usatoday--2020-08-18--'Terrifying': Former senior Trump administration official endorses Biden

WASHINGTON – Former senior Trump administration official Miles Taylor endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president on Monday .
In doing so , he became one of the highest-ranking former officials from the Trump administration to back the presumptive Democratic nominee .
Taylor , who served as chief of staff to former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and a political appointee at the Department of Homeland Security from 2017 until he left in 2019 , was featured in a video produced by the Republican Voters Against Trump , saying what he saw from President Donald Trump `` was terrifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when DHS staffers attempted to discuss issues of national security like a `` cyberattack '' or `` terrorism threat '' with the president , Trump `` wasn ’ t interested in those things .
… To him , they weren ’ t priorities.
” He also stated Trump would give what Taylor called illegal orders to the DHS and “ didn ’ t want us to tell him it was illegal anymore because he knew that … he had ‘ magical authorities . '
” The video followed an op-ed he wrote that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor called Trump `` dangerous '' for America , without mentioning whom he was voting for .
Not sure if you ’ re registered to vote ?
: Check your status More : Trump to campaign in battleground states as Democrats embrace Joe Biden , Kamala Harris at convention In the video , Taylor stated , `` Given what I have experienced in the administration , I have to support Joe Biden for president .
And even though I am not a Democrat , even though I disagree on key issues , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country and I 'm confident that he wo n't make the same mistakes as this President . ''
Taylor 's video endorsement and op-ed come on the first night of the Democratic National Convention , where several Republicans are set to speak in a show of bipartisan support for former Biden and his running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris .
Four Republicans will speak for a segment called “ We The People Putting Country Over Party.
” 'It 's not a good picture ' : Party conventions may further complicate coronavirus stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Democrats look to ride anti-Trump wave to capture state legislatures in 2020 Biden ’ s other Republican backers include several former administrations cabinet secretaries , former members of Congress and former GOP state party chairs .
One-time Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina , and Anthony Scaramucci , a prior Trump ally who briefly served as his White House communications director , have also endorsed Biden .
White House spokesperson Judd Deere responded to Taylor 's allegations in a statement to USA TODAY , saying Taylor `` never understood the importance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people elected him and clearly just wants to cash-in . ''
Some other former senior Trump administration officials , including most recently former national security adviser John Bolton , have also been critical of Trump , but few have publicly endorsed Biden .
In the ad , Taylor asserts the president sought to “ exploit the Department of Homeland Security for his own political purposes and to fuel his own agenda.
” More : Trump 's Postmaster General DeJoy will testify before Congress about USPS changes Taylor claimed the president sought to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration policy at the southern border that led to family separations , and wanted “ a deliberate policy of ripping children away from their parents to show those parents that they shouldn ’ t come to the border in the first place.
” Nielsen implemented the Trump administration 's controversial family separation policy after being appointed DHS secretary in December 2017 that led to the separation of thousands of families .
She resigned in April 2019 .
More : Three more Republicans join Kasich to speak at Democratic National Convention in support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders , Kasich to speak as Democrats look to unite both sides of the aisle In the op-ed , Taylor also slammed Trump 's response to the coronavirus pandemic as `` bungled '' , writing that `` Trump failed to make effective use of the federal crisis response system painstakingly built after 9/11 .
Years of DHS planning for a pandemic threat have been largely wasted . ''
According to CNN , Taylor has taken a leave of absence from working at Google 's public policy arm until Election Day to engage more @ @ @ @ @ @

Former senior Trump administration official endorses Joe Biden
Show Caption Hide Caption Former senior Trump administration official endorses Joe Biden Miles Taylor is one of the highest-ranking former officials from the Trump administration to back the presumptive Democratic nominee. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former senior Trump administration official Miles Taylor endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president on Monday. In doing so, he became one of the highest-ranking former officials from the Trump administration to back the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Taylor, who served as chief of staff to former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and a political appointee at the Department of Homeland Security from 2017 until he left in 2019, was featured in a video produced by the Republican Voters Against Trump, saying what he saw from President Donald Trump "was terrifying."
Taylor continued to claim that when DHS staffers attempted to discuss issues of national security like a "cyberattack" or "terrorism threat" with the president, Trump "wasn’t interested in those things. … To him, they weren’t priorities.”
He also stated Trump would give what Taylor called illegal orders to the DHS and “didn’t want us to tell him it was illegal anymore because he knew that … he had ‘magical authorities.'”
The video followed an op-ed he wrote that was published in The Washington Post where Taylor called Trump "dangerous" for America, without mentioning whom he was voting for.
Not sure if you’re registered to vote?: Check your status
More: Trump to campaign in battleground states as Democrats embrace Joe Biden, Kamala Harris at convention
In the video, Taylor stated, "Given what I have experienced in the administration, I have to support Joe Biden for president. And even though I am not a Democrat, even though I disagree on key issues, I'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I'm confident that he won't make the same mistakes as this President."
NEW: Testimonial ad from Trump's Former DHS Chief of Staff @MilesTaylorUSA, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security."
WATCH & go to https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN for more. pic.twitter.com/iChqOdIIew — Republican Voters Against Trump (@RVAT2020) August 17, 2020
Taylor's video endorsement and op-ed come on the first night of the Democratic National Convention, where several Republicans are set to speak in a show of bipartisan support for former Biden and his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris.
Four Republicans will speak for a segment called “We The People Putting Country Over Party.”
'It's not a good picture': Party conventions may further complicate coronavirus stimulus talks
'Coronavirus is a local issue': Democrats look to ride anti-Trump wave to capture state legislatures in 2020
Biden’s other Republican backers include several former administrations cabinet secretaries, former members of Congress and former GOP state party chairs. One-time Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, and Anthony Scaramucci, a prior Trump ally who briefly served as his White House communications director, have also endorsed Biden.
White House spokesperson Judd Deere responded to Taylor's allegations in a statement to USA TODAY, saying Taylor "never understood the importance of the President's agenda or why the American people elected him and clearly just wants to cash-in."
Some other former senior Trump administration officials, including most recently former national security adviser John Bolton, have also been critical of Trump, but few have publicly endorsed Biden.
In the ad, Taylor asserts the president sought to “exploit the Department of Homeland Security for his own political purposes and to fuel his own agenda.”
More: Trump's Postmaster General DeJoy will testify before Congress about USPS changes
Taylor claimed the president sought to “go further” than the zero tolerance immigration policy at the southern border that led to family separations, and wanted “a deliberate policy of ripping children away from their parents to show those parents that they shouldn’t come to the border in the first place.”
Nielsen implemented the Trump administration's controversial family separation policy after being appointed DHS secretary in December 2017 that led to the separation of thousands of families. She resigned in April 2019.
Pres. Trump ponders citizenship query of Sen. Kamala Harris President Donald Trump has been criticized over a baseless Harris citizenship conspiracy, and it's not the first time. USA TODAY
More: Three more Republicans join Kasich to speak at Democratic National Convention in support of Joe Biden
Monday at the DNC: Sanders, Kasich to speak as Democrats look to unite both sides of the aisle
In the op-ed, Taylor also slammed Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic as "bungled", writing that "Trump failed to make effective use of the federal crisis response system painstakingly built after 9/11. Years of DHS planning for a pandemic threat have been largely wasted."
According to CNN, Taylor has taken a leave of absence from working at Google's public policy arm until Election Day to engage more in the 2020 presidential campaign.


