cnbc--2020-06-08--Trump to resume campaign rallies this month as states loosen coronavirus limits

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures while speaking during a rally in Orlando , Florida , U.S. , on Tuesday , June 18 , 2019 .
The Trump campaign is gearing up to start holding rallies again in the next two weeks , more than three months after the coronavirus pandemic forced President Donald Trump to scrap his signature campaign events .
The president 's advisors are still ironing out the details on how the rallies can safely be held , and campaign manager Brad Parscale is planning to present Trump with options in the next few days , Politico reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed the report to CNBC .
`` Americans are ready to get back to action and so is President Trump , '' Parscale told NBC News in a statement .
`` The Great American Comeback is real , and the rallies will be tremendous . ''
Trump 's last rally was held on March 2 in Charlotte , North Carolina , before former Vice President Joe Biden became the apparent Democratic nominee .
The deadly coronavirus by that time had already grown into a major threat , but Trump said prior to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` very safe . ''
In the months following that campaign stop , however , Trump has mainly stayed put at the White House .
The president has been eager to get back on the campaign trail and has recently been asking advisors why his rallies are still off the table when massive , nationwide protests are being held over the death of George Floyd , NBC reported , citing two officials familiar with the campaign 's plans .
The transition comes as Trump is ceding ground to Biden in multiple national polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has significantly widened since last month , a polling aggregate from RealClearPolitics shows , as Trump faces criticism over his handling of the pandemic and his response to the protests over Floyd 's death .
At least 110,000 people in the U.S. have died from Covid-19 so far , data from Johns Hopkins University shows .
Trump has repeatedly mocked Biden for campaigning from his home basement in Delaware , although the former vice president has started to appear elsewhere .
Biden 's campaign did not immediately respond to CNBC 's request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures while speaking during a rally in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on Tuesday, June 18, 2019.
The Trump campaign is gearing up to start holding rallies again in the next two weeks, more than three months after the coronavirus pandemic forced President Donald Trump to scrap his signature campaign events.
The president's advisors are still ironing out the details on how the rallies can safely be held, and campaign manager Brad Parscale is planning to present Trump with options in the next few days, Politico reported Monday. Trump campaign director Tim Murtaugh confirmed the report to CNBC.
"Americans are ready to get back to action and so is President Trump," Parscale told NBC News in a statement. "The Great American Comeback is real, and the rallies will be tremendous."
Trump's last rally was held on March 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina, before former Vice President Joe Biden became the apparent Democratic nominee. The deadly coronavirus by that time had already grown into a major threat, but Trump said prior to the event that he thinks campaign rallies are "very safe."
In the months following that campaign stop, however, Trump has mainly stayed put at the White House.
The president has been eager to get back on the campaign trail and has recently been asking advisors why his rallies are still off the table when massive, nationwide protests are being held over the death of George Floyd, NBC reported, citing two officials familiar with the campaign's plans.
The transition comes as Trump is ceding ground to Biden in multiple national polls. Biden's polling lead over Trump has significantly widened since last month, a polling aggregate from RealClearPolitics shows, as Trump faces criticism over his handling of the pandemic and his response to the protests over Floyd's death.
At least 110,000 people in the U.S. have died from Covid-19 so far, data from Johns Hopkins University shows.
Trump has repeatedly mocked Biden for campaigning from his home basement in Delaware, although the former vice president has started to appear elsewhere.
Biden's campaign did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the Trump campaign's plan.


cnbc--2020-06-08--Joe Biden spent big on Facebook ads as Trump came under fire for George Floyd protest response

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event about the U.S. economy at Delaware State University in Dover , Delaware , U.S. June 5 , 2020 .
Joe Biden ratcheted up his Facebook ad spending last week while President Donald Trump came under scrutiny for his response to a wave of protests across the country .
Starting last week , Biden spent more than $ 4.9 million on Facebook ads .
Trump 's campaign , which historically has often outspent the now presumptive Democratic nominee on the same platform , spent over $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social media giant 's ad library report .
The data was tracked from May 31 through June 6 .
The spending spree by Biden is more than Trump has ever spent on Facebook ads in a given week throughout the 2020 election cycle , the data shows .
The massive investment came the same week protesters took to the street after the death of George Floyd , a black man who died in the custody of Minneapolis police officers , one of whom has been charged with murder .
Trump has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests , including when he walked to St. Johns Church near the White House after federal officers forcefully pushed out demonstrators in Lafayette Square near the church .
A Real Clear Politics polling average shows Biden ahead of Trump by more than 7 points nationally , while Biden holds smaller average leads in key swing states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan .
Biden 's Facebook spending spree represents one of the clearest signals yet that his campaign senses that it has momentum against Trump and that it has the resources to compete with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As CNBC previously reported , Biden has seen a surge in donor contributions and commitments in the wake of Floyd 's death .
Digital ads are a key way to connect the campaign with young voters and to pick up small dollar donors .
Biden on Monday will be in Houston to personally express his condolences to Floyd 's family .
Representatives for the Biden and Trump campaigns did not return requests for comment .
The ads for Biden clearly highlight the struggles Trump has faced over the past week .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has continued to be active into Monday , according to Facebook 's archives , the campaign depicts the moment Trump stood in front of St. John 's Church while holding a bible .
It calls on voters to sign up to condemn Trump 's response to the demonstrations .
Another ad , which ran between Wednesday and Friday , highlights the former vice president 's recent speech in Philadelphia while also showing a photo montage of Trump and police responding to protests .
It was also posted on Biden 's Twitter page .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hate and division , '' Biden says in an excerpt of his speech , while the ad plays footage from 2017 protests that included white supremacists and turned violent in Charlottesville , Virginia .

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event about the U.S. economy at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware, U.S. June 5, 2020.
Joe Biden ratcheted up his Facebook ad spending last week while President Donald Trump came under scrutiny for his response to a wave of protests across the country.
Starting last week, Biden spent more than $4.9 million on Facebook ads. Trump's campaign, which historically has often outspent the now presumptive Democratic nominee on the same platform, spent over $1.2 million, according to data from the social media giant's ad library report. The data was tracked from May 31 through June 6.
The spending spree by Biden is more than Trump has ever spent on Facebook ads in a given week throughout the 2020 election cycle, the data shows. The massive investment came the same week protesters took to the street after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in the custody of Minneapolis police officers, one of whom has been charged with murder.
Trump has come under fire for his response to the protests, including when he walked to St. Johns Church near the White House after federal officers forcefully pushed out demonstrators in Lafayette Square near the church.
A Real Clear Politics polling average shows Biden ahead of Trump by more than 7 points nationally, while Biden holds smaller average leads in key swing states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Biden's Facebook spending spree represents one of the clearest signals yet that his campaign senses that it has momentum against Trump and that it has the resources to compete with the president's financial war chest. As CNBC previously reported, Biden has seen a surge in donor contributions and commitments in the wake of Floyd's death.
Digital ads are a key way to connect the campaign with young voters and to pick up small dollar donors.
Biden on Monday will be in Houston to personally express his condolences to Floyd's family.
Representatives for the Biden and Trump campaigns did not return requests for comment.
The ads for Biden clearly highlight the struggles Trump has faced over the past week.
In an ad that started running on Saturday and has continued to be active into Monday, according to Facebook's archives, the campaign depicts the moment Trump stood in front of St. John's Church while holding a bible. It calls on voters to sign up to condemn Trump's response to the demonstrations.
Another ad, which ran between Wednesday and Friday, highlights the former vice president's recent speech in Philadelphia while also showing a photo montage of Trump and police responding to protests. It was also posted on Biden's Twitter page.
"I won't fan the flames of hate and division," Biden says in an excerpt of his speech, while the ad plays footage from 2017 protests that included white supremacists and turned violent in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Tweet:


cnbc--2020-06-08--New York City cop may be criminally charged for shoving woman at George Floyd protest, report says

