wnd--2020-10-21--ACB: Judicial Joan of Arc survives Senate inquisition

Joan of Arc – a martyr and saint who acted under divine guidance – led the French army to victory over the English during the Hundred Years ' War ( 1337-1453 ) .
During that time , the Inquisition was in full throttle in Europe as the clergy sought to eliminate heretics .
Unfortunately , Joan of Arc was caught up in the heretical persecutions , leading to her being burned at the stake in 1431 , at age 19 .
As we have seen , conservative justices President Donald Trump has nominated to the Supreme Court of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a modern-day inquisition by the Senate .
This was the case for Amy Coney Barrett ( ACB ) despite the fact she was eminently qualified .
While her inquisition lacked the violence and torture of days of old , it did not hold back the tortuous line of questioning Democrats pursued .
Just like inquisitoners resented Joan of Arc 's steadfast faith , modern-day inquisitioners like Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , hold a deep-seeded resentment toward ACB ( `` the dogma lives loudly in you '' ) for hers .
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answers for which , it was hoped , a line of criticism would open up to derail the nomination .
But , as one blogger suggested , the mother of seven kids , ACB was used to answering stupid questions .
One observer commented , ACB provided a `` knock it out of the park performance … she was poised .
She was very patient . ''
It is no wonder the latest poll shows 51 % of Americans favor her approval and only 28 % are opposed .
Sen. Chuck Schumer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nov. 3 presidential election select the nominee , ignores the will of the people , already having made an unsuccessful effort to shut down the Senate to stop a vote on Barrett .
In 1431 , a humble Joan of Arc was on public trial , which went private after her sharp responses got the better of her accusers .
Similarly , a humble ACB 's cool and calm demeanor left her frustrated inquisitors undoubtedly wishing they could have taken her hearing private .
It was entertaining to watch ACB joust .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to the law of the land , she fended off numerous attempts – some clearly obvious , others less so – to get her to violate her ethical responsibility not to expose her opinions on issues that might come up before the high court in the future and as established by a 1993 Democratic precedent known as the `` Ginsburg Rule . ''
Her inquisitioners came to the hearings armed with thick notebooks of questions to ask ; ACB came armed with but a sharp mind .
As would be expected of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a SCOTUS nomination , trying to score points with incorrect interpretations of the law , ACB stopped them cold , explaining actual case law .
With the patience of Job , she fielded question after question , often repeating previous answers as senators foraged for a `` gotcha '' moment .
None was forthcoming .
Even anti-Trump CNN acknowledged ACB was well-qualified .
ACB 's intelligence , wit and patience had disarmed her Democratic jousters .
Confronting a nominee who was an ideological opposite of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg left Democrats worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what was expected of her – not legislating law but interpreting the Constitution as written .
However , due to the current political climate , this raised concerns over some issues .
TRENDING : Joy Behar tries to dox Trump fan on national television One issue Democrats knew they could not take head on with ACB was her faith , since the Constitution protects a nominee for office from being asked about it .
But that did not preclude critics from touching indirectly on the subject of ACB 's staunch Catholic beliefs by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked .
The obvious concern was the influence her faith might play in overturning Roe v. Wade , prioritizing a woman 's right of abortion over a human fetus ' right to survive .
Another issue was the influence a Trump SCOTUS nominee , confirmed just before the election , could wield if a ruling on a disputed outcome of the Nov. 3 presidential election arose .
ACB 's critics , lacking ammunition to go after her based on her qualifications , therefore sought to direct their fire against her on whatever charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or inappropriate .
This line of attack sank to the lowest levels , criticizing her : attire during the hearing as inappropriate ; mask as handmaidenly ; being a `` white colonist '' for adding two black children from Haiti to her family of five white children to defend against claims of racism ; refusal to answer questions on potential future SCOTUS cases according to the media , which praised prior hearings where liberal justices did the same thing ; use of the words `` sexual preference '' when Democrats have recently used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` handmaid '' with a `` clown car vagina '' – whatever that is supposed to mean .
Two female anti-ACB dimwits harassed Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , at the airport , outrageously claiming ACB was racist , despite being the mother of two black children .
It is clear , assuming ACB wins Senate approval in the days ahead , the first issue with which she may have to deal , based upon existing legal precedent and should disputed presidential election results mandate a SCOTUS decision , is whether her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid answering the question during her hearing , if it does arise , the 2009 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Caperton v. A. T. Massey Coal Co. , decided by a 5-4 vote , might well require such recusal .
Without getting wrapped up in the facts of that case , the decision was that judges must recuse themselves when actual bias is demonstrated , or when they have an economic interest in the outcome or when `` extreme facts '' create a `` probability of bias . ''
The majority opinion noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a judge is not actually biased as long as there is a `` serious risk of actual bias , '' citing `` psychological tendencies and human weakness . ''
Undoubtedly , ACB detractors would argue ACB can not possibly separate herself from such bias .
Interestingly , the minority opinion claimed the majority would come to regret its new test due to lacking clarity on whether bias was exclusively financial , as in Caperton , or included more general interests .
The standard would not be whether a judge personally believed fairness was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impartiality was inescapable .
Judge Antonin Scalia criticized the majority decision , with the qualification recusal should sometimes be required `` even where the clear commands '' of the Constitution do not require it .
As ACB only clerked for Scalia until 1999 , she had no involvement in the case .
However , as Scalia was her mentor , it is likely she would opt for recusal if such a decision became necessary .
A vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance ACB 's nomination for Senate approval is scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken by Democrats to delay a Senate vote , such as refusing to provide a quorum .
Joan of Arc – the embodiment of religious devotion and humility – helped change the course of history for her country .
Hopefully , with ACB seated on our Supreme Court , so too will she .

Joan of Arc – a martyr and saint who acted under divine guidance – led the French army to victory over the English during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). During that time, the Inquisition was in full throttle in Europe as the clergy sought to eliminate heretics. Unfortunately, Joan of Arc was caught up in the heretical persecutions, leading to her being burned at the stake in 1431, at age 19.
As we have seen, conservative justices President Donald Trump has nominated to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) have to undergo a modern-day inquisition by the Senate. This was the case for Amy Coney Barrett (ACB) despite the fact she was eminently qualified. While her inquisition lacked the violence and torture of days of old, it did not hold back the tortuous line of questioning Democrats pursued. Just like inquisitoners resented Joan of Arc's steadfast faith, modern-day inquisitioners like Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., hold a deep-seeded resentment toward ACB ("the dogma lives loudly in you") for hers. Many of their questions were prompted purely to seek answers for which, it was hoped, a line of criticism would open up to derail the nomination. But, as one blogger suggested, the mother of seven kids, ACB was used to answering stupid questions. One observer commented, ACB provided a "knock it out of the park performance … she was poised. She was very patient." It is no wonder the latest poll shows 51% of Americans favor her approval and only 28% are opposed. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who insists the winner of the Nov. 3 presidential election select the nominee, ignores the will of the people, already having made an unsuccessful effort to shut down the Senate to stop a vote on Barrett.
In 1431, a humble Joan of Arc was on public trial, which went private after her sharp responses got the better of her accusers. Similarly, a humble ACB's cool and calm demeanor left her frustrated inquisitors undoubtedly wishing they could have taken her hearing private.
It was entertaining to watch ACB joust. A walking encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to the law of the land, she fended off numerous attempts – some clearly obvious, others less so – to get her to violate her ethical responsibility not to expose her opinions on issues that might come up before the high court in the future and as established by a 1993 Democratic precedent known as the "Ginsburg Rule." Her inquisitioners came to the hearings armed with thick notebooks of questions to ask; ACB came armed with but a sharp mind. As would be expected of senators looking to play political football with a SCOTUS nomination, trying to score points with incorrect interpretations of the law, ACB stopped them cold, explaining actual case law. With the patience of Job, she fielded question after question, often repeating previous answers as senators foraged for a "gotcha" moment. None was forthcoming. Even anti-Trump CNN acknowledged ACB was well-qualified. ACB's intelligence, wit and patience had disarmed her Democratic jousters.
Confronting a nominee who was an ideological opposite of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg left Democrats worried about seating a Supreme Court justice doing what was expected of her – not legislating law but interpreting the Constitution as written. However, due to the current political climate, this raised concerns over some issues.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
One issue Democrats knew they could not take head on with ACB was her faith, since the Constitution protects a nominee for office from being asked about it. But that did not preclude critics from touching indirectly on the subject of ACB's staunch Catholic beliefs by attacking religious groups to which she was linked. The obvious concern was the influence her faith might play in overturning Roe v. Wade, prioritizing a woman's right of abortion over a human fetus' right to survive.
Another issue was the influence a Trump SCOTUS nominee, confirmed just before the election, could wield if a ruling on a disputed outcome of the Nov. 3 presidential election arose.
ACB's critics, lacking ammunition to go after her based on her qualifications, therefore sought to direct their fire against her on whatever charge they could, regardless of how outrageous or inappropriate. This line of attack sank to the lowest levels, criticizing her: attire during the hearing as inappropriate; mask as handmaidenly; being a "white colonist" for adding two black children from Haiti to her family of five white children to defend against claims of racism; refusal to answer questions on potential future SCOTUS cases according to the media, which praised prior hearings where liberal justices did the same thing; use of the words "sexual preference" when Democrats have recently used them; and most outrageously, being a "handmaid" with a "clown car vagina" – whatever that is supposed to mean. Two female anti-ACB dimwits harassed Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at the airport, outrageously claiming ACB was racist, despite being the mother of two black children.
It is clear, assuming ACB wins Senate approval in the days ahead, the first issue with which she may have to deal, based upon existing legal precedent and should disputed presidential election results mandate a SCOTUS decision, is whether her recusal is required. Able to appropriately avoid answering the question during her hearing, if it does arise, the 2009 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Caperton v. A. T. Massey Coal Co., decided by a 5-4 vote, might well require such recusal.
Without getting wrapped up in the facts of that case, the decision was that judges must recuse themselves when actual bias is demonstrated, or when they have an economic interest in the outcome or when "extreme facts" create a "probability of bias." The majority opinion noted recusal may be constitutionally required even where a judge is not actually biased as long as there is a "serious risk of actual bias," citing "psychological tendencies and human weakness." Undoubtedly, ACB detractors would argue ACB cannot possibly separate herself from such bias. Interestingly, the minority opinion claimed the majority would come to regret its new test due to lacking clarity on whether bias was exclusively financial, as in Caperton, or included more general interests. The standard would not be whether a judge personally believed fairness was possible but whether a reasonable person believed impartiality was inescapable. Judge Antonin Scalia criticized the majority decision, with the qualification recusal should sometimes be required "even where the clear commands" of the Constitution do not require it. As ACB only clerked for Scalia until 1999, she had no involvement in the case. However, as Scalia was her mentor, it is likely she would opt for recusal if such a decision became necessary.
A vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance ACB's nomination for Senate approval is scheduled for Oct. 26. Steps will obviously be taken by Democrats to delay a Senate vote, such as refusing to provide a quorum.
Joan of Arc – the embodiment of religious devotion and humility – helped change the course of history for her country. Hopefully, with ACB seated on our Supreme Court, so too will she.


