeping kids in hotels circumvents federal anti-trafficking laws and a two-decade-old court settlement, and advocates have warned of potential mistreatment.
Meanwhile, new allegations have emerged of efforts at the hotels to skirt health precautions.
An immigrant from Haiti says government contractors at a hotel where he was detained gave his family, including his 1-year-old daughter, cups of ice to eat to pass temperature checks before their deportation flight, though they had tested negative for COVID-19.
“We were given them with only one instruction, to eat them to lower our temperature,” Verty told the AP last week. He’s being identified only by his last name because he fears retribution if he tries to come to the U.S. again.
Verty holds up his 1-year-old daughter at his house in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Aug. 25, 2020. Verty says government contractors at a hotel where he was detained gave his family, including his daughter, cups of ice to eat to pass temperature checks prior to their deportation flight, even though they had tested negative for COVID-19. AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement guidelines say no detainee with a temperature above 99 degrees (37 degrees Celsius) can board a deportation flight — a way to protect against the spread of COVID-19, which often causes a fever. In a statement, the agency said it “does not seek to alter an individual’s temperature through artificial cooling measures.”
The Trump administration has defended expelling more than 100,000 adults and children, saying the practice is necessary to protect border agents and stop the virus from spreading. It has effectively shut down the asylum system during the pandemic, which opponents of President Donald Trump say is being used as a pretext to implement long-sought restrictions on immigration.
Most children who cross the border without permission are supposed to go to Health and Human Services shelters that are licensed by states, offer schooling and legal services, and eventually place children with family sponsors.
Instead, the Trump administration is holding children in hotels or Border Patrol facilities for days, sometimes weeks, before expelling them. At least 2,000 children who came to the U.S. without a parent have been sent back to their home countries, though officials haven’t updated the total since late June.
Immigration authorities say “transportation specialists” from the private contractor MVM Inc. care for children in hotels. ICE has described them as “non-law enforcement staff members trained to work with minors and to ensure that all aspects of the transport or stay are compliant.” The agency declined to say whether they undergo FBI background checks.
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The federal government compiled the new data as part of the Flores settlement agreement that governs the treatment of immigrant children in custody. The report says children are being housed in more than 25 hotels, up from three last month.
In court filings, the Trump administration says children in hotels are given medical care and temperature checks every four hours. Surfaces are sanitized and meals from local restaurants are served three times a day, plus snacks, the government says. As first reported by ProPublica, the government says it expels children detained in hotels only after they test negative for COVID-19.
The AP interviewed two fathers from Haiti who were detained with their wives and infant children in July at the Hampton Inn & Suites in McAllen, Texas. In addition to Verty, the AP is identifying the second father, Paul, only by his first name because he has a pending immigration case in the U.S.
Both said the hotel had good meals, showers and comfortable beds, unlike a border detention center where they were first held separately from their families and unable to shower for days. Their temperatures were checked throughout the day at the hotel, where many people appeared to be Haitian, they said.
But they weren’t allowed to leave their rooms. The telephones were removed, and to call relatives, they had to ask the contractors supervising them. Paul said a contractor stayed in his room at all hours, insisting that the family keep the bathroom door open anytime they went inside.
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Paul and his wife tested positive at the hotel for COVID-19, while Verty and his wife tested negative.
Verty says contractors repeatedly told them they were taking a flight to Florida to live with relatives and encouraged them to eat ice in case their temperatures were checked.
“I understood it was a deportation when I saw people arriving in handcuffs,” he said.
After the AP reported in July that three Hampton Inns had been used to detain children, advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers criticized the administration, with U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania tweeting, “This is child abuse.”
A Hampton Inn is shown Tuesday, July 21, 2020 in Phoenix. Documents obtained by The Associated Press show a private contractor hired by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is taking children to three Hampton Inns in Arizona and Texas under restrictive border policies implemented during the coronavirus pandemic. AP Photo/Matt York
The American Civil Liberties Union also sued on behalf of people detained at the McAllen hotel.
The U.S. government agreed not to expel 17 parents and children who were at the hotel on July 23, and Paul’s family was eventually released in the U.S.
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“We have now filed a class action to stop the policy wholesale, because the government’s policy of holding the children in secret in hotels and quickly expelling them made it impossible to find and represent each child individually,” ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt said.
Both Paul and Verty had fled Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, in 2016 and settled in Chile. They decided in November 2019 to try to enter the U.S. It took the families six months to traverse South and Central America, crossing often-deadly jungles and migration routes, before they arrived in July.
Advocates for Haitian immigrants say they face special mistreatment, with higher bonds and less likelihood of winning asylum.
“Racism, discrimination, and anti-Blackness is rooted in every system, including the immigration system,” said Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance.
While Paul and his family are in the U.S., his friend Verty is back in Haiti, facing irregular electricity and access to food.
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“We always talked about our plans together, how we were going to work hard for our families,” Paul said. “I still have faith that he’ll make it here some day. I don’t know how.”
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-28--Joe Biden Trolls Trump And Takes ‘Keep America Great’ Web Domain

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden unveiled a new campaign website on Thursday using a slogan long associated with President Donald Trump : KeepAmericaGreat.com .
Biden shared the site as the president was giving his formal acceptance speech to cap the Republican National Convention , during which Trump warned of an end to American exceptionalism should voters choose Biden and unseat him in November .
“ Trump isn ’ t looking for a second term — he ’ s looking for a do-over , ” the site reads .
“ Here ’ s how Trump ’ s record stacks up against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people.
” Donald Trump promised to be the greatest jobs president God ever created .
Instead , tens of millions of Americans are out of work and we 're facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression .
