theguardian--2020-08-20--Obama returned to torment Trump in ways that only a member of the Oval Office club can | Richard Wol

Obama returned to torment Trump in ways that only a member of the Oval Office club can | Richard Wolffe

Like bankruptcy , political influence moves gradually , then suddenly .
On the penultimate night of this unconventional Democratic convention , the pace of that transition visibly accelerated .
For most of the last four years , America ’ s political conversation has been dominated by the foghorn squeezed night and day by a hair-dried troll .
This has been an alarmingly loud , but increasingly tedious monologue .
Without an appropriate adversary , Donald Trump has stalked and skulked the stage : alternately ignoring and inventing enemies , alienating friends and befriending alien forces .
It has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evil genius Megamind , he desperately needs an opponent to define his own brand of mindless destruction .
On Wednesday , the animating force behind Trump ’ s animus reappeared on screen to declare the beginning of the end of the Trump era – or democracy as we know it .
Barack Obama has loomed large over everything that passes for a political thought inside the skull of his successor .
If Obama enacted it or even liked it – from healthcare to a pandemic playbook to American democracy – it becomes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his destructive powers .
Just the thought of a night ’ s speeches involving Obama and Hillary Clinton was enough to distract President Megamindless from his actual opponents on the ballot in just 11 weeks .
“ Welcome , Barack and Crooked Hillary , ” he tweeted in eager anticipation .
“ See you on the field of battle !
” Since we ’ re on first name terms , Donald , we regret to inform you that Barack and Hillary won ’ t be seeing you on any field .
Joe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meantime , Obama returned to torment Trump in ways that only a member of the Oval Office club can : “ He ’ s shown no interest in putting in the work ; no interest in finding common ground ; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends ; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves .
“ Donald Trump hasn ’ t grown into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the consequences of that failure are severe.
” Incompetence is one thing ; impotence is another .
Beyond his own inability to do the job of president , Trump has no clue about what the job entails .
That was the less-than-subtle message of Obama ’ s choice of location for his convention speech : in front of a Philadelphia museum about the writing of the constitution .
The former president accused of being a foreigner was detailing how deeply un-American his accuser really is .
All Trump could do was shout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ HE SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN , AND GOT CAUGHT , ” shouted the commander-in-chief on the field of battle that is the space between his remote control and his hypothalamus .
The political transition on show on the third night of the Democratic convention was not confined to the White House .
Political hacks like to talk about the passing of the torch , but party conventions rarely deliver on that promise .
With the staging of Wednesday ’ s speakers – from Clinton to Obama to Kamala Harris – you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last three decades .
For most of that time , the center of gravity in the center-left of American politics has been embodied by the Clintons and the many compromises they made to gain and exercise power .
It is easy now to forget how skillfully they played the politics of white identity , from socially liberal sentiments to preserving middle-class privileges .
This convention was effectively their last hurrah , as the last Democratic nominee warned the party faithful to avoid the fatal mistakes of four years ago .
“ For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ I didn ’ t realize how dangerous he was.
’ ‘ I wish I could go back and do it all over.
’ Or worst , ‘ I should have voted.
’ Well , this can ’ t be another woulda coulda shoulda election , ” Hillary Clinton said .
It is hard to imagine another convention where the Clintons will be the same force in Democratic politics .
And if Joe Biden ’ s poll leads become electoral college reality in November , it is also hard to imagine that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold on their party .
Sitting presidents , and their chosen successors , tend to reshape the political landscape , to the detriment of even beloved and historic predecessors .
That is one of the many reasons why Harris is such a fascinating addition to this already epic election .
Citing her Indian mother ’ s example , Harris said she was committed “ to a vision passed on through generations of Americans – one that Joe Biden shares .
A vision of our nation as a beloved community – where all are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , where we come from , or who we love .
A country where we may not agree on every detail , but we are united by the fundamental belief that every human being is of infinite worth , deserving of compassion , dignity and respect.
” This used to be political motherhood and apple pie .
But after four years of far-right nationalism , neo-Nazi coddling and human rights abuses at the border , Harris looks and sounds like a dramatic turn from the Trump era .
That ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s convention programming – beyond the keynote speakers – were two videos .
One was the painfully moving story of 11-year-old Estela Juarez , separated from her mother – who came to the United States as a child herself – because of Trump ’ s demonization and deportation of immigrant parents .
The other was an anthem for the voters who are likely to decide this contest : a celebration of female activists and change-makers , on the centenary of women ’ s suffrage in the United States .
If anyone combines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspirational immigrants , it ’ s Kamala Harris .
Like Biden , Harris is essentially a centrist Democrat with an extraordinary opportunity to enact sweeping changes to rebuild after the twin catastrophes of Covid-19 and Trump .
Like Obama , they may have a short window to pass legislation to set the nation – and the world – on a new course on the pandemic , the economy , immigration and the climate crisis .
But unlike Obama , Harris has arrived at a time when she can invoke Martin Luther King Jr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it will take to create it .
“ While this virus touches us all , let ’ s be honest .
It is not an equal opportunity offender .
Black , Latino and indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately .
This is not a coincidence .
It is the effect of structural racism , ” she said , pointing to the chasm in education , healthcare and housing .
“ Let ’ s be clear : there is no vaccine for racism .
We ’ ve got to do the work.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can deliver for the movement for racial justice may be an even bigger test than whether or not they can lead America ’ s recovery from the pandemic .
At the end of her acceptance speech , Harris waved at a Zoom screen of applauding supporters , and pointed out imaginary fans in a crowd that couldn ’ t be with her .
Let ’ s be clear : we ’ ve got a lot of work to do before and after there ’ s a vaccine .

Like bankruptcy, political influence moves gradually, then suddenly. On the penultimate night of this unconventional Democratic convention, the pace of that transition visibly accelerated.
For most of the last four years, America’s political conversation has been dominated by the foghorn squeezed night and day by a hair-dried troll. This has been an alarmingly loud, but increasingly tedious monologue.
Without an appropriate adversary, Donald Trump has stalked and skulked the stage: alternately ignoring and inventing enemies, alienating friends and befriending alien forces. It has been a confusing and soulless spectacle. Like the evil genius Megamind, he desperately needs an opponent to define his own brand of mindless destruction.
On Wednesday, the animating force behind Trump’s animus reappeared on screen to declare the beginning of the end of the Trump era – or democracy as we know it.
Barack Obama has loomed large over everything that passes for a political thought inside the skull of his successor. If Obama enacted it or even liked it – from healthcare to a pandemic playbook to American democracy – it becomes, for Trump, a singular focus of his destructive powers.
Just the thought of a night’s speeches involving Obama and Hillary Clinton was enough to distract President Megamindless from his actual opponents on the ballot in just 11 weeks.
“Welcome, Barack and Crooked Hillary,” he tweeted in eager anticipation. “See you on the field of battle!”
Since we’re on first name terms, Donald, we regret to inform you that Barack and Hillary won’t be seeing you on any field. Joe and Kamala will be there instead.
In the meantime, Obama returned to torment Trump in ways that only a member of the Oval Office club can: “He’s shown no interest in putting in the work; no interest in finding common ground; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves.
“Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t. And the consequences of that failure are severe.”
Incompetence is one thing; impotence is another.
Beyond his own inability to do the job of president, Trump has no clue about what the job entails. That was the less-than-subtle message of Obama’s choice of location for his convention speech: in front of a Philadelphia museum about the writing of the constitution.
The former president accused of being a foreigner was detailing how deeply un-American his accuser really is.
All Trump could do was shout at his TV, via Twitter. “HE SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN, AND GOT CAUGHT,” shouted the commander-in-chief on the field of battle that is the space between his remote control and his hypothalamus.
The political transition on show on the third night of the Democratic convention was not confined to the White House.
Political hacks like to talk about the passing of the torch, but party conventions rarely deliver on that promise. With the staging of Wednesday’s speakers – from Clinton to Obama to Kamala Harris – you could trace the party’s path over the last three decades.
It is hard to imagine another convention where the Clintons will be the same force in Democratic politics
For most of that time, the center of gravity in the center-left of American politics has been embodied by the Clintons and the many compromises they made to gain and exercise power. It is easy now to forget how skillfully they played the politics of white identity, from socially liberal sentiments to preserving middle-class privileges.
This convention was effectively their last hurrah, as the last Democratic nominee warned the party faithful to avoid the fatal mistakes of four years ago. “For four years, people have told me, ‘I didn’t realize how dangerous he was.’ ‘I wish I could go back and do it all over.’ Or worst, ‘I should have voted.’ Well, this can’t be another woulda coulda shoulda election,” Hillary Clinton said.
It is hard to imagine another convention where the Clintons will be the same force in Democratic politics. And if Joe Biden’s poll leads become electoral college reality in November, it is also hard to imagine that the Obamas will exert the same magic hold on their party. Sitting presidents, and their chosen successors, tend to reshape the political landscape, to the detriment of even beloved and historic predecessors.
That is one of the many reasons why Harris is such a fascinating addition to this already epic election. Citing her Indian mother’s example, Harris said she was committed “to a vision passed on through generations of Americans – one that Joe Biden shares. A vision of our nation as a beloved community – where all are welcome, no matter what we look like, where we come from, or who we love. A country where we may not agree on every detail, but we are united by the fundamental belief that every human being is of infinite worth, deserving of compassion, dignity and respect.”
After four years of far-right nationalism, neo-Nazi coddling, and human rights abuses at the border, Harris looks and sounds like a dramatic turn from the Trump era
This used to be political motherhood and apple pie. But after four years of far-right nationalism, neo-Nazi coddling and human rights abuses at the border, Harris looks and sounds like a dramatic turn from the Trump era.
That’s why the two most impactful moments of Wednesday’s convention programming – beyond the keynote speakers – were two videos.
One was the painfully moving story of 11-year-old Estela Juarez, separated from her mother – who came to the United States as a child herself – because of Trump’s demonization and deportation of immigrant parents. The other was an anthem for the voters who are likely to decide this contest: a celebration of female activists and change-makers, on the centenary of women’s suffrage in the United States.
If anyone combines the spirit of fired up women and inspirational immigrants, it’s Kamala Harris.
Like Biden, Harris is essentially a centrist Democrat with an extraordinary opportunity to enact sweeping changes to rebuild after the twin catastrophes of Covid-19 and Trump. Like Obama, they may have a short window to pass legislation to set the nation – and the world – on a new course on the pandemic, the economy, immigration and the climate crisis.
But unlike Obama, Harris has arrived at a time when she can invoke Martin Luther King Jr’s beloved community and spell out what it will take to create it.
“While this virus touches us all, let’s be honest. It is not an equal opportunity offender. Black, Latino and indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately. This is not a coincidence. It is the effect of structural racism,” she said, pointing to the chasm in education, healthcare and housing. “Let’s be clear: there is no vaccine for racism. We’ve got to do the work.”
Whether or not Biden and Harris can deliver for the movement for racial justice may be an even bigger test than whether or not they can lead America’s recovery from the pandemic.
At the end of her acceptance speech, Harris waved at a Zoom screen of applauding supporters, and pointed out imaginary fans in a crowd that couldn’t be with her.
Let’s be clear: we’ve got a lot of work to do before and after there’s a vaccine.