wnd--2020-10-21--On health care: Will we vote for personal choice or gov't control?

Note : Dr. Orient is executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons , AAPS .
Americans ' top concern in the election is their ability to get medical care when they are sick or injured .
The top candidates ' differences are stark .
President Trump is for choice – and also quality and cost .
Without choice , people are stuck with whatever the system permits at whatever price it sets .
With Trump 's America First Healthcare Plan , Americans have control over how their money is spent , and their physicians can personalize their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans ' money goes into a central pot , and the top decision-makers determine available therapy , to optimize population health ( not yours ) .
TRENDING : Joy Behar tries to dox Trump fan on national television President Trump 's record has been to open as many options as possible under the rigid restrictions of the [ Un ] Affordable Care Act ( ACA ) .
He removed the individual mandate of ACA , which imposed a penalty/tax on Americans unable to afford the costly plans satisfying ACA 's many requirements .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ impede patient care and increase costs .
He also pushed for `` right to try '' legislation .
He understands the `` preexisting conditions '' problem , and promises to protect those who are affected – without destroying the insurance system .
With COVID-19 , Trump imposed international travel restrictions at a time when Democrats objected .
He directed resources including ventilators to hard-hit areas and dispatched a Navy hospital ship that turned out to be unnecessary .
He encouraged the rapid production of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and ventilators – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace the stockpiles depleted in the influenza epidemic of 2009 ( when Biden was in office ) and of outsourcing our production capacity , largely to China .
He recognizes the strategic need to bring industry home , especially production of essential drugs .
Trump allowed federalism to work for public health measures , instead of issuing dictatorial decrees from Washington , D.C .
Some states did better than others .
Downstate New York , ruled by Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill De Blasio , have virtually the worst mortality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crushed economy besides .
Gov .
Cuomo 's alleged disregard of CDC guidelines and forcing nursing homes to admit COVID-infected patients may have contributed .
Excluding downstate New York , the U.S. did better than most of Europe .
Trump mentioned hydroxychloroquine ( HCQ ) favorably , leading to a storm of partisan negativism about a previously noncontroversial , well-established drug .
A similar storm happened in Brazil , when President Jair Bolsonaro not only mentioned the drug but took it very publicly himself when infected with COVID-19 .
He recovered quickly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Drug Administration ( FDA ) , most states placed restrictions on use of HCQ for COVID-19 , although FDA acknowledges that it places no constraints on `` off-label '' uses of approved drugs .
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have n't been in a position to determine health policy , so they are running on promises .
They deplore the possibility that the Supreme Court might find the ACA unconstitutional .
But they themselves may eventually get rid of it ( along with choice and private insurance plans ) .
The Biden-Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public option '' not included in the ACA .
This would deliberately rig health insurance markets to guarantee that the new government health plan gets advantages denied to private health plans , paving the way to single payer .
Confusingly , in the Trump-Biden debate , Biden said : `` I 'm not going to listen to him .
The fact of the matter is I beat Bernie Sanders . ''
As for COVID-19 , Biden blames U.S. mortality on President Trump .
`` It is what it is because you are who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the debate .
In June , he said , `` If I 'm elected , I 'll immediately reach out to Dr. Fauci and ask him to continue his incredible service to our country . ''
Dr. Anthony Fauci has been very negative about early COVID-19 treatment as `` unproved , '' and Biden has called Trump `` totally irresponsible '' for taking HCQ for a time until last May .
At age 80 , Dr. Fauci himself may not be in his position much longer , but he exemplifies the mindset of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early in the AIDS epidemic .
In 1987 , when patients were dying of pneumocystis pneumonia , activists pleaded with Fauci to issue guidance that suggested prophylactic treatment with Bactrim , a safe sulfa drug , based on studies done in transplant patients in 1977 .
Fauci refused , insisting on the `` gold standard '' of randomized controlled trials ( RCTs ) .
Since the National Institutes of Health refused to fund trials , activists raised the money themselves .
By the time the results were ready , two years later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to develop an HIV/AIDS vaccine have so far failed , the standard of care is now pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis ( PrEP and PEP ) .
In a 2020 replay with COVID-19 , Dr. Fauci disregards the experience of thousands of physicians who treat patients worldwide , demanding RCTs .
About 100,000 patients may die because of lack of early treatment or prophylaxis .
In the COVID-19 crisis , Americans are seeing the effects of authoritarian rule over medicine , with censorship and outright suppression of personalized treatment , while centralized bureaucracies @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Note: Dr. Orient is executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, AAPS.
Americans' top concern in the election is their ability to get medical care when they are sick or injured. The top candidates' differences are stark.
President Trump is for choice – and also quality and cost. Without choice, people are stuck with whatever the system permits at whatever price it sets.
With Trump's America First Healthcare Plan, Americans have control over how their money is spent, and their physicians can personalize their treatment.
With the Biden plan, Americans' money goes into a central pot, and the top decision-makers determine available therapy, to optimize population health (not yours).
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
President Trump's record has been to open as many options as possible under the rigid restrictions of the [Un]Affordable Care Act (ACA). He removed the individual mandate of ACA, which imposed a penalty/tax on Americans unable to afford the costly plans satisfying ACA's many requirements. He has eased counterproductive federal regulations that impede patient care and increase costs. He also pushed for "right to try" legislation. He understands the "preexisting conditions" problem, and promises to protect those who are affected – without destroying the insurance system.
With COVID-19, Trump imposed international travel restrictions at a time when Democrats objected. He directed resources including ventilators to hard-hit areas and dispatched a Navy hospital ship that turned out to be unnecessary. He encouraged the rapid production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators – responding to the preexisting problems of failure to replace the stockpiles depleted in the influenza epidemic of 2009 (when Biden was in office) and of outsourcing our production capacity, largely to China. He recognizes the strategic need to bring industry home, especially production of essential drugs.
Trump allowed federalism to work for public health measures, instead of issuing dictatorial decrees from Washington, D.C. Some states did better than others. Downstate New York, ruled by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill De Blasio, have virtually the worst mortality statistics in the world, and a crushed economy besides. Gov. Cuomo's alleged disregard of CDC guidelines and forcing nursing homes to admit COVID-infected patients may have contributed. Excluding downstate New York, the U.S. did better than most of Europe.
Trump mentioned hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) favorably, leading to a storm of partisan negativism about a previously noncontroversial, well-established drug. A similar storm happened in Brazil, when President Jair Bolsonaro not only mentioned the drug but took it very publicly himself when infected with COVID-19. He recovered quickly.
Should the U.S. have a single-payer, government-run health care system? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 0% (0 Votes) 100% (5 Votes)
Following a negative pronouncement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most states placed restrictions on use of HCQ for COVID-19, although FDA acknowledges that it places no constraints on "off-label" uses of approved drugs.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris haven't been in a position to determine health policy, so they are running on promises. They deplore the possibility that the Supreme Court might find the ACA unconstitutional. But they themselves may eventually get rid of it (along with choice and private insurance plans). The Biden-Sanders Unity Task Force would revive the "public option" not included in the ACA. This would deliberately rig health insurance markets to guarantee that the new government health plan gets advantages denied to private health plans, paving the way to single payer. Confusingly, in the Trump-Biden debate, Biden said: "I'm not going to listen to him. The fact of the matter is I beat Bernie Sanders."
As for COVID-19, Biden blames U.S. mortality on President Trump. "It is what it is because you are who you are," he said in the debate. In June, he said, "If I'm elected, I'll immediately reach out to Dr. Fauci and ask him to continue his incredible service to our country." Dr. Anthony Fauci has been very negative about early COVID-19 treatment as "unproved," and Biden has called Trump "totally irresponsible" for taking HCQ for a time until last May.
At age 80, Dr. Fauci himself may not be in his position much longer, but he exemplifies the mindset of federal bureaucracies. He was in charge early in the AIDS epidemic. In 1987, when patients were dying of pneumocystis pneumonia, activists pleaded with Fauci to issue guidance that suggested prophylactic treatment with Bactrim, a safe sulfa drug, based on studies done in transplant patients in 1977. Fauci refused, insisting on the "gold standard" of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Since the National Institutes of Health refused to fund trials, activists raised the money themselves. By the time the results were ready, two years later, 17,000 patients had died needlessly. Since efforts to develop an HIV/AIDS vaccine have so far failed, the standard of care is now pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP).
In a 2020 replay with COVID-19, Dr. Fauci disregards the experience of thousands of physicians who treat patients worldwide, demanding RCTs. About 100,000 patients may die because of lack of early treatment or prophylaxis.
In the COVID-19 crisis, Americans are seeing the effects of authoritarian rule over medicine, with censorship and outright suppression of personalized treatment, while centralized bureaucracies decide what is best for us.
On Nov 3, will America choose freedom?