# PromisesBroken https : //t.co/JzjZu7KKRr — Joe Biden ( @ JoeBiden ) August 28 , 2020 The campaign goes on to list the Trump administration ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic , noting some 180,000 people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19 .
The website also targets what Biden calls the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and embrace of “ dictators and authoritarian strongman around the world ” while linking to Trump ’ s public statements on each issue .
“ And no , Mexico has not paid for the wall , ” it adds .
Trump defended his first term in office on Thursday , saying he had done “ nothing but fight for ” Americans , pointing to his efforts to build a wall along the southern border with Mexico and be the nation ’ s “ law and order ” president .
“ I did what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never forgive — breaking the cardinal rule of Washington politics — I kept my promise , ” he said from the White House grounds .
“ We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years , ” Trump said .
“ Biden ’ s record is a shameful roll call of the most catastrophic betrayals and blunders in our lifetime.
” It ’ s unclear if Biden ’ s campaign bought the website or if it was handed over by former Democratic candidate Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same domain name late last year .

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Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden unveiled a new campaign website on Thursday using a slogan long associated with President Donald Trump: KeepAmericaGreat.com.
Biden shared the site as the president was giving his formal acceptance speech to cap the Republican National Convention, during which Trump warned of an end to American exceptionalism should voters choose Biden and unseat him in November.
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Biden used the website to call out Trump’s “Promises Made, Promises Kept” slogan.
“Trump isn’t looking for a second term — he’s looking for a do-over,” the site reads. “Here’s how Trump’s record stacks up against the promises he made to the American people.”
Donald Trump promised to be the greatest jobs president God ever created.
Instead, tens of millions of Americans are out of work and we're facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. #PromisesBroken https://t.co/JzjZu7KKRr — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 28, 2020
The campaign goes on to list the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, noting some 180,000 people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19. The website also targets what Biden calls the president’s “cruel immigration policy” and embrace of “dictators and authoritarian strongmen around the world” while linking to Trump’s public statements on each issue.
“And no, Mexico has not paid for the wall,” it adds.
Trump defended his first term in office on Thursday, saying he had done “nothing but fight for” Americans, pointing to his efforts to build a wall along the southern border with Mexico and be the nation’s “law and order” president.
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“I did what our political establishment never expected and could never forgive — breaking the cardinal rule of Washington politics — I kept my promise,” he said from the White House grounds.
He went on to challenge Biden’s record in politics.
“We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years,” Trump said. “Biden’s record is a shameful roll call of the most catastrophic betrayals and blunders in our lifetime.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-28--Stephen Colbert Points Out The Biggest Flaw In Trump's New Line Of Attack On Biden

Stephen Colbert noticed a big flaw in the new message President Donald Trump is using against Democratic presidential nominee Joe @ @ @ @ @ , Trump accepted his party ’ s nomination during a Republican National Convention speech held @ @ @ @ @ in violation of both tradition and ethics regulations .
There , Trump claimed Biden was @ @ @ @ @ ’ s jobs ” and would be a “ destroyer of American greatness.
” But @ @ @ @ @ Biden as “ Sleepy Joe , ” with a campaign that ’ s used manipulated @ @ @ @ @ vice president was hiding in his basement .
“ Wow , ” said Colbert .
@ @ @ @ @ who doesn ’ t leave his basement , Biden is pretty productive.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ ‘ destroying American greatness ’ policy , but you have to admire Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Late Show ” host added .
See his full monologue below : Important conversations are @ @ @ @ @ voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

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Stephen Colbert noticed a big flaw in the new message President Donald Trump is using against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
On Thursday night, Trump accepted his party’s nomination during a Republican National Convention speech held at the White House, in violation of both tradition and ethics regulations. There, Trump claimed Biden was a “destroyer of America’s jobs” and would be a “destroyer of American greatness.”
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But Trump has also frequently dismissed Biden as “Sleepy Joe,” with a campaign that’s used manipulated images to claim the former vice president was hiding in his basement.
“Wow,” said Colbert. “For a sleepy guy who doesn’t leave his basement, Biden is pretty productive.”
“I may not agree with his ‘destroying American greatness’ policy, but you have to admire Biden’s hustle,” The “Late Show” host added.
See his full monologue below:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-28--Comic Jim Gaffigan Lights Up Twitter With Some Tough Talk For Trump Loyalists

Comic Jim Gaffigan launched into a different kind of routine on Thursday evening , using his Twitter account to not only criticize President Donald Trump , but to also call out those who still support him .
As Trump neared the end of his marathon acceptance speech during the Republican National Convention at the White House , Gaffigan was just getting warmed up : Then , for a little more than an hour , Gaffigan tore into the president and his loyalists , starting with this one : Look Trumpers I get it .
As a kid I was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by your team no matter what but he 's a traitor and a con man who does n't care about you .
Deep down you know it .
I 'm sure you enjoy pissing people off but you know Trump is a liar and a criminal .
— Jim Gaffigan ( @ JimGaffigan ) August 28 , 2020 Early on , Gaffigan responded to the inevitable “ stick to comedy ” types as well as those hoping to “ cancel ” him for sharing his views : By the way you ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay out of politics .
You know that time you did a job and did n't get paid ?
That 's trump and you know it .
— Jim Gaffigan ( @ JimGaffigan ) August 28 , 2020 to those of you who think Im destroying my career wake up .
if trump gets elected , the economy will never come back .
— Jim Gaffigan ( @ JimGaffigan ) August 28 , 2020 Gaffigan , who is known for having a largely clean act , dropped a few F-bombs into his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replies to angry supporters of the president .
One was aimed at former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz , who attacked Biden over his faith in an RNC speech this week , calling the former vice president “ Catholic in name only ” because he supports a woman ’ s right to choose .
