theguardian--2020-08-07--Trump is in electoral hot water. It could be even worse for him by November | Art Cullen

President Trump is in deep trouble in the midwest , which edged him over the top into the White House , and things can only get worse by November .
The second quarter of 2020 was the worst in history .
Worse than Herbert Hoover ’ s days , and we know how that ended .
Jobless claims are rising while benefits are expiring .
No sleight of hand can turn things around in three months .
The pandemic is flaring up in Wisconsin , which Trump won four years ago .
Senator Joni Ernst , an Iowa Republican up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenger Theresa Greenfield in most polls and in fundraising .
Two years ago , Ernst ’ s approval rating was near 60 % .
Now she is among the least popular senators , suffering the weight of one Donald Trump .
In Ohio , the Republican speaker of the House was recently arrested and charged with taking a $ 60m bribe from a power company ; the Ohio needle is moving steadily in Joe Biden ’ s favor .
Polls of rural voters in swing states show Biden winning .
He even has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not holding my breath , but who ’ da thunk ?
Is the Armageddon near ?
Trump started trade wars with China , Mexico and Canada that have flattened manufacturing up and down the Mississippi River .
Corn prices are at their lowest level in a decade .
Meatpacking workers across the midwest were ordered on to unsafe kill floors , shoulder to shoulder , sending fear shuddering through communities as the coronavirus rages .
It is all deeply unsettling , and the polls reflect it .
Here in Storm Lake , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee with Black Lives Matter protesters in Chautauqua Park .
This is for real .
This is not 2016 .
Democratic women stirred up a blue wave in 2018 that started by taking over the House and is building into a tsunami that could topple Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell .
Sen. Susan Collins is running behind in Maine .
How does Senator Martha McSally make up a deficit against Democrat Mark Kelly , a former astronaut married to former congresswoman Gabby Giffords , an Arizona hero who survived an assassination attempt ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his Democratic bid for the Senate , and cattlemen are restless under the big sky as big meat racks up record profits at their expense .
Meanwhile , McConnell is inching away from Trump .
Their differences were exposed when they failed to come up with an unemployment benefits extension by the deadline on Friday .
Millions will feel the pain , landlords and tenants alike .
When Trump , in sheer panic , said he might delay the election , McConnell was quick to rebut him .
Ernst would not comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day Trump was suggesting redlining in the suburbs , Barack Obama took the pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist church in Atlanta to eulogize John Lewis and deliver a forceful defense of voting rights .
Clearly , Obama is intent on playing a more active role than he did in 2016 , particularly in mobilizing black voters .
Obama is hardly done talking .
Perhaps he might even help turn Georgia .
The pandemic is pretty much out of control .
The economy is a wreck , with interest rates near zero .
China finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s so cheap .
We are in the grips of a drought that has farmers sweating low yields with low prices .
Wildfires are spreading from Arizona to California along with Covid .
Our one bright spot , baseball , might even have to shut down just when the Minnesota Twins are on a roll .
No way Trump wins Minnesota , one of his flip targets .
George Floyd looms large .
Trump says the only way he can lose is through election fraud .
In fact , it seems more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win is through fraud .
In April , Wisconsin Republicans tried to stop voters in a key Wisconsin election for a supreme court justice that was a proxy on Trump – and Trump lost , as stubborn cheeseheads stood in line for hours at great personal infection danger to vote .
He desperately needs Wisconsin .
But the paper mills are shutting down , dairy operators are drowning in a glut of corporate milk , and furious teachers are organizing like never before .
In a series of legal opinions this spring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made clear that he is no presidential patsy .
Trump ’ s abusive tweets came home to roost as the court declared its independence .
Roberts had to endure presiding over that nauseating impeachment trial .
He will not let Trump steal the election .
People are fed up with being cooped up and knocked down .
They want some security right now .
Biden has offered voters a steady rollout of plans to solve big problems , and with a heavy dose of decency and respect .
His climate agenda is truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a “ transformational ” president , not just transitional .
He will follow science to respond to the pandemic .
That ’ s what people want to hear , not whining .
“ Why don ’ t they like me ?
” Trump wondered aloud .
Because they don ’ t .
That should be good enough to set this country right .
So long as everybody votes .
• None Art Cullen is editor of the Storm Lake Times in north-west Iowa , where he won the Pulitzer prize for editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ columnist and author of the book , Storm Lake : Change , Resilience , and Hope from the Heartland

President Trump is in deep trouble in the midwest, which edged him over the top into the White House, and things can only get worse by November.
The second quarter of 2020 was the worst in history. Worse than Herbert Hoover’s days, and we know how that ended. Jobless claims are rising while benefits are expiring. No sleight of hand can turn things around in three months.
The pandemic is flaring up in Wisconsin, which Trump won four years ago. Senator Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican up for election, is trailing her Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield in most polls and in fundraising. Two years ago, Ernst’s approval rating was near 60%. Now she is among the least popular senators, suffering the weight of one Donald Trump. In Ohio, the Republican speaker of the House was recently arrested and charged with taking a $60m bribe from a power company; the Ohio needle is moving steadily in Joe Biden’s favor. Polls of rural voters in swing states show Biden winning. He even has the edge in Texas – I’m not holding my breath, but who’da thunk? Is the Armageddon near?
Trump started trade wars with China, Mexico and Canada that have flattened manufacturing up and down the Mississippi River. Corn prices are at their lowest level in a decade. Meatpacking workers across the midwest were ordered on to unsafe kill floors, shoulder to shoulder, sending fear shuddering through communities as the coronavirus rages. It is all deeply unsettling, and the polls reflect it. Here in Storm Lake, Iowa, the police chief took a knee with Black Lives Matter protesters in Chautauqua Park. This is for real. This is not 2016.
Democratic women stirred up a blue wave in 2018 that started by taking over the House and is building into a tsunami that could topple Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell. Sen. Susan Collins is running behind in Maine. How does Senator Martha McSally make up a deficit against Democrat Mark Kelly, a former astronaut married to former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, an Arizona hero who survived an assassination attempt? Montana Governor Steve Bullock is running strong in his Democratic bid for the Senate, and cattlemen are restless under the big sky as big meat racks up record profits at their expense.
Meanwhile, McConnell is inching away from Trump. Their differences were exposed when they failed to come up with an unemployment benefits extension by the deadline on Friday. Millions will feel the pain, landlords and tenants alike. When Trump, in sheer panic, said he might delay the election, McConnell was quick to rebut him. Ernst would not comment. She is terrified.
Biden has offered voters a steady rollout of plans to solve big problems, and with a heavy dose of decency and respect
On the day Trump was suggesting redlining in the suburbs, Barack Obama took the pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist church in Atlanta to eulogize John Lewis and deliver a forceful defense of voting rights. Clearly, Obama is intent on playing a more active role than he did in 2016, particularly in mobilizing black voters. Obama is hardly done talking. Perhaps he might even help turn Georgia.
The pandemic is pretty much out of control. The economy is a wreck, with interest rates near zero. China finally bought some of our corn because it’s so cheap. We are in the grips of a drought that has farmers sweating low yields with low prices. Wildfires are spreading from Arizona to California along with Covid. Our one bright spot, baseball, might even have to shut down just when the Minnesota Twins are on a roll. No way Trump wins Minnesota, one of his flip targets. George Floyd looms large.
Trump says the only way he can lose is through election fraud. In fact, it seems more likely that the only way he can win is through fraud. In April, Wisconsin Republicans tried to stop voters in a key Wisconsin election for a supreme court justice that was a proxy on Trump – and Trump lost, as stubborn cheeseheads stood in line for hours at great personal infection danger to vote. He desperately needs Wisconsin. But the paper mills are shutting down, dairy operators are drowning in a glut of corporate milk, and furious teachers are organizing like never before.
In a series of legal opinions this spring, US supreme court chief justice John Roberts made clear that he is no presidential patsy. Trump’s abusive tweets came home to roost as the court declared its independence. Roberts had to endure presiding over that nauseating impeachment trial. He will not let Trump steal the election.
People are fed up with being cooped up and knocked down. They want some security right now. Biden has offered voters a steady rollout of plans to solve big problems, and with a heavy dose of decency and respect. His climate agenda is truly bold. He says he wants to be a “transformational” president, not just transitional. He will follow science to respond to the pandemic. That’s what people want to hear, not whining. “Why don’t they like me?” Trump wondered aloud. Because they don’t. That should be good enough to set this country right.
So long as everybody votes.


theguardian--2020-08-07--Trump claims Joe Biden will 'hurt God' if elected president – video

Donald Trump says likely presidential rival Joe Biden is 'against God ' as he upped his attacks on the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ crowd at Cleveland airport in Ohio , Trump told supporters Biden is 'following the radical @ @ @ @ @ your guns , destroy your Second Amendment .
No religion , no anything , hurt @ @ @ @ @ . '
The president continued his criticism against Biden , saying : 'He 's against @ @ @ @ @ guns .
He 's against energy , our kind of energy ' .
Biden has @ @ @ @ @ second amendment rights and owns a shotgun .
He is also a practising Catholic .

