thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-04--Effort to recall Wisconsin governor gaining steam

KENOSHA , Wisconsin — Wisconsinites are n't afraid to try and kick a governor out of office before his term is up .
And that 's exactly what some hope to do with Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers , who is facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for his response to the coronavirus and the recent unrest in Kenosha after Jacob Blake was shot and paralyzed by a police officer last month .
Launched in late August following the riots that led to tens of millions of dollars in damage throughout the state , the effort has already garnered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who spoke with the Washington Examiner .
In order to successfully recall a governor in Wisconsin and trigger a new election , 25 % of the total number of voters who participated in the last election must sign the recall petition .
That means those behind the recall effort , like Richard Herbert of Kenosha , will need to collect nearly 670,000 signatures before the Oct. 25 deadline .
`` The governor is technically in control of asking for state and federal help when there 's a riot like we saw the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But he waited a day before doing anything .
We only have roughly 60 police for the whole city .
And then they would n't even protect businesses .
So it 's just unacceptable , and we think people here are fed up . ''
Observing Richard Herbert and his wife , Jane , collect signatures at a Kenosha park Thursday afternoon did provide some evidence that the recall effort is gaining momentum .
Since they started at 8 a.m. that morning , hundreds of residents pulled over and signed their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation with the Washington Examiner , roughly 10 people signed their names to recall Evers , Lt. Gov .
Mandela Barnes , and Kenosha County Executive James Kreuser .
`` I 've never been involved with politics before , other than working as a polling volunteer in the last election , '' said Jane Herbert , who said she has voted for both Republicans and Democrats .
`` We 've been talking to Republicans , Democrats , everyone .
It 's not about Biden or Trump , it 's about protecting our town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has spread statewide , with a newly created Facebook group seeing nearly 63,000 members join since it was launched on Aug. 26 .
Should the activists prove successful , Evers would be the second Wisconsin governor in a row to face a recall .
Then-GOP Gov .
Scott Walker was recalled in 2012 after progressive outrage following a budget bill that would have stripped collective bargaining rights from most state employees .
But in a subsequent election , Walker handily beat his Democratic challenger , Tom Barrett , with 53.1 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third term to Evers in 2018 .
Only two governors have been successfully recalled in American history , Lynn Frazier of North Dakota , a member of the Nonpartisan League who voters removed from office in 1921 , and Democratic California Gov .
Gray Davis in 2003 , who was replaced by Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger .
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has been critical of the recall campaign , calling it unnecessarily obstructive and partisan .
“ Trying to recall a governor with a 57 % job approval rating in the midst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is irresponsible and absurd , '' said party spokeswoman Courtney Beyer last month .
Frustration with Evers has been bubbling since the height of the coronavirus epidemic , with Republican lawmakers in the state pushing back against his lockdown policies .
In May , the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Evers 's attempt to extend the stay-at-home order in a 4-3 decision following a lawsuit filed by Republicans .
But Evers 's response to Kenosha was the last straw .
Aside from his delayed response to the rioting , many residents objected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit , saying the trip would interfere with the community 's `` healing . ''
`` It is our job as elected officials to lead by example and to be a calming presence for the people we know are hurting , mourning , and trying to cope with trauma .
Now is not the time for divisiveness , '' Evers wrote .
Many locals objected to those comments , calling them nakedly political , and noted that the governor did not use similar language to oppose former Vice President Joe Biden 's trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's just no leadership from Evers .
All of this damage could have been stopped Day One .
Day One , '' said Ron Carly , 70 , who signed the recall position on Thursday .
`` So much of this damage was n't even done by people who live here .
They came in from out of town , and what was the governor 's response ?
Sit back and do nothing . ''

KENOSHA, Wisconsin — Wisconsinites aren't afraid to try and kick a governor out of office before his term is up.
And that's exactly what some hope to do with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who is facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for his response to the coronavirus and the recent unrest in Kenosha after Jacob Blake was shot and paralyzed by a police officer last month.
Launched in late August following the riots that led to tens of millions of dollars in damage throughout the state, the effort has already garnered thousands of signatures, according to activists who spoke with the Washington Examiner. In order to successfully recall a governor in Wisconsin and trigger a new election, 25% of the total number of voters who participated in the last election must sign the recall petition.
That means those behind the recall effort, like Richard Herbert of Kenosha, will need to collect nearly 670,000 signatures before the Oct. 25 deadline.
"The governor is technically in control of asking for state and federal help when there's a riot like we saw the other week," said Herbert, 63. "But he waited a day before doing anything. We only have roughly 60 police for the whole city. And then they wouldn't even protect businesses. So it's just unacceptable, and we think people here are fed up."
Observing Richard Herbert and his wife, Jane, collect signatures at a Kenosha park Thursday afternoon did provide some evidence that the recall effort is gaining momentum. Since they started at 8 a.m. that morning, hundreds of residents pulled over and signed their names. Over the course of their conversation with the Washington Examiner, roughly 10 people signed their names to recall Evers, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and Kenosha County Executive James Kreuser.
"I've never been involved with politics before, other than working as a polling volunteer in the last election," said Jane Herbert, who said she has voted for both Republicans and Democrats. "We've been talking to Republicans, Democrats, everyone. It's not about Biden or Trump, it's about protecting our town."
The effort to recall Evers has spread statewide, with a newly created Facebook group seeing nearly 63,000 members join since it was launched on Aug. 26.
Should the activists prove successful, Evers would be the second Wisconsin governor in a row to face a recall. Then-GOP Gov. Scott Walker was recalled in 2012 after progressive outrage following a budget bill that would have stripped collective bargaining rights from most state employees. But in a subsequent election, Walker handily beat his Democratic challenger, Tom Barrett, with 53.1% of the vote. Walker lost his bid for a third term to Evers in 2018.
Only two governors have been successfully recalled in American history, Lynn Frazier of North Dakota, a member of the Nonpartisan League who voters removed from office in 1921, and Democratic California Gov. Gray Davis in 2003, who was replaced by Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has been critical of the recall campaign, calling it unnecessarily obstructive and partisan.
“Trying to recall a governor with a 57% job approval rating in the midst of a global pandemic and civil unrest is irresponsible and absurd," said party spokeswoman Courtney Beyer last month.
Frustration with Evers has been bubbling since the height of the coronavirus epidemic, with Republican lawmakers in the state pushing back against his lockdown policies. In May, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Evers's attempt to extend the stay-at-home order in a 4-3 decision following a lawsuit filed by Republicans.
But Evers's response to Kenosha was the last straw. Aside from his delayed response to the rioting, many residents objected to his letter asking President Trump not to visit, saying the trip would interfere with the community's "healing."
"It is our job as elected officials to lead by example and to be a calming presence for the people we know are hurting, mourning, and trying to cope with trauma. Now is not the time for divisiveness," Evers wrote.
Many locals objected to those comments, calling them nakedly political, and noted that the governor did not use similar language to oppose former Vice President Joe Biden's trip to Kenosha on Thursday.
"There's just no leadership from Evers. All of this damage could have been stopped Day One. Day One," said Ron Carly, 70, who signed the recall position on Thursday. "So much of this damage wasn't even done by people who live here. They came in from out of town, and what was the governor's response? Sit back and do nothing."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-04--Biden says QAnon believers should seek mental health treatment 'while it still exists under' Obamaca

Biden says QAnon believers should seek mental health treatment 'while it still exists under' Obamacare

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden recommended that believers of the QAnon conspiracy theory seek mental health treatment .
He was asked about the fringe movement in a press conference from Wilmington , Delaware , on Friday .
`` I ’ ve been a big supporter of mental health .
I ’ d recommend people who believe it should take advantage of it while it still exists under the Affordable Care Act , '' Biden said .
QAnon is a conspiracy theory tied to a right-wing fringe culture that claims `` deep state '' satanists are working to undermine President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of theories and subtheories sprung from someone , who claimed to be a high-ranking intelligence officer in the Trump administration , posting in anonymous internet forums called `` Q . ''
The `` Q 's '' cryptic predictions have repeatedly been false .
Last month , Trump declined to renounce support from QAnon or call the group 's beliefs false .
`` I don ’ t know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much , which I appreciate .
But I don ’ t know much about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is gaining in popularity , '' Trump said .
`` I ’ ve heard these are people that love our country , and they just do n't like seeing [ riots ] .
So , I do n't know really anything about it other than they do supposedly like me . ''
Marjorie Taylor Greene , a Republican nominee in the race for Georgia 's 14th Congressional District , has faced criticism for her previous engagement with QAnon theories and has since distanced herself from the movement .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden recommended that believers of the QAnon conspiracy theory seek mental health treatment.
He was asked about the fringe movement in a press conference from Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday.
"I’ve been a big supporter of mental health. I’d recommend people who believe it should take advantage of it while it still exists under the Affordable Care Act," Biden said.
QAnon is a conspiracy theory tied to a right-wing fringe culture that claims "deep state" satanists are working to undermine President Trump, among other things. The tangle of theories and subtheories sprung from someone, who claimed to be a high-ranking intelligence officer in the Trump administration, posting in anonymous internet forums called "Q." The "Q's" cryptic predictions have repeatedly been false.
Last month, Trump declined to renounce support from QAnon or call the group's beliefs false.
"I don’t know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate. But I don’t know much about the movement. I have heard that it is gaining in popularity," Trump said. "I’ve heard these are people that love our country, and they just don't like seeing [riots]. So, I don't know really anything about it other than they do supposedly like me."
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican nominee in the race for Georgia's 14th Congressional District, has faced criticism for her previous engagement with QAnon theories and has since distanced herself from the movement.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-04--Biden dismisses economic recovery as 'K-shaped'