wnd--2020-10-21--Report: 45% of Florida 'COVID-19 deaths' misclassified

Up to 45 % of the deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Florida may have been wrongly classified , according to a researcher who has analyzed a report by the state House of Representatives .
Dr. Andrew Bostom noted the lawmakers found that nearly 60 % -- 8,058 of 13,920 deaths -- classified by the Department of Health as due to COVID-19 had `` errors '' or were `` recorded in a manner inconsistent with state and national guidance . ''
The Florida legislators further concluded that about 10 % were completely misclassified as COVID deaths .
But Bostom offered evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is far too conservative .
He pointed out that the conclusion reflects compliance with the Centers for Disease Control 's April 2020 COVID-19 death certificate coding guidelines , which , he said , `` destroyed the logical firewall '' between `` specific cause '' of death and `` contribution ( s ) '' to individual deaths .
TRENDING : Joy Behar tries to dox Trump fan on national television In addition to the 1,256 records discovered by lawmakers that did not even list COVID-19 as the final cause of death , several other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an associate professor of medicine at Brown University .
Among them were 3,451 that classified COVID alone , as both the immediate and underlying cause of death , despite acknowledging contributing co-morbidities or conditions .
`` This aggregate mortality total indicates , plausibly , that up to 45 % ( 6,227/13,920 ) of Florida ’ s death certificate recorded 'Covid-19 deaths ' may not merit that classification , '' Bostom wrote .
A cover memo introducing the Florida House report written by Speaker José R. Oliva warned that `` national guidelines drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` CDC has determined that the death count should include persons with COVID even if COVID is not an underlying cause of death , '' he wrote .
`` I believe that these two categories are fundamentally different .
They should both be noted , but not combined , '' Oliva said .
Bostom commented that all `` honest public health , and healthcare professionals , as well as local , state , and national political leaders , should agree with—and abide—Speaker Oliva ’ s wise , plainspoken observations . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to modern 'political arithmetic , ' will distort evidence-based assessment of the Covid-19 outbreak , and compromise rational efforts to resolve it , '' he wrote .

Up to 45% of the deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Florida may have been wrongly classified, according to a researcher who has analyzed a report by the state House of Representatives.
Dr. Andrew Bostom noted the lawmakers found that nearly 60% -- 8,058 of 13,920 deaths -- classified by the Department of Health as due to COVID-19 had "errors" or were "recorded in a manner inconsistent with state and national guidance."
The Florida legislators further concluded that about 10% were completely misclassified as COVID deaths. But Bostom offered evidence to support his claim that 10% is far too conservative.
He pointed out that the conclusion reflects compliance with the Centers for Disease Control's April 2020 COVID-19 death certificate coding guidelines, which, he said, "destroyed the logical firewall" between "specific cause" of death and "contribution(s)" to individual deaths.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
In addition to the 1,256 records discovered by lawmakers that did not even list COVID-19 as the final cause of death, several other categories could be added, maintains Bostom, an associate professor of medicine at Brown University.
Among them were 3,451 that classified COVID alone, as both the immediate and underlying cause of death, despite acknowledging contributing co-morbidities or conditions.
"This aggregate mortality total indicates, plausibly, that up to 45% (6,227/13,920) of Florida’s death certificate recorded 'Covid-19 deaths' may not merit that classification," Bostom wrote.
A cover memo introducing the Florida House report written by Speaker José R. Oliva warned that "national guidelines drive the [COVID-19 death] count up."
Is the government being honest with its COVID-fatality statistics? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 2% (4 Votes) 98% (227 Votes)
"CDC has determined that the death count should include persons with COVID even if COVID is not an underlying cause of death," he wrote.
"I believe that these two categories are fundamentally different. They should both be noted, but not combined," Oliva said.
Bostom commented that all "honest public health, and healthcare professionals, as well as local, state, and national political leaders, should agree with—and abide—Speaker Oliva’s wise, plainspoken observations."
"Cynical rejection of this counsel, due to modern 'political arithmetic,' will distort evidence-based assessment of the Covid-19 outbreak, and compromise rational efforts to resolve it," he wrote.