usatoday--2020-08-18--'Cheers' mailman John Ratzenberger calls for US Postal Service support amid mail-in voting concerns

As Congress eyes a bill that would prevent changes the Trump administration has made to the U.S .
Postal Service , Hollywood is calling for Americans to support the USPS .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on the House to return into session later this week to vote on Rep. Carolyn Maloney 's Delivering for America Act , which prohibits changes to Postal Service operations in place on Jan. 1 , 2020 .
Trump has blasted vote-by-mail , particularly elections when states automatically send ballots to all registered voters .
But only nine states and the District of Columbia so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has warned that `` universal '' mail-voting poses the biggest danger for voter fraud and threat to democracy .
Celebrities including Mark Hamill , Tom Hanks and Taylor Swift are using their platforms to educate their followers on the vital role the USPS plays in the country and in particular for the 2020 election .
John Ratzenberger channeled his mailman character from `` Cheers , '' Cliff Clavin , to offer a suggestion on how to help the Postal Service raise funds .
`` The Post Office is in a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ratzenberger said in a Cameo video shared to social media Sunday .
`` So I had an idea : Why not do all your Christmas shopping early at the Post Office store ? ''
The USPS 's official online shop offers stamps and other mailing supplies , in addition to fun gifts like framed commemorative stamp designs and mail carrier Halloween costumes for your kids and/or pets .
“ Why not translate the dollar amount you ’ re gon na pay for Aunt Tilly ’ s new hat and just buy her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
`` Easy to carry , easy to mail , easy to ship — and it ’ s worth something and it ’ ll be worth something for a long time .
And how many times is Aunt Tilly gon na be wearing that hat ?
Once , twice ?
But , how many times will be she using those stamps ?
That ’ s right , always thinking .
So help your local post office ; go down there and buy something . ''
Mark Hamill channeled his `` Star Wars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Princess Leia wearing a face mask and inserting mail into a USPS mailbox with the caption `` join the fight for the resistance . ''
In an Instagram post Sunday , Tom Hanks reminded his followers of the importance of protecting their right to vote .
`` We will vote , '' he wrote .
`` Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night ... will keep us from voting .
Register to vote .
Cast your vote .
Protect your right to vote . ''
Pelosi calls on House to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop changes at Postal Service Taylor Swift on Saturday encouraged her followers to vote in the upcoming 2020 election , criticizing President Trump for opposing supplementary funding for the USPS .
`` Trump ’ s calculated dismantling of USPS proves one thing clearly : He is WELL AWARE that we do not want him as our president .
He ’ s chosen to blatantly cheat and put millions of Americans ’ lives at risk in an effort to hold on to power , '' Swift tweeted .
More : Taylor Swift calls out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourages fans to vote early Swift asked her followers to consider voting early amid the president 's attack on `` universal '' voting by mail .
`` Donald Trump ’ s ineffective leadership gravely worsened the crisis that we are in and he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely .
Request a ballot early .
Vote early , '' she wrote .
Earlier this week , Sia shared a graphic on her Instagram explaining how to help the USPS .
Reese Witherspoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American Way Foundation highlighting the importance of the Postal Service through the years .
`` The @ USPS is critical to this year ’ s elections , '' Witherspoon tweeted .
`` We need mail-in ballots to be delivered , so that we have fair elections .
Congress must act to save the # USPostalService NOW ! ''
Postal Service warns states : Some absentee , mail-in ballots may not be delivered in time to be counted 'Starve the Postal Service ' : Obama criticizes Trump for sweeping changes at the USPS

