usatoday--2020-10-08--Vice presidential debate proves that moderators need the power to cut the mics

In Wednesday 's debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris , there was no shouting , and no one said `` will you shut up , man . ''
But interruptions still ruled the night .
Despite appearing more `` civil than last week 's much-criticized debate between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden , the VP showdown was further proof that in an age when divisiveness rules , the only way to enforce the debate rules is by giving the moderator the power to cut the microphones of the candidates .
After Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate moderators and experts suggested that giving the moderator the ability to silence the mics of candidates who speak longer their allotted time , or over their opponent , would stop the chaos .
`` Journalists have been flummoxed by a candidate who does n't play by the agreed upon rules .
( President Trump ) agreed to those rules and then he just ignored them , '' Janet Steele , professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University told USA TODAY last week .
`` I really feel that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equivalent of the Zoom mute ... this should be the one and only presidential debate because it 's not presidential at all , it 's just a brawl . ''
Wednesday 's debate showed that it was n't just Trump who was n't willing to abide by the agreed upon rules .
Moderator Susan Page , USA TODAY 's Washington bureau chief , tried to keep the candidates to their time limits , but they did n't cooperate .
Pence spoke over both Harris and Page repeatedly .
Harris twice turned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ire and said , `` I 'm speaking , '' trying to take back her time .
( According to CBS , Pence interrupted Harris 10 times , twice as often as Harris spoke over him ) .
More : ' I 'm speaking ' vs. 'If I may finish ' : Pence , Harris spar over COVID-19 and other top moments from the VP debate CNN clocked both candidates ' speaking times as nearly identical , but if they achieve equality by talking over each other , it 's still a problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No matter which candidate you support , listening to a shouting match is n't pleasant , informative or entertaining .
It 's grating , and it distracts from the substance of the debate .
There 's plenty to distract from the issues in any debate .
Wednesday 's spectacle included Harris 's meme-ready reaction shots , Pence 's unnerving stillness , COVID-19 precautions including plexiglass barriers and a fly landing on Pence 's head .
We did n't need the constant interruptions on top of everything else .
On live TV programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have broad power to censor .
At the Oscars , the orchestra plays off winners whose speeches run too long with music .
Late-night TV shows can cut to a commercial if a guest becomes unruly .
Profanity is routinely bleeped or silenced on live broadcasts of any kind .
Of course , a political debate is very different from an awards or talk show .
The candidates agree on the ground rules in advance , and it 's extremely unlikely they would accept a moderator with a mute button .
Pence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions to their established talking points , as politicians are wont to do .
Giving away any more ground on the debate stage seems unlikely .
But 90 minutes of crosstalk is difficult to watch for the viewers the campaigns so desperately want to win over .
If the remaining scheduled presidential debates go on ( not guaranteed after Trump 's COVID-19 diagnosis ) , something has to be done to enforce the rules .
Otherwise , they 'll just be more brawls .

Vice presidential debate proves that moderators need the power to cut the mics
Show Caption Hide Caption 'I'm speaking': Kamala Harris reclaims floor from Mike Pence at debate Sen. Kamala Harris swiftly reclaimed her time when Vice President Mike Pence interrupted her at the vice presidential debate. USA TODAY
In Wednesday's debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris, there was no shouting, and no one said "will you shut up, man." But interruptions still ruled the night.
Despite appearing more "civil than last week's much-criticized debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, the VP showdown was further proof that in an age when divisiveness rules, the only way to enforce the debate rules is by giving the moderator the power to cut the microphones of the candidates.
After Trump and Biden sparred, media critics, former debate moderators and experts suggested that giving the moderator the ability to silence the mics of candidates who speak longer their allotted time, or over their opponent, would stop the chaos.
"Journalists have been flummoxed by a candidate who doesn't play by the agreed upon rules. (Trump) agreed to those rules and then he just ignored them," Janet Steele, professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University told USA TODAY last week. "I really feel that if the debate commission does not agree to the equivalent of the Zoom mute... this should be the one and only presidential debate because it's not presidential at all, it's just a brawl."
Wednesday's debate showed that it wasn't just Trump who wasn't willing to abide by the agreed upon rules. Moderator Susan Page, USA TODAY's Washington bureau chief, tried to keep the candidates to their time limits, but they didn't cooperate. Pence spoke over both Harris and Page repeatedly. Harris twice turned to Pence (through plexiglass shields) with ire and said, "I'm speaking," trying to take back her time. (According to CBS, Pence interrupted Harris 10 times, twice as often as Harris spoke over him).
More: 'I'm speaking' vs. 'If I may finish': Pence, Harris spar over COVID-19 and other top moments from the VP debate
VP debate: VP Pence and Harris differ on COVID-19 responses Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence offer competing viewpoints on America's COVID-19 response. USA TODAY
CNN clocked both candidates' speaking times as nearly identical, but if they achieve equality by talking over each other, it's still a problem. Fundamentally it's not good TV. No matter which candidate you support, listening to a shouting match isn't pleasant, informative or entertaining. It's grating, and it distracts from the substance of the debate.
There's plenty to distract from the issues in any debate. Wednesday's spectacle included Harris's meme-ready reaction shots, Pence's unnerving stillness, COVID-19 precautions including plexiglass barriers and a fly landing on Pence's head. We didn't need the constant interruptions on top of everything else.
On live TV programs outside the realm of politics, producers have broad power to censor. At the Oscars, the orchestra plays off winners whose speeches run too long with music. Late-night TV shows can cut to a commercial if a guest becomes unruly. Profanity is routinely bleeped or silenced on live broadcasts of any kind.
Of course, a political debate is very different from an awards or talk show. The candidates agree on the ground rules in advance, and it's extremely unlikely they would accept a moderator with a mute button. Pence and Harris tried to pivot from Page's questions to their established talking points, as politicians are wont to do. Giving away any more ground on the debate stage seems unlikely.
But 90 minutes of crosstalk is difficult to watch for the viewers the campaigns so desperately want to win over. After the Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday that the forthcoming debate would be remote to "protect the health and safety of all involved" amid the pandemic and Trump's positive COVID-19 diagnosis, Trump announced his intention not to participate.
At this point, further verbal confrontations between the candidates seem unlikely. If the remaining scheduled presidential debates do go on, something has to be done to enforce the rules, whatever the format.
Otherwise, they'll just be more brawls.
More: Trump says he won't do next presidential debate after it goes virtual due to COVID-19


usatoday--2020-10-08--Post-debate, election live updates: Trump, who still has COVID-19, may hold event next week; insults

Post-debate, election live updates: Trump, who still has COVID-19, may hold event next week; insults largely absent from VP debate

The next presidential debate has been moved to a virtual format , but President Donald Trump says he will not participate .
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday that the Oct. 15 debate would be remote to `` protect the health and safety of all involved '' amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump 's positive COVID-19 diagnosis .
While Trump said he would n't take part ( he called the virtual debate a `` joke '' ) , the Biden campaign , however , said they would .
Mewanwhile , Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien , who also tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump would hold a rally instead of participating in the debate .
The news comes after the first and likely only vice presidential debate on Wednesday in Salt Lake City .
The debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris was less chaotic than the presidential debate last week and candidates were separated by 12 feet with plexiglass shields .
• The Trump campaign is exploring the prospect of an event on Monday in Pittsburgh , an aide said .
The aide did not elaborate , saying only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not a `` rally '' for the COVID-stricken president .
• An unexpected moment went viral Wednesday when a fly landed on to of Pence 's head for several minutes while he debated Harris .
• Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday , breaking quarantine by returning to the offices where the president and more than a dozen employees have tested positive for COVID-19 .
• The president released another video Thursday that focused on the military after saying in a video Wednesday that the `` key '' to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibody cocktail by drugmaker Regeneron .
📆 26 days until Election Day , seven days until the second presidential debate , 104 days until Inauguration Day , 85 days left in 2020 .
🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote , when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues .
We will update this article throughout the day .
You can follow all of USA TODAY 's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's no 'winner ' but here 's what you missed The debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris was much different than the presidential debate last week : Name calling and insults were largely absent and at one point , Pence congratulated Harris on making history .
But there were plenty of skirmishes between the two candidates who were separated by plexiglass barriers and seated 12 feet apart because of coronavirus precautions .
Harris , in particular , chastised Pence for interrupting her several times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow CDC guidelines , like mask wearing , at the White House event with Trump 's Supreme Court pick , Amy Coney Barrett .
• Harris told Pence she would `` not be lectured ... on what it means to enforce the laws of our country , '' when responding to a question about the Breonna Taylor case .
• Pence congratulated Harris on making history as the first Black woman and first Asian American woman on a major party 's presidential ticket • Harris and Pence had a sharp exchange over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would ban fracking , which Harris denied .
President Donald Trump released the latest in a series of videos Thursday , this time touting his efforts to expand a U.S. military that he asserted has “ never been stronger.
” Trump has not been seen in person since he returned from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday where doctors administered several drugs for coronavirus .
Instead , he has issued a series of short videos on a near daily basis .
The latest message , shot on the South Lawn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead sounded many of the same themes he has articulated on the campaign trail about his administration ’ s military spending .
It was posted minutes after Trump conducted a phone-in interview on Fox Business Network in which he announced he would not take part in the next debate after it was moved to a virtual format .
Trump says he wo n't take part in virtual debate President Donald Trump said Thursday he would not take part in the next presidential debate on Oct. 15 after it was moved to a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm not going to waste my time doing a virtual debate , '' he told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo .
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday morning the next presidential debate would be remote to `` protect the health and safety of all involved '' amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump 's positive COVID-19 diagnosis .
The town hall format will feature debate moderator Steve Scully , C-SPAN 's Senior executive producer and political editor , with participants based in Miami , but former Vice President Joe Biden and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate remote locations , '' the Commission said .
Read more here .
Susan Page : Debates are designed to help voters Susan Page believes debates are designed to help voters .
To her , they are n't for the news media or the candidates .
By that standard , last week 's presidential debate did n't make for a particularly good viewing experience .
Page , USA TODAY 's Washington Bureau chief , presided over Wednesday 's vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris in Salt Lake City .
Leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she sought ways to create a different kind of conversation .
That task required a more aggressive moderation than she 'd planned to allow equal speaking time for both candidates , and she had to cut a planned segment on immigration .
Still , Page was hopeful the debate was useful for voters .
`` I did n't get answers to all the questions I had hoped to get , '' she told USA TODAY Editor-In-Chief Nicole Carroll after the debate .
`` I think sometimes I got prepared speeches instead of spontaneous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise . ''
An analysis from CNN reported Harris and Pence were given nearly identical speaking time , with the Democratic senator from California clocking in at 36 minutes and 24 seconds and the Republican vice president speaking for just three seconds more .
Read more here .
Trump 's aides are working to satisfy his desire to get back out on the campaign trail as soon as possible – perhaps early next week .
The campaign is exploring the prospect of an event on Monday in Pittsburgh , an aide said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only it would be an `` event '' and not a `` rally '' for the COVID-stricken president .

