cnbc--2020-08-18--Former Trump staffer who joined Google is now on leave to support Biden

Miles Taylor , President Donald Trump 's former homeland security chief of staff and current Google staffer who became a controversial figure within the company for his work on Trump 's child separation policies , is taking a leave from Google until after the presidential election .
Taylor appeared in an anti-Trump ad Monday and backed Joe Biden for president , drawing the president 's ire on Twitter on Tuesday morning .
Taylor will use his time off to engage in more political activity , according to a source familiar with the situation .
He 'll then continue a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Google .
`` What we saw — week in and week out , after 2½ years in that administration — was terrifying , '' Taylor said in the video released Monday .
`` The president wanted to exploit the Department of Homeland Security for his own political purposed and to fuel his own agenda . ''
Last fall , Google hired Taylor , who served as chief of staff for Kirstjen Nielsen , the former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security , and with now-acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf .
Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and national security issues , but it caused a stir among lawmakers and employees , some of whom had actively protested their company 's relationship with the government and its policies .
In July , the company and Taylor agreed on transitioning him off of a general national security role and into a position that focuses on security policy for things like artificial intelligence , the source told CNBC .
Last week , they agreed he 'd take a leave of absence so that he could pursue personal political activity ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave of absence is effective until Nov. 4 , the day after Election Day .
Since Taylor joined the company , employees have expressed concern about him at all-hands meetings , where executives defended his hiring and downplayed his involvement in DHS policies .
That came a few months after more than 1,000 Google employees signed a petition demanding that Google abandon bids or potential bids with U.S. Customs and Border Protection contract .
A couple of months later , Democratic congressional leaders scolded Google CEO Sundar Pichai for hiring Taylor , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ban travel to the U.S. from Muslim countries and DHS ' family separation policies .
In an op-ed in The Washington Post published Monday , Taylor tried to distance himself from the Trump administration 's decision to separate immigrant families entering the country , despite the fact he worked closely on the policy , as BuzzFeed news previously reported .
On Tuesday , Trump attacked Taylor on Twitter , claiming he did not know his former staffer .
Pictures of the two men together quickly surfaced on Twitter in response .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he changed roles to U.S. lead for advanced technology and security strategy , where he 'll focus on driving Google 's agenda related to AI , quantum computing , cybersecurity and emerging digital threats , according to the source .
Previously , his role was overseeing Google 's national security policy efforts , including Google work related to the defense , law enforcement and security .
Taylor 's transition comes ahead of a tumultuous U.S. election , where Trump is seeking a second term against presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Tech companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line of fire as both sides — particularly the Trump administration — launch public attacks against them in recent weeks ranging from allegations of bias to antitrust violations .
Among Taylor 's claims Monday were that Trump withheld funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Californians dealing with the fallout from wildfires because the state did n't support him and because it was n't a base for him `` politically . ''
He also claimed Trump wanted to push the boundaries on border policies for the purpose of scaring off potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to tell us it was illegal anymore because he knew — and these are his words — he had 'magical authority , ' '' he is seen saying in the video .
`` Even though I 'm not a Democrat and disagree on key issues , I 'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I 'm confident he wo n't make the same mistakes as this president , '' Taylor 's video concluded .

Last fall, Google hired Taylor, who served as chief of staff for Kirstjen Nielsen, the former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and with now-acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf. Taylor joined Google to work on government affairs and national security issues, but it caused a stir among lawmakers and employees, some of whom had actively protested their company's relationship with the government and its policies.
"What we saw — week in and week out, after 2½ years in that administration — was terrifying," Taylor said in the video released Monday. "The president wanted to exploit the Department of Homeland Security for his own political purposed and to fuel his own agenda."
Taylor appeared in an anti-Trump ad Monday and backed Joe Biden for president, drawing the president's ire on Twitter on Tuesday morning. Taylor will use his time off to engage in more political activity, according to a source familiar with the situation. He'll then continue a new role he recently took after he returns to Google.
Miles Taylor, President Donald Trump's former homeland security chief of staff and current Google staffer who became a controversial figure within the company for his work on Trump's child separation policies, is taking a leave from Google until after the presidential election.
In July, the company and Taylor agreed on transitioning him off of a general national security role and into a position that focuses on security policy for things like artificial intelligence, the source told CNBC. Last week, they agreed he'd take a leave of absence so that he could pursue personal political activity ahead of the election, the source said. His leave of absence is effective until Nov. 4, the day after Election Day.
Google declined to comment.
Since Taylor joined the company, employees have expressed concern about him at all-hands meetings, where executives defended his hiring and downplayed his involvement in DHS policies. That came a few months after more than 1,000 Google employees signed a petition demanding that Google abandon bids or potential bids with U.S. Customs and Border Protection contract. A couple of months later, Democratic congressional leaders scolded Google CEO Sundar Pichai for hiring Taylor, whose team had supported Trump's executive order to ban travel to the U.S. from Muslim countries and DHS' family separation policies.
In an op-ed in The Washington Post published Monday, Taylor tried to distance himself from the Trump administration's decision to separate immigrant families entering the country, despite the fact he worked closely on the policy, as BuzzFeed news previously reported.
On Tuesday, Trump attacked Taylor on Twitter, claiming he did not know his former staffer. Pictures of the two men together quickly surfaced on Twitter in response.
Just before Taylor took leave last week, he changed roles to U.S. lead for advanced technology and security strategy, where he'll focus on driving Google's agenda related to AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity and emerging digital threats, according to the source. Previously, his role was overseeing Google's national security policy efforts, including Google work related to the defense, law enforcement and security.
Taylor's transition comes ahead of a tumultuous U.S. election, where Trump is seeking a second term against presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Tech companies and their staffers have found themselves in the line of fire as both sides — particularly the Trump administration — launch public attacks against them in recent weeks ranging from allegations of bias to antitrust violations.
Among Taylor's claims Monday were that Trump withheld funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Californians dealing with the fallout from wildfires because the state didn't support him and because it wasn't a base for him "politically." He also claimed Trump wanted to push the boundaries on border policies for the purpose of scaring off potential violators. "He didn't want us to tell us it was illegal anymore because he knew — and these are his words — he had 'magical authority,'" he is seen saying in the video.
"Even though I'm not a Democrat and disagree on key issues, I'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I'm confident he won't make the same mistakes as this president," Taylor's video concluded.


cnbc--2020-08-18--Treasury Secretary Mnuchin says Democrats are unwilling to strike a 'reasonable' relief deal

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday criticized top Democrats for what he categorized as stubborn tactics and a refusal to discuss any `` reasonable deal '' to provide relief to American consumers and businesses afflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic .
Wall Street had hoped that Mnuchin would support reports published Monday evening that Senate Republicans are planning to introduce a `` skinny , '' $ 1 trillion coronavirus relief bill in an effort to ease the stalemate .
But the Treasury secretary failed to offer much in the way of optimism on talks with Democrats .
`` The good news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi and Schumer are n't willing to sit down and strike a reasonable deal , the president moved forward with the [ executive order ] to help people who are still unemployed , '' Mnuchin said on `` Squawk on the Street . ''
He and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows have led Republican efforts to draft the next coronavirus relief bill .
But discussions with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , have been at a standstill for weeks .
Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief package , contend that White House negotiators fail to appreciate the severity of the economic downturn and the ongoing struggle of the millions of Americans who 've lost their jobs as a result of the virus .
Republicans , citing recent improvements in economic data , counter that a smaller relief bill is both more appropriate and fiscally responsible .