theguardian--2020-08-20--Harris makes history and Obama issues warning: key takeaways from DNC's third night

Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday , the third night of the party ’ s virtual convention .
Harris ’ s historic acceptance speech capped off a night of Democrats celebrating women ’ s suffrage and pleading with voters to protect American democracy .
Here are the key takeaways : Harris made history as she became the first black woman and first Asian American to join a major party ’ s presidential ticket .
Harris underscored the historic nature of her nomination by reflecting on the women who had helped her reach the moment , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from India .
Harris said of her : “ She probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words : I accept your nomination for vice-president of the United States of America.
” Barack Obama delivered a dire message calling for voters to protect American democracy .
The former president argued that Donald Trump ’ s potential re-election posed an existential threat to the country ’ s democratic values and institutions , and he implored voters to “ embrace your own responsibility as citizens ” ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that ’ s what it takes to win , ” Obama warned .
“ So we have to get busy building it up – by pouring all our effort into these 76 days , and by voting like never before.
” Hillary Clinton reflected on her own election loss .
The 2016 Democratic nominee said she had met many Americans who have told her they wish they could go back to 2016 and vote differently , or just vote .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Clinton said .
The former secretary of state , who lost the electoral college but won the popular vote in 2016 , also reminded voters : “ Joe and Kamala can win 3 million more votes and still lose .
Take it from me .
We need numbers so overwhelming Trump can ’ t sneak or steal his way to victory.
” The night was dedicated to celebrating women ’ s political participation , culminating in Harris ’ s nomination .
Several of the most prominent women in the Democratic party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi , and the Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren , addressed the convention , and Democrats played a video commemorating the hundredth anniversary of American women gaining the right to vote .
Harris honored that history in her acceptance speech , while emphasizing that black women such as herself had to work even longer to get access to the ballot box .
“ That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me , ” Harris said .
“ Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all.
” Gabrielle Giffords provided the most emotional moment of the night .
The former congresswoman suffered brain damage after she was shot at an event with constituents in 2011 .
During a segment on gun control , Giffords said : “ Today , I struggle with speech , but I have not lost my voice .
America needs all of us to speak out , even when you have to fight to find the words.
” A spokesperson for Giffords said she spent “ countless hours ” working to deliver the speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she survived the shooting .

Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday, the third night of the party’s virtual convention.
Harris’s historic acceptance speech capped off a night of Democrats celebrating women’s suffrage and pleading with voters to protect American democracy.
Here are the key takeaways:
Harris made history as she became the first black woman and first Asian American to join a major party’s presidential ticket. Harris underscored the historic nature of her nomination by reflecting on the women who had helped her reach the moment, including her mother, who emigrated to America from India. Harris said of her: “She probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words: I accept your nomination for vice-president of the United States of America.”
Barack Obama delivered a dire message calling for voters to protect American democracy. The former president argued that Donald Trump’s potential re-election posed an existential threat to the country’s democratic values and institutions, and he implored voters to “embrace your own responsibility as citizens” ahead of November’s election.
“This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that’s what it takes to win,” Obama warned. “So we have to get busy building it up – by pouring all our effort into these 76 days, and by voting like never before.”
03:27 Barack Obama condemns Trump in powerful Democratic convention speech – video
Hillary Clinton reflected on her own election loss. The 2016 Democratic nominee said she had met many Americans who have told her they wish they could go back to 2016 and vote differently, or just vote. “This can’t be another woulda-coulda-shoulda election,” Clinton said. The former secretary of state, who lost the electoral college but won the popular vote in 2016, also reminded voters: “Joe and Kamala can win 3 million more votes and still lose. Take it from me. We need numbers so overwhelming Trump can’t sneak or steal his way to victory.”
02:13 Clinton urges Americans to vote so 'Trump can't steal' the election – video
The night was dedicated to celebrating women’s political participation, culminating in Harris’s nomination. Several of the most prominent women in the Democratic party, including the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and the Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, addressed the convention, and Democrats played a video commemorating the hundredth anniversary of American women gaining the right to vote. Harris honored that history in her acceptance speech, while emphasizing that black women such as herself had to work even longer to get access to the ballot box. “That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me,” Harris said. “Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty and justice for all.”
03:02 Kamala Harris reflects on vice-presidential nomination at DNC – video
Gabrielle Giffords provided the most emotional moment of the night. The former congresswoman suffered brain damage after she was shot at an event with constituents in 2011. During a segment on gun control, Giffords said:
“Today, I struggle with speech, but I have not lost my voice. America needs all of us to speak out, even when you have to fight to find the words.”
A spokesperson for Giffords said she spent “countless hours” working to deliver the speech, the longest she has delivered since she survived the shooting.


theguardian--2020-08-21--'I’m more for Trump than I was before': president clings to narrow lead in Iowa as Biden closes in