The Brooklyn district attorney is considering filing criminal charges as early as Tuesday against a New York City police officer for violently shoving a woman to the ground during protests related to the death of George Floyd , WNBC New York reported Monday .
The police officer , identified by elected officials as Vincent D'Andraia from the 73rd precinct , was seen on a video of the May 29 incident using his hands to toss the woman , Dounya Zayer , several feet toward a curb on a Brooklyn street .
The cop then walked off , with a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am in pain .
My head hurts .
I have n't slept in three days .
And I can not stop throwing up , '' Zayer said last week .
`` But I am trying everything in my power to hold myself together for the people who are depending on me to speak on the situation . ''
Zayer said she was treated for a seizure and a concussion at a hospital after the cop shoved her .
`` He did this in front of his lieutenant and multiple other officers who watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked back to make sure I was still on the ground , and they continued walking , '' Zayer said last week .
`` Not one officer tried to help me , and not one officer tried to stop the officer who assaulted me . ''
D'Andraia already has been suspended by the NYPD for the incident , one of a number that have led to complaints that the city 's police officers have used excessive force in dealing with protestors for the past two weeks .
The Police Benevolent Association , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expected charges against D'Andraia the result of `` mob-rule '' justice , according to Jonathan Dienst , the NBC reporter who tweeted news of the case Monday .
`` Once again , Mayor de Blasio and the NYPD brass are sacrificing cops to save their own skin , '' PBA President Patrick J. Lynch said .
`` They created the failed strategy for managing these demonstrations .
They sent police officers out to do the job with no support and no clear plan .
They should be the ones facing this mob-rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : New York City police officers have been abandoned by our leadership .
We are utterly alone in our efforts to protect our city . ''
Another cop was also suspended last week for a subsequent incident , in which he was seen on video pulling down the face mask of a man , and then spraying pepper spray into that civilian 's face .
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said Friday that the police department 's Internal Affairs Bureau had finished investigating both incidents.The incidents had been referred to the Department Advocate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the investigations have to play out , based on the severity of what we saw , it is appropriate and necessary to assure the public that there will be transparency during the disciplinary process , '' Shea said on Friday .
Shea also said that the incidents `` are disturbing and run counter to the principles of NYPD training , as well as our mission of public safety , '' and that the officers ' conduct is in contrast to the `` restrained work of the thousands of other officers who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacefully protesting and keep all New Yorkers safe . ''
`` Over the past week , as I 've said on multiple occasions , we have seen several troubling incidents involving behavior from members of the department that the NYPD is actively investigating , '' Shea said .
New York and other cities around the country have seen days of protests related to the death of Floyd , a black man who died after a white cop in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest on suspicion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis officer , Derek Chauvin , has been charged with second- and third-degree murder , and second-degree manslaughter .
He was ordered held in lieu of bail of up to $ 1.25 million on Monday .
Three other former cops who assisted in Floyd 's arrest have been charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
The trio are each being held in lieu of bail of up to $ 1 million .

Dounya Zayer films NYPD officer pushing her, later tweets from hospital bed. Source: Dounya Zayer
The Brooklyn district attorney is considering filing criminal charges as early as Tuesday against a New York City police officer for violently shoving a woman to the ground during protests related to the death of George Floyd, WNBC New York reported Monday. The police officer, identified by elected officials as Vincent D'Andraia from the 73rd precinct, was seen on a video of the May 29 incident using his hands to toss the woman, Dounya Zayer, several feet toward a curb on a Brooklyn street. The cop then walked off, with a police supervisor directly behind him. Tweet "I am in pain. My head hurts. I haven't slept in three days. And I cannot stop throwing up," Zayer said last week. "But I am trying everything in my power to hold myself together for the people who are depending on me to speak on the situation." Tweet
Protesters gather on Sunday June 7th as protests continue for Black Lives Matter over the death of George Floyd in New York City. Dan Mangan | CNBC
Zayer said she was treated for a seizure and a concussion at a hospital after the cop shoved her. "He did this in front of his lieutenant and multiple other officers who watched me hit the ground. One even looked back to make sure I was still on the ground, and they continued walking," Zayer said last week. "Not one officer tried to help me, and not one officer tried to stop the officer who assaulted me." D'Andraia already has been suspended by the NYPD for the incident, one of a number that have led to complaints that the city's police officers have used excessive force in dealing with protestors for the past two weeks. The Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents NYPD officers, called the expected charges against D'Andraia the result of "mob-rule" justice, according to Jonathan Dienst, the NBC reporter who tweeted news of the case Monday. "Once again, Mayor de Blasio and the NYPD brass are sacrificing cops to save their own skin," PBA President Patrick J. Lynch said. "They created the failed strategy for managing these demonstrations. They sent police officers out to do the job with no support and no clear plan. They should be the ones facing this mob-rule justice. We will say it again: New York City police officers have been abandoned by our leadership. We are utterly alone in our efforts to protect our city."
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cnbc--2020-06-08--Protests against police brutality pop up in small towns in Trump-friendly regions

George Floyd 's death in the custody of a white Minneapolis police officer set off anger across the nation , leading to a series of well-attended protests in cities including New York , Los Angeles , Chicago and Philadelphia .
The outrage quickly spread past big cities and into more sparsely populated conservative strongholds .
Droves of people have been coming out in small towns across the country to protest the death of Floyd , a black man who was unarmed .
Some of the protests have been in towns where President Donald Trump overwhelmingly defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the protests , which included a threat to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 , which would allow him to deploy military forces to contend with the unrest .
Black Lives Matter organizers and leaders of the American Civil Liberties Union responded by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for encroaching on and endangering the right to protest .
Many protesters in small towns and cities that backed Trump in 2016 showed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and solidarity with Floyd and his family .
In the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller cities and regions including Wilmington , North Carolina ; New Bern , North Carolina ; Cedar City , Utah ; Bend , Oregon ; Crested Butte , Colorado ; Auburn , Alabama ; Odessa , Texas ; Chagrin Falls , Ohio ; Chehalis , Washington ; Bridgehampton , New York ; Havre , Montana ; Grand Forks , North Dakota ; Wellsville , New York ; and Grand Island , Nebraska .
Trump won in all those municipalities in 2016 , and they are represented in Congress by Republicans .
In Loganville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 12,000 that gave Trump 79 % of the vote in 2016 , more than 600 people came out to protest Floyd 's death Wednesday , according to Mayor Rey Martinez .
`` This was really the first protest that has taken place in our city that I can remember , and a lot of our residents were concerned that what has happened in so many other cities would happen in Loganville , '' Martinez , a Republican , told CNBC .
`` But the organizers were very passionate not only about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right way in the city they call home as well . ''
The turnout surprised Martinez , who said the `` chants were the loudest '' at the beginning of the demonstration .
`` It truly was a moving display of what our Founding Fathers likely had in mind when the First Amendment was written calling for the right to assemble peacefully , '' he said .
Rep. Jody Hice , a Republican whose district includes Loganville , backed Trump in his condemnation of looting during demonstrations in big cities .
Hice on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet from Trump that `` violated the Twitter rules about glorifying violence . ''
Trump in this tweet , now hidden behind the notice from Twitter , wrote , `` When the looting starts , the shooting starts , '' an echo of a phrase used by a Miami police chief in the 1960s , widely interpreted as a violent threat against protesters .
When asked for his thoughts on the protests in his district , Hice said he was `` very happy '' to see his constituents demonstrating peacefully .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must never be repeated , and that requires Americans to demand systemic change , '' Hice added .
`` I view the problem of racism in America through the lens of my experience as a pastor of 25 years .
I believe that America has a spiritual problem in our nation 's heart .
We must come together to restore our love for God and each other . ''
In Monroe , Georgia , about 10 miles from Loganville , protesters held multiple demonstrations last week , with each one doubling or tripling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first gathering , held last Monday , attracted about a dozen people , said attendee Ava Atkism .
During another event that night , 40 or 50 people came out in support of the cause .
And in an event on Tuesday , `` easily between 100-150 people , maybe even more '' protested , Atkism said .
In 2016 , Trump won the town , which has a population similar in size to Loganville 's , with 68 % , compared with 28 % for Clinton .
Still , protesters received support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood by and supported the efforts , Atkism said .
`` It was very moving that some of the local pastors were out there for and with us .
A few of them have actually walked with us every single day , and have prayed with us , '' she said .
`` Our police department has blocked the roads off for us so we can cross safely and not worry about people that might try to be funny and harm us . ''
Several pizzeria owners donated food , water and snacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monroe demonstrated to Atkism that the sentiment against institutionalized racism transcends party politics .
`` This is totally against tradition , but this is n't about political parties , '' she said .
`` This all falls back on what 's wrong and what 's right .
You can only take so much until you say 'enough is enough . '
You need to take action before it hits home or hits close to you . ''
Across the country in Red Bluff , California , up to 250 people came out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from attendee Kristin Hayworth .
The town has a population of more than 14,000 .
Organizers advised protesters to avoid obstructing roads and gave advice on how to remain safe in the event of violence , she said .
The event remained largely peaceful , however , and Hayworth `` was comfortable enough with the atmosphere to not only have my 9-year-old son with me , but to march with him . ''
But in a town like Red Bluff , where Trump garnered 58 % of the vote to Clinton 's 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causes are denounced and shunned , Hayworth remained hyper-aware that most people `` likely '' would n't support the movement .
`` At no point did I forget that the crowd gathered across the street was n't likely to be sympathetic to our cause and the police , who had been informed of the protest and talked to the organizers , were stationed on the roof and driving around in unmarked cars , following us with a drone as we marched , '' Hayworth said in an email to CNBC .
Some store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ react if it broke out .
`` There was a guy in the doorway of one store who stood with his hand on his gun as we went past , like one of [ us ] was going to come at him out of the blue and he 'd have to quick-draw gun us down like it was a show down at the OK Corral , '' Hayworth said .
In Twin Falls , Idaho , where Trump defeated Clinton by a whopping 79 % to 11 % , more than 500 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a vigil last Tuesday , said Winnie Christensen , president of the Culture for Change Foundation , which organized the event .
The city has a population of about 50,000 .
Demonstrators ranged from age 8 to 80 and included African Americans , refugees , Native Americans and members of the Latino and LGBT communities , she said .
Additionally , law enforcement officers , city council members and local business owners were in attendance .
`` This event was not about politics about who is on the right or wrong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mourn , to heal , find solace , stand together as one for what is right , '' Christensen said .
`` It was also about all of us standing against racism , and fighting [ for ] the cause that black lives do matter .
More so an open safe space for us to express our feelings . ''
Officers stood by those attending the vigil , according to Christensen .
She said the city 's chief of police apologized on behalf of the law enforcement agency and vowed to `` do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The most beautiful , sad and moving moments were after we lit the candles and almost every one took a knee for 8 minutes , 46 second moments of silence , '' she said .
That 's how long Floyd was pinned to the ground by former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin before dying during an arrest that was videotaped .
Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder in Floyd 's death , while the three former officers who were with him were charged with aiding and abetting murder .
`` And towards the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on cue .
The moment was so somber , those that held in their tears let go and one could hear the sniffles around the crowd .
It felt like we were kneeling forever , '' Christensen said .

