shareblue--2020-09-29--Trump breaks promise to Ohio workers of 'great American comeback'

The first presidential debate of the 2020 election is set to take place in Cleveland , Ohio , on Tuesday night .
Donald Trump is driven to win the key swing state and has held dozens of rallies and campaign events across the state .
Last Monday , Trump held two rallies at private airfields outside Dayton and Toledo .
The Dayton event celebrated `` the American Worker , '' while the Toledo rally was branded as the `` Great American Comeback Event . ''
The event themes were on-brand for Trump .
Over the course of his first term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises to Ohio 's workers and vowed repeatedly to bring back jobs to hard-hit areas .
Let 's take a look at Trump 's record in key Ohio industries like manufacturing and agriculture .
In 2017 , Trump famously told the people of Ohio to stay put despite a massive hemorrhaging of jobs after the shutdown of a GM plant .
`` Do n't move , do n't sell your house , '' Trump said at a rally in Youngstown .
`` We 're going to get those jobs coming back , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factories or rip them down and build new ones . ''
Trump has not delivered on his promise to the manufacturing workers of the state .
`` He lied , '' a former GM employee told PBS last year .
`` It 's harder and harder to find a job . ''
While the state saw a small decrease in unemployment at the start of Trump 's presidency , those gains were completely wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Close to 1.4 million Ohioans have filed for jobless benefits since the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great patriots , '' Trump said in early 2018 .
`` They understand that they 're doing this for the country .
And we 'll make it up to them .
And , in the end , they 're going to be much stronger than they are right now . ''
Since taking office , Trump has embroiled the U.S. in a bitter trade war with China as part of a futile effort to rebuild American manufacturing and agriculture .
But far from helping farmers , the president 's trade policy backfired by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2017 , China purchased more than 19 billion agricultural products from the United States , according to CNBC .
By 2019 , that number dropped to 9.1 billion , leaving U.S. farmers in a desperate lurch that has led some to abandon Trump .
In 2019 , Chris Gibbs — an Ohio soybean farmer whose family owns and operates 560 acres of land — told CNBC he would not be casting his ballot for Trump a second time .
`` I 'm not going to vote for the president , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Gibbs , a former chair of the Shelby County Republican Party .
`` He could come up with this $ 50 billion , he could walk across my pond and not get wet , and I 'm still not going to vote for him because , you know , at the end of the day my name is Chris Gibbs , it 's not Judas , and I 'm not going to sell my political moorings for 30 pieces of silver . ''
Nick Heitz , an Ohio farmer who grows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he has struggled to break even under Trump 's harsh trade policy .
`` I think it 's farmers keep holding their breath .
I do n't know how much longer , how many years it 's going to take .
Like I said , this trade thing could go on for years , '' Heitz told the Lima News in Ohio .
`` It 's about impossible to make any good marketing decisions when there is an unknown that can sway this thing hugely . ''
Gibbs , the soybean farmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blame squarely on Trump .
`` When I look around my community , my state , I see farms deeply in debt and increasingly reliant on federal government subsidies , '' Gibbs told the Lima News .
He added that the White House 's trade wars `` seem to be a manufactured crisis done for Donald Trump 's own personal political game to look tough without moving forward with a vision on a sustainable long-term trade policy . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

The first presidential debate of the 2020 election is set to take place in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday night. Donald Trump is driven to win the key swing state and has held dozens of rallies and campaign events across the state.
Last Monday, Trump held two rallies at private airfields outside Dayton and Toledo. The Dayton event celebrated “the American Worker,” while the Toledo rally was branded as the “Great American Comeback Event.”
The event themes were on-brand for Trump. Over the course of his first term in office, he has made many promises to Ohio’s workers and vowed repeatedly to bring back jobs to hard-hit areas. Let’s take a look at Trump’s record in key Ohio industries like manufacturing and agriculture.
“He lied”: Trump’s record on manufacturing
In 2017, Trump famously told the people of Ohio to stay put despite a massive hemorrhaging of jobs after the shutdown of a GM plant.
“Don’t move, don’t sell your house,” Trump said at a rally in Youngstown. “We’re going to get those jobs coming back, or we’re going to fill up those factories or rip them down and build new ones.”
Trump has not delivered on his promise to the manufacturing workers of the state. “He lied,” a former GM employee told PBS last year. “It’s harder and harder to find a job.”
While the state saw a small decrease in unemployment at the start of Trump’s presidency, those gains were completely wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic. Close to 1.4 million Ohioans have filed for jobless benefits since the start of the crisis.
Broken promises left U.S. farmers reeling
Farmers “are great patriots,” Trump said in early 2018. “They understand that they’re doing this for the country. And we’ll make it up to them. And, in the end, they’re going to be much stronger than they are right now.”
Since taking office, Trump has embroiled the U.S. in a bitter trade war with China as part of a futile effort to rebuild American manufacturing and agriculture. But far from helping farmers, the president’s trade policy backfired by decimating U.S. agricultural exports to China.
In 2017, China purchased more than 19 billion agricultural products from the United States, according to CNBC. By 2019, that number dropped to 9.1 billion, leaving U.S. farmers in a desperate lurch that has led some to abandon Trump.
In 2019, Chris Gibbs — an Ohio soybean farmer whose family owns and operates 560 acres of land — told CNBC he would not be casting his ballot for Trump a second time.
“I’m not going to vote for the president, and I’m on record for saying that,” said Gibbs, a former chair of the Shelby County Republican Party. “He could come up with this $50 billion, he could walk across my pond and not get wet, and I’m still not going to vote for him because, you know, at the end of the day my name is Chris Gibbs, it’s not Judas, and I’m not going to sell my political moorings for 30 pieces of silver.”
Nick Heitz, an Ohio farmer who grows wheat, soybean, and corn, said he has struggled to break even under Trump’s harsh trade policy. “I think it’s farmers keep holding their breath. I don’t know how much longer, how many years it’s going to take. Like I said, this trade thing could go on for years,” Heitz told the Lima News in Ohio. “It’s about impossible to make any good marketing decisions when there is an unknown that can sway this thing hugely.”
Gibbs, the soybean farmer and former Republican Party official, placed the blame squarely on Trump.
“When I look around my community, my state, I see farms deeply in debt and increasingly reliant on federal government subsidies,” Gibbs told the Lima News.
He added that the White House’s trade wars “seem to be a manufactured crisis done for Donald Trump’s own personal political game to look tough without moving forward with a vision on a sustainable long-term trade policy.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-29--Trump campaign launches new 'earpiece' theory for how Biden will cheat at debates

Donald Trump has made an odd request for an amendment to presidential debate rules : that third-party inspectors examine both of Joe Biden 's ears for electronic devices .
In a Tuesday statement , Trump 's 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed that `` Joe Biden 's handlers '' initially agreed to a pre-debate inspection for electronic earpieces but `` today abruptly reversed themselves and declined . ''
He added that Biden 's team has asked for breaks during the debate , but Trump 's team has rejected this request because `` Trump does n't need [ them ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take a drug test , it seems pretty obvious that the Biden team is looking for any safety net they can find in the hours leading up to the debate , '' Murtaugh said .
`` With his 47 years as a failed politician , how much help does Biden want ? ''
But other sources indicate the Trump campaign is fearful of a debate loss and merely throwing accusations at the wall to see what sticks .
Elizabeth Landers , Washington , D.C. , correspondent for Vice News , tweeted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points urging the Trump campaign not to underestimate Biden 's debating abilities .
`` A source confirms that the Trump campaign 's congressional liaison is sending along these talking points to Republican allies , basically saying DO N'T downplay Biden 's abilities in a debate , '' Landers tweeted .
The list notes that Biden has run for president three times , and has participated in two vice-presidential debates and 11 Democratic primary debates .
It also refers to him as a `` career politician '' and suggests that his recently lightened campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for extensive debate preparation .
The GOP has long used allegations of cheating during presidential debates as a red herring to deflect from a Republican candidate 's poor debate performance .
Conservative media went wild with accusations of Hillary Clinton supposedly donning an earpiece for a 2016 presidential debate .
The Drudge Report and InfoWars both published pieces alleging Clinton was wearing an electronic device of some kind during a debate .
And it was none other than Donald Trump Jr. who amplified the spread of the conspiracy theory by retweeting the InfoWars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral chain emails circulated accusing former President Barack Obama of wearing an earpiece while debating Mitt Romney , with no proof offered beyond a grainy photo showing what appears to be a shadow over his ear and a near-invisible bump in his jacket .
`` President Obama was wearing an earpiece during the last debate , '' the debunked email 's text read .
`` He was advised on what to say using this earpiece .
Is this fair , America ?
?
...
This president will stop at nothing to stay in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law professor and blogger Ann Althouse similarly accused Obama of potentially wearing an earpiece during his debates against Mitt Romney .
She initially claimed it looked like a `` crescent of clear plastic . ''
After some pushback , Althouse backpedaled on her claims .
But , she cautioned , just because what she thought was an earpiece was n't , in fact , an earpiece , does n't mean Obama was n't wearing some other earpiece .
`` Just because the thing I saw was n't there does n't mean there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Althouse said .
Even Republican candidates are not immune to this kind of unsubstantiated speculation surrounding presidential debates .
Former President George W. Bush was widely accused of wearing an electronic assistive device during the 2004 presidential debates , chalking his bulge up to a `` poor tailored suit . ''
Robert Nelson , a senior research scientist for NASA , went so far as to analyze the debate footage for a week and claimed Bush 's jacket bulge was consistent with an electrical device requiring a wire or a tube @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am willing to stake my scientific reputation to the statement that Bush was wearing something in his jacket during the debate , '' Nelson told Salon in a 2004 interview .
`` This is not about a bad suit .
And there 's no way the bulge can be described as a wrinkled shirt . ''
The upshot is this : Presidential debate cheating accusations are as old as presidential debates themselves .
And the Trump campaign seems ready to write off any debate loss as foul play .
Published with permission of @ @ @ @ @