Sean Rossman and Rachel Aretakis, USA TODAY

Election updates: Trump deemed 'safe' to return to public engagements, won't say if he's tested negative
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump: Catching COVID-19 'was a blessing from God’ In a video released on Twitter, President Trump talked up the benefits of an experimental antibody drug given to treat him for COVID. USA TODAY
A White House memo released Thursday night announced that President Donald Trump had completed his course of therapy for COVID-19 "as prescribed by his team of physicians." White House physician Dr. Sean Conley cleared Trump to return to public life on Saturday, 10 days since his diagnosis.
"Saturday will be day 10 since Thursday's diagnosis, and based on the trajectory of advanced diagnostics the team has been conducting, I fully anticipate the President's safe return to public engagements at that time," Conley said in the memo.
Because of this memo, the Trump campaign insisted the second presidential debate, scheduled for Oct. 15, should be held in person. Earlier on Thursday the Commission on Presidential Debates said they would hold a virtual debate out of coronavirus safety concerns.
"There is therefore no medical reason why the Commission on Presidential Debates should shift the debate to a virtual setting, postpone it, or otherwise alter it in any way. "
White House officials and Trump's physician have not said when the president's last negative test was.
Despite the request from Trump’s team, the chair of the Commission on Presidential Debates told the Associated Press it is not reconsidering shifting the debate from virtual back to in-person.
The president has remained stable since returning to the White House on Monday after spending three days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Conley said.
"Overall he's responded extremely well to treatment, without evidence on examination of adverse therapeutic effects," he said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines say patients are supposed to quarantine for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms - in Trump's case, last Thursday.
Since the president's diagnosis, a growing list of White House officials have also tested positive for COVID-19, most recently senior aide Stephen Miller, who announced his diagnosis on Tuesday.
Trump's aides are working to satisfy his desire to get back out on the campaign trail as early as Monday in Pittsburgh, an aide said. The aide did not elaborate, saying only it would be an "event" and not a "rally" for the COVID-stricken president.
☕ The latest:
The Trump campaign is exploring the prospect of an event on Monday in Pittsburgh, an aide said. The aide did not elaborate, saying only it would be an "event" and not a "rally" for the COVID-stricken president.
An unexpected moment went viral Wednesday when a fly landed on to of Pence's head for several minutes while he debated Harris.
Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday, breaking quarantine by returning to the offices where the president and more than a dozen employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
The president released another video Thursday that focused on the military after saying in a video Wednesday that the "key" to his recovery from the virus was the experimental antibody cocktail by drugmaker Regeneron.
📆 26 days until Election Day, seven days until the second presidential debate, 104 days until Inauguration Day, 85 days left in 2020.
🗳 Voting: See USA TODAY's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote, when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues.
We will update this article throughout the day. You can follow all of USA TODAY's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter.
President Donald Trump repeatedly declined to answer Thursday whether he has tested negative for coronavirus, even as he floated the idea of returning to the campaign trail as early as Saturday.
Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity he would “probably” take a test on Friday.
There's no reason to test all the time, but they found very little infection or virus, if any,” Trump told Fox. “I don't know that they found any, I didn't go into it greatly with the doctors.”
The White House has repeatedly declined to say when Trump last tested negative for COVID-19 prior to his positive test result last Thursday that resulted in a three-night stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Trump aides have said they are working to schedule a campaign event as early as Monday, but Trump told Fox on Thursday he was considering rallies in Florida and Pennsylvania over the weekend.
— John Fritze
COVID-19 testing: Positivity rates and why they are so important COVID-19 widespread testing is crucial to fighting the pandemic, but is there enough testing? The answer is in the positivity rates. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
President Donald Trump said Thursday he may hold rallies this weekend in Florida and Pennsylvania, hours after his physicians said he would be cleared to return to the campaign trail on Saturday.
“I think I’m going to try doing a rally on Saturday night, probably in Florida on Saturday,” the president told Fox News, breaking his answer at one point to clear his throat. “Pennsylvania the following night.”
White House physician Sean Conley said Thursday the president had completed his course of therapy for COVID-19 "as prescribed by his team of physicians" and cleared the president to return to public life on Saturday, 10 days since his diagnosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines say patients are supposed to quarantine for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms - in Trump's case, last Thursday.
Earlier on Thursday Trump said he would bow out of the second presidential debate, scheduled for Oct. 15, after the Commission on Presidential Debates said they would hold a virtual debate out of coronavirus safety concerns.
— John Fritze and Courtney Subramanian
The next presidential debate has been moved to a virtual format, but President Donald Trump says he will not participate and has asked that the next two debates be delayed a week instead.
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday that the Oct. 15 town hall debate (in which voters ask the questions) would be remote to "protect the health and safety of all involved" amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump's positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
While Trump said he wouldn't take part (he called the virtual debate a "joke"), the Biden campaign, however, said they would. But did not agree to delays.
"Donald Trump doesn't make the debate schedule; the Debate Commission does," said Kate Bedingfield, deputy campaign manager and communications director for the Biden campaign. "Trump's erratic behavior does not allow him to rewrite the calendar, and pick new dates of his choosing. We look forward to participating in the final debate, scheduled for October 22, which already is tied for the latest debate date in 40 years. Donald Trump can show up, or he can decline again. That's his choice."
The news comes after the vice presidential debate on Wednesday in Salt Lake City. The debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris was less chaotic than the presidential debate and candidates were separated by 12 feet with plexiglass shields.
Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled a Friday appearance in Indianapolis, where he planned to vote.
His office did not provide an explanation when asked why. His office said the trip would be rescheduled soon.
Pence spoke at a rally in Nevada for President Donald Trump's reelection campaign Thursday. He flew out from Nevada Thursday afternoon and landed just after 2 p.m. in Phoenix. He's scheduled to speak at a rally in the suburbs this evening.
Pence had been scheduled to leave Phoenix in the morning to fly into Indianapolis before returning to Washington D.C. Friday evening.
"Nobody's sick. There's no positive tests," Pence spokesman Devin O'Malley said. "The VP is planning on travelling on Saturday and Monday. We'll have more information on the vice president's schedule next week soon."
– Chris Sikich (Indianapolis Star) and John Fritze
President Donald Trump referred to the Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris twice as a “monster” Thursday morning.
During a phone interview on Fox Business, Trump said, “This monster that was onstage with Mike Pence, who destroyed her last night, by the way. This monster, she says, ‘no no, there won’t be fracking,’ there won’t be this. Everything she said is a lie.”
Trump also called Harris “unlikeable”.
The president's comments against came after Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman to be the vice presidential nominee of a major political party, debated Pence Wednesday night.
Meena Harris, the niece of the California Senator, said Trump “repeatedly called her ‘this monster’ without using her name. It’s disgusting and racist. He wants you to be scared of her.”
- Savannah Behrmann
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said he hasn't visited the White House in two months because of what he saw as lax coronavirus practices.