Donald Trump says likely presidential rival Joe Biden is 'against God' as he upped his attacks on the Democratic nominee. Speaking to a crowd at Cleveland airport in Ohio, Trump told supporters Biden is 'following the radical left agenda. Take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment. No religion, no anything, hurt the Bible, hurt God.'
The president continued his criticism against Biden, saying: 'He's against God. He's against guns. He's against energy, our kind of energy'. Biden has repeatedly pledged his support for second amendment rights and owns a shotgun. He is also a practising Catholic.


theguardian--2020-08-08--Notorious former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio loses bid to win back seat

Joe Arpaio , the former Arizona sheriff notorious for his abusive policing and hardline anti-immigration tactics , has lost his bid to win back the post he held for 24 years .
An early Donald Trump supporter and proponent of the racist theory that Barack Obama was not born in the US , Arpaio lost the Republican primary for Maricopa county sheriff to a former aide , Jerry Sheridan .
Sheridan will face off against Democrat Paul Penzone in the November elections .
This is Arpaio ’ s second failed attempt to return to politics since Trump pardoned him in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of criminal contempt of court for violating a judge ’ s order to stop racially profiling Latinos .
In 2018 , he finished last in a three-way race for a Senate nomination in Arizona .
This latest defeat likely signals an end to the 88-year-old ’ s political career .
But Sheridan , a 38-year veteran of the sheriff ’ s office , has promised to carry on Arpaio ’ s legacy of harsh , anti-immigrant policing .
Arpaio ’ s legacy also lives on in Trump .
“ Sheriff Joe ” was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coughlin , a Republican consultant in Arizona , in a recent interview with the Guardian .
Arpaio , who called himself “ America ’ s toughest sheriff ” , became infamous for his reality star showmanship and anti-immigration crackdowns long before Trump .
“ He birthed that nationalism narrative that Trump is now using , ” Coughlin said .
As the sheriff of Phoenix from 1992 through 2016 , Arpaio created the “ Tent City ” jail that he compared to a concentration camp , where inmates were forced to work in chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His department racked up $ 147m in taxpayer-funded legal bills , and botched the investigations of more than 400 sex-crimes complaints .
But he ’ s most well-known nationally for his anti-immigration tactics .
Embracing a national program that allowed his officers to act as immigration agents , he invited camera crews along on raids .
A federal judge in 2013 found that his department racially profiled Latinos , and his traffic patrols targeted immigrants .
Voters eventually tired of his hardline tactics and voted him out in 2016 .
His campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but to no avail .
Though Sheridan has vowed to carry on some of Arpaio ’ s signature policies if elected , he has indicated he ’ ll do so without bombast and theatrics .
Sheridan , like Arpaio , was found guilty of civil contempt of court for disobeying an order to stop racial profiling but was not charged criminal contempt .
Penzone , who unseated Arpaio in 2016 , is still regarded as the favored candidate in November .
Political strategists believe that Arpaio ’ s fall from power in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
Arpaio ’ s nationalism , as well as Arizona ’ s infamous “ show me your papers ” law , which gave law enforcement sweeping powers to target Latinos , galvanized a generation of progressive activists – many of whom have been elected to serve into local and state office .
“ The state is becoming more diverse , and it ’ s becoming more Latino – and it ’ s becoming younger , ” said Marisa Franco , the co-founder of the social justice advocacy group Mijente , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It awakened an electorate that ’ s , I think , more justice-minded.
” Moderate Republicans are also disassociating from the diehard nationalism that Arpaio – and Trump – represent , according to Coughlin .
“ All of our research shows that a majority of Republicans want real immigration reform , ” he said .
“ [ Trump has ] a weapon in a way that doesn ’ t appeal to most Arizonans .
”

Joe Arpaio, the former Arizona sheriff notorious for his abusive policing and hardline anti-immigration tactics, has lost his bid to win back the post he held for 24 years.
An early Donald Trump supporter and proponent of the racist theory that Barack Obama was not born in the US, Arpaio lost the Republican primary for Maricopa county sheriff to a former aide, Jerry Sheridan. Sheridan will face off against Democrat Paul Penzone in the November elections.
This is Arpaio’s second failed attempt to return to politics since Trump pardoned him in 2017, months after he was convicted of criminal contempt of court for violating a judge’s order to stop racially profiling Latinos. In 2018, he finished last in a three-way race for a Senate nomination in Arizona. This latest defeat likely signals an end to the 88-year-old’s political career.
But Sheridan, a 38-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, has promised to carry on Arpaio’s legacy of harsh, anti-immigrant policing. Arpaio’s legacy also lives on in Trump. “Sheriff Joe” was a precursor to Trump, said Chuck Coughlin, a Republican consultant in Arizona, in a recent interview with the Guardian. Arpaio, who called himself “America’s toughest sheriff”, became infamous for his reality star showmanship and anti-immigration crackdowns long before Trump. “He birthed that nationalism narrative that Trump is now using,” Coughlin said.
As the sheriff of Phoenix from 1992 through 2016, Arpaio created the “Tent City” jail that he compared to a concentration camp, where inmates were forced to work in chain gangs in Arizona’s 120F heat. His department racked up $147m in taxpayer-funded legal bills, and botched the investigations of more than 400 sex-crimes complaints.
But he’s most well-known nationally for his anti-immigration tactics. Embracing a national program that allowed his officers to act as immigration agents, he invited camera crews along on raids. A federal judge in 2013 found that his department racially profiled Latinos, and his traffic patrols targeted immigrants.
Voters eventually tired of his hardline tactics and voted him out in 2016. His campaign this year vastly outspent Sheridan’s, but to no avail. Though Sheridan has vowed to carry on some of Arpaio’s signature policies if elected, he has indicated he’ll do so without bombast and theatrics. Sheridan, like Arpaio, was found guilty of civil contempt of court for disobeying an order to stop racial profiling but was not charged criminal contempt.
Penzone, who unseated Arpaio in 2016, is still regarded as the favored candidate in November. Political strategists believe that Arpaio’s fall from power in Arizona could foretell Trump’s fate in November.
Arpaio’s nationalism, as well as Arizona’s infamous “show me your papers” law, which gave law enforcement sweeping powers to target Latinos, galvanized a generation of progressive activists – many of whom have been elected to serve into local and state office. “The state is becoming more diverse, and it’s becoming more Latino – and it’s becoming younger,” said Marisa Franco, the co-founder of the social justice advocacy group Mijente, in an interview with the Guardian. “It awakened an electorate that’s, I think, more justice-minded.”
Moderate Republicans are also disassociating from the diehard nationalism that Arpaio – and Trump – represent, according to Coughlin. “All of our research shows that a majority of Republicans want real immigration reform,” he said. “[Trump has] a weapon in a way that doesn’t appeal to most Arizonans.”
Agencies contributed reporting


theguardian--2020-08-08--Russia, China and Iran seeking to influence US ahead of elections, top intelligence official says

Russia is backing Donald Trump , China is supporting Joe Biden and Iran is seeking to sow chaos in the US presidential election , a top intelligence official has warned in a sobering assessment of foreign meddling .
The statement on Friday by William Evanina , director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , raises fears of a repeat of the 2016 election , when Russia manipulated social media to help Trump and hurt his opponent Hillary Clinton .
“ Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evanina said .
“ This is consistent with Moscow ’ s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration ’ s policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia.
” Evanina identified Andriy Derkach , a pro-Russia Ukrainian politician , as “ spreading claims about corruption – including through publicized leaked phone calls ” to attack Biden ’ s campaign .
The Washington Post reported that Derkach has met repeatedly with Trump ’ s personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice-president .
Evanina also warned that some “ Kremlin-linked actors ” were spreading false claims about corruption to undermine Biden , while others were trying to “ boost President Trump ’ s candidacy via social media and Russian television ” .
Evanina , the top intelligence official monitoring threats to the election , is a Trump appointee .
His statement lists China before Russia but presents less specific evidence of direct interference by Beijing .
“ We assess that China prefers that President Trump – whom Beijing sees as unpredictable – does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States , pressure political figures it views as opposed to China ’ s interests , and deflect and counter criticism of China.
” He added : “ Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race.
” Evanina highlighted China ’ s criticism of Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic , the closure of China ’ s consulate in Houston and the White House responses to Chinese actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea .
On Friday , the US imposed sanctions on Hong Kong ’ s chief executive , Carrie Lam , and 10 other senior officials .
Trump has also ordered crackdowns on the Chinese owners of the popular apps TikTok and WeChat .
Iran , meanwhile , was seeking to undermine US democratic institutions and Trump , and to divide the country ahead of the 2020 elections , Evanina ’ s statement said .
“ Iran ’ s efforts along these lines probably will focus on on-line influence , such as spreading disinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tehran ’ s motivation to conduct such activities is , in part , driven by a perception that President Trump ’ s reelection would result in a continuation of US pressure on Iran in an effort to foment regime change.
” Trump pulled the US out of a nuclear deal agreed by Barack Obama and imposed various sanctions on Tehran .
The anti-Trump pressure group National Security Action denied that China ’ s public actions rose to the level of Russia ’ s covert election interference .
“ Jarringly , the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – again attacking our democracy in a bid to secure Trump ’ s reelection – by comparing it to China ’ s public criticism of the administration ’ s recent punitive measures against Beijing , ” a spokesperson , Ned Price , said .
“ Any interference in our democracy is unacceptable , but there is no equivalence between the two efforts.
” In a press conference at his golf club in Bedminster , New Jersey , on Friday evening , Trump reacted to the assessment by insisting : “ I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in office is Donald Trump because nobody ’ s been tougher on Russia than I have , ever .
“ China would love us to have an election where Donald Trump lost to ‘ Sleepy ’ Joe Biden .
They would own our country .
If Joe Biden was president , China would own our country ... Iran would love to see me not be president.
” The president added : “ I ’ ll make this statement .
If and when we win , we will make deals with Iran very quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Korea very quickly .
Whatever happened to the war in North Korea ?
You haven ’ t seen that , have you ?
” A hacking and social media campaign by Russia in 2016 is credited by US intelligence with helping Trump to victory .
It triggered the special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation , which described Russian meddling but did not conclude that there had been direct collusion by Trump or his campaign .
The November election is already under siege from the coronavirus pandemic , concerns over whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting and constant attacks by Trump on the integrity of the process .
Evanina warned that foreign adversaries may try to interfere with election systems by trying to sabotage the voting process , stealing election data or questioning the validity of results : “ Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy.
” The report raised concern on Capitol Hill .
Marco Rubio and Mark Warner , the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee , said they “ encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from weaponizing intelligence matters for political gain ” .
Mitch McConnell , the Republican Senate majority leader , said : “ It is no surprise our adversaries have preferences in our elections .
Foreign nations have tried to influence our politics throughout American history .
As Director Evanina ’ s statement makes clear , Russian malign influence efforts remain a significant threat .
But it would be a serious mistake to ignore the growing threats posed by China and Iran .
”