When Aaron Schatz surveys the wreckage of 2020 , he finds himself doing surprisingly well .
Profits on his Iowa dairy farm are up thanks to coronavirus .
The pandemic feels a distant threat , and Schatz has yet to wear a mask .
Black Lives Matter protests are an annoyance but really someone else ’ s problem .
But Schatz is worried that Donald Trump , the man he hesitantly backed four years ago after twice voting for Barack Obama , may be in trouble .
“ I ’ m more for Trump than I was before .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m sitting better than I have in 10 years , ” said the fifth-generation farmer in Howard county , north-eastern Iowa .
“ But I ’ m a little scared for Trump .
It ’ s gon na be a tough battle .
A year ago I wasn ’ t worried .
I thought he ’ d have it.
” Schatz was among voters instrumental in flipping Howard county from Obama to Trump four years ago by the largest margin of any county in the US .
That swing , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and heavily white county , contributed to the president winning Iowa with the biggest Republican victory since Ronald Reagan in 1980 .
Just four months ago , the Democrats saw little reason to think the outcome would be any different this year .
A Des Moines Register poll in March gave Trump a 10-point lead over his Democratic challenger , Joe Biden .
But an election turned upside down by a pandemic that has created even more chaos than a president famed for disruption has put Iowa into contention .
Now Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Biden .
Just 45 % of Iowans approve of Trump ’ s handling of the pandemic and only 37 % think he has provided the right leadership on the Black Lives Matter protests .
Perhaps most worrying for Trump , 45 % of Republican voters in Iowa say the nation is on the wrong track .
Neil Shaffer , who is in charge of the president ’ s campaign in Howard county as chair of the local Republican party , is only too aware of the numbers .
His county falls within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which flipped from Republican to Democratic in the 2018 midterms .
Polls give Biden a five-point lead in the district .
“ Ronald Reagan asked in ’ 84 , are you better off today than you were four years ago ?
Well , it ’ s gon na be awful hard for the president to use that , especially now with the economy .
We were on a very strong economy , and now we ’ re limping along and we ’ re trying to avert financial disaster , ” said Shaffer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservation .
“ It ’ s gon na be a referendum on his handling of the last few months .
Not so much his presidency as a whole like a normal election , which I think Democrats probably would have a harder time with.
” Trump can at least count on Schatz .
The 37-year-old farmer had plenty of doubts when he voted for the president last time but had become disillusioned by Obama and found Hillary Clinton alienating .
In time , he grew to like Trump , not least for taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showdown with China over agriculture , even if sanctions hurt farmers in the short term .
Plus , the economy looked good .
Then came coronavirus , which redefined the election within weeks .
In Howard county , opinion is divided between those who think Trump ’ s chaotic and divisive style of leadership has made the pandemic worse , and those who believe the president is unfairly blamed for events he had no real control over .
Schatz is in the second camp , although he recognises he ’ s in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our media .
I think all they do is portray him as being such an evil man .
There ’ s still things about Trump that bug you and stuff but I hate seeing some of these news stations .
They don ’ t cover anything decent that he does .
It ’ s just everything they can to put him down , ” he said .
“ Take coronavirus , which is not in his control .
I feel like he ’ s doing all right .
I guess it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really knew about .
He had how many people giving all their different opinions ?
Which one is the right one ?
” Schatz is not bothered by Trump ’ s questioning of his experts on the necessity of masks to limit the spread of Covid-19 , or the rush to reopen businesses before the virus was contained .
“ I never have wore a mask yet .
I guess I don ’ t feel a threat out here on the farm away from people .
I know we ’ ve been getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I feel if I ’ m gon na get it , I ’ m gon na get it , ” he said .
“ I know we had to shut some stuff down but we needed to start opening stuff back up because if our economy stayed that low for longer , that was just gon na be a bigger disaster .
I ’ m more worried about what it was gon na do to the economy than I was about getting sick.
” That ’ s not an uncommon view in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s toll was relatively low – although it is now climbing – and so the cure of shutdown often looked worse than the disease , particularly in rural areas .
But other Trump voters have drawn a different lesson from the past few months .
A businesswoman who voted for Obama and then Trump said coronavirus exposed the president .
“ I voted Republican my whole life going back to Reagan .
I voted for Trump without really thinking about it because Hilary Clinton represented the worst of the Democratic party .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ass about people out here .
And to be honest , I didn ’ t think Trump could be that bad , ” said the woman , who did not want to be named for fear of alienating customers .
“ Coronavirus finished me with him .
It ’ s revealed him for what he is .
He thinks of no one but himself even when people are dying .
The briefings were insane.
” Shaffer thinks Trump ’ s chaotic and frequently confusing daily pandemic briefings did him damage with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have left it to the experts .
Those daily briefings were painful because there were mixed messages , ” he said .
“ Trump ’ s never been a calming person to begin with , so in a time of emergency he just doesn ’ t come across as soothing.
” That same instinct kicked in when Black Lives Matter protests erupted following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May .
Kelli Gosch describes herself as “ one of less than 10 black people in Cresco ” , Howard county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time she voted Republican was for George W Bush in 2004 , while her husband was serving on the frontline in Afghanistan .
Then she backed Obama twice .
Four years ago , Gosch briefly toyed with voting for Trump .
“ When Trump first came on the scene , I ’ m like , hell yeah , ” she said .
But Gosch , a dance teacher , quickly backed off upon hearing how he spoke about Mexicans during the campaign , which she regarded as provocatively racist .
Since then , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Aborigine , has grown increasingly alarmed at Trump emboldening overt bigotry .
She said it has played a part in the vicious racist taunts her 14-year-old daughter has repeatedly endured in school .
So following Floyd ’ s death , Gosch helped organise a rally for racial justice in downtown Cresco .
She avoided using the name Black Lives Matter , which she thought would be too divisive in a small , overwhelmingly white town .
The organisers described the rally as “ a conversation ” .
“ It was not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People wanting to know what was going on , people wanting to know how they can get involved to help move us forward .
It was a lot of people there .
I thought it was great , ” she said .
Not everyone did .
When Laura Hubka , chair of the Howard county Democrats , promoted the event on Facebook , some Cresco residents accused her of bringing anarchy to town .
“ There were people saying I was bringing riots here .
I said no , we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t want to hear it .
All these people were saying , ‘ I ’ m bringing my gun.
’ So then the cops called me wanting to know what was going on .
I told them we ’ re trying to bring people together in town to talk and said , ‘ Why don ’ t you come and talk ?
, ’ ” she said .
The local police chief spoke to the meeting alongside Gosch ’ s daughter , which greatly reduced tensions .
Gosch saw the rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts to divide Americans over Floyd ’ s death , even if , she said , she didn ’ t think it would make much difference to how people vote .
That , she said , would be defined by coronavirus .
Through all of this , it is Shaffer ’ s job to sell the president to Howard county ’ s voters .
Earlier this year , the local party chair praised what he said was a well-organised local re-election strategy by the national Republican party .
Unlike the haphazard campaign four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get Trump signs for supporters , by February the party ’ s county chairs were receiving detailed instructions on how to target voters and lists of potential new Trump supporters .
Shaffer said all of that had fallen apart .
“ Nowhere .
We ’ re nowhere .
Our local group hasn ’ t met since January .
We had the caucuses in February and then pretty much the wheels fall off the bus , ” he said .
Shaffer is not a Trump enthusiast .
He was as surprised as anyone that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president four years ago .
“ It still amazes me .
In a country with over 300 million people , this is our choice again ?
I ’ m not ashamed to say I don ’ t think many Republicans would have thought those were good choices in 2016 , ” he said .
“ I ’ m just not impressed with Joe Biden .
I ’ m sure he ’ s a nice guy and all , but I think it ’ s still politics of the past .
I just don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t have been surfaced by the Democrats .
I would say the same thing about Republicans four years ago.
” A stream of Republican political adverts questioning Biden ’ s mental faculties , and showing him losing his train of thought or struggling to remember words , has had the intended effect on Schatz .
“ I ’ m still not a 100 % fan of Trump but have you seen Biden ?
He ’ s delusional .
Listen to the guy talk .
That ’ s one of the things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no way that guy can govern for four years , ” he said .
Biden ’ s selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate did nothing to reassure Schatz but it excited Gosch , although she doesn ’ t think it will make much difference to how voters in Howard county see the Democratic candidate .
“ If it does swing Trump ’ s way again , I honestly , wholeheartedly believe that people would vote for him again just because they don ’ t want to admit they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ na stick by their choice because they ’ ve been defending him through all of his hatred , all of his admitted wrongdoing.
” But Hubka , the county Democratic chair , is acutely aware that Clinton ’ s campaign serves as a warning about being pitched primarily as the anti-Trump candidate .
“ I don ’ t think the Democrats can run on ‘ we ’ re not Trump ’ .
Hillary was up to 16 points at this time .
So don ’ t count him out , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a dramatic policy coup just before the election scares a lot of Democrats .
Hubka paints a scenario in which the president announces some kind of government medical insurance scheme , given that healthcare was a major election issue before coronavirus that has been accentuated by the pandemic , and goes to Republicans in Congress with an ultimatum .
“ If Trump told them , look , we ’ re gon na lose the presidency , we ’ re gon na lose the Senate unless you do this , they ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House , what are they going to do ?
Reject public healthcare ?
” she said .
In the meantime , Shaffer is disturbed by what the president is already doing .
He is disparaging of Trump ’ s efforts to undermine the credibility of the election before it happens , particularly by questioning the security of postal ballots .
“ I know there ’ s people that just are totally against mail in ballots .
I am not .
I ’ ve been an election worker for over 30 years and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would have absolutely no qualms whatsoever about having anyone mailing their ballot , ” he said .
“ I ’ m nervous that those people that are so staunchly for Trump will be angry because he ’ s stirring them up to be angry , ” she said .
“ I am testing out a few guns .
I haven ’ t reallyshot a gun in earnest in probably 30 years .
I don ’ t want to shoot anybody .
But if someone ’ s gon na try to kill me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I probably should be able to defend myself .
”