wnd--2020-10-21--Trump and Biden both facing hurdles with Catholics

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
If the road to the White House runs through the Catholic vote , both President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden face significant challenges .
Trump ’ s challenges are more obvious , while Biden ’ s lurk just beneath the surface .
TRENDING : Joy Behar tries to dox Trump fan on national television According to the newly released EWTN-News/RealClear Opinion Research poll of more than 1,400 Catholic likely voters , the president is currently running 12 percentage points behind Biden nationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholic voters say that they prefer the Democratic nominee ’ s temperament to the president ’ s ( 59 % -33 % ) , and most also say they prefer his policies to Trump ’ s ( 53 % -41 % ) .
Our previous poll in September also found that on most issues Catholics say they trust Biden more than Trump .
So Trump ’ s challenges are in plain sight .
For Biden , the devil is in the details .
Among Catholics overall , the race between the two shrinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of error in the key swing states of Arizona , Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .
In those states Biden ’ s lead is just four points ( 48 % -44 % ) .
And while Catholic voters say they prefer the challenger ’ s policies , more than three in four ( 78 % ) say they are much ( 46 % ) or somewhat ( 32 % ) more likely to pull the lever for a candidate who “ supports the religious freedom of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s commitment to religious freedom loom large for many people of faith .
Given his ticket ’ s embrace of policies that promise a return to the battles over religious freedom seen in the Obama administration , many Catholics could find Biden ’ s positions in this area problematic .
Abortion , too , provides a challenge for him .
The most Googled political topic on Election Day 2016 , that issue has been overshadowed this year by COVID-19 , along with the related issues of the economy and health care .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court confirmation hearings , show , abortion is an issue that can quickly surface – and often does .
It should be of concern to the Biden campaign that by almost 20 percentage points a majority of Catholics surveyed said abortion was “ morally wrong ” ( 59 % -41 % ) .
The divide was even greater among practicing Catholics who attend Mass at least weekly ( 71 % -39 % ) .
Catholics who have an opinion on the subject are also more likely – by double digits – to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church teaching on abortion ( 43 % -29 % ) .
Among practicing Catholics , that gap expands considerably ( 61 % -17 % ) .
These numbers represent a particular problem for Biden , who has sought to embrace a Catholic identity while simultaneously distancing himself from the church ’ s teaching on abortion .
For Catholic voters , abortion as an influence or consideration in voting is not simply theoretical .
Six in 10 ( 60 % ) say they are much ( 42 % ) or somewhat ( 18 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who would allow abortion at any time during a pregnancy .
In addition , more than half ( 52 % ) are much ( 38 % ) or somewhat ( 14 % ) less likely to get behind a candidate who supports taxpayer-funding of abortion .
Biden supports both taxpayer funding of abortion and would allow abortion at any time during pregnancy .
He also has proposed codifying into law the Supreme Court ’ s still hotly contested abortion decision , Roe v. Wade .
Differing from those views , many Catholics are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholics overall divide over whether Roe should be upheld ( 45 % ) or be overturned ( 43 % ) either by declaring abortion unconstitutional ( 25 % ) , or sending the issue back to the states ( 18 % ) .
Among practicing Catholics , more than half ( 54 % ) would overturn Roe , either by declaring abortion unconstitutional ( 35 % ) , or sending the issue back to the states ( 19 % ) .
Only 34 % would uphold the decision .
Biden ’ s opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Supreme Court justice also runs counter to the plurality of Catholic opinion .
Catholics with an opinion on the nomination support it by almost 20 percentage points ( 46 % -28 % ) .
And unlike Biden , more Catholics think that a president should put forward a nominee to the high court any time during his entire four-year term than believe that a nomination should be delayed until after the election ( 48 % -43 % ) .
It is important to keep in mind that the Catholic vote is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and non-practicing Catholics tend to respond very differently to surveys , for instance ) .
At the same time , it seems clear that both obvious and less obvious challenges face both candidates as they make their final case to the Catholic electorate .
And Catholic concerns will continue to be in play for the next four years , whoever wins the election .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Andrew Walther
Real Clear Politics
If the road to the White House runs through the Catholic vote, both President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden face significant challenges.
Trump’s challenges are more obvious, while Biden’s lurk just beneath the surface.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
According to the newly released EWTN-News/RealClear Opinion Research poll of more than 1,400 Catholic likely voters, the president is currently running 12 percentage points behind Biden nationally.
In addition, a majority of Catholic voters say that they prefer the Democratic nominee’s temperament to the president’s (59%-33%), and most also say they prefer his policies to Trump’s (53%-41%).
Our previous poll in September also found that on most issues Catholics say they trust Biden more than Trump.
So Trump’s challenges are in plain sight. For Biden, the devil is in the details.
Among Catholics overall, the race between the two shrinks to within the survey’s margin of error in the key swing states of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In those states Biden’s lead is just four points (48%-44%).
And while Catholic voters say they prefer the challenger’s policies, more than three in four (78%) say they are much (46%) or somewhat (32%) more likely to pull the lever for a candidate who “supports the religious freedom of people of faith.”
But questions about Biden’s commitment to religious freedom loom large for many people of faith. Given his ticket’s embrace of policies that promise a return to the battles over religious freedom seen in the Obama administration, many Catholics could find Biden’s positions in this area problematic.
Abortion, too, provides a challenge for him. The most Googled political topic on Election Day 2016, that issue has been overshadowed this year by COVID-19, along with the related issues of the economy and health care.
But as recent elections, and the Supreme Court confirmation hearings, show, abortion is an issue that can quickly surface – and often does.
It should be of concern to the Biden campaign that by almost 20 percentage points a majority of Catholics surveyed said abortion was “morally wrong” (59%-41%). The divide was even greater among practicing Catholics who attend Mass at least weekly (71%-39%).
Catholics who have an opinion on the subject are also more likely – by double digits – to believe that a Catholic politician should follow church teaching on abortion (43%-29%). Among practicing Catholics, that gap expands considerably (61%-17%).
These numbers represent a particular problem for Biden, who has sought to embrace a Catholic identity while simultaneously distancing himself from the church’s teaching on abortion.
For Catholic voters, abortion as an influence or consideration in voting is not simply theoretical. Six in 10 (60%) say they are much (42%) or somewhat (18%) less likely to support a candidate who would allow abortion at any time during a pregnancy. In addition, more than half (52%) are much (38%) or somewhat (14%) less likely to get behind a candidate who supports taxpayer-funding of abortion.
Biden supports both taxpayer funding of abortion and would allow abortion at any time during pregnancy. He also has proposed codifying into law the Supreme Court’s still hotly contested abortion decision, Roe v. Wade.
Differing from those views, many Catholics are deeply uncomfortable with the Roe decision. Catholics overall divide over whether Roe should be upheld (45%) or be overturned (43%) either by declaring abortion unconstitutional (25%), or sending the issue back to the states (18%). Among practicing Catholics, more than half (54%) would overturn Roe, either by declaring abortion unconstitutional (35%), or sending the issue back to the states (19%). Only 34% would uphold the decision.
Biden’s opposition to Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation as a Supreme Court justice also runs counter to the plurality of Catholic opinion. Catholics with an opinion on the nomination support it by almost 20 percentage points (46%-28%). And unlike Biden, more Catholics think that a president should put forward a nominee to the high court any time during his entire four-year term than believe that a nomination should be delayed until after the election (48%-43%).
It is important to keep in mind that the Catholic vote is far from monolithic (practicing Catholics, and non-practicing Catholics tend to respond very differently to surveys, for instance).
At the same time, it seems clear that both obvious and less obvious challenges face both candidates as they make their final case to the Catholic electorate.
And Catholic concerns will continue to be in play for the next four years, whoever wins the election.


wnd--2020-10-21--The Marxist revolution of '74: Will America repeat its horrors?

`` What happened was a catastrophic revolution that really ate its own bright people .
The very people who were behind the revolution were the ones who were its victims . ''
– Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie on the Marxist 1974 revolution that overthrew his grandfather , Ethiopia 's Emperor Haile Selassie I had the rare opportunity to interview Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie , president of the Crown Council of Ethiopia , and the grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie .
In my discussion , I saw a firsthand account of the mortal dangers of populations adopting socialist revolution that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Watch my exclusive interview with Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie here : TRENDING : Joy Behar tries to dox Trump fan on national television Emperor Haile Selassie was a pivotal figure for Ethiopia and the whole of Africa .
He implemented several reforms such as a written constitution and land reform to accelerate agricultural development .
He was world renown for his defense of his people from Italian fascist imperialism .
In 1963 , his creation of the Organization of African Unity sowed the seeds for solidarity and liberation of African nations from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which corporate media look to act as self-appointed gatekeepers of African history , it is telling that so few young Americans are informed of Emperor Haile Selassie 's out-sized role in defeating fascism and colonialism in Africa .
The answer lies in the fact that Emperor Selassie was a staunch defender of Christianity , a symbol of patriarchy and was murdered by socialists promising democracy .
In a now-deleted statement of beliefs page on blacklivesmatter.com , the corporate press-lauded organization declared : `` We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' that collectively care for one another , especially our children , to the degree that mothers , parents , and children are comfortable . ''
As a devout Christian emperor , Selassie was a symbol of fatherhood in Africa .
Just like all radical groups driven by envy and a hatred for boundaries , the Marxists who tortured and murdered an elderly Emperor Selassie in 1974 were simply living up to their global creed : Kill strong fathers first , loot the rest of the people .
This was nothing new .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-colonialist Emperor Selassie were operating under the same twisted religious playbook they used to gain power in their own country .
Financed by Western corporatists that benefited from preventing market competition at home and abroad , the Bolsheviks used the disaster of World War I as the animus to murder Tsar Nicholas II 's family – not sparing a single young child – and take over Russia .
Everything the revolutionaries complained about under the monarch – lack of food , stolen land , violent prisons , police abuse – they did tenfold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In my interview with Prince Ermias Selassie , he recounts a similar formula for the revolutionaries in Ethiopia : `` They closed all the churches .
Executions were very rampant , and it did n't fare well for the Marxists .
I mean , they never got the support of the people . ''
Today , Western corporatists and their press organs continue to sell a whitewashed view of African history that diminishes the voices of African heroes like Emperor Haile Selassie .
Outlets like the New York Times live up to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marxists like the ghastly Holdomor genocide , resulting in 12 million deaths .
They amplify voices that celebrate the same anti-market , anti-freedom , anti-family sentiments that fueled the murder of Emperor Selassie .
The coprorate press does all this under the guise of social justice .
Yet the only slavery the New York Times crowd will condemn are instances that took place 400 years ago .
Meanwhile , they openly campaign for a candidate like former Vice President Joe Biden , who led the butchering of another independent African country , Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a modern slave trade in that country .
Indeed , the New York Times used its pages to push the public for war in Libya , as they did in Syria .
Millions of people of color have been displaced , dismembered and killed as a result .
Wherever we go in history , the problem with the corporate press and their violent revolutionary foot soldiers is that they suffer the same delusion Jesus confronted in his own time from self-proclaimed authorities : '' Woe to you , scribes and Pharisees , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous .
And you say , 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers , we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets . '
So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets . ''
Media elites act as if they care about vulnerable lives .
They act as if they only care about facts and fairness .
But the record of history shows they cover up the voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious devotion to socialism .
Just like Jesus was sacrificed by a leader named Caiaphas who proclaimed , `` It is better that one man die than the whole nation perish , '' socialist revolutionaries and their would-be myth-makers in the press believe it is better that Emperor Selassie die , and the truth of his impact with him , than the whole global project of socialism perish .
They truly believe it is OK to sacrifice some , including millions in the poor and middle class , who stand in the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all-seeing , all-knowing , all-caring , cradle-to-grave state .
To the young adults who have been drawn into America 's acute bout with revolutionary anger , I will leave them with Prince Selassie 's warning about Marxism : `` I would say to them that it 's very interesting to read and understand concepts , but when you live and experience it you realize how complex it is , and it 's not such a black and white issue .
Idealism , I think , leads to a lot of fanaticism ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That has led to a lot of problems : a lot of blind hatred , a lot of blind murders .
All about … being the sacrificial lamb to justify your right and that man is God and is in charge of his own destiny , which I do n't believe in . ''
The Marxists who killed Emperor Selassie failed .
Ethiopia 's churches and markets are open again and healing is underway .
The revolutionaries attempting to overthrow family and faith in America will fail too .
The question is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the past and reject sacrificial revolution at its infancy or take the long , sad path of ignorant repetition ?