Donald Trump has made an odd request for an amendment to presidential debate rules: that third-party inspectors examine both of Joe Biden’s ears for electronic devices.
In a Tuesday statement, Trump’s 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed that “Joe Biden’s handlers” initially agreed to a pre-debate inspection for electronic earpieces but “today abruptly reversed themselves and declined.”
He added that Biden’s team has asked for breaks during the debate, but Trump’s team has rejected this request because “Trump doesn’t need [them].”
“On top of the refusal to take a drug test, it seems pretty obvious that the Biden team is looking for any safety net they can find in the hours leading up to the debate,” Murtaugh said. “With his 47 years as a failed politician, how much help does Biden want?”
But other sources indicate the Trump campaign is fearful of a debate loss and merely throwing accusations at the wall to see what sticks.
Elizabeth Landers, Washington, D.C., correspondent for Vice News, tweeted a screenshot Monday of a list of talking points urging the Trump campaign not to underestimate Biden’s debating abilities.
“A source confirms that the Trump campaign’s congressional liaison is sending along these talking points to Republican allies, basically saying DON’T downplay Biden’s abilities in a debate,” Landers tweeted.
The list notes that Biden has run for president three times, and has participated in two vice-presidential debates and 11 Democratic primary debates. It also refers to him as a “career politician” and suggests that his recently lightened campaign schedule indicates he’s been shoring up for extensive debate preparation.
The GOP has long used allegations of cheating during presidential debates as a red herring to deflect from a Republican candidate’s poor debate performance.
Conservative media went wild with accusations of Hillary Clinton supposedly donning an earpiece for a 2016 presidential debate. The Drudge Report and InfoWars both published pieces alleging Clinton was wearing an electronic device of some kind during a debate.
And it was none other than Donald Trump Jr. who amplified the spread of the conspiracy theory by retweeting the InfoWars story.
During the 2012 election, viral chain emails circulated accusing former President Barack Obama of wearing an earpiece while debating Mitt Romney, with no proof offered beyond a grainy photo showing what appears to be a shadow over his ear and a near-invisible bump in his jacket.
“President Obama was wearing an earpiece during the last debate,” the debunked email’s text read. “He was advised on what to say using this earpiece. Is this fair, America?? … This president will stop at nothing to stay in power.”
In 2008, American law professor and blogger Ann Althouse similarly accused Obama of potentially wearing an earpiece during his debates against Mitt Romney. She initially claimed it looked like a “crescent of clear plastic.” After some pushback, Althouse backpedaled on her claims.
But, she cautioned, just because what she thought was an earpiece wasn’t, in fact, an earpiece, doesn’t mean Obama wasn’t wearing some other earpiece.
“Just because the thing I saw wasn’t there doesn’t mean there wasn’t something there I didn’t see,” Althouse said.
Even Republican candidates are not immune to this kind of unsubstantiated speculation surrounding presidential debates. Former President George W. Bush was widely accused of wearing an electronic assistive device during the 2004 presidential debates, chalking his bulge up to a “poor tailored suit.”
Robert Nelson, a senior research scientist for NASA, went so far as to analyze the debate footage for a week and claimed Bush’s jacket bulge was consistent with an electrical device requiring a wire or a tube snaking up his back.
“I am willing to stake my scientific reputation to the statement that Bush was wearing something in his jacket during the debate,” Nelson told Salon in a 2004 interview. “This is not about a bad suit. And there’s no way the bulge can be described as a wrinkled shirt.”
The upshot is this: Presidential debate cheating accusations are as old as presidential debates themselves. And the Trump campaign seems ready to write off any debate loss as foul play.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-29--Trump's indicted former campaign chief says Biden is the corrupt one

Steve Bannon 's indictment on federal fraud charges has n't stopped him from hosting a podcast that 's meant to boost Donald Trump 's 2020 reelection bid .
Bannon posted a pre-debate edition of the show on Tuesday , in which he said Trump `` ought to take [ Joe Biden ] up on his corruption '' calling Biden the `` swamp . ''
`` That 's what the president of the United States has got to hang on him today , '' Bannon said on the show .
There is an irony to Bannon — who is charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of dollars they were told was going to build Trump 's long-promised border wall between the United States and Mexico — calling someone else out for corruption .
Republicans have sought to make Biden 's role in ousting a corrupt Ukrainian prosecutor into some kind of nefarious action .
However , the Senate Republican investigation into the ouster — which Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) said was a `` political exercise '' — failed to dig up any dirt .
In fact , Ron Johnson , the Republican Senator from Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's side at the time to oust the prosecutor , Viktor Shokin .
As for corruption , Trump currently faces allegations that he cheated on his taxes — for which he paid just $ 750 the year he was elected and his first year in office .
And it 's Trump who has surrounded himself with numerous aides who either currently face indictment , or who have pleaded guilty to or been convicted of crimes .
They include Trump 's former campaign manager Paul Manafort , his former deputy campaign manager Rick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flynn , longtime ally Roger Stone , and former policy aide George Papadopoulos .
And just over the weekend , Trump 's last campaign manager , Brad Parscale , was accused of domestic violence .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Steve Bannon’s indictment on federal fraud charges hasn’t stopped him from hosting a podcast that’s meant to boost Donald Trump’s 2020 reelection bid.
Bannon posted a pre-debate edition of the show on Tuesday, in which he said Trump “ought to take [Joe Biden] up on his corruption” calling Biden the “swamp.”
“That’s what the president of the United States has got to hang on him today,” Bannon said on the show.
There is an irony to Bannon — who is charged with allegedly defrauding donors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars they were told was going to build Trump’s long-promised border wall between the United States and Mexico — calling someone else out for corruption.
Republicans have sought to make Biden’s role in ousting a corrupt Ukrainian prosecutor into some kind of nefarious action. However, the Senate Republican investigation into the ouster — which Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) said was a “political exercise” — failed to dig up any dirt. In fact, Ron Johnson, the Republican Senator from Wisconsin who ran the investigation, was on Biden’s side at the time to oust the prosecutor, Viktor Shokin.
As for corruption, Trump currently faces allegations that he cheated on his taxes — for which he paid just $750 the year he was elected and his first year in office.
And it’s Trump who has surrounded himself with numerous aides who either currently face indictment, or who have pleaded guilty to or been convicted of crimes.
They include Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort, his former deputy campaign manager Rick Gates, former national security adviser Michael Flynn, longtime ally Roger Stone, and former policy aide George Papadopoulos.
And just over the weekend, Trump’s last campaign manager, Brad Parscale, was accused of domestic violence.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Trump calls for chaos at the polls and says he's 'counting on' the Supreme Court

Donald Trump once again refused to accept the results of the 2020 election , taking his refusal a step further by encouraging his supporters to watch the polls and saying he 's `` counting on '' the Supreme Court when it comes to mail-in ballots .
Trump 's continued effort to sow doubt in the election outcome came during the first presidential debate , in which Trump constantly interrupted both Joe Biden and debate moderator Chris Wallace with a number of lies and outrageous statements — going as far as to refuse to condemn white supremacists committing violence at anti-racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand by . ''
He also made it clear that he does not consider the votes of tens of millions people mailing in their ballots to be legitimate .
`` Trump is literally discrediting our election system in front of the American people , '' Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ) tweeted after Trump 's performance.
`` This is what dictators do .
He knows no limits .
He knows he can ’ t win if everyone votes .
Vote . ''
In the final moments of the debate , Trump refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not engage in `` civil unrest '' as they await the results of the election , instead telling them to go watch the polls in Philadelphia — which is illegal .
`` I 'm urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully , because that 's what has to happen .
I am urging them to do it , '' Trump said .
`` As you know today , there was a big problem in Philadelphia they went in to watch ... they were thrown out .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why ?
Bad things happen in Philadelphia . ''
This is not true .
The Trump supporters were removed because they were n't approved to be at the polls , according to the Philadelphia Inquirer .
Even more , a legal ruling in Pennsylvania says poll watchers are not allowed to watch polls from counties in which they do not live — meaning if Trump supporters flood Philadelphia from outside of the county , they would be breaking the law .
Trump went on to cast doubt on mail-in ballots , repeatedly lying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he wants the Supreme Court to discount those ballots if they cost him the election .
`` I 'm counting on them [ the Supreme Court ] to look at the ballots , definitely , '' Trump said .
Trump also refused to accept the outcome of the election altogether — building on a comment from last week in which he said he would only accept the results if the will of the people was overturned and mail-in ballots were thrown out .
Trump said without evidence that the election is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` go along '' with the results if be believes they are n't fair Biden , who said he would accept the election results , pleaded with voters to vote and make their voice heard .
`` He can not stop you from being able to determine the outcome of this election , '' Biden said .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump once again refused to accept the results of the 2020 election, taking his refusal a step further by encouraging his supporters to watch the polls and saying he’s “counting on” the Supreme Court when it comes to mail-in ballots.
Trump’s continued effort to sow doubt in the election outcome came during the first presidential debate, in which Trump constantly interrupted both Joe Biden and debate moderator Chris Wallace with a number of lies and outrageous statements — going as far as to refuse to condemn white supremacists committing violence at anti-racism protests and instead telling them to “stand by.”
He also made it clear that he does not consider the votes of tens of millions people mailing in their ballots to be legitimate.
“Trump is literally discrediting our election system in front of the American people,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) tweeted after Trump’s performance. “This is what dictators do. He knows no limits. He knows he can’t win if everyone votes. Vote.”
In the final moments of the debate, Trump refused to tell his voters to stay calm and not engage in “civil unrest” as they await the results of the election, instead telling them to go watch the polls in Philadelphia — which is illegal.
“I’m urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully, because that’s what has to happen. I am urging them to do it,” Trump said. “As you know today, there was a big problem in Philadelphia they went in to watch … they were thrown out. They weren’t allowed to watch. You know why? Bad things happen in Philadelphia.”
This is not true. The Trump supporters were removed because they weren’t approved to be at the polls, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Even more, a legal ruling in Pennsylvania says poll watchers are not allowed to watch polls from counties in which they do not live — meaning if Trump supporters flood Philadelphia from outside of the county, they would be breaking the law.
Trump went on to cast doubt on mail-in ballots, repeatedly lying about the voting method and making clear that he wants the Supreme Court to discount those ballots if they cost him the election.
“I’m counting on them [the Supreme Court] to look at the ballots, definitely,” Trump said.
Trump also refused to accept the outcome of the election altogether — building on a comment from last week in which he said he would only accept the results if the will of the people was overturned and mail-in ballots were thrown out.
Trump said without evidence that the election is “rigged” and that he won’t “go along” with the results if be believes they aren’t fair
Biden, who said he would accept the election results, pleaded with voters to vote and make their voice heard.
“He cannot stop you from being able to determine the outcome of this election,” Biden said.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Watch Trump tell white supremacists to 'stand by'