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday criticized top Democrats for what he categorized as stubborn tactics and a refusal to discuss any "reasonable deal" to provide relief to American consumers and businesses afflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wall Street had hoped that Mnuchin would support reports published Monday evening that Senate Republicans are planning to introduce a "skinny," $1 trillion coronavirus relief bill in an effort to ease the stalemate.
But the Treasury secretary failed to offer much in the way of optimism on talks with Democrats.
"The good news is despite Congress not acting, because Pelosi and Schumer aren't willing to sit down and strike a reasonable deal, the president moved forward with the [executive order] to help people who are still unemployed," Mnuchin said on "Squawk on the Street."
He and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows have led Republican efforts to draft the next coronavirus relief bill. But discussions with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have been at a standstill for weeks.
Democrats, who favor a $3 trillion relief package, contend that White House negotiators fail to appreciate the severity of the economic downturn and the ongoing struggle of the millions of Americans who've lost their jobs as a result of the virus.
Republicans, citing recent improvements in economic data, counter that a smaller relief bill is both more appropriate and fiscally responsible.


cnbc--2020-08-18--Bipartisan Senate report describes 2016 Trump campaign eager to accept help from foreign power

President Donald Trump sits with his arms crossed during a roundtable discussion on the Safe Reopening of Americas Schools during the coronavirus pandemic , in the East Room of the White House on July 7 , 2020 , in Washington , DC .
WASHINGTON — In a thousand-page bipartisan report released Tuesday , the Senate Intelligence Committee says the Trump administration obstructed its investigation with `` novel claims '' of executive privilege and paints a portrait of a Trump campaign eager to accept help from a foreign power in 2016 .
The Senate report , the most detailed account to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian election interference , also asserts that the allegations that Ukraine interfered in the election — which President Donald Trump perpetuated — originated with Russian intelligence agencies .
The report highlights some never-before-seen evidence about Trump and Russia , including three allegations of potentially compromising material relating to Trump 's private trips to Russia that were unconnected to the dossier compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele .
`` Separate from Steele 's memos , which the Committee did not use for support , the Committee became aware of three general sets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report says , two of which described a tape .
No such allegations were confirmed , but the finding lends new credence to at least one claim in the widely discredited Steele dossier .
The committee endorsed the view of special counsel Robert Mueller and the Roger Stone prosecution team that the Trump campaign eagerly embraced Russian help in 2016 , and considered the hacked emails its `` October surprise '' even though campaign officials knew the material was stolen by Russian intelligence .
`` While the GRU and WikiLeaks were releasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maximize the impact of those materials to aid Trump 's electoral prospects , '' the report says .
`` To do so , the Trump campaign took actions to obtain advance notice about WikiLeaks releases of Clinton emails ; took steps to obtain inside information about the content of releases once WikiLeaks began to publish stolen information ; created messaging strategies to promote and share the materials in anticipation of and following their release ; and encouraged further theft of information and continued leaks . ''
The committee says it also developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have been connected to the Russian operation to steal and leak Democratic emails .
If that had been proven in court , it would have constituted `` collusion , '' by any definition , but no such charge ever was brought .
Manafort was comnvicted of fraud and tax charges unrelated to Russia , The committee found that the Trump transition exposed itself to Russian influence .
`` Russia and other countries took advantage of the Transition Team 's inexperience , transparent opposition to Obama Administration policies , and Trump 's desire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursue unofficial channels through which Russia could conduct diplomacy , '' the report says .
`` The lack of vetting of foreign interactions by Transition officials left the Transition open to influence and manipulation by foreign intelligence services , government leaders , and co-opted business executives . ''
It adds , `` Russian officials , intelligence services , and others acting on the Kremlin 's behalf were capable of exploiting the Transition 's shortcomings for Russia 's advantage .
Based on available information it is possible — and even likely — that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report says that Russian-government actors from late 2016 until at least January 2020 consistently spread `` overlapping false narratives which sought to discredit investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 elections and spread false information about the events of 2016 . ''
The report says that Manafort associate Konstatin Kilimnik , who had ties to Russian intelligence , `` almost certainly helped arrange some of the first public messaging that Ukraine had interfered in the U.S .
election . ''
In 2017 , the report says , `` other Russian-government proxies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ukraine interfered in the U.S .
election . ''
The committee `` identified no reliable evidence that the Ukrainian government interfered in the 2016 U.S .
election . ''
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

President Donald Trump sits with his arms crossed during a roundtable discussion on the Safe Reopening of Americas Schools during the coronavirus pandemic, in the East Room of the White House on July 7, 2020, in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON — In a thousand-page bipartisan report released Tuesday, the Senate Intelligence Committee says the Trump administration obstructed its investigation with "novel claims" of executive privilege and paints a portrait of a Trump campaign eager to accept help from a foreign power in 2016.
The Senate report, the most detailed account to date of the Trump campaign's embrace of Russian election interference, also asserts that the allegations that Ukraine interfered in the election — which President Donald Trump perpetuated — originated with Russian intelligence agencies.
The report highlights some never-before-seen evidence about Trump and Russia, including three allegations of potentially compromising material relating to Trump's private trips to Russia that were unconnected to the dossier compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele.
"Separate from Steele's memos, which the Committee did not use for support, the Committee became aware of three general sets of allegations," involving women, the report says, two of which described a tape. No such allegations were confirmed, but the finding lends new credence to at least one claim in the widely discredited Steele dossier.
The committee endorsed the view of special counsel Robert Mueller and the Roger Stone prosecution team that the Trump campaign eagerly embraced Russian help in 2016, and considered the hacked emails its "October surprise" even though campaign officials knew the material was stolen by Russian intelligence.
"While the GRU and WikiLeaks were releasing hacked documents, the Trump Campaign sought to maximize the impact of those materials to aid Trump's electoral prospects," the report says. "To do so, the Trump campaign took actions to obtain advance notice about WikiLeaks releases of Clinton emails; took steps to obtain inside information about the content of releases once WikiLeaks began to publish stolen information; created messaging strategies to promote and share the materials in anticipation of and following their release; and encouraged further theft of information and continued leaks."
The committee says it also developed evidence that Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort may have been connected to the Russian operation to steal and leak Democratic emails. If that had been proven in court, it would have constituted "collusion," by any definition, but no such charge ever was brought. Manafort was convicted of fraud and tax charges unrelated to Russia.
The committee found that the Trump transition exposed itself to Russian influence.
"Russia and other countries took advantage of the Transition Team's inexperience, transparent opposition to Obama Administration policies, and Trump's desire to deepen ties with Russia, to pursue unofficial channels through which Russia could conduct diplomacy," the report says. "The lack of vetting of foreign interactions by Transition officials left the Transition open to influence and manipulation by foreign intelligence services, government leaders, and co-opted business executives."
It adds, "Russian officials, intelligence services, and others acting on the Kremlin's behalf were capable of exploiting the Transition's shortcomings for Russia's advantage. Based on available information it is possible — and even likely — that they did so."
On Ukraine, the report says that Russian-government actors from late 2016 until at least January 2020 consistently spread "overlapping false narratives which sought to discredit investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 elections and spread false information about the events of 2016."
The report says that Manafort associate Konstatin Kilimnik, who had ties to Russian intelligence, "almost certainly helped arrange some of the first public messaging that Ukraine had interfered in the U.S. election."
In 2017, the report says, "other Russian-government proxies and personas worked to spread the false narrative that Ukraine interfered in the U.S. election."
The committee "identified no reliable evidence that the Ukrainian government interfered in the 2016 U.S. election."
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


cnbc--2020-08-18--USPS chief Louis DeJoy will testify Friday in Senate as his overhaul of the post office comes under

USPS chief Louis DeJoy will testify Friday in Senate as his overhaul of the post office comes under scrutiny

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy ( 2nd R ) arrives for a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-CA , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-NY , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows at the US Capitol in Washington , DC on August 5 , 2020 .
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will testify Friday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as lawmakers speak out against his overhaul of the U.S .
Postal Service .
The hearing , which is scheduled for 9 a.m .
ET before the Republican-led panel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answering questions from Congress about the post office , which has come under intense scrutiny in the runup to the 2020 presidential election .
`` I am pleased to have secured an oversight hearing on Friday with Postmaster General DeJoy in order to address urgent questions on the Postal Service delays that are causing massive disruptions across the country , '' Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan , the ranking Democrat on the committee , said in a statement Tuesday .
`` As Ranking Member on the only Senate Committee with oversight of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for answers on Mr. DeJoy 's recent directives and their impacts on all Americans , who rely on the Postal Service for prescriptions , running their small businesses , voting and other crucial purposes . ''
DeJoy 's cost-cutting measures at the ailing government agency reportedly include crackdowns on making late delivery trips and cuts to overtime pay and have led to claims of widespread mail delays .
Democrats have raised concerns that the changes made by DeJoy , a major donor to Republicans and committees supporting President Donald Trump 's reelection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic is expected to lead more Americans than ever before to cast their ballots by mail .
DeJoy has also come under fire for his business investments , which some Democrats say could pose conflicts of interest .
CNN reported last week that DeJoy continues to hold at least $ 30 million in holdings in his former company XPO Logistics , which is a United States Postal Service contractor .
The New York Times , citing financial disclosure forms , reported on Monday that Dejoy received $ 1.2 million to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ XPO Logisitics .
DeJoy was selected in May by the USPS Board of Governors , all of whom were appointed by Trump .
DeJoy is reportedly the first postmaster general in nearly two decades who has not been a career employee of the agency .
Trump has repeatedly railed against so-called universal mail-in voting , claiming without evidence that it will lead to massive fraud and a `` rigged '' election .
He has drawn a distinction between absentee voting — a system he has reportedly utilized as president — and the efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all eligible voters .
At the White House on Tuesday , Trump claimed again that widespread mail-in voting will lead to `` a disaster the likes of which our country has never seen . ''
`` It 'll end up being a rigged election or they will never come out with an outcome .
They 'll have to do it again , '' Trump said .
`` And nobody wants that , and I do n't want that . ''
Polls show Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent Change Research/CNBC poll of likely voters in battleground states .
A spokesman for Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin , the Republican chairman of the Homeland Security Committee , did not immediately respond to CNBC 's request for comment .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , cheered the announcement of the hearing .
`` I am pleased that immense pressure from Senate Democrats and the American people have forced Senate Republicans to confront Postmaster General DeJoy 's ongoing sabotage of the Postal Service that threatens the integrity of our elections and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
Schumer on Monday had pushed Johnson to schedule a hearing with DeJoy after the House Oversight Committee , led by Rep. Carolyn Maloney , D-N.Y. , announced that the postmaster general would testify before her panel next week .
Robert Duncan , chairman of the USPS board , which selected DeJoy in May , will also testify before the House committee .
Peters was one of seven senators who sent a letter Monday urging the Postal Service 's Board of Governors to reverse DeJoy 's changes to the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuses to cooperate with their proposed reversal , the board has the authority to remove him .

