thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-22--Trump debate dilemma: How much Hunter Biden is too much?

The final presidential debate will also be the first since have been in the news , an opportunity President Trump is unlikely to pass up .
Republicans are split over how much Trump should hammer Democratic challenger Joe Biden over his son ’ s overseas business dealings , even as a Washington Examiner/YouGov poll widespread skepticism of the former vice president ’ s comments on the issue outside the Democratic base .
Trump mentioned Hunter Biden in the first debate last month .
“ Hunter got thrown out of the military , ” the president said .
“ He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use.
” As the elder Biden tried to defend his son , Trump continued , “ And he did n't have a job until you became vice president .
Once you became vice president , he made a fortune in Ukraine , in China , in Moscow , and various other places.
” Trump ’ s efforts to publicize Hunter Biden ’ s $ 50,000-a-month job with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma while his father was vice president and the Obama administration ’ s point man on Ukraine triggered an inquiry that resulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats charged that Trump illegally held up military aid to Ukraine to try to force the country to investigate the Bidens and Burisma .
The story has taken on a new life after the New York Post obtained what are believed to be the younger Biden ’ s emails , including one message referring to a meeting between a Ukrainian businessman and the then vice president .
Major social media platforms have tried to restrict sharing these reports , which has outraged Republicans who call it an illegal in-kind contribution to the Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied any wrongdoing , and many of his supporters have dismissed the emails as Russian disinformation , which senior federal officials have disputed .
Trump has hoped to use shady Biden business dealings as a way to dent the former vice president ’ s public-spirited image and defuse some of his own negatives , in much the same way he did with Hillary and Bill Clinton ’ s foundation and her State Department emails .
“ Due to the unconscionable media blackout of this story , many viewers will be hearing about these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time , ” said Republican consultant Matt Mackowiak .
“ The moderator is unlikely to even ask about this , so President Trump will need to press on this.
” But Republican operatives don ’ t want Trump to overdo it , especially since they think expressing a positive message on the economy and defending the administration ’ s response to the pandemic are more important to voters .
“ This election will turn on three issues : COVID , the economy , and law and order , ” said Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argument should be , who do you trust to get us back to work safely , get a vaccine , and keep us safe ?
Hunter Biden is an afterthought and should be the last thing to add with regard to trust and using government to enrich yourself.
” “ More broadly , he needs to answer the questions on COVID and convince the public that we are turning the corner , ” Mackowiak said of Trump .
“ He also must make the argument that he is the best person to rebuild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear Trump will look too mean or aggressive if he spends too much time on Hunter Biden , especially since his opponent ’ s other son , Beau , died of brain cancer .
In the first debate , moderator Chris Wallace rebuked Trump for discussing these issues .
“ We 've already been through this , I think the American people would rather hear about more substantial subjects , ” he said .
“ Look , here 's the deal .
I want to talk about families and ethics .
I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden said .
“ I mean , his family , we could talk about all night.
” As Trump shot back that his children lost money due to their public service , Biden later added , addressing voters , “ This is not about his family or my family .
It ’ s about your family.
” The final debate may be one of Trump ’ s last opportunities to alter the dynamics of a race that has him trailing by nearly 8 points in the national polling averages but by a smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will decide the Electoral College winner .
“ The message for Trump should be to vote and take five people with you to the polls , ” Blakeman said .

The final presidential debate will also be the first since Hunter Biden’s emails have been in the news, an opportunity President Trump is unlikely to pass up.
Republicans are split over how much Trump should hammer Democratic challenger Joe Biden over his son’s overseas business dealings, even as a Washington Examiner/YouGov poll finds widespread skepticism of the former vice president’s comments on the issue outside the Democratic base.
Trump mentioned Hunter Biden in the first debate last month. “Hunter got thrown out of the military,” the president said. “He was thrown out, dishonorably discharged for cocaine use.” As the elder Biden tried to defend his son, Trump continued, “And he didn't have a job until you became vice president. Once you became vice president, he made a fortune in Ukraine, in China, in Moscow, and various other places.”
Trump’s efforts to publicize Hunter Biden’s $50,000-a-month job with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma while his father was vice president and the Obama administration’s point man on Ukraine triggered an inquiry that resulted in his impeachment by the House. Democrats charged that Trump illegally held up military aid to Ukraine to try to force the country to investigate the Bidens and Burisma.
The story has taken on a new life after the New York Post obtained what are believed to be the younger Biden’s emails, including one message referring to a meeting between a Ukrainian businessman and the then vice president. Major social media platforms have tried to restrict sharing these reports, which has outraged Republicans who call it an illegal in-kind contribution to the Biden presidential campaign.
The Democratic nominee has denied any wrongdoing, and many of his supporters have dismissed the emails as Russian disinformation, which senior federal officials have disputed.
Trump has hoped to use shady Biden business dealings as a way to dent the former vice president’s public-spirited image and defuse some of his own negatives, in much the same way he did with Hillary and Bill Clinton’s foundation and her State Department emails.
“Due to the unconscionable media blackout of this story, many viewers will be hearing about these questions involving Hunter and Joe Biden for the first time,” said Republican consultant Matt Mackowiak. “The moderator is unlikely to even ask about this, so President Trump will need to press on this.”
But Republican operatives don’t want Trump to overdo it, especially since they think expressing a positive message on the economy and defending the administration’s response to the pandemic are more important to voters.
“This election will turn on three issues: COVID, the economy, and law and order,” said Republican strategist Bradley Blakeman. “The closing argument should be, who do you trust to get us back to work safely, get a vaccine, and keep us safe? Hunter Biden is an afterthought and should be the last thing to add with regard to trust and using government to enrich yourself.”
“More broadly, he needs to answer the questions on COVID and convince the public that we are turning the corner,” Mackowiak said of Trump. “He also must make the argument that he is the best person to rebuild the American economy.”
Some Republican insiders fear Trump will look too mean or aggressive if he spends too much time on Hunter Biden, especially since his opponent’s other son, Beau, died of brain cancer.
In the first debate, moderator Chris Wallace rebuked Trump for discussing these issues. “We've already been through this, I think the American people would rather hear about more substantial subjects,” he said.
“Look, here's the deal. I want to talk about families and ethics. I don't want to do that,” Biden said. “I mean, his family, we could talk about all night.” As Trump shot back that his children lost money due to their public service, Biden later added, addressing voters, “This is not about his family or my family. It’s about your family.”
The final debate may be one of Trump’s last opportunities to alter the dynamics of a race that has him trailing by nearly 8 points in the national polling averages but by a smaller margin in the top battleground states that will decide the Electoral College winner.
“The message for Trump should be to vote and take five people with you to the polls,” Blakeman said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-22--Anti-Trump Republicans helping Biden keep polling lead

Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign has made a major push to court voters who think of themselves as Republicans but are disillusioned with President Trump ’ s bombastic style .
Polling shows that the efforts could be working , with anti-Trump Republicans helping the Democratic presidential nominee keep a polling lead .
An Oct. 15-17 national conducted by Scott Rasmussen for Political IQ found that 36 % of likely voters prefer a candidate who supports Trump-style policies , and logically , nearly all of those voters said that they will support the president in this year ’ s election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that they would prefer a more traditional Republican — and about a third of those say that they are voting for Biden .
“ Joe Biden leading by eight points .
That margin is almost entirely accounted for by these Never Trump Republicans , ” Political IQ ’ s poll report said .
Starting around August , Biden ’ s campaign announced endorsements from a number of former Republican elected officials .
Former Republican Ohio Gov .
John Kasich , along with a few other Republican figures , gave a at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Biden-Harris ticket , explaining that “ these are not normal times.
” Cindy McCain , the widow of Arizona Sen. John McCain , has joined Biden on the campaign trail and is featured in television .
“ They 'd fight like hell on the floor , and then , they 'd go eat lunch together because they always put their friendship and their country first , ” McCain said of her husband and Biden in the ad .
“ Now , more than ever , we need a president who will put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also among those who endorsed Biden .
Some critics dismiss the endorsements as unrepresentative of the electorate .
They see the former officials and the Lincoln Project , a PAC run by former Republican operatives which supports Democrats and is known for making provocative videos , as catering more to liberal Washington and political elites rather than voters who will decide the election .
But there is some reason to think that swing-state voters share some of the same sentiments as the ex-officials .
An Oct. 7 Pennsylvania Quinnipiac found that 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are supporting Biden .
That ’ s a notable difference from a 2016 Nov. 2 Monmouth of Pennsylvania voters , which found Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton with 2 % support from self-identified Republicans .
Jacob Monty , a former Hispanic Advisory Council member for Trump ’ s 2016 campaign who before the election that year , explained his support for Biden in a Texas Democratic Party event .
While Clinton did not earn his support in 2016 , Biden has .
“ This is the first time I ’ ve voted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticket .
But I think it ’ s not enough to sound off against the president , we need to actually vote for Joe Biden , ” Monty said .
“ Don ’ t abandon your values , just abandon Donald Trump at the top of the ticket.
” An Oct. 13-16 CBS battleground tracker in Arizona suggested that Republicans in the state are persuadable .
Of those Republicans who did not say they are supporting Biden and have not yet voted , 10 % said that they might or would consider voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling , however , warns that Democrats may not be able to count on Republican converts to push them over the edge on Election Day .
In 2016 , a University of North Florida poll in mid-October that Clinton had 13 % support from Republican voters —more than what Biden has in the University of North Florida poll , 7 % Republican support .
But the lack of prominent third-party candidates this year siphoning away votes is making the breakdown of support less complicated , and Democrats are much more united in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While 89 % of Democrats in this year 's Florida survey say that they support Biden , only 77 % of Democrats said the same about Clinton at this point in 2016 .