Donald Trump on Tuesday refused to condemn the white supremacists who have been purposefully causing chaos and committing violence at racial justice protests across the country .
`` Proud Boys , stand back and stand by .
But I 'll tell you what , somebody 's got to do something about antifa and the left , '' Trump said — a comment that does not condemn the violence white supremacists have carried out at protests .
The moment came when debate moderator Chris Wallace asked Trump to specifically condemn the actions of white supremacists , who Trump 's own FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the majority of the domestic terrorism threats in the country .
Trump 's own appointees have been accused of downplaying white supremacist violence at the protests , instead choosing to push accusations that the violence is from `` antifa , '' another name for loosely connected anti-fascist activists , according to a whistleblower complaint .
White supremacists have specifically gone to racial justice protests across the country to incite violence in order to hijack the message of fighting for equality and against systemic racism .
Back in June , three Nevada white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to a protest in Las Vegas with Molotov cocktails .
The men were part of the `` Boogaloo '' movement , a group of far-right extremists hoping to cause a second civil war .
Trump also defended Kyle Rittenhouse , a white teenager who is charged with shooting and killing two people at a protest in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
One theory is that Trump has been trying to cause chaos in the run-up to the election , as his campaign thinks it will help his reelection bid .
Polls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chaos is not helping Trump 's reelection bid .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump on Tuesday refused to condemn the white supremacists who have been purposefully causing chaos and committing violence at racial justice protests across the country.
“Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what, somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left,” Trump said — a comment that does not condemn the violence white supremacists have carried out at protests.
The moment came when debate moderator Chris Wallace asked Trump to specifically condemn the actions of white supremacists, who Trump’s own FBI director said are a danger and account for the majority of the domestic terrorism threats in the country.
Trump’s own appointees have been accused of downplaying white supremacist violence at the protests, instead choosing to push accusations that the violence is from “antifa,” another name for loosely connected anti-fascist activists, according to a whistleblower complaint.
White supremacists have specifically gone to racial justice protests across the country to incite violence in order to hijack the message of fighting for equality and against systemic racism.
Back in June, three Nevada white supremacists were charged after they allegedly plotted to go to a protest in Las Vegas with Molotov cocktails. The men were part of the “Boogaloo” movement, a group of far-right extremists hoping to cause a second civil war.
Trump also defended Kyle Rittenhouse, a white teenager who is charged with shooting and killing two people at a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
One theory is that Trump has been trying to cause chaos in the run-up to the election, as his campaign thinks it will help his reelection bid.
Polls, however, show that the violence and chaos is not helping Trump’s reelection bid.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Chris Wallace forced to tell Trump to stop constantly interrupting debate

Throughout the first presidential debate , Donald Trump consistently interrupted both opponent Joe Biden and moderator Chris Wallace , talking over anyone who dared to try to get a word in edgewise .
On topics ranging from the economy to the coronavirus pandemic , from race relations to Trump 's Supreme Court nominee , Trump bulldozed over any attempt by Biden or Wallace to speak .
`` It 's hard to get any word in with this clown , '' Biden said at one point .
About 50 minutes in , Wallace had had enough .
Taking him to task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House occupant , reminding him that the country would be better served if viewers were able to hear both men express their stances on the issues at hand .
`` I think the country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions , '' Wallace said , and then , to Trump , `` I 'm appealing to you , sir , to do that . ''
Trump promptly interrupted Wallace , even while being reprimanded for interrupting .
WALLACE : All right that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's the end of the segment , we 're moving on .
Vice President — TRUMP : Can I be honest , it 's a very important — WALLACE : No , the answer to the question is no — BIDEN : That is absolutely not true — TRUMP : When you 're on tape doing it , it 's on tape — WALLACE : You know what , you 're , wait , stop — WALLACE : Gentleman , I hate to raise my voice , but — WALLACE : But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I be different from the two of you ?
WALLACE : So here 's the deal .
We have six segments .
We have ended that segment .
We 're going to go to the next segment .
In that segment , you 're each ongoing to have two uninterrupted moments .
In those two uninterrupted minutes , Mr. President , you can say anything you want .
I 'm gon na ask a question about race , but if you wan na answer about something else , go ahead .
But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions .
I 'm appealing to you , sir , to do that .
TRUMP : Well , and him too .
WALLACE : Well , frankly you 've been doing more interrupting .
TRUMP : Well , that 's all right , but he does plenty .
WALLACE : Well , less than , sir , less than — WALLACE : No , less than you have .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Throughout the first presidential debate, Donald Trump consistently interrupted both opponent Joe Biden and moderator Chris Wallace, talking over anyone who dared to try to get a word in edgewise.
On topics ranging from the economy to the coronavirus pandemic, from race relations to Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Trump bulldozed over any attempt by Biden or Wallace to speak.
“It’s hard to get any word in with this clown,” Biden said at one point.
About 50 minutes in, Wallace had had enough.
Taking him to task, the moderator stopped to sternly reprimand the White House occupant, reminding him that the country would be better served if viewers were able to hear both men express their stances on the issues at hand.
“I think the country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions,” Wallace said, and then, to Trump, “I’m appealing to you, sir, to do that.”
Trump promptly interrupted Wallace, even while being reprimanded for interrupting.
WALLACE: All right that’s the end of the, hey, that’s the end of the segment, we’re moving on. Vice President — TRUMP: Can I be honest, it’s a very important — BIDEN: Try to be honest. WALLACE: No, no — TRUMP: He stood up — WALLACE: No, the answer to the question is no — TRUMP: And he threatened Ukraine — WALLACE: No, sir — TRUMP: With a billion dollars — WALLACE: Sir, sir — BIDEN: That is absolutely not true — TRUMP: When you’re on tape doing it, it’s on tape — WALLACE: You know what, you’re, wait, stop — BIDEN: Not true, not true. WALLACE: You’re gonna have — TRUMP: He’s on tape — WALLACE: Gentleman, I hate to raise my voice, but — TRUMP: He’s on tape. WALLACE: But it seems to be, why should I be different from the two of you? BIDEN Yeah, good point. WALLACE: So here’s the deal. We have six segments. We have ended that segment. We’re going to go to the next segment. In that segment, you’re each ongoing to have two uninterrupted moments. In those two uninterrupted minutes, Mr. President, you can say anything you want. I’m gonna ask a question about race, but if you wanna answer about something else, go ahead. But I think the country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions. I’m appealing to you, sir, to do that. TRUMP: Well, and him too. WALLACE: Well, frankly you’ve been doing more interrupting. TRUMP: Well, that’s all right, but he does plenty. WALLACE: Well, less than, sir, less than — TRUMP: He does plenty. WALLACE: No, less than you have.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Bob Woodward calls on Congress to rein in Trump: 'We now have a constitutional problem'