Joe Biden said Friday that President Trump 's response to the pandemic had resulted in a `` K-shaped '' recovery in which the rich are prospering but those in the middle and lower classes are suffering .
`` The divergence in fortunes is unique to this recession and this administration , '' the Democratic presidential candidate said during a campaign speech in Wilmington , Delaware .
Biden said the `` K-shaped '' recovery could be seen in the August jobs report released Friday morning , which showed that 37 million people were teleworking in August .
Those workers , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much about the virus and are financially well off .
He said , however , that those who have in-person jobs on assembly lines , checkout counters , or meatpacking plants are forced to be worried about the virus and are facing great financial difficulties .
Trump has promised a `` V-shaped '' recovery , meaning one in which output and employment rebound quickly , such that a chart of economic figures would show a `` V '' shape .
Biden blamed Trump 's mismanagement of the pandemic for the struggles people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration has failed to control the virus from a health perspective and is now making matters worse now by cutting unemployment aid , pushing to reopen businesses and schools without protections , and authorizing flawed executive actions .
Friday 's jobs report showed a gain of 1.4 million jobs in August and an unemployment rate at 8.4 % .

Joe Biden said Friday that President Trump's response to the pandemic had resulted in a "K-shaped" recovery in which the rich are prospering but those in the middle and lower classes are suffering.
"The divergence in fortunes is unique to this recession and this administration," the Democratic presidential candidate said during a campaign speech in Wilmington, Delaware.
Biden said the "K-shaped" recovery could be seen in the August jobs report released Friday morning, which showed that 37 million people were teleworking in August. Those workers, Biden said, do not have to worry much about the virus and are financially well off. He said, however, that those who have in-person jobs on assembly lines, checkout counters, or meatpacking plants are forced to be worried about the virus and are facing great financial difficulties.
Trump has promised a "V-shaped" recovery, meaning one in which output and employment rebound quickly, such that a chart of economic figures would show a "V" shape.
Biden blamed Trump's mismanagement of the pandemic for the struggles people are facing. He said that the Trump administration has failed to control the virus from a health perspective and is now making matters worse now by cutting unemployment aid, pushing to reopen businesses and schools without protections, and authorizing flawed executive actions.
Friday's jobs report showed a gain of 1.4 million jobs in August and an unemployment rate at 8.4%.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-04--My son 'wasn't a sucker': Joe Biden rips Trump over Atlantic report

Joe Biden evoked his late son Beau Biden as he eviscerated President Trump over claims he bad-mouthed war dead and recoiled at injured military personnel .
`` When my son volunteered and joined the United States military as the attorney general , and went to Iraq for a year , won the Bronze Star and other commendations , he was n't a ‘ sucker , '' the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee said Friday .
`` The service men and women he served with , particularly those who did not come home , were not losers . ''
Biden described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen soldiers `` losers '' and dead Marines `` suckers '' in 2018 `` disgusting , '' if true .
The incumbent has denied the allegations made by four anonymous sources .
`` If these statements are true , the president should humbly apologize to every gold star mother and father and every blue star family he 's denigrated and insulted .
Who the heck does he think he is ? ''
Biden asked .
The two-term vice president , visibly shaken , said advisers `` always cautioned '' him against losing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be as close as I come this campaign , '' he told reporters at the start of an economic press conference in Delaware .
Beau Biden , Delaware 's former attorney general , died in 2015 at the age of 46 from brain cancer .
He joined the military in 2003 , rising to the rank of major in the Judge Advocate General 's Corps as part of Delaware 's 261st Signal Brigade .
The Atlantic wrote this week that Trump did n't want to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why should I go to that cemetery ?
It ’ s filled with losers . ''
The article added the president referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who were killed during the Battle of Belleau as `` suckers '' for losing their lives .
The Atlantic also claimed Trump instructed aides during a 2018 White House military parade planning meeting not to include wounded veterans because “ nobody wants to see that . ''

Joe Biden evoked his late son Beau Biden as he eviscerated President Trump over claims he bad-mouthed war dead and recoiled at injured military personnel.
"When my son volunteered and joined the United States military as the attorney general, and went to Iraq for a year, won the Bronze Star and other commendations, he wasn't a ‘sucker," the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee said Friday. "The service men and women he served with, particularly those who did not come home, were not losers."
Biden described the Atlantic's report that Trump once called fallen soldiers "losers" and dead Marines "suckers" in 2018 "disgusting," if true. The incumbent has denied the allegations made by four anonymous sources.
"If these statements are true, the president should humbly apologize to every gold star mother and father and every blue star family he's denigrated and insulted. Who the heck does he think he is?" Biden asked.
The two-term vice president, visibly shaken, said advisers "always cautioned" him against losing his temper on the trail.
“This may be as close as I come this campaign," he told reporters at the start of an economic press conference in Delaware.
Beau Biden, Delaware's former attorney general, died in 2015 at the age of 46 from brain cancer. He joined the military in 2003, rising to the rank of major in the Judge Advocate General's Corps as part of Delaware's 261st Signal Brigade.
The Atlantic wrote this week that Trump didn't want to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris, telling senior staff members, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers." The article added the president referred to the more than 1,800 Marines who were killed during the Battle of Belleau as "suckers" for losing their lives.
The Atlantic also claimed Trump instructed aides during a 2018 White House military parade planning meeting not to include wounded veterans because “nobody wants to see that."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-04--Anti-Trump veterans group already has an ad cut based on report that says Trump called dead Marines

Anti-Trump veterans group already has an ad cut based on report that says Trump called dead Marines ‘losers'

An anti-Trump veterans group is already running an attack ad based on a Thursday Atlantic report alleging that the president referred to dead U.S. Marines as “ losers ” and “ suckers.
” That was fast .
Weirdly fast , even .
On Thursday , at around 5:30 p.m. , the Atlantic published a report titled “ Trump : Americans Who Died in War Are ‘ Losers ’ and ‘ Suckers.
’ ” The report , based on the word of four anonymous sources , alleges the president declined an offer in 2018 to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it important to honor American war dead.
” “ Why should I go to that cemetery ?
It ’ s filled with losers , ” the president supposedly said , adding later of the more than 1,800 Marines who died at Belleau Wood that they were “ suckers.
” On Friday , at around 8:30 in the morning , barely 15 hours after the Atlantic story dropped , MSNBC ’ s Morning Joe aired a new attack ad by the anti-Trump group VoteVets .
The ad features Gold Star parents denouncing Trump specifically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic ’ s supposed bombshell report .
“ My son is not a loser , ” says one Gold Star mother .
A Gold Star father says elsewhere , “ My son , Matthew , is not a loser.
” “ My stepson was not a sucker , ” says yet another Gold Star parent .
It is not just an ad featuring a dubbed-over voice , some scary music , and a few screenshots of the Atlantic article .
This is a high-quality , sophisticated television spot featuring testimony from multiple Gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnaround time — getting all those parents together overnight and then getting the ad into MSNBC 's hands , considering the Atlantic story had only just come out Thursday evening .
Meanwhile , the 2020 Biden campaign also had a press call Friday morning with Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois , Gold Star father Khizr Khan , and Democratic Rep. Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania “ in reaction to the appalling revelations about Donald Trump and veterans ” in the Atlantic report .
Everyone ’ s rapid response timing for this Atlantic report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timing .