Joe Biden’s presidential campaign has made a major push to court voters who think of themselves as Republicans but are disillusioned with President Trump’s bombastic style.
Polling shows that the efforts could be working, with anti-Trump Republicans helping the Democratic presidential nominee keep a polling lead.
An Oct. 15-17 national poll conducted by Scott Rasmussen for Political IQ found that 36% of likely voters prefer a candidate who supports Trump-style policies, and logically, nearly all of those voters said that they will support the president in this year’s election.
But another 12% of voters said that they would prefer a more traditional Republican — and about a third of those say that they are voting for Biden.
“Joe Biden leading by eight points. That margin is almost entirely accounted for by these Never Trump Republicans,” Political IQ’s poll report said.
Starting around August, Biden’s campaign announced endorsements from a number of former Republican elected officials.
Former Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich, along with a few other Republican figures, gave a speech at the virtual Democratic National Convention in support of the Biden-Harris ticket, explaining that “these are not normal times.”
Cindy McCain, the widow of Arizona Sen. John McCain, has joined Biden on the campaign trail and is featured in television advertisements .
“They'd fight like hell on the floor, and then, they'd go eat lunch together because they always put their friendship and their country first,” McCain said of her husband and Biden in the ad. “Now, more than ever, we need a president who will put service before self.”
Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake is also among those who endorsed Biden.
Some critics dismiss the endorsements as unrepresentative of the electorate. They see the former officials and the Lincoln Project, a PAC run by former Republican operatives which supports Democrats and is known for making provocative videos, as catering more to liberal Washington and political elites rather than voters who will decide the election.
But there is some reason to think that swing-state voters share some of the same sentiments as the ex-officials.
An Oct. 7 Pennsylvania Quinnipiac poll found that 7% of self-identified Republicans said that they are supporting Biden. That’s a notable difference from a 2016 Nov. 2 Monmouth poll of Pennsylvania voters, which found Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton with 2% support from self-identified Republicans.
Jacob Monty, a former Hispanic Advisory Council member for Trump’s 2016 campaign who resigned before the election that year, explained his support for Biden in a Texas Democratic Party event. While Clinton did not earn his support in 2016, Biden has.
“This is the first time I’ve voted for a Democrat at the top of the ticket. But I think it’s not enough to sound off against the president, we need to actually vote for Joe Biden,” Monty said. “Don’t abandon your values, just abandon Donald Trump at the top of the ticket.”
An Oct. 13-16 CBS battleground tracker poll in Arizona suggested that Republicans in the state are persuadable. Of those Republicans who did not say they are supporting Biden and have not yet voted, 10% said that they might or would consider voting for the Democratic presidential nominee.
Prior polling, however, warns that Democrats may not be able to count on Republican converts to push them over the edge on Election Day.
In 2016, a University of North Florida poll in mid-October found that Clinton had 13% support from Republican voters —more than what Biden has in the latest University of North Florida poll, 7% Republican support.
But the lack of prominent third-party candidates this year siphoning away votes is making the breakdown of support less complicated, and Democrats are much more united in their support of the Democratic presidential nominee. While 89% of Democrats in this year's Florida survey say that they support Biden, only 77% of Democrats said the same about Clinton at this point in 2016.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-22--The key to Trump's debate performance tonight

President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden enter the second and final debate Thursday with two very different objectives .
Biden seeks to continue to do just enough to do no harm .
Trump ’ s objective is more complicated for a variety of reasons .
He is the incumbent .
The tech giants that will livestream the debate , such as Twitter and Facebook , are on a censor-and-purge binge that is openly hostile toward him and conservatives .
Much of the national press has forsaken its objective role , miserably failing to scrutinize Biden with the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finally , Trump is struggling in polls with the people he needs to vote for him — soft Trump voters who believe he has done badly on COVID .
Many voters who have moved away from Trump are nonetheless terrified of what Democrats will do with their money , their communities , and their culture .
They become wary when they hear Kamala Harris chant , “ Justice is on the ballot in 2020 .
Economic justice is on the ballot in 2020 .
Climate justice is on the ballot in 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
Reproductive justice is on the ballot in 2020 . ''
They want to see Trump flip the script — for him to admit that COVID was a rough patch for his administration , express a determination to fix the problem , and then insist that now it 's time to get the economy and the job market back on track .
These shaky voters are the first to say they trust Trump on the economy .
They have benefited from it , their communities have benefited from it , their children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But they can only get there after they 're confident he 's taking COVID seriously .
There are plenty of suburban Republicans and seniors who have never voted for a Democrat for president yet are about to .
And it has nothing to do with Trump 's tweets or comportment .
They understood all along that that was who he was .
They were at least willing to live with that .
But when Trump said , `` Don ’ t let COVID dominate your life , '' upon leaving the hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandchildren can not go to school .
Many of them are working from their dining room table alongside their kids ' schooling , unable to meet with clients for their businesses , unable to shop at the grocery store without a mask , unable to have Sunday supper with their extended families because of vulnerabilities .
Their youth sports leagues are even canceled .
All COVID has done is dominate their lives .
For these frustrated center-right voters , many of them independent swing voters , they didn ’ t hear from Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to get through this together . ''
Instead , they heard ‘ We 're not really in anything . ''
While younger conservative and independent voters liked his post-COVID vigor , many senior and suburban voters do not share the president ’ s representation that the presidential contest was all about him beating the virus ; they are looking for that Make America Great aspirational moment that makes them believe that they are all part of something bigger than themselves and that Trump would take them there .
As COVID once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the campaign narrative going into the final days of the election , wobbly Trump voters want him to tell the country he is going to spend all his waking hours trying to beat this thing .
Trump possesses a vigor that Biden lacks , and they want to see him put this advantage to work on something constructive .
Every governor who gets a hurricane gets a massive popularity boost ; so did the president in the early days of the virus .
At first , voters liked his daily presence at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this debate had been held in January , it would have been about impeachment .
Trump would have held the upper hand .
If it had been in February , it would have been on the economy , and again , Trump would have held the upper hand .
But it is October .
COVID has dominated the news cycle for months .
A journalistic wall has protected Joe Biden from tough questions about nearly everything , up to and including in his sons Hunter ’ s overseas business interests .
Which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are much more complicated .
If he turns it into a night of grievances against all of these forces , Trump will not win these voters over .
Rather , they want him to lift them up and bring people together on COVID .
They already trust his vigor when it comes to the economy .
If they hear that , then Trump should get a decent bounce post-debate .

President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden enter the second and final debate Thursday with two very different objectives. Biden seeks to continue to do just enough to do no harm.
Trump’s objective is more complicated for a variety of reasons. He is the incumbent. The tech giants that will livestream the debate, such as Twitter and Facebook, are on a censor-and-purge binge that is openly hostile toward him and conservatives. Much of the national press has forsaken its objective role, miserably failing to scrutinize Biden with the same vigor with which they scrutinize Trump. Finally, Trump is struggling in polls with the people he needs to vote for him — soft Trump voters who believe he has done badly on COVID.
Many voters who have moved away from Trump are nonetheless terrified of what Democrats will do with their money, their communities, and their culture. They become wary when they hear Kamala Harris chant, “Justice is on the ballot in 2020. Economic justice is on the ballot in 2020. Climate justice is on the ballot in 2020. Healthcare justice is on the ballot in 2020. Reproductive justice is on the ballot in 2020." They want to see Trump flip the script — for him to admit that COVID was a rough patch for his administration, express a determination to fix the problem, and then insist that now it's time to get the economy and the job market back on track.
These shaky voters are the first to say they trust Trump on the economy. They have benefited from it, their communities have benefited from it, their children and grandchildren will benefit from it. But they can only get there after they're confident he's taking COVID seriously.
There are plenty of suburban Republicans and seniors who have never voted for a Democrat for president yet are about to. And it has nothing to do with Trump's tweets or comportment. They understood all along that that was who he was. They were at least willing to live with that.
But when Trump said, "Don’t let COVID dominate your life," upon leaving the hospital, these voters bristled. Their children and grandchildren cannot go to school. Many of them are working from their dining room table alongside their kids' schooling, unable to meet with clients for their businesses, unable to shop at the grocery store without a mask, unable to have Sunday supper with their extended families because of vulnerabilities. Their youth sports leagues are even canceled.
All COVID has done is dominate their lives.
For these frustrated center-right voters, many of them independent swing voters, they didn’t hear from Trump a useful message like, "we're going to get through this together." Instead, they heard ‘We're not really in anything."
While younger conservative and independent voters liked his post-COVID vigor, many senior and suburban voters do not share the president’s representation that the presidential contest was all about him beating the virus; they are looking for that Make America Great aspirational moment that makes them believe that they are all part of something bigger than themselves and that Trump would take them there.
As COVID once again bears down on the population, and the campaign narrative going into the final days of the election, wobbly Trump voters want him to tell the country he is going to spend all his waking hours trying to beat this thing. Trump possesses a vigor that Biden lacks, and they want to see him put this advantage to work on something constructive.
Every governor who gets a hurricane gets a massive popularity boost; so did the president in the early days of the virus. At first, voters liked his daily presence at press conferences on the pandemic.
If this debate had been held in January, it would have been about impeachment. Trump would have held the upper hand. If it had been in February, it would have been on the economy, and again, Trump would have held the upper hand. But it is October. COVID has dominated the news cycle for months. A journalistic wall has protected Joe Biden from tough questions about nearly everything, up to and including in his sons Hunter’s overseas business interests.
Which is why Trump’s goals Thursday night are much more complicated. If he turns it into a night of grievances against all of these forces, Trump will not win these voters over. Rather, they want him to lift them up and bring people together on COVID.
They already trust his vigor when it comes to the economy. If they hear that, then Trump should get a decent bounce post-debate.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-23--Trump's mic briefly cut off at final presidential debate