'The Postman' star Kevin Costner calls for US Postal Service support amid mail-in voting concerns
Show Caption Hide Caption Taylor Swift bonus track 'The Lakes' calls out a 'namedropping sleaze' Taylor Swift released the deluxe version of "Folklore" online. It comes days after she called out President Trump for his handling of the USPS. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
As Congress eyes a bill that would prevent changes the Trump administration has made to the U.S. Postal Service, Hollywood is calling for Americans to support the USPS.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on the House to return into session later this week to vote on Rep. Carolyn Maloney's Delivering for America Act, which prohibits changes to Postal Service operations in place on Jan. 1, 2020.
Trump has blasted vote-by-mail, particularly elections when states automatically send ballots to all registered voters. But only nine states and the District of Columbia so far plan to hold universal mail-in elections. He has warned that "universal" mail-voting poses the biggest danger for voter fraud and threat to democracy.
Celebrities including Cher, Mark Hamill, Tom Hanks and Taylor Swift are using their platforms to educate their followers on the vital role the USPS plays in the country and in particular for the 2020 election.
Kevin Costner, who starred as the title character in the 1997 action film "The Postman," called the Trump administration decision "terrible," "dangerous" and "shameful," along with urging people to vote – with a mask, of course.
“What you have to try to lean on is that every four years we get to decide whether we’re going in the right direction or we’re not,” he told The Daily Beast in an interview published Thursday. “And we now, because of the way the country is set up – which is beautiful – we have that opportunity. And anyone who would interfere with that process in a deliberate way to have an outcome – that’s criminal. And it spits on 200 years of freedom.
“So this is what you do: You wear your mask and you go vote," Costner said.
Cher took to Twitter Wednesday to show her support for the mail service.
"NO,IM NO (sic) KIDDING...COULD I VOLUNTEER AT MY POST OFFICE!?" she tweeted.
In a following tweet, she said she called two Malibu post offices to no avail.
"They were polite. I Said Hi This Is Cher,& I Would like to know If you ever take Volunteers!? Lady Said She Didn’t Know & Gave Me # Of Supervisor," she wrote.
When she called the supervisor, Cher said she was told they do not accept volunteers because they needs fingerprints and a background check.
John Ratzenberger channeled his mailman character from "Cheers," Cliff Clavin, to offer a suggestion on how to help the Postal Service raise funds.
"The Post Office is in a little bit of a pickle right now," Ratzenberger said in a Cameo video shared to social media Sunday. "So I had an idea: Why not do all your Christmas shopping early at the Post Office store?"
The USPS's official online shop offers stamps and other mailing supplies, in addition to fun gifts like framed commemorative stamp designs and mail carrier Halloween costumes for your kids and/or pets.
“Why not translate the dollar amount you’re gonna pay for Aunt Tilly’s new hat and just buy her that amount of stamps?" he continued. "Easy to carry, easy to mail, easy to ship — and it’s worth something and it’ll be worth something for a long time. And how many times is Aunt Tilly gonna be wearing that hat? Once, twice? But, how many times will be she using those stamps? That’s right, always thinking. So help your local post office; go down there and buy something."
An important message from none other than Cliff Clavin (@dratzenberger) himself, asking us all to help keep @usps in business!! (thank you for your service, Mr. Ratzenberger) #SaveUSPS #USPS pic.twitter.com/bbS43gNcIP — Tim Kasher (@timkasher) August 16, 2020
Mark Hamill channeled his "Star Wars" character, sharing a meme of Princess Leia wearing a face mask and inserting mail into a USPS mailbox with the caption "join the fight for the resistance."
In an Instagram post Sunday, Tom Hanks reminded his followers of the importance of protecting their right to vote.
"We will vote," he wrote. "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night... will keep us from voting. Register to vote. Cast your vote. Protect your right to vote."
Pelosi calls on House to return to vote on bill that would stop changes at Postal Service
Taylor Swift on Saturday encouraged her followers to vote in the upcoming 2020 election, criticizing President Trump for opposing supplementary funding for the USPS.
"Trump’s calculated dismantling of USPS proves one thing clearly: He is WELL AWARE that we do not want him as our president. He’s chosen to blatantly cheat and put millions of Americans’ lives at risk in an effort to hold on to power," Swift tweeted.
More: Taylor Swift calls out Trump for 'dismantling of USPS,' encourages fans to vote early
Swift asked her followers to consider voting early amid the president's attack on "universal" voting by mail.
"Donald Trump’s ineffective leadership gravely worsened the crisis that we are in and he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early," she wrote.
Earlier this week, Sia shared a graphic on her Instagram explaining how to help the USPS.
Reese Witherspoon shared a video from the People for the American Way Foundation highlighting the importance of the Postal Service through the years.
"The @USPS is critical to this year’s elections," Witherspoon tweeted. "We need mail-in ballots to be delivered, so that we have fair elections. Congress must act to save the #USPostalService NOW!"
The @USPS is critical to this year’s elections. We need mail-in ballots to be delivered, so that we have fair elections. Congress must act to save the #USPostalService NOW! https://t.co/yqnKm1QJHp pic.twitter.com/qorwbUoTWj — Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) August 11, 2020
Contributing: Rasha Ali, William Cummings
Postal Service warns states: Some absentee, mail-in ballots may not be delivered in time to be counted
'Starve the Postal Service': Obama criticizes Trump for sweeping changes at the USPS


usatoday--2020-08-18--Calvin Johnson's relationship with Detroit Lions still 'nil': 'There's no back and forth there'