An anti-Trump veterans group is already running an attack ad based on a Thursday Atlantic report alleging that the president referred to dead U.S. Marines as “losers” and “suckers.”
That was fast. Weirdly fast, even.
On Thursday, at around 5:30 p.m., the Atlantic published a report titled “Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers.’” The report, based on the word of four anonymous sources, alleges the president declined an offer in 2018 to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris because “he did not believe it important to honor American war dead.”
“Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers,” the president supposedly said, adding later of the more than 1,800 Marines who died at Belleau Wood that they were “suckers.”
On Friday, at around 8:30 in the morning, barely 15 hours after the Atlantic story dropped, MSNBC’s Morning Joe aired a new attack ad by the anti-Trump group VoteVets. The ad features Gold Star parents denouncing Trump specifically for the alleged remarks featured in the Atlantic’s supposed bombshell report.
“My son is not a loser,” says one Gold Star mother.
A Gold Star father says elsewhere, “My son, Matthew, is not a loser.”
“My stepson was not a sucker,” says yet another Gold Star parent.
It is not just an ad featuring a dubbed-over voice, some scary music, and a few screenshots of the Atlantic article. This is a high-quality, sophisticated television spot featuring testimony from multiple Gold Star parents.
That is some amazing turnaround time — getting all those parents together overnight and then getting the ad into MSNBC's hands, considering the Atlantic story had only just come out Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Biden campaign also had a press call Friday morning with Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Gold Star father Khizr Khan, and Democratic Rep. Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania “in reaction to the appalling revelations about Donald Trump and veterans” in the Atlantic report.
Everyone’s rapid response timing for this Atlantic report has been just amazing. Just incredible timing.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-04--Kanye West barred from Arizona presidential ballot

Kanye West 's presidential campaign received bad news this week in Arizona when a judge removed his name from the general election ballot in the state .
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott McCoy sided with Arizona resident Rasean Clayton in a lawsuit that sought to remove the rapper 's name as an independent candidate from the Arizona ballot because of his affiliation with the Republican Party .
Clayton 's lawsuit argued that West could not be an independent on the Nov. 3 ballot because he is a registered Republican in his home state of Wyoming and noted that almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Electoral College votes for the candidate , were Republicans until they just recently changed their registrations to independent .
Clayton claimed West 's inclusion on the ballot would cause `` harm '' to voters in the state who would be throwing `` away a vote on a disqualified candidate '' if the rapper-turned-presidential candidate appeared on the ballot .
McCoy agreed with Clayton , noting that West 's inclusion on the ballot could confuse voters in the Southwestern state .
West was also thrown off the Virginia ballot on Thursday , where his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the election officials , after two men filed a lawsuit claiming that volunteers with West 's campaign had misled them during the signature-gathering process .
West is set to appear on the presidential ballot in Oklahoma , Utah , Colorado , and several other states .
It remains unclear whether West 's team will appeal the ruling .

Kanye West's presidential campaign received bad news this week in Arizona when a judge removed his name from the general election ballot in the state.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott McCoy sided with Arizona resident Rasean Clayton in a lawsuit that sought to remove the rapper's name as an independent candidate from the Arizona ballot because of his affiliation with the Republican Party.
Clayton's lawsuit argued that West could not be an independent on the Nov. 3 ballot because he is a registered Republican in his home state of Wyoming and noted that almost of his electors, who would cast Electoral College votes for the candidate, were Republicans until they just recently changed their registrations to independent.
Clayton claimed West's inclusion on the ballot would cause "harm" to voters in the state who would be throwing "away a vote on a disqualified candidate" if the rapper-turned-presidential candidate appeared on the ballot. McCoy agreed with Clayton, noting that West's inclusion on the ballot could confuse voters in the Southwestern state.
West was also thrown off the Virginia ballot on Thursday, where his campaign had filed more than 5,000 signatures with the election officials, after two men filed a lawsuit claiming that volunteers with West's campaign had misled them during the signature-gathering process.
West is set to appear on the presidential ballot in Oklahoma, Utah, Colorado, and several other states. It remains unclear whether West's team will appeal the ruling.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-04--Trump says campaign rallies in arenas may make a comeback

President Trump teased the possibility of bringing rallies back to indoor arenas with less than two months until Election Day .
The president , who has not held an indoor rally in a major arena since one in Tulsa , Oklahoma , in June , told the Washington Examiner 's Salena Zito after his Thursday evening rally in Latrobe , Pennsylvania , that the campaign `` may do the arenas '' before the Nov. 3 contest against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
The president lamented that he 's unable to `` do the arenas '' and talked about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as Thursday 's rally that took place in Hangar 1 at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport .
Trump 's large indoor rallies , which were a hallmark of the 2016 campaign and in the 2020 campaign until the coronavirus pandemic , are widely considered to be a strength for the president , generating excitement among his most ardent supporters .
`` It 's so disappointing , '' Trump said of Thursday 's rally .
`` I do n't know why .
You could 've moved us back further or something , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire .
We had thousands of people here , but we had thousands of people along the runway that could n't get in .
It 's ridiculous .
It 's one of those things .
What am I going to do ?
It 's too bad , because yeah , I hate to see that .
They come and they wait , but I hope you saw what was back there . ''
The president , who has held smaller indoor events in recent weeks , also pointed out that hosting campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one way the campaign is hoping to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus among attendees , is `` much better '' from the `` standpoint of COVID or the China virus . ''
Trump 's last indoor campaign event did not take place as the campaign envisioned .
First , the event was pushed back a day after it had initially been planned for Juneteenth , also known as Emancipation Day or Black Independence Day , and then , the turnout was lower than expected .
The stadium was less than half full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than usual crowd size on supposed protesters outside the arena .
Afterward , a Tulsa health official said the event `` likely contributed '' to a surge in COVID-19 cases .
During his interview with Zito , Trump also repeated his concern that the country `` may never have an answer to the election '' because of mail-in ballots and the potential for fraud .

President Trump teased the possibility of bringing rallies back to indoor arenas with less than two months until Election Day.
The president, who has not held an indoor rally in a major arena since one in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June, told the Washington Examiner's Salena Zito after his Thursday evening rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, that the campaign "may do the arenas" before the Nov. 3 contest against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
The president lamented that he's unable to "do the arenas" and talked about the pros and cons of doing outside events, such as Thursday's rally that took place in Hangar 1 at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Trump's large indoor rallies, which were a hallmark of the 2016 campaign and in the 2020 campaign until the coronavirus pandemic, are widely considered to be a strength for the president, generating excitement among his most ardent supporters.
[Read: Salena Zito interview with President Trump]
"It's so disappointing," Trump said of Thursday's rally. "I don't know why. You could've moved us back further or something, but we had the same thing in New Hampshire. We had thousands of people here, but we had thousands of people along the runway that couldn't get in. It's ridiculous. It's one of those things. What am I going to do? It's too bad, because yeah, I hate to see that. They come and they wait, but I hope you saw what was back there."
The president, who has held smaller indoor events in recent weeks, also pointed out that hosting campaign events that are outside, which is one way the campaign is hoping to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus among attendees, is "much better" from the "standpoint of COVID or the China virus."
Trump's last indoor campaign event did not take place as the campaign envisioned.
First, the event was pushed back a day after it had initially been planned for Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Black Independence Day, and then, the turnout was lower than expected. The stadium was less than half full, but the campaign blamed the smaller than usual crowd size on supposed protesters outside the arena. Afterward, a Tulsa health official said the event "likely contributed" to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
During his interview with Zito, Trump also repeated his concern that the country "may never have an answer to the election" because of mail-in ballots and the potential for fraud.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-04--Biden campaign pounces on anonymously sourced allegation Trump called dead troops ‘losers'

Joe Biden 's presidential campaign is leaning heavily into anonymously sourced allegations that President Trump called soldiers who died in battle `` losers '' and `` suckers , '' enlisting veterans Tammy Duckworth and Conor Lamb and gold star father Khizr Khan to criticize Trump and amplify the report .
`` Last night and today , countless veterans and military families are in pain and asking , 'What is in this presidency for us ? '
'' Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said Friday .
The Democratic presidential nominee released a statement on the allegations a few hours after they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If the revelations in today ’ s Atlantic article are true , then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States , '' Biden said .
`` Duty , honor , country — those are the values that drive our service members .
Those are the values that have formed the core of America ’ s defense for centuries .
And if I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice — always . ''
On Friday , the Biden campaign held a press call `` in reaction to the appalling revelations about Donald Trump and veterans '' with Democratic Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth , an Iraq War veteran and double amputee ; Khizr Khan , the father of an Army captain who was killed in 2004 ; and Democratic Pennsylvania Rep. Conor Lamb , a Marine veteran .
`` I am not shocked , but I am appalled , '' Duckworth said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and titanium legs over Donald Trump ’ s supposed bone spurs every day . ''
Khan , who famously railed against Trump in a 2016 Democratic convention speech , said that Trump is `` incapable of understanding service , valor , and courage .
His soul can not conceive of integrity and honor . ''
“ According to Trump , the winners are those who put themselves above all , and the losers are those who don ’ t , ” Khan added .
`` His soul is that of a coward .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeffrey Goldberg said that when Trump had to cancel a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery , he told senior staff members , `` Why should I go to that cemetery ?
It ’ s filled with losers , '' and called the 1,800 Marines buried there who were killed in World War I 's Battle of Belleau Wood `` suckers . ''
The account was based on `` four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day , '' which on Friday Goldberg said that , despite pushing them to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceed without naming them due to the fact that there were multiple sources .
`` They don ’ t want to be inundated with angry tweets and all the rest , '' he told CNN .
During the press call , Lamb was asked about the story 's use of anonymous sources .
He said that it is important to find a way to `` find a way to speak truth to power '' and added that anonymous sourcing has saved lives , adding that the details in the story are consistent with @ @ @ @ @ @