President Trump 's mic appeared to be briefly cut off while he was explaining his healthcare plan .
After Trump @ @ @ @ @ to do even better '' when finalizing his answer , his mic went quiet , @ @ @ @ @ NBC turned the question over to Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Biden 's mic , @ @ @ @ @ , had yet to be cut .
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced on Monday @ @ @ @ @ final debate in Nashville , Tennessee , that the event would have the microphone for @ @ @ @ @ the other debater 's opening two-minute response to each question .
The rules change came @ @ @ @ @ in a chaotic night of cross talk and constant interruptions by the candidates .

President Trump's mic appeared to be briefly cut off while he was explaining his healthcare plan.
After Trump said "we're going to do even better" when finalizing his answer, his mic went quiet, and moderator Kristen Welker of NBC turned the question over to Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Biden's mic, an hour into the debate, had yet to be cut.
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced on Monday, three days before the final debate in Nashville, Tennessee, that the event would have the microphone for one contender cut off during the other debater's opening two-minute response to each question.
The rules change came after the first debate featured in a chaotic night of cross talk and constant interruptions by the candidates.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-23--'You owe an explanation': Trump flings Hunter Biden laptop story at former VP during final debate

President Trump brought up allegations that Joe Biden 's son , Hunter , inappropriately leveraged his father 's role as vice president for financial gain overseas during the final debate .
`` They were paying you a lot of money , and they probably still are , but now with what came out today , it ’ s even worse , '' the president said Thursday night in Nashville , Tennessee .
`` All of the emails , the emails , the horrible emails of the kind of money that you were raking in , you and your family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when some of this was happening , and it should have never happened .
And I think you owe an explanation to the American people . ''
Biden retorted by saying he has n't `` taken a penny from any foreign source ever in my life '' and then brought up how Trump has not released his tax returns .
Trump has long said he can not release his tax returns because they are under audit .
Trump 's line of attack can be traced back to a laptop and hard drive that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contained emails and other data detailing his foreign business dealings .
Those materials have been turned over to the FBI , but it remains unclear if there is any federal investigation .
Biden has also claimed attacks related to the laptop are part of a `` smear campaign '' while Democrats and former intelligence officials have said the story has hallmarks of Russian disinformation , something that Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has said there is no evidence to back up .

President Trump brought up allegations that Joe Biden's son, Hunter, inappropriately leveraged his father's role as vice president for financial gain overseas during the final debate.
"They were paying you a lot of money, and they probably still are, but now with what came out today, it’s even worse," the president said Thursday night in Nashville, Tennessee. "All of the emails, the emails, the horrible emails of the kind of money that you were raking in, you and your family. And Joe, you were vice president when some of this was happening, and it should have never happened. And I think you owe an explanation to the American people."
Biden retorted by saying he hasn't "taken a penny from any foreign source ever in my life" and then brought up how Trump has not released his tax returns. Trump has long said he cannot release his tax returns because they are under audit.
Trump's line of attack can be traced back to a laptop and hard drive that purportedly belonged to Hunter Biden, which contained emails and other data detailing his foreign business dealings. Those materials have been turned over to the FBI, but it remains unclear if there is any federal investigation.
Biden has also claimed attacks related to the laptop are part of a "smear campaign" while Democrats and former intelligence officials have said the story has hallmarks of Russian disinformation, something that Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has said there is no evidence to back up.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-23--Biden says people are 'learning to die' with coronavirus

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said a poor response to the coronavirus pandemic has prompted people to learn to live and die with COVID-19 .
`` Number one , he says we are learning to live with that , '' Biden said at the second and final presidential debate in Nashville , Tennessee , on Thursday .
`` People are learning to die with that .
You folks at home who have an empty chair at the kitchen table this morning .
That man or wife going to bed tonight or reaching over to try to touch out of habit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone .
Learning to live with that ?
Come on , we are dying with it . ''
It would appear the former vice president stumbled on the delivery because his Twitter account followed up with a slightly different message .
`` Learning to live with it ?
Come on .
People are dying with it , Mr. President , '' the tweet said .
Biden also claimed President Trump took no responsibility for the number of deaths that occurred as a result of the pandemic .
Trump said he took full responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus making its way to the United States .
`` I take full responsibility .
It ’ s not my fault that it came here , it ’ s China ’ s fault , '' Trump said .
`` And you know what , it ’ s not Joe ’ s fault that he came here either .
It ’ s China ’ s fault . ''
More than 8 million people in the U.S. have contracted the coronavirus , and more than 220,000 people have died of complications related to COVID-19 .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said a poor response to the coronavirus pandemic has prompted people to learn to live and die with COVID-19.
"Number one, he says we are learning to live with that," Biden said at the second and final presidential debate in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday. "People are learning to die with that. You folks at home who have an empty chair at the kitchen table this morning. That man or wife going to bed tonight or reaching over to try to touch out of habit where their wife or husband was is gone. Learning to live with that? Come on, we are dying with it."
It would appear the former vice president stumbled on the delivery because his Twitter account followed up with a slightly different message.
"Learning to live with it? Come on. People are dying with it, Mr. President," the tweet said.
Biden also claimed President Trump took no responsibility for the number of deaths that occurred as a result of the pandemic.
Trump said he took full responsibility, but then blamed China for the coronavirus making its way to the United States.
"I take full responsibility. It’s not my fault that it came here, it’s China’s fault," Trump said. "And you know what, it’s not Joe’s fault that he came here either. It’s China’s fault."
More than 8 million people in the U.S. have contracted the coronavirus, and more than 220,000 people have died of complications related to COVID-19.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-23--LIVE BLOG: Final presidential debate between Trump and Biden

President Trump and Joe Biden face off in their final debate before the Nov. 3 presidential election .
Follow along @ @ @ @ @ .

President Trump and Joe Biden face off in their final debate before the Nov. 3 presidential election. Follow along starting at 9 p.m. EDT.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-23--Biden campaign denies major allegation from Hunter laptop: 'Never held stock' in foreign business, '

Biden campaign denies major allegation from Hunter laptop: 'Never held stock' in foreign business, 'nor has any family member'

Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign issued its first plain denial of the allegation that emails discovered on his son Hunter Biden ’ s laptop show that he stood to benefit directly from an overseas deal Hunter was arranging .
`` Joe Biden has never even considered being involved in business with his family , nor in any overseas business whatsoever , '' Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates told the Washington Examiner .
`` He has never held stock in any such business arrangements nor has any family member or any other person ever held stock for him . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported on a trove of emails that it said came from a hard drive from a laptop that allegedly belonged to Hunter Biden , that was left at a computer repair shop and then was eventually given to the FBI and President Trump 's personal attorney , Rudy Giuliani .
One email included in the trove , sent to the younger Biden on May 13 , 2017 , after his father had left office , contained details of “ remuneration packages ” for a deal with a Chinese energy company , including `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy '' — which many interpreted as referring to shares held by Hunter Biden for his father , Joe .
One of the people on the email included on the email chain , Tony Bobulinski , has said that the email is genuine .
Bobulinski is a guest of Trump for Thursday night 's debate and in a press conference before the event said that Joe Biden was `` plainly familiar at least at a high level . ''
The Biden campaign statement came in response to Bobulinski 's press conference .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted on the record to Breitbart that he is angry he was *not* able to go into business with Hunter and James Biden , '' Bates continued .
`` What is also true is that in contrast to Vice President Biden , Donald Trump has a secret Chinese bank account and pays more in taxes in China than he pays in federal income taxes in the United States – and that this is a desperate , pathetic farce executed by a flailing campaign with no rationale for putting our country through another four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` As Chris Wallace said on the air about this very smear , 'Vice President Biden has actually released his tax returns — unlike President Trump — and there is no indication he ever got any money from anybody in these business deals . '
'' Earlier on Thursday , Biden 's campaign preemptively dismissed any debate attacks from Trump relating to reports of the contents of a laptop purportedly belonging to the former vice president 's son as `` Russian misinformation '' — despite top intelligence officials ' insistence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If we see tonight from Donald Trump these attacks on Vice President Biden 's family , I think we need to be very , very clear that what he 's doing here is amplifying Russian misinformation , '' said deputy Biden campaign manager Kate Bedingfield in a statement .