Russia is backing Donald Trump, China is supporting Joe Biden and Iran is seeking to sow chaos in the US presidential election, a top intelligence official has warned in a sobering assessment of foreign meddling.
The statement on Friday by William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, raises fears of a repeat of the 2016 election, when Russia manipulated social media to help Trump and hurt his opponent Hillary Clinton.
“Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia ‘establishment’,” Evanina said. “This is consistent with Moscow’s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration’s policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia.”
Evanina identified Andriy Derkach, a pro-Russia Ukrainian politician, as “spreading claims about corruption – including through publicized leaked phone calls” to attack Biden’s campaign. The Washington Post reported that Derkach has met repeatedly with Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who has pushed conspiracy theories about the former vice-president.
Evanina also warned that some “Kremlin-linked actors” were spreading false claims about corruption to undermine Biden, while others were trying to “boost President Trump’s candidacy via social media and Russian television”.
Evanina, the top intelligence official monitoring threats to the election, is a Trump appointee. His statement lists China before Russia but presents less specific evidence of direct interference by Beijing.
“We assess that China prefers that President Trump – whom Beijing sees as unpredictable – does not win re-election,” Evanina said. “China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China’s interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China.”
He added: “Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race.”
Evanina highlighted China’s criticism of Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the closure of China’s consulate in Houston and the White House responses to Chinese actions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea. On Friday, the US imposed sanctions on Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, and 10 other senior officials. Trump has also ordered crackdowns on the Chinese owners of the popular apps TikTok and WeChat.
Iran, meanwhile, was seeking to undermine US democratic institutions and Trump, and to divide the country ahead of the 2020 elections, Evanina’s statement said.
“Iran’s efforts along these lines probably will focus on on-line influence, such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-US content. Tehran’s motivation to conduct such activities is, in part, driven by a perception that President Trump’s reelection would result in a continuation of US pressure on Iran in an effort to foment regime change.”
Trump pulled the US out of a nuclear deal agreed by Barack Obama and imposed various sanctions on Tehran.
The anti-Trump pressure group National Security Action denied that China’s public actions rose to the level of Russia’s covert election interference. “Jarringly, the statement attempted to minimize what Russia is doing – again attacking our democracy in a bid to secure Trump’s reelection – by comparing it to China’s public criticism of the administration’s recent punitive measures against Beijing,” a spokesperson, Ned Price, said. “Any interference in our democracy is unacceptable, but there is no equivalence between the two efforts.”
In a press conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Friday evening, Trump reacted to the assessment by insisting: “I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody’s been tougher on Russia than I have, ever.
“China would love us to have an election where Donald Trump lost to ‘Sleepy’ Joe Biden. They would own our country. If Joe Biden was president, China would own our country ... Iran would love to see me not be president.”
The president added: “I’ll make this statement. If and when we win, we will make deals with Iran very quickly. We’ll make deals with North Korea very quickly. Whatever happened to the war in North Korea? You haven’t seen that, have you?”
A hacking and social media campaign by Russia in 2016 is credited by US intelligence with helping Trump to victory. It triggered the special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, which described Russian meddling but did not conclude that there had been direct collusion by Trump or his campaign.
The November election is already under siege from the coronavirus pandemic, concerns over whether the system can handle a surge in mail-in voting and constant attacks by Trump on the integrity of the process.
Evanina warned that foreign adversaries may try to interfere with election systems by trying to sabotage the voting process, stealing election data or questioning the validity of results: “Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy.”
The report raised concern on Capitol Hill. Marco Rubio and Mark Warner, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said they “encourage political leaders on all sides to refrain from weaponizing intelligence matters for political gain”.
Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate majority leader, said: “It is no surprise our adversaries have preferences in our elections. Foreign nations have tried to influence our politics throughout American history. As Director Evanina’s statement makes clear, Russian malign influence efforts remain a significant threat. But it would be a serious mistake to ignore the growing threats posed by China and Iran.”


theguardian--2020-08-08--Trump says he may extend unemployment benefits via executive order – as it happened

Asked whether the press conference , which was attended by members of his golf club , some of whom were @ @ @ @ @ were not maintaining social distance , was violating New Jersey guidelines for golf clubs , @ @ @ @ @ Because it ’ s a political activity they have exceptions.
” Their gathering and refusal @ @ @ @ @ also a peaceful protest , ” Trump said , because his wealthy golf club members @ @ @ @ @ fake.
” The president recently reversed his anti-mask stance and suggested that wearing face coverings @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus is “ patriotic ” - but he seems to have changed his mind again @

Maanvi Singh in Oakland (now), Joan E Greve in Washington and Martin Belam (earlier)