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy (2nd R) arrives for a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on August 5, 2020.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will testify Friday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as lawmakers speak out against his overhaul of the U.S. Postal Service.
The hearing, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET before the Republican-led panel, will mark DeJoy's first time directly answering questions from Congress about the post office, which has come under intense scrutiny in the runup to the 2020 presidential election.
"I am pleased to have secured an oversight hearing on Friday with Postmaster General DeJoy in order to address urgent questions on the Postal Service delays that are causing massive disruptions across the country," Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said in a statement Tuesday.
"As Ranking Member on the only Senate Committee with oversight of the Postal Service, I will continue pressing for answers on Mr. DeJoy's recent directives and their impacts on all Americans, who rely on the Postal Service for prescriptions, running their small businesses, voting and other crucial purposes."
DeJoy's cost-cutting measures at the ailing government agency reportedly include crackdowns on making late delivery trips and cuts to overtime pay and have led to claims of widespread mail delays.
Democrats have raised concerns that the changes made by DeJoy, a major donor to Republicans and committees supporting President Donald Trump's reelection, could impact the November election, where the coronavirus pandemic is expected to lead more Americans than ever before to cast their ballots by mail.
DeJoy has also come under fire for his business investments, which some Democrats say could pose conflicts of interest.
CNN reported last week that DeJoy continues to hold at least $30 million in holdings in his former company XPO Logistics, which is a United States Postal Service contractor. The New York Times, citing financial disclosure forms, reported on Monday that Dejoy received $1.2 million to $7 million in income last year from XPO Logisitics.
DeJoy was selected in May by the USPS Board of Governors, all of whom were appointed by Trump. DeJoy is reportedly the first postmaster general in nearly two decades who has not been a career employee of the agency.
Trump has repeatedly railed against so-called universal mail-in voting, claiming without evidence that it will lead to massive fraud and a "rigged" election. He has drawn a distinction between absentee voting — a system he has reportedly utilized as president — and the efforts by some governors to send out ballots to all eligible voters.
At the White House on Tuesday, Trump claimed again that widespread mail-in voting will lead to "a disaster the likes of which our country has never seen."
"It'll end up being a rigged election or they will never come out with an outcome. They'll have to do it again," Trump said. "And nobody wants that, and I don't want that."
Polls show Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to vote for president by mail, according to a recent Change Research/CNBC poll of likely voters in battleground states.
A spokesman for Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, the Republican chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., cheered the announcement of the hearing. "I am pleased that immense pressure from Senate Democrats and the American people have forced Senate Republicans to confront Postmaster General DeJoy's ongoing sabotage of the Postal Service that threatens the integrity of our elections and delays vital services," Schumer said in a statement.
Schumer on Monday had pushed Johnson to schedule a hearing with DeJoy after the House Oversight Committee, led by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., announced that the postmaster general would testify before her panel next week.
Robert Duncan, chairman of the USPS board, which selected DeJoy in May, will also testify before the House committee.
Peters was one of seven senators who sent a letter Monday urging the Postal Service's Board of Governors to reverse DeJoy's changes to the agency. That letter noted that if DeJoy refuses to cooperate with their proposed reversal, the board has the authority to remove him.


cnbc--2020-08-18--The top moments from Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention

Sen. Bernie Sanders and former first lady Michelle Obama headlined the first night of the all-virtual Democratic National Convention on Monday , testing out a new format for the quadrennial event made necessary by the spreading coronavirus .
Day 1 focused on unity , featuring speeches by Republicans in addition to a full-throated endorsement from Sanders , the leader of the party 's progressive wing , for onetime rival Joe Biden .
President Donald Trump was in the speakers ' crosshairs .
`` Whenever we look to this White House for some leadership or consolation or any semblance of steadiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , division , and a total and utter lack of empathy , '' the former first lady said at one point , offering an unusually blunt assessment .
The two-hour event was emceed by the actress and activist Eva Longoria .
It will continue each night through Thursday starting at 9 p.m .
ET .
The virtual gathering came less than a week after Biden announced that his running mate would be Sen. Kamala Harris of California , making the former state attorney general the first Black woman and the first Asian American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement responding to the convention , the Trump campaign said it was a `` Hollywood-produced infomercial '' and accused Biden of falling under the sway of the party 's `` radical socialist '' left .
Here are the night 's top moments .
`` If you think things can not possibly get worse , trust me , they can ; and they will if we do n't make a change in this election . ''
This was former first lady Michelle Obama 's unvarnished message for Americans in her keynote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what she said young people see around them in America today .
`` They see our leaders labeling fellow citizens enemies of the state while emboldening torch-bearing white supremacists .
They watch in horror as children are torn from their families and thrown into cages , and pepper spray and rubber bullets are used on peaceful protesters for a photo-op , '' said Obama .
And while the purpose of the Democratic convention this week is to nominate and celebrate the party 's presidential ticket , Obama only mentioned Biden halfway into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in on Biden Few Democrats can forget how awkward and prickly Sen. Bernie Sanders ' Democratic convention speech was four years ago , when he boasted about how many delegates he had won in the primary against nominee Hillary Clinton .
But there was no hint of the bitterness of 2016 on Monday night , when Sanders again endorsed a candidate who beat him in the Democratic primary .
Instead , Sanders gave Joe Biden a full-throated endorsement , sending a clear signal to progressives who might still be reluctant to vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need Joe Biden as our next president , '' Sanders said before warning that `` authoritarianism has taken root in our country , '' under Trump .
`` We must build a nation that is more equitable , more compassionate and more Inclusive .
I know that Joe Biden will begin that fight on Day 1 , '' Sanders said , before listing a half dozen examples of `` how Joe will move us forward . ''
These included Biden 's support for a $ 15 an hour minimum wage , his pledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his plan to fund universal prekindergarten .
`` To heal the soul of our nation , Joe Biden will end the hate and division Trump has created , '' Sanders said .
`` He will stop the demonization of immigrants , the coddling of white nationalists , the racist dog whistling , the religious bigotry , and the ugly attacks on women . ''
Sanders closed by appealing directly to his progressive supporters and to disaffected Democrats who might be hesitant to vote for Biden .
`` To everyone who supported other candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have voted for Donald Trump in the last election : The future of our democracy is at stake .
The future of our economy is at stake .
The future of our planet is at stake .
We must come together , defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president , '' he said .
Cuomo : 'We need a leader as good as our people' New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo delivered some of the sharpest barbs of the evening , accusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mishandling the coronavirus pandemic , which hit New York harder than perhaps anywhere else in the country .
`` Covid is the symptom , not the illness .
Our nation is in crisis , and in many ways Covid is just a metaphor , '' Cuomo said .
`` A virus attacks when the body is weak and when it can not defend itself .
Over these past few years America 's body politic has been weakened . ''
Cuomo added that Trump `` did n't create the initial division .
The division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse . ''
`` Our collective strength is exercised through government .
It is , in effect , our immune system .
And our current federal government is dysfunctional and incompetent , '' Cuomo said .
Republican Kasich says it 's time to 'take off our partisan hats' It was n't just Democrats at the Democratic National Convention .
Former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich , who sought the Republican nomination in 2016 , took a turn on the virtual dais to ask Americans to `` take off our partisan hats and put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , for our children . ''
`` I 'm sure there are Republicans and Independents who could n't imagine crossing over to support a Democrat .
They fear Joe may turn sharp left and leave them behind , '' Kasich said .
`` I do n't believe that because I know the measure of the man .
It 's reasonable , faithful , respectful , and , you know , no one pushes Joe around . ''
Not everyone was pleased with Kasich 's inclusion in the event , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ocasio-Cortez just hours beforehand .
The freshman congresswoman fired back on Twitter after Kasich was quoted saying that Ocasio-Cortez did not represent the Democratic Party .
`` It 's great that Kasich has woken up & realized the importance of supporting a Biden-Harris ticket .
I hope he gets through to GOP voters , '' Ocasio-Cortez wrote .
`` Yet also , something tells me a Republican who fights against women 's rights does n't get to say who is or is n't representative of the Dem party . ''
George Floyd 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence early in the evening , saying that his brother `` always made sacrifices for his family , friends and even complete strangers . ''
`` George had a giving spirit .
A spirit that has shown up on streets around our nation , and around the world — people of all races , all ages , all genders , all backgrounds — peacefully protesting in the name of love and unity , '' Philonise Floyd said , speaking from Houston .
George Floyd was killed in police custody in Minneapolis in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police violence around the globe .
The theme of racial justice played a key role throughout the first night of the Democratic convention .
At another point in the night , Gwen Carr , whose son Eric Garner died after being placed in a police chokehold in 2014 , called on viewers to `` go to the politicians and we have to hold their feet to the fire . ''