Joe Biden’s presidential campaign issued its first plain denial of the allegation that emails discovered on his son Hunter Biden’s laptop show that he stood to benefit directly from an overseas deal Hunter was arranging.
"Joe Biden has never even considered being involved in business with his family, nor in any overseas business whatsoever," Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates told the Washington Examiner. "He has never held stock in any such business arrangements nor has any family member or any other person ever held stock for him."
Last week, the New York Post reported on a trove of emails that it said came from a hard drive from a laptop that allegedly belonged to Hunter Biden, that was left at a computer repair shop and then was eventually given to the FBI and President Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani.
One email included in the trove, sent to the younger Biden on May 13, 2017, after his father had left office, contained details of “remuneration packages” for a deal with a Chinese energy company, including "10 held by H for the big guy" — which many interpreted as referring to shares held by Hunter Biden for his father, Joe.
One of the people on the email included on the email chain, Tony Bobulinski, has said that the email is genuine. Bobulinski is a guest of Trump for Thursday night's debate and in a press conference before the event said that Joe Biden was "plainly familiar at least at a high level."
The Biden campaign statement came in response to Bobulinski's press conference.
"What is true is that Tony Bobulinski admitted on the record to Breitbart that he is angry he was *not* able to go into business with Hunter and James Biden," Bates continued. "What is also true is that in contrast to Vice President Biden, Donald Trump has a secret Chinese bank account and pays more in taxes in China than he pays in federal income taxes in the United States – and that this is a desperate, pathetic farce executed by a flailing campaign with no rationale for putting our country through another four years of hell."
Bates also added: "As Chris Wallace said on the air about this very smear, 'Vice President Biden has actually released his tax returns — unlike President Trump — and there is no indication he ever got any money from anybody in these business deals.'"
Earlier on Thursday, Biden's campaign preemptively dismissed any debate attacks from Trump relating to reports of the contents of a laptop purportedly belonging to the former vice president's son as "Russian misinformation" — despite top intelligence officials' insistence that there is no evidence of Russian interference.
"If we see tonight from Donald Trump these attacks on Vice President Biden's family, I think we need to be very, very clear that what he's doing here is amplifying Russian misinformation," said deputy Biden campaign manager Kate Bedingfield in a statement.
Naomi Lim contributed to this report.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-23--Leaked files show years of Hunter Biden's business dealings

A tranche of emails , texts , and business documents released by Hunter Biden ’ s former business partner Tony Bobulinski reveals a complicated web of foreign figures , all of whom trade off access to the former vice president or off the Biden family name .
The hundreds of files , which were shared with the Washington Examiner , detail the inner workings of how Hunter Biden ’ s former business partners , Bobulinksi and James Gilliar , routinely pitched deals with their firm as politically advantageous due to their relationships with the Biden family .
Both Hunter Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Biden , were often copied on the emails , many of which describe banal meetings or opportunities to pitch business to new clients .
One of the bigger deals pursued by Hunter Biden and his associates was related to a joint venture dubbed “ Oneida Holdings ” — an attempted partnership between Hunter and Jim Biden , Bobulinski ’ s SinoHawk company , and since-bankrupted Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC China Energy .
Others , like one addressed to Ye Jianming , the former chairman of the CEFC , explicitly mentioned the unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden family .
“ When I heard your personal story and CEFC 's global focus on building bridges between the United States , China and other countries I was inspired , ” Bobulinski wrote on June 15 , 2017 .
“ I am a former US Naval Nuclear Power Officer and have spent my entire career after the military investing money around the world with and for some of the world 's wealthiest families .
I look forward to leveraging those relationships along with the political and strategic value of the Biden family… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed up with his own email to Ye , touting the “ political and economic connections we have established in countries where you are interested in expanding in the coming months and years.
” “ Please accept the best wishes from the entire Biden family as well as my partners , ” Hunter Biden wrote on June 17 , 2017 .
“ We are all hoping to see you here again soon , or in Shanghai.
” Bobulinski , who has been invited to be a special guest of President Trump at tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event : “ It was made clear to me that Joe Biden ’ s involvement was not to be made in writing , but only face to face ...
I have no wish to bury anyone . ''
He is listed as one of the recipients of a May 13 , 2017 , email detailing their business deal , and he claims that “ the big guy ” mentioned is a reference to Joe Biden , whom he claims Hunter regularly asked for business advice .
`` I am the CEO of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the Chinese operating through CEFC / Chairman Ye and the Biden family .
I was brought into the company to be the CEO by James Gilliar and Hunter Biden .
The reference to 'the Big Guy ' in the much-publicized May 13 , 2017 email is , in fact , a reference to Joe Biden .
The other 'JB ' referenced in that email is Jim Biden , Joe 's brother , '' Bobulinski said on Thursday .
`` Hunter Biden called his dad ‘ the Big Guy ’ or ‘ my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him for his sign-off or advice on various potential deals that we were discussing .
I ’ ve seen Vice President Biden saying he never talked to Hunter about his business .
I ’ ve seen firsthand that that ’ s not true because it wasn ’ t just Hunter ’ s business , they said they were putting the Biden family name and its legacy on the line . ''
The “ big guy ” email from Gilliar to Hunter Biden and others discusses “ expectations ” of a potential deal while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and agreed the following renumeration packages.
” The email notes that “ Hunter ” would receive “ 850 ” ( $ 850,000 ) and lists him as “ Chair / Vice Chair depending on agreement with CEFC ” — the China Energy Fund Committee .
The email also says that “ at the moment there ’ s a provisional agreement that the equity will be distributed as follows , ” including “ 20 ” ( 20 % ) for “ H ” ( Hunter ) .
The email also asks about “ 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as well as `` 10 '' for `` Jim . ''
Amid negotiations over the potential deal , which the firm titled “ Project USA China ” in emails , Hunter Biden would regularly feud with Gilliar and Bobulinksi on matters of compensation or their firm ’ s corporate organization .
“ I have been the only one asked to give up all other active commercial interests - no consulting fees no promoting another business no con tinting to work on existing projects etc … so I have to admit I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep my toe in other things I will need a hell of a lot more than 850 p/y on a monthly basis , ” Hunter Biden wrote in a reply to the now-infamous “ big guy ” email that allegedly detailed a payout to Joe Biden .
“ And this is my own personal problem but ill make it yours also I ’ m sure ( HA ) - $ 2M to me means $ 1M before taxes the other half goes to her- 850 to me means 100K to me - she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not include all [ sic ] he debt I assumed and not one dime for the girls ( [ sic ] twoIvy league school living expenses and the most expensive highs cool in DC.
” Those demands from Hunter Biden were a cause of consternation between Gilliar and Bobulinksi , who kept an open line of communication on the texting platform WhatsApp .
At one point , Bobulinski calls Hunter Biden “ bipolar and manic.
” “ I don ’ t want an accounting nightmare .
And the JV is only distributing cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referencing Hunter Biden ’ s demands .
“ I don ’ t want to be getting a call from H demanding we distribute daily weekly nonsense , ” Bobulinski wrote .
“ Cause he can ’ t manage his life.
” As negotiations proceeded between their company and Yi , both Gilliar and Bobulinski candidly admitted the allure of working with them — which had little to do with the Biden family ’ s business acumen .
“ Tony I ain ’ t that stupid .
I know why he wants the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enormous .
It ’ s the family name in reality they could have asked for 51 percent , maybe u would not be interested but many US moguls would have been , Gilliar wrote in a message to Bobulinski on May 18 , 2017 .
“ Man I get that we just need a good rational ( sic ) .
” Gilliar cautioned against any mention of Joe Biden ’ s involvement in the deal and warned about the potential political repercussions of the arrangement leaking to the public .
“ U need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , does he want to be the reason or factor that blows up his dad ’ s campaign , things need to be done right and protective of that fact , ” Bobulinkski wrote on May 20 , 2017 .
“ I pinged H , and just said I saw he called last night when [ sic ] does he want to connect .
Meaning taking the position w Director and Chairman.
” Outside of the deal with Yi , individuals like Jim Biden would ask for mundane favors such as helping his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job in Los Angeles .
“ As her uncle Joe would say , she has the most raw talent of any of us .
She ’ s just looking for the right opportunity to start .
Thank you for any help and assistance you can provide , ” the June 7 , 2017 , email read .
“ Right now she is staying with a friend in the Pacific Palisades .
Attaching her resume again for your reference .
She is prepared to take interviews/meetings immediately.
” Caroline Biden , 33 , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had with a former roommate over a rent dispute .
Nearly a year after that email from her father , she was sentenced to two years probation by a Manhattan judge for using a friend ’ s credit card to buy over $ 100,000 in products from an upscale department store .
In 2020 , she was arrested for driving under the influence and without a license in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb .
The leaked files provide a more detailed picture of the extent of the Biden family ’ s business dealings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any knowledge .
On Wednesday , the Washington Examiner reported on text messages from Bobulinkski scheduling a meeting with Hunter , James , and Joe Biden at the Beverly Hilton .
Bobulinski spoke at a surprise press conference in Nashville just over an hour before the second and final presidential debate began .
“ I have heard Joe Biden say that he has never discussed business with Hunter .
That is false .
I have firsthand knowledge about this because I directly dealt with the Biden family , including Joe Biden , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 2 , 2017 , the night before Joe Biden was to appear at the Milken Conference , I was introduced to Joe Biden by Jim Biden and Hunter Biden .
At my approximately hourlong meeting with Joe that night , we discussed the Biden ’ s history and the Biden family ’ s business plans with the Chinese , with which he was plainly familiar , at least a high level.
” Bobulinski added : “ On numerous occasions , it was made clear to me that Joe Biden ’ s involvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but only face to face .
In fact , I was advised by Gilliar and Walker that Hunter and Jim Biden were paranoid about keeping Joe Biden ’ s involvement secret.
” The Biden campaign denied that Joe Biden had been involved in any family business dealings or any overseas deals .
`` Joe Biden has never even considered being involved in business with his family , nor in any overseas business whatsoever , '' Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said .
`` He has never held stock in any such business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other person ever held stock for him . ''
The statement from Bates did not address the apparent conflict between Joe Biden ’ s previous claim that he had never discussed overseas business dealings with Hunter Biden and Bobulinski ’ s claims that he had discussed a potential China-related business deal with Joe Biden and that the former vice president had already known about it beforehand .