8 Aug 2020 01.42 BST Summary From me and Joan E Greve: Negotiations over the next coronavirus relief package fell apart. The White House and congressional Democratic leaders had an unproductive meeting this afternoon. The Democrats previously said the White House had rejected their offer to compromise on a $2tn topline for the relief package.
The White House and congressional Democratic leaders had an unproductive meeting this afternoon. The Democrats previously said the White House had rejected their offer to compromise on a $2tn topline for the relief package. During an impromptu Friday evening press conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, Trump said he was likely too pass executive orders in lieu of working out a deal with Democrats. His proposals: to defer payroll tax and enhance unemployment benefits until the end of the year, defer student loans and forgive interest and extend eviction moratoriums.
His proposals: to defer payroll tax and enhance unemployment benefits until the end of the year, defer student loans and forgive interest and extend eviction moratoriums. Trump also said he was pursuing an executive order to protect patients from insurance hikes due to pre-existing conditions. But that protection is already part of the Affordable Care Act, which the Trump administration is seeking to have struck down.
But that protection is already part of the Affordable Care Act, which the Trump administration is seeking to have struck down. At the golf club, wealthy members who came to watch the president’s press conference did not practice social distancing. Many did not wear masks and were drinking. Their presence was also apparently in violation of New Jersey guidelines for golf clubs, which asks that patrons not eat or drink indoors and wear masks. Trump defended them by saying they were engaging in “peaceful protest” of the “fake news”.
Many did not wear masks and were drinking. Their presence was also apparently in violation of New Jersey guidelines for golf clubs, which asks that patrons not eat or drink indoors and wear masks. Trump defended them by saying they were engaging in “peaceful protest” of the “fake news”. A senior US intelligence official said China is against Trump’s re-election while Russia is spreading disinformation about Joe Biden. National Counterintelligence and Security Center director William Evanina said in a new statement that China, Russia and Iran are all working to influence US public opinion in the final months before the presidential election.
National Counterintelligence and Security Center director William Evanina said in a new statement that China, Russia and Iran are all working to influence US public opinion in the final months before the presidential election. The new jobs report showed the US economy regained 1.8 million jobs in July. That figure, while promising, represents a steep drop-off from June, indicating the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic will be long and difficult. The US unemployment rate also remains alarmingly high, at 10.2%.
That figure, while promising, represents a steep drop-off from June, indicating the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic will be long and difficult. The US unemployment rate also remains alarmingly high, at 10.2%. New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced all schools would have the option to reopen for the new academic year. Every region in the state has successfully lowered its rate of coronavirus transmission, Cuomo said, so schools have the option to reopen for at least part of the week. But the ultimate decision of how and when to reopen will be made by local leaders and school officials. Trump poised to intervene in Covid-19 relief plans after talks break down Read more
Updated at 02.04 BST
8 Aug 2020 01.20 BST Asked whether the press conference, which was attended by members of his golf club, some of whom were not wearing masks and who were not maintaining social distance, was violating New Jersey guidelines for golf clubs, Trump said no, “Because it’s a political activity they have exceptions.” Their gathering and refusal to wear masks is “also a peaceful protest,” Trump said, because his wealthy golf club members “know the news is fake.” The crowd cheered. The president recently reversed his anti-mask stance and suggested that wearing face coverings to stop the spread of coronavirus is “patriotic” - but he seems to have changed his mind again.
Updated at 01.22 BST
8 Aug 2020 01.14 BST Contradicting the intelligence community’s assessment, the president said, “The last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump.” Pressed on the matter, he said: “I don’t care what anybody says”
8 Aug 2020 01.11 BST Asked if he’s worried about legal challenges to his proposed executive orders, Trump responded: “We’ll see, yeah. Probably we’ll get sued.” Democrats have indicated that they will challenge executive orders that bypass negotiations.
Updated at 01.12 BST
8 Aug 2020 01.04 BST Trump said he is also seeking to sign an executive order to require health insurance companies to cover “all pre-existing conditions”. “This has never been done before,” Trump said. But patients with pre-existing health conditions are currently protected by the Affordable Care Act - which the Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to strike down. Twenty million Americans covered by the landmark healthcare law could lose coverage if Trump’s challenge is successful. Moreover, Trump previously backed Republican efforts to remove protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
7 Aug 2020 00.58 BST Fact check: Testing and cases “We’re constantly showing cases, cases, cases, cases,” Trump said - and said that’s because the US is doing more testing than other cases. “We’re doing tremendous testing, and we’re especially doing big testing at nursing homes.” Trump often makes the false claim that increased testing can explain the coronavirus surge. We can give him some credit here for hedging a bit saying that more testing is “one of the reasons” cases are up. While testing is catching a greater proportion of positive cases, the main reason we’re seeing more cases is that - there are more cases. In many regions, hospitalizations and deaths are also increasing.
Updated at 00.59 BST
7 Aug 2020 00.49 BST Trump said that if no coronavirus relief deal is reached, he will also defer the payroll tax until the end of the year, “and it’ll be retroactive to July 1,” and might extend it past the end of the year, defer student loan payments and extend an eviction moratorium. The extent of Trump’s authority here is unclear. His executive orders would be vulnerable to legal challenges - as it’s Congress, not the executive, that is responsible for allocating funds.
Updated at 00.51 BST
7 Aug 2020 00.42 BST Trump indicates he might extend unemployment benefits via executive order Trump is boasting about the 1.8m jobs added in July and 9.3m jobs added since May. But when the pandemic struck, 22 million jobs were lost in March and April. He said he will extend unemployment benefits through the end of the year via an executive order, though he doesn’t say how much the extra jobless benefit would be. Democrats want to extend the $600 per week benefit, but Republicans have been opposed - and suggested $200 per week.
Updated at 00.46 BST
7 Aug 2020 00.36 BST Trump's golf club press conference begins Trump has begun by discussing the economy. Per usual, he is using a racist term to refer to the coronavirus.
7 Aug 2020 00.06 BST Donald Trump is preparing for a press conference from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. According to Politico’s Meridith McGraw, who is part of the press pool at the event, “dozens and dozens of club members, in golf gear and some holding wine glasses - have filed into the ballroom,” where the conference will take place. “Only a handful of the dozens of club members were seen wearing masks, and their temperatures were being taken as they went into the ballroom. It’s unclear if the club members will be present for the news conference with the President,” McGraw said. Country club members awaiting the president pic.twitter.com/cm9FOvtoC9 — Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) August 7, 2020 In New Jersey, the regulations for golf courses prohibit “the consumption of food or beverages and smoking in indoor areas” and require patrons to wear masks indoors.
Updated at 00.43 BST
7 Aug 2020 23.57 BST Joe Biden is expected to announce his running mate very soon. Here’s a closer look at one of the top contenders, California congresswoman Karen Bass: Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) speaks at a press conference of the Congressional Black Caucus. Photograph: Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock In Karen Bass’s home state, colleagues across the political spectrum sing her praises. Most of America is just getting to know the 66-year-old congresswoman from Los Angeles who in recent weeks emerged as a top contender to be Joe Biden’s vice-presidential running mate. But in California, Bass has built a reputation as a progressive and a pragmatist – a community organizer who fought police brutality and addiction in Los Angeles and a practical politician who helped dig the state out of a historical fiscal crisis in 2008. The congresswoman is “someone who can heal our country – not just from the pandemic, but also from the racial divisions, the economic divisions”, the legendary labor organizer Dolores Huerta told the Guardian. Biden is expected to announce his running mate in the coming days. When the former vice-president earlier this year committed to choosing a woman to join his ticket, public speculation immediately coalesced around Kamala Harris, the California senator who ran against him in the Democratic presidential primaries. Buzz also circled Susan Rice, the Obama administration national security adviser, and Val Demings, the Florida congresswoman. But in recent weeks, Californians who worked with Bass – including Huerta – have openly campaigned for her as vice-president, propelling her to the top of Biden’s shortlist. Karen Bass: the progressive congresswoman who could be Biden's vice-president Read more


theguardian--2020-08-08--Can Trump ban TikTok? What the executive order means – explained

On Thursday , Donald Trump issued two executive orders aimed at banning TikTok and WeChat , saying the US must take “ aggressive action ” against the China-based social media platforms in the interest of national security .
The move would effectively require TikTok and WeChat to shut down in the US or find new owners within 45 days .
Trump claims the apps are a security concern because they are based in China and thus prone to data requests from the Chinese government .
Microsoft is already reportedly in talks to purchase TikTok for billions .
But questions remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and how its effects will play out .
Here are the key concerns : What exactly did Trump ’ s order say ?
Trump ’ s executive order stated that apps from China “ threaten the national security , foreign policy , and economy of the United States ” and that after 45 days the US will prohibit “ any transaction by any person ” with ByteDance Ltd , the parent company of TikTok .
The broad language leaves a lot up to interpretation : it could simply prevent US advertisers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a senior administration official suggested even downloading the app would be considered a transaction , according to the Washington Post .
The short answer is no , said Hank Schless a security manager at Lookout .
“ It would be impossible to actively delete TikTok from every device in the United States , ” he said .
“ It would be up to Google , Apple and Microsoft , as the purveyors of the operating systems , to enforce a ban and ensure users delete TikTok.
” Those companies are not likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Apple , for example , has taken a hardline approach against allowing the government or law enforcement access to its devices in the past , while Microsoft is in talks to buy TikTok itself .
Even if it can not remove the app from devices , the Trump administration can make a regulatory environment so hostile to TikTok that the business fails or recedes enough to allow an American company overtake it – a threat that seems more imminent after Facebook launched its TikTok lookalike on Monday .
Has this happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year in India .
The app was not forcibly removed from devices , as its parent company voluntarily removed it from app stores in that country .
It is unclear if the company would do so in this case ( TikTok did not immediately respond to request for comment ) .
Removing the app from app stores can have additional negative effects , Schless said , as it creates a vacuum that cyber criminals can fill with malware that looks like TikTok but collects sensitive details from users .
Opinions on the security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main criticisms of the app are that its parent company is based in China and thus may share user data with the Chinese government , that it collects a large amount of user data , and that the app itself is not securely coded .
Though not all experts agree on the extent that TikTok ’ s data practices are dangerous , this ban does little to address privacy concerns , said Hina Shamsi , the director of the ACLU ’ s National Security Project .
“ This is another abuse of emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security , ” Shamsi said .
“ Selectively banning entire platforms harms freedom of speech online and does nothing to resolve the broader problem of unjustified government surveillance , including by our own government.
” The US government has extensively tracked Americans through their phone data , most famously through a program led by the National Security Agency that was exposed by the whistleblower and former employee Edward Snowden .
Some analyses show TikTok does not collect significantly more data than other tech companies in the US such as Facebook .
How will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on TikTok explaining how to sidestep a potential ban have gained millions of likes and shares , but security experts say some of the methods promoted in those videos would likely not work .
Many claim users could use a Virtual Private Network ( VPN ) , which works by routing user traffic through a computer node in a different country , making it appear as though the person ’ s device is no longer based in the US .
VPNs would only be effective if the ban was enforced on a device-by-device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech companies remove the app from app stores .
“ If the ban were enforced by the internet service providers themselves , then even a VPN workaround wouldn ’ t work for TikTok users , as connection to the app ’ s resources would be completely blocked , ” Schless said .
“ This is the case we saw in India after they banned the app.
” Again , experts say it ’ s unlikely major tech companies will comply with such a ban .
If so , users may be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phones , or modifying them so they can access resources beyond what is mandated by Apple .
But doing so risks exposing themselves to additional security risks .
What other effects will this have in the long term ?
Not-for-profits and free speech advocates are concerned about the impact such a ban would have on first amendment rights in the US .
“ The privacy and security concerns with platforms like these are real , but we should be wary of setting a precedent that would give this president , and every future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans ’ access to media.
” said Jameel Jaffer , the executive director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University , Even TikTok competitors are against a ban .
Facebook ’ s CEO , Mark Zuckerberg , said in an all-hands meeting with staff on Thursday that he was “ really worried ” a TikTok ban would “ set a really bad long-term precedent ” relating to app censorship .