Calvin Johnson remains estranged from the only NFL team he played for , but five years into retirement , there is a glimmer of hope for a reunion .
Johnson , the Detroit Lions ' all-time leading receiver , told the Free Press in an exclusive podcast Saturday that he spoke to the team 's receivers at the behest of his old position coach , Robert Prince , during a Zoom meeting this spring .
`` I do have a relationship with R.P.
, '' Johnson said .
`` I do have a relationship with the receivers coach .
Obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished up there , so yeah , we have a relationship .
We ’ ll reach out and see how each other ’ s doing every now and then .
Spoke to the receivers one time .
It was good to speak to those guys . ''
Johnson and the Lions have been at odds since he retired after the 2015 season with four years left on his contract .
The Lions forced Johnson to repay $ 1.6 million of his signing bonus at the time .
Typically , NFL teams do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players in good standing .
Johnson said his relationship with the organization is `` nil '' right now .
`` There ’ s no back and forth there , '' he said .
`` That ’ s fine with me .
I ’ m handling my business , I ’ m sure they ’ re handling theirs . ''
But the wide receiver will be on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time later this fall , with a strong chance he 's elected in 2021 , and Lions president Rod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Johnson was `` a very high priority '' for an organization that was once at odds with another star player in retirement , Barry Sanders .
Johnson , who last year said the Lions needed to return his money in order for there to be a relationship , has invited Lions players to help out at his football camps nearly ever year since retirement and said Saturday he admires the talent the team has assembled in the receiving corps .
“ Love watching Kenny Golladay , '' Johnson said .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amendola ) come over and Marvin ( Jones ) .
Love to see those guys out there .
My heart goes out to Marvin for their loss .
That ’ s terrible .
But those are great guys .
They ’ re great guys and I like seeing good guys do well , so I ’ ve got love for those players for sure . ''
In his spring Zoom session , Johnson , who remains in the metro Detroit area , where he launched a local cannabis business with his ex-teammate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to work on the finer points of the position as mundane as they may be .
`` Literally just take one thing at a time and work on each thing on a daily basis and stack good days up on top of each other , '' he said .
`` Like , 'Hey , today I ’ m going to work on seeing the corner of the ball to my hands , tomorrow I ’ m going to work on the top of routes or the next day I ’ m going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocking or whatever .
`` Understand we ’ re not going to be perfect , but really trying to hone in on those skills and like I say , 'That ’ s one good day , I ’ ll put it here .
OK , that ’ s another good day .
OK , I ’ ll stack it on top of that . '
And essentially when you stack those good days up of practice , that stuff just translates to the field but it really takes you homing in and putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on in practice so that it can transfer .
And you play instinctually instead of thinking about stuff .
So I think that ’ s what I really just try to hit home with any young group of guys that I talk to . ''
Johnson said he has not given his Hall of Fame candidacy much thought , though getting a gold jacket will feel `` like if I had won a Super Bowl . ''
He still deals with aches and pains in his body , and recently saw his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bike ride , but is otherwise content in retirement and trying to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic .
Johnson said he got `` sicker than I ’ ve ever been '' in February , but does not know if he had COVID-19 .
Three of his extended relatives died after contracting the virus , and he said he would give `` serious , serious , serious thought '' to opting out of the season if he was still playing .
`` That ’ s a very tough decision , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in , being obviously drafted and afford the privilege I ’ ve been playing in the NFL , I would have the option to obviously sit out if I needed to .
If me and my wife deemed it to .
And such a serious situation , it would be a serious , serious , serious thought .
We haven ’ t even talked about that , but now that you mentioned it , I ’ m going to go back inside and ask my wife what she thinks . ''
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders .
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Calvin Johnson's relationship with Detroit Lions still 'nil': 'There's no back and forth there'
Show Caption Hide Caption Calvin Johnson: CBD topical helped me with pain Retired Detroit Lions football players Calvin Johnson and Robert SIms talk about their entry in Michigan's marijuana industry. Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press Lansing Bureau
Calvin Johnson remains estranged from the only NFL team he played for, but five years into retirement, there is a glimmer of hope for a reunion.
Johnson, the Detroit Lions' all-time leading receiver, told the Free Press in an exclusive podcast Saturday that he spoke to the team's receivers at the behest of his old position coach, Robert Prince, during a Zoom meeting this spring.
"I do have a relationship with R.P.," Johnson said. "I do have a relationship with the receivers coach. Obviously, he was my coach when I finished up there, so yeah, we have a relationship. We’ll reach out and see how each other’s doing every now and then. Spoke to the receivers one time. It was good to speak to those guys."
Johnson and the Lions have been at odds since he retired after the 2015 season with four years left on his contract.
The Lions forced Johnson to repay $1.6 million of his signing bonus at the time. Typically, NFL teams don't try and recoup prorated bonus payments from players in good standing.
Johnson said his relationship with the organization is "nil" right now.
"There’s no back and forth there," he said. "That’s fine with me. I’m handling my business, I’m sure they’re handling theirs."
But the wide receiver will be on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time later this fall, with a strong chance he's elected in 2021, and Lions president Rod Wood said previously that re-establishing a relationship with Johnson was "a very high priority" for an organization that was once at odds with another star player in retirement, Barry Sanders.
Johnson, who last year said the Lions needed to return his money in order for there to be a relationship, has invited Lions players to help out at his football camps nearly ever year since retirement and said Saturday he admires the talent the team has assembled in the receiving corps.
“Love watching Kenny Golladay," Johnson said. "It’s nice to have Danny (Amendola) come over and Marvin (Jones). Love to see those guys out there. My heart goes out to Marvin for their loss. That’s terrible. But those are great guys. They’re great guys and I like seeing good guys do well, so I’ve got love for those players for sure."
In his spring Zoom session, Johnson, who remains in the metro Detroit area, where he launched a local cannabis business with his ex-teammate, Rob Sims, said he stressed the need to work on the finer points of the position as mundane as they may be.
"Literally just take one thing at a time and work on each thing on a daily basis and stack good days up on top of each other," he said. "Like, 'Hey, today I’m going to work on seeing the corner of the ball to my hands, tomorrow I’m going to work on the top of routes or the next day I’m going to work on fitting my hands in blocking or whatever.
"Understand we’re not going to be perfect, but really trying to hone in on those skills and like I say, 'That’s one good day, I’ll put it here. OK, that’s another good day. OK, I’ll stack it on top of that.' And essentially when you stack those good days up of practice, that stuff just translates to the field but it really takes you homing in and putting a game-like effort, like the lights are on in practice so that it can transfer. And you play instinctually instead of thinking about stuff. So I think that’s what I really just try to hit home with any young group of guys that I talk to."
Johnson said he has not given his Hall of Fame candidacy much thought, though getting a gold jacket will feel "like if I had won a Super Bowl."
He still deals with aches and pains in his body, and recently saw his ankles swell up after a long family bike ride, but is otherwise content in retirement and trying to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
Johnson said he got "sicker than I’ve ever been" in February, but does not know if he had COVID-19. Three of his extended relatives died after contracting the virus, and he said he would give "serious, serious, serious thought" to opting out of the season if he was still playing.
"That’s a very tough decision," he said. "Being in my position I was in, being obviously drafted and afford the privilege I’ve been playing in the NFL, I would have the option to obviously sit out if I needed to. If me and my wife deemed it to. And such a serious situation, it would be a serious, serious, serious thought. We haven’t even talked about that, but now that you mentioned it, I’m going to go back inside and ask my wife what she thinks."
If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!


usatoday--2020-08-18--Obama faces tricky politics as Biden's validator-in-chief for highly anticipated convention speech