When Aaron Schatz surveys the wreckage of 2020, he finds himself doing surprisingly well.
Profits on his Iowa dairy farm are up thanks to coronavirus. The pandemic feels a distant threat, and Schatz has yet to wear a mask. Black Lives Matter protests are an annoyance but really someone else’s problem.
But Schatz is worried that Donald Trump, the man he hesitantly backed four years ago after twice voting for Barack Obama, may be in trouble.
“I’m more for Trump than I was before. As a dairy farmer, I feel like I’m sitting better than I have in 10 years,” said the fifth-generation farmer in Howard county, north-eastern Iowa.
“But I’m a little scared for Trump. It’s gonna be a tough battle. A year ago I wasn’t worried. I thought he’d have it.”
Schatz was among voters instrumental in flipping Howard county from Obama to Trump four years ago by the largest margin of any county in the US. That swing, of more than 40 points in the rural and heavily white county, contributed to the president winning Iowa with the biggest Republican victory since Ronald Reagan in 1980. Just four months ago, the Democrats saw little reason to think the outcome would be any different this year.
A Des Moines Register poll in March gave Trump a 10-point lead over his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden.
But an election turned upside down by a pandemic that has created even more chaos than a president famed for disruption has put Iowa into contention. Now Trump is fighting to cling to a narrow lead over Biden. Just 45% of Iowans approve of Trump’s handling of the pandemic and only 37% think he has provided the right leadership on the Black Lives Matter protests.
Perhaps most worrying for Trump, 45% of Republican voters in Iowa say the nation is on the wrong track.
Supporters wait in their seats after a Donald Trump rally in Des Moines in January. Photograph: Salwan Georges/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Neil Shaffer, who is in charge of the president’s campaign in Howard county as chair of the local Republican party, is only too aware of the numbers. His county falls within Iowa’s first congressional district, which flipped from Republican to Democratic in the 2018 midterms. Polls give Biden a five-point lead in the district.
“Ronald Reagan asked in ’84, are you better off today than you were four years ago? Well, it’s gonna be awful hard for the president to use that, especially now with the economy. We were on a very strong economy, and now we’re limping along and we’re trying to avert financial disaster,” said Shaffer, a former farmer who works in river conservation.
“It’s gonna be a referendum on his handling of the last few months. Not so much his presidency as a whole like a normal election, which I think Democrats probably would have a harder time with.”
Trump can at least count on Schatz. The 37-year-old farmer had plenty of doubts when he voted for the president last time but had become disillusioned by Obama and found Hillary Clinton alienating. In time, he grew to like Trump, not least for taking on what he regarded as an inevitable showdown with China over agriculture, even if sanctions hurt farmers in the short term. Plus, the economy looked good.
Then came coronavirus, which redefined the election within weeks.
In Howard county, opinion is divided between those who think Trump’s chaotic and divisive style of leadership has made the pandemic worse, and those who believe the president is unfairly blamed for events he had no real control over. Schatz is in the second camp, although he recognises he’s in a minority.
“I’m upset with our media. I think all they do is portray him as being such an evil man. There’s still things about Trump that bug you and stuff but I hate seeing some of these news stations. They don’t cover anything decent that he does. It’s just everything they can to put him down,” he said.
“Take coronavirus, which is not in his control. I feel like he’s doing all right. I guess it’s a lot of unknowns that nobody really knew about. He had how many people giving all their different opinions? Which one is the right one?”
Schatz is not bothered by Trump’s questioning of his experts on the necessity of masks to limit the spread of Covid-19, or the rush to reopen businesses before the virus was contained.
“I never have wore a mask yet. I guess I don’t feel a threat out here on the farm away from people. I know we’ve been getting more cases in our county here, but I feel if I’m gonna get it, I’m gonna get it,” he said.
“I know we had to shut some stuff down but we needed to start opening stuff back up because if our economy stayed that low for longer, that was just gonna be a bigger disaster. I’m more worried about what it was gonna do to the economy than I was about getting sick.”
‘We Love Our Heroes’ is displayed outside a costume shop in the Valley Junction neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa, in May. Photograph: Rachel Mummey/Bloomberg/Getty Images
That’s not an uncommon view in the midwest, where the pandemic’s toll has been relatively low – although it is now climbing – and so the cure of shutdown often looked worse than the disease, particularly in rural areas.
But other Trump voters have drawn a different lesson from the past few months.
A businesswoman who voted for Obama and then Trump said coronavirus exposed the president.
“I voted Republican my whole life going back to Reagan. I voted for Trump without really thinking about it because Hilary Clinton represented the worst of the Democratic party. She didn’t give a rat’s ass about people out here. And to be honest, I didn’t think Trump could be that bad,” said the woman, who did not want to be named for fear of alienating customers.
“Coronavirus finished me with him. It’s revealed him for what he is. He thinks of no one but himself even when people are dying. The briefings were insane.”
Shaffer thinks Trump’s chaotic and frequently confusing daily pandemic briefings did him damage with a lot of voters.
“He should have left it to the experts. Those daily briefings were painful because there were mixed messages,” he said. “Trump’s never been a calming person to begin with, so in a time of emergency he just doesn’t come across as soothing.”
That same instinct kicked in when Black Lives Matter protests erupted following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.
Kelli Gosch describes herself as “one of less than 10 black people in Cresco”, Howard county’s chief town.
The last time she voted Republican was for George W Bush in 2004, while her husband was serving on the frontline in Afghanistan. Then she backed Obama twice.
Four years ago, Gosch briefly toyed with voting for Trump.
“When Trump first came on the scene, I’m like, hell yeah,” she said.
Kelli Gosch waiting in traffic in Cresco, Howard county, Iowa, last year. Photograph: Jordan Gale/The Guardian
But Gosch, a dance teacher, quickly backed off upon hearing how he spoke about Mexicans during the campaign, which she regarded as provocatively racist. Since then, Gosch, who is mixed African American and Aborigine, has grown increasingly alarmed at Trump emboldening overt bigotry. She said it has played a part in the vicious racist taunts her 14-year-old daughter has repeatedly endured in school.
So following Floyd’s death, Gosch helped organise a rally for racial justice in downtown Cresco. She avoided using the name Black Lives Matter, which she thought would be too divisive in a small, overwhelmingly white town. The organisers described the rally as “a conversation”.
“It was not a protest. We had a fantastic turnout. People wanting to know what was going on, people wanting to know how they can get involved to help move us forward. It was a lot of people there. I thought it was great,” she said.
Not everyone did. When Laura Hubka, chair of the Howard county Democrats, promoted the event on Facebook, some Cresco residents accused her of bringing anarchy to town.
“There were people saying I was bringing riots here. I said no, we’re calling it a conversation. But they didn’t want to hear it. All these people were saying, ‘I’m bringing my gun.’ So then the cops called me wanting to know what was going on. I told them we’re trying to bring people together in town to talk and said, ‘Why don’t you come and talk?,’” she said.
The local police chief spoke to the meeting alongside Gosch’s daughter, which greatly reduced tensions.
Gosch saw the rally as a repudiation of Trump’s attempts to divide Americans over Floyd’s death, even if, she said, she didn’t think it would make much difference to how people vote. That, she said, would be defined by coronavirus.
Through all of this, it is Shaffer’s job to sell the president to Howard county’s voters.
Earlier this year, the local party chair praised what he said was a well-organised local re-election strategy by the national Republican party. Unlike the haphazard campaign four years ago, when Shaffer struggled to get Trump signs for supporters, by February the party’s county chairs were receiving detailed instructions on how to target voters and lists of potential new Trump supporters.
Shaffer said all of that had fallen apart.
“Nowhere. We’re nowhere. Our local group hasn’t met since January. We had the caucuses in February and then pretty much the wheels fall off the bus,” he said.
Neil Shaffer posed in the barren fields he used to farm in Cresco in December. Photograph: Jordan Gale/The Guardian
Shaffer is not a Trump enthusiast. He was as surprised as anyone that his county voted so overwhelmingly for the president four years ago.
“It still amazes me. In a country with over 300 million people, this is our choice again? I’m not ashamed to say I don’t think many Republicans would have thought those were good choices in 2016,” he said. “I’m just not impressed with Joe Biden. I’m sure he’s a nice guy and all, but I think it’s still politics of the past. I just don’t understand why a better candidate couldn’t have been surfaced by the Democrats. I would say the same thing about Republicans four years ago.”
A stream of Republican political adverts questioning Biden’s mental faculties, and showing him losing his train of thought or struggling to remember words, has had the intended effect on Schatz.
“I’m still not a 100% fan of Trump but have you seen Biden? He’s delusional. Listen to the guy talk. That’s one of the things that pushed me more to Trump. There is no way that guy can govern for four years,” he said.
Biden’s selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate did nothing to reassure Schatz but it excited Gosch, although she doesn’t think it will make much difference to how voters in Howard county see the Democratic candidate.
“If it does swing Trump’s way again, I honestly, wholeheartedly believe that people would vote for him again just because they don’t want to admit they’re wrong. They’re gonna stick by their choice because they’ve been defending him through all of his hatred, all of his admitted wrongdoing.”
But Hubka, the county Democratic chair, is acutely aware that Clinton’s campaign serves as a warning about being pitched primarily as the anti-Trump candidate.
“I don’t think the Democrats can run on ‘we’re not Trump’. Hillary was up to 16 points at this time. So don’t count him out,” she said.
Downtown Cresco in December. Photograph: Jordan Gale/The Guardian
The idea that Trump can pull off a dramatic policy coup just before the election scares a lot of Democrats. Hubka paints a scenario in which the president announces some kind of government medical insurance scheme, given that healthcare was a major election issue before coronavirus that has been accentuated by the pandemic, and goes to Republicans in Congress with an ultimatum.
“If Trump told them, look, we’re gonna lose the presidency, we’re gonna lose the Senate unless you do this, they’d go along. And the Democrats in the House, what are they going to do? Reject public healthcare?” she said.
In the meantime, Shaffer is disturbed by what the president is already doing. He is disparaging of Trump’s efforts to undermine the credibility of the election before it happens, particularly by questioning the security of postal ballots.
“I know there’s people that just are totally against mail-in ballots. I am not. I’ve been an election worker for over 30 years and our system is now so solid that I would have absolutely no qualms whatsoever about having anyone mailing their ballot,” he said.
Hubka has another concern.
“I’m nervous that those people that are so staunchly for Trump will be angry because he’s stirring them up to be angry,” she said.
“I am testing out a few guns. I haven’t really shot a gun in earnest in probably 30 years. I don’t want to shoot anybody. But if someone’s gonna try to kill me because of my political beliefs, then I probably should be able to defend myself.”
Hubka decided to buy a .45 handgun.