Fuck Lou Holtz .
Biden is Catholic in name only ?
Compared to who ?
How many abortions did trump pay for ?
How many women has he raped ?
How many times did pull the shit he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's a crook and a con man .
— Jim Gaffigan ( @ JimGaffigan ) August 28 , 2020 “ No need to curse , tho , ” replied his wife Jeannie Gaffigan , who also serves as his co-writer and producer .
He wrapped up with a volley of tweets , including these : Remember everything Trump accuses the Democrats of he 's guilt of .
Dont let the socialist name calling distract you from the fact he is a fascist who has no belief in law .
— Jim Gaffigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 You know Trump just creates enemies .
You know you ca n't trust him .
You know he been incompetent during this crisis .
You know all those people did n't need to die .
Trump talks about the Space Program and you ca n't safely go to a movie .
Wake up — Jim Gaffigan ( @ JimGaffigan ) August 28 , 2020 Trump budding up with dictators is RADICAL .
Trump having interfering with the justice department is RADICAL .
Trump pandering to the police and army ( I gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Gaffigan ( @ JimGaffigan ) August 28 , 2020 I dont give a fuck if anyone thinks this is virtue signaling or whatever .
We need to wake up .
We need to call trump the con man and thief that he is .
— Jim Gaffigan ( @ JimGaffigan ) August 28 , 2020 Heading to bed but remember - If you want to sound crazy please tell me about THE DEEP STATE .
- To sound stupid please be against CANCEL CULTURE but then accuse anyone with an opinion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is meant to distract from the con of Don — Jim Gaffigan ( @ JimGaffigan ) August 28 , 2020 The tweetstorm caused his name to trend on Twitter as people took notice : y'all , Trump broke Jim Gaffigan .
You know it 's over when JIM GAFFIGAN IS CURSING .
I AM HERE FOR IT .
https : //t.co/5RjtDNUHEZ — Larissa Marantz Illustrator ( @ LarissaMarantz ) August 28 , 2020

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Comic Jim Gaffigan launched into a different kind of routine on Thursday evening, using his Twitter account to not only criticize President Donald Trump, but to also call out those who still support him.
As Trump neared the end of his marathon acceptance speech during the Republican National Convention at the White House, Gaffigan was just getting warmed up:
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excuse me while I treat myself to confronting some asshole trolls... — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
Then, for a little more than an hour, Gaffigan tore into the president and his loyalists, starting with this one:
Look Trumpers I get it. As a kid I was a cubs fan and I know you stick by your team no matter what but he's a traitor and a con man who doesn't care about you. Deep down you know it. I'm sure you enjoy pissing people off but you know Trump is a liar and a criminal. — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
Early on, Gaffigan responded to the inevitable “stick to comedy” types as well as those hoping to “cancel” him for sharing his views:
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By the way you can't be against Cancel Culture and tell people to stay out of politics. You know that time you did a job and didn't get paid? That's trump and you know it. — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
to those of you who think Im destroying my career wake up. if trump gets elected, the economy will never come back. — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
Gaffigan, who is known for having a largely clean act, dropped a few F-bombs into his takedown and a few more in his replies to angry supporters of the president. One was aimed at former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, who attacked Biden over his faith in an RNC speech this week, calling the former vice president “Catholic in name only” because he supports a woman’s right to choose.
Gaffigan, a Catholic himself, fired back:
Fuck Lou Holtz. Biden is Catholic in name only? Compared to who? How many abortions did trump pay for? How many women has he raped? How many times did pull the shit he did in Ukraine. Wake up. He's a crook and a con man. — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
“No need to curse, tho,” replied his wife Jeannie Gaffigan, who also serves as his co-writer and producer.
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“Okay fine,” Gaffigan wrote back.
He wrapped up with a volley of tweets, including these:
Remember everything Trump accuses the Democrats of he's guilt of. Dont let the socialist name calling distract you from the fact he is a fascist who has no belief in law. — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
You know Trump just creates enemies. You know you can't trust him. You know he been incompetent during this crisis. You know all those people didn't need to die. Trump talks about the Space Program and you can't safely go to a movie. Wake up — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
Trump budding up with dictators is RADICAL. Trump having interfering with the justice department is RADICAL. Trump pandering to the police and army (I gave 3 raises) is RADICAL. — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
I dont give a fuck if anyone thinks this is virtue signaling or whatever. We need to wake up. We need to call trump the con man and thief that he is. — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
Heading to bed but remember
- If you want to sound crazy please tell me about THE DEEP STATE.
- To sound stupid please be against CANCEL CULTURE but then accuse anyone with an opinion of Virtue signaling.
- Trump Derangement Syndrome is meant to distract from the con of Don — Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
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The tweetstorm caused his name to trend on Twitter as people took notice:
hope y’all are happy you broke Jim Gaffigan pic.twitter.com/oOC2Qm87Ti — Alice Hamilton (@AliceRHamilton) August 28, 2020
Wow. The president made Jim Gaffigan, the chilliest dude, snap completely. — roxane gay (@rgay) August 28, 2020
The night I became a huge Jim Gaffigan fan. https://t.co/t7cH9O8vah — Christopher Moore (@TheAuthorGuy) August 28, 2020
Imagine the pressure building inside Jim Gaffigan for years. — Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) August 28, 2020
When Jim Gaffigan of Hot Pocket fame loses his shit over Trump's nonsense, Trump has lost America. — Contented Independent (@ContentedIndie) August 28, 2020
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2020 made Jim Gaffigan use the F word. When will this maddness end pic.twitter.com/iif5SYad62 — Lost in Tweets (@dellakwal) August 28, 2020
y'all, Trump broke Jim Gaffigan.