A tranche of emails, texts, and business documents released by Hunter Biden’s former business partner Tony Bobulinski reveals a complicated web of foreign figures, all of whom trade off access to the former vice president or off the Biden family name.
The hundreds of files, which were shared with the Washington Examiner, detail the inner workings of how Hunter Biden’s former business partners, Bobulinksi and James Gilliar, routinely pitched deals with their firm as politically advantageous due to their relationships with the Biden family. Both Hunter Biden and Joe Biden’s brother, Jim Biden, were often copied on the emails, many of which describe banal meetings or opportunities to pitch business to new clients.
One of the bigger deals pursued by Hunter Biden and his associates was related to a joint venture dubbed “Oneida Holdings” — an attempted partnership between Hunter and Jim Biden, Bobulinski’s SinoHawk company, and since-bankrupted Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC China Energy.
Others, like one addressed to Ye Jianming, the former chairman of the CEFC, explicitly mentioned the unique benefits of working with members of the Biden family.
“When I heard your personal story and CEFC's global focus on building bridges between the United States, China and other countries I was inspired,” Bobulinski wrote on June 15, 2017. “I am a former US Naval Nuclear Power Officer and have spent my entire career after the military investing money around the world with and for some of the world's wealthiest families. I look forward to leveraging those relationships along with the political and strategic value of the Biden family…”
Two days later, Hunter Biden followed up with his own email to Ye, touting the “political and economic connections we have established in countries where you are interested in expanding in the coming months and years.”
“Please accept the best wishes from the entire Biden family as well as my partners,” Hunter Biden wrote on June 17, 2017. “We are all hoping to see you here again soon, or in Shanghai.”
Bobulinski, who has been invited to be a special guest of President Trump at tonight’s presidential debate, said before the event: “It was made clear to me that Joe Biden’s involvement was not to be made in writing, but only face to face ... I have no wish to bury anyone."
He is listed as one of the recipients of a May 13, 2017, email detailing their business deal, and he claims that “the big guy” mentioned is a reference to Joe Biden, whom he claims Hunter regularly asked for business advice.
"I am the CEO of Sinohawk Holdings, which was a partnership between the Chinese operating through CEFC / Chairman Ye and the Biden family. I was brought into the company to be the CEO by James Gilliar and Hunter Biden. The reference to 'the Big Guy' in the much-publicized May 13, 2017 email is, in fact, a reference to Joe Biden. The other 'JB' referenced in that email is Jim Biden, Joe's brother," Bobulinski said on Thursday. "Hunter Biden called his dad ‘the Big Guy’ or ‘my Chairman,’ and frequently referenced asking him for his sign-off or advice on various potential deals that we were discussing. I’ve seen Vice President Biden saying he never talked to Hunter about his business. I’ve seen firsthand that that’s not true because it wasn’t just Hunter’s business, they said they were putting the Biden family name and its legacy on the line."
The “big guy” email from Gilliar to Hunter Biden and others discusses “expectations” of a potential deal while claiming that, “we have discussed and agreed the following renumeration packages.” The email notes that “Hunter” would receive “850” ($850,000) and lists him as “Chair / Vice Chair depending on agreement with CEFC” — the China Energy Fund Committee. The email also says that “at the moment there’s a provisional agreement that the equity will be distributed as follows,” including “20” (20%) for “H” (Hunter). The email also asks about “10 held by H for the big guy" as well as "10" for "Jim."
Amid negotiations over the potential deal, which the firm titled “Project USA China” in emails, Hunter Biden would regularly feud with Gilliar and Bobulinksi on matters of compensation or their firm’s corporate organization.
“I have been the only one asked to give up all other active commercial interests - no consulting fees no promoting another business no con tinting to work on existing projects etc … so I have to admit I do expect that if I can’t keep my toe in other things I will need a hell of a lot more than 850 p/y on a monthly basis,” Hunter Biden wrote in a reply to the now-infamous “big guy” email that allegedly detailed a payout to Joe Biden. “And this is my own personal problem but ill make it yours also I’m sure (HA) -$2M to me means $1M before taxes the other half goes to her- 850 to me means 100K to me - she has a 750 floor. That does not include all [sic] he debt I assumed and not one dime for the girls ([sic] twoIvy league school living expenses and the most expensive highs cool in DC.”
Those demands from Hunter Biden were a cause of consternation between Gilliar and Bobulinksi, who kept an open line of communication on the texting platform WhatsApp. At one point, Bobulinski calls Hunter Biden “bipolar and manic.”
“I don’t want an accounting nightmare. And the JV is only distributing cash annually,” Bobulinksi said, seemingly referencing Hunter Biden’s demands.
“That’s his problem for sure,” Gilliar responded.
“I don’t want to be getting a call from H demanding we distribute daily weekly nonsense,” Bobulinski wrote. “Cause he can’t manage his life.”
As negotiations proceeded between their company and Yi, both Gilliar and Bobulinski candidly admitted the allure of working with them — which had little to do with the Biden family’s business acumen.
“Tony I ain’t that stupid. I know why he wants the deal … Ye wants… and what makes it enormous. It’s the family name in reality they could have asked for 51 percent, maybe u would not be interested but many US moguls would have been, Gilliar wrote in a message to Bobulinski on May 18, 2017. “Man I get that we just need a good rational (sic).”
Gilliar cautioned against any mention of Joe Biden’s involvement in the deal and warned about the potential political repercussions of the arrangement leaking to the public.
“U need to stress to H[unter], does he want to be the reason or factor that blows up his dad’s campaign, things need to be done right and protective of that fact,” Bobulinkski wrote on May 20, 2017. “I pinged H, and just said I saw he called last night when [sic] does he want to connect. Meaning taking the position w Director and Chairman.”
Outside of the deal with Yi, individuals like Jim Biden would ask for mundane favors such as helping his daughter, Caroline Biden, for a job in Los Angeles.
“As her uncle Joe would say, she has the most raw talent of any of us. She’s just looking for the right opportunity to start. Thank you for any help and assistance you can provide,” the June 7, 2017, email read. “Right now she is staying with a friend in the Pacific Palisades. Attaching her resume again for your reference. She is prepared to take interviews/meetings immediately.”
Caroline Biden, 33, was arrested in 2013 for a fight she had with a former roommate over a rent dispute. Nearly a year after that email from her father, she was sentenced to two years probation by a Manhattan judge for using a friend’s credit card to buy over $100,000 in products from an upscale department store. In 2020, she was arrested for driving under the influence and without a license in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb.
The leaked files provide a more detailed picture of the extent of the Biden family’s business dealings, of which Joe Biden has repeatedly denied any knowledge. On Wednesday, the Washington Examiner reported on text messages from Bobulinkski scheduling a meeting with Hunter, James, and Joe Biden at the Beverly Hilton.
Bobulinski spoke at a surprise press conference in Nashville just over an hour before the second and final presidential debate began.
“I have heard Joe Biden say that he has never discussed business with Hunter. That is false. I have firsthand knowledge about this because I directly dealt with the Biden family, including Joe Biden,” Bobulinski said, adding, “on May 2, 2017, the night before Joe Biden was to appear at the Milken Conference, I was introduced to Joe Biden by Jim Biden and Hunter Biden. At my approximately hourlong meeting with Joe that night, we discussed the Biden’s history and the Biden family’s business plans with the Chinese, with which he was plainly familiar, at least a high level.”
Bobulinski added: “On numerous occasions, it was made clear to me that Joe Biden’s involvement was not to be mentioned in writing, but only face to face. In fact, I was advised by Gilliar and Walker that Hunter and Jim Biden were paranoid about keeping Joe Biden’s involvement secret.”
The Biden campaign denied that Joe Biden had been involved in any family business dealings or any overseas deals.
The Biden campaign responds to Tony Bobulinksi, who is Trump’s invited guest tonight. Statement from @AndrewBatesNC pic.twitter.com/adPs2NSvLt — Tyler Pager (@tylerpager) October 22, 2020
"Joe Biden has never even considered being involved in business with his family, nor in any overseas business whatsoever," Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said. "He has never held stock in any such business arrangements nor has any family member or any other person ever held stock for him."
The statement from Bates did not address the apparent conflict between Joe Biden’s previous claim that he had never discussed overseas business dealings with Hunter Biden and Bobulinski’s claims that he had discussed a potential China-related business deal with Joe Biden and that the former vice president had already known about it beforehand.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-22--McConnell super PAC raises nearly $50M in first two weeks of October

The super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell raised $ 49.6 million during the first 14 days of October , as wealthy Republican donors invested heavily down the stretch to save the GOP 's three-seat majority .
The Senate Leadership Fund told the Washington Examiner Thursday that its pre-general election filing with the Federal Election Commission would show cash on hand of $ 69.2 million .
The group entered October with $ 113.8 million in the bank and spent $ 94.2 million to defend more than one dozen Republican-held seats that Democrats are threatening .
Driven by voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal base , incumbent Republicans are on their heels in blue states such as Colorado and Maine , purple states , including Arizona and North Carolina , and in Iowa , a swing state .
Additionally , Republicans are threatened in traditionally red states such as Alaska , Georgia , Kansas , Montana , and South Carolina .
The GOP is on offense in just two states : Alabama and Michigan .
As Trump 's prospects have become less certain , Republican donors have come to the rescue with large donations to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the party 's only base of power from which to fight back against House Democrats and a Democratic White House , should Joe Biden win .