On Thursday, Donald Trump issued two executive orders aimed at banning TikTok and WeChat, saying the US must take “aggressive action” against the China-based social media platforms in the interest of national security.
The move would effectively require TikTok and WeChat to shut down in the US or find new owners within 45 days. Trump claims the apps are a security concern because they are based in China and thus prone to data requests from the Chinese government. Microsoft is already reportedly in talks to purchase TikTok for billions.
But questions remain about what that ban would look like, and how its effects will play out. Here are the key concerns:
What exactly did Trump’s order say?
Trump’s executive order stated that apps from China “threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States” and that after 45 days the US will prohibit “any transaction by any person” with ByteDance Ltd, the parent company of TikTok.
The broad language leaves a lot up to interpretation: it could simply prevent US advertisers from buying ads on the platform. But a senior administration official suggested even downloading the app would be considered a transaction, according to the Washington Post.
Can Trump really ban TikTok?
The short answer is no, said Hank Schless a security manager at Lookout.
“It would be impossible to actively delete TikTok from every device in the United States,” he said. “It would be up to Google, Apple and Microsoft, as the purveyors of the operating systems, to enforce a ban and ensure users delete TikTok.”
Those companies are not likely to comply with such an order, he said. Apple, for example, has taken a hardline approach against allowing the government or law enforcement access to its devices in the past, while Microsoft is in talks to buy TikTok itself.
Even if it cannot remove the app from devices, the Trump administration can make a regulatory environment so hostile to TikTok that the business fails or recedes enough to allow an American company overtake it – a threat that seems more imminent after Facebook launched its TikTok lookalike on Monday.
Has this happened before?
TikTok was banned earlier this year in India. The app was not forcibly removed from devices, as its parent company voluntarily removed it from app stores in that country. It is unclear if the company would do so in this case (TikTok did not immediately respond to request for comment).
Removing the app from app stores can have additional negative effects, Schless said, as it creates a vacuum that cyber criminals can fill with malware that looks like TikTok but collects sensitive details from users.
Is TikTok actually dangerous?
Opinions on the security issues surrounding TikTok vary widely. The main criticisms of the app are that its parent company is based in China and thus may share user data with the Chinese government, that it collects a large amount of user data, and that the app itself is not securely coded.
Though not all experts agree on the extent that TikTok’s data practices are dangerous, this ban does little to address privacy concerns, said Hina Shamsi, the director of the ACLU’s National Security Project.
“This is another abuse of emergency powers under the broad guise of national security,” Shamsi said. “Selectively banning entire platforms harms freedom of speech online and does nothing to resolve the broader problem of unjustified government surveillance, including by our own government.”
The US government has extensively tracked Americans through their phone data, most famously through a program led by the National Security Agency that was exposed by the whistleblower and former employee Edward Snowden. Some analyses show TikTok does not collect significantly more data than other tech companies in the US such as Facebook.
How will people get around the ban?
Videos on TikTok explaining how to sidestep a potential ban have gained millions of likes and shares, but security experts say some of the methods promoted in those videos would likely not work.
Many claim users could use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which works by routing user traffic through a computer node in a different country, making it appear as though the person’s device is no longer based in the US. VPNs would only be effective if the ban was enforced on a device-by-device basis, rather than by having major tech companies remove the app from app stores.
“If the ban were enforced by the internet service providers themselves, then even a VPN workaround wouldn’t work for TikTok users, as connection to the app’s resources would be completely blocked,” Schless said. “This is the case we saw in India after they banned the app.”
Again, experts say it’s unlikely major tech companies will comply with such a ban. If so, users may be able to access TikTok by “jailbreaking” their phones, or modifying them so they can access resources beyond what is mandated by Apple. But doing so risks exposing themselves to additional security risks.
What other effects will this have in the long term?
Not-for-profits and free speech advocates are concerned about the impact such a ban would have on first amendment rights in the US.
“The privacy and security concerns with platforms like these are real, but we should be wary of setting a precedent that would give this president, and every future one, broad power to interfere with Americans’ access to media.” said Jameel Jaffer, the executive director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University,
Even TikTok competitors are against a ban. Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, said in an all-hands meeting with staff on Thursday that he was “really worried” a TikTok ban would “set a really bad long-term precedent” relating to app censorship.


theguardian--2020-08-07--Saudi detention of ex-official's children prompts rare rebuke from Trump administration

The Trump administration has issued a rare rebuke of Saudi Arabia over the detention of two of the adult children of a former Saudi intelligence official who has been credited with protecting Americans from al-Qaida threats .
A letter signed by a state department official said any persecution of Saad Aljabri ’ s family members by Saudi authorities was “ unacceptable ” and urged the “ immediate release ” of the two children , Omar and Sarah Aljabri , who were arrested from their home in Riyadh in March and have been held in detention indefinitely .
The letter was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Mohammed bin Salman and other Saudi officials in a district court in Washington DC alleging that the Saudi crown prince was conspiring to kidnap and murder Aljabri from his home in Canada , where he has lived in exile .
While details were scarce and could not be independently confirmed , the suit has alleged that Canadian authorities thwarted a plan by a Saudi hit squad to enter Canada and harm Aljabri just two weeks after the murder of the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in Istanbul .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent to the Democratic senator Patrick Leahy in response to his letter of concern about the safety of Aljabri ’ s children , also said the department had “ repeatedly ” requested the Saudi government clarify the status and nature of the children ’ s detention .
“ The strength of the US-Saudi partnership – which has benefited both nations for more than seven decades – permits us to engage in frank discussions in areas where we disagree , ” wrote Ryan Kaldahl , acting assistant secretary for the bureau of legislative affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department , in coordination with the White House and interagency colleagues , will continue to engage Saudi counterparts to resolve this situation in a manner that honours Dr Aljabri ’ s service to our country.
” The letter is significant because the Trump administration has been reluctant to criticise human rights violations by the Saudi government even after the murder of Khashoggi , a US-based Saudi journalist .
It is also noteworthy because the letter included high praise for Aljabri , who served as the US embassy in Riyadh ’ s counterpart on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had “ responded around the clock to threats against our mission and personnel ” and had kept US citizens safe .
Saudi media outlets – and the Wall Street Journal , which called Aljabri a “ fugitive ” – have reported that the Saudi government has launched an investigation into Aljabri for corruption .
But in its letter , the state department said any accusations of wrongdoing against Aljabri should be addressed through “ established legal channels with full transparency and respect for the rule of law ” .
In what appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the letter added : “ Should US interests be involved , the Department and interagency partners have open lines of communication with Saudi authorities to clarify and share information.
” The Saudi embassy in Washington has declined to comment .

The Trump administration has issued a rare rebuke of Saudi Arabia over the detention of two of the adult children of a former Saudi intelligence official who has been credited with protecting Americans from al-Qaida threats.
A letter signed by a state department official said any persecution of Saad Aljabri’s family members by Saudi authorities was “unacceptable” and urged the “immediate release” of the two children, Omar and Sarah Aljabri, who were arrested from their home in Riyadh in March and have been held in detention indefinitely.
The letter was released shortly after Aljabri filed a lawsuit against Mohammed bin Salman and other Saudi officials in a district court in Washington DC alleging that the Saudi crown prince was conspiring to kidnap and murder Aljabri from his home in Canada, where he has lived in exile.
While details were scarce and could not be independently confirmed, the suit has alleged that Canadian authorities thwarted a plan by a Saudi hit squad to enter Canada and harm Aljabri just two weeks after the murder of the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
The state department letter, which was sent to the Democratic senator Patrick Leahy in response to his letter of concern about the safety of Aljabri’s children, also said the department had “repeatedly” requested the Saudi government clarify the status and nature of the children’s detention.
“The strength of the US-Saudi partnership – which has benefited both nations for more than seven decades – permits us to engage in frank discussions in areas where we disagree,” wrote Ryan Kaldahl, acting assistant secretary for the bureau of legislative affairs at the state department. “The Department, in coordination with the White House and interagency colleagues, will continue to engage Saudi counterparts to resolve this situation in a manner that honours Dr Aljabri’s service to our country.”
The letter is significant because the Trump administration has been reluctant to criticise human rights violations by the Saudi government even after the murder of Khashoggi, a US-based Saudi journalist.
It is also noteworthy because the letter included high praise for Aljabri, who served as the US embassy in Riyadh’s counterpart on counter-terrorism. Aljabri, the letter said, had “responded around the clock to threats against our mission and personnel” and had kept US citizens safe.
Saudi media outlets – and the Wall Street Journal, which called Aljabri a “fugitive” – have reported that the Saudi government has launched an investigation into Aljabri for corruption. But in its letter, the state department said any accusations of wrongdoing against Aljabri should be addressed through “established legal channels with full transparency and respect for the rule of law”.
In what appeared to be an extraordinary defence of Aljabri, the letter added: “Should US interests be involved, the Department and interagency partners have open lines of communication with Saudi authorities to clarify and share information.”
The Saudi embassy in Washington has declined to comment.


theguardian--2020-08-07--US Postal Service announces cost-saving changes amid vote-by-mail fears