"My impression was their approach to how to handle this (pandemic) was different from mine and what I insisted we do in the Senate, which was to wear a mask and practice social distancing,'' McConnell said during an appearance in Northern Kentucky.
McConnell said he maintains regular phone contact with Trump and that the president "seems perfectly fine.''
But McConnell said he doesn't have first-hand knowledge of the president's health condition because he hasn't visited the White House since Aug. 6. McConnell was not at the Sept. 26 event in the Rose Garden announcing Trump's Supreme Court nominee - which may have become a "superspreader" event.
- Randy Tucker (Cincinnati Enquirer)
McConnell: Mitch McConnell says he hasn't visited White House since August because of lax COVID rules
Mitch McConnell cites White House's lax COVID rules for his absence Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday he hasn't been to the White House since August 6. USA TODAY
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she would not support a standalone relief bill for airlines without acting on a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package.
“I have been very open to having a standalone bill for the airlines or as part of a bigger bill,” she said, but added, “there is no standalone bill without a bigger bill.”
Negotiations on a comprehensive stimulus package collapsed earlier this week after President Donald Trump said he rejected Democrats’ latest offer and would wait until after the election to restart negotiations. Since then, however, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, one of the lead White House representatives, and Pelosi have continued conversations about an airline relief bill. Airlines, which have been hammered by coronavirus-related drops in travel, have warned of mass furloughs and layoffs as their federal payroll supports expired.
Stock markets have been buoyed by the possibility of a standalone stimulus bill for airlines after Trump signaled his support on Twitter and in an interview on Fox Business on Thursday morning.
A relief package passed by House Democrats last week included relief for airlines, though the Republican-controlled Senate has declined to act on it. Democrats also tried to pass a separate airline relief bill last week under rules that would have required unanimous approval from lawmakers, though House Republicans blocked its passage.
– Nicholas Wu
Trump released two videos Thursday, the latest in a series, this time touting his efforts to expand a U.S. military that he asserted has “never been stronger” and attacking Biden.
Trump has not been seen in person since he returned from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday where doctors administered several drugs for coronavirus. Instead, he has issued a series of short videos on a near daily basis.
Thursday's message, shot on the South Lawn, sounded many of the same themes he has articulated on the campaign trail about his administration’s military spending. It was posted minutes after Trump conducted a phone-in interview on Fox Business Network in which he announced he would not take part in the next debate after it was moved to a virtual format.
Trump posted another video hours later with a decidedly more political bent. He said of Biden, "he just talks," and said that Americans would have access to the same COVID-19 drugs he did at Walter Reed.
Trump said the video message was aimed at seniors, “my favorite people in the world,” and he poked fun at his own age, 74.
The videos, which started off as a display to the world that Trump was not incapacitated by his bout with the virus, have increasingly embraced the kind of rhetoric Trump used at his campaign rallies.
– John Fritze
While there's no "winner" of the debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, it was much different than the presidential debate last week: Name calling and insults were largely absent and at one point, Pence congratulated Harris on making history.
But there were plenty of skirmishes between the two candidates who were separated by plexiglass barriers and seated 12 feet apart because of coronavirus precautions. Harris, in particular, chastised Pence for interrupting her several times.
Among the highlights:
Pence defended the administration's refusal to follow CDC guidelines, like mask wearing, at the White House event with Trump's Supreme Court pick, Amy Coney Barrett.
Harris dodged questions on expanding the Supreme Court.
Harris told Pence she would "not be lectured ... on what it means to enforce the laws of our country," when responding to a question about the Breonna Taylor case.
Pence congratulated Harris on making history as the first Black woman and first Asian American woman on a major party's presidential ticket
Harris and Pence had a sharp exchange over climate change. Pence charged that Biden would ban fracking, which Harris denied.
Read more here.
– Deirdre Shesgreen, Phillip M. Bailey and Caren Bohan
Coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice take center stage in VP debate The Vice Presidential debate had less arguing and a lot more talk about the issues, but there were still a few heated moments. USA TODAY
As new polls show Joe Biden building a double-digit lead over President Donald Trump, the president has a ready response: Rejection.
"I don't believe the polls," Trump told Fox Business Network on Thursday morning. "The polls are rigged just like the media is rigged."
Some new polls have given Biden leads of more than 10 percentage points in the week-and-half since the first Trump-Biden debate and the president's positive test for COVID-19. The Real Clear Politics average of recent polls put Biden at 51.6% and Trump at 41.9% – a difference of 9.7 percentage points.
Trump and aides are quick to point out that he trailed in the polls four years ago against Democrat Hillary Clinton.
"We know that polling is notoriously wrong," campaign spokeswoman Erin Perrine said on Fox Business.
– David Jackson
President Donald Trump said Thursday he would not take part in the next presidential debate on Oct. 15 after it was moved to a virtual format due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
"I'm not going to waste my time doing a virtual debate," he told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo.
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday morning the next presidential debate would be remote to "protect the health and safety of all involved" amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump's positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
The town hall format will feature debate moderator Steve Scully, C-SPAN's Senior executive producer and political editor, with participants based in Miami, but former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump will participate in "separate remote locations," the Commission said. Read more here.
– Nicholas Wu
Susan Page believes debates are designed to help voters. To her, they aren't for the news media or the candidates. By that standard, last week's presidential debate didn't make for a particularly good viewing experience.
Page, USA TODAY's Washington Bureau chief, presided over Wednesday's vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris in Salt Lake City. Leading up to the debate, Page said she sought ways to create a different kind of conversation.
That task required a more aggressive moderation than she'd planned to allow equal speaking time for both candidates, and she had to cut a planned segment on immigration. Still, Page was hopeful the debate was useful for voters.
"I didn't get answers to all the questions I had hoped to get," she told USA TODAY Editor-In-Chief Nicole Carroll after the debate. "I think sometimes I got prepared speeches instead of spontaneous responses — that shouldn't be a surprise."
An analysis from CNN reported Harris and Pence were given nearly identical speaking time, with the Democratic senator from California clocking in at 36 minutes and 24 seconds and the Republican vice president speaking for just three seconds more. Read more here.
– Jordan Culver
"It's not an interview, it's a debate." Says USA TODAY's Susan Page. Susan Page, Washington bureau chief for USA TODAY, is the first print journalist to solo-moderate a presidential debate. Here's how she prepared. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
Trump's aides are working to satisfy his desire to get back out on the campaign trail as soon as possible – perhaps early next week.
The campaign is exploring the prospect of an event on Monday in Pittsburgh, an aide said. The aide did not elaborate, saying only it would be an "event" and not a "rally" for the COVID-stricken president.
– David Jackson


usatoday--2020-10-08--Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris, Mike Pence joust over Supreme Court justices

Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence debate the appointment of Supreme Court justices .

VP debate: Kamala Harris, Mike Pence joust over SCOTUS
Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence debate the appointment of Supreme Court justices.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-08--COVID-19 and health care have dominated the debates. But what about other key issues?