Joe Biden's presidential campaign is leaning heavily into anonymously sourced allegations that President Trump called soldiers who died in battle "losers" and "suckers," enlisting veterans Tammy Duckworth and Conor Lamb and gold star father Khizr Khan to criticize Trump and amplify the report.
"Last night and today, countless veterans and military families are in pain and asking, 'What is in this presidency for us?'" Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said Friday.
The Democratic presidential nominee released a statement on the allegations a few hours after they became public in the Atlantic on Thursday.
"If the revelations in today’s Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States," Biden said. "Duty, honor, country — those are the values that drive our service members. Those are the values that have formed the core of America’s defense for centuries. And if I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice — always."
On Friday, the Biden campaign held a press call "in reaction to the appalling revelations about Donald Trump and veterans" with Democratic Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and double amputee; Khizr Khan, the father of an Army captain who was killed in 2004; and Democratic Pennsylvania Rep. Conor Lamb, a Marine veteran.
"I am not shocked, but I am appalled," Duckworth said. "I’ll take my wheelchair and titanium legs over Donald Trump’s supposed bone spurs every day."
Khan, who famously railed against Trump in a 2016 Democratic convention speech, said that Trump is "incapable of understanding service, valor, and courage. His soul cannot conceive of integrity and honor."
“According to Trump, the winners are those who put themselves above all, and the losers are those who don’t,” Khan added. "His soul is that of a coward."
The Atlantic's story from editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg said that when Trump had to cancel a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, he told senior staff members, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers," and called the 1,800 Marines buried there who were killed in World War I's Battle of Belleau Wood "suckers."
The account was based on "four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day," which on Friday Goldberg said that, despite pushing them to go on the record, he decided to proceed without naming them due to the fact that there were multiple sources. "They don’t want to be inundated with angry tweets and all the rest," he told CNN.
During the press call, Lamb was asked about the story's use of anonymous sources. He said that it is important to find a way to "find a way to speak truth to power" and added that anonymous sourcing has saved lives, adding that the details in the story are consistent with what Trump has said publicly.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-05--Timely jobs report lifts Trump as fall campaign accelerates

President Trump enters the Labor Day kickoff of the fall campaign buoyed by an encouraging August jobs report , with Republicans saying the development offers the commander in chief a critical opportunity to overtake Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Unemployment plummeted to 8.4 % , falling below 10 % on the strength of 1.4 million new hires .
The development suggests the economy is recovering from the depths of a brutal , pandemic-induced recession , which would help any president embroiled in a close reelection bid .
Republican strategists say that goes double for Trump .
Voters give Trump high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite dissatisfaction with other aspects of his leadership , particularly his handling of the coronavirus .
An improving financial picture provides the president with a credible platform to focus attention on his strong suit .
“ I still think the election revolves around who can make America normal again , and getting the economy back to normal is a big part of that , ” said Scott Jennings , a Republican strategist in Kentucky .
“ He 's got to make the contrast , though , and explain why Biden 's economic policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” That emphasis on Trump needing to contrast his agenda with Biden ’ s to capitalize on positive economic trends reflects unease among Republican insiders .
For many Republican voters , Trump ’ s unorthodox style of communicating is an asset .
But for GOP strategists working in the trenches of down-ballot campaigns , the president ’ s provocative rhetoric and tendency to discuss an array of issues obscures his most compelling reelection pitches and repels independents and disaffected Republicans .
Unless Trump disciplines himself for the final eight weeks of the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden could retain an advantage he accrued over the summer .
“ The key for the president going forward is to frame Biden as someone who wants to raise taxes as we ’ re coming out of a recession , so he ’ s going to make things worse , ” said a Republican consultant in Washington .
Even if Trump does his part , the debate over the economy might not be as clean as some Republicans envision .
To fund a variety of government programs , the former vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s $ 1.3 trillion tax overhaul by raising income taxes on people earning more than $ 400,000 annually and rescinding a major reduction in the corporate tax .
But Biden is framing his economic message around what he claims is Trump ’ s failure to lead on the coronavirus , which , in turn , he argues , exacerbated the economic devastation caused by the pandemic .
With Trump ’ s approval rating for his handling of the coronavirus consistently underwater since the spring , that message could prove a potent counterpunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we all hoped [ that ] a few months of a shutdown would be followed by a rapid economic turnaround .
No one thought they ’ d lose their job for good , ” Biden said Friday during a speech reacting to the August jobs report .
“ But that kind of recovery requires leadership — leadership we didn ’ t have and still don ’ t have.
” The Trump campaign countered with a lengthy statement that lauded the economy ’ s “ rapid recovery ” and accused Biden of relying on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ While Biden hopes for economic ruin to buoy his political fortunes , President Trump is leading the nation , working every day to make America great again — again , ” Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said .
The August jobs report arrived just as the president appeared to be closing the gap with Biden in a few of the swing states that will decide the election , such as Florida and Pennsylvania , although the former vice president ’ s lead nationally and in other battlegrounds has held .
In midterm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy failed to save House Republicans from voters ’ frustration with Trump .
The GOP lost 40 seats and control of the chamber , plus Senate seats in two Western swing states .
But with the headwinds Trump has faced recently — pandemic , recession , and civil unrest — this latest news on the economy could be a difference-maker , just as the perception of improving financial fortunes helped President Barack Obama in 2012 .
“ How much it helps politically is going to have more to do with those economic shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 10 states that are going to decide who wins this race , ” said Nick Everhart , a Republican strategist in Ohio , where Trump is headed next week to campaign .

President Trump enters the Labor Day kickoff of the fall campaign buoyed by an encouraging August jobs report, with Republicans saying the development offers the commander in chief a critical opportunity to overtake Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Unemployment plummeted to 8.4%, falling below 10% on the strength of 1.4 million new hires. The development suggests the economy is recovering from the depths of a brutal, pandemic-induced recession, which would help any president embroiled in a close reelection bid. Republican strategists say that goes double for Trump.
Voters give Trump high marks for his stewardship of the economy despite dissatisfaction with other aspects of his leadership, particularly his handling of the coronavirus. An improving financial picture provides the president with a credible platform to focus attention on his strong suit.
“I still think the election revolves around who can make America normal again, and getting the economy back to normal is a big part of that,” said Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist in Kentucky. “He's got to make the contrast, though, and explain why Biden's economic policies would put a halt to the recovery.”
That emphasis on Trump needing to contrast his agenda with Biden’s to capitalize on positive economic trends reflects unease among Republican insiders.
For many Republican voters, Trump’s unorthodox style of communicating is an asset. But for GOP strategists working in the trenches of down-ballot campaigns, the president’s provocative rhetoric and tendency to discuss an array of issues obscures his most compelling reelection pitches and repels independents and disaffected Republicans. Unless Trump disciplines himself for the final eight weeks of the campaign and trains the spotlight on the economy, Biden could retain an advantage he accrued over the summer.
“The key for the president going forward is to frame Biden as someone who wants to raise taxes as we’re coming out of a recession, so he’s going to make things worse,” said a Republican consultant in Washington.
Even if Trump does his part, the debate over the economy might not be as clean as some Republicans envision.
To fund a variety of government programs, the former vice president is vowing to gut portions of Trump’s $1.3 trillion tax overhaul by raising income taxes on people earning more than $400,000 annually and rescinding a major reduction in the corporate tax. But Biden is framing his economic message around what he claims is Trump’s failure to lead on the coronavirus, which, in turn, he argues, exacerbated the economic devastation caused by the pandemic.
With Trump’s approval rating for his handling of the coronavirus consistently underwater since the spring, that message could prove a potent counterpunch.
“When the crisis started, we all hoped [that] a few months of a shutdown would be followed by a rapid economic turnaround. No one thought they’d lose their job for good,” Biden said Friday during a speech reacting to the August jobs report. “But that kind of recovery requires leadership — leadership we didn’t have and still don’t have.”
The Trump campaign countered with a lengthy statement that lauded the economy’s “rapid recovery” and accused Biden of relying on American hardship to win the presidency. “While Biden hopes for economic ruin to buoy his political fortunes, President Trump is leading the nation, working every day to make America great again — again,” Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said.
The August jobs report arrived just as the president appeared to be closing the gap with Biden in a few of the swing states that will decide the election, such as Florida and Pennsylvania, although the former vice president’s lead nationally and in other battlegrounds has held.
In midterm elections two years ago, a soaring economy failed to save House Republicans from voters’ frustration with Trump. The GOP lost 40 seats and control of the chamber, plus Senate seats in two Western swing states. But with the headwinds Trump has faced recently — pandemic, recession, and civil unrest — this latest news on the economy could be a difference-maker, just as the perception of improving financial fortunes helped President Barack Obama in 2012.
“How much it helps politically is going to have more to do with those economic shots in the arm happening and being felt in the 10 states that are going to decide who wins this race,” said Nick Everhart, a Republican strategist in Ohio, where Trump is headed next week to campaign.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-05--Radical transgender agenda could make Democrats lose this fall