WASHINGTON – A freshman senator from Illinois turned to Joe Biden twelve years ago to quiet voters ’ questions about his readiness for the White House and to bridge the generational and racial divides that were cleaving the Democratic Party at the time .
Now , it ’ s Barack Obama ’ s turn to repay the favor .
As he speaks to a pared-down , virtual Democratic National Convention on Wednesday , party insiders hope that the former president – among the most popular politicos in America – will fill the role of validator-in-chief for his former No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ usher in a sense of `` normalcy '' after four years of President Donald Trump .
`` Right now President Obama 's role , primarily , is to remind Americans what a stable and thoughtful administration looks like , '' said Rep. John Yarmuth , D-Ky. Obama 's address comes with some delicate politics as Obama seeks to rally the coalition of young , Black and women voters who twice propelled him to the Oval Office while simultaneously depriving Trump of new ammunition he could use to reinvigorate his own base of supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The DNC and RNC may further complicate stimulus talks More : Trump to campaign in battleground states as Democrats embrace Joe Biden '' The first thing in this convention is to not hand them something , '' said former Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh , who also made Obama ’ s short list of potential running mates in 2008 .
`` I would be surprised if President Obama did anything that really became a lightning rod . ''
Democrats are road testing an unprecedented national convention this week as the coronavirus pandemic curbs the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build around the formal nomination of a presidential candidate .
Though the glitzy stage performances and balloon drops of past years will be missing , the event will nevertheless steer the party 's path as the Democratic faithful coalesce around Biden .
But before they can look forward , voters will be forced to wrestle with the past .
And Obama remains arguably the most important figure in that reckoning .
Obama left office in 2017 with an almost 60 % approval rating , and he has maintained his appeal on the left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When asked which president in their lifetimes has done the best job , 44 % of Americans chose Obama as their first or second pick compared with 33 % for Bill Clinton and 32 % for Ronald Reagan , according to a 2018 Pew Research Center survey .
A CBS News/YouGov poll this week found 92 % of Democrats are eager to hear Obama at the convention , compared with 91 % who said the same of Biden or his running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris .
The same CBS survey found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal superstar Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , compared to roughly 58 % who said the same of 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton .
Yarmuth , chairman of the House Budget Committee , said the party must use this week 's convention to calm anxieties about what Democrats plan to do if they prevail in the fall .
Are you registered to vote ?
: Check your status or register online now '' I 'm not sure I want everybody out there talking about Green New Deals , and that type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government this is where the country needs a comfort level , '' he said .
`` We 're going to be under a lot of pressure to talk about reparations , universal basic income ( and ) Medicare for all , '' he added .
`` And what Obama can do is , ironically , reassure people we are not going to go off the rails – even though we may . ''
Obama , party leaders say , must demonstrate Democrats can still connect with Rust Belt voters even as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal demands : From looser immigration rules to tighter environmental controls to address climate change .
That ’ s part of the reason Democratic operatives predict Obama will look to deliver an aspirational address , touting Biden as a traditional candidate who can dial back the drama of the past four years , inch the party toward a more progressive path and begin to heal racial wounds that have continued to resurface during the Trump presidency .
In other words , Democrat strategists say , classic Obama .
`` He ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that to another night and speaker , ” said veteran Democrat Donna Brazile , who has worked on many presidential campaigns .
“ The former president can help set the first few pages in a new era by highlighting why America can not afford four more years of disruption , diversion and deceit . ''
Democrats have long framed the Biden-Obama relationship as something like the Hollywood formula for the buddy cop movie : An interracial pair with noticeably different temperaments and styles forging a friendship as they move through a thickening plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to different constituencies .
That was evidenced in a video released by the Biden campaign last month that featured the two palling around before launching into a `` socially distanced '' conversation in which they accused Trump of refusing to take responsibility for anything during the pandemic .
“ We were different in age , different in background , his politics were a little bit different than mine , but it was precisely those differences that I thought made him ideal , ” Obama said during a recent podcast interview with former adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( were ) some core beliefs .
... And as a result , I had a basic trust in him . ''
Despite the affection , which former aides say is genuine , there have been cracks in the bromance , some of which have been brought back to the fore in recent weeks .
Biden 's description of Obama in 2007 as the `` first sort of mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean '' is the kind of racial gaffe that has hounded him for years – including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire for his insensitive comments at a time when the nation is grappling with the death of George Floyd , protests and violence in major U.S. cities and Trump 's remarks supporting symbols of the Confederacy .
More : 'Are you a junkie ? '
Biden bristles when reporter asks him about cognitive test Others have pointed to Obama 's relatively quick embrace of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the 2016 presidential race , musing aloud in June of that year whether anyone had ever been `` so qualified '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama has kept mostly out of view , and that has meant a less visible role for him on the Biden campaign trail , even before the coronavirus pandemic struck .
Obama aides have said the former president has remained less visible in part to avoid creating a target for Trump .
Antoine Banks , a University of Maryland political scientist , predicted that Obama 's role in the 2020 campaign will be the most consequential for a former president .
But there 's a risk with the approach , Banks warned : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal with the party too much could mean overshadowing the current candidates .
`` Trump will criticize him and say , 'he 's not on the ticket ' so they have to balance this where they get people mobilized but still understand Biden and Harris are the candidates , '' Banks said .
Trump and other Republicans have been eager to suggest a rift between the two men , while at the same time painting Biden with Obama 's more controversial moves .
Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh pointed to a report in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing anonymous sources , asserted Obama had told Biden he did n't have to run for president if he did n't want to .
Murtaugh argued that the speech would `` just remind everyone that Obama and Biden presided over the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression . ''
That 's a line Trump has used frequently , dating back to before the 2016 election .
Independent fact checkers have found there is data to back up the claim , when measured by the average rate of annual economy growth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery that began under Obama was the longest in modern U.S. history .
Biden aides , meanwhile , disputed the Trump campaign 's characterization of the record .
`` The Obama-Biden Administration took the reins during what was , until recently , the worst downturn since the Great Depression – and turned it into the longest streak of private sector job growth on record , '' said Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates .
`` Trump 's failed leadership has plunged the strong , growing economy he inherited into the deepest recession in generations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
Democrats insist that the party 's internal ideological squabbles over health care , immigration and the environment will be eclipsed by a shared determination to deny Trump a second term .
If that 's true , several said , the most important thing Obama can confer on Biden during the convention and in the weeks ahead is a sense that the former vice president would restore comity to American politics .
`` President Obama is still widely viewed as the most gifted messenger of the Democratic agenda in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Payne , who worked on Clinton 's 2016 campaign .
`` The most important thing he can do in this moment is remind voters of contrast between his presidency and the first four years of the Trump presidency . ''
Another benefit Obama could provide is to remind people of the work Biden undertook on the administration 's behalf for eight years .
Voters know who Biden is but they may not know Obama tapped him to administer the 2009 Recovery Act , which helped stimulate the economic recovery .
Obama also frequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendships on both sides of the aisle after nearly four decades in the Senate , to close major deals with Republicans .
“ So this is one of the best chances of the cycle to give people some color and dimension as to who Joe Biden is and what he stands for , all from the mouth of the most trusted character witness on the planet , ” said Teddy Goff , a Democratic strategist who ran Obama ’ s digital operation in 2012 .
A clear split emerged during the Democratic primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Mass.
, and Sanders , who pressed Biden to defend healthcare and immigration policies espoused by the Obama administration .
Banks , the political scientist , noted that most voters are n't as focused on nuanced policy debates and argued that Obama 's speech would likely play well in both wings of the party .
`` Obama is able to craft a message to make people feel comfortable that he cares about these groups and these issues , but he is n't going to be pushing these far-left issues , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking to the future and lifting up all boats . ''