You know it's over when JIM GAFFIGAN IS CURSING.
I AM HERE
FOR
IT. https://t.co/5RjtDNUHEZ — Larissa Marantz Illustrator (@LarissaMarantz) August 28, 2020
Ok, they made Jim Gaffigan swear. What else do you need? https://t.co/sxPMMNfe3f — Don Moynihan (@donmoyn) August 28, 2020
"So, Craig, what will you remember most about Donald Trump's #RepublicanNationalConvention speech?"
Jim Gaffigan telling Karen to f*ck off. — Craig Rozniecki (@CraigRozniecki) August 28, 2020
Kinda scared and kinda excited...
Jim Gaffigan on Twitter right now: pic.twitter.com/QEiTRgA1xa — WhitneyAsante (@WhitneyAsante) August 28, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-27--Widow Of Ex-Cop Killed During Riot Backs Trump At RNC Despite Family’s Objection

Ann Dorn ’ s speech will likely be remembered as one of the most poignant and moving moments of this week ’ s Republican National Convention .
She spoke on Thursday night of the death of her husband David Dorn , a retired police captain who was fatally shot in June as anti-racism protests turned violent on the streets of St. Louis .
Dorn expressed support for President Donald Trump and his intensifying law-and-order message — a theme repeated often by speakers at the RNC .
Dorn , an officer with the St. Louis Police Department , said Trump “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , not fewer.
” But her Trump endorsement contradicts the wishes of David Dorn ’ s daughters , who ’ d earlier expressed opposition to her decision to speak at the RNC and had urged her to “ not politicize our father ’ s death for Trump ’ s agenda.
” Though his “ passion for law enforcement ran deep ... he also was a man , a Black man , and he knew some not so good things come out of police departments .
He tried to make a difference as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was part of a system with systematic racism , ” daughter Lisa Dorn said .
Her father , she added , “ did not agree with many policies and actions of this president that are aimed at disenfranchising many Black and Brown people .
He thought Trump is doing many things to ruin our country.
” David Dorn , who served for 38 years on the St. Louis police force before retiring in 2007 , was killed on June 2 while trying to protect his friend ’ s pawn shop .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera and posted on Facebook Live — occurred on a night of violence in St. Louis as protests erupted there and in cities across the U.S. over the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd , a Black man who died as a white police officer knelt on his neck .
Four St. Louis officers were shot that night and dozens of businesses were burglarized or damaged , AP reported .
Two men were later charged with his murder and three others were arrested on burglary counts in connection with the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ Violence and destruction are not legitimate forms of protest .
They do not safeguard Black lives .
They destroy them.
” Trump , she said , “ understands this and has offered federal help to restore order in our communities .
In a time when police departments are short on resources and manpower , we need that help .
We should accept that help .
We must heal before we can effect change , but we can not heal amid devastation and chaos.
” Later on Thursday , as Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second White House term , he acknowledged David Dorn and his wife .
Ann Dorn , Trump noted , was in the large crowd on the White House ’ s South Lawn accompanied by two other family members .
David Dorn ’ s daughters were not in attendance .

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Ann Dorn’s speech will likely be remembered as one of the most poignant and moving moments of this week’s Republican National Convention. She spoke on Thursday night of the death of her husband David Dorn, a retired police captain who was fatally shot in June as anti-racism protests turned violent on the streets of St. Louis.
Dorn expressed support for President Donald Trump and his intensifying law-and-order message — a theme repeated often by speakers at the RNC. Dorn, an officer with the St. Louis Police Department, said Trump “knows we need more Davids in our communities, not fewer.”
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But her Trump endorsement contradicts the wishes of David Dorn’s daughters, who’d earlier expressed opposition to her decision to speak at the RNC and had urged her to “not politicize our father’s death for Trump’s agenda.”
David Dorn, who was Black, was a registered Democrat and not a Trump supporter, his daughters told The St. Louis American.
Though his “passion for law enforcement ran deep ... he also was a man, a Black man, and he knew some not so good things come out of police departments. He tried to make a difference as much as he could, but he was part of a system with systematic racism,” daughter Lisa Dorn said.
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Her father, she added, “did not agree with many policies and actions of this president that are aimed at disenfranchising many Black and Brown people. He thought Trump is doing many things to ruin our country.”
David Dorn’s daughters oppose father’s widow speaking at RNC https://t.co/JE4CqZ4GhW pic.twitter.com/4KwNta4IES — St. Louis American (@StLouisAmerican) August 27, 2020
David Dorn, who served for 38 years on the St. Louis police force before retiring in 2007, was killed on June 2 while trying to protect his friend’s pawn shop. He was 77.
His death ― captured on camera and posted on Facebook Live — occurred on a night of violence in St. Louis as protests erupted there and in cities across the U.S. over the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, a Black man who died as a white police officer knelt on his neck. Four St. Louis officers were shot that night and dozens of businesses were burglarized or damaged, AP reported.
Two men were later charged with his murder and three others were arrested on burglary counts in connection with the case.
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Ann Dorn in her convention speech said, “Violence and destruction are not legitimate forms of protest. They do not safeguard Black lives. They destroy them.”
Trump, she said, “understands this and has offered federal help to restore order in our communities. In a time when police departments are short on resources and manpower, we need that help. We should accept that help. We must heal before we can effect change, but we cannot heal amid devastation and chaos.”
Later on Thursday, as Trump accepted his party’s nomination for a second White House term, he acknowledged David Dorn and his wife.
Ann Dorn, Trump noted, was in the large crowd on the White House’s South Lawn accompanied by two other family members. David Dorn’s daughters were not in attendance.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-27--6 Dead As Hurricane Laura Carves Destructive Path Through Louisiana

LAKE CHARLES , La .