"What happened was a catastrophic revolution that really ate its own bright people. The very people who were behind the revolution were the ones who were its victims."
– Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie on the Marxist 1974 revolution that overthrew his grandfather, Ethiopia's Emperor Haile Selassie
I had the rare opportunity to interview Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, president of the Crown Council of Ethiopia, and the grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie. In my discussion, I saw a firsthand account of the mortal dangers of populations adopting socialist revolution that we should carefully consider in our own country.
Watch my exclusive interview with Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie here:
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Emperor Haile Selassie was a pivotal figure for Ethiopia and the whole of Africa. He implemented several reforms such as a written constitution and land reform to accelerate agricultural development. He was world renown for his defense of his people from Italian fascist imperialism. In 1963, his creation of the Organization of African Unity sowed the seeds for solidarity and liberation of African nations from colonial rule.
In a time in which corporate media look to act as self-appointed gatekeepers of African history, it is telling that so few young Americans are informed of Emperor Haile Selassie's out-sized role in defeating fascism and colonialism in Africa. The answer lies in the fact that Emperor Selassie was a staunch defender of Christianity, a symbol of patriarchy and was murdered by socialists promising democracy.
In a now-deleted statement of beliefs page on blacklivesmatter.com, the corporate press-lauded organization declared: "We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and 'villages' that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable."
As a devout Christian emperor, Selassie was a symbol of fatherhood in Africa. Just like all radical groups driven by envy and a hatred for boundaries, the Marxists who tortured and murdered an elderly Emperor Selassie in 1974 were simply living up to their global creed: Kill strong fathers first, loot the rest of the people.
This was nothing new. The Soviets who backed the overthrow of anti-colonialist Emperor Selassie were operating under the same twisted religious playbook they used to gain power in their own country. Financed by Western corporatists that benefited from preventing market competition at home and abroad, the Bolsheviks used the disaster of World War I as the animus to murder Tsar Nicholas II's family – not sparing a single young child – and take over Russia. Everything the revolutionaries complained about under the monarch – lack of food, stolen land, violent prisons, police abuse – they did tenfold in their never-ending transition to utopia.
In my interview with Prince Ermias Selassie, he recounts a similar formula for the revolutionaries in Ethiopia: "They closed all the churches. Executions were very rampant, and it didn't fare well for the Marxists. I mean, they never got the support of the people."
Today, Western corporatists and their press organs continue to sell a whitewashed view of African history that diminishes the voices of African heroes like Emperor Haile Selassie. Outlets like the New York Times live up to their legacy of covering up the crimes of Marxists like the ghastly Holdomor genocide, resulting in 12 million deaths. They amplify voices that celebrate the same anti-market, anti-freedom, anti-family sentiments that fueled the murder of Emperor Selassie.
The coprorate press does all this under the guise of social justice. Yet the only slavery the New York Times crowd will condemn are instances that took place 400 years ago. Meanwhile, they openly campaign for a candidate like former Vice President Joe Biden, who led the butchering of another independent African country, Libya, and yawn at the unleashing of a modern slave trade in that country. Indeed, the New York Times used its pages to push the public for war in Libya, as they did in Syria. Millions of people of color have been displaced, dismembered and killed as a result.
Wherever we go in history, the problem with the corporate press and their violent revolutionary foot soldiers is that they suffer the same delusion Jesus confronted in his own time from self-proclaimed authorities:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets."
Media elites act as if they care about vulnerable lives. They act as if they only care about facts and fairness. But the record of history shows they cover up the voices that get in the way of their religious devotion to socialism. Just like Jesus was sacrificed by a leader named Caiaphas who proclaimed, "It is better that one man die than the whole nation perish," socialist revolutionaries and their would-be myth-makers in the press believe it is better that Emperor Selassie die, and the truth of his impact with him, than the whole global project of socialism perish. They truly believe it is OK to sacrifice some, including millions in the poor and middle class, who stand in the way of their god – the all encompassing, all-seeing, all-knowing, all-caring, cradle-to-grave state.
To the young adults who have been drawn into America's acute bout with revolutionary anger, I will leave them with Prince Selassie's warning about Marxism: "I would say to them that it's very interesting to read and understand concepts, but when you live and experience it you realize how complex it is, and it's not such a black and white issue. Idealism, I think, leads to a lot of fanaticism; it's your way or the highway. That has led to a lot of problems: a lot of blind hatred, a lot of blind murders. All about … being the sacrificial lamb to justify your right and that man is God and is in charge of his own destiny, which I don't believe in."
The Marxists who killed Emperor Selassie failed. Ethiopia's churches and markets are open again and healing is underway. The revolutionaries attempting to overthrow family and faith in America will fail too. The question is, will we learn from the lessons of the past and reject sacrificial revolution at its infancy or take the long, sad path of ignorant repetition?


wnd--2020-10-22--Judiciary Committee hands Judge Barrett unanimous endorsement

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously endorsed Judge Amy Coney Barrett as the next justice on the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday , and a full Senate vote is expected within days .
The vote was 12-0 , with every Democrat boycotting the committee in a stunt to continue their campaign against Barrett , whom they fear eventually could vote against abortion rights , or Obamacare requirements , or another of their agenda points .
Typically under ordinary procedures , a committee quorum is needed , including at least a representation of the minority party , in this case the Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-S.C. , called for the vote and then announced the unanimous decision would be reported to the full Senate .
TRENDING : Joy Behar tries to dox Trump fan on national television Democrats have argued that the nomination procedure is improper , rushed , and even unconstitutional , even though even the late , far-left Ruth Ginsburg , whose high court seat Barrett is expected to fill , said a president is elected for a full four years , and not just three , and has a constitutional duty to nominate a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said this week , `` With regard to the Supreme Court justices , as I think you 've already written , we 'll be voting to confirm justice-to-be Barrett next Monday . ''
`` I think that will be another signature accomplishment in our effort to put on the courts , the federal courts , men and women who believe in the quaint notion that maybe the job of a judge is to actually follow the law . ''
Barrett has been given the highest recommendation possible by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination hearing with virtually no significant opposition , except for the political agenda Democrats have against her .
She answered senators ' questions for hours , analyzing their legal points and responding to all inquiries except she would not make promises about how she would vote on particular issues .
President Trump 's nomination of Barrett was another affirmation of his commitment , made during his first election campaign , to appoint constitutionally based judges to the federal court benches .
His earlier appointments , Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch , also are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the text of the Constitution , not their political agendas , as did Ginsburg .
She was the deciding vote in the decision a few years ago to create the `` right '' to same-sex marriage , in a ruling that Chief Justice John Roberts called unconnected to the Constitution .
When Barrett was nominated just a few years ago to an appeals court bench , Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , infamously told her that her religious beliefs could disqualify her , warning that her `` dogma '' `` lives loudly '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , faced criticism for trying to impose an unconstitutional faith test on Barrett , at the time .
But Feinstein did it again this nomination , although not openly .
A microphone picked up the senator during a break in Barrett 's Supreme Court confirmation hearing discussing the fact that the judge 's opposition to abortion is based on her Roman Catholic faith .
In 2017 , Feinstein told Barrett of her concern that `` the dogma lives loudly within you , '' prompting outrage because the Constitution forbids any religious test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feinstein was heard saying , apparently regarding Barrett : `` She 's been pro-life for a long time .
So I suspect with her , it is deeply personal and comes with her religion . ''
The Gateway Pundit noted that Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , recently accused Barrett of being an `` orthodox Catholic . ''
A statement from Marjorie Dannenfelser , chief of the national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List , said , `` Today ’ s vote is an historic milestone for the pro-life movement , especially pro-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step closer toward a seat on the nation ’ s highest court .
In last week ’ s hearings , Judge Barrett ’ s formidable intellect and principled constitutionalist philosophy shone throughout hours of questioning .
In the face of pro-abortion Democrats ’ fearmongering and their media allies ’ attacks on her Catholic faith , she showed grace and dignity .
There is no question Barrett is exceptionally qualified to serve on the Supreme Court . ''
Commentator Michael Brown noted that the Democrats ' attacks on Barrett reached even the extreme of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the term `` sexual preference . ''
The Hawaii Democrat claimed that was an `` offensive '' term , stating that it suggested sexual orientation was a choice , a fact that has been confirmed even by members of the LGBTQ community .
Brown explained , `` What we can say is this : 1 ) the vast majority of those who identify as LGBTQ truly believe that this is who they are and that change is impossible ; 2 ) their sexual desires and romantic attractions are , in fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) but it is entirely their choice ( or preference ) to identify as LGBTQ and to act on their perceived sexual orientation . ''