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Sen. Bernie Sanders and former first lady Michelle Obama headlined the first night of the all-virtual Democratic National Convention on Monday, testing out a new format for the quadrennial event made necessary by the spreading coronavirus. Day 1 focused on unity, featuring speeches by Republicans in addition to a full-throated endorsement from Sanders, the leader of the party's progressive wing, for onetime rival Joe Biden. President Donald Trump was in the speakers' crosshairs. "Whenever we look to this White House for some leadership or consolation or any semblance of steadiness, what we get instead is chaos, division, and a total and utter lack of empathy," the former first lady said at one point, offering an unusually blunt assessment. The two-hour event was emceed by the actress and activist Eva Longoria. It will continue each night through Thursday starting at 9 p.m. ET. The virtual gathering came less than a week after Biden announced that his running mate would be Sen. Kamala Harris of California, making the former state attorney general the first Black woman and the first Asian American to run on a major party ticket. In a statement responding to the convention, the Trump campaign said it was a "Hollywood-produced infomercial" and accused Biden of falling under the sway of the party's "radical socialist" left. Here are the night's top moments.
Michelle Obama delivers a stern warning
Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking during the opening night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Aug. 17th, 2020. CNBC
"If you think things cannot possibly get worse, trust me, they can; and they will if we don't make a change in this election." This was former first lady Michelle Obama's unvarnished message for Americans in her keynote speech, which offered a bleak picture of what she said young people see around them in America today. "They see our leaders labeling fellow citizens enemies of the state while emboldening torch-bearing white supremacists. They watch in horror as children are torn from their families and thrown into cages, and pepper spray and rubber bullets are used on peaceful protesters for a photo-op," said Obama. And while the purpose of the Democratic convention this week is to nominate and celebrate the party's presidential ticket, Obama only mentioned Biden halfway into her speech.
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Bernie Sanders goes all in on Biden
Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-VT, speaking during the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Aug. 17th, 2020. CNBC
Few Democrats can forget how awkward and prickly Sen. Bernie Sanders' Democratic convention speech was four years ago, when he boasted about how many delegates he had won in the primary against nominee Hillary Clinton. But there was no hint of the bitterness of 2016 on Monday night, when Sanders again endorsed a candidate who beat him in the Democratic primary. Instead, Sanders gave Joe Biden a full-throated endorsement, sending a clear signal to progressives who might still be reluctant to vote for a moderate like Biden. "We need Joe Biden as our next president," Sanders said before warning that "authoritarianism has taken root in our country," under Trump. "We must build a nation that is more equitable, more compassionate and more Inclusive. I know that Joe Biden will begin that fight on Day 1," Sanders said, before listing a half dozen examples of "how Joe will move us forward." These included Biden's support for a $15 an hour minimum wage, his pledge to reform the criminal justice system and his plan to fund universal prekindergarten. "To heal the soul of our nation, Joe Biden will end the hate and division Trump has created," Sanders said. "He will stop the demonization of immigrants, the coddling of white nationalists, the racist dog whistling, the religious bigotry, and the ugly attacks on women."
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Sanders closed by appealing directly to his progressive supporters and to disaffected Democrats who might be hesitant to vote for Biden. "To everyone who supported other candidates in the primary and to those who may have voted for Donald Trump in the last election: The future of our democracy is at stake. The future of our economy is at stake. The future of our planet is at stake. We must come together, defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president," he said.
Cuomo: 'We need a leader as good as our people'
Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaking on the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Aug. 17th, 2020. CNBC
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered some of the sharpest barbs of the evening, accusing the president of dividing the country and mishandling the coronavirus pandemic, which hit New York harder than perhaps anywhere else in the country. "Covid is the symptom, not the illness. Our nation is in crisis, and in many ways Covid is just a metaphor," Cuomo said. "A virus attacks when the body is weak and when it cannot defend itself. Over these past few years America's body politic has been weakened." Cuomo added that Trump "didn't create the initial division. The division created Trump. He only made it worse." "Our collective strength is exercised through government. It is, in effect, our immune system. And our current federal government is dysfunctional and incompetent," Cuomo said.
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Republican Kasich says it's time to 'take off our partisan hats'
Former Governor of Ohia John Kasich speaking during the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Aug. 17th, 2020. CNBC
It wasn't just Democrats at the Democratic National Convention. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who sought the Republican nomination in 2016, took a turn on the virtual dais to ask Americans to "take off our partisan hats and put our nation first for ourselves and, of course, for our children." "I'm sure there are Republicans and Independents who couldn't imagine crossing over to support a Democrat. They fear Joe may turn sharp left and leave them behind," Kasich said. "I don't believe that because I know the measure of the man. It's reasonable, faithful, respectful, and, you know, no one pushes Joe around." Not everyone was pleased with Kasich's inclusion in the event, and the former governor sparred with progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez just hours beforehand. The freshman congresswoman fired back on Twitter after Kasich was quoted saying that Ocasio-Cortez did not represent the Democratic Party. "It's great that Kasich has woken up &realized the importance of supporting a Biden-Harris ticket. I hope he gets through to GOP voters," Ocasio-Cortez wrote. "Yet also, something tells me a Republican who fights against women's rights doesn't get to say who is or isn't representative of the Dem party." AOC tweet
A moment of silence for George Floyd
In this screenshot from the DNCC’s livestream of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, The brothers of George Floyd, Rodney Floyd (L) and Philonise Floyd address the virtual convention on August 17, 2020. DNCC | Getty Images
George Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd led a moment of silence early in the evening, saying that his brother "always made sacrifices for his family, friends and even complete strangers." "George had a giving spirit. A spirit that has shown up on streets around our nation, and around the world — people of all races, all ages, all genders, all backgrounds — peacefully protesting in the name of love and unity," Philonise Floyd said, speaking from Houston. George Floyd was killed in police custody in Minneapolis in May, and his death spurred protests against police violence around the globe. The theme of racial justice played a key role throughout the first night of the Democratic convention. At another point in the night, Gwen Carr, whose son Eric Garner died after being placed in a police chokehold in 2014, called on viewers to "go to the politicians and we have to hold their feet to the fire."


cnbc--2020-08-18--Trump to pardon women's suffrage leader Susan Anthony

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will pardon Susan B. Anthony , a leader in the women 's suffrage movement , who was arrested for voting in 1872 in violation of laws permitting only men to vote .
Anthony is best known for her role in the movement to secure voting rights for women , but she also was a strong anti-slavery and voting rights pioneer .
Trump said he would sign `` a full and complete pardon later Tuesday , the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment , which ensured women the right to vote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ B. Anthony Amendment .
His action comes as his support has been eroding among suburban white women in battleground states since his last campaign , in part because of his harsh rhetoric .
In recent weeks Trump has recognized he needs to work to undo some of the damage among the pivotal constituency and has stepped up his events aimed at women .
His campaign has launched a `` women for Trump '' bus tour and the president has embraced a `` law and order '' message with renewed vigor .
Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Postal Service disruptions that Democrats say endanger the voting rights of millions of Americans who would vote by mail in November amid the pandemic .
Trump has denied asking for the mail to be delayed even as he leveled fresh criticism on mail-in voting .