theguardian--2020-08-21--Joe Biden's speech wins praise from left and right – but not from Trump

Democrats have largely praised Joe Biden ’ s speech formally accepting the party nomination as a resounding success , while Republicans have begrudgingly conceded it went well .
Biden ’ s speech on Thursday capped off the Democratic national convention and was largely optimistic , laying out his vision for tackling several crises facing the country .
“ History has delivered us to one of the most difficult moments America has ever faced , ” he said .
“ The worst pandemic in over 100 years .
The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression .
The most compelling call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the undeniable realities and accelerating threats of climate change .
“ So , the question for us is simple : are we ready ?
I believe we are.
” He also shared his own experience of loss , saying to those who had lost loved ones during the pandemic : “ I know that deep black hole that opens up in your chest … I know how mean and cruel and unfair life can be sometimes .
“ I found the best way through pain and loss and grief is to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House press secretary for Barack Obama , said on MSNBC that the former vice-president ’ s speech “ met the moment ” .
“ I think Democrats and Vice-President Biden are ecstatic about how this convention has gone on , ” Gibbs said .
David Plouffe , a former Obama campaign manager , also said Biden ’ s speech had broad appeal .
“ Joe Biden gave a speech that I think 75 % of Americans would largely agree with , ” Plouffe said .
“ I think he has taken one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hillary Clinton , the last candidate to accept the Democratic party ’ s nomination for president , also praised the speech .
Observers on the left of the party offered more guarded praise , with Briahna Joy Gray , the former national press secretary for Bernie Sanders , writing : Conservative commentators also offered praise .
On Fox News , the anchor Chris Wallace said Biden ’ s was an “ enormously effective ” speech , adding that Biden “ blew a hole ” in Donald Trump ’ s repeated characterization of him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It seems to me that after tonight Donald Trump is going to have to run against a candidate , not a caricature , ” Wallace said .
“ The Democrats have had a good convention , now it ’ s the Republicans ’ turn.
” The conservative host Laura Ingraham , speaking on Fox News , said Biden “ beat expectations ” but the speech was “ devoid of any policy other than universal masking .
But he delivered a good speech for what he was doing , it was very emotional stuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Notably , the Trump campaign ’ s statement on the speech did not respond to any specific lines but instead attacked the candidate .
“ By accepting his party ’ s nomination tonight , Joe Biden has formally become a pawn of the radical leftists , ” the Trump campaign communications director , Tim Murtaugh , said .
“ His name is on the campaign logo , but the ideas come from the socialist extremists.
” Trump ’ s allies pegged the speech as weak and out of touch .

Democrats have largely praised Joe Biden’s speech formally accepting the party nomination as a resounding success, while Republicans have begrudgingly conceded it went well.
Biden’s speech on Thursday capped off the Democratic national convention and was largely optimistic, laying out his vision for tackling several crises facing the country.
“History has delivered us to one of the most difficult moments America has ever faced,” he said. “The worst pandemic in over 100 years. The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The most compelling call for racial justice since the 60s. And the undeniable realities and accelerating threats of climate change.
“So, the question for us is simple: are we ready? I believe we are.”
He also shared his own experience of loss, saying to those who had lost loved ones during the pandemic: “I know that deep black hole that opens up in your chest … I know how mean and cruel and unfair life can be sometimes.
“I found the best way through pain and loss and grief is to find purpose.”
05:22 'Light is more powerful than dark': Joe Biden accepts presidential nomination – video
Robert Gibbs, the former White House press secretary for Barack Obama, said on MSNBC that the former vice-president’s speech “met the moment”.
“I think Democrats and Vice-President Biden are ecstatic about how this convention has gone on,” Gibbs said.
David Plouffe, a former Obama campaign manager, also said Biden’s speech had broad appeal.
“Joe Biden gave a speech that I think 75% of Americans would largely agree with,” Plouffe said. “I think he has taken one large leap toward the Oval Office.”
Hillary Clinton, the last candidate to accept the Democratic party’s nomination for president, also praised the speech.
What a speech tonight! Congratulations to the man who has lived a determined life full of dignity and devotion to his family and to his country. @JoeBiden will lead us out of the darkness and restore the soul of America. Let’s go win this thing. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 21, 2020
Observers on the left of the party offered more guarded praise, with Briahna Joy Gray, the former national press secretary for Bernie Sanders, writing:
They did a really good job tonight for a party indifferent to the progressive vote. #DemConvention — Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) August 21, 2020
Conservative commentators also offered praise. On Fox News, the anchor Chris Wallace said Biden’s was an “enormously effective” speech, adding that Biden “blew a hole” in Donald Trump’s repeated characterization of him as a candidate in decline.
“It seems to me that after tonight Donald Trump is going to have to run against a candidate, not a caricature,” Wallace said. “The Democrats have had a good convention, now it’s the Republicans’ turn.”
The conservative host Laura Ingraham, speaking on Fox News, said Biden “beat expectations” but the speech was “devoid of any policy other than universal masking. But he delivered a good speech for what he was doing, it was very emotional stuff … It was very well delivered.”
The Republican strategist Karl Rove called the speech “excellent”.
Notably, the Trump campaign’s statement on the speech did not respond to any specific lines but instead attacked the candidate.
“By accepting his party’s nomination tonight, Joe Biden has formally become a pawn of the radical leftists,” the Trump campaign communications director, Tim Murtaugh, said. “His name is on the campaign logo, but the ideas come from the socialist extremists.”
Trump’s allies pegged the speech as weak and out of touch.
If a conservative Republican candidate was giving a nomination acceptance speech and sounded as bad/out of it as Joe Biden, I would not make a fool out of myself and say it was the best speech I’ve ever heard. Any honesty or integrity left in the news? — Madison Gesiotto (@madisongesiotto) August 21, 2020
Trump, characteristically, bashed the speech.
In 47 years, Joe did none of the things of which he now speaks. He will never change, just words! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 21, 2020


theguardian--2020-08-21--Boy with stutter delivers emotional DNC speech after help from Joe Biden

Political events aren ’ t often the venues for profoundly emotional moments , but during the last night of the Democratic national convention on Thursday , a young boy with a stutter managed to deliver one in two minutes .
Thirteen-year-old Brayden Harrington was invited to speak at the event after he met Joe Biden at a rally in New Hampshire in February .
When Biden , a fellow stutterer , learned about Harrington ’ s speech difficulties at the rally , he invited him backstage .
There , Biden showed him the speech he had just delivered and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathe , and gave him advice and exercises for overcoming his stutter .
“ He put his focus on Brayden and made time for him , talked to him , explained that it doesn ’ t define him , he ’ s stronger , that he ’ s a good person , ” Brayden ’ s father , Owen , told CNN at the time .
“ It was really overwhelming for [ him ] .
He started breaking down a little bit.
” Six months later , Harrington was beamed into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up delivering one of the most widely praised speeches of the four-night convention .
It was one of many stories highlighted by the all-virtual Democratic convention this week , which foregrounded a number of speeches by non-politicians such as Kristin Urquiza , whose father died of coronavirus , and the healthcare activist Ady Barkan .
In Harrington ’ s address , the teenager said that “ without Joe Biden I wouldn ’ t be talking to you today , ” and that during their first meeting , Biden had told him they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was really amazing to hear that someone like me became vice-president .
He told me about a book of poems by Yeats he would read out loud to practice , ” he said .
“ He showed me how he marks his addresses to make them easier to say out loud .
So I did the same thing today .
And now I ’ m here talking to you today about the future , about our future.
” The veteran US journalist Dan Rather described Harrington ’ s speech as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while CNN ’ s senior Washington correspondent Jeff Zeleny tweeted that he was “ just remarkable .
What courage and guts it took him to do this .
Good luck , Brayden .
You will go far.
” Other viewers also found Harrington ’ s speech an emotional one to watch , and a show-stealer .
Meanwhile , some have contrasted Biden ’ s treatment of Harrington with Trump ’ s behavior towards those with disabilities , with Arianna Huffington highlighting the incident in the 2016 election campaign when Trump offensively imitated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The official video of Harrington ’ s speech uploaded by the DNC Twitter account has been viewed more than 2m times , although the real figure across all uploads is likely to be much higher .