( AP ) — One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S. , Laura barreled across Louisiana on Thursday , shearing off roofs and killing at least six people while carving a destructive path hundreds of miles inland .
A full assessment of the damage wrought by the Category 4 system was likely to take days , and the threat of additional damage loomed as new tornado warnings were issued after dark in Arkansas and Mississippi even as the storm weakened into a depression .
He called Laura the most powerful hurricane to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Katrina , which was a Category 3 storm when it hit in 2005 .
The storm toppled trees and damaged structures as far north as central Arkansas .
Laura ’ s top wind speed of 150 mph ( 241 kph ) put it among the strongest systems on record in the U.S. Not until 11 hours after landfall did Laura finally lose hurricane status as it plowed north and thrashed Arkansas , and even by Thursday evening , it remained a tropical storm with winds of 40 mph ( 65 kph ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clobbered Lake Charles , an industrial and casino city of 80,000 people .
On Broad Street , many buildings had partially collapsed .
Windows were blown out , awnings ripped away and trees split in eerily misshapen ways .
Police spotted a floating casino that came unmoored and hit a bridge .
At the local airport , planes were overturned , some on top of each other .
Part of a transmission tower toppled into the emptied-out studios of KPLC-TV , whose staff evacuated hours before landfall to broadcast from other locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went through here .
It ’ s just destruction everywhere , ” said Brett Geymann , who rode out the storm with three family members in Moss Bluff , near Lake Charles .
He described Laura passing over his house with the roar of a jet engine around 2 a.m. Chevellce Dunn considered herself among the fortunate after a night spent huddling on a sofa with her son , daughter and four nieces and nephews as winds rocked their home in Orange , Texas .
Left without power in sweltering heat , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be restored .
More than 580,000 coastal residents evacuated under the shadow of a coronavirus pandemic and calls for masks and social distancing to combat its spread .
It was the largest evacuation order since the pandemic began and many people followed it , filling hotels and sleeping in cars .
Although not everyone fled from the coast , officials credited those who did leave for minimizing the loss of life .
Forecasters had warned that the storm surge of 15 to 20 feet would be “ unsurvivable ” and could push 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge wound up in the range of 9 feet to 12 feet — still bad , but far from the worst forecast .
He was hopeful damaged homes could quickly be made habitable .
The priority , Edwards said , was search and rescue , followed by efforts to find hotel or motel rooms for those unable to stay in their homes .
Officials in Texas and Louisiana have both sought to avoid traditional mass shelters for evacuees over fears of spreading COVID-19 , and Edwards was concerned that the storm would inhibit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening .
Bucky Millet , 78 , of Lake Arthur , Louisiana , considered evacuating but decided to ride out the storm with family due to concerns about the coronavirus .
He said a small tornado blew the cover off the bed of his pickup and made him think the roof on his house was next .
The force of Laura ’ s winds blew out every window of the living room in the Lake Charles house where Bethany Agosto survived the storm with her sister and two others .
They fled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its worst .
“ It was like a jigsaw puzzle in this closet .
We were on top of each other , just holding each other and crying , ” Agosto said .

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S., Laura barreled across Louisiana on Thursday, shearing off roofs and killing at least six people while carving a destructive path hundreds of miles inland.
A full assessment of the damage wrought by the Category 4 system was likely to take days, and the threat of additional damage loomed as new tornado warnings were issued after dark in Arkansas and Mississippi even as the storm weakened into a depression.
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But despite a trail of demolished buildings, entire neighborhoods left in ruins and almost 900,000 homes and businesses without power, a sense of relief prevailed that Laura was not the annihilating menace forecasters had feared.
“It is clear that we did not sustain and suffer the absolute, catastrophic damage that we thought was likely,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “But we have sustained a tremendous amount of damage.”
He called Laura the most powerful hurricane to strike Louisiana, meaning it surpassed even Katrina, which was a Category 3 storm when it hit in 2005. The storm toppled trees and damaged structures as far north as central Arkansas.
An airplane hanger was destroyed on Thursday after Hurricane Laura blew through the area near Lake Charles, La. AP Photo/David J. Phillip
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Laura’s top wind speed of 150 mph (241 kph) put it among the strongest systems on record in the U.S. Not until 11 hours after landfall did Laura finally lose hurricane status as it plowed north and thrashed Arkansas, and even by Thursday evening, it remained a tropical storm with winds of 40 mph (65 kph).
The storm crashed ashore in low-lying Louisiana and clobbered Lake Charles, an industrial and casino city of 80,000 people. On Broad Street, many buildings had partially collapsed. Windows were blown out, awnings ripped away and trees split in eerily misshapen ways. Police spotted a floating casino that came unmoored and hit a bridge. At the local airport, planes were overturned, some on top of each other. Part of a transmission tower toppled into the emptied-out studios of KPLC-TV, whose staff evacuated hours before landfall to broadcast from other locations.
In front of the courthouse was a Confederate statue that local officials had voted to keep in place just days earlier. After Laura, it was toppled.
“It looks like 1,000 tornadoes went through here. It’s just destruction everywhere,” said Brett Geymann, who rode out the storm with three family members in Moss Bluff, near Lake Charles. He described Laura passing over his house with the roar of a jet engine around 2 a.m.
“There are houses that are totally gone. They were there yesterday, but now gone,” he said.
The Category 4 storm left hundreds of thousands without power. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chevellce Dunn considered herself among the fortunate after a night spent huddling on a sofa with her son, daughter and four nieces and nephews as winds rocked their home in Orange, Texas. Left without power in sweltering heat, she didn’t know when electricity might be restored.