Protesters rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Anna, Illinois, U.S., June 4, 2020. BRIAN MUNOZ | REUTERS
George Floyd's death in the custody of a white Minneapolis police officer set off anger across the nation, leading to a series of well-attended protests in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia. The outrage quickly spread past big cities and into more sparsely populated conservative strongholds. Droves of people have been coming out in small towns across the country to protest the death of Floyd, a black man who was unarmed. Some of the protests have been in towns where President Donald Trump overwhelmingly defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016. Trump has drawn criticism for his response to the protests, which included a threat to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807, which would allow him to deploy military forces to contend with the unrest. Black Lives Matter organizers and leaders of the American Civil Liberties Union responded by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for encroaching on and endangering the right to protest. Many protesters in small towns and cities that backed Trump in 2016 showed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and solidarity with Floyd and his family.
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In the last week, protests also were held in smaller cities and regions including Wilmington, North Carolina; New Bern, North Carolina; Cedar City, Utah; Bend, Oregon; Crested Butte, Colorado; Auburn, Alabama; Odessa, Texas; Chagrin Falls, Ohio; Chehalis, Washington; Bridgehampton, New York; Havre, Montana; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Wellsville, New York; and Grand Island, Nebraska. Trump won in all those municipalities in 2016, and they are represented in Congress by Republicans. In Loganville, Georgia, a town of more than 12,000 that gave Trump 79% of the vote in 2016, more than 600 people came out to protest Floyd's death Wednesday, according to Mayor Rey Martinez. "This was really the first protest that has taken place in our city that I can remember, and a lot of our residents were concerned that what has happened in so many other cities would happen in Loganville," Martinez, a Republican, told CNBC. "But the organizers were very passionate not only about this event but about it being done the right way in the city they call home as well." The turnout surprised Martinez, who said the "chants were the loudest" at the beginning of the demonstration. "It truly was a moving display of what our Founding Fathers likely had in mind when the First Amendment was written calling for the right to assemble peacefully," he said. Rep. Jody Hice, a Republican whose district includes Loganville, backed Trump in his condemnation of looting during demonstrations in big cities.
Terrence Floyd (C) attends a vigil where his brother George Floyd was killed by police one week ago on June 1, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd called for peace and justice after his brother's death, thanking those who continue to protest and imploring people to cease the damage and destruction which has followed. Stephen Maturen | Getty Images
Hice on May 29 criticized Twitter for flagging a tweet from Trump that "violated the Twitter rules about glorifying violence." Trump in this tweet, now hidden behind the notice from Twitter, wrote, "When the looting starts, the shooting starts," an echo of a phrase used by a Miami police chief in the 1960s, widely interpreted as a violent threat against protesters. Tweet When asked for his thoughts on the protests in his district, Hice said he was "very happy" to see his constituents demonstrating peacefully. "The tragic and horrifying death of George Floyd must never be repeated, and that requires Americans to demand systemic change," Hice added. "I view the problem of racism in America through the lens of my experience as a pastor of 25 years. I believe that America has a spiritual problem in our nation's heart. We must come together to restore our love for God and each other." In Monroe, Georgia, about 10 miles from Loganville, protesters held multiple demonstrations last week, with each one doubling or tripling turnout from the previous demonstration. The first gathering, held last Monday, attracted about a dozen people, said attendee Ava Atkism. During another event that night, 40 or 50 people came out in support of the cause. And in an event on Tuesday, "easily between 100-150 people, maybe even more" protested, Atkism said. In 2016, Trump won the town, which has a population similar in size to Loganville's, with 68%, compared with 28% for Clinton. Still, protesters received support from law enforcement and community members who stood by and supported the efforts, Atkism said. "It was very moving that some of the local pastors were out there for and with us. A few of them have actually walked with us every single day, and have prayed with us," she said. "Our police department has blocked the roads off for us so we can cross safely and not worry about people that might try to be funny and harm us." Several pizzeria owners donated food, water and snacks to protesters. Such support in conservative Monroe demonstrated to Atkism that the sentiment against institutionalized racism transcends party politics. "This is totally against tradition, but this isn't about political parties," she said. "This all falls back on what's wrong and what's right. You can only take so much until you say 'enough is enough.' You need to take action before it hits home or hits close to you." Across the country in Red Bluff, California, up to 250 people came out on June 1, according to an estimate from attendee Kristin Hayworth. The town has a population of more than 14,000. Organizers advised protesters to avoid obstructing roads and gave advice on how to remain safe in the event of violence, she said. The event remained largely peaceful, however, and Hayworth "was comfortable enough with the atmosphere to not only have my 9-year-old son with me, but to march with him." But in a town like Red Bluff, where Trump garnered 58% of the vote to Clinton's 35% in 2016, and where liberal causes are denounced and shunned, Hayworth remained hyper-aware that most people "likely" wouldn't support the movement. "At no point did I forget that the crowd gathered across the street wasn't likely to be sympathetic to our cause and the police, who had been informed of the protest and talked to the organizers, were stationed on the roof and driving around in unmarked cars, following us with a drone as we marched," Hayworth said in an email to CNBC.
People hold up their fists after protesting near the spot where George Floyd died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police, on May 26, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kerem Yucel | AFP | Getty Images
Some store owners anticipated looting and were prepared to react if it broke out. "There was a guy in the doorway of one store who stood with his hand on his gun as we went past, like one of [us] was going to come at him out of the blue and he'd have to quick-draw gun us down like it was a show down at the OK Corral," Hayworth said. In Twin Falls, Idaho, where Trump defeated Clinton by a whopping 79% to 11%, more than 500 people of varying age and race came out to a vigil last Tuesday, said Winnie Christensen, president of the Culture for Change Foundation, which organized the event. The city has a population of about 50,000. Demonstrators ranged from age 8 to 80 and included African Americans, refugees, Native Americans and members of the Latino and LGBT communities, she said. Additionally, law enforcement officers, city council members and local business owners were in attendance. "This event was not about politics about who is on the right or wrong. This was a candlelight vigil, to mourn, to heal, find solace, stand together as one for what is right," Christensen said. "It was also about all of us standing against racism, and fighting [for] the cause that black lives do matter. More so an open safe space for us to express our feelings." Officers stood by those attending the vigil, according to Christensen. She said the city's chief of police apologized on behalf of the law enforcement agency and vowed to "do better and work harder." "The most beautiful, sad and moving moments were after we lit the candles and almost every one took a knee for 8 minutes, 46 second moments of silence," she said. That's how long Floyd was pinned to the ground by former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin before dying during an arrest that was videotaped. Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder in Floyd's death, while the three former officers who were with him were charged with aiding and abetting murder. "And towards the end the church bells rang, as if on cue. The moment was so somber, those that held in their tears let go and one could hear the sniffles around the crowd. It felt like we were kneeling forever," Christensen said.
Demonstrators confront secret service police and Park police officers outside of the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington DC, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. Eric Baradat | AFP | Getty Images


cnbc--2020-06-08--Strong June jobs report would 'absolutely affect' a phase 4 coronavirus deal, Trump aide Kevin Hasse

Strong June jobs report would 'absolutely affect' a phase 4 coronavirus deal, Trump aide Kevin Hassett says