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will pardon Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the women's suffrage movement, who was arrested for voting in 1872 in violation of laws permitting only men to vote.
Anthony is best known for her role in the movement to secure voting rights for women, but she also was a strong anti-slavery and voting rights pioneer.
Trump said he would sign "a full and complete pardon later Tuesday, the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which ensured women the right to vote. It's also known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.
His action comes as his support has been eroding among suburban white women in battleground states since his last campaign, in part because of his harsh rhetoric.
In recent weeks Trump has recognized he needs to work to undo some of the damage among the pivotal constituency and has stepped up his events aimed at women. His campaign has launched a "women for Trump" bus tour and the president has embraced a "law and order" message with renewed vigor.
Trump's move move also comes amid an outcry over Postal Service disruptions that Democrats say endanger the voting rights of millions of Americans who would vote by mail in November amid the pandemic. Trump has denied asking for the mail to be delayed even as he leveled fresh criticism on mail-in voting.


cnbc--2020-08-19--Jill Biden says Joe Biden will make the nation 'whole' in her Democratic National Convention speech

WASHINGTON -- Jill Biden made a passionate and personal argument for her husband , Democratic nominee Joe Biden on Tuesday at the second night of the Democratic National Convention .
`` How do you make a broken family whole ?
The same way you make a nation whole .
With love and understanding-and with small acts of compassion .
With bravery .
With unwavering faith , '' said Biden , recounting how she met her future husband shortly after his first wife and baby daughter were killed in a car crash in 1972 .
`` Joe 's purpose has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will is unstoppable .
And his faith is unshakable—because it 's not in politicians or political parties—or even himself .
It 's in the providence of God .
His faith is in you—in us , '' said Biden .
Biden 's overarching message of unity and compassion could hardly have been more different than the divisive `` us vs. them '' message that Joe Biden 's opponent , President Donald Trump , is pinning his reelection hopes on .
But Jill Biden did not mention Trump at all , not even in passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband , her family , and her optimistic vision of America .
`` There are those who want to tell us that our country is hopelessly divided , that our differences are irreconcilable , '' said Biden .
`` But that 's not what I 've seen over these last few months .
We 're coming together and holding on to each other .
We 're finding mercy and grace in the moments we might have once taken for granted .
`` We 're seeing that our differences are precious and our similarities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart of this nation still beats with kindness and courage .
And that 's the soul of America that Joe Biden is fighting for now . ''

WASHINGTON -- Jill Biden made a passionate and personal argument for her husband, Democratic nominee Joe Biden on Tuesday at the second night of the Democratic National Convention.
"How do you make a broken family whole? The same way you make a nation whole. With love and understanding-and with small acts of compassion. With bravery. With unwavering faith," said Biden, recounting how she met her future husband shortly after his first wife and baby daughter were killed in a car crash in 1972.
"Joe's purpose has always driven him forward. His strength of will is unstoppable. And his faith is unshakable—because it's not in politicians or political parties—or even himself. It's in the providence of God. His faith is in you—in us," said Biden.
Biden's overarching message of unity and compassion could hardly have been more different than the divisive "us vs. them" message that Joe Biden's opponent, President Donald Trump, is pinning his reelection hopes on.
But Jill Biden did not mention Trump at all, not even in passing. Instead, she focused on her husband, her family, and her optimistic vision of America.
"There are those who want to tell us that our country is hopelessly divided, that our differences are irreconcilable," said Biden. "But that's not what I've seen over these last few months. We're coming together and holding on to each other. We're finding mercy and grace in the moments we might have once taken for granted.
"We're seeing that our differences are precious and our similarities are infinite. We have shown that the heart of this nation still beats with kindness and courage. And that's the soul of America that Joe Biden is fighting for now."


cnbc--2020-08-19--Democratic National Convention Day 2: Top moments

Day 2 of the all-virtual Democratic National Convention included Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , former President Bill Clinton and Jill Biden .
The night featured the formal nomination of Joe Biden for president in addition to the convention 's keynote address , which is often a top draw of the week .
Democrats attempted a new format for the keynote , which was delivered in split screen by 17 young Democratic officials , many speaking from their homes .
The event was emceed by the actress Tracee Ellis Ross .
It followed Michelle Obama 's speech on Monday tearing into President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday and Thursday , with addresses by Biden and his running mate California Sen. Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama .
The Republican National Convention begins next week .
Here are the top moments from Day 2 of the DNC .
Jill Biden asks how you make a nation whole Jill Biden made a passionate and personal argument for her husband , saying the newly minted Democratic nominee knows what it will take to make a broken nation whole , because he has done the same in his own family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ family whole ?
The same way you make a nation whole .
With love and understanding-and with small acts of compassion .
With bravery .
With unwavering faith , '' she said , referring to the 1972 car crash that killed Biden 's first wife and baby daughter and made him a single father to two little boys .
`` There are times when I could n't imagine how he did it — how he put one foot in front of the other and kept going , '' she continued .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
...
He does it for you . ''
Biden delivered her speech live from the actual classroom at Brandywine High School in Wilmington , Delaware , where she taught English from 1991-1993 .
She used the school as a backdrop to pivot to the coronavirus pandemic , and whether schools can be opened safely .
`` You can hear the anxiety that echoes down empty hallways .
There 's no scent of new notebooks or freshly waxed floors '' at Brandywine High , she said .
`` The rooms are dark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should fill them are confined to boxes on a computer screen . ''
At the end of her remarks , her husband appeared and embraced her .
`` She 's the strongest person I know , '' he said .
Near the start of the evening , former President Bill Clinton took on Trump 's handling of Covid-19 .
`` At a time like this , the Oval Office should be a command center .
Instead , it 's a storm center .
There 's only chaos , '' Clinton said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determination to deny responsibility and shift the blame .
The buck never stops there . ''
`` Now you have to decide whether to renew his contract or hire someone else , '' Clinton added .
`` If you want a president who defines the job as spending hours a day watching TV and zapping people on social media , he 's your man . ''
Instead , Clinton said , `` our choice is Joe Biden . ''
`` Joe helped bring us back from a recession before , and he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The convention continued with the theme of bipartisanship that kicked off on Monday with a speech from former Ohio GOP Gov .
John Kasich .
On Tuesday , Republican Colin Powell , former Secretary of State to George W. Bush , delivered a rousing endorsement of Biden and his ability to be commander-in-chief .
`` Joe Biden will be a president we will all be proud to salute , '' Powell said during in a video message .
`` With Joe Biden in the White House , you will never doubt that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand up to our adversaries — never the other way around . ''
Cindy McCain , wife of the late GOP Sen. John McCain , also appeared on Tuesday to talk up her husband 's friendship with Biden , though she stopped short of delivering an endorsement .
Security guard who met Biden in elevator officially nominates him for president A woman who went viral telling Biden that she loved him in an elevator last year became the first person to officially nominate him for president on Tuesday .
Jacquelyn Asbie , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevator with Biden on his way to a meeting with The New York Times editorial board , said in her recorded nomination that `` Joe Biden has room in his heart for more than just himself . ''
`` I take powerful people up in my elevator all the time .
When they get off , they go to their important meetings .
Me ?
I just head back to the lobby , '' Asbie said .
`` But in the short time I spent with Joe Biden , I could tell he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cared , that my life meant something to him . ''
`` And I knew , even when he went into his important meeting , he 'd take my story in there with him , '' she added .
Progressive freshman Rep. Ocasio-Cortez of New York used the 60 seconds she was allocated to nominate Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , for president , in a speech that touched on health care and human rights .
`` In a time when millions of people in the United States are looking for deep systemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unemployment , and lack of health care , and espiritu del pueblo , and out of a love for all people , I hereby second the nomination of Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont for president of the United States of America , '' Ocasio-Cortez said .
Ultimately , as expected , Biden was officially named the party nominee .
Sanders came in second place .
Ocasio-Cortez has said she will vote for Biden but has not endorsed him .