Men in women ’ s bathrooms , boys in girls ’ sports , and worst of all , parents forbidden from blocking “ sex-reassignment surgery ” for their minor children .
These are among the radical implications of the Equality Act supported by almost all Senate Democrats .
Controversy about this bill may just be the sleeper issue of the fall campaign , and a conservative group called the American Principles Project is trying to make Democrats pay for it .
Good for APP .
Its warnings are justified .
APP is running ads in Michigan against incumbent Democratic Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden because of their support for the Equality Act .
The three ads pull no punches .
Two of them feature a man named Kevin Whitt who transitioned to female as a teenager , only to decide 17 years later he was a man after all .
He says that sex changes for minors are “ child abuse.
” A third commercial features girls running on a track but beaten by a person who is still obviously a boy and thus losing the championships , and maybe scholarships , they otherwise would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is intended to stop discrimination against gay and transgender people , but APP and others argue it would force radical consequences such as the ones described above .
With good logic , they point to similar state laws that already have done so .
At least on the problem of biological males unfairly competing in women ’ s sports , some very prominent liberals and gay activists agree that the Equality Act goes too far .
They write that without an exception to its language for Title IX , which mandates adequate funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Equality Act “ would do significant damage to Title IX and to the Amateur Sports Act , which governs sports outside of educational settings.
” As they further explain , “ Title IX not only permits but often requires educational institutions that receive federal money to provide separate programs and opportunities for females based on sex .
This is necessary because sex segregation is the only way to achieve equality for girls and women in competitive athletics.
” Those warnings came in a guest column in the Washington Post by all-time tennis great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outspoken liberal activist , by four-time Olympic track gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross , and by Duke law professor Doriane Coleman .
They support the Equality Act overall , but they say it must be amended to support women ’ s sports .
At least in the U.S. House of Representatives , Democrats were too radical even to consider such an amendment .
When Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida asked permission to offer an amendment such as the one advocated by Navratilova and company , House Democrats killed his effort , with only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Almost every Democrat in the Senate also supports the Equality Act as is , as does Biden .
That ’ s why APP and other conservative groups will try to make all of them fully own the implications of sex changes for minors and of boys trampling girls in athletics .
The issues are legitimate .
The bill ’ s provisions would be hugely detrimental to reason , fairness , and decency .
If Democratic candidates don ’ t disown the bill as written , they deserve to pay a political price @

Men in women’s bathrooms, boys in girls’ sports, and worst of all, parents forbidden from blocking “sex-reassignment surgery” for their minor children.
These are among the radical implications of the Equality Act supported by almost all Senate Democrats. Controversy about this bill may just be the sleeper issue of the fall campaign, and a conservative group called the American Principles Project is trying to make Democrats pay for it.
Good for APP. Its warnings are justified.
APP is running ads in Michigan against incumbent Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and against presidential nominee Joe Biden because of their support for the Equality Act. The three ads pull no punches. Two of them feature a man named Kevin Whitt who transitioned to female as a teenager, only to decide 17 years later he was a man after all. He says that sex changes for minors are “child abuse.” A third commercial features girls running on a track but beaten by a person who is still obviously a boy and thus losing the championships, and maybe scholarships, they otherwise would have won.
Democrats say the Equality Act is intended to stop discrimination against gay and transgender people, but APP and others argue it would force radical consequences such as the ones described above. With good logic, they point to similar state laws that already have done so.
At least on the problem of biological males unfairly competing in women’s sports, some very prominent liberals and gay activists agree that the Equality Act goes too far. They write that without an exception to its language for Title IX, which mandates adequate funding for women’s sports, the Equality Act “would do significant damage to Title IX and to the Amateur Sports Act, which governs sports outside of educational settings.”
As they further explain, “Title IX not only permits but often requires educational institutions that receive federal money to provide separate programs and opportunities for females based on sex. This is necessary because sex segregation is the only way to achieve equality for girls and women in competitive athletics.”
Those warnings came in a guest column in the Washington Post by all-time tennis great Martina Navratilova, a lesbian and thoughtfully outspoken liberal activist, by four-time Olympic track gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross, and by Duke law professor Doriane Coleman. They support the Equality Act overall, but they say it must be amended to support women’s sports.
At least in the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats were too radical even to consider such an amendment. When Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida asked permission to offer an amendment such as the one advocated by Navratilova and company, House Democrats killed his effort, with only one Democrat voting to protect Title IX.
Almost every Democrat in the Senate also supports the Equality Act as is, as does Biden. That’s why APP and other conservative groups will try to make all of them fully own the implications of sex changes for minors and of boys trampling girls in athletics. The issues are legitimate. The bill’s provisions would be hugely detrimental to reason, fairness, and decency. If Democratic candidates don’t disown the bill as written, they deserve to pay a political price.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-05--Joe Biden names Pete Buttigieg, Susan Rice, and others to transition team

Joe Biden is expanding his transition team as the day of the election grows closer .
Among that cast of characters are Biden 's former competitor Pete Buttigieg and former President Barack Obama 's national security adviser Susan Rice .
The pair will be part of Biden 's 15-person advisory board .
Other additions to the board include former Obama administration officials such as Sally Yates , the former deputy attorney general , and Vivek Murthy , the former surgeon general .
Murthy has advised the Biden campaign on the coronavirus pandemic .
An announcement of the additions to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team is also adding four co-chairs who will work alongside transition co-chair Ted Kaufman .
These individuals include Jeffrey Zients , a top economic adviser for Obama ; Michelle Lujan Grisham , the governor of New Mexico ; Cedric Richmond , a congressman from Louisiana ; and Anita Dunn , a senior campaign adviser .
`` We are preparing for this transition amid the backdrop of a global health crisis and struggling economy .
This is a transition like no other , and the team being assembled will help Joe Biden meet the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , '' Kaufman said in a statement .

Joe Biden is expanding his transition team as the day of the election grows closer.
Among that cast of characters are Biden's former competitor Pete Buttigieg and former President Barack Obama's national security adviser Susan Rice. The pair will be part of Biden's 15-person advisory board. Other additions to the board include former Obama administration officials such as Sally Yates, the former deputy attorney general, and Vivek Murthy, the former surgeon general. Murthy has advised the Biden campaign on the coronavirus pandemic.
An announcement of the additions to the team came on Saturday.
The Biden team is also adding four co-chairs who will work alongside transition co-chair Ted Kaufman.
These individuals include Jeffrey Zients, a top economic adviser for Obama; Michelle Lujan Grisham, the governor of New Mexico; Cedric Richmond, a congressman from Louisiana; and Anita Dunn, a senior campaign adviser.
"We are preparing for this transition amid the backdrop of a global health crisis and struggling economy. This is a transition like no other, and the team being assembled will help Joe Biden meet the urgent challenges facing our country on day one," Kaufman said in a statement.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-05--'I would not trust Donald Trump': Harris asked if she'd get a vaccine before Election Day

Vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris expressed uncertainty when asked if she would take a vaccine released to the public before Election Day .
Harris recently sat down for an interview with CNN 's Dana Bash , a clip of which was released on Saturday .
`` Let 's just say there is a vaccine that is approved and even distributed before the election .
Would you get it ? ''
Bash asked .
Harris answered , `` Well , I think that 's gon na be an issue for all of us .
I will say that I would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of whatever he 's talking about .
I will not take his word for it . ''
Some experts believe that a coronavirus vaccine could be available as soon as the end of 2020 .
Part of the reason a vaccine takes so long to produce is because of the rigorous series of clinical trials it must undergo before being released to the public .
Bash 's full interview with Harris is set to release on Sunday @

Vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris expressed uncertainty when asked if she would take a vaccine released to the public before Election Day.
Harris recently sat down for an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, a clip of which was released on Saturday.
"Let's just say there is a vaccine that is approved and even distributed before the election. Would you get it?" Bash asked.
Harris answered, "Well, I think that's gonna be an issue for all of us. I will say that I would not trust Donald Trump, and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of whatever he's talking about. I will not take his word for it."
Some experts believe that a coronavirus vaccine could be available as soon as the end of 2020. Part of the reason a vaccine takes so long to produce is because of the rigorous series of clinical trials it must undergo before being released to the public.
Bash's full interview with Harris is set to release on Sunday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-05--Bernie Sanders: Congress needs to prepare for Trump to refuse to leave office

Sen. Bernie Sanders is calling for American leaders to brace the country for a scenario in which President Trump loses November 's election , but refuses to leave office .
Sanders , who came short of facing Trump in the presidential election in 2016 and 2020 , argued that the scenario is n't `` just idle speculation , '' given comments Trump made at the Republican National Convention in August and in a July interview with Fox News 's Chris Wallace .
“ Trump was saying that the only way he could lose the election is if there was — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ the only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election.
’ Now , he is making that statement at a time when virtually every national poll has him behind , '' the Vermont senator said in an interview with Politico .
In the interview with Wallace , the president said he would have to wait and see how the election played out when he was asked if he would agree to concede should he lose .
`` I have to see , '' Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have to see .
No , I ’ m not going to just say yes .
I ’ m not going to say no , and I didn ’ t last time , either.
” Sanders , in an effort to raise awareness about this `` nightmarish scenario , '' plans to give a speech on the topic and has called for the media and social media platforms to explain to the American people that the winner of the election will likely not be known until days after Election Day .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` red mirage '' happening on election night , where it appears that the president has won a number of battleground states , but that as mail-in and absentee ballots are counted in the following days , will show that he actually lost the state .
“ The nightmare scenario there is that , at a time when some states like Pennsylvania are finding that they don ’ t have the resources right now to count votes , their mail-in ballots , in a rapid way , that it is possible that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on election night , and yet , when all of the votes are counted , he will be behind .
He will lose , ” Sanders said of Trump .
“ But that during that interval , he will create chaos and confusion by claiming that there is massive fraud within the mail-in ballot process.
” Despite the president 's comments to the contrary , both his campaign and the White House have said that he would accept the results of the election .