Veteran journalist Bob Woodward said on Wednesday that Donald Trump `` can not stabilize the electoral process '' and is in fact making it unstable through his rhetoric and actions , including his performance in the first presidential debate .
Woodward called on Congress to `` step up '' and solve what he described as a `` constitutional problem . ''
`` It 's reached a boiling point , '' Woodward said .
`` I mean we are teetering here .
The Congress needs to step up . ''
During the debate on Tuesday night , Trump continued his baseless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debunked allegations questioning the integrity of the voting process .
Trump 's belligerent performance in the debate prompted admonitions from moderator Chris Wallace and Vice President Joe Biden , who bluntly told Trump to `` shut up , man . ''
The Commission on Presidential Debates has since announced that it is planning to add `` additional structure '' to the debate `` to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues . ''
From the Sept. 30 edition of CNN 's `` The Situation Room '' : WOLF BLITZER , CNN : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , going back to the Nixon presidential debates .
Have you ever seen any debate , anything like we saw last night ?
BOB WOODWARD : Nothing — it 's extraordinary .
But people are talking , Wolf , about the debate commission and — you know , this – the debate commission is not in the Constitution .
We now have a constitutional problem .
The executive branch is the president , he clearly can not stabilize the electoral process , in fact , he 's stoking , yes — let 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really has no power at this moment .
But the Congress does .
And it seems to me , it 's reached a boiling point .
I mean , we are teetering here .
And the Congress needs to step up , maybe [ Senate Majority Leader Mitch ] McConnell and [ Senate Minority Leader Chuck ] Schumer from the Senate , [ Speaker Nancy ] Pelosi and [ House Minority Leader Kevin ] McCarthy from the House getting together – I mean , they ca n't get together on a COVID relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they need to sit down and say what — The ball is in their court , they have to do something to stabilize this .
Maybe they could come up with a bipartisan agreement on constitutional and electoral stability and actually say , `` This is what we need to do , this is what we need to do to get the candidates to pledge . ''
They — listen , with all this talk and all of the uncertainty we are heading right into , they 've got to find some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Veteran journalist Bob Woodward said on Wednesday that Donald Trump “cannot stabilize the electoral process” and is in fact making it unstable through his rhetoric and actions, including his performance in the first presidential debate.
Woodward called on Congress to “step up” and solve what he described as a “constitutional problem.”
“It’s reached a boiling point,” Woodward said. “I mean we are teetering here. The Congress needs to step up.”
During the debate on Tuesday night, Trump continued his baseless attacks on mail-in voting, repeating several debunked allegations questioning the integrity of the voting process.
Trump’s belligerent performance in the debate prompted admonitions from moderator Chris Wallace and Vice President Joe Biden, who bluntly told Trump to “shut up, man.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates has since announced that it is planning to add “additional structure” to the debate “to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues.”
From the Sept. 30 edition of CNN’s “The Situation Room”:
WOLF BLITZER, CNN: You’ve covered presidential debates for decades, going back to the Nixon presidential debates. Have you ever seen any debate, anything like we saw last night? BOB WOODWARD: Nothing — it’s extraordinary. But people are talking, Wolf, about the debate commission and — you know, this – the debate commission is not in the Constitution. We now have a constitutional problem. The executive branch is the president, he clearly cannot stabilize the electoral process, in fact, he’s stoking, yes — let’s make it unstable. The Supreme Court really has no power at this moment. But the Congress does. And it seems to me, it’s reached a boiling point. I mean, we are teetering here. And the Congress needs to step up, maybe [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell and [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer from the Senate, [Speaker Nancy] Pelosi and [House Minority Leader Kevin] McCarthy from the House getting together – I mean, they can’t get together on a COVID relief bill – but this now is important and they need to sit down and say what — The ball is in their court, they have to do something to stabilize this. Maybe they could come up with a bipartisan agreement on constitutional and electoral stability and actually say, “This is what we need to do, this is what we need to do to get the candidates to pledge.” They — listen, with all this talk and all of the uncertainty we are heading right into, they’ve got to find some way to get this calmed down.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Polls show GOP could lose Kansas Senate seat for first time since 1932

Several recent polls are showing Democratic Kansas state Sen. Barbara Bollier and Republican Kansas U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall locked in a dead heat to win the open Kansas seat in the U.S. Senate currently held by retiring Sen. Pat Roberts .
The last Democrat elected to a U.S. Senate seat in Kansas was George McGill , who won in 1932 and was defeated for reelection in 1938 .
Roberts has served four terms .
A Data for Progress poll conducted from Sept. 14 to 19 and released this month shows Bollier and Marshall tied at 40 % .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressed to answer were evenly split between Bollier and Marshall at 42 % .
A Democratic internal poll conducted by GBAO Strategies between Sept. 24 and 27 and released Wednesday shows Bollier up by 2 points , 45 % to 43 % .
`` Now we 're leading for the first time , '' Bollier tweeted on Wednesday .
`` That 's momentum . ''
Roberts endorsed Marshall , who released an internal Republican poll from the Kansas City-based firm co/Efficient .
In that poll , conducted on Sept. 15 and 16 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 43 % to 39 % .
`` Marshall is significantly underperforming other key metrics like the generic ballot and Presidential ballot .
He has significant room to grow particularly with general election Republican voters , '' suggests the internal polling memo , obtained by the Kansas City Star .
Marshall 's campaign manager , Eric Pahls , also says the congressman `` has the momentum . ''
`` Dr. Marshall has taken on nearly $ 15M in attack ads that started months ago , and still maintains the lead in this race .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue , '' said Pahls .
Earlier polls also showed the two candidates running a close race .
In early June , a Civiqs poll showed Marshall ( 42 % ) leading Bollier ( 41 % ) by one point .
A SurveyUSA poll conducted in early August shows Bollier and Marshall with just a 2 % difference : Marshall at 46 % and Bollier at 44 % .
A Public Policy Polling survey released in early August showed Marshall ( 43 % ) leading Bollier ( 42 % ) by just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anesthesiologist , is a former Republican who left the party in 2018 , saying that it no longer represented her values in part because of Trump , the Associated Press reported .
On the other hand , Marshall , who is also a physician , has closely aligned himself with Trump .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Several recent polls are showing Democratic Kansas state Sen. Barbara Bollier and Republican Kansas U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall locked in a dead heat to win the open Kansas seat in the U.S. Senate currently held by retiring Sen. Pat Roberts.
The last Democrat elected to a U.S. Senate seat in Kansas was George McGill, who won in 1932 and was defeated for reelection in 1938. Roberts has served four terms.
A Data for Progress poll conducted from Sept. 14 to 19 and released this month shows Bollier and Marshall tied at 40%. In the same poll, undecided voters who were pressed to answer were evenly split between Bollier and Marshall at 42%.
A Democratic internal poll conducted by GBAO Strategies between Sept. 24 and 27 and released Wednesday shows Bollier up by 2 points, 45% to 43%.
“Now we’re leading for the first time,” Bollier tweeted on Wednesday. “That’s momentum.”
Roberts endorsed Marshall, who released an internal Republican poll from the Kansas City-based firm co/Efficient. In that poll, conducted on Sept. 15 and 16, Marshall leads Bollier by 4 points, 43% to 39%.
“Marshall is significantly underperforming other key metrics like the generic ballot and Presidential ballot. He has significant room to grow particularly with general election Republican voters,” suggests the internal polling memo, obtained by the Kansas City Star.
Marshall’s campaign manager, Eric Pahls, also says the congressman “has the momentum.”
“Dr. Marshall has taken on nearly $15M in attack ads that started months ago, and still maintains the lead in this race. He has the momentum, and that will continue,” said Pahls.
Earlier polls also showed the two candidates running a close race.
In early June, a Civiqs poll showed Marshall (42%) leading Bollier (41%) by one point.
A SurveyUSA poll conducted in early August shows Bollier and Marshall with just a 2% difference: Marshall at 46% and Bollier at 44%.
A Public Policy Polling survey released in early August showed Marshall (43%) leading Bollier (42%) by just one point.
Bollier, a retired anesthesiologist, is a former Republican who left the party in 2018, saying that it no longer represented her values in part because of Trump, the Associated Press reported.
On the other hand, Marshall, who is also a physician, has closely aligned himself with Trump.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Meet the dark money group spending millions to confirm Amy Coney Barrett

A dark money group is pumping millions of dollars into Republicans ' efforts to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court before November .
In 2016 , the Judicial Crisis Network spent a staggering $ 7 million to oppose President Barack Obama 's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court — a move that Senate Republicans successfully blocked .
In 2017 , after Donald Trump was sworn into office , the Judicial Crisis Network spent another $ 10 million in the fight to confirm Neil Gorsuch .
In 2018 , the group spent $ 3.9 million on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump 's second Supreme Court nominee .
Now , the dark-money group is bankrolling a $ 3 million ad blitz in support of Barrett 's confirmation to the country 's highest court .
So , what is the Judicial Crisis Network , and who are its donors ?
The group was first founded in 2004 as the Judicial Confirmation Network .
Its first project was funding a campaign in support of John Roberts and Samuel Alito , the two conservative judges nominated by President George W. Bush to serve lifetime appointments on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the group was led by Ann and Neil Corkery , two fierce opponents of abortion and marriage equality , and Robin Arkley II , a California real estate mogul with ties to Charles and David Koch , the billionaire conservative brothers .
Because the group was set up as a 501 ( c ) ( 4 ) `` social welfare '' group , it does not have to disclose its donors .
But deep-pocketed conservatives — from the Koch brothers , to the Federalist Society 's Leonard Leo , to hedge fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to the group .
Judicial Crisis Network has proved exceptionally deft at securing Supreme Court confirmations — or blocking them , as the case may be .
Now the group is at it again , this time in support of Barrett .
The group is run by Carrie Severino , a former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas , who was nominated by President George H.W .
Bush in 1991 .
During Thomas ' confirmation hearings , Anita Hill testified that Thomas had sexually harassed her when she was an aide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirm two of Trump 's Supreme Court nominees , the group is finding that its initial investment in blocking Garland 's confirmation is still paying dividends .
Before 2015 , the organization had never reported more than $ 6 million in revenue .
Then , at some point in between 2015 and 2016 , it reported receiving $ 17.9 million from a single undisclosed donor , according to tax filings first obtained by MapLight .
That single donation accounted for 96.6 % of the group 's revenue .
Judicial Crisis Network has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 501 ( c ) ( 4 ) dark money group funded largely through a shadowy network of conservative donors .
With a conservative majority secured by Barrett , it 's safe to say the Supreme Court would likely uphold laws that allow dark money organizations such as the Judicial Crisis Network to flourish .
If Barrett is confirmed , five Supreme Court justices tasked with ruling on campaign finance — Barrett , Gorsuch , Kavanaugh , Alito , and Roberts — will all have directly benefited from the same dark money group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four conservative justices confirmed to the Supreme Court , the group has also spent heavily to help Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell realize his goal of total conservative control over America 's legal system .
Judicial Crisis Network has already donated millions to the Republican Attorney General Association , and has spent heavily to advance Republican judges in both state Supreme Court and circuit court elections .
Should the Senate vote to confirm Barrett to the Supreme Court , the Judicial Crisis Network will have played an integral role in ensuring that unlimited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. justice system for decades to come .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