John Fritze and Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY

Obama to counter Trump's vote-by-mail criticism in highly anticipated convention speech
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama, who burst into national politics with a memorable convention speech in 2004, will use remarks Wednesday to slam a "cynical" effort by his successor to limit mail-in voting and will argue that the nation's democracy itself is on the line in the November presidential election.
Obama's highly anticipated address, to be delivered live on the third night of the Democratic party's virtual convention, will outline why Biden possesses "the experience and character" to lead the country through dueling economic and public health crises that he will argue "the current administration has blundered into," an aide said.
"President Obama will highlight the cynical moves by the current administration and the Republican Party to discourage Americans from voting," Obama spokeswoman Katie Hill said, referring to President Donald Trump's criticism of states that are expanding vote-by-mail in response to the coronavirus pandemic. "He’ll make a pointed case that democracy itself is on the line – along with the chance to create a better version of it."
Obama will speak to the pared-down convention in the 10 p.m. ET hour Wednesday, two nights after former first lady Michelle Obama. Party insiders hope that the former president – among the most popular politicos in America – will fill the role of validator-in-chief for his former No. 2, reassuring voters that Biden will usher in a sense of "normalcy" after four years of Trump.
Barack Obama says America 'was built by John Lewises' Former President Barack Obama gave an emotional speech as he remembered his "hero" John Lewis. Associated Press, USA TODAY
"Right now President Obama's role, primarily, is to remind Americans what a stable and thoughtful administration looks like," said Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky.
Obama is, of course, no stranger to the format and venue. He arrived on the same stage in 2004 as fresh-faced Senate candidate from Illinois who delivered one of that convention's more memorable speeches.
The event established him as one of the nation's great orators and helped catapult him to the White House four years later. But he now faces a different task: Holding together a leftward lurching Democratic Party while selling the country on the stability of a Biden presidency at a time of national crisis.
He also has to be careful to not give Trump any ammunition, Democrats said.
'Not a good picture:' The DNC and RNC may further complicate stimulus talks
More: Trump to campaign in battleground states as Democrats embrace Joe Biden
"The first thing in this convention is to not hand them something," said former Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, who also made Obama’s short list of potential running mates in 2008. "I would be surprised if President Obama did anything that really became a lightning rod."
Hill said the former president's remarks would take listeners through firsthand accounts of Biden's role as vice president during the administration, including his oversight of the 2009 stimulus that helped lift the U.S. out of the Great Recession and his work on expanding health care insurance through Obamacare.
Trump, who votes absentee himself, has railed against states embracing universal mail ballots – that is, automatically sending a ballot to every registered voter. But only a small number of states use that approach, and Trump has repeatedly conflated that system with those in use in states like Michigan.
Democrats accuse Trump of trying to sow doubt about the election results.
Democrats are road testing an unprecedented national convention this week as the coronavirus pandemic curbs the pomp and sense of excitement campaigns usually build around the formal nomination of a presidential candidate. Though the glitzy stage performances and balloon drops of past years are missing, the event will nevertheless steer the party's path as the Democratic faithful coalesce around Biden.
Michelle Obama may have set the tone with her blistering review of Trump's first term during her address on the convention's first night.
"Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country," she said in an address that Trump later mocked because it was taped rather than delivered live. "He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job, but he is clearly in over his head. He cannot meet this moment."
Ushering in a 'new era'
Obama left office in 2017 with an almost 60% approval rating, and he has maintained his appeal on the left as Trump slams him nearly every day. When asked which president in their lifetimes has done the best job, 44% of Americans chose Obama as their first or second pick compared with 33% for Bill Clinton and 32% for Ronald Reagan, according to a 2018 Pew Research Center survey.
A CBS News/YouGov poll this week found 92% of Democrats are eager to hear Obama at the convention, compared with 91% who said the same of Biden or his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris. The same CBS survey found 63% of Democrats want to hear liberal superstar Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., compared to roughly 58% who said the same of 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Yarmuth, chairman of the House Budget Committee, said the party must use this week's convention to calm anxieties about what Democrats plan to do if they prevail in the fall.
Are you registered to vote?: Check your status or register online now
"I'm not sure I want everybody out there talking about Green New Deals, and that type of thing, but if we take over the government this is where the country needs a comfort level," he said.
"We're going to be under a lot of pressure to talk about reparations, universal basic income (and) Medicare for all," he added. "And what Obama can do is, ironically, reassure people we are not going to go off the rails – even though we may."
Obama, party leaders say, must demonstrate Democrats can still connect with Rust Belt voters even as the convention is likely to elevate debates around liberal demands: From looser immigration rules to tighter environmental controls to address climate change.
That’s part of the reason Democratic operatives predict Obama will look to deliver an aspirational address, touting Biden as a traditional candidate who can dial back the drama of the past four years, inch the party toward a more progressive path and begin to heal racial wounds that have continued to resurface during the Trump presidency.
In other words, Democrat strategists say, classic Obama.
"He’s not an attack dog. I would leave that to another night and speaker,” said veteran Democrat Donna Brazile, who has worked on many presidential campaigns. “The former president can help set the first few pages in a new era by highlighting why America cannot afford four more years of disruption, diversion and deceit."
But Hill promised that Obama's speech won't spare Trump, and that the former president, "will highlight the cynical moves by the current administration and the Republican Party" to thwart Americans from voting.
"He’ll make a pointed case that democracy itself is on the line — along with the chance to create a better version of it," she added.
Obama will carry forward how urgent the fall election is but also seek to contrast with the current White House occupant in terms of calling on all Americans who believe in a more generous and more just country, Hill said.
Reigniting the bromance
Democrats have long framed the Biden-Obama relationship as something like the Hollywood formula for the buddy cop movie: An interracial pair with noticeably different temperaments and styles forging a friendship as they move through a thickening plot.
Together they carry closely synced messages to different constituencies. That was evidenced in a video released by the Biden campaign last month that featured the two palling around before launching into a "socially distanced" conversation in which they accused Trump of refusing to take responsibility for anything during the pandemic.
“We were different in age, different in background, his politics were a little bit different than mine, but it was precisely those differences that I thought made him ideal,” Obama said during a recent podcast interview with former adviser David Plouffe. “What we shared (were) some core beliefs. ... And as a result, I had a basic trust in him."
Despite the affection, which former aides say is genuine, there have been cracks in the bromance, some of which have been brought back to the fore in recent weeks.
Biden's description of Obama in 2007 as the "first sort of mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean" is the kind of racial gaffe that has hounded him for years – including this year, when he has drawn fire for his insensitive comments at a time when the nation is grappling with the death of George Floyd, protests and violence in major U.S. cities and Trump's remarks supporting symbols of the Confederacy.
More: 'Are you a junkie?' Biden bristles when reporter asks him about cognitive test
Others have pointed to Obama's relatively quick embrace of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the 2016 presidential race, musing aloud in June of that year whether anyone had ever been "so qualified" for the job. Since leaving office, Obama has kept mostly out of view, and that has meant a less visible role for him on the Biden campaign trail, even before the coronavirus pandemic struck.
Obama aides have said the former president has remained less visible in part to avoid creating a target for Trump.
Antoine Banks, a University of Maryland political scientist, predicted that Obama's role in the 2020 campaign will be the most consequential for a former president. But there's a risk with the approach, Banks warned: Relying on Obama's popularity and mass appeal with the party too much could mean overshadowing the current candidates.
"Trump will criticize him and say, 'he's not on the ticket' so they have to balance this where they get people mobilized but still understand Biden and Harris are the candidates," Banks said.
Trump and other Republicans have been eager to suggest a rift between the two men, while at the same time painting Biden with Obama's more controversial moves. Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh pointed to a report in The New York Times last year that, citing anonymous sources, asserted Obama had told Biden he didn't have to run for president if he didn't want to.
Murtaugh argued that the speech would "just remind everyone that Obama and Biden presided over the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression."
That's a line Trump has used frequently, dating back to before the 2016 election. Independent fact checkers have found there is data to back up the claim, when measured by the average rate of annual economy growth. But economists also point out that the recovery that began under Obama was the longest in modern U.S. history.
Biden aides, meanwhile, disputed the Trump campaign's characterization of the record.
"The Obama-Biden Administration took the reins during what was, until recently, the worst downturn since the Great Depression – and turned it into the longest streak of private sector job growth on record," said Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates.
"Trump's failed leadership has plunged the strong, growing economy he inherited into the deepest recession in generations and cost nearly 170,000 Americans their lives," he added.
Return to normal
Democrats insist that the party's internal ideological squabbles over health care, immigration and the environment will be eclipsed by a shared determination to deny Trump a second term.
If that's true, several said, the most important thing Obama can confer on Biden during the convention and in the weeks ahead is a sense that the former vice president would restore comity to American politics.
"President Obama is still widely viewed as the most gifted messenger of the Democratic agenda in America," said Democratic strategist Joel Payne, who worked on Clinton's 2016 campaign. "The most important thing he can do in this moment is remind voters of contrast between his presidency and the first four years of the Trump presidency."
Another benefit Obama could provide is to remind people of the work Biden undertook on the administration's behalf for eight years.
Voters know who Biden is but they may not know Obama tapped him to administer the 2009 Recovery Act, which helped stimulate the economic recovery. Obama also frequently turned to Biden, who had deep friendships on both sides of the aisle after nearly four decades in the Senate, to close major deals with Republicans.
“So this is one of the best chances of the cycle to give people some color and dimension as to who Joe Biden is and what he stands for, all from the mouth of the most trusted character witness on the planet,” said Teddy Goff, a Democratic strategist who ran Obama’s digital operation in 2012.
A clear split emerged during the Democratic primary between candidates such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sanders, who pressed Biden to defend healthcare and immigration policies espoused by the Obama administration. Banks, the political scientist, noted that most voters aren't as focused on nuanced policy debates and argued that Obama's speech would likely play well in both wings of the party.
"Obama is able to craft a message to make people feel comfortable that he cares about these groups and these issues, but he isn't going to be pushing these far-left issues," he predicted. "Obama is all about looking to the future and lifting up all boats."