Sen. Bernie Sanders is calling for American leaders to brace the country for a scenario in which President Trump loses November's election, but refuses to leave office.
Sanders, who came short of facing Trump in the presidential election in 2016 and 2020, argued that the scenario isn't "just idle speculation," given comments Trump made at the Republican National Convention in August and in a July interview with Fox News's Chris Wallace.
“Trump was saying that the only way he could lose the election is if there was — let me get the exact quote — ‘the only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election.’ Now, he is making that statement at a time when virtually every national poll has him behind," the Vermont senator said in an interview with Politico.
In the interview with Wallace, the president said he would have to wait and see how the election played out when he was asked if he would agree to concede should he lose.
"I have to see," Trump said. "Look, you — I have to see. No, I’m not going to just say yes. I’m not going to say no, and I didn’t last time, either.”
Sanders, in an effort to raise awareness about this "nightmarish scenario," plans to give a speech on the topic and has called for the media and social media platforms to explain to the American people that the winner of the election will likely not be known until days after Election Day.
The senator from Vermont also expressed concern of a "red mirage" happening on election night, where it appears that the president has won a number of battleground states, but that as mail-in and absentee ballots are counted in the following days, will show that he actually lost the state.
“The nightmare scenario there is that, at a time when some states like Pennsylvania are finding that they don’t have the resources right now to count votes, their mail-in ballots, in a rapid way, that it is possible that in some states Trump will be winning on election night, and yet, when all of the votes are counted, he will be behind. He will lose,” Sanders said of Trump. “But that during that interval, he will create chaos and confusion by claiming that there is massive fraud within the mail-in ballot process.”
Despite the president's comments to the contrary, both his campaign and the White House have said that he would accept the results of the election.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-06--Joe Biden can’t stop the rioting even if he tried

In this election cycle , voters must determine whether a controversial incumbent or his experienced challenger is best equipped to lead a country that is saddled with uncertainty and conflict .
With the ongoing pandemic and social unrest as just two of the major issues facing our nation , there is much work to be done .
On the campaign trail , Joe Biden has been quick to place the fault at President Trump 's feet for the growing volatility .
While we technically live in `` Trump 's America , '' it is also true that he has little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and governors .
He is , however , responsible for his own words and actions , some of which have not helped these tense situations .
On the other hand , Biden claims that if he is elected , he can bring a sense of calm to the country .
His own behavior says otherwise .
In his address in Pittsburgh on Monday , Biden called out what he believes are the instigators of the unrest : `` Extremists and opportunists — right-wing militias , white supremacists , vigilantes — who infiltrate protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then went on to decry the violence stating , `` I want to be clear about this : Rioting is not protesting .
Looting is not protesting .
Setting fires is not protesting .
None of this is protesting — it ’ s lawlessness — plain and simple .
And those who do it should be prosecuted . ''
At a quick glance , this speech seems like an appropriate condemnation of the wrong that has been committed .
But his refusal to name left-wing agitators and members of antifa , the ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year 's riot-related violence and destruction , means he accomplished little of substance .
If an unwillingness to denounce those aligned with his views is a hallmark of his campaign , while he 's seeking the highest office in the land , an actual Biden administration would be no different .
It is absurd to think that if Biden is elected president , then the rioting , arson , looting , and worse would suddenly cease to exist or be dramatically reduced .
There is simply no way that he can promise a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House .
After all , he is the candidate who is soft on the very architects of the mayhem .
He chooses to call out those wrong actors who , while no less guilty of wrongdoing , have only played a minimal role in the chaos .
When it comes to addressing problems within our country , a president should criticize all active participants .
There is certainly some truth to the fact that Trump 's words on social media have praised and encouraged the kind of vigilantism that we saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin .
As the leader of our nation , he should excuse himself from participating in online incitement , no matter how insignificant it may seem .
His supporters should hold him accountable for doing so .
But to his credit , Trump has been quick to demand law and order from officials and ask that they address the growing problems within their communities .
At the most basic level , the chaos we see around the country is a failure of local law enforcement , mayors , and others who are either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turmoil .
If the issues are to be resolved , it begins there .
Of the two imperfect candidates , it is Trump who demands that those in the immediate vicinity of the violence work toward quelling the tumult .
This ca n't be done if , like Joe Biden , those directly responsible for the riots and violence are not called out by name .
When it comes to dealing with societal unrest and rioting , Trump 's opponent claims to have the answers .
In reality , his concrete solutions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he refuses to be honest about what those problems are in the first place .
Kimberly Ross ( @ SouthernKeeks ) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner 's Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital .

In this election cycle, voters must determine whether a controversial incumbent or his experienced challenger is best equipped to lead a country that is saddled with uncertainty and conflict.
With the pandemic and social unrest as just two of the major issues facing our nation, there is much work to be done. On the campaign trail, Joe Biden has been quick to place the fault at President Trump's feet for the growing volatility.
While we technically live in "Trump's America," it is also true that he has little control over what rioters, mayors, and governors. He is, however, responsible for his own words and actions, some of which have not helped these tense situations.
On the other hand, Biden claims that if he is elected, he can bring a sense of calm to the country. His own behavior says otherwise. In his address in Pittsburgh on Monday, Biden called out what he believes are the instigators of the unrest: "Extremists and opportunists — right-wing militias, white supremacists, vigilantes — who infiltrate protests carrying weapons of war." He then went on to decry the violence stating, "I want to be clear about this: Rioting is not protesting. Looting is not protesting. Setting fires is not protesting. None of this is protesting — it’s lawlessness — plain and simple. And those who do it should be prosecuted."
At a quick glance, this speech seems like an appropriate condemnation of the wrong that has been committed. But his refusal to name left-wing agitators and members of antifa, the ones responsible for the overwhelming majority of this year's riot-related violence and destruction, means he accomplished little of substance. If an unwillingness to denounce those aligned with his views is a hallmark of his campaign, while he's seeking the highest office in the land, an actual Biden administration would be no different.
It is absurd to think that if Biden is elected president, then the rioting, arson, looting, and worse would suddenly cease to exist or be dramatically reduced. There is simply no way that he can promise a de-escalation would occur once he is in the White House. After all, he is the candidate who is soft on the very architects of the mayhem. He chooses to call out those wrong actors who, while no less guilty of wrongdoing, have only played a minimal role in the chaos. When it comes to addressing problems within our country, a president should criticize all active participants.
There is certainly some truth to the fact that Trump's words on social media have praised and encouraged the kind of vigilantism that we saw from 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As the leader of our nation, he should excuse himself from participating in online incitement, no matter how insignificant it may seem. His supporters should hold him accountable for doing so. But to his credit, Trump has been quick to demand law and order from officials and ask that they address the growing problems within their communities.
At the most basic level, the chaos we see around the country is a failure of local law enforcement, mayors, and others who are either ill-equipped or too complacent to combat the turmoil. If the issues are to be resolved, it begins there.
Of the two imperfect candidates, it is Trump who demands that those in the immediate vicinity of the violence work toward quelling the tumult. This can't be done if, like Joe Biden, those directly responsible for the riots and violence are not called out by name.
When it comes to dealing with societal unrest and rioting, Trump's opponent claims to have the answers. In reality, his concrete solutions are nonexistent. But worst of all, he refuses to be honest about what those problems are in the first place.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-06--What Joe Biden didn't let himself see in Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH — Sometimes , we are presented with opportunities that could change how we view the world outside the bubble of our daily lives .
One event can change how we see people , talk to people , and understand people and where they live , work , struggle , pray , and raise their families .
Too often , those opportunities are ignored , set aside because they take time and because there is no instant benefit , no immediate gratification , nothing tangible that shouts , “ Look what I did.
” Last week , Democratic nominee Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Delaware basement since he accepted his party ’ s nomination by going to Pittsburgh , located in the state of his birth — a part of his background he often boasts about .
He flew in , stood in front of Mill 19 , a multiuse office building that once employed 5,000 steelworkers but now is an incubator for robots doing manufacturing jobs .
In short , there are no blue-collar jobs in this facility .
He gave out some Mineo 's Pizza to firefighters , spoke for 12 minutes about violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , made a controversial claim about supporting fracking that counters some of what he has said before , took no questions from the press , and flew out .
It was an event that media mavens in Washington and New York praised profusely , which is something you ’ d expect from the people who live , operate , and socialize with the same people who give Biden advice .
The missed opportunities began on the road Biden did not take to get here .
The day after Biden ’ s event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traced the steps Biden could have taken to get to here from his home in Delaware as someone who wants to reclaim Pennsylvania for the Democrats in the presidential election .
He missed a chance to learn more about the very voters he needs to tip this state ’ s race in his direction .
Beginning in New Texas , Pennsylvania , about 35 miles from the Delaware state line along U.S. 222 , it is worth exploring just what the former vice president might have observed , learned , and understood without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle .
Along U.S. 222 , Biden would have observed a bucolic scene as he passed through the rolling farmlands of Lancaster County : tiny picturesque towns , lush farms , corn stalks , Amish buggies , and a scattering of Trump signs .
Once in the city of Lancaster , he would have caught sight of the Dutch Wonderland amusement park , Panera Bread , Wawa , and Dutch Haven Shoo-Fly Pie Shop .
If not going too fast , he also would see the cheerful red-covered bridge sitting along the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have passed the city of York and the Harley Davidson plant and found his way through New Oxford to see the multitude of stores that make this town the “ Antique Capital of Pennsylvania.
” Maybe he could have slowed down to roll down his window and ask if they are still open .
Or to ask passersby how business is .
Shortly afterward , he would have found himself surrounded on either side of U.S. 30 with the stone sentinels that stand guard on the battlefields where war ravaged the small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He could have maintained safe “ social distancing ” while still bearing witness to the sights of Little Round Top or Devil 's Den or contemplating how Abraham Lincoln felt as he took to the makeshift stage to deliver a “ few short words ” to honor the fallen and give a torn country hope for the future in his now-famous address .
Biden would have been able to observe people walking along the battlefield and perhaps contemplate what is it that draws people to this site more 150 years after the battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who came before them .
And perhaps roll down the window and ask someone why ?
Instead , there were no lessons learned .
From there , he would have passed through Chambersburg , then Caledonia State Park , then the small town of St. Thomas — where every other telephone pole is graced with an American flag .
Once he hit Bedford , he could have had his staff run into HeBrews Coffee House for a cup of coffee and a fresh bagel .
The staff is masked , there is only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brewed coffee is divine .
Or , between there and Everett , he could have grabbed an ice cream at the sundae-shaped Igloo ice cream shop and asked the young people working there how they were doing .
He surely would have noticed a flurry of Trump signs in several neighborhoods , often with one lone Biden sign — but with neighbors outside working in their yards and chatting back and forth , giving him several opportunities to ask why they could get along with such different points of view .
Maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media isn ’ t what always happens in real life .
As he passed Shanksville , he could have stopped and offered a prayer for our country while contemplating again what he was doing on that Sept. 11 when the plane crashed here .
As he entered Ligonier , Latrobe , Irwin , and Greensburg , he would have been overwhelmed by the amount of support for Trump in signage : large ones , small ones , homemade ones , and also flags , so many flags .
In a moment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question that both Republican and Democratic establishment types have never publicly asked : Why ?
Why did all of you reject us ?
What did we do wrong along the way , and how can we make it right ?
Once he got to Pittsburgh , he should not have stood in front of a manufacturing plant that is in truth a robotic incubator , particularly if he was going to say something about fracking .
Memo : If you now support fracking after repeatedly saying you did not , then stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show some authenticity .
Instead , he came across as a pandering politician who says one thing in one room and another later on , leaving the people most affected by his decision unmoved .
Biden needs to connect back with people because he comes across as a Washington strategist-created robot when he talks .
He uses a teleprompter or notes with words likely crafted by his staff and determined by what the polls say — or by what Twitter says .
He now comes across as a man who has lost any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possessed ; even if that ’ s not true , it is what he conveys .
Elections are about people , not about teleprompter speeches — not about who gets what to trend on Twitter , but people : their lives and stories and triumphs and failures .
People want to know a candidate will risk going where they are to earn their votes .
Ask them , and they ’ ll tell you that — because they believe they are risking everything to give you their support .