A dark money group is pumping millions of dollars into Republicans’ efforts to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court before November.
In 2016, the Judicial Crisis Network spent a staggering $7 million to oppose President Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court — a move that Senate Republicans successfully blocked.
In 2017, after Donald Trump was sworn into office, the Judicial Crisis Network spent another $10 million in the fight to confirm Neil Gorsuch.
In 2018, the group spent $3.9 million on television advertising in support of Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s second Supreme Court nominee.
Now, the dark-money group is bankrolling a $3 million ad blitz in support of Barrett’s confirmation to the country’s highest court.
So, what is the Judicial Crisis Network, and who are its donors?
The group was first founded in 2004 as the Judicial Confirmation Network. Its first project was funding a campaign in support of John Roberts and Samuel Alito, the two conservative judges nominated by President George W. Bush to serve lifetime appointments on the Supreme Court.
At its start, the group was led by Ann and Neil Corkery, two fierce opponents of abortion and marriage equality, and Robin Arkley II, a California real estate mogul with ties to Charles and David Koch, the billionaire conservative brothers.
Because the group was set up as a 501(c)(4) “social welfare” group, it does not have to disclose its donors. But deep-pocketed conservatives — from the Koch brothers, to the Federalist Society’s Leonard Leo, to hedge fund mogul Paul Singer — have all been linked to the group.
Judicial Crisis Network has proved exceptionally deft at securing Supreme Court confirmations — or blocking them, as the case may be. Now the group is at it again, this time in support of Barrett.
The group is run by Carrie Severino, a former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who was nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. During Thomas’ confirmation hearings, Anita Hill testified that Thomas had sexually harassed her when she was an aide in his office.
After helping to confirm two of Trump’s Supreme Court nominees, the group is finding that its initial investment in blocking Garland’s confirmation is still paying dividends.
Before 2015, the organization had never reported more than $6 million in revenue. Then, at some point in between 2015 and 2016, it reported receiving $17.9 million from a single undisclosed donor, according to tax filings first obtained by MapLight. That single donation accounted for 96.6% of the group’s revenue.
Judicial Crisis Network has also received funds from the Wellspring Committee, another 501(c)(4) dark money group funded largely through a shadowy network of conservative donors.
With a conservative majority secured by Barrett, it’s safe to say the Supreme Court would likely uphold laws that allow dark money organizations such as the Judicial Crisis Network to flourish. If Barrett is confirmed, five Supreme Court justices tasked with ruling on campaign finance — Barrett, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Alito, and Roberts — will all have directly benefited from the same dark money group.
In addition to supporting the last four conservative justices confirmed to the Supreme Court, the group has also spent heavily to help Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell realize his goal of total conservative control over America’s legal system. Judicial Crisis Network has already donated millions to the Republican Attorney General Association, and has spent heavily to advance Republican judges in both state Supreme Court and circuit court elections.
Should the Senate vote to confirm Barrett to the Supreme Court, the Judicial Crisis Network will have played an integral role in ensuring that unlimited dark money spending will continue to shape the U.S. justice system for decades to come.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Susan Collins just made the most Susan Collins comment about the debate

A day after Donald Trump 's widely panned debate performance , Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) blamed `` both sides '' for the debacle .
According to a pool report Wednesday , Collins said Tuesday 's was `` the least educational debate of any presidential debate I ’ ve ever seen . ''
Asked who was responsible for that , Collins opined , `` I think there was fault on both sides . ''
Pressed on whether she believed the blame was equally shared , she answered , `` I think that the interrupting on both sides , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate . ''
A Collins spokesperson did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the report .
But even Fox News host Chris Wallace , the debate 's beleaguered moderator , made it clear on Tuesday that Trump was the one doing the vast majority of the interrupting .
`` I think that the country would be better served , if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions .
I 'm appealing to you , sir , to do that , '' he pleaded with Trump .
`` Well , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Well , frankly , you 've been doing more interrupting than he has , '' Wallace answered .
Many Republican senators were critical of Trump 's aggressive and bullying behavior at the first 2020 debate .
Polls showed voters too were unimpressed with Trump 's behavior , clearly rating Democrat Joe Biden the winner .
Collins has previously refused to weigh in on the 2020 presidential race , citing her own tough reelection bid .
`` I have a difficult race .
And I am concentrating my efforts on that race , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That has not stopped her from repeatedly making mild and noncommittal rebukes of Trump 's behavior — or from voting with him more than two-thirds of the time .
Her Democratic opponent , Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon , has been leading in virtually every poll taken in the last three months .
An average of polls by RealClear Politics puts Gideon currently ahead by 6.5 % .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

A day after Donald Trump’s widely panned debate performance, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) blamed “both sides” for the debacle.
According to a pool report Wednesday, Collins said Tuesday’s was “the least educational debate of any presidential debate I’ve ever seen.”
Asked who was responsible for that, Collins opined, “I think there was fault on both sides.”
Pressed on whether she believed the blame was equally shared, she answered, “I think that the interrupting on both sides, the name-calling was very unbecoming for a presidential debate.”
A Collins spokesperson did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the report.
But even Fox News host Chris Wallace, the debate’s beleaguered moderator, made it clear on Tuesday that Trump was the one doing the vast majority of the interrupting.
“I think that the country would be better served, if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions. I’m appealing to you, sir, to do that,” he pleaded with Trump.
“Well, and him too,” Trump responded.
“Well, frankly, you’ve been doing more interrupting than he has,” Wallace answered.
Many Republican senators were critical of Trump’s aggressive and bullying behavior at the first 2020 debate.
“He’s gotta restrain himself,” Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) told CBS News, calling Trump “too forceful.”
Polls showed voters too were unimpressed with Trump’s behavior, clearly rating Democrat Joe Biden the winner.
Collins has previously refused to weigh in on the 2020 presidential race, citing her own tough reelection bid.
“I have a difficult race. And I am concentrating my efforts on that race,” she told CNN in July. That has not stopped her from repeatedly making mild and noncommittal rebukes of Trump’s behavior — or from voting with him more than two-thirds of the time.
Her Democratic opponent, Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon, has been leading in virtually every poll taken in the last three months. An average of polls by RealClear Politics puts Gideon currently ahead by 6.5%.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Trump's COVID-19 vaccination plan would take years to actually work

At the presidential debate Tuesday night , Donald Trump claimed the government would have a coronavirus vaccine before the November election , and said the country will be ready to vaccinate 200,000 Americans per day once the vaccine is approved .
`` Well , we ’ re going to deliver it right away .
We have the military all set up .
Logistically , they ’ re all set up .
We have our military that delivers soldiers and they can do 200,000 a day .
They ’ re going to be delivering , '' Trump said .
Yet while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that pace would mean it would be years before the United States population is vaccinated against the deadly virus — which has left more than 206,000 people dead and has left the U.S. economy in shambles .
The United States population stands at 330 million , according to the U.S. Census .
That means that under Trump 's proposed plan , it would take roughly 4.5 years to vaccinate the entire U.S. population , at a rate of 200,000 vaccinations per day .
If the vaccine requires two doses — which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health experts — it would take nine years to fully vaccinate the population .
Of course , in this hypothetical scenario , not everyone would have to be vaccinated to build up enough herd immunity to keep the virus at bay .
Infectious disease experts say vaccinating 60 % of the population would build up enough immunity to slow the spread of the virus .
Let 's dig into that math .
Sixty percent of the U.S. population is roughly 198 million people .
If the U.S. military administered just 200,000 vaccinations per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years to vaccinate the number of people necessary to achieve herd immunity .
If the vaccine needed two doses to be effective , it would take 5.4 years to achieve full herd immunity .
Public health experts have cast doubt on Trump 's vaccine plan altogether , saying that there is no way a vaccine could be ready before the election and that Trump 's vaccine promises are no more than a political stunt .
Even if one buys into Trump 's debate promises and fuzzy math , the actual mechanics of distributing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , much longer than anyone would prefer .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