WASHINGTON – The coronavirus pandemic is at the top of mind for many voters , and it has been one of the main topics at both the first presidential debate and the only vice presidential debate this year .
But a slew of key issues have been left out of the conversation as absentee voting , COVID-19 , health care and the pending Supreme Court faceoff have dominated the news .
Here are some topics that haven ’ t been brought up or really discussed at the debates thus far : Trump ’ s hard-line immigration policies have been controversial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump ’ s administration : used a family separation policy along the U.S.-Mexico border , which has since been halted but continues in isolated cases ; faced criticisms over conditions for migrants at the border ; enacted a travel ban for mostly Muslim-majority countries ; and most recently slashed the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden also has taken heat from immigration activists who have criticized the Obama administration ’ s deportation policies and history .
Both candidates , and their running mates Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss any of those issues on the debate stage .
Susan Page , USA TODAY 's Washington Bureau chief and moderator of Wednesday 's vice presidential debate , said she had to cut a planned segment on immigration due to time constraints .
The lack of discussion on the topic did n't go unnoticed by experts online .
Jacob Soboroff , an NBC News correspondent who covered immigration and border separations and author of `` Separated : Inside an American Tragedy , '' wrote on Twitter : `` The Trump administration systematically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the border knowing it would traumatize them for life , and there has n't been a single question about it – nor any question about immigration policy – at either of the first two debates . ''
Mass shootings have plagued the United States for years , and the country has seen several occur in the past few years .
That includes Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland , Florida , in 2018 that left 17 dead and the El Paso Walmart shooting in 2019 .
One of the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the El Paso shooting , where a white gunman drove to the border city in Texas with the intent to shoot Latinos .
Twenty three people died and another 23 were injured .
But gun control has not been discussed in the general election debates .
Neither have gun rights issues .
Last year , the United States saw more than 400 mass shootings in the U.S. , according to data from the group , Gun Violence Archive .
This year has also seen a high number of people who have died from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadliest year for gun related homicides .
Pence has been criticized by many on the left for his record on issues specific to the LGBTQ community .
But the vice president didn ’ t address any of those issues at Wednesday ’ s debate .
While governor of Indiana , Pence signed the into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act , which was modeled after the 1993 federal law .
Critics have said it could be used to discriminate against the gay and lesbian communities .
Pence during his dozen years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banning gay marriage , opposed measures to protect gay men and lesbians from discrimination in the workplace and opposed expanding the definition of hate crimes to cover offenses based on a victim ’ s sexual orientation or gender identity .
Harris has previously introduced the `` Do No Harm '' legislation to amend the federal religious freedom act , saying it ’ s been used to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals , women and children in the guise of protecting freedom of religion .
Harris has also been previously criticized for legal briefs she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied gender reassignment surgery for transgender inmates .
She has since said she takes `` full responsibility '' for the legal briefs , according to the Washington Blade .
Sarah Kate Ellis , CEO and president of GLAAD , criticized the vice presidential debate for not bring up issues important to the LGBTQ community .
“ This is the fourth missed chance in a nationally-televised forum of the general election to address any LGBTQ issues , ” Ellis wrote in a tweet .
“ VP Pence should have been called to account for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks against the LGBTQ community .
# VPDebate ” The two campaigns have yet to debate their stances on education , including their policies related to higher education , school voucher programs and student loan debt .
Throughout the Democratic primary , education was key policy area that each Democratic contender addressed , whether it was touting plans for free college or plans related to lessening the burden of student loan debt .
But voters have n't gotten to see any discussion of those issues on the debate stage with either Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the conversation off the debate stage has shifted to reopening school safely amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Ahead of the fall semester , Trump pushed for schools to reopen , while Biden had criticized the president 's stance and advocated for science-based decisions .
While both Trump and Biden have talked about criminal justice reform on the campaign trail , where they stand on drug policy has n't been a large part of the conversation either on the debate stage or off .
Hundreds of people , particularly people of color and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are still in jail for selling marijuana , while a growing number of states have legalized the drug at a recreational or medicinal level , or both .
Biden has previously said he supports decriminalizing marijuana but has not supported legalization .
Trump has n't been as clear about where he stands on legalizing marijuana .
Last year when asked whether his administration would legalize marijuana federally , Trump said right now , his team is letting state 's decide .
Trump over the past several weeks has said he 's saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment , which is part of his campaign message touting himself as the president of `` law and order , '' has largely been seen as a dog-whistle related to race .
While suburbs in general are becoming more diverse , they for years have been largely white at least in part due to policies that have kept Black Americans out .
The coronavirus pandemic , which has caused a recession , has also created a housing crisis , where home prices are surging and many Americans are facing eviction after losing jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of affordable housing has not been discussed further on the debate stage .
Biden has released a comprehensive housing policy plan .
In the plan , Biden said $ 100 billion would be put into an `` Affordable Housing Fund , '' with $ 65 billion of that funding being put to `` new incentives for state housing authorities and the Indian Housing Block Grant program to construct or rehabilitate low-cost , efficient , resilient , and accessible housing in areas where affordable housing is in short supply . ''

COVID-19 and health care have dominated the debates. But what about other key issues?
WASHINGTON – The coronavirus pandemic is at the top of mind for many voters, and it has been one of the main topics at both the first presidential debate and the only vice presidential debate this year.
But a slew of key issues have been left out of the conversation as absentee voting, COVID-19, health care and the pending Supreme Court faceoff have dominated the news.
Here are some topics that haven’t been brought up or really discussed at the debates thus far:
Immigration and border policies
Trump’s hard-line immigration policies have been controversial throughout his presidency.
Throughout his tenure, Trump’s administration: used a family separation policy along the U.S.-Mexico border, which has since been halted but continues in isolated cases; faced criticisms over conditions for migrants at the border; enacted a travel ban for mostly Muslim-majority countries; and most recently slashed the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the U.S.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden also has taken heat from immigration activists who have criticized the Obama administration’s deportation policies and history.
Both candidates, and their running mates Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, have yet to discuss any of those issues on the debate stage.
Susan Page, USA TODAY's Washington Bureau chief and moderator of Wednesday's vice presidential debate, said she had to cut a planned segment on immigration due to time constraints.
The lack of discussion on the topic didn't go unnoticed by experts online.
Jacob Soboroff, an NBC News correspondent who covered immigration and border separations and author of "Separated: Inside an American Tragedy," wrote on Twitter: "The Trump administration systematically took over 5,500 kids from their parents at the border knowing it would traumatize them for life, and there hasn't been a single question about it – nor any question about immigration policy – at either of the first two debates."
US voters agree first debate not 'presidential' American voters on both sides of the isle agree the chaotic nature of the first 2020 presidential debate muddled the messages from President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. (Sept. 30) AP
Guns violence and gun rights
Mass shootings have plagued the United States for years, and the country has seen several occur in the past few years. That includes Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, in 2018 that left 17 dead and the El Paso Walmart shooting in 2019.
One of the Democratic primary debates was held just weeks after the El Paso shooting, where a white gunman drove to the border city in Texas with the intent to shoot Latinos. Twenty three people died and another 23 were injured.
But gun control has not been discussed in the general election debates. Neither have gun rights issues.
Last year, the United States saw more than 400 mass shootings in the U.S., according to data from the group, Gun Violence Archive. This year has also seen a high number of people who have died from gun violence, and will likely be the deadliest year for gun related homicides.
Issues specific to LGBTQ community
Pence has been criticized by many on the left for his record on issues specific to the LGBTQ community.
But the vice president didn’t address any of those issues at Wednesday’s debate.
While governor of Indiana, Pence signed the into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was modeled after the 1993 federal law. Critics have said it could be used to discriminate against the gay and lesbian communities.
Pence during his dozen years in Congress also advocated for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, opposed measures to protect gay men and lesbians from discrimination in the workplace and opposed expanding the definition of hate crimes to cover offenses based on a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Harris has previously introduced the "Do No Harm" legislation to amend the federal religious freedom act, saying it’s been used to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals, women and children in the guise of protecting freedom of religion.
Harris has also been previously criticized for legal briefs she wrote as California attorney general where she denied gender reassignment surgery for transgender inmates. She has since said she takes "full responsibility" for the legal briefs, according to the Washington Blade.
Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO and president of GLAAD, criticized the vice presidential debate for not bring up issues important to the LGBTQ community.
“This is the fourth missed chance in a nationally-televised forum of the general election to address any LGBTQ issues,” Ellis wrote in a tweet. “VP Pence should have been called to account for his role in the administration's 181 attacks against the LGBTQ community. #VPDebate”
This is the fourth missed chance in a nationally-televised forum of the general election to address any LGBTQ issues. VP Pence should have been called to account for his role in the administration's 181 attacks against the LGBTQ community. #VPDebate — Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) October 8, 2020
Education
The two campaigns have yet to debate their stances on education, including their policies related to higher education, school voucher programs and student loan debt.
Throughout the Democratic primary, education was key policy area that each Democratic contender addressed, whether it was touting plans for free college or plans related to lessening the burden of student loan debt.
But voters haven't gotten to see any discussion of those issues on the debate stage with either Trump and Biden or Harris and Pence.
Instead, the conversation off the debate stage has shifted to reopening school safely amid the coronavirus pandemic. Ahead of the fall semester, Trump pushed for schools to reopen, while Biden had criticized the president's stance and advocated for science-based decisions.
Marijuana legalization and drug policy
While both Trump and Biden have talked about criminal justice reform on the campaign trail, where they stand on drug policy hasn't been a large part of the conversation either on the debate stage or off.
Hundreds of people, particularly people of color and especially Black men, have been convicted and are still in jail for selling marijuana, while a growing number of states have legalized the drug at a recreational or medicinal level, or both.
Biden has previously said he supports decriminalizing marijuana but has not supported legalization. Trump hasn't been as clear about where he stands on legalizing marijuana. Last year when asked whether his administration would legalize marijuana federally, Trump said right now, his team is letting state's decide.
Affordable housing
Trump over the past several weeks has said he's saving the suburbs from low-income housing.
The comment, which is part of his campaign message touting himself as the president of "law and order," has largely been seen as a dog-whistle related to race. While suburbs in general are becoming more diverse, they for years have been largely white at least in part due to policies that have kept Black Americans out.
The coronavirus pandemic, which has caused a recession, has also created a housing crisis, where home prices are surging and many Americans are facing eviction after losing jobs amid the pandemic.
But the topic of affordable housing has not been discussed further on the debate stage.
Biden has released a comprehensive housing policy plan. In the plan, Biden said $100 billion would be put into an "Affordable Housing Fund," with $65 billion of that funding being put to "new incentives for state housing authorities and the Indian Housing Block Grant program to construct or rehabilitate low-cost, efficient, resilient, and accessible housing in areas where affordable housing is in short supply."
Contributing: Maureen Groppe


usatoday--2020-10-09--Election updates: Trump deemed 'safe' to return to public engagements, won't say if he's tested nega