The super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell raised $49.6 million during the first 14 days of October, as wealthy Republican donors invested heavily down the stretch to save the GOP's three-seat majority.
The Senate Leadership Fund told the Washington Examiner Thursday that its pre-general election filing with the Federal Election Commission would show cash on hand of $69.2 million. The group entered October with $113.8 million in the bank and spent $94.2 million to defend more than one dozen Republican-held seats that Democrats are threatening.
Driven by voter dissatisfaction with President Trump and an energized liberal base, incumbent Republicans are on their heels in blue states such as Colorado and Maine, purple states, including Arizona and North Carolina, and in Iowa, a swing state. Additionally, Republicans are threatened in traditionally red states such as Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, Montana, and South Carolina. The GOP is on offense in just two states: Alabama and Michigan.
As Trump's prospects have become less certain, Republican donors have come to the rescue with large donations to the Senate Leadership Fund to protect what would be the party's only base of power from which to fight back against House Democrats and a Democratic White House, should Joe Biden win.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-22--Pelosi and Schumer are failing upward into political power

Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are hoping to clinch a unified Democratic government in November .
Given how they have both managed their roles in leading the party , it would be a perfect example of failing upward .
Since President Trump ’ s election in 2016 , both Pelosi and Schumer have been consistently outmaneuvered — either by their own party rank-and-file or by opponents such as Sen. Mitch McConnell .
Where Trump ’ s political inexperience and inclination toward expanding government power should have made him an easy Republican with whom to compromise , Pelosi and Schumer have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only to be bailed out by Trump ’ s personal unpopularity .
Take the most recent round of coronavirus relief talks .
Trump announced that he was walking away from the table , shooting himself in the foot and allowing himself to shoulder the blame .
Yet , even as the White House has returned to the table , it ’ s Pelosi who is labeled as the biggest obstacle by voters .
Even among independents , Pelosi is blamed by 20 points over McConnell and 34 points over Trump .
Voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly torpedoed the first round of coronavirus relief talks in March or that her top accomplishment during her two years in the majority was a failed impeachment that Democrats have since tried to erase from the public consciousness .
Her only success has been to recruit the centrist Democrats who helped sweep her back into the speaker ’ s office in 2018 , and even they have been frustrated with her failed negotiations .
Like Pelosi in 2018 , Schumer hopes to build a Senate majority on the back of Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has consisted of blunder after blunder .
Schumer has been reduced to pointless political stunts , with no power to stop the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
Schumer ’ s inability to recognize Harry Reid ’ s mistake in eliminating the filibuster has been his downfall .
He ’ s been unwilling to try to ease tensions .
He led Senate Democrats in torching their credibility by opposing cloture on the nomination of the obviously qualified Neil Gorsuch in 2017 , before allowing his caucus to become the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brett Kavanaugh a year later .
( Speaking of which , would n't it have been useful to make the Republicans torch the Supreme Court filibuster amid the much more controversial Kavanaugh nomination ? )
It might not even matter in the end .
With the coronavirus pandemic erasing Trump ’ s economic advantage , his own personal unpopularity has become the focus of the election , dragging down Republicans and making Democrats the favorites to win the House , Senate , and White House .
But one has to admire how hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away their lead , only to fail upward into power .

Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are hoping to clinch a unified Democratic government in November. Given how they have both managed their roles in leading the party, it would be a perfect example of failing upward.
Since President Trump’s election in 2016, both Pelosi and Schumer have been consistently outmaneuvered — either by their own party rank-and-file or by opponents such as Sen. Mitch McConnell. Where Trump’s political inexperience and inclination toward expanding government power should have made him an easy Republican with whom to compromise, Pelosi and Schumer have instead repeatedly run headfirst into the quicksand, only to be bailed out by Trump’s personal unpopularity.
Take the most recent round of coronavirus relief talks. Trump announced that he was walking away from the table, shooting himself in the foot and allowing himself to shoulder the blame. Yet, even as the White House has returned to the table, it’s Pelosi who is labeled as the biggest obstacle by voters. Even among independents, Pelosi is blamed by 20 points over McConnell and 34 points over Trump.
Voters likely remember that it was Pelosi who nearly torpedoed the first round of coronavirus relief talks in March or that her top accomplishment during her two years in the majority was a failed impeachment that Democrats have since tried to erase from the public consciousness. Her only success has been to recruit the centrist Democrats who helped sweep her back into the speaker’s office in 2018, and even they have been frustrated with her failed negotiations.
Like Pelosi in 2018, Schumer hopes to build a Senate majority on the back of Trump’s unpopularity. Like Pelosi, his leadership has consisted of blunder after blunder.
Schumer has been reduced to pointless political stunts, with no power to stop the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Schumer’s inability to recognize Harry Reid’s mistake in eliminating the filibuster has been his downfall. He’s been unwilling to try to ease tensions. He led Senate Democrats in torching their credibility by opposing cloture on the nomination of the obviously qualified Neil Gorsuch in 2017, before allowing his caucus to become the Michael Avenatti clown show in opposition to Brett Kavanaugh a year later. (Speaking of which, wouldn't it have been useful to make the Republicans torch the Supreme Court filibuster amid the much more controversial Kavanaugh nomination?)
It might not even matter in the end. With the coronavirus pandemic erasing Trump’s economic advantage, his own personal unpopularity has become the focus of the election, dragging down Republicans and making Democrats the favorites to win the House, Senate, and White House. But one has to admire how hard Pelosi and Schumer have worked to give away their lead, only to fail upward into power.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-22--Biden campaign claims ‘Russian misinformation' in response to expected Trump debate attacks on Hunte

Biden campaign claims ‘Russian misinformation' in response to expected Trump debate attacks on Hunter's laptop

Joe Biden 's presidential campaign is preemptively dismissing any debate attacks from President Trump relating to reports of the contents of a laptop purportedly belonging to the former vice president 's son as `` Russian misinformation '' — despite top intelligence officials ' insistence that there is no evidence of Russian interference .
`` If we see tonight from Donald Trump these attacks on Vice President Biden 's family , I think we need to be very , very clear that what he 's doing here is amplifying Russian misinformation , '' said deputy Biden campaign manager Kate Bedingfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas .
Last week , the New York Post reported on a trove of emails that it said came from a hard drive from a laptop that allegedly belonged to Hunter Biden , was left at a computer repair shop , and then was eventually given to the FBI and Trump 's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani .
Joe Biden , his campaign , and his son Hunter have not denied the authenticity of the emails .
One email included in the trove , sent to the younger Biden on May 13 , 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , contained details of “ remuneration packages ” for a deal with a Chinese energy company , including `` 10 held by H for the big guy '' — which many interpreted as referring to shares held by Hunter Biden for his father , Joe .
Fox News reported that one of the people copied in the email , Tony Bobulinski , said that the email is genuine .
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said earlier this week that there is `` no intelligence to support '' the claim that the emails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A senior intelligence official who spoke with the Washington Examiner earlier this week agreed , citing House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , a California Democrat .
“ The IC and DOJ are in lock-step on this : there is absolutely zero evidence or intel that the laptop or the information contained therein is a Russian op .
Schiff and the former officials making unfounded statements or signing their names to open letters are proving themselves to be the gang who couldn ’ t shoot straight . ''
Giuliani also claimed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Examiner reported that his allegation had been forwarded to the FBI .
In the first presidential debate , before the revelation of the laptop , Trump attacked the Democratic presidential nominee 's son .
`` I know Hunter .
Hunter got thrown out of the military .
He was thrown out , dishonorably discharged for cocaine use , '' Trump said .
`` He did n't have a job until you became vice president .
Once you became vice president , he made a fortune in Ukraine , in China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Joe Biden responded by defending his son : `` My son , like a lot of people , like a lot of people you know , I had a drug problem .
He 's overtaken it .
He 's fixed it .
He 's worked on it .
And I 'm proud of him . ''
He denied that the younger Biden was `` given tens of millions of dollars . ''
Earlier this week , Joe Biden refuted allegations that his family had profited off his last name .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani , Trump 's henchmen , '' Biden said .
`` It 's a last-ditch effort in this desperate campaign to smear me and my family . ''
Hunter Biden , though , said in an ABC interview last year that he probably would not have gotten many of his board positions without his last name .
`` I do n't think that there 's a lot of things that would have happened in my life if my last name was n't Biden , '' he said .