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Source: CNBC
Day 2 of the all-virtual Democratic National Convention included Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former President Bill Clinton and Jill Biden. The night featured the formal nomination of Joe Biden for president in addition to the convention's keynote address, which is often a top draw of the week. Democrats attempted a new format for the keynote, which was delivered in split screen by 17 young Democratic officials, many speaking from their homes. The event was emceed by the actress Tracee Ellis Ross. It followed Michelle Obama's speech on Monday tearing into President Donald Trump. The convention will continue on Wednesday and Thursday, with addresses by Biden and his running mate California Sen. Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama. The Republican National Convention begins next week. Here are the top moments from Day 2 of the DNC.
Jill Biden asks how you make a nation whole
Jill Biden made a passionate and personal argument for her husband, saying the newly minted Democratic nominee knows what it will take to make a broken nation whole, because he has done the same in his own family. "How do you make a broken family whole? The same way you make a nation whole. With love and understanding-and with small acts of compassion. With bravery. With unwavering faith," she said, referring to the 1972 car crash that killed Biden's first wife and baby daughter and made him a single father to two little boys. "There are times when I couldn't imagine how he did it — how he put one foot in front of the other and kept going," she continued. "But I've always understood why he did it. ... He does it for you."
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Biden delivered her speech live from the actual classroom at Brandywine High School in Wilmington, Delaware, where she taught English from 1991-1993. She used the school as a backdrop to pivot to the coronavirus pandemic, and whether schools can be opened safely. "You can hear the anxiety that echoes down empty hallways. There's no scent of new notebooks or freshly waxed floors" at Brandywine High, she said. "The rooms are dark, and the bright young faces that should fill them are confined to boxes on a computer screen." At the end of her remarks, her husband appeared and embraced her. "She's the strongest person I know," he said.
Bill Clinton: 'Our choice is Joe Biden'
Bill Clinton CNBC
Near the start of the evening, former President Bill Clinton took on Trump's handling of Covid-19. "At a time like this, the Oval Office should be a command center. Instead, it's a storm center. There's only chaos," Clinton said. "Just one thing never changes — his determination to deny responsibility and shift the blame. The buck never stops there." "Now you have to decide whether to renew his contract or hire someone else," Clinton added. "If you want a president who defines the job as spending hours a day watching TV and zapping people on social media, he's your man." Instead, Clinton said, "our choice is Joe Biden."
"Joe helped bring us back from a recession before, and he can do it again," Clinton said.
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Colin Powell boosts Biden's national security bona fides
The convention continued with the theme of bipartisanship that kicked off on Monday with a speech from former Ohio GOP Gov. John Kasich. On Tuesday, Republican Colin Powell, former Secretary of State to George W. Bush, delivered a rousing endorsement of Biden and his ability to be commander-in-chief.
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"Joe Biden will be a president we will all be proud to salute," Powell said during in a video message. "With Joe Biden in the White House, you will never doubt that he will stand with our friends and stand up to our adversaries — never the other way around." Cindy McCain, wife of the late GOP Sen. John McCain, also appeared on Tuesday to talk up her husband's friendship with Biden, though she stopped short of delivering an endorsement.
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Security guard who met Biden in elevator officially nominates him for president
A woman who went viral telling Biden that she loved him in an elevator last year became the first person to officially nominate him for president on Tuesday. Jacquelyn Asbie, a security guard who was videoed in an elevator with Biden on his way to a meeting with The New York Times editorial board, said in her recorded nomination that "Joe Biden has room in his heart for more than just himself." "I take powerful people up in my elevator all the time. When they get off, they go to their important meetings. Me? I just head back to the lobby," Asbie said. "But in the short time I spent with Joe Biden, I could tell he really saw me, that he actually cared, that my life meant something to him." "And I knew, even when he went into his important meeting, he'd take my story in there with him," she added. Biden tweet
AOC nominates Sanders
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Progressive freshman Rep. Ocasio-Cortez of New York used the 60 seconds she was allocated to nominate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for president, in a speech that touched on health care and human rights. "In a time when millions of people in the United States are looking for deep systemic solutions to our crises of mass evictions, unemployment, and lack of health care, and espiritu del pueblo, and out of a love for all people, I hereby second the nomination of Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont for president of the United States of America," Ocasio-Cortez said. Ultimately, as expected, Biden was officially named the party nominee. Sanders came in second place. Ocasio-Cortez has said she will vote for Biden but has not endorsed him.
Paralyzed activist calls for fixing a broken health-care system
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cnbc--2020-08-19--Colin Powell endorses Joe Biden for president, boosting national security profile

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered a heartfelt endorsement of Joe Biden during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday , handing the former vice president another boost to his national security bona fides .
`` Joe Biden will be a president we will all be proud to salute , '' the former George W. Bush administration official said during in a video message .
`` With Joe Biden in the White House , you will never doubt that he will stand with our friends and stand up to our adversaries—never the other way around . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of national security roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s , is the latest prominent figure from Washington 's defense community to line up behind Biden as he seeks to take on President Donald Trump for the position of commander-in-chief in November .
`` The values I learned growing up in the South Bronx and serving in uniform were the same values that Joe Biden 's parents instilled in him in Scranton , Pennsylvania , '' Powell said .
`` I support Joe Biden for the presidency of the United States because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to restore those values to the White House . ''
Democrats have sought to highlight Biden 's capacity to handle the nation 's national security .
Also on Tuesday , Cindy McCain , the wife of the late GOP Sen. John McCain , spoke of Biden 's close friendship with her husband , who was taken prisoner and tortured while fighting in Vietnam .
She stopped short of endorsing Biden , however .
The rollout comes as Biden has sought to portray a contrast with Trump while embracing Republican moderates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparred sharply with Trump , who while running for president in 2016 said of McCain 's imprisonment in Vietnam that `` I like people who were n't captured . ''
Powell has criticized Trump in the past , and said in June he would vote for Biden .
He leaned into his criticism of the president during Tuesday 's address .
`` Today , we are a country divided , and we have a president doing everything in his power to make it that way and keep us that way , Powell said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make to have a president who unites us , who restores our strength and our soul . ''
National security has not played a strong role in the 2020 election thus far , overtaken largely by the spreading Covid-19 pandemic and the effect of lock downs and other preventative measures on the economy .
But Trump , who is behind in national polling averages , has nonetheless faced problems with former members of his administration attacking his national security decision making after their departures .
John Bolton , the president 's former national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the president earlier this year , and has indicated that he will not vote for Trump or Biden in November .
In an op-ed Monday in The Washington Post , Miles Taylor , the former chief of staff of the Department of Homeland Security , accused the president of making the country less secure .
Taylor also endorsed Biden .
Trump has said that Bolton 's book is made up of lies and characterized Taylor as a disgruntled employee .

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered a heartfelt endorsement of Joe Biden during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, handing the former vice president another boost to his national security bona fides.
"Joe Biden will be a president we will all be proud to salute," the former George W. Bush administration official said during in a video message. "With Joe Biden in the White House, you will never doubt that he will stand with our friends and stand up to our adversaries—never the other way around."
Powell, a Republican who served in a variety of national security roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s, is the latest prominent figure from Washington's defense community to line up behind Biden as he seeks to take on President Donald Trump for the position of commander-in-chief in November.
"The values I learned growing up in the South Bronx and serving in uniform were the same values that Joe Biden's parents instilled in him in Scranton, Pennsylvania," Powell said. "I support Joe Biden for the presidency of the United States because those values still define him, and we need to restore those values to the White House."
Democrats have sought to highlight Biden's capacity to handle the nation's national security. Also on Tuesday, Cindy McCain, the wife of the late GOP Sen. John McCain, spoke of Biden's close friendship with her husband, who was taken prisoner and tortured while fighting in Vietnam. She stopped short of endorsing Biden, however.
The rollout comes as Biden has sought to portray a contrast with Trump while embracing Republican moderates.
While he was alive, Sen. McCain sparred sharply with Trump, who while running for president in 2016 said of McCain's imprisonment in Vietnam that "I like people who weren't captured."
Powell has criticized Trump in the past, and said in June he would vote for Biden. He leaned into his criticism of the president during Tuesday's address.
"Today, we are a country divided, and we have a president doing everything in his power to make it that way and keep us that way, Powell said. "What a difference it will make to have a president who unites us, who restores our strength and our soul."
National security has not played a strong role in the 2020 election thus far, overtaken largely by the spreading Covid-19 pandemic and the effect of lock downs and other preventative measures on the economy.
But Trump, who is behind in national polling averages, has nonetheless faced problems with former members of his administration attacking his national security decision making after their departures.
John Bolton, the president's former national security advisor, published a critical book about the president earlier this year, and has indicated that he will not vote for Trump or Biden in November.
In an op-ed Monday in The Washington Post, Miles Taylor, the former chief of staff of the Department of Homeland Security, accused the president of making the country less secure. Taylor also endorsed Biden.
Trump has said that Bolton's book is made up of lies and characterized Taylor as a disgruntled employee.