Election updates: Trump deemed 'safe' to return to public engagements, won't say if he's tested negative

A White House memo released Thursday night announced that President Donald Trump had completed his course of therapy for COVID-19 `` as prescribed by his team of physicians . ''
White House physician Dr. Sean Conley cleared Trump to return to public life on Saturday , 10 days since his diagnosis .
`` Saturday will be day 10 since Thursday 's diagnosis , and based on the trajectory of advanced diagnostics the team has been conducting , I fully anticipate the President 's safe return to public engagements at that time , '' Conley said in the memo .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted the second presidential debate , scheduled for Oct. 15 , should be held in person .
Earlier on Thursday the Commission on Presidential Debates said they would hold a virtual debate out of coronavirus safety concerns .
`` There is therefore no medical reason why the Commission on Presidential Debates should shift the debate to a virtual setting , postpone it , or otherwise alter it in any way.
`` White House officials and Trump 's physician have not said when the president 's last negative test was .
Despite the request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the Commission on Presidential Debates told the Associated Press it is not reconsidering shifting the debate from virtual back to in-person .
The president has remained stable since returning to the White House on Monday after spending three days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , Conley said .
`` Overall he 's responded extremely well to treatment , without evidence on examination of adverse therapeutic effects , '' he said .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines say patients are supposed to quarantine for at least 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Trump 's case , last Thursday .
Since the president 's diagnosis , a growing list of White House officials have also tested positive for COVID-19 , most recently senior aide Stephen Miller , who announced his diagnosis on Tuesday .
Trump 's aides are working to satisfy his desire to get back out on the campaign trail as early as Monday in Pittsburgh , an aide said .
The aide did not elaborate , saying only it would be an `` event '' and not a `` rally '' for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is exploring the prospect of an event on Monday in Pittsburgh , an aide said .
The aide did not elaborate , saying only it would be an `` event '' and not a `` rally '' for the COVID-stricken president .
• An unexpected moment went viral Wednesday when a fly landed on to of Pence 's head for several minutes while he debated Harris .
• Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday , breaking quarantine by returning to the offices where the president and more than a dozen employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president released another video Thursday that focused on the military after saying in a video Wednesday that the `` key '' to his recovery from the virus was the experimental antibody cocktail by drugmaker Regeneron .
📆 26 days until Election Day , seven days until the second presidential debate , 104 days until Inauguration Day , 85 days left in 2020 .
🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote , when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day .
You can follow all of USA TODAY 's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter .
Trump declines to say if he ’ s tested negative for COVID President Donald Trump repeatedly declined to answer Thursday whether he has tested negative for coronavirus , even as he floated the idea of returning to the campaign trail as early as Saturday .
Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity he would “ probably ” take a test on Friday .
“ There 's no reason to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found very little infection or virus , if any , ” Trump told Fox .
“ I do n't know that they found any , I did n't go into it greatly with the doctors.
” The White House has repeatedly declined to say when Trump last tested negative for COVID-19 prior to his positive test result last Thursday that resulted in a three-night stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
Trump aides have said they are working to schedule a campaign event as early as Monday , but Trump told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Florida and Pennsylvania over the weekend .
Trump says he ’ s considering rallies this weekend President Donald Trump said Thursday he may hold rallies this weekend in Florida and Pennsylvania , hours after his physicians said he would be cleared to return to the campaign trail on Saturday .
“ I think I ’ m going to try doing a rally on Saturday night , probably in Florida on Saturday , ” the president told Fox News , breaking his answer at one point to clear his throat .
“ Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sean Conley said Thursday the president had completed his course of therapy for COVID-19 `` as prescribed by his team of physicians '' and cleared the president to return to public life on Saturday , 10 days since his diagnosis .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines say patients are supposed to quarantine for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms - in Trump 's case , last Thursday .
Earlier on Thursday Trump said he would bow out of the second presidential debate , scheduled for Oct. 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they would hold a virtual debate out of coronavirus safety concerns .
The next presidential debate has been moved to a virtual format , but President Donald Trump says he will not participate and has asked that the next two debates be delayed a week instead .
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday that the Oct. 15 town hall debate ( in which voters ask the questions ) would be remote to `` protect the health and safety of all involved '' amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump 's positive COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't take part ( he called the virtual debate a `` joke '' ) , the Biden campaign , however , said they would .
But did not agree to delays .
`` Donald Trump does n't make the debate schedule ; the Debate Commission does , '' said Kate Bedingfield , deputy campaign manager and communications director for the Biden campaign .
`` Trump 's erratic behavior does not allow him to rewrite the calendar , and pick new dates of his choosing .
We look forward to participating in the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which already is tied for the latest debate date in 40 years .
Donald Trump can show up , or he can decline again .
That 's his choice . ''
The news comes after the vice presidential debate on Wednesday in Salt Lake City .
The debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris was less chaotic than the presidential debate and candidates were separated by 12 feet with plexiglass shields .
Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled a Friday appearance in Indianapolis , where he planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide an explanation when asked why .
His office said the trip would be rescheduled soon .
Pence spoke at a rally in Nevada for President Donald Trump 's reelection campaign Thursday .
He flew out from Nevada Thursday afternoon and landed just after 2 p.m. in Phoenix .
He 's scheduled to speak at a rally in the suburbs this evening .
Pence had been scheduled to leave Phoenix in the morning to fly into Indianapolis before returning to Washington D.C. Friday evening .
`` Nobody 's sick .
There 's no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O'Malley said .
`` The VP is planning on travelling on Saturday and Monday .
We 'll have more information on the vice president 's schedule next week soon . ''
President Donald Trump referred to the Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris twice as a “ monster ” Thursday morning .
During a phone interview on Fox Business , Trump said , “ This monster that was onstage with Mike Pence , who destroyed her last night , by the way .
This monster , she says , ‘ no no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ there won ’ t be this .
Everything she said is a lie.
” The president 's comments against came after Harris , the first Black and South Asian woman to be the vice presidential nominee of a major political party , debated Pence Wednesday night .
Meena Harris , the niece of the California Senator , said Trump “ repeatedly called her ‘ this monster ’ without using her name .
It ’ s disgusting and racist .
He wants you to be scared of her.
” McConnell said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lax COVID rules Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said he has n't visited the White House in two months because of what he saw as lax coronavirus practices .
`` My impression was their approach to how to handle this ( pandemic ) was different from mine and what I insisted we do in the Senate , which was to wear a mask and practice social distancing , '' McConnell said during an appearance in Northern Kentucky .
McConnell said he maintains regular phone contact with Trump and that the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell said he does n't have first-hand knowledge of the president 's health condition because he has n't visited the White House since Aug. 6 .
McConnell was not at the Sept. 26 event in the Rose Garden announcing Trump 's Supreme Court nominee - which may have become a `` superspreader '' event .
McConnell : Mitch McConnell says he has n't visited White House since August because of lax COVID rules Pelosi : No aid for airlines without a comprehensive COVID-19 stimulus House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without acting on a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package .
“ I have been very open to having a standalone bill for the airlines or as part of a bigger bill , ” she said , but added , “ there is no standalone bill without a bigger bill.
” Negotiations on a comprehensive stimulus package collapsed earlier this week after President Donald Trump said he rejected Democrats ’ latest offer and would wait until after the election to restart negotiations .
Since then , however , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi have continued conversations about an airline relief bill .
Airlines , which have been hammered by coronavirus-related drops in travel , have warned of mass furloughs and layoffs as their federal payroll supports expired .
Stock markets have been buoyed by the possibility of a standalone stimulus bill for airlines after Trump signaled his support on Twitter and in an interview on Fox Business on Thursday morning .
A relief package passed by House Democrats last week included relief for airlines , though the Republican-controlled Senate has declined to act on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate airline relief bill last week under rules that would have required unanimous approval from lawmakers , though House Republicans blocked its passage .
Trump released two videos Thursday , the latest in a series , this time touting his efforts to expand a U.S. military that he asserted has “ never been stronger ” and attacking Biden .
Trump has not been seen in person since he returned from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday where doctors administered several drugs for coronavirus .
Instead , he has issued a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis .
Thursday 's message , shot on the South Lawn , sounded many of the same themes he has articulated on the campaign trail about his administration ’ s military spending .
It was posted minutes after Trump conducted a phone-in interview on Fox Business Network in which he announced he would not take part in the next debate after it was moved to a virtual format .
Trump posted another video hours later with a decidedly more political bent .
He said of Biden , `` he just talks , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the same COVID-19 drugs he did at Walter Reed .
Trump said the video message was aimed at seniors , “ my favorite people in the world , ” and he poked fun at his own age , 74 .
The videos , which started off as a display to the world that Trump was not incapacitated by his bout with the virus , have increasingly embraced the kind of rhetoric Trump used at his campaign rallies .
Who won the vice presidential debate ?
There 's no 'winner ' but here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no `` winner '' of the debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris , it was much different than the presidential debate last week : Name calling and insults were largely absent and at one point , Pence congratulated Harris on making history .
But there were plenty of skirmishes between the two candidates who were separated by plexiglass barriers and seated 12 feet apart because of coronavirus precautions .
Harris , in particular , chastised Pence for interrupting her several times .
• Pence defended the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like mask wearing , at the White House event with Trump 's Supreme Court pick , Amy Coney Barrett .
• Harris told Pence she would `` not be lectured ... on what it means to enforce the laws of our country , '' when responding to a question about the Breonna Taylor case .
• Pence congratulated Harris on making history as the first Black woman and first Asian American woman on a major party 's presidential ticket • Harris and Pence had a sharp exchange over climate change .
Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Harris denied .
Trump , trailing by double digits : ' I do n't believe the polls' As new polls show Joe Biden building a double-digit lead over President Donald Trump , the president has a ready response : Rejection .
`` I do n't believe the polls , '' Trump told Fox Business Network on Thursday morning .
`` The polls are rigged just like the media is rigged . ''
Some new polls have given Biden leads of more than 10 percentage points in the week-and-half since the first Trump-Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 .
The Real Clear Politics average of recent polls put Biden at 51.6 % and Trump at 41.9 % – a difference of 9.7 percentage points .
Trump and aides are quick to point out that he trailed in the polls four years ago against Democrat Hillary Clinton .
`` We know that polling is notoriously wrong , '' campaign spokeswoman Erin Perrine said on Fox Business .
Trump says he wo n't take part in virtual debate President Donald Trump said Thursday he would not take part in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was moved to a virtual format due to COVID-19 safety concerns .
`` I 'm not going to waste my time doing a virtual debate , '' he told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo .
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday morning the next presidential debate would be remote to `` protect the health and safety of all involved '' amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump 's positive COVID-19 diagnosis .
The town hall format will feature debate moderator Steve Scully , C-SPAN 's Senior executive producer and political editor , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump will participate in `` separate remote locations , '' the Commission said .
Read more here .
Susan Page : Debates are designed to help voters Susan Page believes debates are designed to help voters .
To her , they are n't for the news media or the candidates .
By that standard , last week 's presidential debate did n't make for a particularly good viewing experience .
Page , USA TODAY 's Washington Bureau chief , presided over Wednesday 's vice presidential debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salt Lake City .
Leading up to the debate , Page said she sought ways to create a different kind of conversation .
That task required a more aggressive moderation than she 'd planned to allow equal speaking time for both candidates , and she had to cut a planned segment on immigration .
Still , Page was hopeful the debate was useful for voters .
`` I did n't get answers to all the questions I had hoped to get , '' she told USA TODAY Editor-In-Chief Nicole Carroll after the debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared speeches instead of spontaneous responses — that should n't be a surprise . ''
An analysis from CNN reported Harris and Pence were given nearly identical speaking time , with the Democratic senator from California clocking in at 36 minutes and 24 seconds and the Republican vice president speaking for just three seconds more .
Read more here .
Trump 's aides are working to satisfy his desire to get back out on the campaign trail as soon as possible – perhaps early next week .
The campaign is exploring the prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an aide said .
The aide did not elaborate , saying only it would be an `` event '' and not a `` rally '' for the COVID-stricken president .