usatoday--2020-08-18--What's it like to ride in a new Ford Bronco? We take a spin

Wisps of dust blew over the trail as we rounded a bend .
The angle of the cabin made the road ahead and below hard to see , but I knew we were about to head down another intimidating hill .
`` That 's a steep one , '' I said to the driver , Nathan Musleh .
He paused the Bronco just long enough to launch Trail Control , and we eased down the 28-degree grade at 2 mph , no slipping , just a slow , steady descent on a track with deep ruts .
Musleh , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that with that extra assistance , he was n't worried about what was happening below us .
Trail Control had been described to me as a low-speed off road cruise control , able to manage a pre-set speed up to 20 mph .
Before setting Trail Control , `` I was constantly trying to modulate my throttle and brake , '' Musleh said .
Looking to buy a home ?
: These are the top 10 hottest US housing markets More restaurant closures:300 Pizza Huts to close , mostly dine-in locations Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me as the Bronco eased itself down a hill that might have been the slowest part of this strange and dusty roller-coaster ride .
It was a sunny , hot Tuesday afternoon a week ago , and journalists were getting their first rides in the new 2021 Ford Bronco ( the Bronco Sport , being built in Hermosillo , Mexico , will be available later this year , while the 2- and 4-door versions , being built at Michigan Assembly in Wayne , are to be available next year ) , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , right off Interstate I-75 .
Unfortunately , it was n't an opportunity to drive Ford 's resurrected nameplate , so my riding impressions of the new Bronco are all from the passenger seat .
I did , however , drive a classic Bronco for a brief spin on part of the same course , a 1972 first-generation 302 V8 , three-speed automatic in blue .
Jonathan Klinger , vice president of car culture at Hagerty , was my guide , and that was fun , drum brakes and all .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything on this particular course , jarring only on the roughest stretches , otherwise fairly smooth considering the terrain .
Sandy soil , a plunge down and through a water crossing and up and down hills , climbing at least one that seemed like it was straight up in the air .
That ascent was not too far from the giant white letters spelling out `` BRONCO , '' at the top of a hill , reminiscent of another white-lettered sign in California .
Rounding one particular tight , weedy corner where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show off the three-panel view of the front camera , a standard feature on Badlands trims .
It 's something that you wo n't realize is so handy until you realize what you 'd miss going around blind corners where you do n't see the road and its hazards ahead .
These were pre-production versions , including a Bronco Sport , and Ford did n't let us take photos and videos of the inside of the vehicles .
It 's also one reason I was so focused on the trail , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt like breakneck speeds .
When I asked my driver about a speed limit here , he mentioned something about whatever qualifies as `` safe and prudent . ''
Another driver said there was a spot where 60 mph was possible , but on this course , seeing 47 mph on the speedometer was high enough to know that that 's practically flying .
And when off-roading in a 4x4 , that 's probably fast enough .