Another coronavirus relief package is all but inevitable , but its contents depend on whether the U.S. economy sees another blowout jobs report next month , Kevin Hassett , a senior advisor to President Donald Trump , told CNBC on Monday .
Hassett , the former chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors , said on `` Squawk Box '' that `` the odds of there being a phase four deal are really close to 100 % , '' even after the jobs data for last month far exceeded expectations .
A repeat performance in June would `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in additional legislation , he said .
The U.S. just saw its biggest month-to-month job gains ever : The Labor Department reported Friday that nonfarm payrolls in May rose by 2.5 million and the unemployment rate fell to 13.3 % , shocking economists who anticipated that more than 8 million additional jobs had been shed .
The strong report may have allowed the Trump administration to narrow its plans for a fourth `` phase '' of coronavirus relief .
If the jobs report for June shows similar figures , it could further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House to consider the more sweeping aid measures proposed by Democrats .
`` One of the things that we 've been saying and that the president 's insisted on is that we watch the economy recover , we see if it surprises us on the upside and if the programs that we have out there work or need to be fixed , '' Hassett told CNBC .
Hassett said the White House is making plans for whether the economy outperforms or underwhelms in June .
`` We had a really good month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another month like that in June , then I think it would absolutely affect the things that we pursue in July in the phase four deal , '' Hassett said .
The May jobs report was driven by gains in the leisure and hospitality industries , which began rehiring workers as states lifted their strict social distancing measures on those businesses .
More easing is due in June : New York City , the nation 's financial center , kicked off its first phase of the reopening process Monday .
Trump has outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including a payroll tax cut — which Democrats oppose — as well as another round of stimulus checks for Americans and potential tax incentives to encourage restaurant and entertainment spending .
Democrats say that now is not the time to pull back on federal relief efforts , arguing that the trillions of federal dollars spent on blunting the impact of the virus made all the difference in the blowout jobs report .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said Friday on MSNBC that the jobs report `` tells us that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
... Now is not the time to be complacent or take a victory lap . ''

Another coronavirus relief package is all but inevitable, but its contents depend on whether the U.S. economy sees another blowout jobs report next month, Kevin Hassett, a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, told CNBC on Monday.
Hassett, the former chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, said on "Squawk Box" that "the odds of there being a phase four deal are really close to 100%," even after the jobs data for last month far exceeded expectations.
A repeat performance in June would "absolutely affect the things that we pursue" in additional legislation, he said.
The U.S. just saw its biggest month-to-month job gains ever: The Labor Department reported Friday that nonfarm payrolls in May rose by 2.5 million and the unemployment rate fell to 13.3%, shocking economists who anticipated that more than 8 million additional jobs had been shed.
The strong report may have allowed the Trump administration to narrow its plans for a fourth "phase" of coronavirus relief. If the jobs report for June shows similar figures, it could further lift the pressure on Republicans and the White House to consider the more sweeping aid measures proposed by Democrats.
"One of the things that we've been saying and that the president's insisted on is that we watch the economy recover, we see if it surprises us on the upside and if the programs that we have out there work or need to be fixed," Hassett told CNBC.
Hassett said the White House is making plans for whether the economy outperforms or underwhelms in June.
"We had a really good month of jobs numbers, if we get another month like that in June, then I think it would absolutely affect the things that we pursue in July in the phase four deal," Hassett said.
The May jobs report was driven by gains in the leisure and hospitality industries, which began rehiring workers as states lifted their strict social distancing measures on those businesses. More easing is due in June: New York City, the nation's financial center, kicked off its first phase of the reopening process Monday.
Trump has outlined several policies he wants to pass, including a payroll tax cut — which Democrats oppose — as well as another round of stimulus checks for Americans and potential tax incentives to encourage restaurant and entertainment spending.
Democrats say that now is not the time to pull back on federal relief efforts, arguing that the trillions of federal dollars spent on blunting the impact of the virus made all the difference in the blowout jobs report.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Friday on MSNBC that the jobs report "tells us that we still have a long way to go. ... Now is not the time to be complacent or take a victory lap."


cnbc--2020-06-08--Jeffrey Epstein case: Prince Andrew pushes back as U.S. prosecutors seek to question queen's son abo

Jeffrey Epstein case: Prince Andrew pushes back as U.S. prosecutors seek to question queen's son about the late sex criminal

Prince Andrew , Duke of York leaves the headquarters of Crossrail at Canary Wharf on March 7 , 2011 in London , England .
Prince Andrew is under increasing pressure after a series of damaging revelations about him surfaced , including criticism over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein , an American financier .
Lawyers for Britain 's Prince Andrew on Monday denied claims he has refused to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors in a probe of Jeffrey Epstein , his dead sex criminal friend .
News reports revealed that those prosecutors have formally requested through the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second son .
Andrew 's lawyers issued a statement saying that the Duke of York has three times so far this year offered to assist the U.S. Department of Justice with its ongoing investigation of the wealthy investor Epstein 's alleged sex trafficking and serial abuse of underage girls .
That contradicts statements by Geoffrey Berman , the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan , who has said several times that Andrew has not cooperated as promised with investigators in their probe of Epstein , who killed himself last year while awaiting trial on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement issued later Monday disputed the lawyers ' claim .
`` Today , Prince Andrew yet again sought to falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to cooperate with the investigation into Epstein , '' Berman said , `` even though the Prince has not given an interview to federal authorities , has repeatedly declined our request to schedule such an interview , and nearly four months ago informed us unequivocally – through the very same counsel who issued today 's release – that he would not come in for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prince Andrew is , in fact , serious about cooperating with the ongoing federal investigation , our doors remain open , and we await word of when we should expect him , '' Berman said .
Andrew 's lawyers , Clare Montgomery and Stephen Ferguson , said that Justice Department officials had given them `` unequivocal assurance '' that their discussions with investigators would remain confidential .
But they suggested that Berman 's prior public statements on the case were `` seeking publicity rather than accepting the assistance proffered . ''
And lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the DOJ that he is not , nor ever was , a `` target '' of the criminal probe .
`` Far from our client acting above the law , as has been implied by press briefings in the U.S. , he is being treated by a lower standard than might reasonably be expected for any other citizen , '' Andrew 's lawyers said .
Earlier Monday , NBC News reported that Berman 's office had formally sought through the British government to question Andrew in the probe , which is eyeing possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former friend of Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton .
That request was made under a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty .
Andrew 's lawyers said , `` Any pursuit of an application for mutual legal assistance would be disappointing , since the Duke of York is not a target of the DOJ investigation and has recently repeated his willingness to provide a witness statement . ''
`` It is hoped that this third offer has not been the cause of the most recent leak about the Duke of York , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department and Berman 's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday .
But U.S. Attorney General William Barr in an interview with Fox News set to air on Monday evening said that Andrew would not be extradited to the U.S. for any interview , according to a report by Reuters .

Prince Andrew, Duke of York leaves the headquarters of Crossrail at Canary Wharf on March 7, 2011 in London, England. Prince Andrew is under increasing pressure after a series of damaging revelations about him surfaced, including criticism over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier.
Lawyers for Britain's Prince Andrew on Monday denied claims he has refused to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors in a probe of Jeffrey Epstein, his dead sex criminal friend.
News reports revealed that those prosecutors have formally requested through the United Kingdom an interview with Queen Elizabeth II's second son.
Andrew's lawyers issued a statement saying that the Duke of York has three times so far this year offered to assist the U.S. Department of Justice with its ongoing investigation of the wealthy investor Epstein's alleged sex trafficking and serial abuse of underage girls.
That contradicts statements by Geoffrey Berman, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, who has said several times that Andrew has not cooperated as promised with investigators in their probe of Epstein, who killed himself last year while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Berman in a statement issued later Monday disputed the lawyers' claim.
"Today, Prince Andrew yet again sought to falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to cooperate with the investigation into Epstein," Berman said, "even though the Prince has not given an interview to federal authorities, has repeatedly declined our request to schedule such an interview, and nearly four months ago informed us unequivocally – through the very same counsel who issued today's release – that he would not come in for such an interview."
"If Prince Andrew is, in fact, serious about cooperating with the ongoing federal investigation, our doors remain open, and we await word of when we should expect him," Berman said.
Andrew's lawyers, Clare Montgomery and Stephen Ferguson, said that Justice Department officials had given them "unequivocal assurance" that their discussions with investigators would remain confidential.
But they suggested that Berman's prior public statements on the case were "seeking publicity rather than accepting the assistance proffered."
And lawyers said that Andrew has been told by the DOJ that he is not, nor ever was, a "target" of the criminal probe.
"Far from our client acting above the law, as has been implied by press briefings in the U.S., he is being treated by a lower standard than might reasonably be expected for any other citizen," Andrew's lawyers said.
Earlier Monday, NBC News reported that Berman's office had formally sought through the British government to question Andrew in the probe, which is eyeing possible conspirators of Epstein, who was also a former friend of Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.
That request was made under a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.
Andrew's lawyers said, "Any pursuit of an application for mutual legal assistance would be disappointing, since the Duke of York is not a target of the DOJ investigation and has recently repeated his willingness to provide a witness statement."
"It is hoped that this third offer has not been the cause of the most recent leak about the Duke of York," the lawyers said.
Spokesmen for the Justice Department and Berman's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.
But U.S. Attorney General William Barr in an interview with Fox News set to air on Monday evening said that Andrew would not be extradited to the U.S. for any interview, according to a report by Reuters.