Political events aren’t often the venues for profoundly emotional moments, but during the last night of the Democratic national convention on Thursday, a young boy with a stutter managed to deliver one in two minutes.
Thirteen-year-old Brayden Harrington was invited to speak at the event after he met Joe Biden at a rally in New Hampshire in February.
When Biden, a fellow stutterer, learned about Harrington’s speech difficulties at the rally, he invited him backstage. There, Biden showed him the speech he had just delivered and the annotations he used to signal when to breathe, and gave him advice and exercises for overcoming his stutter.
“He put his focus on Brayden and made time for him, talked to him, explained that it doesn’t define him, he’s stronger, that he’s a good person,” Brayden’s father, Owen, told CNN at the time. “It was really overwhelming for [him]. He started breaking down a little bit.”
Six months later, Harrington was beamed into the homes of millions of Americans and ended up delivering one of the most widely praised speeches of the four-night convention.
It was one of many stories highlighted by the all-virtual Democratic convention this week, which foregrounded a number of speeches by non-politicians such as Kristin Urquiza, whose father died of coronavirus, and the healthcare activist Ady Barkan.
In Harrington’s address, the teenager said that “without Joe Biden I wouldn’t be talking to you today,” and that during their first meeting, Biden had told him they were “members of the same club”.
“It was really amazing to hear that someone like me became vice-president. He told me about a book of poems by Yeats he would read out loud to practice,” he said. “He showed me how he marks his addresses to make them easier to say out loud. So I did the same thing today. And now I’m here talking to you today about the future, about our future.”
The veteran US journalist Dan Rather described Harrington’s speech as “pure, unvarnished courage”, while CNN’s senior Washington correspondent Jeff Zeleny tweeted that he was “just remarkable. What courage and guts it took him to do this. Good luck, Brayden. You will go far.”
Other viewers also found Harrington’s speech an emotional one to watch, and a show-stealer.
13 year-old Brayden Harrington....tears....rolling.
"We need the world to feel better."
"Kids like me are counting on you to elect someone we can look up to."
Decency. I miss decency. The president should be a role model not a cautionary tale!
Best part tonight so far 💙 — Amy Siskind 🏳🌈 (@Amy_Siskind) August 21, 2020
Brayden Harrington stole the show, and I think that would make Joe very happy. ❤ — Meena Harris (@meenaharris) August 21, 2020
Meanwhile, some have contrasted Biden’s treatment of Harrington with Trump’s behavior towards those with disabilities, with Arianna Huffington highlighting the incident in the 2016 election campaign when Trump offensively imitated the reporter Serge Kovaleski, who is disabled.
Brayden Harrington's video about having a stutter like Biden was also a stark contrast to the President who mocks reporters with disabilities. #DemConvention — Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) August 21, 2020
The official video of Harrington’s speech uploaded by the DNC Twitter account has been viewed more than 2m times, although the real figure across all uploads is likely to be much higher.


theguardian--2020-08-21--Biden vows to end 'season of darkness' as he accepts Democratic presidential nomination

Joe Biden vowed to unite a deeply divided America and lead the country to “ overcome this season of darkness ” as he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday evening , a long-sought moment that came more than 30 years after he first ran for president .
Biden , 77 , denied the chance to accept the nomination before a roaring crowd due to the pandemic , delivered the most consequential speech of his nearly half a century in public life from a silent ballroom inside the Chase Center , near his home in Wilmington , Delaware , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national convention .
“ Here and now I give you my word , if you entrust me with the presidency , I will draw on the best of us , not the worst , ” Biden said .
“ I will be an ally of the light , not the darkness.
” “ United we can , and will , overcome this season of darkness in America .
We will choose hope over fear , facts over fiction , fairness over privilege.
” Biden ’ s speech , at turns somber and hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final night of the most unusual presidential nominating convention in modern memory .
This year ’ s quadrennial affair showcased the racial – and ideological – diversity of the Democrats coalition , which stretches from a Democratic socialist to a former Republican governor , and is increasingly led by women , young people and people of color .
That was evident the evening before when Biden ’ s running mate , the California senator Kamala Harris , accepted her place in history , as the first black woman and first Asian American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s presidential ticket .
Biden presented November ’ s election as a “ battle for the soul of this nation ” , echoing the words he used when he launched his third presidential bid last year .
He said the country faces four historic crises : the coronavirus pandemic , the economic fallout , racial injustice and climate change .
He vowed to be an “ American president ” who would “ work hard for those who didn ’ t support me , ” drawing a stark contrast with the president who attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a partisan moment , ” he said .
“ This must be an American moment.
” Without mentioning his rival by name , Biden accused Donald Trump of having “ failed in his most basic duty to the nation ” by mishandling the pandemic .
If elected , he pledged to implement a national strategy to tackle it , including a national mandate on wearing a mask as “ a patriotic duty ” .
“ The tragedy of where we are today is it didn ’ t have to be this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , which has killed more than 170,000 Americans and infected more than 5 million , far more than any other country in the world .
“ He failed to protect us , ” Biden said .
“ He failed to protect America .
And , my fellow Americans , that is unforgivable.
” Outside the convention center , under a crescent moon , fireworks lit the sky in a moment of celebration .
After delivering the speech , Biden and Harris emerged with their spouses to watch the display .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood , supporters from Biden ’ s hometown sat on their car hoods , others in the beds of their trucks , waving American flags and blaring car horns in a show of support for a man described earlier this week as Delaware ’ s “ favorite son ” .
Biden and Harris raised their clasped hands high , and the crowd honked their horns louder .
Across the four-day convention , Americans were introduced anew to the former vice-president .
His family , friends , colleagues and former political rivals – from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a New York City security guard who briefly rode on an elevator with him – testified to his character .
Electing Biden , they argued , would amount to a stark repudiation of Trumpism .
They cast him as a singular match for the moment , a public servant whose empathy , deep experience and sense of decency had uniquely prepared him to lead a nation stricken by compounding crises .
“ We know how important it is that we elect real leaders like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris , people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to their hearts and believe that the lives of my four Black children matter , ” the Atlanta mayor , Keisha Lance Bottoms , who was among the women Biden considered to be his running mate , said earlier in the evening , as part of a tribute to the late civil rights leader John Lewis on Thursday .
During his remarks , Biden spoke directly to the grieving families who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus , invoking the lessons learned from his own personal tragedies after losing his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1972 , and his eldest son , Beau , to brain cancer in 2015 .
“ I know how mean and cruel and unfair life can be sometimes , ” Biden said .
But he said he had found that “ best way through pain and loss and grief is to find purpose.
” The presidential nomination caps a decades-long quest for Biden , who has sought the presidency intermittently since 1987 .
In his first run , as a young senator , Biden ran as a generational change candidate but his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a sense that he lacked a policy core .
Twenty years later , he ran again , on a platform that emphasized his long record and experience .
But he faded in the primary race , outshined by the history-making candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton .
Biden again considered running in 2016 .
But after the death of his eldest son , Beau , he formally ruled out the possibility , in a decision many believed extinguished once and for all his dream of occupying the Oval Office .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the white nationalist violence that erupted in Charlottesville , Biden entered the 2020 race .
“ It was a wake-up call for us as a country , ” Biden said on Thursday .
“ And for me , a call to action .
At that moment , I knew I ’ d have to run.
” The speakers at the convention on Thursday , which included several of his former primary rivals , were a reflection of how uncertain Biden ’ s path to the nomination was .
He faced the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , and that better embodied a young , diverse and increasingly progressive Democratic party .
But after faltering early , he staged a comeback with the help of Black voters in South Carolina .
Pete Buttigieg , the openly gay former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , who ran for president in 2020 , praised Biden for his early support of same-sex marriage .
“ Joe Biden is right , this is a contest for the soul of the nation .
And to me that contest is not between good Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s the struggle to call out what is good for every American.
” Illinois senator , Tammy Duckworth , who lost both legs during a deployment in Iraq , lashed Trump by name .
“ Donald Trump doesn ’ t deserve to call himself commander in chief for another four minutes – let alone another four years , ” she said , calling Biden a man of “ common decency ” and vouching for his support for military families .
All week , organizers threaded the program with stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims of gun violence and immigrant families torn apart .
Thursday introduced Brayden Harrington , a 13-year-old from New Hampshire who suffers , as Biden did , from a stutter .
Staring into the camera , Harrington steadied his voice and , slowly and deliberately , delivered a speech .
“ And in a short amount of time , Joe Biden made me feel more confident about something that ’ s bothered me my whole life .
Joe Biden cared .
Imagine what he could do for all of us.
” Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , introduced their father on Thursday , after an emotional tribute to their sibling Beau .
While Ashley has been a presence on the campaign , hosting events for Biden , Hunter has largely remained behind the scenes since Republicans turned his past work for a Ukrainian gas company while his father was vice-president into a political liability .
Trump was ultimately impeached by the House over his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate the Bidens .
Despite ongoing efforts by Trump allies to show otherwise , there is no evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cede the national spotlight , Trump has spent the week assailing Biden on a tour of battleground states that included a stop on Thursday near Biden ’ s childhood home in Scranton , Pennsylvania .
“ In 47 years , Joe did none of the things of which he now speaks .
He will never change , just words !
” Trump tweeted after Biden ’ s speech .
Biden enters the final stretch of the general election in a strong position , consistently leading Trump in national and battleground state polls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the course of two hour nightly broadcasts , the convention has sought to present a show of unity by featuring prominent Republicans including former governor John Kasich , who testified to Biden ’ s character and consensus-minded approach to governing , while progressive Democratic leaders such as Senator Elizabeth Warren raised the possibility that Biden had the opportunity to be a transformational figure who would usher in sweeping economic and social change .
The task that now looms for Biden in the final 10 weeks of the campaign is to energize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuade independent and moderate voters who recoil from Trump ’ s divisiveness , without losing progressives who remain uncertain about their nominee .
The importance of voting was another major focus of the convention , amid fears that the pandemic and actions by the Trump administration will make it harder for Americans to cast their ballots ahead of the elections in November .
In his remarks on Thursday , Biden framed the stakes of the election .
“ This is a life-changing election , ” he said .
“ This will determine what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a long , long time .
”