cnbc--2020-08-19--Bill Clinton lays out a stark choice for voters in his Democratic National Convention speech

WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton laid out a stark choice Tuesday night for voters during the second night of the virtual Democratic National Convention : Either elect a `` go-to-work president '' in Democrat Joe Biden or reelect incumbent Donald Trump , who would use a second term to `` blame , bully and belittle . ''
`` If you want a president who defines the job as spending hours a day watching TV and zapping people on social media , he 's your man , '' said Clinton .
`` Denying , distracting , and demeaning works great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflame .
But in a real crisis , it collapses like a house of cards . ''
By contrast , said Clinton , Democrats are `` united in offering you a very different choice : a go-to-work president .
A down-to-earth , get-the-job-done guy .
A man with a mission : to take responsibility , not shift the blame ; concentrate , not distract ; unite , not divide . ''
It was vintage Clinton , both a spirited endorsement of Biden and a withering , mocking critique of Trump .
`` Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Well , we are the only major industrial economy to have its unemployment rate triple , '' Clinton deadpanned .
`` At a time like this , the Oval Office should be a command center .
Instead , it 's a storm center .
There 's only chaos .
Just one thing never changes — his determination to deny responsibility and shift the blame .
The buck never stops there . ''
Clinton framed November 's election as a hiring decision , the same way he did in his memorable 2012 convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In this job interview , the difference is stark , '' said Clinton in his recorded remarks .
`` You know what Donald Trump will do with four more years : blame , bully , and belittle .
And you know what Joe Biden will do : build back better . ''
Ever since Clinton 's speaking role was announced earlier this summer , some in the party questioned whether his `` New Democrat '' vision of America still belongs in today 's increasingly progressive Democratic Party .
Clinton 's speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubters .
The 74-year-old former president showed once again that he can deliver a compelling message about economic opportunity and a strong social safety net , the same message that has carried Democrats to victory in presidential elections since the Great Depression .
`` Joe Biden wants to build an economy far better suited to our changing world .
Better for young people .
Better for families , working and raising their kids .
Better for people who lost jobs and need new ones .
Better for farmers tired of being collateral damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Joe wo n't just put his signature on a check and try to fool you into thinking it came from him .
He 'll work to make sure that your paycheck reflects your contribution to , and your stake in , a growing economy . ''
Still , there was no ignoring Clinton 's diminished status among Democrats .
For the first time in 30 years , the former president was not given a key speaking slot at the convention , a decision that reflects his tarnished legacy in the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to speak Wednesday night .

WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton laid out a stark choice Tuesday night for voters during the second night of the virtual Democratic National Convention: Either elect a "go-to-work president" in Democrat Joe Biden or reelect incumbent Donald Trump, who would use a second term to "blame, bully and belittle."
"If you want a president who defines the job as spending hours a day watching TV and zapping people on social media, he's your man," said Clinton. "Denying, distracting, and demeaning works great if you're trying to entertain and inflame. But in a real crisis, it collapses like a house of cards."
By contrast, said Clinton, Democrats are "united in offering you a very different choice: a go-to-work president. A down-to-earth, get-the-job-done guy. A man with a mission: to take responsibility, not shift the blame; concentrate, not distract; unite, not divide."
It was vintage Clinton, both a spirited endorsement of Biden and a withering, mocking critique of Trump.
"Donald Trump says we're leading the world. Well, we are the only major industrial economy to have its unemployment rate triple," Clinton deadpanned.
"At a time like this, the Oval Office should be a command center. Instead, it's a storm center. There's only chaos. Just one thing never changes — his determination to deny responsibility and shift the blame. The buck never stops there."
The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Clinton's remarks about the unemployment rate.
Clinton framed November's election as a hiring decision, the same way he did in his memorable 2012 convention speech in support of then-President Barack Obama.
"In this job interview, the difference is stark," said Clinton in his recorded remarks. "You know what Donald Trump will do with four more years: blame, bully, and belittle. And you know what Joe Biden will do: build back better."
Ever since Clinton's speaking role was announced earlier this summer, some in the party questioned whether his "New Democrat" vision of America still belongs in today's increasingly progressive Democratic Party.
Clinton's speech, though brief, should satisfy those doubters.
The 74-year-old former president showed once again that he can deliver a compelling message about economic opportunity and a strong social safety net, the same message that has carried Democrats to victory in presidential elections since the Great Depression.
"Joe Biden wants to build an economy far better suited to our changing world. Better for young people. Better for families, working and raising their kids. Better for people who lost jobs and need new ones. Better for farmers tired of being collateral damage in trade wars," said Clinton.
"Joe won't just put his signature on a check and try to fool you into thinking it came from him. He'll work to make sure that your paycheck reflects your contribution to, and your stake in, a growing economy."
Still, there was no ignoring Clinton's diminished status among Democrats. For the first time in 30 years, the former president was not given a key speaking slot at the convention, a decision that reflects his tarnished legacy in the "Me Too" era.
His wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to speak Wednesday night.


cnbc--2020-08-19--What to watch for on Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention

WASHINGTON – It 's Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention , and in some ways , convention organizers have already passed their biggest test .
On Monday night , Democrats proved that they could string together enough different formats , speeches and musical acts to make a two-hour , commercial free broadcast both cohesive and compelling .
They were helped in their effort by a theme that ran through all of Monday night : President Donald Trump , his leadership failings and the urgent need to defeat him in November .
Speaker after speaker stressed the importance of creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , progressives and moderates , but also Republicans and even conservatives would be welcome .
On Tuesday night , organizers will need to thread an arguably more difficult needle , to create a unified broadcast around the official theme , `` Leadership Matters . ''
One way to think of Day 2 is that it 's a bridge between the old and new guard of the Democratic party , a chance to give airtime to rising stars in the party like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Stacey Abrams , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton and former Secretary of State John Kerry .
Clinton is known for having delivered memorable convention speeches in the past .
But this year , his remarks will be pre-recorded and much shorter than his usual speaking slot .
It remains to be seen whether the former president can deliver a compelling message in this new format .
`` At a time like this , the Oval Office should be a command center .
Instead , it 's a storm center .
There 's only chaos .
Just one thing never changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift the blame .
The buck never stops there , '' Clinton will say according to excerpts released Tuesday afternoon .
He adds : `` Our party is united in offering you a very different choice : a go-to-work president .
A down-to-earth , get-the-job-done guy .
A man with a mission : to take responsibility , not shift the blame ; concentrate , not distract ; unite , not divide .
Our choice is Joe Biden . ''
Ocasio-Cortez , meanwhile , has been selected to formally nominate Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a speaking slot that only lasts 60 seconds .
Some progressives complained in recent days that Ocasio-Cortez was effectively being snubbed by only getting a minute to speak .
Still , it 's more time than other freshman House members are getting .
What she does with her minute – stick to the script or shake things up – will be worth watching .
Along with the household name leaders , the evening will also feature local leaders who are making a difference in their own communities .
A total of 57 states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's official nominating roll call , which has been recast this year into a montage of leaders , all formally nominating former vice president Joe Biden .
The convention 's keynote address will also be Tuesday night .
A coveted speaking gig , the keynote address is best known as the speaking slot that launched then-Sen. Barack Obama onto the national stage in 2004 .
This year , the slot will be shared by 17 promising young Democratic elected officials , who will each give a slice of the speech .
If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's because it is .
The highlight of the night is doubtless going to be Jill Biden 's speech , the last of the night .
Biden , a career teacher , will deliver her speech live from the actual classroom in Delaware where she taught English in the early 1990s .
Biden has long been a popular and largely uncontroversial political spouse , who notably continued teaching English at a community college while she was serving as the second lady of the United States .
But this speech will be Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential nominee , and as the nation 's would-be first lady .
While the speech is expected to present an intimate portrait of Joe Biden as a father , a husband and a leader , it will also be a chance for Biden herself to step into the spotlight on a bigger stage than she ever has before .
`` How do you make a broken family whole ?
The same way you make a nation whole , '' Biden will say .
`` With love and understanding—and with small acts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith . ''
`` There are times when I could n't imagine how he did it—how he put one foot in front of the other and kept going .
But I 've always understood why he did it ...
He does it for you , '' Biden will add .