“It ain’t going to be easy. As long as my kids are fine, I’m fine,” Dunn said.
President Donald Trump planned to visit the Gulf Coast this weekend to tour the damage.
More than 580,000 coastal residents evacuated under the shadow of a coronavirus pandemic and calls for masks and social distancing to combat its spread. It was the largest evacuation order since the pandemic began and many people followed it, filling hotels and sleeping in cars. Although not everyone fled from the coast, officials credited those who did leave for minimizing the loss of life.
Forecasters had warned that the storm surge of 15 to 20 feet would be “unsurvivable” and could push 40 miles inland. Edwards said the storm surge wound up in the range of 9 feet to 12 feet — still bad, but far from the worst forecast. He was hopeful damaged homes could quickly be made habitable.
The priority, Edwards said, was search and rescue, followed by efforts to find hotel or motel rooms for those unable to stay in their homes. Officials in Texas and Louisiana have both sought to avoid traditional mass shelters for evacuees over fears of spreading COVID-19, and Edwards was concerned that the storm would inhibit coronavirus testing as schools and universities are reopening.
Benjamin Luna helps recover items from the children's wing of the First Pentecostal Church that was destroyed by Hurricane Laura on Thursday. AP Photo/Eric Gay
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Bucky Millet, 78, of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, considered evacuating but decided to ride out the storm with family due to concerns about the coronavirus. He said a small tornado blew the cover off the bed of his pickup and made him think the roof on his house was next.
“You’d hear a crack and a boom and everything shaking,” he said.
The force of Laura’s winds blew out every window of the living room in the Lake Charles house where Bethany Agosto survived the storm with her sister and two others. They fled to a closet when the hurricane was at its worst.
“It was like a jigsaw puzzle in this closet. We were on top of each other, just holding each other and crying,” Agosto said.
The storm was so powerful that it could regain strength after turning east and reaching the Atlantic Ocean, potentially threatening the densely populated Northeast.
Buildings and homes in Cameron, Louisiana were flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura on Thursday. AP Photo/David J. Phillip
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Laura hit the U.S. after killing nearly two dozen people on the island of Hispaniola, including 20 in Haiti and three in the Dominican Republic, where it knocked out power and caused intense flooding.
It was the seventh named storm to strike the U.S. this year, setting a new record for U.S. landfalls by the end of August. The old record was six in 1886 and 1916, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.
Laura was tied with five other storms for fifth most powerful U.S. hurricane, behind the 1935’s Labor Day storm, 1969’s Camille, 1992’s Andrew and 2004’s Charley, Klotzbach said.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-28--GOP Senator Now Sorry For Not Wearing A Face Mask At Trump's RNC White House Speech

GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said Friday that he “ fell short ” of his own standards by not wearing a mask at President Donald Trump ’ s White House speech on the last night of the Republican National Convention .
Ditching the mask was particularly awkward for Tillis , who has repeatedly urged his constituents to wear face masks to help stem the spread of COVID-19 .
Tillis was photographed without a mask in the middle of the packed crowd and had a bad case of morning-after regrets .
“ I ’ ve stressed the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead by example on this issue , but last night I fell short of my own standard , ” said Tillis , who ’ s battling for reelection this year , in a statement .
Some 1,500 spectators — almost all of them without masks — sat shoulder-to-shoulder on the White House South Lawn to hear Trump Thursday night .
MSNBC “ Morning Joe ” co-host Joe Scarborough blasted the event as a reckless “ super spreader ” scenario and the “ Woodstock of germs.
” “ It ’ s all very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
( Check out the video above . )
Four people who attended the first night of the GOP convention in Charlotte , North Carolina , have aleady tested positive for COVID-19 .
Spectators at Trump ’ s speech told The Washington Post that they weren ’ t even checked for or asked about COVID-19 symptoms — including coughing — before they were allowed to enter the grounds .
Trump , who was not seen wearing a mask or following social distance guidelines , insisted early this month that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask before he stopped wearing one on a regular basis .
Tillis posted a photo of himself wearing a face mask before Trump ’ s speech — but was later captured on camera in the crowd without one .
I am honored to be in Washington for President @ realDonaldTrump 's acceptance speech for the @ GOP nomination , where he will share with America our continued vision of freedom , prosperity , and opportunity to live the American Dream .
# RNC2020 pic.twitter.com/7wUptHJrL3 — Thom Tillis ( @ ThomTillis ) August 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the difference between him and Cunningham is that he “ can accept responsibility for my actions ” — apparently as opposed to acting responsibly .
Cunningham fired back in a tweet : “ Sen .
Thom Tillis criticized folks for not wearing masks until Washington Republicans were the culprits .
His attendance last night shows North Carolinians that the rules don ’ t apply to his colleagues in Washington — and that his talk about fighting this pandemic is just that : talk .
”

GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said Friday that he “fell short” of his own standards by not wearing a mask at President Donald Trump’s White House speech on the last night of the Republican National Convention.
Ditching the mask was particularly awkward for Tillis, who has repeatedly urged his constituents to wear face masks to help stem the spread of COVID-19.
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Tillis was photographed without a mask in the middle of the packed crowd and had a bad case of morning-after regrets.
“I’ve stressed the importance of mask-wearing throughout this pandemic and have tried to lead by example on this issue, but last night I fell short of my own standard,” said Tillis, who’s battling for reelection this year, in a statement.
Some 1,500 spectators — almost all of them without masks — sat shoulder-to-shoulder on the White House South Lawn to hear Trump Thursday night. MSNBC “Morning Joe” co-host Joe Scarborough blasted the event as a reckless “super spreader” scenario and the “Woodstock of germs.” “It’s all very cool if you like coronavirus,” he added. (Check out the video above.)