At the presidential debate Tuesday night, Donald Trump claimed the government would have a coronavirus vaccine before the November election, and said the country will be ready to vaccinate 200,000 Americans per day once the vaccine is approved.
“Well, we’re going to deliver it right away. We have the military all set up. Logistically, they’re all set up. We have our military that delivers soldiers and they can do 200,000 a day. They’re going to be delivering,” Trump said.
Yet while 200,000 vaccines may sound like a lot, that pace would mean it would be years before the United States population is vaccinated against the deadly virus — which has left more than 206,000 people dead and has left the U.S. economy in shambles.
The United States population stands at 330 million, according to the U.S. Census. That means that under Trump’s proposed plan, it would take roughly 4.5 years to vaccinate the entire U.S. population, at a rate of 200,000 vaccinations per day. If the vaccine requires two doses — which is a distinct possibility, according to public health experts — it would take nine years to fully vaccinate the population.
Of course, in this hypothetical scenario, not everyone would have to be vaccinated to build up enough herd immunity to keep the virus at bay. Infectious disease experts say vaccinating 60% of the population would build up enough immunity to slow the spread of the virus.
Let’s dig into that math. Sixty percent of the U.S. population is roughly 198 million people. If the U.S. military administered just 200,000 vaccinations per day, it would take roughly 2.7 years to vaccinate the number of people necessary to achieve herd immunity. If the vaccine needed two doses to be effective, it would take 5.4 years to achieve full herd immunity.
Public health experts have cast doubt on Trump’s vaccine plan altogether, saying that there is no way a vaccine could be ready before the election and that Trump’s vaccine promises are no more than a political stunt.
Even if one buys into Trump’s debate promises and fuzzy math, the actual mechanics of distributing a vaccine to Americans would take much, much longer than anyone would prefer.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--GOP senators silent on Trump's call for white supremacists to 'stand by'

Most Republican senators facing challengers in their races for reelection in 2020 were silent Wednesday about Donald Trump 's latest embrace of white nationalists .
During the first presidential debate of the race on Tuesday , Trump was asked by moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News whether he would denounce white supremacists and white militia groups .
Though he answered that he was `` willing to do that , '' he did not , instead telling them to `` stand by . ''
`` Give me a name , give me a name , go ahead .
Who would you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanded .
`` White supremacists and white militia , '' Wallace responded , while Joe Biden suggested the right-wing extremist group Proud Boys .
`` Okay , Proud Boys , stand back and stand by .
But I 'll tell you what , I 'll tell you what , somebody 's got to do something about antifa and the left because this is not a right-wing problem , this is a left-wing problem , '' Trump answered .
The Department of Homeland Security labeled white supremacist violence the greatest domestic terrorism threat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessment .
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center , the Proud Boys are a designated hate group , known for their `` white nationalist memes '' and their `` anti-Muslim and misogynistic rhetoric . ''
Among the Republican senators fighting for their seats this November , only a few appear to have condemned Trump 's refusal to call out violent white nationalists .
The American Independent Foundation reached out for comment to 13 Republican senators facing competitive races this November .
• A spokesperson for Susan Collins ( ME ) said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white supremacy have no place in our country .
The President should always condemn any kind of hate , and he should have done so last night . ''
• Cory Gardner ( CO ) did not immediately respond .
• Kelly Loeffler ( GA ) did not immediately respond .
She did tweet on Wednesday : `` The results are in - @ realDonaldTrump DOMINATED @ JoeBiden last night . ''
• A spokesperson for Cindy Hyde-Smith ( MS ) said in an emailed statement that the senator `` condemns racism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address Trump 's comments .
Among Senate Republicans who are not up for reelection in 2020 , Sen. Tim Scott ( SC ) , the chamber 's lone Black Republican , told reporters on Wednesday that he did not believe Trump meant to embrace the Proud Boys .
`` I think he misspoke .
I think he should correct it .
If he does n't correct it , I guess he did n't misspeak . ''
Sen. Kevin Cramer ( ND ) defended Trump 's remarks before suggesting that both Trump and Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in condemning violence .
Sen. Mitt Romney ( UT ) said , `` Of course '' when asked by reporters if Trump should have denounced white supremacists .
Sen. John Thune ( SD ) said that Trump had already condemned white supremacists : `` In his mind he did . ''
He added , `` I think it 's probably important for them to clear it up . ''
Tuesday was not the first time Trump has embraced white supremacists and racism .
He spent several years prior to his 2016 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama , falsely suggesting he was not really American .
In 2017 , Trump infamously defended white nationalists after they carried out deadly attacks during a rally in Charlottesville , Virginia , claiming there were `` some very fine people on both sides . ''
And he has called developing nations `` shithole countries '' and told American-born Democratic congresswomen of color to `` go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Most Republican senators facing challengers in their races for reelection in 2020 were silent Wednesday about Donald Trump’s latest embrace of white nationalists.
During the first presidential debate of the race on Tuesday, Trump was asked by moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News whether he would denounce white supremacists and white militia groups. Though he answered that he was “willing to do that,” he did not, instead telling them to “stand by.”
“Give me a name, give me a name, go ahead. Who would you like me to condemn?” Trump demanded.
“White supremacists and white militia,” Wallace responded, while Joe Biden suggested the right-wing extremist group Proud Boys.
“Okay, Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what, I’ll tell you what, somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left because this is not a right-wing problem, this is a left-wing problem,” Trump answered.
The Department of Homeland Security labeled white supremacist violence the greatest domestic terrorism threat to the country in a recent draft threat assessment.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Proud Boys are a designated hate group, known for their “white nationalist memes” and their “anti-Muslim and misogynistic rhetoric.”
Among the Republican senators fighting for their seats this November, only a few appear to have condemned Trump’s refusal to call out violent white nationalists.
The American Independent Foundation reached out for comment to 13 Republican senators facing competitive races this November.
A spokesperson for Susan Collins (ME) said in an emailed statement: “Intolerance and white supremacy have no place in our country. The President should always condemn any kind of hate, and he should have done so last night.”
Dan Sullivan (AK) did not immediately respond.
Martha McSally (AZ) did not immediately respond.
Cory Gardner (CO) did not immediately respond.
David Perdue (GA) did not immediately respond.
Kelly Loeffler (GA) did not immediately respond. She did tweet on Wednesday: “The results are in – @realDonaldTrump DOMINATED @JoeBiden last night.”
Joni Ernst (IA) did not immediately respond.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) did not immediately respond.
A spokesperson for Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS) said in an emailed statement that the senator “condemns racism in any form,” but did not address Trump’s comments.
Steve Daines (MT) did not immediately respond.
Thom Tillis (NC) did not immediately respond.
Lindsey Graham (SC) did not immediately respond.
John Cornyn (TX) did not immediately respond.
Among Senate Republicans who are not up for reelection in 2020, Sen. Tim Scott (SC), the chamber’s lone Black Republican, told reporters on Wednesday that he did not believe Trump meant to embrace the Proud Boys. “I think he misspoke. I think he should correct it. If he doesn’t correct it, I guess he didn’t misspeak.”
Sen. Kevin Cramer (ND) defended Trump’s remarks before suggesting that both Trump and Biden “could have been a lot stronger” in condemning violence.
Sen. Mitt Romney (UT) said, “Of course” when asked by reporters if Trump should have denounced white supremacists.
Sen. John Thune (SD) said that Trump had already condemned white supremacists: “In his mind he did.” He added, “I think it’s probably important for them to clear it up.”
Tuesday was not the first time Trump has embraced white supremacists and racism.
He spent several years prior to his 2016 presidential campaign promoting racist birther conspiracies about Barack Obama, falsely suggesting he was not really American.
In 2017, Trump infamously defended white nationalists after they carried out deadly attacks during a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, claiming there were “some very fine people on both sides.”
And he has called developing nations “shithole countries” and told American-born Democratic congresswomen of color to “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--The 12 most shocking moments from the first presidential debate