cnbc--2020-06-08--San Diego mayor explains why he didn't implement a curfew during George Floyd protests

The city of San Diego broke from national trends in deciding not to enforce city-wide curfews like those seen in New York , Minneapolis , Atlanta and other areas of the country .
`` We encourage peaceful protests , '' Mayor Kevin Faulconer told CNBC .
`` That 's part of who we are as Americans and that 's how you affect change . ''
Protests continued over the weekend In San Diego County , marking almost two weeks of daily demonstrations since the death of George Floyd .
Faulconer said by not implementing a curfew he intended to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You want to have a culture that is open to folks saying , 'This is our ability to demonstrate , ' '' said Faulconer .
San Diego was also one of the first regions since Floyd 's death to announce a ban on the police department 's use of the carotid restraint .
The neck restraint is meant to be more humane than a traditional chokehold , but has been criticized for being used more frequently on people of color during arrests .
After local officers debated the ban , multiple law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to no longer use the restraint .
Faulconer also reflected on the city 's decision to equip officers with body cameras in 2014 .
He said this round of protests and policy change feels different as dialogue continues with an independent community board .
`` I 've stressed you have to be willing to work with your community , '' Faulconer said .
`` Community support is what is important not just for the now , but for the long term . ''

The city of San Diego broke from national trends in deciding not to enforce city-wide curfews like those seen in New York, Minneapolis, Atlanta and other areas of the country.
"We encourage peaceful protests," Mayor Kevin Faulconer told CNBC. "That's part of who we are as Americans and that's how you affect change."
Protests continued over the weekend In San Diego County, marking almost two weeks of daily demonstrations since the death of George Floyd.
Faulconer said by not implementing a curfew he intended to send a message of support to protesters.
"You want to have a culture that is open to folks saying, 'This is our ability to demonstrate,'" said Faulconer.
San Diego was also one of the first regions since Floyd's death to announce a ban on the police department's use of the carotid restraint.
The neck restraint is meant to be more humane than a traditional chokehold, but has been criticized for being used more frequently on people of color during arrests.
After local officers debated the ban, multiple law enforcement agencies in San Diego County agreed to no longer use the restraint.
Faulconer also reflected on the city's decision to equip officers with body cameras in 2014. He said this round of protests and policy change feels different as dialogue continues with an independent community board.
"I've stressed you have to be willing to work with your community," Faulconer said. "Community support is what is important not just for the now, but for the long term."


cnbc--2020-06-09--Trump was talked out of firing Defense Secretary Esper over disagreement on protest response, WSJ sa

Trump was talked out of firing Defense Secretary Esper over disagreement on protest response, WSJ says

U.S. President Donald Trump listens as Mark Esper , U.S. Secretary of Defense , speaks during his swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Tuesday , July 23 , 2019 .
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump nearly fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper following a disagreement over methods to quell nationwide protests , but was talked out of it , The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday , citing officials .
Trump consulted with several advisors about his intention to fire Esper , his fourth defense secretary , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately fire Esper after talking with confidants , including White House chief of staff Mark Meadows , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Sens .
Tom Cotton , R-Ark.
, and James Inhofe , R. , Okla. A week ago , Esper publicly broke with Trump during a Pentagon press briefing by saying he did not support invoking the Insurrection Act — a law that would allow the president to use active-duty forces to respond to civil unrest stemming from protests against police brutality .
`` I say this not only as secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former soldier and a former member of the National Guard , the option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort , and only in the most urgent and dire situations .
We are not in one of those situations now , '' Esper said on June 3 .
`` I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act , '' he added .

U.S. President Donald Trump listens as Mark Esper, U.S. Secretary of Defense, speaks during his swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, July 23, 2019.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump nearly fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper following a disagreement over methods to quell nationwide protests, but was talked out of it, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing officials.
Trump consulted with several advisors about his intention to fire Esper, his fourth defense secretary, according to the report. The president decided not to immediately fire Esper after talking with confidants, including White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and James Inhofe, R., Okla.
A week ago, Esper publicly broke with Trump during a Pentagon press briefing by saying he did not support invoking the Insurrection Act — a law that would allow the president to use active-duty forces to respond to civil unrest stemming from protests against police brutality.
"I say this not only as secretary of Defense, but also as a former soldier and a former member of the National Guard, the option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort, and only in the most urgent and dire situations. We are not in one of those situations now," Esper said on June 3.
"I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act," he added.


cnbc--2020-06-09--Biden addresses George Floyd's 6-year-old daughter in emotional funeral video

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden addressed George Floyd 's six-year-old daughter Gianna in an emotional video played at Floyd 's funeral in Houston on Tuesday .
`` Little Gianna , as I said to you when I saw you yesterday , you are so brave , '' Biden said in the pre-recorded video , filmed at his home in Delaware .
`` Daddy is looking down at you , and he is so proud of you .
I know you miss that bear hug that only he could give , the pure joy of riding on his shoulders so you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I know you have a lot of questions that no child should have to ask , questions that too many black children have had to ask for generations , '' Biden continued .
`` Why ?
Why is Daddy gone ?
In looking through your eyes , we should all be asking ourselves why the answer is often too cruel and painful . ''
Biden did not attend the funeral in person because he did not want to turn the event into a political spectacle , an attorney for the Floyd family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in Minneapolis and North Carolina .
But the approximately five minute video showcased the different ways that Biden and President Donald Trump are responding to the public uproar over police killings of black people , with five months to go before Election Day .
Floyd 's death in the custody of Minneapolis police officers last month has spurred weeks of protests against police brutality around the country .
The four officers involved in the arrest were fired by the Minneapolis Police Department and are now facing charges .
Polls have shown Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the historic protests that are playing out against the backdrop of once-in-a-century public health and financial crises .
While Trump has shown some sympathy for Floyd 's case , he has directed his fury at those who are protesting , rather than the underlying concerns about discrimination in policing .
Earlier in the day , Trump alleged that a 75-year-old man who was pushed down by police officers in Buffalo `` could be an ANTIFA provocateur . ''
Biden 's approach has been more somber .
He has leaned into his experiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loved one .
Biden 's son Beau Biden passed away in 2015 from brain cancer .
In 1972 , his wife and infant daughter were killed in a car crash shortly after he was elected to the Senate .
In a portion of the video addressing Floyd 's friends and family , Biden said that `` for most people , the numbness you feel now , will slowly turn , day after day , season after season , into purpose through the memory of the one they lost . ''
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before you can fully grieve .
And unlike most , you must grieve in public .
And , it 's a burden .
A burden that is now your purpose — to change the world for the better in the name of George Floyd , '' Biden said .
Biden also referenced a video of Gianna on the shoulders of her father 's close friend that went viral in recent days .
The video shows Gianna proclaiming joyfully that `` Daddy changed the world . ''
`` Now is the time for racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must give to our children when they ask why .
Because when there is justice for George Floyd , we will truly be on our way to racial justice in America , '' Biden said in the video .
`` And then , as you said , Gianna , your daddy will have 'changed the world . '
''

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden addressed George Floyd's six-year-old daughter Gianna in an emotional video played at Floyd's funeral in Houston on Tuesday.
"Little Gianna, as I said to you when I saw you yesterday, you are so brave," Biden said in the pre-recorded video, filmed at his home in Delaware. "Daddy is looking down at you, and he is so proud of you. I know you miss that bear hug that only he could give, the pure joy of riding on his shoulders so you could touch the sky."
"And I know you have a lot of questions that no child should have to ask, questions that too many black children have had to ask for generations," Biden continued. "Why? Why is Daddy gone? In looking through your eyes, we should all be asking ourselves why the answer is often too cruel and painful."
Biden did not attend the funeral in person because he did not want to turn the event into a political spectacle, an attorney for the Floyd family said. Previous services for Floyd were held in Minneapolis and North Carolina.
But the approximately five minute video showcased the different ways that Biden and President Donald Trump are responding to the public uproar over police killings of black people, with five months to go before Election Day.
Floyd's death in the custody of Minneapolis police officers last month has spurred weeks of protests against police brutality around the country. The four officers involved in the arrest were fired by the Minneapolis Police Department and are now facing charges.
Polls have shown Biden gaining momentum as the nation remains transfixed by the historic protests that are playing out against the backdrop of once-in-a-century public health and financial crises.
While Trump has shown some sympathy for Floyd's case, he has directed his fury at those who are protesting, rather than the underlying concerns about discrimination in policing. Earlier in the day, Trump alleged that a 75-year-old man who was pushed down by police officers in Buffalo "could be an ANTIFA provocateur."
Biden's approach has been more somber. He has leaned into his experiences dealing publicly with the grief of losing a loved one. Biden's son Beau Biden passed away in 2015 from brain cancer. In 1972, his wife and infant daughter were killed in a car crash shortly after he was elected to the Senate.
In a portion of the video addressing Floyd's friends and family, Biden said that "for most people, the numbness you feel now, will slowly turn, day after day, season after season, into purpose through the memory of the one they lost."
"But for you, that day has come before you can fully grieve. And unlike most, you must grieve in public. And, it's a burden. A burden that is now your purpose — to change the world for the better in the name of George Floyd," Biden said.
Biden also referenced a video of Gianna on the shoulders of her father's close friend that went viral in recent days. The video shows Gianna proclaiming joyfully that "Daddy changed the world."
"Now is the time for racial justice. That's the answer we must give to our children when they ask why. Because when there is justice for George Floyd, we will truly be on our way to racial justice in America," Biden said in the video. "And then, as you said, Gianna, your daddy will have 'changed the world.'"