Four people who attended the first night of the GOP convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, have already tested positive for COVID-19.
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Spectators at Trump’s speech told The Washington Post that they weren’t even checked for or asked about COVID-19 symptoms — including coughing — before they were allowed to enter the grounds. Trump, who was not seen wearing a mask or following social distance guidelines, insisted early this month that it’s “patriotic” to wear a mask before he stopped wearing one on a regular basis.
Tillis posted a photo of himself wearing a face mask before Trump’s speech — but was later captured on camera in the crowd without one.
I am honored to be in Washington for President @realDonaldTrump's acceptance speech for the @GOP nomination, where he will share with America our continued vision of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity to live the American Dream. #RNC2020 pic.twitter.com/7wUptHJrL3 — Thom Tillis (@ThomTillis) August 28, 2020
Senator Thom Tillis is seen in this CNN screengrab not wearing a mask during President Donald Trump's speech last night. He tweeted a photo wearing a mask before the event started. #ncpol #ncsen https://t.co/eHETiwOYQy pic.twitter.com/KscEkdjxRA — Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) August 28, 2020
Tillis is in an extremely tight race against Democratic Senate candidate and veteran Cal Cunningham.
Tillis insisted in his statement that the difference between him and Cunningham is that he “can accept responsibility for my actions” — apparently as opposed to acting responsibly.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-28--FDA Advisers Abruptly Removed Amid COVID-19 Communications Mess: Reports

Two public relations advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been ousted after the agency came under fire for overstating the efficacy of blood plasma as a COVID-19 treatment , multiple news outlets reported Friday .
The news comes a day after President Donald Trump repeated the FDA ’ s misleading claims during the Republican National Convention , boasting that plasma from people who have recovered from the coronavirus “ will save thousands and thousands of lives.
” “ Effectively immediately , Emily Miller will no longer serve the FDA as the assistant commissioner for media affairs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the agency , ” FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn wrote in an email to staff obtained by Politico .
“ I will appoint someone to an acting role in that position in the interim.
” Miller , who previously worked at the far-right outlet One America News and on the reelection campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-Texas ) , tweeted Trump ’ s erroneous remarks about plasma during his RNC speech on Thursday .
Yet days earlier , after announcing that the FDA was authorizing wider use of convalescent plasma therapy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a far more effective coronavirus treatment than the study actually suggested , Hahn was forced to apologize for his remarks .
“ The criticism is entirely justified , ” Hahn tweeted on Monday after scientists blasted him for grossly overstating how many deaths the plasma treatment could be expected to prevent .
“ What I should have said better is that the data show a relative risk reduction not an absolute risk reduction , ” he continued .
While plasma , the fluid left over when red and white blood cells are removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be a promising element in the development of COVID-19 treatments , the data simply isn ’ t there yet for the FDA to make such bold claims , critics said .
But Trump had already run with the FDA ’ s messaging , declaring last weekend that the emergency authorization of plasma treatment was “ a truly historic announcement in our battle against the China virus that will save countless lives.
” The other person let go is Wayne Pines , a public relations consultant who had in fact advised Hahn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plasma treatment .
“ I did recommend that he correct the record , ” Pines told The New York Times .
“ If a federal official doesn ’ t say something right , and chooses to clarify and say that the criticism is justified , that ’ s refreshing.
” Pines said he wasn ’ t told why his contract was severed by the Department of Health and Human Services , but the HHS chief of staff told the Times that it had nothing to do with the plasma fiasco and was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donated for medical purposes , has been used in helping people recover from various viruses .
Once a patient recovers from a viral disease , their plasma may carry antibodies that can attack that pathogen .
When administered to other people battling the same virus , the plasma may improve their chances of recovery or reduce the severity of their illness .
As he ’ s now doing with plasma , Trump has repeatedly overstated the potency of various coronavirus treatments .
Despite the lack of evidence , he ’ s touted hydroxychloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cure for months and even said he ’ d taken it himself .
Doctors , however , warn that using hydroxychloroquine inappropriately could have dangerous results .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Two public relations advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been ousted after the agency came under fire for overstating the efficacy of blood plasma as a COVID-19 treatment, multiple news outlets reported Friday.
The news comes a day after President Donald Trump repeated the FDA’s misleading claims during the Republican National Convention, boasting that plasma from people who have recovered from the coronavirus “will save thousands and thousands of lives.”
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One of those removed is the FDA’s chief spokesperson, Emily Miller, who started in the job just 11 days ago.
“Effectively immediately, Emily Miller will no longer serve the FDA as the assistant commissioner for media affairs and will no longer be the official spokesperson for the agency,” FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn wrote in an email to staff obtained by Politico. “I will appoint someone to an acting role in that position in the interim.”
Miller, who previously worked at the far-right outlet One America News and on the reelection campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), tweeted Trump’s erroneous remarks about plasma during his RNC speech on Thursday.
Yet days earlier, after announcing that the FDA was authorizing wider use of convalescent plasma therapy and sharing false data indicating it to be a far more effective coronavirus treatment than the study actually suggested, Hahn was forced to apologize for his remarks.
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“The criticism is entirely justified,” Hahn tweeted on Monday after scientists blasted him for grossly overstating how many deaths the plasma treatment could be expected to prevent. “What I should have said better is that the data show a relative risk reduction not an absolute risk reduction,” he continued.
While plasma, the fluid left over when red and white blood cells are removed from a donor’s blood, may be a promising element in the development of COVID-19 treatments, the data simply isn’t there yet for the FDA to make such bold claims, critics said.