Sean Rossman, Rachel Aretakis, Courtney Subramanian and David Jackson, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-09--Experts: Ballistics report shows Louisville officer was shot by Breonna Taylor's boyfriend, not by '

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Firearms experts say a ballistics report from Kentucky State Police shows Breonna Taylor ’ s boyfriend fired the shot that wounded a Louisville officer and prompted police to return fire , killing Taylor .
The authorities said the four-page report dismisses the theory that Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly was hit by `` friendly fire '' from his own officers and supports Attorney General Daniel Cameron ’ s conclusion that the 9 mm round that severed Mattingly 's femoral artery came from the gun fired by Kenneth Walker .
The ballistics report , part of the investigative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fischer , shows that only one 9 mm bullet and cartridge casing was found at Taylor 's apartment .
Walker had previously acknowledged firing one shot from his legally-owned Glock 9 mm handgun .
The Courier Journal , part of the USA TODAY Network , previously reported that an abbreviated state police reportsaid `` due to limited markings of comparative value , '' the 9 mm bullet that hit and exited Mattingly 's thigh was neither `` identified nor eliminated as having been fired '' from Walker 's gun .
Cameron previously said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the three officers were all carrying .40-caliber handguns , while Walker had a 9 mm .
One of Walker ’ s attorneys , Steve Romines , said personnel records show Hankison was also issued a 9 mm pistol and may have used it during the search , shooting Mattingly .
Fact checking 8 myths in Breonna Taylor case : Was she asleep when police shot her ?
Is there body-cam footage ?
But Charles Stephenson , a Kansas City-based firearms instructor and security consultant who is a former FBI agent , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single 9 mm bullet at the crime scene , together with Walker ’ s admission he fired one time , shows he must have been the shooter .
Melissa Oberg , an Indianapolis firearms examiner , also said the round had to have been fired by Walker .
Mattingly ’ s lawyer , Kent Wicker , has said it was “ absurd ” to think Hankison changed weapons during the shootout , in which officers fired 32 times .
In a series of texts , Romines said he is still not persuaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mattingly .
Romines said there is no way to determine that Mattingly was shot with a 9 mm in part “ because no round was recovered from him.
” Romines also said there is no difference between the wound caused by a 9 mm and by a 40-caliber round because they are so close in size .
Louisville released its Breonna Taylor investigation : Here 's what the massive file contains The report says that 32 cartridge casings from 40-caliber guns were found , which match the number of rounds investigators said were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detective Myles Cosgrove and former Detective Brett Hankison .
Walker has said he fired a `` warning '' shot because he thought someone was trying to break in .
Although they were armed with a no-knock warrant , Mattingly and other officers have said repeatedly they knocked and announced they were police officers before battering down Taylor 's door to try to search her apartment for drugs and cash .
No drugs or cash were recovered at the apartment .

Andrew Wolfson, Louisville Courier Journal

Experts: Ballistics report shows Louisville officer was shot by Breonna Taylor's boyfriend, not by 'friendly fire'
Show Caption Hide Caption Kenneth Walker speaks after filing lawsuit against LMPD "I would never knowingly shoot a police officer," said Kenneth Walker, Breonna Taylor's boyfriend, as his attorneys file a lawsuit against LMPD. Matt Stone, Louisville Courier Journal
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Firearms experts say a ballistics report from Kentucky State Police shows Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend fired the shot that wounded a Louisville officer and prompted police to return fire, killing Taylor.
The authorities said the four-page report dismisses the theory that Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly was hit by "friendly fire" from his own officers and supports Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s conclusion that the 9 mm round that severed Mattingly's femoral artery came from the gun fired by Kenneth Walker.
The ballistics report, part of the investigative file released Wednesday by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, shows that only one 9 mm bullet and cartridge casing was found at Taylor's apartment. Walker had previously acknowledged firing one shot from his legally-owned Glock 9 mm handgun.
The Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, previously reported that an abbreviated state police report said "due to limited markings of comparative value," the 9 mm bullet that hit and exited Mattingly's thigh was neither "identified nor eliminated as having been fired" from Walker's gun.
Cameron previously said Hankison had been eliminated as the shooter because the three officers were all carrying .40-caliber handguns, while Walker had a 9 mm.
One of Walker’s attorneys, Steve Romines, said personnel records show Hankison was also issued a 9 mm pistol and may have used it during the search, shooting Mattingly.
Fact checking 8 myths in Breonna Taylor case: Was she asleep when police shot her? Is there body-cam footage?
But Charles Stephenson, a Kansas City-based firearms instructor and security consultant who is a former FBI agent, said in an email that the recovery of a single 9 mm bullet at the crime scene, together with Walker’s admission he fired one time, shows he must have been the shooter.
Melissa Oberg, an Indianapolis firearms examiner, also said the round had to have been fired by Walker.
Mattingly’s lawyer, Kent Wicker, has said it was “absurd” to think Hankison changed weapons during the shootout, in which officers fired 32 times.
A shadowy figure, an 'ambush': Officers give jumbled accounts of night Breonna Taylor died
In a series of texts, Romines said he is still not persuaded that Walker fired the shot that wounded Mattingly.
Romines said there is no way to determine that Mattingly was shot with a 9 mm in part “because no round was recovered from him.”
Romines also said there is no difference between the wound caused by a 9 mm and by a 40-caliber round because they are so close in size.
Louisville released its Breonna Taylor investigation: Here's what the massive file contains
The report says that 32 cartridge casings from 40-caliber guns were found, which match the number of rounds investigators said were fired by three officers — Mattingly, Detective Myles Cosgrove and former Detective Brett Hankison.
Walker has said he fired a "warning" shot because he thought someone was trying to break in.
Although they were armed with a no-knock warrant, Mattingly and other officers have said repeatedly they knocked and announced they were police officers before battering down Taylor's door to try to search her apartment for drugs and cash.
No drugs or cash were recovered at the apartment.
Follow Andrew Wolfson on Twitter: @adwolfson.