cnbc--2020-06-09--Trump on track to raise at least $10 million at first in-person fundraiser since coronavirus pandemi

Trump on track to raise at least $10 million at first in-person fundraiser since coronavirus pandemic began

President Donald Trump pumps his fist during a `` Keep America Great '' campaign rally at the BB & T Center in Sunrise , Florida on November 26 , 2019 .
President Donald Trump 's first in-person fundraising event in the wake of his campaign going fully virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic is on track to raise at least $ 10 million .
The massive total , described to CNBC by those familiar with the event , is set to be raised at a gathering on Thursday in a private home in Dallas where Trump , according to Politico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds are set to go toward the Trump Victory committee , a joint fundraising operation shared by the campaign and the Republican National Committee .
Tickets to the event go up to $ 580,600 , one of the people added , the same amount that was charged for a February event at the home of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz .
That reportedly ended up raising $ 10 million as well for the same committee .
An RNC official noted `` the $ 10 [ million figure ] is not final '' for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not release the official totals until later this week .
A spokesman for Trump did not return a request for comment .
The Trump campaign is expected to resume hosting rallies in the next two weeks .
The president 's return to the campaign trail comes as he 's down in national polls to the presumptive Democratic nominee , Joe Biden .
A Real Clear Politics polling average has Trump behind Biden by eight points .
Trump and the RNC suspended their in-person events in March .
The expected haul in Dallas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors are still willing to stand behind Trump .
It comes amidst the criticism he faced as the coronavirus spread and killed more than 100,000 people in the United States and for his response to the nationwide unrest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer .
It also is another sign that Biden is still far behind in catching up to Trump 's fundraising prowess .
The president has had a four-year head start in organizing a campaign and building a financial war chest .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's scheduled for Tuesday , for instance , is on pace to raise well over $ 2.5 million .
Trump 's absence from the campaign trail has allowed Biden to close the gap somewhat in the fundraising game .
Biden and the Democratic National Committee finished the month of April raising just over $ 60 million , while Trump and the RNC brought in close to $ 61 million with $ 255 million on hand going into May .
Neither the Trump nor Biden campaign has announced how much they raised last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone virtual since March when states started shutting down in the wake of the pandemic .
He has recently ventured outside his home , including on Monday , when he traveled to Houston to meet with the Floyd 's parents .
Floyd , a black man , was unarmed when a since-fired police officer knelt on Floyd 's neck for nearly nine minutes .
The officer , Derek Chauvin , was charged with murder and manslaughter .
The three officers accompanying him were also fired and charged with aiding and abetting murder .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contributions and commitments since the Floyd protests started in late May .

President Donald Trump pumps his fist during a "Keep America Great" campaign rally at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida on November 26, 2019.
President Donald Trump's first in-person fundraising event in the wake of his campaign going fully virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic is on track to raise at least $10 million.
The massive total, described to CNBC by those familiar with the event, is set to be raised at a gathering on Thursday in a private home in Dallas where Trump, according to Politico, is expected to attend. The funds are set to go toward the Trump Victory committee, a joint fundraising operation shared by the campaign and the Republican National Committee.
Tickets to the event go up to $580,600, one of the people added, the same amount that was charged for a February event at the home of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz. That reportedly ended up raising $10 million as well for the same committee.
An RNC official noted "the $10 [million figure] is not final" for the Dallas event and explained that the group will not release the official totals until later this week.
A spokesman for Trump did not return a request for comment.
The Trump campaign is expected to resume hosting rallies in the next two weeks. The president's return to the campaign trail comes as he's down in national polls to the presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden. A Real Clear Politics polling average has Trump behind Biden by eight points. Trump and the RNC suspended their in-person events in March.
The expected haul in Dallas is the latest sign that wealthy Republican donors are still willing to stand behind Trump. It comes amidst the criticism he faced as the coronavirus spread and killed more than 100,000 people in the United States and for his response to the nationwide unrest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
It also is another sign that Biden is still far behind in catching up to Trump's fundraising prowess. The president has had a four-year head start in organizing a campaign and building a financial war chest.
Biden's upcoming fundraiser with Sen. Kamala Harris that's scheduled for Tuesday, for instance, is on pace to raise well over $2.5 million.
Trump's absence from the campaign trail has allowed Biden to close the gap somewhat in the fundraising game. Biden and the Democratic National Committee finished the month of April raising just over $60 million, while Trump and the RNC brought in close to $61 million with $255 million on hand going into May. Neither the Trump nor Biden campaign has announced how much they raised last month.
Biden's campaign also has gone virtual since March when states started shutting down in the wake of the pandemic. He has recently ventured outside his home, including on Monday, when he traveled to Houston to meet with the Floyd's parents. Floyd, a black man, was unarmed when a since-fired police officer knelt on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with murder and manslaughter. The three officers accompanying him were also fired and charged with aiding and abetting murder.
Biden's fundraisers have seen a surge of contributions and commitments since the Floyd protests started in late May.


cnbc--2020-06-09--Trump should apologize for implying that an injured 75-year-old protester provoked cops in Buffalo,

Trump should apologize for implying that an injured 75-year-old protester provoked cops in Buffalo, Cuomo says

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ripped into President Donald Trump on Tuesday for tweeting the unsupported notion that an injured Buffalo , New York , protester was involved with antifa .
Early Tuesday Trump said the elderly man who had been pushed down by police officers while protesting against the death of unarmed black man George Floyd was part of the group .
`` Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur .
75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment , '' Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he fell harder than was pushed .
Was aiming scanner .
Could be a set up ?
The man , who has been identified by multiple news outlets as Martin Gugino , stood alone in front of an approaching line of police officers , video of the incident shows .
As he gestured to one of the cops , others yelled for him to move back , and two officers pushed him in the chest , knocking him over backward .
The video showed blood coming from the man 's head as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police did not immediately stop to help him .
`` If there was ever a reprehensible dumb comment — and from our president , '' Cuomo said in a press briefing Tuesday , slamming Trump for his statement on the injured protester .
`` He should apologize for that tweet .
Not a piece of proof .
Totally personally disparaging .
The man is still in the hospital .
Show some decency .
Show some humanity , '' Cuomo added .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ripped into President Donald Trump on Tuesday for tweeting the unsupported notion that an injured Buffalo, New York, protester was involved with antifa.
Early Tuesday Trump said the elderly man who had been pushed down by police officers while protesting against the death of unarmed black man George Floyd was part of the group.
"Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment," Trump tweeted. "@OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?
Trump tweet
The man, who has been identified by multiple news outlets as Martin Gugino, stood alone in front of an approaching line of police officers, video of the incident shows. As he gestured to one of the cops, others yelled for him to move back, and two officers pushed him in the chest, knocking him over backward. The video showed blood coming from the man's head as he lay motionless on the ground. Police did not immediately stop to help him.
"If there was ever a reprehensible dumb comment — and from our president," Cuomo said in a press briefing Tuesday, slamming Trump for his statement on the injured protester.
"He should apologize for that tweet. Not a piece of proof. Totally personally disparaging. The man is still in the hospital. Show some decency. Show some humanity," Cuomo added.


cnbc--2020-06-09--Joe Biden is 'more receptive' to progressives than past Democrats, Bernie Sanders says