But Trump had already run with the FDA’s messaging, declaring last weekend that the emergency authorization of plasma treatment was “a truly historic announcement in our battle against the China virus that will save countless lives.”
Miller was one of the people who prepped Hahn on his misleading remarks, CNN reported.
The other person let go is Wayne Pines, a public relations consultant who had in fact advised Hahn to correct his comments overstating the data on plasma treatment.
“I did recommend that he correct the record,” Pines told The New York Times. “If a federal official doesn’t say something right, and chooses to clarify and say that the criticism is justified, that’s refreshing.”
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Pines said he wasn’t told why his contract was severed by the Department of Health and Human Services, but the HHS chief of staff told the Times that it had nothing to do with the plasma fiasco and was “100 percent coincidence.”
Convalescent plasma, donated for medical purposes, has been used in helping people recover from various viruses. Once a patient recovers from a viral disease, their plasma may carry antibodies that can attack that pathogen. When administered to other people battling the same virus, the plasma may improve their chances of recovery or reduce the severity of their illness.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-28--Warsaw Zoo Studying Whether Hemp Oil Reduces Stress In Elephants

WARSAW , Poland ( AP ) — Scientists at Warsaw ’ s zoo have been taking blood , saliva and other samples from the zoo ’ s three elephants in recent days to prepare to test whether giving them hemp oil can reduce their stress .
Dr. Agnieszka Czujkowska , a zoo veterinarian , said hemp oil , also known as CBD , or cannabidiol oil , has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in other animals , including horses and dogs .
The zoo ’ s experts thought it made sense to see if could also help their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polar bears .
They decided , however , to start their tests on their three African elephants , who have undergone a period of stress following the death in March of a fellow older female , Erna .
“ Basically stress is everywhere and we don ’ t know what ’ s going to happen in the future , ” she said .
“ Maybe one of the elephants will be pregnant , maybe there will be some kind of injury sometimes .
They can break a tusk — it happens .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
While the study has drawn sensationalist headlines , Czujkowska explained that hemp oil is not a drug and is different from marijuana because it does not contain THC , the main psychoactive compound in cannabis .
If the study works as hoped , the oil will merely “ calm them down a little bit , ” and have anti-inflammatory and other benefits , she told The Associated Press on Friday as the animals ate large branches behind her .
“ It will work in different ways but it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ Hemp oil is not a drug.
” She and zookeepers brought the sole male elephant , Leon , into a pen Friday and from outside a protective cage they reached in to draw blood and take saliva samples .
He obeyed his keepers as they ordered him to raise his trunk so they could take saliva swabs .
Among other things , the scientists are measuring the elephants ’ levels of cortisol , the stress hormone .
If all goes as planned , they will be able to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks but it ’ s expected to take up to two years to get results from the study , Czujkowska said .
The 23-year-old Fryderyka , also known as Fredzia , has long tried to control the other female , Buba , also 23 , but was kept in check to some degree by Erna , who helped to resolve conflicts .
Fredzia “ is stressed because she is the boss of the herd .
It ’ s like having a boss , 10 employees and suddenly eight are laid off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Patryk Pyciński , a mammal expert at the zoo who is involved in the elephant study .
He said the zoo ’ s scientists hope that reducing stress levels will also allow Fredzia to conceive .
He said if she has her own own offspring to guide , it could reducing her impulse to dominate Buba and reduce tensions in the group .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Scientists at Warsaw’s zoo have been taking blood, saliva and other samples from the zoo’s three elephants in recent days to prepare to test whether giving them hemp oil can reduce their stress.
Dr. Agnieszka Czujkowska, a zoo veterinarian, said hemp oil, also known as CBD, or cannabidiol oil, has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in other animals, including horses and dogs.
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The zoo’s experts thought it made sense to see if could also help their animals, including giraffes, rhinos and polar bears. They decided, however, to start their tests on their three African elephants, who have undergone a period of stress following the death in March of a fellow older female, Erna.
“Basically stress is everywhere and we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future,” she said. “Maybe one of the elephants will be pregnant, maybe there will be some kind of injury sometimes. They can break a tusk — it happens. They can get sick for no reason,” she said.
“We want to have something that will let them smoothly go through this period.”
While the study has drawn sensationalist headlines, Czujkowska explained that hemp oil is not a drug and is different from marijuana because it does not contain THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
If the study works as hoped, the oil will merely “calm them down a little bit,” and have anti-inflammatory and other benefits, she told The Associated Press on Friday as the animals ate large branches behind her.
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“It will work in different ways but it will not give them any high,” she said. “Hemp oil is not a drug.”
“We would never apply anything that is dangerous to animals,” she added.
She and zookeepers brought the sole male elephant, Leon, into a pen Friday and from outside a protective cage they reached in to draw blood and take saliva samples. He obeyed his keepers as they ordered him to raise his trunk so they could take saliva swabs.
Some 300 samples — of blood, saliva, urine and feces — have been taken over the past week in preparation.
Among other things, the scientists are measuring the elephants’ levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. If all goes as planned, they will be able to start administering drops of hemp oil in a few weeks but it’s expected to take up to two years to get results from the study, Czujkowska said.
After Erna’s death, the remaining two females have struggled to establish a hierarchy.
The 23-year-old Fryderyka, also known as Fredzia, has long tried to control the other female, Buba, also 23, but was kept in check to some degree by Erna, who helped to resolve conflicts.
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Since Erna’s death, Fredzia in particular has shown greater levels of stress as she tries to control Buba’s eating and other behaviors.
Fredzia “is stressed because she is the boss of the herd. It’s like having a boss, 10 employees and suddenly eight are laid off, and this boss has nothing to do,” said Patryk Pyciński, a mammal expert at the zoo who is involved in the elephant study.