PITTSBURGH — Sometimes, we are presented with opportunities that could change how we view the world outside the bubble of our daily lives. One event can change how we see people, talk to people, and understand people and where they live, work, struggle, pray, and raise their families.
Too often, those opportunities are ignored, set aside because they take time and because there is no instant benefit, no immediate gratification, nothing tangible that shouts, “Look what I did.”
Last week, Democratic nominee Joe Biden made his first trip out of his Delaware basement since he accepted his party’s nomination by going to Pittsburgh, located in the state of his birth — a part of his background he often boasts about.
He flew in, stood in front of Mill 19, a multiuse office building that once employed 5,000 steelworkers but now is an incubator for robots doing manufacturing jobs. In short, there are no blue-collar jobs in this facility.
BEDFORD — Joe Biden sign along the Lincoln Highway in Bedford County.
He gave out some Mineo's Pizza to firefighters, spoke for 12 minutes about violence in other cities that did not happen here, made a controversial claim about supporting fracking that counters some of what he has said before, took no questions from the press, and flew out.
It was an event that media mavens in Washington and New York praised profusely, which is something you’d expect from the people who live, operate, and socialize with the same people who give Biden advice.
The missed opportunities began on the road Biden did not take to get here.
The day after Biden’s event, I got into my vehicle and traced the steps Biden could have taken to get to here from his home in Delaware as someone who wants to reclaim Pennsylvania for the Democrats in the presidential election. He missed a chance to learn more about the very voters he needs to tip this state’s race in his direction.
Beginning in New Texas, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles from the Delaware state line along U.S. 222, it is worth exploring just what the former vice president might have observed, learned, and understood without once needing to stop and exit his vehicle.
LIGONIER — Trump sign along Lincoln Highway between Jennerstown and Ligonier, Pennsylvania. (Salena Zito)
Along U.S. 222, Biden would have observed a bucolic scene as he passed through the rolling farmlands of Lancaster County: tiny picturesque towns, lush farms, corn stalks, Amish buggies, and a scattering of Trump signs. Once in the city of Lancaster, he would have caught sight of the Dutch Wonderland amusement park, Panera Bread, Wawa, and Dutch Haven Shoo-Fly Pie Shop. If not going too fast, he also would see the cheerful red-covered bridge sitting along the road’s old alignment.
He then would have passed the city of York and the Harley Davidson plant and found his way through New Oxford to see the multitude of stores that make this town the “Antique Capital of Pennsylvania.” Maybe he could have slowed down to roll down his window and ask if they are still open. Or to ask passersby how business is.
Shortly afterward, he would have found himself surrounded on either side of U.S. 30 with the stone sentinels that stand guard on the battlefields where war ravaged the small Adams County farm town of Gettysburg. He could have maintained safe “social distancing” while still bearing witness to the sights of Little Round Top or Devil's Den or contemplating how Abraham Lincoln felt as he took to the makeshift stage to deliver a “few short words” to honor the fallen and give a torn country hope for the future in his now-famous address.
Biden would have been able to observe people walking along the battlefield and perhaps contemplate what is it that draws people to this site more 150 years after the battle to weep and pray and honor those who came before them.
And perhaps roll down the window and ask someone why?
Instead, there were no lessons learned.
From there, he would have passed through Chambersburg, then Caledonia State Park, then the small town of St. Thomas — where every other telephone pole is graced with an American flag.
Once he hit Bedford, he could have had his staff run into HeBrews Coffee House for a cup of coffee and a fresh bagel. The staff is masked, there is only outdoor seating, and their freshly ground and brewed coffee is divine. Or, between there and Everett, he could have grabbed an ice cream at the sundae-shaped Igloo ice cream shop and asked the young people working there how they were doing.
He surely would have noticed a flurry of Trump signs in several neighborhoods, often with one lone Biden sign — but with neighbors outside working in their yards and chatting back and forth, giving him several opportunities to ask why they could get along with such different points of view. Maybe he would see that the nastiness on social media isn’t what always happens in real life.
As he passed Shanksville, he could have stopped and offered a prayer for our country while contemplating again what he was doing on that Sept. 11 when the plane crashed here.
As he entered Ligonier, Latrobe, Irwin, and Greensburg, he would have been overwhelmed by the amount of support for Trump in signage: large ones, small ones, homemade ones, and also flags, so many flags. In a moment of reflection, he could have asked himself the question that both Republican and Democratic establishment types have never publicly asked: Why? Why did all of you reject us? What did we do wrong along the way, and how can we make it right?
Once he got to Pittsburgh, he should not have stood in front of a manufacturing plant that is in truth a robotic incubator, particularly if he was going to say something about fracking. Memo: If you now support fracking after repeatedly saying you did not, then stand in front of the cracker plant and show some authenticity.
Instead, he came across as a pandering politician who says one thing in one room and another later on, leaving the people most affected by his decision unmoved.
Biden needs to connect back with people because he comes across as a Washington strategist-created robot when he talks. He uses a teleprompter or notes with words likely crafted by his staff and determined by what the polls say — or by what Twitter says.
He now comes across as a man who has lost any of the personal touch that he once possessed; even if that’s not true, it is what he conveys.
Elections are about people, not about teleprompter speeches — not about who gets what to trend on Twitter, but people: their lives and stories and triumphs and failures. People want to know a candidate will risk going where they are to earn their votes. Ask them, and they’ll tell you that — because they believe they are risking everything to give you their support.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-07--Trump playing catch-up as campaign reaches traditional Labor Day kickoff