The United States Postal Service ( USPS ) is implementing cost-saving measures , including a management hiring freeze , the US postmaster general , Louis DeJoy , announced on Friday , amid reports of severe mail delays across the US and concern that Donald Trump is maneuvering to weaken the agency to make it difficult to accommodate an expected influx of mail-in votes .
The changes will not result in an immediate reduction of the USPS workforce , the agency said in a statement .
USPS added , however , that “ to prepare for future changes ” it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take a voluntary early retirement .
DeJoy , a major Republican donor without any prior USPS experience , said the changes were needed to address the postal service ’ s “ dire ” financial situation .
Last month , USPS employees were told the agency was prohibiting overtime and employees were instructed to leave mail behind if it delayed them on their routes , according to documents obtained by the Washington Post .
In recent weeks , places across the US have reported long delays ; some neighborhoods in Philadelphia , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer than three weeks without receiving mail , according to the Philadelphia Inquirer .
There are worries mail delays could leave many Americans disenfranchised in the November election .
Dozens of states – including key swing states like Ohio , Wisconsin , Michigan , Florida and Pennsylvania – all require ballots to arrive by election night in order to be counted .
More than 65,000 mail-in votes have been rejected during the 2020 primaries and observers are worried that slower mail could lead to more people getting disenfranchised this fall .
Senator Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced on Thursday he was investigating the delays and the House speaker , Nancy Pelosi , and Chuck Schumer , the Senate Democratic leader , sent a letter to DeJoy urging him to reverse the changes .
Democrats have also asked the USPS inspector general to look into the changes .
DeJoy disputed on Friday that the changes at USPS were motivated by partisanship .
“ While I certainly have a good relationship with the president of the United States , the notion that I would ever make decisions concerning the Postal Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or anyone else in the administration , is wholly off-base , ” he said Friday .
“ Despite any assertions to the contrary , we are not slowing down election mail or any other mail.
” DeJoy said the postal service had “ ample ” capacity to deliver election mail and deflected responsibility for any mail delays that could potentially occur .
He noted USPS had long had delivery standards in place .
“ We can not correct the errors of the election boards if they fail to deploy processes that take our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
USPS has long advised voters to put their ballots in the mail at least a week before election day .
But many states allow voters to continue to request ballots within that window , making it unlikely that they can get their ballot delivered in time .
While DeJoy seemed to blame local election officials for that problem , state legislators are actually the ones who bear the responsibility for changing the deadlines , said Tammy Patrick , a senior adviser at the Democracy Fund who is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past , USPS has “ bent over backwards ” to deliver ballots in a timely way close to election deadlines , Patrick said .
But now , she said , the postal service was sending mixed messages about whether or not they would go to such lengths to ensure delivery this fall .
“ They haven ’ t said , ‘ We are dedicated to election mail , even if it means overtime , ’ ” she said .
USPS officials have also signaled recently that they are going to more strictly enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes of mail election officials choose to use for their mailings , Patrick said .
Some states , particularly those in the western US that automatically mail ballots to every voter , send their election mail as marketing mail , which allows them to send it at a lower cost .
Marketing mail had a guaranteed delivery time of three to 10 days , but USPS has traditionally given prioritized attention to ballots that have an official election mail logo .
More recently , Patrick said , USPS officials have emphasized officials will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for .

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is implementing cost-saving measures, including a management hiring freeze , the US postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, announced on Friday, amid reports of severe mail delays across the US and concern that Donald Trump is maneuvering to weaken the agency to make it difficult to accommodate an expected influx of mail-in votes.
The changes will not result in an immediate reduction of the USPS workforce, the agency said in a statement. USPS added, however, that “to prepare for future changes” it was seeking approval to allow some non-union employees to take a voluntary early retirement. DeJoy, a major Republican donor without any prior USPS experience, said the changes were needed to address the postal service’s “dire” financial situation.
Last month, USPS employees were told the agency was prohibiting overtime and employees were instructed to leave mail behind if it delayed them on their routes, according to documents obtained by the Washington Post.
In recent weeks, places across the US have reported long delays; some neighborhoods in Philadelphia, for example, reported some residents were going longer than three weeks without receiving mail, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
There are worries mail delays could leave many Americans disenfranchised in the November election. Dozens of states – including key swing states like Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida and Pennsylvania – all require ballots to arrive by election night in order to be counted. More than 65,000 mail-in votes have been rejected during the 2020 primaries and observers are worried that slower mail could lead to more people getting disenfranchised this fall.
Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan, announced on Thursday he was investigating the delays and the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, sent a letter to DeJoy urging him to reverse the changes. Democrats have also asked the USPS inspector general to look into the changes.
DeJoy disputed on Friday that the changes at USPS were motivated by partisanship.
“While I certainly have a good relationship with the president of the United States, the notion that I would ever make decisions concerning the Postal Service at the direction of the president, or anyone else in the administration, is wholly off-base,” he said Friday. “Despite any assertions to the contrary, we are not slowing down election mail or any other mail.”
DeJoy said the postal service had “ample” capacity to deliver election mail and deflected responsibility for any mail delays that could potentially occur. He noted USPS had long had delivery standards in place.
“We cannot correct the errors of the election boards if they fail to deploy processes that take our normal processing and delivery standards into account,” he said.
USPS has long advised voters to put their ballots in the mail at least a week before election day. But many states allow voters to continue to request ballots within that window, making it unlikely that they can get their ballot delivered in time. While DeJoy seemed to blame local election officials for that problem, state legislators are actually the ones who bear the responsibility for changing the deadlines, said Tammy Patrick, a senior adviser at the Democracy Fund who is an expert in vote-by-mail procedures.
In the past, USPS has “bent over backwards” to deliver ballots in a timely way close to election deadlines, Patrick said. But now, she said, the postal service was sending mixed messages about whether or not they would go to such lengths to ensure delivery this fall.
“They haven’t said, ‘We are dedicated to election mail, even if it means overtime,’” she said.
USPS officials have also signaled recently that they are going to more strictly enforce the delivery times guaranteed by the different classes of mail election officials choose to use for their mailings, Patrick said.
Some states, particularly those in the western US that automatically mail ballots to every voter, send their election mail as marketing mail, which allows them to send it at a lower cost. Marketing mail had a guaranteed delivery time of three to 10 days, but USPS has traditionally given prioritized attention to ballots that have an official election mail logo. More recently, Patrick said, USPS officials have emphasized officials will get speed for the delivery they pay for.


theguardian--2020-08-08--Trump bypasses Congress with order for coronavirus relief including less unemployment aid – as it ha

Trump bypasses Congress with order for coronavirus relief including less unemployment aid – as it happened

Donald Trump has signed an executive order and three memoranda intended to provide additional relief to address the coronavirus pandemic ’ s economic fallout after the White House failed to reach a deal with Congress .
Speaking at a news conference from his private golf club in the leafy New Jersey hamlet of Bedminster , the US president said the directives will extend federal unemployment benefits at $ 400-a-week ( a $ 200 cut from the present amount ) , defer payroll tax through the end of 2020 ( “ most likely ” retroactive to 1 July ) , defer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend moratoriums on evictions , defer student loan payments and extend the federal moratorium on evictions .
Trump signed the order before the gathered press and several dozen club members , who watched from the back of the ballroom and applauded enthusiastically in spots .
The announcement came one day after Trump first signaled his willingness to take executive action on the lapsed economic relief measures amid congressional gridlock .
Negotiations between the two sides , which have dragged on for two weeks with scant indications of progress , have collapsed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount of money they want to commit to extending support to millions faced with economic hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic .
The impasse meant that the $ 600-a-week bonus pandemic jobless federal benefit , which expired at the end of July , would be lost and potentially lead to a sharp rise in poverty rates and homelessness .
Trump preceded the signing with a campaign-style political speech , blending pre-written remarks and trademark ad-libs , which placed the blame for stalemate at the foot of the Democrats .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for states that are run by Democrat governors and mayors and that have been run very badly for many , many years and many decades in fact , ” Trump said .
“ These people , I honestly don ’ t believe they love our country.
” Unlike Friday night ’ s presser , most of the club members who were permitted to observe the proceedings were wearing face masks when they entered .

Bryan Armen Graham (now) and Tom Lutz  (earlier)