Joe Biden vowed to unite a deeply divided America and lead the country to “overcome this season of darkness” as he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday evening, a long-sought moment that came more than 30 years after he first ran for president.
Biden, 77, denied the chance to accept the nomination before a roaring crowd due to the pandemic, delivered the most consequential speech of his nearly half a century in public life from a silent ballroom inside the Chase Center, near his home in Wilmington, Delaware, on the last night of the virtual Democratic national convention.
“Here and now I give you my word, if you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us, not the worst,” Biden said. “I will be an ally of the light, not the darkness.”
“United we can, and will, overcome this season of darkness in America. We will choose hope over fear, facts over fiction, fairness over privilege.”
Biden’s speech, at turns somber and hopeful, delivered a forceful closing argument on the final night of the most unusual presidential nominating convention in modern memory. This year’s quadrennial affair showcased the racial – and ideological – diversity of the Democrats’ coalition, which stretches from a democratic socialist to a former Republican governor, and is increasingly led by women, young people and people of color.
That was evident the evening before when Biden’s running mate, the California senator Kamala Harris, accepted her place in history, as the first black woman and first Asian American to appear on a major party’s presidential ticket.
Biden presented November’s election as a “battle for the soul of this nation”, echoing the words he used when he launched his third presidential bid last year. He said the country faced four historic crises: the coronavirus pandemic, the economic fallout, racial injustice and climate change.
Joe Biden vowed to be an ‘American president’ who would ‘work hard for those who didn’t support me’.
Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
He vowed to be an “American president” who would “work hard for those who didn’t support me,” drawing a stark contrast with the president who attacks and threatens his critics.
“This is not a partisan moment,” he said. “This must be an American moment.”
Without mentioning his rival by name, Biden accused Donald Trump of having “failed in his most basic duty to the nation” by mishandling the pandemic. If elected, he pledged to implement a national strategy to tackle it, including a national mandate on wearing a mask as “a patriotic duty”.
“The tragedy of where we are today is it didn’t have to be this bad,” he said of the crisis, which has killed more than 170,000 Americans and infected more than 5 million, far more than any other country in the world.
“He failed to protect us,” Biden said. “He failed to protect America. And, my fellow Americans, that is unforgivable.”
Outside the convention center, under a crescent moon, fireworks lit the sky in a moment of celebration. After delivering the speech, Biden and Harris emerged with their spouses to watch the display.
In a parking lot beyond the stage where they stood, supporters from Biden’s home town sat on their car hoods, others in the beds of their trucks, waving American flags and blaring car horns in a show of support for a man described earlier this week as Delaware’s “favorite son”. Biden and Harris raised their clasped hands high, and the crowd honked their horns louder.
Across the four-day convention, Americans were introduced anew to the former vice-president. His family, friends, colleagues and former political rivals – from the president he served for eight years to a New York City security guard who briefly rode on an elevator with him – testified to his character. Electing Biden, they argued, would amount to a stark repudiation of Trumpism.
Supporters watch the program outside the venue where Democratic presidential candidate former vice-president Joe Biden speaks at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware, on Thursday night. Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP
They cast him as a singular match for the moment, a public servant whose empathy, deep experience and sense of decency had uniquely prepared him to lead a nation stricken by compounding crises.
“We know how important it is that we elect real leaders like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, people of honor and integrity, who hold justice close to their hearts and believe that the lives of my four black children matter,” the Atlanta mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was among the women Biden considered to be his running mate, said earlier in the evening, as part of a tribute to the late civil rights leader John Lewis on Thursday.
During his remarks, Biden spoke directly to the grieving families who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus, invoking the lessons learned from his own personal tragedies after losing his wife and infant daughter to a car accident in 1972, and his eldest son, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015.
“I know how mean and cruel and unfair life can be sometimes,” Biden said. But he said he had found that “best way through pain and loss and grief is to find purpose.”
The presidential nomination caps a decades-long quest for Biden, who has sought the presidency intermittently since 1987. In his first run, as a young senator, Biden ran as a generational change candidate but his campaign ended ignobly amid a plagiarism scandal and a sense that he lacked a policy core.
Twenty years later, he ran again, on a platform that emphasized his long record and experience. But he faded in the primary race, outshone by the history-making candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Biden again considered running in 2016. But after the death of his eldest son, Beau, he formally ruled out the possibility, in a decision many believed extinguished once and for all his dream of occupying the Oval Office.
However, driven by Trump’s equivocation on the white nationalist violence that erupted in Charlottesville, Biden entered the 2020 race.
From left to right: Jill Biden, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, greet supporters outside the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware, at the conclusion of the DNC on Thursday night. Photograph: Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images
“It was a wake-up call for us as a country,” Biden said on Thursday. “And for me, a call to action. At that moment, I knew I’d have to run.”
The speakers at the convention on Thursday, which included several of his former primary rivals, were a reflection of how uncertain Biden’s path to the nomination was. He faced the most diverse field of candidates that had ever run, and that better embodied a young, diverse and increasingly progressive Democratic party. But after faltering early, he staged a comeback with the help of black voters in South Carolina.
Pete Buttigieg, the openly gay former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who ran for president in 2020, praised Biden for his early support of same-sex marriage.
“Joe Biden is right, this is a contest for the soul of the nation. And to me that contest is not between good Americans and evil Americans,” Buttigieg said. “It’s the struggle to call out what is good for every American.”
The Illinois senator Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs during a deployment in Iraq and was among those Biden vetted to be his running mate, lashed Trump by name.
“Donald Trump doesn’t deserve to call himself commander in chief for another four minutes – let alone another four years,” she said, calling Biden a man of “common decency” and vouching for his support for military families.
All week, organizers threaded the program with stories of people affected by the pandemic and victims of gun violence and immigrant families torn apart. Thursday introduced Brayden Harrington, a 13-year-old from New Hampshire who suffers, as Biden did, from a stutter.
Staring into the camera, Harrington steadied his voice and, slowly and deliberately, delivered a speech.
“Joe Biden made me feel more confident about something that’s bothered me my whole life. Joe Biden cared,” he said. “Imagine what he could do for all of us.”
Biden’s children, Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, introduced their father on Thursday, after an emotional tribute to their brother, Beau.
While Ashley has been a presence on the campaign, hosting events for Biden, Hunter has largely remained behind the scenes since Republicans turned his past work for a Ukrainian gas company while his father was vice-president into a political liability.
Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden celebrate in front of fireworks after Joe Biden accepted the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Trump was ultimately impeached by the House over his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate the Bidens. Despite ongoing efforts by Trump allies to show otherwise, there is no evidence of corruption by either Biden.
Loathe to cede the national spotlight, Trump has spent the week assailing Biden on a tour of battleground states that included a stop on Thursday near Biden’s childhood home in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
“In 47 years, Joe did none of the things of which he now speaks. He will never change, just words!” Trump tweeted after Biden’s speech.
Biden enters the final stretch of the general election in a strong position, consistently leading Trump in national and battleground state polls, and with Democrats largely united behind him, a theme of the convention.
03:36 How Julia Louis-Dreyfus roasted Donald Trump in DNC finale – video
Over the course of two-hour nightly broadcasts, the convention has sought to present a show of unity by featuring prominent Republicans including former governor John Kasich, who testified to Biden’s character and consensus-minded approach to governing, while progressive Democratic leaders such as Senator Elizabeth Warren raised the possibility that Biden had the opportunity to be a transformational figure who would usher in sweeping economic and social change.
The task that now looms for Biden in the final 10 weeks of the campaign is to energize this ungainly coalition – to continue to persuade independent and moderate voters who recoil from Trump’s divisiveness, without losing progressives who remain uncertain about their nominee.
The importance of voting was another major focus of the convention, amid fears that the pandemic and actions by the Trump administration will make it harder for Americans to cast their ballots ahead of the elections in November.
In his remarks on Thursday, Biden framed the stakes of the election.
“This is a life-changing election,” he said. “This will determine what America’s going to look like for a long, long time.”