Former Vice President Joe Biden 's close relationship with Sen. Bernie Sanders and willingness to engage with progressives could spell a difference between the 2020 presidential contest and former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton 's failed 2016 bid , Sanders said in an interview in The New Yorker magazine published on Tuesday .
`` I think the difference now is that , between you and me , I have a better relationship with Joe Biden than I had with Hillary Clinton , and that Biden has been much more receptive to sitting down and talking with me and other progressives than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Vermont lawmaker said .
Sanders competed against Clinton in 2016 , and was the last Democrat standing against Biden during the 2020 primary contest .
Democrats loyal to Clinton , with whom Sanders had an icy rapport , have criticized Sanders for what they saw as his insufficient effort to get his progressive backers behind her in 2016 after she defeated him in the primary .
Pressed to address that criticism , Sanders told The New Yorker that he did everything he could to get Clinton elected .
But he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence candidates , on their own , can have on their supporters ' votes .
`` There is a myth out there that all a candidate has to say , whether it 's Bernie Sanders or anybody else , to millions of people who voted for him or her , is , ' I want you to do this , ' and every single person is going to fall in line , '' Sanders said .
`` That 's just not the way it works in a democracy . ''
This time around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located ideologically to his right .
But , Sanders said , Biden 's apparent willingness to shift to the left on some issues could move the needle .
`` I think you 're going to see him being rather strong on the need for a new economy in America that does a lot better job in representing working families than we currently have , '' Sanders said .
`` He has told me that he wants to be as strong as possible in terms of climate change , and I look forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Clinton did not respond to a request for comment .
Sanders endorsed Biden in April shortly after he dropped out of the race .
The endorsement , which came far earlier in the cycle than his 2016 endorsement of Clinton , was seen as a major boost to Biden 's campaign .
The two candidates announced at the time of Sanders ' endorsement that their campaigns would form joint task forces to work out compromises on policy in six major areas : The economy , education , climate change , criminal justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders did n't say how much progress the task forces had made in the intervening months , though he said the two men were talking by phone .
On the issue that most animated Sanders ' political rise — making health care free at the point of use — Biden has not publicly budged , even as Covid-19 has swept through the country and led to unprecedented job losses .
Addressing the task forces , Sanders said , `` We 'll see what the fruits of those discussions are . ''
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences between the two men ideologically .
`` He has been open and personable and friendly , but his views and my views are very different , in some areas more than others , '' Sanders said .
He added : `` But Joe has been open to having his people sit down with some of the most progressive folks in America , and that 's a good sign . ''
In a statement , Biden spokesman Andrew Bates said that `` Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are friends and share a steadfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will deliver for working families . ''
`` Senator Sanders and his team have been extraordinary partners in offering advice and support on the biggest challenges of our day , such as overcoming climate change and rebuilding the American middle class — especially after the COVID-19 outbreak , '' Bates said .
Also in the interview , Sanders , a self-avowed democratic socialist , held out hope that a future candidate with his beliefs will be more successful than he was .
`` Biden just mopped us up with older people , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand , even in states where we did poorly , and lost , we won a majority of young people , forty or younger .
That 's the future of America . ''
A spokesperson for Sanders did n't respond to an inquiry about whether he wanted to elaborate on his remarks .
Biden is currently leading President Donald Trump in national surveys by about 8 percentage points , according to an average of recent polls collected by RealClearPolitics .

Former Vice President Joe Biden's close relationship with Sen. Bernie Sanders and willingness to engage with progressives could spell a difference between the 2020 presidential contest and former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's failed 2016 bid, Sanders said in an interview in The New Yorker magazine published on Tuesday.
"I think the difference now is that, between you and me, I have a better relationship with Joe Biden than I had with Hillary Clinton, and that Biden has been much more receptive to sitting down and talking with me and other progressives than we have seen in the past," the Vermont lawmaker said.
Sanders competed against Clinton in 2016, and was the last Democrat standing against Biden during the 2020 primary contest. Democrats loyal to Clinton, with whom Sanders had an icy rapport, have criticized Sanders for what they saw as his insufficient effort to get his progressive backers behind her in 2016 after she defeated him in the primary.
Pressed to address that criticism, Sanders told The New Yorker that he did everything he could to get Clinton elected. But he said there was a misconception about how much influence candidates, on their own, can have on their supporters' votes.
"There is a myth out there that all a candidate has to say, whether it's Bernie Sanders or anybody else, to millions of people who voted for him or her, is, 'I want you to do this,' and every single person is going to fall in line," Sanders said. "That's just not the way it works in a democracy."
This time around, Sanders again lost to a candidate located ideologically to his right. But, Sanders said, Biden's apparent willingness to shift to the left on some issues could move the needle.
"I think you're going to see him being rather strong on the need for a new economy in America that does a lot better job in representing working families than we currently have," Sanders said. "He has told me that he wants to be as strong as possible in terms of climate change, and I look forward to hearing his proposals."
A spokesperson for Clinton did not respond to a request for comment.
Sanders endorsed Biden in April shortly after he dropped out of the race. The endorsement, which came far earlier in the cycle than his 2016 endorsement of Clinton, was seen as a major boost to Biden's campaign.
The two candidates announced at the time of Sanders' endorsement that their campaigns would form joint task forces to work out compromises on policy in six major areas: The economy, education, climate change, criminal justice, immigration reform and health care.
Sanders didn't say how much progress the task forces had made in the intervening months, though he said the two men were talking by phone. On the issue that most animated Sanders' political rise — making health care free at the point of use — Biden has not publicly budged, even as Covid-19 has swept through the country and led to unprecedented job losses.
Addressing the task forces, Sanders said, "We'll see what the fruits of those discussions are." He said he didn't want to sugarcoat the differences between the two men ideologically.
"He has been open and personable and friendly, but his views and my views are very different, in some areas more than others," Sanders said. He added: "But Joe has been open to having his people sit down with some of the most progressive folks in America, and that's a good sign."
In a statement, Biden spokesman Andrew Bates said that "Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are friends and share a steadfast belief that we need a government that will deliver for working families."
"Senator Sanders and his team have been extraordinary partners in offering advice and support on the biggest challenges of our day, such as overcoming climate change and rebuilding the American middle class — especially after the COVID-19 outbreak," Bates said.
Also in the interview, Sanders, a self-avowed democratic socialist, held out hope that a future candidate with his beliefs will be more successful than he was.
"Biden just mopped us up with older people," Sanders said. "On the other hand, even in states where we did poorly, and lost, we won a majority of young people, forty or younger. That's the future of America."
A spokesperson for Sanders didn't respond to an inquiry about whether he wanted to elaborate on his remarks.
Biden is currently leading President Donald Trump in national surveys by about 8 percentage points, according to an average of recent polls collected by RealClearPolitics.


cnbc--2020-06-09--Liquor stores face new challenges as states reopen after coronavirus lockdowns