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced Judge Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court nomination on Thursday despite a boycott by Democrats.
"That was their choice. It will be my choice to vote the nominee out of committee," Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said at the beginning of the meeting. "We are not going to allow them to take over the committee. They made a choice not to participate."
The rules of the committee require that at least two members of the minority party be present to transact business, but Graham waived the rule to report Barrett's nomination.
Graham justified the decision in an interview with "Fox & Friends" just before the meeting, saying Democrats are "boycotting the committee."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"So what I will do as chairman, there will be a majority of the committee present. We will waive that rule. We will report Judge Barrett out. She will go to the floor. And hopefully, by Monday or Tuesday, she will be on the court."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer released a statement Wednesday calling Barrett's nomination a "sham process."
“We will not grant this process any further legitimacy by participating in a committee markup of this nomination just twelve days before the culmination of an election that is already underway," he said.
Republicans argue the president is elected for four years and has a duty until he leaves office to send a nomination to the Senate when a Supreme Court vacancy arises, as it did with the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. They point out that Ginsburg herself was on record affirming that duty.
Should Amy Coney Barrett's endorsement by Senate Judiciary Committee have been unanimous? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 72% (44 Votes) 28% (17 Votes)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said this week he expects to hold a full Senate vote on Monday.
"I think that will be another signature accomplishment in our effort to put on the courts, the federal courts, men and women who believe in the quaint notion that maybe the job of a judge is to actually follow the law," he said.
President Trump's nomination of Barrett was another fulfillment of his campaign promise to appoint "originalist" judges who interpret the Constitution as written, according to its original intent.
Democrats fear Barrett will be the deciding vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that established a right to abortion in 1973.
When she was nominated in 2017 to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., infamously told her that her religious beliefs could disqualify her, declaring her "the dogma lives loudly within you."
Feinstein and other Democrats were widely criticized for trying to impose an unconstitutional faith test on Barrett. But Feinstein did it again during Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation, although not openly. She was caught on an open mic discussing the fact that the judge's opposition to abortion is based on her Roman Catholic faith.
📽 Sen. Feinstein hot mic talking about Judge Amy Coney Barrett: “She’s been pro-life for a long time. So I suspect with her, it is deeply personal and comes with her religion.” pic.twitter.com/5dUBhHLQsn — Tré Goins-Phillips (@tregp) October 15, 2020
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List, said the vote Thursday "is an historic milestone for the pro-life movement, especially pro-life women, as Amy Barrett advances one step closer toward a seat on the nation’s highest court."
"In last week’s hearings, Judge Barrett’s formidable intellect and principled constitutionalist philosophy shone throughout hours of questioning. In the face of pro-abortion Democrats’ fearmongering and their media allies’ attacks on her Catholic faith, she showed grace and dignity. There is no question Barrett is exceptionally qualified to serve on the Supreme Court," Dannenfelser said.


wnd--2020-10-22--Biden: 'We've never lived up to' idea of America

( FOX NEWS ) -- Joe Biden was facing intense backlash Wednesday night for referring to America as an `` @ @ @ @ @ 've never lived up to . ''
The Democratic nominee shared a clip from his @ @ @ @ @ Unlocking Us with Brené Brown , '' which was released earlier in the day .
@ @ @ @ @ , an idea , '' Biden said .
`` 'We hold these truths to be @ @ @ @ @ 've never lived up to it , but we 've never walked away from it @ @ @ @ @ think we have to be more honest .
Let our kids know , as we @ @ @ @ @ did happen .
Acknowledge our mistakes so we do n't repeat them . ''

(FOX NEWS) -- Joe Biden was facing intense backlash Wednesday night for referring to America as an "idea" that "we've never lived up to."
The Democratic nominee shared a clip from his interview on the podcast "Unlocking Us with Brené Brown," which was released earlier in the day.
"America was an idea, an idea," Biden said. "'We hold these truths to be self evident.' We've never lived up to it, but we've never walked away from it before. And I just think we have to be more honest. Let our kids know, as we raise them, what actually did happen. Acknowledge our mistakes so we don't repeat them."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-22--Facebook admits destroying satire piece was 'mistake'

( FOX NEWS ) -- Facebook offered an apology after it took down a post from the conservative satirical site @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Mazie Hirono 's treatment of Judge Amy Coney Barrett during last week 's Supreme @ @ @ @ @ October 14 , the Bee ran a story with the headline , `` Senator Hirono @ @ @ @ @ A Duck To See If She Is A Witch , '' alluding to the intense @ @ @ @ @ 's junior senator .
But Bee CEO Seth Dillon revealed the lengthy battle his site @ @ @ @ @ resulted in the removal of the post and demonetizing the conservative site as punishment for @ @ @ @ @ '' `` So after a manual review , Facebook says they stand by their decision @ @ @ @ @ and demonetize our page .
I 'm not kidding , '' Dillon wrote on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ article 'incites violence . '
It 's literally a regurgitated joke from a Monty Python @ @ @

(FOX NEWS) -- Facebook offered an apology after it took down a post from the conservative satirical site The Babylon Bee that mocked Sen. Mazie Hirono's treatment of Judge Amy Coney Barrett during last week's Supreme Court confirmation hearing.
On October 14, the Bee ran a story with the headline, "Senator Hirono Demands ACB Be Weighed Against A Duck To See If She Is A Witch," alluding to the intense grilling Barrett faced from Hawaii's junior senator. But Bee CEO Seth Dillon revealed the lengthy battle his site had with Facebook, which resulted in the removal of the post and demonetizing the conservative site as punishment for allegedly "inciting violence."
"So after a manual review, Facebook says they stand by their decision to pull down this article and demonetize our page. I'm not kidding," Dillon wrote on Tuesday. "They say this article 'incites violence.' It's literally a regurgitated joke from a Monty Python movie!"
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-22--Country music star: Nation needs 'a coming back to God on a large scale'

( FOX NEWS ) -- Country music star John Rich opens up about faith , freedom , and more at @ @ @ @ @ latest episode of Fox Nation 's `` No Interruption with Tomi Lahren . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ singer tells Lahren that he wrote the hit song after thinking about how the whole @ @ @ @ @ same problem of the coronavirus pandemic , saying that `` man can not fix man @ @ @ @ @ can and he 's still out there . ''
Rich , the host of Fox @ @ @ @ @ ! ''
also says that God is not a Democrat or Republican , but many @ @ @ @ @ that .