theguardian--2020-08-21--Ex-rivals rally around Biden at mostly successful virtual convention: key takeaways from DNC finale

Joe Biden formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday , closing out the 2020 Democratic national convention .
In his acceptance speech , Biden laid out how he would help lead the nation through the crises of the coronavirus pandemic , its economic fallout , and racial injustice , an argument that was echoed by his Democratic allies throughout the night .
Here are the key takeaways from the night : Biden accepted the nomination with a message of American perseverance in the face of hardship In a speech that was by turns uplifting and incisive , the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leadership .
“ United we can , and will , overcome this season of darkness in America , ” Biden said .
The speech was praised by commentators on the right and the left , with even Fox News hosts acknowledging Biden had exceeded expectations .
The night repeatedly reflected on Biden ’ s personal losses , allowing the nominee to build credibility with a grieving nation Empathy has been a consistent theme in this virtual convention , and Thursday evening ’ s event included a tribute video commemorating the life of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eldest son who died in 2015 of brain cancer at the age of 46 .
In his acceptance speech , Biden recounted losing Beau , as well as his first wife and young daughter , who died in a car accident in the early 1970s .
He drew on those memories to empathize with the Americans who had lost loved ones to coronavirus .
“ Your loved ones may have left this Earth , but they never leave your heart , ” Biden said .
“ They will always be with you.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many failings in his handling of the pandemic , including refusing to recognize it as a national tragedy , and showing a lack of empathy for the personal suffering caused by coronavirus .
Brayden Harrington , a 13-year-old from New Hampshire , recalled meeting Biden on the campaign trail and telling the candidate about his verbal stutter .
Harrington said Biden , who also struggled with a stutter as a child , gave him more confidence about his abilities , empowering the young boy to deliver a speech on the national stage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be talking to you today , ” Harrington said .
“ Joe Biden cared .
Imagine what he could do for all of us.
” Biden ’ s former primary rivals rallied around him Several former Democratic presidential candidates – including New Jersey senator Cory Booker , former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg and businessman Andrew Yang – offered their endorsements to Biden , in the party ’ s latest effort to display unity before the November elections .
“ Every American must now decide .
Can America be a place where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Buttigieg said .
“ I trust Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to guide this nation toward that better future , because I have seen their commitment , and their empathy , up close.
” Aside from a few glitches and timing hiccups , the Democrats managed to pull off a well-produced convention that set a high bar for Republicans next week .
Democrats even managed to recreate some of the elements of pageantry that usually accompany the convention , setting off a fireworks display in Wilmington , Delaware , shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comedian and star of Veep roasted Donald Trump as she hosted the final night ’ s proceedings .
“ American carnage , ” she said , referring to the dominant theme of Trumps inaugural speech .
“ I assumed that was something he was against , not a campaign promise.
” In an opening segment , Louis-Dreyfus mocked conservative figures who fail to pronounce Kamala Harris ’ s name correctly by mispronouncing the name of Trump ’ s vice-president Mike Pence .
Speaking about Biden ’ s Catholic faith , she mocked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a church during anti-racism protests against police brutality in Washington DC .
“ Just remember : Joe Biden goes to church so regularly , that he doesn ’ t even need teargas and a bunch of federalized troops to help him get there , ” she said .

Joe Biden formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday, closing out the 2020 Democratic national convention.
In his acceptance speech, Biden laid out how he would help lead the nation through the crises of the coronavirus pandemic, its economic fallout and racial injustice, an argument that was echoed by his Democratic allies throughout the night.
Here are the key takeaways from the night:
Biden accepted the nomination with a message of American perseverance in the face of hardship
In a speech that was by turns uplifting and incisive, the former vice-president pledged to provide a steady hand of leadership. “United we can, and will, overcome this season of darkness in America,” Biden said. The speech was praised by commentators on the right and the left, with even Fox News hosts acknowledging Biden had exceeded expectations.
05:22 'Light is more powerful than dark': Joe Biden accepts presidential nomination – video
The night repeatedly reflected on Biden’s personal losses, allowing the nominee to build credibility with a grieving nation
Empathy has been a consistent theme in this virtual convention, and Thursday evening’s event included a tribute video commemorating the life of Beau Biden, the nominee’s eldest son who died in 2015 of brain cancer at the age of 46. In his acceptance speech, Biden recounted losing Beau, as well as his first wife and young daughter, who died in a car accident in the early 1970s.
He drew on those memories to empathize with the Americans who had lost loved ones to coronavirus. “Your loved ones may have left this Earth, but they never leave your heart,” Biden said. “They will always be with you.”
Trump critics have accused the president of many failings in his handling of the pandemic, including refusing to recognize it as a national tragedy, and showing a lack of empathy for the personal suffering caused by coronavirus.
A young boy with a stutter captured viewers’ hearts
Brayden Harrington, a 13-year-old from New Hampshire, recalled meeting Biden on the campaign trail and telling the candidate about his verbal stutter. Harrington said Biden, who also struggled with a stutter as a child, gave him more confidence about his abilities, empowering the young boy to deliver a speech on the national stage. “Without Joe Biden, I would not be talking to you today,” Harrington said. “Joe Biden cared. Imagine what he could do for all of us.”
02:01 Boy with stutter delivers moving DNC speech: 'Joe Biden made me feel confident' – video
Biden’s former primary rivals rallied around him
Several former Democratic presidential candidates – including New Jersey senator Cory Booker, former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg and businessman Andrew Yang – offered their endorsements to Biden, in the party’s latest effort to display unity before the November elections.
“Every American must now decide. Can America be a place where faith is about healing and not exclusion?” Buttigieg said. “I trust Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to guide this nation toward that better future, because I have seen their commitment, and their empathy, up close.”
The virtual convention (mostly) worked
Aside from a few glitches and timing hiccups, the Democrats managed to pull off a well-produced convention that set a high bar for Republicans next week. Democrats even managed to recreate some of the elements of pageantry that usually accompany the convention, setting off a fireworks display in Wilmington, Delaware, shortly after Biden concluded his acceptance speech.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus offered some much-needed levity for Democrats
The comedian and star of Veep roasted Donald Trump as she hosted the final night’s proceedings. “American carnage,” she said, referring to the dominant theme of Trump’s inaugural speech. “I assumed that was something he was against, not a campaign promise.”
In an opening segment, Louis-Dreyfus mocked conservative figures who fail to pronounce Kamala Harris’s name correctly by mispronouncing the name of Trump’s vice-president Mike Pence.
03:36 How Julia Louis-Dreyfus roasted Donald Trump in DNC finale – video
Speaking about Biden’s Catholic faith, she mocked a recent widely criticized Trump photo op outside a church during anti-racism protests against police brutality in Washington DC.
“Just remember: Joe Biden goes to church so regularly, that he doesn’t even need teargas and a bunch of federalized troops to help him get there,” she said.