Labor Day weekend is often viewed as the kickoff of the fall presidential campaign , and this year , it finds President Trump with ground to make up .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden leads nationally and in most of the major battleground states .
Whatever bounce Trump received from a successful Republican National Convention was modest and potentially short-lived .
The coronavirus and the summer ’ s racial justice protests have taken a bite out of Trump ’ s approval rating , which has generally ranged in the low-to-mid 40s and peaked at 49 % in March .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consolidate the voters who disapprove of his performance in office and who constitute a small majority of the electorate .
Quinnipiac recently showed Biden winning 52 % nationally .
CNN and Economist/YouGov polls had the former vice president at 51 % .
But the degeneration of some racial justice protests into rioting , looting , and lawlessness has the potential to back to Trump .
The economic recovery could also pick up steam heading into the fall , vindicating Trump ’ s preference for reopening and making some voters wary of Biden bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both parties remain mindful of the surprising result four years ago , when things looked gloomy for Trump even .
“ Tough to argue there are any good numbers for Trump right now , ” said Democratic strategist Stefan Hankin .
“ Biden is up nationally by 7-plus points , and Trump has n't been ahead in a public poll since February .
That being said , we do n't elect our president on a national vote , but Biden is up in Pennsylvania , Wisconsin , and Michigan , the big three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona , North Carolina.
” One question is whether voters largely made up their minds about Trump months ago or if the end of summer will see millions of people thinking seriously about the race with Biden for the first time .
Three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate are also fast approaching .
Biden has been in the lead , but his campaign hasn ’ t been flawless .
He has spent a lot of time in his basement in Delaware due to the pandemic .
He remains gaffe-prone in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling attention to his age ( he will turn 78 soon after the election ) .
He has largely avoided tough media interviews .
But the Democratic nominee has succeeded in keeping the focus on Trump , which has undeniably helped in the polls .
Trump needs the election to be less a referendum on himself than a binary choice between his preferred policies and the Democrats ’ .
So far , he has been unable to do so .
But Republicans haven ’ t given up hope .
“ I felt originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but with the new jobless numbers in today , and the economy feeling better overall , it puts Republican policy over Trump 's personality , ” said Republican strategist Noell Nikpour .
“ Trump is smart by focusing on Minnesota because that state could prove important to the GOP .
With Biden 's lack of visibility , lackluster campaign style , and overall unenthusiastic performance , I feel Trump 's in-person campaigning fueled with his strong speech performances and upward economy will move the needle his way once again.
” If Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also recapture the Senate .
If they heed the liberals who would like to see the filibuster eliminated , Biden plus a Democratic Congress would allow a to become law .
If Trump ’ s poll numbers do not recover in the coming weeks , embattled GOP Senate incumbents will face a dilemma about whether to abandon the president .
In 1996 , Republicans cut flailing presidential nominee Bob Dole loose and urged swing voters not to give President Bill Clinton a “ ” by also electing a Democratic Congress .
But Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this treatment from his party .
“ We have two months to go , and it is going to be ugly , but going into Labor Day , I do n't see how you argue anything other than Biden and [ Kamala ] Harris going into the homestretch in the lead , ” Hankin said .
Still , Trump is an aggressive campaigner who can be expected to make a spirited push in the closing weeks of the presidential campaign in a highly unusual year .
“ This election will be determined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Do you want four more years of Donald Trump 's version of America ?
” said a Republican consultant in Michigan .

Labor Day weekend is often viewed as the kickoff of the fall presidential campaign, and this year, it finds President Trump with ground to make up.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden leads nationally and in most of the major battleground states. Whatever bounce Trump received from a successful Republican National Convention was modest and potentially short-lived. The coronavirus and the summer’s racial justice protests have taken a bite out of Trump’s approval rating, which has generally ranged in the low-to-mid 40s and peaked at 49% in March.
The risk for Trump is that Biden will consolidate the voters who disapprove of his performance in office and who constitute a small majority of the electorate. Quinnipiac recently showed Biden winning 52% nationally. CNN and Economist/YouGov polls had the former vice president at 51%.
But the degeneration of some racial justice protests into rioting, looting, and lawlessness has the potential to swing some voters back to Trump. The economic recovery could also pick up steam heading into the fall, vindicating Trump’s preference for reopening and making some voters wary of Biden bringing back the lockdowns. And operatives in both parties remain mindful of the surprising result four years ago, when things looked gloomy for Trump even late in the cycle .
“Tough to argue there are any good numbers for Trump right now,” said Democratic strategist Stefan Hankin. “Biden is up nationally by 7-plus points, and Trump hasn't been ahead in a public poll since February. That being said, we don't elect our president on a national vote, but Biden is up in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the big three, and in states like Florida, Arizona, North Carolina.”
One question is whether voters largely made up their minds about Trump months ago or if the end of summer will see millions of people thinking seriously about the race with Biden for the first time. Three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate are also fast approaching.
Biden has been in the lead, but his campaign hasn’t been flawless. He has spent a lot of time in his basement in Delaware due to the pandemic. He remains gaffe-prone in his limited excursions on the campaign trail, calling attention to his age (he will turn 78 soon after the election). He has largely avoided tough media interviews. But the Democratic nominee has succeeded in keeping the focus on Trump, which has undeniably helped in the polls.
Trump needs the election to be less a referendum on himself than a binary choice between his preferred policies and the Democrats’. So far, he has been unable to do so. But Republicans haven’t given up hope.
“I felt originally, it was Biden's to lose, but with the new jobless numbers in today, and the economy feeling better overall, it puts Republican policy over Trump's personality,” said Republican strategist Noell Nikpour. “Trump is smart by focusing on Minnesota because that state could prove important to the GOP. With Biden's lack of visibility, lackluster campaign style, and overall unenthusiastic performance, I feel Trump's in-person campaigning fueled with his strong speech performances and upward economy will move the needle his way once again.”
If Trump goes down in November, Democrats could also recapture the Senate. If they heed the liberals who would like to see the filibuster eliminated, Biden plus a Democratic Congress would allow a slew of liberal policy priorities to become law.
If Trump’s poll numbers do not recover in the coming weeks, embattled GOP Senate incumbents will face a dilemma about whether to abandon the president. In 1996, Republicans cut flailing presidential nominee Bob Dole loose and urged swing voters not to give President Bill Clinton a “ blank check ” by also electing a Democratic Congress. But Trump is less likely than Dole to accept this treatment from his party.
“We have two months to go, and it is going to be ugly, but going into Labor Day, I don't see how you argue anything other than Biden and [Kamala] Harris going into the homestretch in the lead,” Hankin said.
Still, Trump is an aggressive campaigner who can be expected to make a spirited push in the closing weeks of the presidential campaign in a highly unusual year.
“This election will be determined by voters' answer to one simple question: Do you want four more years of Donald Trump's version of America?” said a Republican consultant in Michigan.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-06--Kamala Harris: Russian interference could cost us the election

Sen. Kamala Harris , the running mate to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , said foreign interference by Russia could cost the pair the 2020 election .
`` We have what happened in 2016 , which is foreign interference , '' Harris said during a CNN interview that aired Sunday .
`` We have a president who is trying to convince the American people not to believe in the integrity of our election system and compromise their belief that their vote might actually count .
These things are all at play . ''
Earlier this year , the U.S. intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran are seeking to influence the 2020 election .
That assessment , released in August by Bill Evanina , who leads the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , said Russia is “ using a range of measures to primarily denigrate ” Biden .
The same report said China wants President Trump to lose reelection and that the Iran regime is seeking to undermine his presidency .
Although the Trump administration has raised a lot of concerns about China , Harris said she believes Russia will be at the forefront of any meddling efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Russia interfered in the election of the president of the United States in 2016 , '' Harris said .
`` I serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee .
We have published detailed reports about exactly what we believe happened .
And I do believe that there will be foreign interference in the 2020 election and that Russia will be at the front of the line . ''
Asked if it could cost her and Biden the White House , Harris said , `` Theoretically , of course . ''
Harris also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. election system is at play as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 , part of which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013 .
That decision outraged Democrats , who said the court essentially gutted a key provision of the law that was meant to correct decades of discriminatory treatment of black voters .
`` In 2013 , dozens of states passed laws that were designed to suppress the black vote , to suppress students from voting , to suppress our Indigenous people from voting ...
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .

Sen. Kamala Harris, the running mate to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, said foreign interference by Russia could cost the pair the 2020 election.
"We have what happened in 2016, which is foreign interference," Harris said during a CNN interview that aired Sunday. "We have a president who is trying to convince the American people not to believe in the integrity of our election system and compromise their belief that their vote might actually count. These things are all at play."
Earlier this year, the U.S. intelligence community warned China, Russia, and Iran are seeking to influence the 2020 election. That assessment, released in August by Bill Evanina, who leads the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, said Russia is “using a range of measures to primarily denigrate” Biden. The same report said China wants President Trump to lose reelection and that the Iran regime is seeking to undermine his presidency.
Although the Trump administration has raised a lot of concerns about China, Harris said she believes Russia will be at the forefront of any meddling efforts in 2020.
"I am clear that Russia interfered in the election of the president of the United States in 2016," Harris said. "I serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee. We have published detailed reports about exactly what we believe happened. And I do believe that there will be foreign interference in the 2020 election and that Russia will be at the front of the line."
Asked if it could cost her and Biden the White House, Harris said, "Theoretically, of course."
Harris also said Trump sowing doubt about the integrity of the U.S. election system is at play as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, part of which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. That decision outraged Democrats, who said the court essentially gutted a key provision of the law that was meant to correct decades of discriminatory treatment of black voters.
"In 2013, dozens of states passed laws that were designed to suppress the black vote, to suppress students from voting, to suppress our Indigenous people from voting ... So, we have classic voter suppression," she said.