(FOX NEWS) -- Country music star John Rich opens up about faith, freedom, and more at his Nashville home in the latest episode of Fox Nation's "No Interruption with Tomi Lahren."
The "Earth to God" singer tells Lahren that he wrote the hit song after thinking about how the whole world is dealing with the same problem of the coronavirus pandemic, saying that "man cannot fix man's problems, but God can and he's still out there."
Rich, the host of Fox Nation's "The Pursuit!" also says that God is not a Democrat or Republican, but many don't want to acknowledge that.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-23--Questions Joe Biden should answer about Hunter's emails

First , Joe Biden 's Praetorian Guard in the media argued that the New York Post 's Hunter Biden scoop was `` Russian disinformation . ''
The DOJ , FBI and DNI each publicly disagreed .
No one in the Biden camp has denied the veracity of a single email thus far .
Yet , as of this writing , the Post 's Twitter account is still frozen , and most major news outlets wo n't report the story .
The next deflection was to play on your emotions : `` How dare you mock a father struggling with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is n't about Hunter 's addictions , predilections or life choices , but about his favor-trading , and whether a presidential candidate benefited from them during his tenure as vice president of the United States .
We should n't mock those with addiction , but a person is n't inoculated from scrutiny merely because he 's an addict , either .
Today , a Wisconsin reporter finally asked Biden what he thought about Sen. Ron Johnson accusing his family of profiting from Hunter 's shady arrangements .
It should be said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which they refuse to ask Biden straightforward questions , but rather frame their queries as accusations from `` the right . ''
In this case , Biden teed off on Johnson , who he claimed `` should be ashamed of himself '' for suggesting that the Bidens `` profited off '' the family name – an indisputable fact , and one that Hunter himself has admitted .
Biden went to claim that the `` vast majority of the intelligence people have come out and said there 's no basis at all '' – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't do was answer any specific questions .
If all of this is really so wild and crazy conspiracy theory – `` spaghetti being thrown at the wall , '' as one CNN host claimed – then Biden would be champing at the bit to dispel it .
In fact , he very well might have some good answers to the questions that journalists ought to be asking him .
For instance : In 2018 , you bragged that as vice president you had threatened Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko with the withdrawal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire state prosecutor , Victor Shokin .
You called Poroshenko on Feb. 11 , 12 , 18 and 19 and demanded he fire the prosecutor – only days after the prosecutor had seized Burisma owner 's property .
Did you know at the time that Shokin was investigating Burisma , the oil company that was paying your son Hunter more than $ 50,000 a month ?
Did you ever talk to your son about Shokin ?
Last year , in an interview with Axios , you claimed that you had no idea what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in 2015 , two Obama administration officials had raised concerns to the White House about Hunter 's relationship with the oil company , worried that the relationship undermined the administration 's anti-corruption message .
Did you hear about these complaints at the time ?
Were you troubled that Hunter 's leveraging of the Biden name might look like influence-peddling ?
Why did you think he was making so much money ?
Similarly , though you have claimed that you had no idea what Hunter was doing at Burisma , an email found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as authentic by Fox News – shows an executive from the oil company thanking your son for facilitating a meeting between you and he while you were still vice president .
Did you take that meeting ?
If so , did you talk about Hunter 's work ?
If not , what did you talk about with the executive ?
Have you ever financially benefited from Hunter 's relationship with Bursima or any Ukrainian company – or has he held money for you in trust from any such a deal ?
Again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no idea about Hunter 's business , but yet he accompanied you on Air Force Two flight to China in 2013 .
Two years earlier , you reportedly met with Chinese Communist Party members and favored billionaires in Beijing as vice president , in a meeting facilitated by Hunter 's associates .
What did you discuss at this meeting ?
Hunter 's emails also claim that you would be getting a 10 % share in a deal he struck with a Chinese energy firm – that he secured trading in on the Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from this deal , or any other deals made by Hunter in China , or has he held money for you in trust from any such a deal ?
There may well be excellent answers to all these questions .
Journalists , of course , wo n't even investigate these incidents now , much less put the presidential candidate on the spot .

First, Joe Biden's Praetorian Guard in the media argued that the New York Post's Hunter Biden scoop was "Russian disinformation." The DOJ, FBI and DNI each publicly disagreed. No one in the Biden camp has denied the veracity of a single email thus far. Yet, as of this writing, the Post's Twitter account is still frozen, and most major news outlets won't report the story.
The next deflection was to play on your emotions: "How dare you mock a father struggling with the addiction of his son?!" This isn't about Hunter's addictions, predilections or life choices, but about his favor-trading, and whether a presidential candidate benefited from them during his tenure as vice president of the United States. We shouldn't mock those with addiction, but a person isn't inoculated from scrutiny merely because he's an addict, either.
Today, a Wisconsin reporter finally asked Biden what he thought about Sen. Ron Johnson accusing his family of profiting from Hunter's shady arrangements.
It should be said that reporters have adopted a pusillanimous positioning in which they refuse to ask Biden straightforward questions, but rather frame their queries as accusations from "the right." In this case, Biden teed off on Johnson, who he claimed "should be ashamed of himself" for suggesting that the Bidens "profited off" the family name – an indisputable fact, and one that Hunter himself has admitted. Biden went to claim that the "vast majority of the intelligence people have come out and said there's no basis at all" – a complete fabrication. What he didn't do was answer any specific questions.
If all of this is really so wild and crazy conspiracy theory – "spaghetti being thrown at the wall," as one CNN host claimed – then Biden would be champing at the bit to dispel it. In fact, he very well might have some good answers to the questions that journalists ought to be asking him. For instance:
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
In 2018, you bragged that as vice president you had threatened Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko with the withdrawal of United States aid if he didn't fire state prosecutor, Victor Shokin. You called Poroshenko on Feb. 11, 12, 18 and 19 and demanded he fire the prosecutor – only days after the prosecutor had seized Burisma owner's property. Did you know at the time that Shokin was investigating Burisma, the oil company that was paying your son Hunter more than $50,000 a month? Did you ever talk to your son about Shokin?
Last year, in an interview with Axios, you claimed that you had no idea what Hunter was doing at Burisma. Yet, in 2015, two Obama administration officials had raised concerns to the White House about Hunter's relationship with the oil company, worried that the relationship undermined the administration's anti-corruption message. Did you hear about these complaints at the time? Were you troubled that Hunter's leveraging of the Biden name might look like influence-peddling? Why did you think he was making so much money?
Similarly, though you have claimed that you had no idea what Hunter was doing at Burisma, an email found on Hunter's laptop – now verified as authentic by Fox News – shows an executive from the oil company thanking your son for facilitating a meeting between you and he while you were still vice president. Did you take that meeting? If so, did you talk about Hunter's work? If not, what did you talk about with the executive?
Have you ever financially benefited from Hunter's relationship with Bursima or any Ukrainian company – or has he held money for you in trust from any such a deal?
Again, you claimed in the past to have no idea about Hunter's business, but yet he accompanied you on Air Force Two flight to China in 2013. Two years earlier, you reportedly met with Chinese Communist Party members and favored billionaires in Beijing as vice president, in a meeting facilitated by Hunter's associates. What did you discuss at this meeting?
Hunter's emails also claim that you would be getting a 10% share in a deal he struck with a Chinese energy firm – that he secured trading in on the Biden name. Did you ever benefit financially from this deal, or any other deals made by Hunter in China, or has he held money for you in trust from any such a deal?
There may well be excellent answers to all these questions. Journalists, of course, won't even investigate these incidents now, much less put the presidential candidate on the spot.


wnd--2020-10-23--Biden's debate stumble: He raises issue of corruption allegations himself