Joe Biden's presidential campaign is preemptively dismissing any debate attacks from President Trump relating to reports of the contents of a laptop purportedly belonging to the former vice president's son as "Russian misinformation" — despite top intelligence officials' insistence that there is no evidence of Russian interference.
"If we see tonight from Donald Trump these attacks on Vice President Biden's family, I think we need to be very, very clear that what he's doing here is amplifying Russian misinformation," said deputy Biden campaign manager Kate Bedingfield, according to Wall Street Journal reporter Ken Thomas.
Last week, the New York Post reported on a trove of emails that it said came from a hard drive from a laptop that allegedly belonged to Hunter Biden, was left at a computer repair shop, and then was eventually given to the FBI and Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.
Joe Biden, his campaign, and his son Hunter have not denied the authenticity of the emails.
One email included in the trove, sent to the younger Biden on May 13, 2017, after his father had left office, contained details of “remuneration packages” for a deal with a Chinese energy company, including "10 held by H for the big guy" — which many interpreted as referring to shares held by Hunter Biden for his father, Joe.
Fox News reported that one of the people copied in the email, Tony Bobulinski, said that the email is genuine.
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said earlier this week that there is "no intelligence to support" the claim that the emails are part of a Russian disinformation campaign.
A senior intelligence official who spoke with the Washington Examiner earlier this week agreed, citing House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a California Democrat. “The IC and DOJ are in lock-step on this: there is absolutely zero evidence or intel that the laptop or the information contained therein is a Russian op. Schiff and the former officials making unfounded statements or signing their names to open letters are proving themselves to be the gang who couldn’t shoot straight."
Giuliani also claimed that the laptop contained child pornography, and the Washington Examiner reported that his allegation had been forwarded to the FBI.
In the first presidential debate, before the revelation of the laptop, Trump attacked the Democratic presidential nominee's son.
"I know Hunter. Hunter got thrown out of the military. He was thrown out, dishonorably discharged for cocaine use," Trump said. "He didn't have a job until you became vice president. Once you became vice president, he made a fortune in Ukraine, in China, in Moscow, and various other places."
Joe Biden responded by defending his son: "My son, like a lot of people, like a lot of people you know, I had a drug problem. He's overtaken it. He's fixed it. He's worked on it. And I'm proud of him." He denied that the younger Biden was "given tens of millions of dollars."
Earlier this week, Joe Biden refuted allegations that his family had profited off his last name.
"This is the same garbage — Rudy Giuliani, Trump's henchmen," Biden said. "It's a last-ditch effort in this desperate campaign to smear me and my family."
Hunter Biden, though, said in an ABC interview last year that he probably would not have gotten many of his board positions without his last name.
"I don't think that there's a lot of things that would have happened in my life if my last name wasn't Biden," he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-22--Here is the 60 Minutes footage released by the White House

The White House released its own footage Tuesday of President Trump ’ s recent appearance on 60 Minutes .
The nearly 40-minute video , which comes days before CBS planned to air the official , edited interview , begins with CBS News reporter Lesley Stahl asking Trump if he is “ ready for some tough questions.
” “ Just be fair , ” responds a somewhat irritable Trump .
“ You don ’ t ask [ Democratic nominee Joe ] Biden tough questions .
It ’ s terrible.
” It is all downhill from there , including when the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his 2016 presidential campaign .
`` The biggest scandal was when they spied on my campaign , ” said Trump .
“ They spied on my campaign . ''
Stahl responds by asserting falsely , `` There 's no real evidence of that.
” '' Of course , there is , ” said the president .
“ It 's all over the place .
Lesley , they spied on my campaign , and they got caught.
” Stahl then informs Trump and his White House aides that CBS will not air that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not verify the president ’ s claims .
“ [ T ] his is 60 Minutes , ” she said .
“ And we ca n't put on things we ca n't verify.
” The FBI during the Obama administration absolutely spied on the Trump 2016 campaign , using inaccurate , incomplete , unsupported , and even intentionally falsified information to do so .
Trump also brings up allegations that the Democratic nominee for president may have leveraged his office and authority to enrich his family , including his son , Hunter Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those allegations have been “ discredited.
” '' All these things have been investigated and discredited , '' Stahl asserts , proclaiming something that simply is not true .
An increasingly agitated Trump responds , `` It 's incredible the way you can try and say this , sit there , and look me in the eye and say it . ''
Stahl explains that the contents of the younger Biden ’ s laptop , including potentially damning emails , can not be verified , which is a hell of a thing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign has disputed the authenticity of the emails .
`` You 're trying to discredit us , '' said Stahl .
You can watch the video released Tuesday by the White House below , but be warned : Strictly speaking , the tape is not “ raw ” or “ uncut.
” There are little edits in at least two spots in the video ( one at the 0:32 mark and one at the 4:02 mark ) , so exercise caution .

The White House released its own footage Tuesday of President Trump’s recent appearance on 60 Minutes.
The nearly 40-minute video, which comes days before CBS planned to air the official, edited interview, begins with CBS News reporter Lesley Stahl asking Trump if he is “ready for some tough questions.”
“Just be fair,” responds a somewhat irritable Trump. “You don’t ask [Democratic nominee Joe] Biden tough questions. It’s terrible.”
It is all downhill from there, including when the president notes correctly that the Obama administration spied on his 2016 presidential campaign.
"The biggest scandal was when they spied on my campaign,” said Trump. “They spied on my campaign."
Stahl responds by asserting falsely, "There's no real evidence of that.”
"Of course, there is,” said the president. “It's all over the place. Lesley, they spied on my campaign, and they got caught.”
Stahl then informs Trump and his White House aides that CBS will not air that portion of the interview because it cannot verify the president’s claims.
“[T]his is 60 Minutes,” she said. “And we can't put on things we can't verify.”
The FBI during the Obama administration absolutely spied on the Trump 2016 campaign, using inaccurate, incomplete, unsupported, and even intentionally falsified information to do so.
Trump also brings up allegations that the Democratic nominee for president may have leveraged his office and authority to enrich his family, including his son, Hunter Biden. Stahl responds, claiming incorrectly that those allegations have been “discredited.”
"All these things have been investigated and discredited," Stahl asserts, proclaiming something that simply is not true.
An increasingly agitated Trump responds, "It's incredible the way you can try and say this, sit there, and look me in the eye and say it."
Stahl explains that the contents of the younger Biden’s laptop, including potentially damning emails, cannot be verified, which is a hell of a thing to allege considering neither Joe Biden nor his campaign has disputed the authenticity of the emails.
"You're trying to discredit us," said Stahl.
"No," Trump responds. "You're discrediting yourself, Lesley."
You can watch the video released Tuesday by the White House below, but be warned: Strictly speaking, the tape is not “raw” or “uncut.” There are little edits in at least two spots in the video (one at the 0:32 mark and one at the 4:02 mark), so exercise caution.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-23--Trump juices base to compensate for 2016 supporters defecting to Biden

President Trump is spurning traditional outreach to disaffected swing voters in favor of revving up his loyal base with polarizing rhetoric , an unconventional approach for a trailing incumbent that some Republican operatives believe might pay dividends on Nov. 3 .
Trump ’ s message in the campaign 's closing days is dominated by complaints about the media , claims that the coronavirus is being overhyped , and allegations Democratic nominee Joe Biden is corrupt .
The pitch has yet to prove effective , at least according to public opinion polls — and many Republican strategists are frustrated .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college-educated suburban voters , jeopardizing both his reelection and that of GOP candidates down ticket .
But some Republican insiders in key Midwestern swing states say Trump ’ s relentless focus on satisfying his most committed supporters just might deliver a late-breaking comeback .
An analysis conducted by David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report found 4.9 million eligible white voters without a college degree did not vote in 2016 in Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .
White working-class voters are the bulwark of Trump ’ s base .
If the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls , he might offset defections in the suburbs and from other blocs that propelled him to the White House but are now backing Biden .
“ There are a lot of folks who don ’ t pay close attention to the nuances of politics , ” said Charlie Gerow , a Republican operative in Pennsylvania .
“ They vote on feelings and instincts , especially about the candidates themselves .
Many of these people love Donald Trump because he speaks their language.
” “ This is a group that hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Gerow continued .
“ They ’ re for Trump .
If he can get them to the polls , it ’ s a huge advantage.
” Many political analysts , not to mention Republican strategists , are skeptical that this strategy is viable .
Wasserman wrote that Trump would have to “ boost non-college white turnout by about 5 [ percentage ] points — from 55 % to 60 % nationally — just to offset the impact of their dwindling share of the electorate and get back to the same 306 electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also needs to overcome Biden ’ s improved performance with critical voting blocs , compared to Hillary Clinton , the Democratic nominee four years ago .
As Wasserman tweeted Thursday : According to recent national polls , Biden is winning white voters with a college degree by 22 points ; Clinton won them by 12 points .
Clinton lost white voters without a college degree by 29 points ; Biden is losing them by 19 points .
Clinton lost seniors by 5 points ; Biden is winning them by 10 points .
Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is wining them by 25 points .
Brian Reisinger , a Republican operative in Wisconsin , said Trump could compensate for these challenges by luring blue-collar voters who did not vote in 2016 to the polls .
But he said the strategy might fall short if he can not balance his messaging and avoid losing a woman , a suburban dweller , or a voter age 65 and older for every new white working-class voter he creates .
“ The reality is that while Republicans are facing challenges in some key suburban areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exurban areas who can be won , ” Reisinger said .
“ The trick will be maximizing that rural and small-town vote without it being too much at the expense of high-end suburbs.
” On the eve of the second and final debate , Biden led Trump by 7.9 points nationally in the RealClearPolitics average .
The former vice president was ahead by 4.1 points in the smaller group of decisive battleground states .
The Trump campaign is professing confidence that the president is closing the gap in ways that the survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans are pointing out that the GOP has closed the registration gap with Democrats in states such as Florida and Pennsylvania .
Democrats still lead but by less than they did four years ago .
Republicans highlight Trump ’ s packed campaign rallies , where he puts on a show for his base that features many of his sharpest jabs — at Biden , the media , and even politicians in his own party .
“ Over time , the stability of Trump ’ s base is his strength , ” said Brian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s 2016 campaign .
“ He loves fighting back , and his base expects it now.
” Republicans say the rallies serve a second purpose .
The events draw spectators who have not voted before or recently .
Their attendance allows the Trump campaign an opportunity to identify them and turn them into new voters for the president .