usatoday--2020-10-08--Foiled kidnapping of Michigan governor highlights preparations for election-related conflict

A season of unrest is quickly giving way to urgent preparations for possible conflict aimed at next month ’ s contentious election , which President Donald Trump has already repeatedly cast as illegitimate .
Federal , state and local law enforcement officials have been bracing for possible clashes at local polling places , violence and larger demonstrations similar to the summer-long social justice protests that spilled into the streets of dozens of American cities .
Across the country , authorities have been considering their role in securing an election at a time when public confidence in law enforcement has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving police , prompting sustained protests in Portland , Minneapolis , Kenosha , Wisconsin , and Washington , D.C .
In an ominous warning last month , the chief of New Jersey 's Homeland Security and Preparedness office called attention to a gathering storm of worries directly tied to the Nov. 3 election '' Numerous threats from domestic extremists and foreign adversaries have emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic , anti-government sentiment , nationwide civil unrest , and various forms of disinformation , '' Jared Maples wrote in a state threat assessment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the presidential election in November in a manner not previously experienced by our nation . ''
'Deeply disturbing ' : Feds charge six militia members in domestic terror plot to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer Trump as threat : Michigan Gov .
Whitmer calls Trump 'the biggest threat to the American people' The tensions were dramatically underscored Thursday in Michigan where federal authorities announced charges against six men accused in a thwarted plot to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer before the November election as part of plan to overthrow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this case is rather unprecedented , '' said Col. Joseph Gasper , director of the Michigan State Police .
`` But it does send a very vivid reminder that while we maybe in a period of ... divisiveness and fighting across the nation , law enforcement stands united . ''
Much of the anxiety shrouding the approaching November election has been stoked by the president himself .
For months , Trump has authored waves of unsubstantiated claims aimed at undermining confidence in the election .
He has taken particular aim at the integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has asserted without evidence are rife with fraud .
He has variously cast the upcoming election as `` rigged , '' `` corrupt '' , and `` illegal . ''
The president 's assertions have been echoed by Attorney General William Barr who stated last month in an interview with CNN that the mail-in ballot system is vulnerable to `` fraud and coercion . ''
`` This is playing with fire , '' Barr said .
More recently , the Justice Department amended a long-standing policy aimed at discouraging election interference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take action on voter fraud allegations even as voting is underway .
Critics described the action as an attempt to further undermine the approaching election .
`` There is simply no reason to depart from that sensible starting point that has guided federal prosecutors for years , '' said Miriam Aroni Krinsky , executive director of the group Fair and Just Prosecution .
This week , federal law enforcement and intelligence officials pushed back against Trump 's repeated attacks , reaffirming confidence in the nation 's election system .
William Evanina , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center , said the `` election system remains resilient '' in a video message with directors of the FBI , National Security Agency , and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency .
`` To be clear , it would be very difficult for adversaries to interfere with , or manipulate , voting results at scale , '' Evanina said , without directly referring to Trump .
But Whitmer , the target of the thwarted kidnapping plot , did not hesitate to link Trump 's divisive rhetoric to fueling an atmosphere of `` hatred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who sought to take action against her .
Whitmer said Trump 's failure to explicitly condemn white supremacists during last week 's debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden effectively serves as `` a rallying cry '' for hate groups who have clashed repeatedly with protesters during social justice demonstrations .
The FBI , which played a central role in the Michigan kidnapping case , said the volatile environment has been a prominent feature in the preparations for safeguarding the election .
“ Of course , our preparations for 2020 take into account the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an FBI official said .
“ As always , the FBI has a responsibility to plan for a host of scenarios ... We gather and analyze intelligence to determine whether individuals might be motivated to take violent action for any reason .
It is vital that the FBI , our law enforcement partners , and the public work together to protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote . ''
The bureau also has appealed to the public to report any suspicious , election-related activity to their local FBI field offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operations Center hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI ( 1-800-225-5324 ) or online at www.tips.fbi.gov .
Much of the preparation for election-related security , however , is falling to local law enforcement .
Chuck Wexler , executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum which recently published a report on how law enforcement agencies are preparing for possible violence , said police chiefs are cognizant of unrest that may be timed to the days immediately before or after Election Day .
Some departments , Wexler said , are already notifying officers of plans for 12-hour shifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a concern that somehow the voting process is going to be disrupted in some way , or that somehow something ’ s going to happen with the ballots , '' Wexler said .
`` We ’ ve never really faced this kind of environment .
Voting has never been this much of a concern.
” Among the fears is that a police presence at polling sites , prohibited in some states , might be seen as intimidating .
“ Police presence is both necessary to prevent potential incidents , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t enter a polling place unless there ’ s some kind of emergency situation , ” Wexler said .
In Philadelphia , where officers are not allowed to be within 100 feet of polling sites , the department is attempting to ensure that officers wear body cameras and are accompanied by a supervisor when they 're called , Wexler said .
In Las Vegas , Deputy Chief Andrew Walsh said officials have not seen any indication of unrest on Election Day , and there is no plan to staff the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But he said officers will randomly check those sites for signs of voting intimidation .
“ The last thing I want , or any of us want , is to see people not come out and vote because they ’ re afraid to exercise their right , ” Walsh said .
“ The fear and uncertainty is just as real as if it ’ s actually happening , and we don ’ t want people to feel fear and uncertainty .
`` We want people to be assured of two things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no role , it is impartial , and if we are ( at polling sites ) , we want to keep people safe .
”

Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

Foiled kidnapping of Michigan governor highlights preparations for election-related conflict
Show Caption Hide Caption Gretchen Whitmer says men who sought kidnapping are 'depraved' The federal government has charged six people with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, per newly unsealed court records. USA TODAY
A season of unrest is quickly giving way to urgent preparations for possible conflict aimed at next month’s contentious election, which President Donald Trump has already repeatedly cast as illegitimate.
Federal, state and local law enforcement officials have been bracing for possible clashes at local polling places, violence and larger demonstrations similar to the summer-long social justice protests that spilled into the streets of dozens of American cities.
Across the country, authorities have been considering their role in securing an election at a time when public confidence in law enforcement has been threatened by a series of fatal shootings involving police, prompting sustained protests in Portland, Minneapolis, Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
In an ominous warning last month, the chief of New Jersey's Homeland Security and Preparedness office called attention to a gathering storm of worries directly tied to the Nov. 3 election
"Numerous threats from domestic extremists and foreign adversaries have emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-government sentiment, nationwide civil unrest, and various forms of disinformation," Jared Maples wrote in a state threat assessment. "These threats will begin to converge with the presidential election in November in a manner not previously experienced by our nation."
'Deeply disturbing': Feds charge six militia members in domestic terror plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Trump as threat: Michigan Gov. Whitmer calls Trump 'the biggest threat to the American people'
The tensions were dramatically underscored Thursday in Michigan where federal authorities announced charges against six men accused in a thwarted plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before the November election as part of plan to overthrow the state government.
"The nature of this case is rather unprecedented," said Col. Joseph Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. "But it does send a very vivid reminder that while we maybe in a period of ... divisiveness and fighting across the nation, law enforcement stands united."
How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
'Playing with fire'
Much of the anxiety shrouding the approaching November election has been stoked by the president himself.
For months, Trump has authored waves of unsubstantiated claims aimed at undermining confidence in the election. He has taken particular aim at the integrity of state mail-in ballot systems, which he has asserted without evidence are rife with fraud.
He has variously cast the upcoming election as "rigged," "corrupt", and "illegal."
The president's assertions have been echoed by Attorney General William Barr who stated last month in an interview with CNN that the mail-in ballot system is vulnerable to "fraud and coercion."
"This is playing with fire," Barr said.
More recently, the Justice Department amended a long-standing policy aimed at discouraging election interference, with new guidance allowing prosecutors more authority to take action on voter fraud allegations even as voting is underway.
Critics described the action as an attempt to further undermine the approaching election.
"There is simply no reason to depart from that sensible starting point that has guided federal prosecutors for years," said Miriam Aroni Krinsky, executive director of the group Fair and Just Prosecution.
This week, federal law enforcement and intelligence officials pushed back against Trump's repeated attacks, reaffirming confidence in the nation's election system.
William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, said the "election system remains resilient" in a video message with directors of the FBI, National Security Agency, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
"To be clear, it would be very difficult for adversaries to interfere with, or manipulate, voting results at scale," Evanina said, without directly referring to Trump.
But Whitmer, the target of the thwarted kidnapping plot, did not hesitate to link Trump's divisive rhetoric to fueling an atmosphere of "hatred" that have enabled extremists like those who sought to take action against her.
Whitmer said Trump's failure to explicitly condemn white supremacists during last week's debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden effectively serves as "a rallying cry" for hate groups who have clashed repeatedly with protesters during social justice demonstrations.
The FBI, which played a central role in the Michigan kidnapping case, said the volatile environment has been a prominent feature in the preparations for safeguarding the election.
“Of course, our preparations for 2020 take into account the current climate of the country,” an FBI official said. “As always, the FBI has a responsibility to plan for a host of scenarios ... We gather and analyze intelligence to determine whether individuals might be motivated to take violent action for any reason. It is vital that the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and the public work together to protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote."
The bureau also has appealed to the public to report any suspicious, election-related activity to their local FBI field offices or the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at www.tips.fbi.gov.
Twelve-hour shifts, fear of new unrest
Much of the preparation for election-related security, however, is falling to local law enforcement.
Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum which recently published a report on how law enforcement agencies are preparing for possible violence, said police chiefs are cognizant of unrest that may be timed to the days immediately before or after Election Day.
Some departments, Wexler said, are already notifying officers of plans for 12-hour shifts.
“You have this environment where there’s a concern that somehow the voting process is going to be disrupted in some way, or that somehow something’s going to happen with the ballots," Wexler said. "We’ve never really faced this kind of environment. Voting has never been this much of a concern.”
Among the fears is that a police presence at polling sites, prohibited in some states, might be seen as intimidating.
“Police presence is both necessary to prevent potential incidents, but also police are careful that they don’t enter a polling place unless there’s some kind of emergency situation,” Wexler said.
In Philadelphia, where officers are not allowed to be within 100 feet of polling sites, the department is attempting to ensure that officers wear body cameras and are accompanied by a supervisor when they're called, Wexler said.
In Lansing, Michigan's capital, the foiled kidnapping plot targeting the governor heightened law enforcement's awareness of extremists who may try to sow chaos in the days leading up to and after the election, said Police Chief Daryl Green.
"Tensions are high. This is a very polarized election, and so we are working to leverage all of our community stakeholders ... to make sure all the resources are in place," Green said. "We're expecting the best, but we have to be prepared for the worst."
Green said his department is monitoring social media for threats, will be on the lookout for bad actors who may embed themselves at protests and has beefed up staffing. Officers and election staffers are also going through training to spot signs of voter intimidation, he said.
In Las Vegas, Deputy Chief Andrew Walsh said officials have not seen any indication of unrest on Election Day, and there is no plan to staff the city’s polling sites with uniformed officers. But he said officers will randomly check those sites for signs of voting intimidation.
“The last thing I want, or any of us want, is to see people not come out and vote because they’re afraid to exercise their right,” Walsh said. “The fear and uncertainty is just as real as if it’s actually happening, and we don’t want people to feel fear and uncertainty.
"We want people to be assured of two things," Walsh said. "Law enforcement has no role, it is impartial, and if we are (at polling sites), we want to keep people safe.”


usatoday--2020-10-09--'We're insulted': Jackie Robinson's daughter Sharon condemns Trump ad featuring image of baseball le

A new Donald Trump campaign advertisement featuring an image of Jackie Robinson has drawn the condemnation of the baseball legend @ @ @ @ @ `` Jackie Robinson 's family strongly objects to the use of Jackie Robinson 's image @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Trump campaign is in opposition to all that Jackie Robinson stood for @ @ @ @ @ 're insulted and demand that his image be removed ! ''
Robinson broke Major League @ @ @ @ @ 1947 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 .
In 1997 @ @ @ @ @ was retired throughout baseball and the league celebrates Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 every @ @ @ @ @ author and educator , sits on the board of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and along @ @ @ @ @ , has been integral in carrying out Jackie 's legacy through the years .
The @ @ @ @ @ Say What You Will About America , '' also uses an image of Dr. Martin @ @ @ @

'We're insulted': Jackie Robinson's daughter Sharon condemns Trump ad featuring image of baseball legend
A new Donald Trump campaign advertisement featuring an image of Jackie Robinson has drawn the condemnation of the baseball legend's daughter, Sharon.
"Jackie Robinson's family strongly objects to the use of Jackie Robinson's image," Robinson tweeted Thursday. "The Trump campaign is in opposition to all that Jackie Robinson stood for and believed in. We're insulted and demand that his image be removed!"
Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. In 1997, his No. 42 was retired throughout baseball and the league celebrates Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 every season.
Sharon, an author and educator, sits on the board of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and along with her mother, Rachel, has been integral in carrying out Jackie's legacy through the years.
The Trump advertisement, called "Say What You Will About America," also uses an image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


usatoday--2020-10-09--Titans' game against Bills delayed to Tuesday amid COVID-19 outbreak

The Tennessee Titans ' game against the Buffalo Bills has been postponed by the NFL , marking the second consecutive week that the team 's COVID-19 outbreak has prompted a reshuffling of its schedule .
Originally set for Sunday , the contest now will be played on Tuesday .
Should that game be played as scheduled , the Bills ' game against the Kansas City Chiefs will be bumped from Thursday to `` later in the weekend , '' the NFL said .
Since Sept. 24 , the Titans have had 23 team members — 13 players and 10 staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Titans first closed their facility on Sept. 29 after the team returned eight positive tests — three from players and five from staff members — in the aftermath of a win over the Minnesota Vikings .
The NFL postponed the Titans ' contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers , scheduled for this past Sunday , until Week 7 while moving up both teams ' bye weeks .
The NFL is investigating whether the Titans broke various league protocols related to COVID-19 , a person familiar with the probe told the USA TODAY Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter .
The league informed the Titans on Sept. 29 not to hold any informal workouts or group group football activities while the facility was closed , a person familiar with the situation , speaking on condition of anonymity , told the USA TODAY Network .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose details about the discussion .
On Sept. 30 , a group of Titans players worked out at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville , headmaster Brad Gioia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roger Goodell said Monday in a memo that forfeits and the stripping of draft picks were possible punishments for any team found to have violated the league 's COVID-19 protocols in a manner that results in schedule changes .
If the game is played Tuesday , it would be only the second contest since 1946 to be played on that day of the week .
The Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles played a Tuesday game in December 2010 after a blizzard forced postponement of their previous date .
The New England Patriots ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponed Thursday , KUSA 's Mike Klis reported , with the two teams now set to play Monday .
The Patriots have had two players — quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore — test positive for COVID-19 in the last week .

Titans' game against Bills delayed to Tuesday amid COVID-19 outbreak
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: Three best bets to consider for NFL Week 5 SportsPulse: Lorenzo Reyes almost had his first perfect weekend in Week 4, but he's still on a roll. In Week 5 he gives you his three best bets. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
The Tennessee Titans' game against the Buffalo Bills has been postponed by the NFL, marking the second consecutive week that the team's COVID-19 outbreak has prompted a reshuffling of its schedule.
Originally set for Sunday, the contest now will be played on Tuesday. Should that game be played as scheduled, the Bills' game against the Kansas City Chiefs will be bumped from Thursday to "later in the weekend," the NFL said.
Since Sept. 24, the Titans have had 23 team members — 13 players and 10 staff members — test positive for COVID-19.
The Titans first closed their facility on Sept. 29 after the team returned eight positive tests — three from players and five from staff members — in the aftermath of a win over the Minnesota Vikings. The NFL postponed the Titans' contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, scheduled for this past Sunday, until Week 7 while moving up both teams' bye weeks.
The NFL is investigating whether the Titans broke various league protocols related to COVID-19, a person familiar with the probe told the USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
MORE: Patriots game vs. Broncos postponed to Monday amid COVID-19 cases
The league informed the Titans on Sept. 29 not to hold any informal workouts or group group football activities while the facility was closed, a person familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose details about the discussion.
On Sept. 30, a group of Titans players worked out at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, headmaster Brad Gioia confirmed to the Tennessean.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday in a memo that forfeits and the stripping of draft picks were possible punishments for any team found to have violated the league's COVID-19 protocols in a manner that results in schedule changes.
If the game is played Tuesday, it would be only the second contest since 1946 to be played on that day of the week. The Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles played a Tuesday game in December 2010 after a blizzard forced postponement of their previous date.
The New England Patriots' game against the Denver Broncos was also postponed Thursday, KUSA's Mike Klis reported, with the two teams now set to play Monday. The Patriots have had two players — quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore — test positive for COVID-19 in the last week.