8 Aug 2020 22.47 BST Trump’s decision to unilaterally extend federal unemployment insurance through executive order will almost certainly prompt a legal challenge from Democrats on the grounds that only the legislative branch has the constitutional authority to determine federal spending. But the US president brushed aside concerns on Saturday, suggesting that he believes public sentiment will carry the day. “If we get sued, it’s somebody that doesn’t want people to get money, OK?” he said. “And that’s not going to be a very popular thing.” As recently as Monday, White House senior economic adviser Larry Kudlow said: “We have got to fix and extend the unemployment issue right now. ... I don’t think that can be done administratively. I think that requires an act of Congress.” Trump has since departed his Bedminster club for the Hamptons, where he is due to attend two fundraisers tonight.
Updated at 22.51 BST
8 Aug 2020 22.17 BST The question-and-answer session following Trump’s thinly veiled campaign speech was short even by the more abbreviated standards of the post-disinfectant era. He fields seven questions from reporters, mostly focusing on the legality of Saturday’s executive orders and the decision to reduce benefits from $600-a-week to $400, which he says “gives [people] a great incentive to go back to work”. The eighth is a follow-up from CBS correspondent Paula Reid, who asks why Trump continues to make the false statement that he passed Veterans Choice, a program allowing veterans to get full medical bills paid at hospitals outside the VA (which in fact was enacted in 2014). Rather than responding, Trump abruptly ends the presser and walks out amid enthusiastic applause from the club members at the rear of the ballroom as YMCA by the Village People plays over the sound system. Video of the exchange. Notably it’s another example of Trump getting so agitated by a female reporter that he abruptly cuts off news conference. https://t.co/G1Mx2z3dgT pic.twitter.com/CvXn07uGOK — David Nakamura (@DavidNakamura) August 8, 2020
Updated at 22.30 BST
8 Aug 2020 21.46 BST Trump to sign executive order on coronavirus relief benefits Donald Trump has signed an executive order and three memoranda intended to provide additional relief to address the coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout after the White House failed to reach a deal with Congress. Speaking at a news conference from his private golf club in the leafy New Jersey hamlet of Bedminster, the US president said the directives will extend federal unemployment benefits at $400-a-week (a $200 cut from the present amount), defer payroll tax through the end of 2020 (“most likely” retroactive to 1 July), defer and forgive interest on student loans and extend moratoriums on evictions, defer student loan payments and extend the federal moratorium on evictions. Trump signed the order before the gathered press and several dozen club members, who watched from the back of the ballroom and applauded enthusiastically in spots. The announcement came one day after Trump first signaled his willingness to take executive action on the lapsed economic relief measures amid congressional gridlock. Negotiations between the two sides, which have dragged on for two weeks with scant indications of progress, have collapsed with the two sides around $1tn apart in the amount of money they want to commit to extending support to millions faced with economic hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Donald Trump said he would extend enhanced coronavirus unemployment benefits and employment taxes into next year at a news conference held at his luxury golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Saturday. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images The impasse meant that the $600-a-week bonus pandemic jobless federal benefit, which expired at the end of July, would be lost and potentially lead to a sharp rise in poverty rates and homelessness. Trump preceded the signing with a campaign-style political speech, blending pre-written remarks and trademark ad-libs, which placed the blame for stalemate at the foot of the Democrats. “What they really want is bailout money for states that are run by Democrat governors and mayors and that have been run very badly for many, many years and many decades in fact,” Trump said. “These people, I honestly don’t believe they love our country.” Unlike Friday night’s presser, most of the club members who were permitted to observe the proceedings were wearing face masks when they entered. Members of Donald Trump’s private golf club in Bedminster watched the US president’s press conference on Saturday from the back of the ballroom. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters
Updated at 22.20 BST
8 Aug 2020 21.11 BST A fourth coronavirus test for Ohio governor Mike DeWine came back negative on Saturday following conflicting positive and negative results on Thursday ahead of a planned meeting with Donald Trump. DeWine was administered a rapid point-of-care antigen test at a mobile testing site on Thursday before he was scheduled to greet Trump at the airport upon his arrival in Cleveland, in keeping with White House protocol for anyone scheduled to come in contact with the president, who has downplayed the importance of testing. But the initial positive test was followed by two negative results from a polymerase chain reaction test on Thursday, then a third on Saturday. Today, Fran and I were tested again for #COVID19. @OSUWexMed administered the PCR tests, and the results for both tests were negative. Thank you to everyone who sent along good wishes for our family and staff! We're #InThisTogetherOhio! — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 8, 2020 The Associated Press describes the PCR test as “the most commonly used test in the country” and “considered the gold standard by medical professionals”, saying more than 1.3m Ohioans have been tested with it.
Ohio governor Mike DeWine tested positive for Covid-19 using a rapid test Thursday, before twice returning negative results later in the day using a more sensitive laboratory-developed test. Photograph: Jay LaPrete/AP
Updated at 21.13 BST
8 Aug 2020 20.33 BST Health officials in Arizona reported 1,054 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 56 more deaths on Saturday. The figures from the state’s department of health services raise the total number of confirmed cases to nearly 186,000 and the reported death toll to 4,137 since the start of the pandemic. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick, authorities said. The rolling seven-day average for newly reported cases was 1,577.7 on Friday, the lowest since 18 June, according to tracking by the Associated Press.
8 Aug 2020 20.13 BST The father and son jailed on murder charges in the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery are asking a Georgia judge to grant them bond and to throw out two charges in their indictment. Arbery, 25, was killed by Travis McMichael on 23 February after he and his father, Gregory McMichael, chased Arbery in their truck and shot him while he was jogging in his neighborhood in the town of Brunswick. They said they believed Arbery was a robbery suspect. The men were arrested in May, months after the killing, along with a third man who filmed footage of the shooting that went viral. The delay in bringing charges sparked national outrage. The AP reports: Gregory McMichael and his adult son, Travis McMichael, were jailed and arrested in May, more than two months after Arbery was slain. The 25-year-old Black man was chased and fatally shot after the McMichaels, who are white, spotted him running in their neighborhood just outside the port city of Brunswick. Attorneys for both men filed legal motions Thursday asking Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley to set a bond that would allow the McMichaels to be freed pending trial. The judge denied bond last month for William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., a third man charged in Arbery’s killing. Attorneys for 34-year-old Travis McMichael argued he has no prior criminal history and poses no risk of fleeing. “He does not have passport, and most importantly, his family, including his parents and three-year-old son, are here in Georgia,” attorneys Robert Rubin and Jason Sheffield wrote. The killing of Ahmaud Arbery – podcast Read more
8 Aug 2020 19.50 BST Biden denies Fox News 'scoop' that he's chosen a running mate Speaking of the veepstakes, the Biden campaign has shot down a Fox News “scoop” that a running mate has already been chosen. TJ Ducklo, the national press secretary for Biden 2020, has confirmed that a brief exchange between Biden and a reporter while the presumptive Democratic candidate was enjoying a bike ride with a small entourage on Saturday morning was “clearly a joke.” A quick transcript of the back-and-forth between Biden as he rolled past Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, the son of Fox & Friends stalwart Steve Doocy: Peter Doocy: “Have you picked a running mate yet?” Biden: “Yeah, I have.” Doocy: You have? Who is it? Biden: “You.” NEW: @JoeBiden tells @pdoocy he has selected a running mate — Pat Ward (@WardDPatrick) August 8, 2020 The junior Doocy, whose network has breathlessly kept in lockstep with the Trump campaign’s messaging of Biden as a feeble, old man locked in his basement, played it straight and took the candidate for his word, prompting the Democrat’s campaign to step in. “When Vice President Biden has made a decision on who his running mate will be, he will let the American people know,” Ducklo tweeted. “And can confirm, it’s not @pdoocy of @FoxNews.”
Updated at 20.16 BST
8 Aug 2020 19.21 BST Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer traveled to Delaware on Sunday to meet with Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee continues to weigh potential running mates ahead of the November election, the Associated Press reports, citing two high-ranking state Democrats who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The meeting, which Whitmer’s office declined to confirm or deny, is thought to be Biden’s first in-person sitdown with a potential vice president. The 48-year-old Lansing native has been tipped as a rising figure in the party since delivering the Democrats’ response to Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in February, but her national profile has soared amid the coronavirus pandemic. Whitmer’s strict stay-at-home order was implemented to lower one of the nation’s highest Covid-19 rates and drew strong criticism from some conservatives. However, it successfully flattened the curve of new cases and fatalities. Continued aggressive steps to curb the outbreak and withering criticism of the federal response made her the target of attacks from the White House and placed her at the center of a storm of protest by armed groups, some of whom brought their weapons right into the state capitol. Biden has pledged to select a woman and has conducted an expansive search, including US senators Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, California representative Karen Bass and former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice. Michigan’s Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer addresses the state during a speech in Lansing, Michigan. Photograph: AP
8 Aug 2020 18.34 BST Trump expected to announce executive order to provide economic relief Reuters reports that Donald Trump is almost certain to announce an executive order to provide economic relief for those who have suffered economically during the pandemic when he gives a press conference at 3.30pm ET today. “Amid congressional inaction, POTUS will be taking action to help Americans in need,” the official told Reuters.
Republicans and Democrats have failed to reach agreement over a new package, with the sides around $1tn apart in the amount of money they want to spend (the Republicans want a lower outlay).
Updated at 20.17 BST
8 Aug 2020 18.29 BST The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has announced a campaign called Fight the Spread, which encourages residents to wear masks, get tested for Covid-19 and practice social distancing. The state reported 67 new deaths from the virus on Saturday. South Carolina has a 15.9% positivity rate among those tested according to the state’s department of health, in comparison, New York’s is 0.93%.
8 Aug 2020 18.07 BST My colleague Ed Helmore has news of the large gathering of bikers taking place in South Dakota, and how it has caused conflict with the Great Sioux Nation: Thousands of bikers heading to South Dakota’s 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will not be allowed through Cheyenne River Sioux checkpoints, a spokesman for the Native American group said on Saturday. The decision to prevent access across tribal lands to the annual rally, which could attract as many as 250,000 bikers amid fears it could lead to a massive, regional coronavirus outbreak, comes as part of larger Covid-19 prevention policy. The policy has pitted seven tribes that make up the Great Sioux Nation against federal and state authorities, which both claim the checkpoints are illegal. Bikers ride down Main Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Photograph: Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images A duty officer for the Cheyenne River Sioux told the Guardian Saturday that only commercial and emergency vehicles will be let through the checkpoints onto reservation land. A number of bikers that had tried to enter but had been turned back, they said. Other reservations in the region, including the Oglala Sioux, were also turning away bikers that had attempted routes to Sturgis that pass through sovereign land. Under Cheyenne River tribal guidelines non-residents driving non-commercial out-of-state vehicles are never allowed through the reservation. During the rally, non-commercial vehicles with South Dakota plates are also not allowed through. You can read the full story below: Thousands of bikers heading to South Dakota rally to be blocked at tribal land checkpoints Read more
8 Aug 2020 17.50 BST In a sign that the pandemic is easing in Florida, the state’s Agency for Health Care Administration says 6,836 people are currently in hospital due to Covid-19, down from 7,942 last Saturday. A total of 30,251 people in Florida have been admitted to hospital due to Covid-19 since the pandemic started, according to the state’s department of health. According to the New York Times, 7,926 have died from the disease in Florida.
8 Aug 2020 17.37 BST While professional sports have returned to the US with varying degrees of success in recent weeks, the picture for college sports looks murkier as the new school year comes into view. Students are, of course, not under contract for their sporting services and (most but certainly not all) college athletics departments do not have the resources of leagues such as the NBA and NFL to conduct widespread testing of their players. Last week, UConn football team became the first major program to say it would not participate in the upcoming season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On Saturday, the Mid-American Conference said it is postponing all fall sports – including football, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s volleyball. They will now be contested in spring 2021. “The Council of Presidents unanimously voted to take this action with the health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches and communities as its top priority,” the MAC said in a statement. “It is the intention of the membership to provide competitive opportunities for the student-athletes in these sports during the spring semester of 2021.”
Updated at 17.38 BST
8 Aug 2020 17.18 BST The New York Times has reported on rumours that South Dakota governor Kristi Noem was a possible replacement for Mike Pence as vice president. Although the Times reports that those rumours are most likely nonsense, the story does contain a great detail: Donald Trump had ambitions to have his image etched on South Dakota’s Mt Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. According to the Times: Last year, a White House aide reached out to the governor’s office with a question, according to a Republican official familiar with the conversation: What’s the process to add additional presidents to Mount Rushmore? That then led to a gift from Noem: In private, the efforts to charm Mr. Trump were more pointed, according to a person familiar with the episode: Ms. Noem greeted him with a four-foot replica of Mount Rushmore that included a fifth presidential likeness: his.