As restaurants and stores begin to reopen after months of closure , liquor stores will be forced to make even more extreme adjustments .
While much of the country stayed at home , liquor store owners and employees continued to run these businesses , but with fewer resources .
Staffers have had to respond to high-stress incidents more frequently , often the result of people who were frustrated with staying indoors most of the time .
The coronavirus pandemic pressured wine and liquor sellers , which were deemed essential businesses by certain state guidelines , to limit in-person capacity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But these restrictions were not received well in many locations .
Customers in some cases became enraged by being asked to wear a mask inside , one store manager told CNBC .
Restaurant closures have also forced several liquor stores to lose a large income source once food establishments stopped ordering bulk alcohol shipments .
`` Walk-in and retail business has increased by 22 % from March 16th to today , '' said Alex Le , co-owner of Nasa Liquor in Houston , Texas .
`` However , overall business is at average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurant businesses . ''
Multiple shop owners and employees told CNBC about the challenges of running a liquor store during a pandemic , including fears about tension with customers and concerns about demand returning to pre-virus levels .
Here is what they had to say .
In New York , Park Avenue Liquor Shop , which normally caters to residents in the area , saw many of its usual customers flee the city once the coronavirus struck , said the business 's vice president , Jonathan Goldstein .
The store has still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but in fewer quantities than ever .
To cope with fewer orders , Goldstein had to lay off a few employees .
`` I reduced my numbers and have no idea if business will warrant an increase in the upcoming months , '' he said .
`` The people I still have here are braving the unknown but are being extremely careful . ''
In the store , employees wear masks and gloves and sanitize after each transaction .
Other New York liquor establishments , like bars , have offered takeout drinks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and standing around or near the vicinity to consume it .
In normal circumstances , alcohol can not be consumed in public spaces , including on streets and in parks .
Because of shelter-in-place guidelines and because many stores and restaurants closed to stop the spread of the virus , liquor stores have become a reliable way to break the day 's flow .
`` Being open and with people working from home , we are seeing people we 're not used to seeing during the day , whether it be professionals who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are usually in the classroom , '' said Le of Houston-based Nasa Liquors .
Le brought on an extra employee to help with inventory and cashier duties and respond to the influx of people entering the store .
`` We 've also implemented sneeze guards , are wiping counters and door handles after every customer , and are limiting to 10 people in at once , '' Le told CNBC .
`` Overall , operational costs now include increased expenditures on cleaning supplies , which is an estimated $ 200 a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Bourbon Street Wine and Spirits in Phillipsburg , New Jersey , said her store has also been busier than usual .
There are nine stores in the Bourbon Street chain , but her store , located near the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania , has been fielding people from both states during the pandemic .
For at least eight weeks , `` we 've been experiencing Christmas holiday-level crowds , '' Trueman said .
`` It 's been absolutely insane .
We 're all working extra hours and it 's crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some liquor shops have also struggled with replenishing supply or selling smaller brands , which have lost ground to the more familiar ones that usually sell out in stores .
`` There is no way for a small brand to make itself [ known ] without hand-selling , '' said Goldstein .
Hand-selling can consist of offering in-store samples or playing up a smaller brand to make a sale through word of mouth or employee recommendation .
These practices have paused in liquor stores across the country to avoid spreading the coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels .
The pandemic has affected the supply chain at Nasa Liquor .
Once the pandemic hit , distilleries worldwide have either limited or stopped production entirely .
`` We often purchase barrels of bespoke whiskey , brandy , or rum from all parts of the world .
The challenge is that each geographic location has their own stance on social distancing , reopening , and even guidelines on importing and exporting , '' Le said .
`` We have several of these barrels stuck in pipeline , which we were excited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase , but have now been delayed until 2021 . ''
Some customers are reluctant to wear personal protective equipment or ignore personal space when in stores , agitations that shop owners and workers fear will become routine throughout the reopening process .
Trueman of Bourbon Street said she experienced a lot of customer pushback about wearing a mask indoors .
Her shop has marked designated standing areas with X 's to encourage safe social distancing , but customers frequently take no notice of or disregard them , she said .
Customers `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers , she said , but with staff , they `` just walk right up . ''
Nobody on staff has gotten sick yet , she said .
`` When people come in , they do n't necessarily respect the staff here like they would a doctor or a nurse , '' Trueman said .
`` We have lots of gun nuts out here and I 'm waiting for someone to walk in who 's got a real chip on his shoulder and start waving their gun around . ''
At Park Avenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity to another level .
Instead of allowing people to browse the store 's liquor contents , Goldstein and his employees make suggestions and transactions at the door .
`` Just as this virus was making headlines , we became concerned with people roaming throughout the store and touching things , sneezing , etc.
, '' he wrote in an email to CNBC .
`` We made a decision to stop them at the entry and if a purchase decision needed some help then we would bring the options to them . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for continuing to wear masks indoors as states begin to reopen .
Many restaurants , universities , barbershops and liquor stores have announced they plan to uphold this guidance .
State governments have put forth requirements for businesses to follow in order to reopen successfully .
But these concerns take out all the predictability and planning out of reopening , as liquor stores across the country continue to face tests .
Some liquor store employees and owners are concerned that patrons will choose to ignore protocol .
And some fret that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health experts have warned about for months , will exacerbate this deviation .
`` If it starts to hit again , people are going to be over it and tired of it , '' said Trueman of Bourbon Street Wine and Spirits .
`` I just feel like tensions are going to get crazy . ''
Trueman also said she worries that the 2020 presidential election will add to the tension .
Other stores , like Nasa Liquors in Texas , are thinking about the business perspective .
`` The main concern is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of our revenue , will respond to re-opening , '' Le said .
`` Some establishments we work close with have delayed opening , even past government reopening phase dates , until they feel it 's safe to reopen .
Others ca n't wait to reopen and unfortunately , some wo n't reopen . ''
But beyond the opening of supporting establishments , it 's still unclear whether people will feel safe enough to shop as they did before the pandemic .
The coronavirus has heightened the fear of engaging with people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners are wondering if this behavior will stick around .
Additionally , shop owners are thinking about how reopening will affect people 's finances – and what toll that will have on their businesses .
`` Going forward we have no idea what will happen with our corporate business – will people continue to work in the city from an office ? ''
Goldstein asked .
`` Tourism ?
Will people feel comfortable shopping in person ?
Inside a retail environment ?
Will there be any foot traffic ?
What about the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending money on gifts ?
Corporate spending ? ''

A person leaves a liquor store in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn during the coronavirus pandemic on May 7, 2020 in New York City. Rob Kim | Getty Images
As restaurants and stores begin to reopen after months of closure, liquor stores will be forced to make even more extreme adjustments. While much of the country stayed at home, liquor store owners and employees continued to run these businesses, but with fewer resources. Staffers have had to respond to high-stress incidents more frequently, often the result of people who were frustrated with staying indoors most of the time. The coronavirus pandemic pressured wine and liquor sellers, which were deemed essential businesses by certain state guidelines, to limit in-person capacity to decrease the spread of the coronavirus. But these restrictions were not received well in many locations. Customers in some cases became enraged by being asked to wear a mask inside, one store manager told CNBC. Restaurant closures have also forced several liquor stores to lose a large income source once food establishments stopped ordering bulk alcohol shipments. "Walk-in and retail business has increased by 22% from March 16th to today," said Alex Le, co-owner of Nasa Liquor in Houston, Texas. "However, overall business is at average pace, with the loss of bar and restaurant businesses." Multiple shop owners and employees told CNBC about the challenges of running a liquor store during a pandemic, including fears about tension with customers and concerns about demand returning to pre-virus levels. Here is what they had to say.
Operating under quarantine
In New York, Park Avenue Liquor Shop, which normally caters to residents in the area, saw many of its usual customers flee the city once the coronavirus struck, said the business's vice president, Jonathan Goldstein. The store has still been fulfilling resident orders and delivering, but in fewer quantities than ever. To cope with fewer orders, Goldstein had to lay off a few employees. "I reduced my numbers and have no idea if business will warrant an increase in the upcoming months," he said. "The people I still have here are braving the unknown but are being extremely careful." In the store, employees wear masks and gloves and sanitize after each transaction. Other New York liquor establishments, like bars, have offered takeout drinks, resulting in people lining up to order and standing around or near the vicinity to consume it. In normal circumstances, alcohol cannot be consumed in public spaces, including on streets and in parks. Because of shelter-in-place guidelines and because many stores and restaurants closed to stop the spread of the virus, liquor stores have become a reliable way to break the day's flow. "Being open and with people working from home, we are seeing people we're not used to seeing during the day, whether it be professionals who are usually in the office or teachers who are usually in the classroom," said Le of Houston-based Nasa Liquors. Le brought on an extra employee to help with inventory and cashier duties and respond to the influx of people entering the store. "We've also implemented sneeze guards, are wiping counters and door handles after every customer, and are limiting to 10 people in at once," Le told CNBC. "Overall, operational costs now include increased expenditures on cleaning supplies, which is an estimated $200 a month." Anna Trueman, wine manager at Bourbon Street Wine and Spirits in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, said her store has also been busier than usual. There are nine stores in the Bourbon Street chain, but her store, located near the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has been fielding people from both states during the pandemic. For at least eight weeks, "we've been experiencing Christmas holiday-level crowds," Trueman said. "It's been absolutely insane. We're all working extra hours and it's crazy how much busier we are." Some liquor shops have also struggled with replenishing supply or selling smaller brands, which have lost ground to the more familiar ones that usually sell out in stores. "There is no way for a small brand to make itself [known] without hand-selling," said Goldstein. Hand-selling can consist of offering in-store samples or playing up a smaller brand to make a sale through word of mouth or employee recommendation. These practices have paused in liquor stores across the country to avoid spreading the coronavirus and also to respond to the new demand levels. The pandemic has affected the supply chain at Nasa Liquor. Once the pandemic hit, distilleries worldwide have either limited or stopped production entirely. "We often purchase barrels of bespoke whiskey, brandy, or rum from all parts of the world. The challenge is that each geographic location has their own stance on social distancing, reopening, and even guidelines on importing and exporting," Le said. "We have several of these barrels stuck in pipeline, which we were excited to release in the summer where sales usually increase, but have now been delayed until 2021."
Pat ODonnell, 34, buys a 1.75 liter bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey at Supreme Liquor in Cambridge, MA on April 28, 2020. Mathew J. Lee | Boston Globe | Getty Images
Respecting social distancing
Some customers are reluctant to wear personal protective equipment or ignore personal space when in stores, agitations that shop owners and workers fear will become routine throughout the reopening process. Trueman of Bourbon Street said she experienced a lot of customer pushback about wearing a mask indoors. Her shop has marked designated standing areas with X's to encourage safe social distancing, but customers frequently take no notice of or disregard them, she said. Customers "barely" respect social distancing around other customers, she said, but with staff, they "just walk right up." Nobody on staff has gotten sick yet, she said. "When people come in, they don't necessarily respect the staff here like they would a doctor or a nurse," Trueman said. "We have lots of gun nuts out here and I'm waiting for someone to walk in who's got a real chip on his shoulder and start waving their gun around." Despite all the pressures, Bourbon Street co-founder Michael Wade has been impressed with his staff across the chain during the pandemic. "Our staff, scared or not, showed up EVERY day for over three months and adapted to a brand new and very unknown environment," Wade said in an email to CNBC. "And they did it with a smile on their faces. I have never been more proud in my life." At Park Avenue Liquor Shop, Goldstein took limiting in-store capacity to another level. Instead of allowing people to browse the store's liquor contents, Goldstein and his employees make suggestions and transactions at the door. "Just as this virus was making headlines, we became concerned with people roaming throughout the store and touching things, sneezing, etc.," he wrote in an email to CNBC. "We made a decision to stop them at the entry and if a purchase decision needed some help then we would bring the options to them."
The challenges of reopening