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , during Thursday 's debate with President Donald Trump , hesitated about it , but then said he was going to go ahead .
And he did .
He himself raised the issue that Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani was being used as an `` agent '' of Russia to spread disinformation .
That , of course , was the opening for which the president was waiting , to ask Biden about the millions of dollars his family was getting from Russia , from China , and more .
And what about the money that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' identified as Joe Biden ?
The issue has erupted into what some analysts have described as the biggest scandal ever in American politics , as emails and other documentation that have become available – from insiders , from an abandoned computer , and more – have described how the Biden family was making multiple deals with foreign interests that would benefit the family with millions of dollars .
`` I think you owe an explanation to the American people , '' the president charged .
`` Maybe you can do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I have not taken a penny from any foreign source in my life .
I have not taken a single penny from any country whatsoever ever . ''
Trump described the Biden family as a `` vacuum cleaner , '' sucking up money from everyone .
Biden also denied there was anything wrong with his son , Hunter , getting paid tens of thousands of dollars a month from Burisma , a Ukrainian gas company , an industry in which Hunter had no experience .
That deal was made while Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration and responsible for Ukraine policy .
Even at the time , there were concerns raised because of the appearance of a conflict of interest since Burisma , reportedly corrupt , was under investigation and Joe Biden infamously demanded of Ukrainians that the prosecutor be fired .
He threatened to withhold American aid if that did not happen .
See video of Joe Biden recalling how he successfully pressured Ukrainian officials to fire the prosecutor who was targeting Burisma : Trump 's campaign pointed out the facts : that Hunter Biden 's firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elena Baturina , the wife of the former mayor of Moscow ; that Hunter Biden also opened a joint bank account with a Chinese national linked to the Communist government , and while `` Joe Biden advocated for legislation favored by big banks that made it harder for struggling Americans to declare bankruptcy , Biden ’ s son Hunter was 'earning ' hundreds of thousands of dollars in 'consultant fees ' from one of those banks , MBNA . ''
The campaign released a long list of additional conflict-of-interest concerns involving Biden and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was vice president , his son Hunter joined him on Air Force Two for a trip to China .
While in Beijing he arranged for his Chinese business partner to meet his father .
Ten days after the trip , Hunter ’ s firm received an approval from the Chinese government-owned Bank of China that paved the way for more than a billion dollars in business for Hunter ’ s firm , '' the report said .
Late in the debate , Trump caught Biden trying to dismiss the scandals involving himself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others as a hoax .
`` The laptop is another Russia hoax ? ''
Trump questioned .
`` Russia , Russia , Russia . ''
He was citing the fact that the Obama administration used information that likely was provided by Russia to deceive a federal court and get permission to spy on Trump 's 2016 campaign , claiming it colluded with Russia .
FBI special counsel Robert Mueller eventually debunked all of those allegations .
The first question of the debate was on coronavirus .
President Trump explained how his efforts had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million deaths expected in the United States and limited that to about 220,000 so far .
He pointed out it is a worldwide pandemic , triggered by the virus that came out of China .
The president said U.S. efforts have been successful in keeping U.S. results better than many other nations .
Biden blamed Trump personally for the American deaths , charging , `` Anyone who is responsible for that many deaths should not remain president of the United States . ''
He did not explain how the president would be considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a worldwide pandemic .
He also did not explain how he would have done things differently .
Trump made the point that Biden has called him `` xenophobic '' for closing down travel from China when he did .
Biden claimed going forward , he would shut down the virus , but not the country .
He did n't explain .
He did confirm he supported closing down parts of the economy .
Trump pointed out Democrat governors are the ones who have closed down economies , hurting businesses and residents alike .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nashville , and was moderated by NBC 's Kristen Welker , who has been accused by the president of being biased against him .
It was not disorganized , like the first , at which moderator Chris Wallace completely lost control , and the candidates spoke over each other , and him .
The debate came at a time in America political life that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich described as being like none other .
Ever .
He cited multiple scandals , including the `` corrupt Biden family , '' how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hide that , and the scandal of Facebook and Twitter censoring the nation on the topic of the Biden scandals .
Gingrich noted there 's evidence that Biden was paid $ 911,000 from an institute at the University of Pennsylvania that was funded by China .
`` Does this mean the vice president was on the Chinese communist payroll between leaving office and running for president ? ''
Gingrich asked .
The debate was expected to impact the ballot decisions of only a few Americans .
Estimates are that 43 million already had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many others , however , had made up their minds .
The Washington Examiner revealed that one of Hunter Biden 's former business partners revealed a web of foreign figures , `` all of whom trade off access to the former vice president or off the Biden family name . ''
Hundreds of files were given to the Washington Examiner and they detailed many of the proposed deals included `` unique benefits '' of working with the Bidens .
The Biden campaign has blamed – preemptively – all the issues on `` Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American intel officials saying there 's no evidence of that .
The campaign , critically , has not denied the authenticity of the emails on which the accusations are based .
`` One email included in the trove , sent to the younger Biden on May 13 , 2017 , after his father had left office , contained details of 'remuneration packages ' for a deal with a Chinese energy company , including `` 10 held by H for the big guy '' — which many interpreted as referring to shares held by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the report said .
That the media has taken a side was clear in the dispute created by Lesley Stahl of `` 60 Minutes '' who interviewed both the president and vice-president .
They posted full copies of their interviews , showing Stahl was argumentative and demanding .
She claimed the two `` insulted '' her network .
The debate was scheduled to be on foreign policy , but the Presidential Debate Commission abruptly changed that to a variety of topics just days ago .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, during Thursday's debate with President Donald Trump, hesitated, but then went ahead and did it.
He made the unfounded charge that Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani was being used as an "agent" of Russia to spread disinformation.
That, of course, was the opening for which the president was waiting: to confront Biden about the millions of dollars his son Hunter Biden was getting from Russia, China, Ukraine and other nations. And what about the money that was being held for "the big guy," which a former partner of his son has identified as Joe Biden?
The new evidence from an abandoned laptop now in the possession of the FBI and two former business partners indicating the Democratic nominee profited from Hunter Biden's lucrative business deals emerged last week.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"I think you owe an explanation to the American people," the president charged. "Maybe you can do it now."
Biden then claimed: "I have not taken a penny from any foreign source in my life. I have not taken a single penny from any country whatsoever ever."
Trump described the Biden family as a "vacuum cleaner," sucking up money from nefarious overseas business deals.
Biden denied there was anything wrong with his son getting paid tens of thousands of dollars a month from Burisma, the Ukrainian natural gas company, an industry in which Hunter had no experience.
Should Biden have raised the issue of corruption during the debate? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 49% (251 Votes) 51% (257 Votes)
The deal was made while Joe Biden was vice president for Barack Obama's administration and responsible for Ukraine policy. Even at the time, State Department officials raised concern about an apparent conflict of interest appearance because Burisma was under investigation for corruption and Joe Biden infamously demanded of Ukrainians that the prosecutor be fired. He threatened to withhold American aid if that did not happen.
See video of Joe Biden recalling how he successfully pressured Ukrainian officials to fire the prosecutor who was targeting Burisma:
Trump's campaign has pointed out the evidence that Hunter Biden's firm got $3.5 million from Russian billionaire Elena Baturina, the wife of the former mayor of Moscow; that Hunter Biden also opened a joint bank account with a Chinese national linked to the communist government; and while "Joe Biden advocated for legislation favored by big banks that made it harder for struggling Americans to declare bankruptcy, Biden’s son Hunter was 'earning' hundreds of thousands of dollars in 'consultant fees' from one of those banks, MBNA."
The campaign released a long list of additional conflict-of-interest concerns involving Biden and his family members.
"While Biden was vice president, his son Hunter joined him on Air Force Two for a trip to China. While in Beijing he arranged for his Chinese business partner to meet his father. Ten days after the trip, Hunter’s firm received an approval from the Chinese government-owned Bank of China that paved the way for more than a billion dollars in business for Hunter’s firm," the report said.
Trump confronted Biden for trying to dismiss the scandals as Russian disinformation.
"The laptop is another Russia hoax?" Trump asked, alluding to the Obama administration's Trump-Russia collusion probe. "Russia, Russia, Russia."
The first question of the debate was on the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump argued the 220,000 who have died is far less than the model he was presented with that estimated more than 2 million Americans could die.
He emphasized that the virus came from China, that the U.S. has been more successful than many nations and a vaccine is coming soon.
Biden blamed Trump personally for the American deaths, charging, "Anyone who is responsible for that many deaths should not remain president of the United States."
He did not explain how the president could be held personally responsible for the deaths caused by a worldwide pandemic.
He also did not explain how he would have done things differently.
Trump noted Biden called him "xenophobic" in January when he restricted travel from China.
Biden said that if elected, he would shut down the virus, but not the country. He didn't explain. He did confirm he supported closing down parts of the economy.
Trump charged Democratic governors are the ones who have closed down economies, hurting businesses and the public alike.
The debate at Belmont University in Nashville was moderated by NBC's Kristen Welker, who was accused by the president of being biased against him. After the debate was underway, however, Trump, complimented her.
Other questions included health care, crime and immigration.
The debate came at a time in American political life that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich described as being like none other.
He cited the establishment media's dismissal of the scandal of the "corrupt Biden family" and the censoring of the story by Facebook and Twitter.
Gingrich noted there's evidence that Biden was paid $911,000 from an institute at the University of Pennsylvania that was funded by China.
"Does this mean the vice president was on the Chinese communist payroll between leaving office and running for president?" Gingrich asked.
The debate was expected to impact only a small fraction of voters. Estimates are that 43 million already had voted before the debate and most have made up their minds.
The Washington Examiner reported that one of Hunter Biden's former business partners revealed a web of foreign figures, "all of whom trade off access to the former vice president or off the Biden family name."
Hundreds of files were given to the Examiner showed the proposed deals included "unique benefits" of working with the Bidens.
The Biden campaign has claimed Hunter Biden laptop story is Russian disinformation.
However, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has stated the intelligence agencies have no evidence to back that claim.
Further, the campaign has not denied the authenticity of the emails on which the accusations are based.
"One email included in the trove, sent to the younger Biden on May 13, 2017, after his father had left office, contained details of 'remuneration packages' for a deal with a Chinese energy company, including "10 held by H for the big guy" — which many interpreted as referring to shares held by Hunter Biden for his father, Joe," the Examiner said.
Prior to the debate, the Trump campaign backed up its claim of media bias by posting a full version of the president's interview with Lesley Stahl of "60 Minutes."