One thing on which critics on both sides of the aisle agree : The first presidential debate Tuesday night was bedlam .
Right out of the gate , Donald Trump was steamrolling over his opponent Joe Biden and moderator Chris Wallace in a no-holds-barred effort to speak whatever crossed his mind , as soon as it crossed his mind .
Lucid debate was off the table as Biden attempted to get a word in edgewise and Wallace attempted to moderate proceedings and quell rising tempers all at once .
Even amid an evening of mass chaos , a few moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and frustrated with the White House occupant 's constant interrupting , Wallace was eventually was forced to shout over the two men in a last-ditch effort to get Trump 's attention .
`` I think the country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions , '' Wallace said , turning to Trump .
`` I 'm appealing to you , sir , to do that . ''
`` Well , and him , too , '' Trump said , interrupting him .
`` Well , frankly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Wallace said .
Wallace was n't the only one growing frustrated with the constant interruptions .
When the moderator turned the line of questioning to Biden 's thoughts on ending the filibuster or packing the Supreme Court , Trump repeatedly interrupted the former vice president until finally Biden snapped .
`` Are you going to pack the court ?
Are you going to pack the court ? ''
Trump demanded , as Biden attempted to answer the question .
Biden eventually fired back , `` Will you shut up , man ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Biden campaign was selling , `` Will you shut up , man ? ''
merchandise in homage to the comment .
( As of Wednesday afternoon , it appeared to have sold out or been removed from the campaign website . )
Trump claims to have built the `` greatest economy in the history of our country '' During Tuesday 's debate , Trump claimed he had built `` the greatest economy in the history of our country '' since taking office .
While it 's not the first time Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may be the most egregious .
Even last month , as 10 million Americans were out of work due to his botched pandemic response , Trump was tweeting : `` My Administration and I built the greatest economy in history , of any country , turned it off , saved millions of lives , and now am building an even greater economy than it was before . ''
But in December 2017 , Trump promised to grow the economy to `` 4 , 5 and even 6 % '' — and never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took office , not a single quarter has seen even a 4 % growth rate , and a contraction of more than 31 % occurred between early April and late June .
During his time in office , President Barack Obama 's administration saw multiple quarters demonstrating over 5 % growth .
Historically , Harry Truman 's administration brought growth of 16.7 % , 12.8 % , 16.4 % and 7.9 % in 1950 — also contradicting Trump 's baseless claims .
Trump claims he 's lowered drug prices and that insulin is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perplexing moment came when Trump bragged about lowering drug prices to the point where insulin was as `` cheap '' as `` water . ''
Though Trump has potentially cut insulin costs for a small group of senior citizens with the `` favored nations measure , '' insulin still costs about $ 300 a vial for the average American , with most diabetic patients requiring two or three vials a month , and there 's no data to suggest that the cost of any prescription drugs has consistently gone down and remained down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a particularly low moment , Trump leveled attacks at Biden 's son Hunter as the former vice president spoke of his late-son Beau 's military service .
`` The way you talk about the military , the way you talk about them being 'losers ' and 'suckers , ' '' Biden said .
`` My son was in Iraq .
He spent a year there .
He spent a year there .
He got the Bronze Star .
He got the Conspicuous Service Medal .
He was not a loser .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind there were heroes . ''
Trump interrupted .
`` Really ?
Are you talking about Hunter ? ''
Trump also falsely asserted that Hunter Biden was dishonorably discharged for cocaine use .
As Politico noted , this is a lie , one Biden corrected immediately .
`` My son ... like a lot people , like a lot of people you know at home , had a drug problem , '' he said .
`` He 's overtaken it , he 's fixed it , he 's worked on it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud of him .
I 'm proud of my son . ''
In an unnerving moment for the whole country , Wallace asked Trump to denounce white supremacist and white nationalist groups .
Trump , not unpredictably , refrained .
`` I 'm willing to do anything .
I want to see peace , '' he said .
`` What do you want to call them ?
Give me a name . ''
`` Proud Boys , stand back and stand by , '' Trump responded .
`` But I 'll tell you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , somebody 's got to do something about antifa and the left because this is not a right-wing problem . ''
The Proud Boys , deemed a violent `` hard-core white supremacist '' group by the Anti-Defamation League , took Trump 's words as a call to action .
After Trump 's comments , the group replied from its official Telegram social media account : `` Standing down and standing by sir . ''
During the course of the night , Biden suggested that 100 million Americans with preexisting conditions could be out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was repealed .
`` There [ are ] a hundred million people that have preexisting conditions , and they 'll be taken away as well , those preexisting condition — those insurance companies are going to love this .
That 's not appropriate to do this before this election , '' Biden said .
But Biden 's numbers are mostly on point .
A 2017 study released by the Department of Health and Human Services found that , while exact totals are difficult to calculate , between 61 million and 133 million Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on his assertions of widespread mail-in voter fraud `` Take a look at West Virginia — mailmen selling the ballots , '' he said .
`` They 're being sold .
They 're being dumped in rivers .
This is a horrible thing for our country . ''
According to the Justice Department , in April , a lone West Virginia mail carrier pleaded guilty to attempted election fraud after he altered eight absentee ballots and ballot request forms .
Interestingly , the party affiliations on five of the ballot request forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` Republican . ''
But nobody was selling any votes , and Trump 's other claims of Pennsylvania mail-in voter fraud have been debunked as human error as well .
Trump undermined the election and urged supporters to commit voter intimidation Trump repeatedly insisted that the results of the election would be fraudulent and unjust , appealing to his already paranoid voter base .
He urged his followers to `` go into the polls and watch very carefully '' — despite poll watching being illegal in many states if watchers are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complained about poll watchers in Philadelphia being asked to leave in a recent incident .
While Philadelphia officials have conceded that Trump supporters were barred from watching at some election offices Tuesday where ballots can be dropped off , they were barred because they were n't certified to be there and were attempting to illegally watch polls in a county in which they were n't registered to vote .
Trump blew off a question by moderator by Chris Wallace on Tuesday for one reason : He did n't want to answer it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times report stating that Trump had only paid $ 750 in income tax in 2016 and 2017 was true .
`` I paid millions of dollars in taxes , millions of dollars of income tax , '' Trump claimed .
Trump appeared to once again allude to the questionable claim that he ca n't release them due to an ongoing IRS audit .
Wallace never really did get his answer .
Trump refuses to commit to a peaceful transfer of power Alarmingly , when Wallace asked Trump on Tuesday night if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power if he lost the election in November , Trump did not exactly say yes .
Wallace queried whether Trump would `` pledge tonight that [ he would would ] not declare victory until the election has been independently certified . ''
Trump responded , `` If I see tens of thousands of ballots being manipulated , I ca n't go along with it . ''
Again , claims of widespread mail-in ballot fraud have been repeatedly debunked , despite what Trump suggested .
Trump openly admits to his plan to steal the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate neared its end , Trump seemed to openly admit that he was depending on the the Supreme Court to help him win in a contested election .
It certainly explained his hurry to push through Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett .
Just last week , Trump mused , `` I think this will end up in the Supreme Court , and I think it ’ s very important that we have nine justices . ''
on Tuesday night , he seemed to reiterate his assertion , saying that he would ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots '' if he lost .
`` Did Trump just say that the Supreme Court would look at all the ballots cast in the [ election ] ? ''
Sen. Amy Klobuchar , a former Democratic presidential candidate , tweeted Tuesday night .
`` Trump is literally discrediting our election system in front of the American people .
This is what dictators do .
He knows no limits .
He knows he can ’ t win if everyone votes .
Vote . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

One thing on which critics on both sides of the aisle agree: The first presidential debate Tuesday night was bedlam.
Right out of the gate, Donald Trump was steamrolling over his opponent Joe Biden and moderator Chris Wallace in a no-holds-barred effort to speak whatever crossed his mind, as soon as it crossed his mind.
Lucid debate was off the table as Biden attempted to get a word in edgewise and Wallace attempted to moderate proceedings and quell rising tempers all at once.
Even amid an evening of mass chaos, a few moments stood out as particularly shocking.
Wallace chews out Trump for interrupting
Overtaxed and frustrated with the White House occupant’s constant interrupting, Wallace was eventually was forced to shout over the two men in a last-ditch effort to get Trump’s attention.
“I think the country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions,” Wallace said, turning to Trump. “I’m appealing to you, sir, to do that.”
“Well, and him, too,” Trump said, interrupting him.
“Well, frankly you’ve been doing more interrupting,” Wallace said.
Biden tells Trump to “shut up, man”
Wallace wasn’t the only one growing frustrated with the constant interruptions. When the moderator turned the line of questioning to Biden’s thoughts on ending the filibuster or packing the Supreme Court, Trump repeatedly interrupted the former vice president until finally Biden snapped.
“Are you going to pack the court? Are you going to pack the court?” Trump demanded, as Biden attempted to answer the question.
Biden eventually fired back, “Will you shut up, man?”
The remark quickly sparked a trend on social media.
By the end of the evening, the Biden campaign was selling, “Will you shut up, man?” merchandise in homage to the comment. (As of Wednesday afternoon, it appeared to have sold out or been removed from the campaign website.)
Trump claims to have built the “greatest economy in the history of our country”
During Tuesday’s debate, Trump claimed he had built “the greatest economy in the history of our country” since taking office.
While it’s not the first time Trump has made such a wild claim, it may be the most egregious.
Even last month, as 10 million Americans were out of work due to his botched pandemic response, Trump was tweeting: “My Administration and I built the greatest economy in history, of any country, turned it off, saved millions of lives, and now am building an even greater economy than it was before.”
But in December 2017, Trump promised to grow the economy to “4, 5 and even 6%” — and never delivered.
In fact, since Trump took office, not a single quarter has seen even a 4% growth rate, and a contraction of more than 31% occurred between early April and late June.
During his time in office, President Barack Obama’s administration saw multiple quarters demonstrating over 5% growth. Historically, Harry Truman’s administration brought growth of 16.7%, 12.8%, 16.4% and 7.9% in 1950 — also contradicting Trump’s baseless claims.
Trump claims he’s lowered drug prices and that insulin is “cheap … like water”
One perplexing moment came when Trump bragged about lowering drug prices to the point where insulin was as “cheap” as “water.”
Though Trump has potentially cut insulin costs for a small group of senior citizens with the “favored nations measure,” insulin still costs about $300 a vial for the average American, with most diabetic patients requiring two or three vials a month, and there’s no data to suggest that the cost of any prescription drugs has consistently gone down and remained down during Trump’s time in office.
Trump firing potshots at Hunter Biden as Biden discusses war hero son Beau
In a particularly low moment, Trump leveled attacks at Biden’s son Hunter as the former vice president spoke of his late-son Beau’s military service.
“The way you talk about the military, the way you talk about them being ‘losers’ and ‘suckers,'” Biden said. “My son was in Iraq. He spent a year there. He spent a year there. He got the Bronze Star. He got the Conspicuous Service Medal. He was not a loser. He was a patriot and the people left behind there were heroes.”
Trump interrupted. “Really? Are you talking about Hunter?”
“I’m talking about my son, Beau Biden,” Biden countered.
“I don’t know Beau. I know Hunter,” Trump shot back.
Trump also falsely asserted that Hunter Biden was dishonorably discharged for cocaine use. As Politico noted, this is a lie, one Biden corrected immediately.
“My son … like a lot people, like a lot of people you know at home, had a drug problem,” he said. “He’s overtaken it, he’s fixed it, he’s worked on it.”
He added, “And I’m proud of him. I’m proud of my son.”
Trump openly incites white supremacist groups to violence
In an unnerving moment for the whole country, Wallace asked Trump to denounce white supremacist and white nationalist groups. Trump, not unpredictably, refrained.
“I’m willing to do anything. I want to see peace,” he said. “What do you want to call them? Give me a name.”
Wallace mentioned “white supremacists and white militia,” while Biden added, “Proud Boys.”