President Trump is spurning traditional outreach to disaffected swing voters in favor of revving up his loyal base with polarizing rhetoric, an unconventional approach for a trailing incumbent that some Republican operatives believe might pay dividends on Nov. 3.
Trump’s message in the campaign's closing days is dominated by complaints about the media, claims that the coronavirus is being overhyped, and allegations Democratic nominee Joe Biden is corrupt. The pitch has yet to prove effective, at least according to public opinion polls — and many Republican strategists are frustrated. They are convinced Trump is alienating women and college-educated suburban voters, jeopardizing both his reelection and that of GOP candidates down ticket.
But some Republican insiders in key Midwestern swing states say Trump’s relentless focus on satisfying his most committed supporters just might deliver a late-breaking comeback.
An analysis conducted by David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report found 4.9 million eligible white voters without a college degree did not vote in 2016 in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. White working-class voters are the bulwark of Trump’s base. If the president can draw more of them to the polls, he might offset defections in the suburbs and from other blocs that propelled him to the White House but are now backing Biden.
“There are a lot of folks who don’t pay close attention to the nuances of politics,” said Charlie Gerow, a Republican operative in Pennsylvania. “They vote on feelings and instincts, especially about the candidates themselves. Many of these people love Donald Trump because he speaks their language.”
“This is a group that hasn’t voted regularly because of their disenchantment,” Gerow continued. “They’re for Trump. If he can get them to the polls, it’s a huge advantage.”
Many political analysts, not to mention Republican strategists, are skeptical that this strategy is viable. Wasserman wrote that Trump would have to “boost non-college white turnout by about 5 [percentage] points — from 55% to 60% nationally — just to offset the impact of their dwindling share of the electorate and get back to the same 306 electoral votes he won in 2016.”
Trump also needs to overcome Biden’s improved performance with critical voting blocs, compared to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee four years ago.
As Wasserman tweeted Thursday: According to recent national polls, Biden is winning white voters with a college degree by 22 points; Clinton won them by 12 points. Clinton lost white voters without a college degree by 29 points; Biden is losing them by 19 points. Clinton lost seniors by 5 points; Biden is winning them by 10 points. Clinton won women by 14 points; Biden is wining them by 25 points.
Brian Reisinger, a Republican operative in Wisconsin, said Trump could compensate for these challenges by luring blue-collar voters who did not vote in 2016 to the polls. But he said the strategy might fall short if he cannot balance his messaging and avoid losing a woman, a suburban dweller, or a voter age 65 and older for every new white working-class voter he creates.
“The reality is that while Republicans are facing challenges in some key suburban areas, there are more voters in rural and exurban areas who can be won,” Reisinger said. “The trick will be maximizing that rural and small-town vote without it being too much at the expense of high-end suburbs.”
On the eve of the second and final debate, Biden led Trump by 7.9 points nationally in the RealClearPolitics average. The former vice president was ahead by 4.1 points in the smaller group of decisive battleground states. The Trump campaign is professing confidence that the president is closing the gap in ways that the survey data is missing.
For instance, Republicans are pointing out that the GOP has closed the registration gap with Democrats in states such as Florida and Pennsylvania. Democrats still lead but by less than they did four years ago. Republicans highlight Trump’s packed campaign rallies, where he puts on a show for his base that features many of his sharpest jabs — at Biden, the media, and even politicians in his own party.
“Over time, the stability of Trump’s base is his strength,” said Brian Lanza, a Republican operative who advised the president’s 2016 campaign. “He loves fighting back, and his base expects it now.”
Republicans say the rallies serve a second purpose. The events draw spectators who have not voted before or recently. Their attendance allows the Trump campaign an opportunity to identify them and turn them into new voters for the president.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-23--Biden team deploys campaign-closer: Barack Obama

Joe Biden ’ s campaign is unveiling a top asset in its closing of the 2020 campaign : former President Barack Obama .
On the campaign trail , in email inboxes , and on television screens , the former president , still enormously popular among Democrats , is urging people to vote against President Trump and for Biden .
Obama Biden soon after it was apparent that his former running mate would be the Democratic Party ’ s presidential nominee .
But aside from his Democratic convention speech warning of a if people vote for Trump , and attaching his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s campaign , Obama has not been a prominent figure in Biden ’ s campaign .
With less than two weeks left until Election Day , that ’ s changing .
Obama , on Wednesday for the first time , hit the campaign trail for Biden — who has not left Delaware all week while he prepares for Thursday ’ s final presidential debate .
In Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , he talked in a small group about issues facing the black community , and he held a COVID-19-friendly drive-in rally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebukes of Trump yet .
“ It affects how our children see things , and it affects the way our families get along , '' .
`` It affects how the world looks at America .
That behavior matters .
Character matters.
” On Saturday , Obama is scheduled to hit the trail even more and campaign for Biden in Florida , a must-win state for Trump if he hopes to win reelection .
And the former president is hitting the airwaves in created for the Democratic National Committee .
But he conspicuously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ads focused on encouraging people to vote .
“ It is going to be close , and it could come down to a handful of voters just like you , ” Obama said in the , which started running Thursday .
“ I ’ m asking you to bring this thing home .
Leave no doubt .
Vote early.
” That ad is running initially on Florida television stations but also appears in digital ads in some swing states , according to Politico .
Obama took the spotlight during a week when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the campaign trail , having no public events and only scheduling a few interviews as he stayed in Delaware during the days leading up to Thursday ’ s last presidential debate .
The timing of the former president ’ s campaign-trail debut and sharp attacks on Trump made it unlikely that he would upstage Biden , who is notorious for verbal stumbles .
Obama ’ s impact on becoming a driving force in the election could be seen on CNN ’ s Thursday morning homepage .
It juxtaposed a photo of Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
“ The president is likely infuriated by Obama ’ s mockery ahead of the debate and polls show this could be his last chance to turn things around , ” read a caption with a link leading to a story on Obama ’ s Thursday speech .
Obama is enormously popular among Democrats and voters as a whole — more popular than Biden .
A Morning Consult conducted before the Democratic National Convention found that 58 % of all voters , including 91 % of Democrats , had favorable views of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorability from all voters and 84 % favorability from Democrats .

Joe Biden’s campaign is unveiling a top asset in its closing of the 2020 campaign: former President Barack Obama.
On the campaign trail, in email inboxes, and on television screens, the former president, still enormously popular among Democrats, is urging people to vote against President Trump and for Biden.
Obama endorsed Biden soon after it was apparent that his former running mate would be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. But aside from his Democratic convention speech warning of a grim future if people vote for Trump, and attaching his name to several dozen fundraising emails for Biden’s campaign, Obama has not been a prominent figure in Biden’s campaign.
With less than two weeks left until Election Day, that’s changing.
Obama, on Wednesday for the first time, hit the campaign trail for Biden — who has not left Delaware all week while he prepares for Thursday’s final presidential debate. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he talked in a small group about issues facing the black community, and he held a COVID-19-friendly drive-in rally, where he issued some of his sharpest rebukes of Trump yet.
“It affects how our children see things, and it affects the way our families get along," Obama said . "It affects how the world looks at America. That behavior matters. Character matters.”
On Saturday, Obama is scheduled to hit the trail even more and campaign for Biden in Florida, a must-win state for Trump if he hopes to win reelection.
And the former president is hitting the airwaves in television ads created for the Democratic National Committee. But he conspicuously did not mention Biden. Instead, the ads focused on encouraging people to vote.
“It is going to be close, and it could come down to a handful of voters just like you,” Obama said in the ad , which started running Thursday. “I’m asking you to bring this thing home. Leave no doubt. Vote early.”
That ad is running initially on Florida television stations but also appears in digital ads in some swing states, according to Politico.
Obama took the spotlight during a week when Biden wasn’t seen at all on the campaign trail, having no public events and only scheduling a few interviews as he stayed in Delaware during the days leading up to Thursday’s last presidential debate.
The timing of the former president’s campaign-trail debut and sharp attacks on Trump made it unlikely that he would upstage Biden, who is notorious for verbal stumbles.
Obama’s impact on becoming a driving force in the election could be seen on CNN’s Thursday morning homepage. It juxtaposed a photo of Obama and Trump rather than the president and Biden.
“The president is likely infuriated by Obama’s mockery ahead of the debate and polls show this could be his last chance to turn things around,” read a caption with a link leading to a story on Obama’s Thursday speech.
Obama is enormously popular among Democrats and voters as a whole — more popular than Biden.