theguardian--2020-08-08--Trump signs order for coronavirus relief, with lower level of extra aid for jobless

Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would extend enhanced coronavirus unemployment benefits and employment taxes into next year with executive orders , but cut the level of some of the support .
Speaking at his golf resort in Bedminster , New Jersey , Trump said he was taking action after Congress had failed to agree a deal , blaming “ far left ” Democrat demands in a campaign-style speech .
Trump said he would use unspent funds from the Cares act to continue unemployment payments to millions of newly unemployed Americans at a rate of $ 400 per week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier $ 600 payment , defer payroll tax through the end of 2020 , defer student loans and interest , and extend the federal eviction moratorium .
Democrats , who are likely to challenge the orders in court , had been pushing for a resumption of the $ 600 extra aid , which ended on 31 July , saying it was a lifeline for those hit hardest by the economic crisis .
“ Congressional Democrats have stonewalled our efforts to extend this relief , ” Trump told reporters from a ballroom at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were invited to stand at the back .
Trump said he has also cut income and capital gains taxes , though he did not lay out specific proposals .
He vowed to extend and make payroll cuts permanent “ if I win in November.
” The action to extend unemployment payments , cut payroll taxes , continue the suspension of tenant evictions and to ease the burden of student loan debt came in one executive order and three memoranda .
Asked by a reporter why the benefits would be $ 400 instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded : “ This is the money they need , this is the money they want , this gives them a great incentive to go back to work.
” He added : “ There was a difficulty with the 600 number because it really was a disincentive.
” Trump used the event to attack Democrats , accusing party leaders of attempting to freight emergency spending with voter ID reforms that would amount to an attempt to “ steal the election ” , stimulus checks for illegal aliens , and early prison release for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do with coronavirus ?
This has nothing to do with what were talking about , ” said Trump .
Democrats , he claimed , had been taken over by “ the radical left so they can go to Portland and try and rip the place apart.
” The announcement came one day after negotiations with congressional Democrats on a broad pandemic aid package collapsed with the two sides around $ 1tn apart in the amount of money they want to commit to extending support to millions faced with economic hardship as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments to the New York Times published on Saturday before Trump ’ s announcement , the House speaker , Nancy Pelosi , said she ’ s been unwilling to bow to the administration ’ s demands for a stopgap solution .
“ We ’ re not doing short-term action , because if we do short-term action , they ’ re not going to do anything else , she said , adding : “ This president is the biggest failure in our history.
” At a hastily-arranged press conference on Friday , Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and extend unemployment benefits but to also defer student loan payments indefinitely and forgive interest , and extend a moratorium on tenant evictions .
The impasse meant that the $ 600-a-week bonus pandemic jobless federal benefit , which expired at the end of July , would be lost and potentially lead to a sharp rise in poverty rates and homelessness .
Trump had vowed to use his “ authority as president to get Americans the relief they need ” but constitutional law experts voiced doubt that executive power extends to spending money on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump vowed to override any roadblock democrats attempted to erect .
“ If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage , I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need , ” Trump said before Saturday ’ s announcement .
Democrats have complained that the White House had rejected their offer to cut their larger demand for coronavirus relief from $ 3tn to $ 2tn .
Chuck Schumer , the top Senate Democrat , said he ’ d urged administration negotiators led by treasury secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Don ’ t say it ’ s your way or no way , ” Schumer said , noting that the Republican offer “ doesn ’ t cover opening of schools .
It doesn ’ t cover testing .
It doesn ’ t cover dealing with rental assistance .
It doesn ’ t cover elections .
It doesn ’ t cover so many things.
” The Republican package , they added , also failed to include an additional $ 1,200 direct payment to individuals , money for states to hold elections in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Postal Service , which Pelosi said was “ central to the life of our democracy ” in an election year when many Americans will be voting by mail .
Republicans countered that Democratic party leaders were overlooking the limitations of their position .

Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would extend enhanced coronavirus unemployment benefits and employment taxes into next year with executive orders, but cut the level of some of the support.
Speaking at his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, Trump said he was taking action after Congress had failed to agree a deal, blaming “far left” Democrat demands in a campaign-style speech.
Trump said he would use unspent funds from the Cares act to continue unemployment payments to millions of newly unemployed Americans at a rate of $400 per week – a $200 drop from the earlier $600 payment, defer payroll tax through the end of 2020, defer student loans and interest, and extend the federal eviction moratorium.
Democrats, who are likely to challenge the orders in court, had been pushing for a resumption of the $600 extra aid, which ended on 31 July, saying it was a lifeline for those hit hardest by the economic crisis.
“Congressional Democrats have stonewalled our efforts to extend this relief,” Trump told reporters from a ballroom at the resort where club members, wearing masks, were invited to stand at the back.
Trump said he has also cut income and capital gains taxes, though he did not lay out specific proposals. He vowed to extend and make payroll cuts permanent “if I win in November.”
The action to extend unemployment payments, cut payroll taxes, continue the suspension of tenant evictions and to ease the burden of student loan debt came in one executive order and three memoranda.
Asked by a reporter why the benefits would be $400 instead of the previous $600, Trump responded: “This is the money they need, this is the money they want, this gives them a great incentive to go back to work.” He added: “There was a difficulty with the 600 number because it really was a disincentive.”
Trump used the event to attack Democrats, accusing party leaders of attempting to freight emergency spending with voter ID reforms that would amount to an attempt to “steal the election”, stimulus checks for illegal aliens, and early prison release for felons.
“What does this have to do with coronavirus? This has nothing to do with what were talking about,” said Trump. Democrats, he claimed, had been taken over by “the radical left so they can go to Portland and try and rip the place apart.”
The announcement came one day after negotiations with congressional Democrats on a broad pandemic aid package collapsed with the two sides around $1tn apart in the amount of money they want to commit to extending support to millions faced with economic hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In comments to the New York Times published on Saturday before Trump’s announcement, the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, said she’s been unwilling to bow to the administration’s demands for a stopgap solution. “We’re not doing short-term action, because if we do short-term action, they’re not going to do anything else, she said, adding: “This president is the biggest failure in our history.”
At a hastily-arranged press conference on Friday, Trump had vowed not only to suspend payroll tax and extend unemployment benefits but to also defer student loan payments indefinitely and forgive interest, and extend a moratorium on tenant evictions.
The impasse meant that the $600-a-week bonus pandemic jobless federal benefit, which expired at the end of July, would be lost and potentially lead to a sharp rise in poverty rates and homelessness.
Trump had vowed to use his “authority as president to get Americans the relief they need” but constitutional law experts voiced doubt that executive power extends to spending money on relief efforts without congressional authorization. However, Trump vowed to override any roadblock democrats attempted to erect.
“If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need,” Trump said before Saturday’s announcement.
Democrats have complained that the White House had rejected their offer to cut their larger demand for coronavirus relief from $3tn to $2tn. Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, said he’d urged administration negotiators led by treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin to accept the offer.
“Don’t say it’s your way or no way,” Schumer said, noting that the Republican offer “doesn’t cover opening of schools. It doesn’t cover testing. It doesn’t cover dealing with rental assistance. It doesn’t cover elections. It doesn’t cover so many things.”
The Republican package, they added, also failed to include an additional $1,200 direct payment to individuals, money for states to hold elections in November, or support for the beleagured US Postal Service, which Pelosi said was “central to the life of our democracy” in an election year when many Americans will be voting by mail.
Republicans countered that Democratic party leaders were overlooking the limitations of their position.