Dr. Jill Biden introduces her husband democratic presidential hopeful former US Vice President Joe Biden during a town hall at the Proulx Community Center in Franklin, New Hampshire on November 8, 2019. Joseph Prezioso | AFP | Getty Images
WASHINGTON – It's Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention, and in some ways, convention organizers have already passed their biggest test. On Monday night, Democrats proved that they could string together enough different formats, speeches and musical acts to make a two-hour, commercial free broadcast both cohesive and compelling. They were helped in their effort by a theme that ran through all of Monday night: President Donald Trump, his leadership failings and the urgent need to defeat him in November. Speaker after speaker stressed the importance of creating one big anti-Trump coalition where everyone, Democrats, progressives and moderates, but also Republicans and even conservatives would be welcome. On Tuesday night, organizers will need to thread an arguably more difficult needle, to create a unified broadcast around the official theme, "Leadership Matters."
Old guard, new guard
One way to think of Day 2 is that it's a bridge between the old and new guard of the Democratic party, a chance to give airtime to rising stars in the party like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Stacey Abrams, as well as Democratic stalwarts like former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State John Kerry. Clinton is known for having delivered memorable convention speeches in the past. But this year, his remarks will be pre-recorded and much shorter than his usual speaking slot. It remains to be seen whether the former president can deliver a compelling message in this new format. "At a time like this, the Oval Office should be a command center. Instead, it's a storm center. There's only chaos. Just one thing never changes — his determination to deny responsibility and shift the blame. The buck never stops there," Clinton will say according to excerpts released Tuesday afternoon. He adds: "Our party is united in offering you a very different choice: a go-to-work president. A down-to-earth, get-the-job-done guy. A man with a mission: to take responsibility, not shift the blame; concentrate, not distract; unite, not divide. Our choice is Joe Biden."
Former US President Bill Clinton Brian Lawless | PA Images | Getty Images
Ocasio-Cortez, meanwhile, has been selected to formally nominate Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ahead of the roll call vote, a speaking slot that only lasts 60 seconds. Some progressives complained in recent days that Ocasio-Cortez was effectively being snubbed by only getting a minute to speak. Still, it's more time than other freshman House members are getting. What she does with her minute – stick to the script or shake things up – will be worth watching.
Rising stars
Along with the household name leaders, the evening will also feature local leaders who are making a difference in their own communities. A total of 57 states and territories will participate in the party's official nominating roll call, which has been recast this year into a montage of leaders, all formally nominating former vice president Joe Biden. The convention's keynote address will also be Tuesday night. A coveted speaking gig, the keynote address is best known as the speaking slot that launched then-Sen. Barack Obama onto the national stage in 2004. This year, the slot will be shared by 17 promising young Democratic elected officials, who will each give a slice of the speech. If it sounds like a logistical nightmare, that's because it is.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Don Emmert | AFP | Getty Images
Jill Biden's moment


cnbc--2020-08-20--What to watch for on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention

WASHINGTON – It 's the third day of the virtual Democratic National Convention , and having largely figured out the logistics and pacing for two hours of TV , Democrats are bringing out their big guns tonight .
Two of the most respected speakers in politics today will headline the evening , former President Barack Obama and vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris of California .
They will both speak live on Wednesday night , Obama from Philadelphia and Harris from Wilmington , Del.
, so viewers can expect a more traditional `` big political speech '' backdrop than we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week who pre-recorded their remarks .
The theme of the night is `` a more perfect union , '' and the many of the segments will highlight Democratic policy objectives , reducing gun violence , tackling climate change and immigration reform with a path to citizenship .
As is typically the case at party conventions , the star power Wednesday will outshine that of the previous two nights , with actress Kerry Washington emceeing the night , and performances from Billie Eilish and Jennifer Hudson .
Three powerful women who have emerged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toughest critics will also take the stage tonight : Former secretary of State Hillary Clinton , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Expect them to pull no punches when it comes to the commander-in-chief .
`` As Speaker , I 've seen firsthand Donald Trump 's disrespect for facts , for working families , and for women in particular – disrespect written into his policies toward our health and our rights , not just his conduct , '' Pelosi will say .
`` But we know what he does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America succeeds . ''
Yet all eyes will be on Harris and Obama , who in addition to being powerful speakers , also happen to be two of the most popular Democratic politicians in the country .
Harris will undoubtedly be the star of Wednesday night .
And although Obama will speak after Harris does , her speech is likely to generate the most interest from viewers .
Aimed at people who did n't necessarily pay close attention to her presidential campaign , Harris is expected to reintroduce herself to the public on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the biracial daughter of immigrants , who grew up in the midst of the civil rights movement .
She is also likely to lean heavily on her experience as a prosecutor and an attorney general , portraying herself as a public servant who has spent her entire adult life working on behalf of the people , first in San Francisco , then all of California , and how she 's now ready to do the same for the nation .
The theme of careers in public service is one that runs strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and which they will use to contrast against Trump 's career in real estate .
But after the warm and personal part , expect Harris to do what Democratic vice presidential nominees have always done : Go on the attack against the Republicans .
Or as Harris likes to call it , `` prosecuting the case '' against Trump .
The former president has slowly returned to the campaign trail this summer , shooting videos with his former vice president and helping to raise money .
But Wednesday 's speech will likely remind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best campaigner of his generation .
Obama is expected to outline why his former vice president , Democratic nominee Joe Biden , is the right man to lead the country through the toughest times in a generation , emphasizing how his experience and character are uniquely suited to tackle the twin catastrophes of the coronavirus and the historic unemployment the pandemic has left in its wake .
The former president will also make a searing case against the current administration and against Trump .
`` I have sat in the Oval Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for president .
I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies .
I did hope , for the sake of our country , that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously ; that he might come to feel the weight of the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care , '' Obama will say , according to excerpts released Wednesday afternoon .
`` But he never did .
He 's shown no interest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in finding common ground ; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends ; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves , '' he will add .
`` Donald Trump has n't grown into the job because he ca n't .
And the consequences of that failure are severe .
170,000 Americans dead .
Millions of jobs gone .
Our worst impulses unleashed , our proud reputation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our democratic institutions threatened like never before . ''

Democratic vice presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event, on her first joint appearance with presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden after being named by Biden as his running mate, at Alexis Dupont High School in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., August 12, 2020. Carlos Barria | Reuters
WASHINGTON – It's the third day of the virtual Democratic National Convention, and having largely figured out the logistics and pacing for two hours of TV, Democrats are bringing out their big guns tonight. Two of the most respected speakers in politics today will headline the evening, former President Barack Obama and vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris of California. They will both speak live on Wednesday night, Obama from Philadelphia and Harris from Wilmington, Del., so viewers can expect a more traditional "big political speech" backdrop than we've seen from other marquis speakers this week who pre-recorded their remarks.
A bigger show
The theme of the night is "a more perfect union," and the many of the segments will highlight Democratic policy objectives, reducing gun violence, tackling climate change and immigration reform with a path to citizenship. As is typically the case at party conventions, the star power Wednesday will outshine that of the previous two nights, with actress Kerry Washington emceeing the night, and performances from Billie Eilish and Jennifer Hudson. Three powerful women who have emerged in recent years as President Donald Trump's toughest critics will also take the stage tonight: Former secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Expect them to pull no punches when it comes to the commander-in-chief. "As Speaker, I've seen firsthand Donald Trump's disrespect for facts, for working families, and for women in particular – disrespect written into his policies toward our health and our rights, not just his conduct," Pelosi will say. "But we know what he doesn't: that when women succeed, America succeeds." Yet all eyes will be on Harris and Obama, who in addition to being powerful speakers, also happen to be two of the most popular Democratic politicians in the country.
Harris' reintroduction
Harris will undoubtedly be the star of Wednesday night. And although Obama will speak after Harris does, her speech is likely to generate the most interest from viewers. Aimed at people who didn't necessarily pay close attention to her presidential campaign, Harris is expected to reintroduce herself to the public on Wednesday, highlighting her uniquely American biography as the biracial daughter of immigrants, who grew up in the midst of the civil rights movement. She is also likely to lean heavily on her experience as a prosecutor and an attorney general, portraying herself as a public servant who has spent her entire adult life working on behalf of the people, first in San Francisco, then all of California, and how she's now ready to do the same for the nation. The theme of careers in public service is one that runs strongly through the Democratic ticket this year, and which they will use to contrast against Trump's career in real estate. But after the warm and personal part, expect Harris to do what Democratic vice presidential nominees have always done: Go on the attack against the Republicans. Or as Harris likes to call it, "prosecuting the case" against Trump.
Obama's biggest speech yet