shareblue--2020-09-30--Debate commission has to make new rules after Trump refused to 'shut up, man'

The Commission on Presidential Debates on Wednesday announced it is looking into either changing the rules or the structure of the next debate , after Donald Trump repeatedly interrupted , yelled , and lied in his first match-up with Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
`` Last night 's debate made clear additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues , '' the commission said in a statement , adding that it is `` considering the changes '' and will `` announce those measures shortly . ''
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate were so bad that moderator Chris Wallace reprimanded Trump halfway into the event .
Wallace — who lost control of the debate at multiple points — told Trump , `` The country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions . ''
`` I 'm appealing to you , sir , to do that , '' Wallace said , adding that he was directing his comments at Trump because Trump had been `` doing more interrupting . ''
Biden was also visibly frustrated with Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut up , man '' and sarcastically saying Trump should `` keep yapping '' — culminating in Biden calling Trump a `` clown . ''
It 's unclear what the additional `` tools '' the commission — which was established in 1987 to make sure debates `` are a permanent part of the electoral process '' — will use to make the next debates better .
Two debates remain , including a town hall-style debate on Oct. 15 , where voters get to pose questions to the nominees .
The first debate was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing voters were annoyed by it and deemed Biden the winner .
Trump can not afford to have more bad debates .
He is currently behind in the polls , and time is running short for him to change that trajectory — as nearly 2 million people have already cast their ballots across the country , according to data from election expert Michael McDonald .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

The Commission on Presidential Debates on Wednesday announced it is looking into either changing the rules or the structure of the next debate, after Donald Trump repeatedly interrupted, yelled, and lied in his first match-up with Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
“Last night’s debate made clear additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues,” the commission said in a statement, adding that it is “considering the changes” and will “announce those measures shortly.”
Trump’s interruptions at Tuesday night’s first debate were so bad that moderator Chris Wallace reprimanded Trump halfway into the event.
Wallace — who lost control of the debate at multiple points — told Trump, “The country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions.”
“I’m appealing to you, sir, to do that,” Wallace said, adding that he was directing his comments at Trump because Trump had been “doing more interrupting.”
Biden was also visibly frustrated with Trump’s incessant interrupting, telling Trump to “shut up, man” and sarcastically saying Trump should “keep yapping” — culminating in Biden calling Trump a “clown.”
It’s unclear what the additional “tools” the commission — which was established in 1987 to make sure debates “are a permanent part of the electoral process” — will use to make the next debates better.
Two debates remain, including a town hall-style debate on Oct. 15, where voters get to pose questions to the nominees.
The first debate was a disaster for Trump, with polls showing voters were annoyed by it and deemed Biden the winner.
Trump cannot afford to have more bad debates. He is currently behind in the polls, and time is running short for him to change that trajectory — as nearly 2 million people have already cast their ballots across the country, according to data from election expert Michael McDonald.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Biden to white supremacists: 'Cease and desist'

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Wednesday called on the Proud Boys and other white supremacist groups to `` cease and desist '' their activities .
`` My message to the Proud Boys and every other white supremacist group is : Cease and desist .
That 's not who we are , this is not who we are as Americans , '' Biden said in a press conference .
The remarks came after Donald Trump told the Proud Boys to `` stand back and stand by '' during the first presidential debate .
The group has been described as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League and has been classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center .
Members of the group immediately responded .
According to NBC News , the group immediately posted to its official Telegram social media account , writing , `` Standing down and standing by sir . ''
REPORTER : What are your fears about the implications of the president 's rhetoric ?
And do you have a message for the Proud Boys today ?
JOE BIDEN : Cease and desist .
Cease and desist .
The American people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States will be .
Period .
So , I 'm urging the American people , go out and vote .
Show up .
If you can vote early , vote early .
Vote whatever way is most convenient for you , but vote .
If you do n't show up in large enough numbers , nothing , nothing is going to change .
I promise you , if in fact we win this election , this president will step down .
A lot of bravado , he has no alternative .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no agency would stand for that happening .
My message to the Proud Boys and every other white supremacist group is : Cease and desist .
That 's not who we are , this is not who we are as Americans .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Wednesday called on the Proud Boys and other white supremacist groups to “cease and desist” their activities.
“My message to the Proud Boys and every other white supremacist group is: Cease and desist. That’s not who we are, this is not who we are as Americans,” Biden said in a press conference.
The remarks came after Donald Trump told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” during the first presidential debate. The group has been described as “hard-core white supremacists” by the Anti-Defamation League and has been classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Members of the group immediately responded. According to NBC News, the group immediately posted to its official Telegram social media account, writing, “Standing down and standing by sir.”
From a Sept. 30 press conference:
REPORTER: What are your fears about the implications of the president’s rhetoric? And do you have a message for the Proud Boys today? JOE BIDEN: Cease and desist. Cease and desist. The American people will decide who the next president of the United States will be. Period. So, I’m urging the American people, go out and vote. Show up. If you can vote early, vote early. Vote whatever way is most convenient for you, but vote. If you don’t show up in large enough numbers, nothing, nothing is going to change. I promise you, if in fact we win this election, this president will step down. A lot of bravado, he has no alternative. The American people would not stand for it, no agency would stand for that happening. My message to the Proud Boys and every other white supremacist group is: Cease and desist. That’s not who we are, this is not who we are as Americans.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-30--Watch Biden say the exact words Trump claims he 'refused' to say

Donald Trump and his surrogates in the Republican Party are lying about former Vice President Joe Biden in an apparent effort to gloss over Trump 's poor debate performance Tuesday night .
In a segment about the protests against police brutality going on across the country , the Democratic presidential nominee condemned acts of violence — including those which have been carried out by Trump supporters — and sympathized with protesters ' calls for racial justice .
Trump then challenged Biden to say he believes in `` law and order . ''
`` Yes I 'm in favor of law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice , where people get treated fairly , '' Biden responded .
On Wednesday morning , Trump tweeted , `` Biden REFUSED to use the term , LAW & ORDER !
There go the Suburbs . ''
Trump is essentially telling American voters not to believe their eyes and ears about what Biden said Tuesday night .
This line was parroted by Trump 's Republican allies .
Tommy Hicks , the co-chair of the Republican National Committee , also falsely tweeted that Biden `` refused to say law and order . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes as Trump is facing criticism from all flanks about his terrible debate performance , in which he constantly interrupted , lied , told white supremacist supporters to `` stand by '' , and refused to say he 'd accept the results of the election if he lost .
Even Fox News — which serves as the Trump campaign 's de facto propaganda arm — criticized Trump 's debate performance .
Polls show voters were turned off by Trump 's display at the debate .
A CNN instant poll found 60 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won , while just 28 % believed Trump won .
A CBS News poll found 38 % of respondents thought better of Biden after watching the debate , compared to 24 % who thought better of Trump after the debate .
That 's bad news for Trump , who desperately needs to change the trajectory of the race , as he is currently losing in national polling as well as swing-state surveys .
As more voters cast their ballots across the country , the Trump campaign is running out of time to turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump and his surrogates in the Republican Party are lying about former Vice President Joe Biden in an apparent effort to gloss over Trump’s poor debate performance Tuesday night.
In a segment about the protests against police brutality going on across the country, the Democratic presidential nominee condemned acts of violence — including those which have been carried out by Trump supporters — and sympathized with protesters’ calls for racial justice.
Trump then challenged Biden to say he believes in “law and order.”
“Yes I’m in favor of law and order — law and order with justice, where people get treated fairly,” Biden responded.
On Wednesday morning, Trump tweeted, “Biden REFUSED to use the term, LAW & ORDER! There go the Suburbs.”
Trump is essentially telling American voters not to believe their eyes and ears about what Biden said Tuesday night. This line was parroted by Trump’s Republican allies. Tommy Hicks, the co-chair of the Republican National Committee, also falsely tweeted that Biden “refused to say law and order.”
The attempt to mischaracterize Biden’s debate comments comes as Trump is facing criticism from all flanks about his terrible debate performance, in which he constantly interrupted, lied, told white supremacist supporters to “stand by”, and refused to say he’d accept the results of the election if he lost.
Even Fox News — which serves as the Trump campaign’s de facto propaganda arm — criticized Trump’s debate performance.
Polls show voters were turned off by Trump’s display at the debate.
A CNN instant poll found 60% of people who watched the debate believed Biden won, while just 28% believed Trump won. A CBS News poll found 38% of respondents thought better of Biden after watching the debate, compared to 24% who thought better of Trump after the debate.
That’s bad news for Trump, who desperately needs to change the trajectory of the race, as he is currently losing in national polling as well as swing-state surveys. As more voters cast their ballots across the country, the Trump campaign is running out of time to turn things around.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.