What's it like to ride in a new Ford Bronco? We take a spin
Show Caption Hide Caption What's it like to ride in a new Ford Bronco? We take a spin A Free Press journalist gets his first ride in the 2021 Ford Bronco, a speedy, capable off-roader. Detroit Free Press
Wisps of dust blew over the trail as we rounded a bend.
The angle of the cabin made the road ahead and below hard to see, but I knew we were about to head down another intimidating hill.
"That's a steep one," I said to the driver, Nathan Musleh.
He paused the Bronco just long enough to launch Trail Control, and we eased down the 28 degree grade at 2 mph, no slipping, just a slow, steady descent on a track with deep ruts.
Musleh, a vehicle dynamics engineer at Ford, explained that with that extra assistance, he wasn't worried about what was happening below us. Trail Control had been described to me as a low-speed off road cruise control, able to manage a pre-set speed up to 20 mph.
Before setting Trail Control, "I was constantly trying to modulate my throttle and brake," Musleh said.
Looking to buy a home?: These are the top 10 hottest US housing markets
More restaurant closures: 300 Pizza Huts to close, mostly dine-in locations
Instead, he was focused on steering and talking to me as the Bronco eased itself down a hill that might have been the slowest part of this strange and dusty roller-coaster ride.
It was a sunny, hot Tuesday afternoon a week ago, and journalists were getting their first rides in the new 2021 Ford Bronco (the Bronco Sport, being built in Hermosillo, Mexico, will be available later this year, while the 2- and 4-door versions, being built at Michigan Assembly in Wayne, are to be available next year), at an off-road vehicle course near Holly, Michigan, right off Interstate I-75.
Unfortunately, it wasn't an opportunity to drive Ford's resurrected nameplate, so my riding impressions of the new Bronco are all from the passenger seat. I did, however, drive a classic Bronco for a brief spin on part of the same course, a 1972 first-generation 302 V8, three-speed automatic in blue. Jonathan Klinger, vice president of car culture at Hagerty, was my guide, and that was fun, drum brakes and all.
But about the new Bronco.
It handled everything on this particular course, jarring only on the roughest stretches, otherwise fairly smooth considering the terrain. Sandy soil, a plunge down and through a water crossing and up and down hills, climbing at least one that seemed like it was straight up in the air.
That ascent was not too far from the giant white letters spelling out "BRONCO," at the top of a hill, reminiscent of another white-lettered sign in California.
Rounding one particular tight, weedy corner, where the trail dropped away quickly allowed my driver to show off the three-panel view of the front camera, a standard feature on Badlands trims. It's something that you won't realize is so handy until you realize what you'd miss going around blind corners where you don't see the road and its hazards ahead.
These were pre-production versions, including a Bronco Sport, and Ford didn't let us take photos and videos of the inside of the vehicles. It's also one reason I was so focused on the trail, which at times was whizzing by at what felt like breakneck speeds.
When I asked my driver about a speed limit here, he mentioned something about whatever qualifies as "safe and prudent." Another driver said there was a spot where 60 mph was possible, but on this course, seeing 47 mph on the speedometer was high enough to know that that's practically flying.
And when off-roading in a 4x4, that's probably fast enough.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.


usatoday--2020-08-18--'Be a good boy' and vote for suffrage: How a mother's note carried the 19th Amendment

In downtown Knoxville , Tennessee , at the corner of Clinch Avenue and Market Street , stands a formal-looking statue of Harry Burn and his mother , Febb Ensminger Burn .
The mother and son statue does n't tell much at a glance .
But it commemorates a simple act between family members that changed the course of American history .
In 1920 , Harry Burn , a young state representative from McMinn County , cast Tennessee 's deciding vote to ratify the U.S. Constitution 's 19th Amendment .
The Volunteer State became the 36th to ratify — making the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their right to vote nationwide .
Before the vote , the freshman representative from rural McMinn County was undecided .
But when it came time for the roll call , Burn voted in favor of suffrage .
What helped persuade him ?
A handwritten letter from his mother , now a piece of history preserved in a museum just one block away from the statue in downtown Knoxville .
The seven-page letter is written in pencil on lined paper .
The outer envelope is addressed in pen to Hon .
H. T. Burn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a red 2-cent postage stamp in the top right corner .
`` Dear Son , '' the letter starts .
`` I wish you were home too .
We have had nothing but rain since you left . ''
Febb , 47 years old at the time the letter was written , goes on to talk about recent visitors and ask if Harry , 24 , will be home for Labor Day .
The letter reminded Harry to `` be a good boy . ''
Between updates about their neighbors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote for suffrage .
`` Hurrah and vote for Suffrage and don ’ t keep them in doubt , '' she wrote .
Febb `` was just a fearless person , '' said Tyler L. Boyd , her great-great-grandson .
Boyd recently published a biography titled `` Tennessee Statesman Harry T .
Burn . ''
`` She was just a good , old-fashioned Southern woman , matriarch , who happened to get put in the middle of history , '' Boyd said .
Febb was educated and became a teacher before returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After her husband died in 1916 , the ownership of the farm passed on to her sons .
Febb ran the farm , despite the fact that she could not legally own it .
Boyd said he thinks that was one spark that pushed her to advocate for suffrage .
`` She really spoke about the morality of the vote ... ' I ’ m glad that my son believes in my rights as a mother and as a woman , ' `` Boyd said .
In the letter , Febb noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position on suffrage known , she was still waiting to see how her son planned to vote .
`` Don ’ t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Thomas Catt with her 'Rats , ' `` she wrote .
`` Is she the one that put rat in ratification , ha !
No more from mama this time .
With lots of love , Mama . ''
Mrs. Thomas Catt was Carrie Chapman Catt , who took over leadership of the National American Woman Suffrage Association from Susan B. Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who wanted to ratify the 19th Amendment .
When it became clear that Tennessee could become the deciding state , Catt spent the summer of 1920 making speeches and advocating for suffrage across the state .
Harry T. Burn Jr. wrote that his grandmother , Febb , `` thought all adults regardless of station in life or any other characteristics had something to contribute to our political process .
... She was a very practical person . ''
The letter was delivered to Harry Burn at the state Capitol , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signaling he would vote against suffrage .
After two votes to table the resolution tied 48-48 , Speaker Seth Walker called for a vote on the merits of the resolution .
If the amendment failed in Tennessee , finding another state to ratify it would have been difficult , Boyd wrote in his book .
Burn , the fourth to vote , quickly voted `` Aye , '' a change that sent shock waves through the room .
After the full vote was taken , shock turned into chaos .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no better word to describe the House chamber after the vote .
Like a room full of graduates tossing their caps into the air upon commencement , the suffragists in the gallery tossed their yellow roses in the air .
They screamed , sang and danced in joy . ''
The original letter is stored in the East Tennessee History Center , part of the McClung Historical Collection in Knoxville .
Steve Cotham , the manager of the collection , said the family was at first hesitant to have the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was .
`` The family story is because ( Febb ) was embarrassed about the letter because it was a personal letter , written in pencil on a tablet , '' Cotham said .
`` She was a very well-educated woman and if she was going to make a plea , for something formal , she wouldn ’ t have done it that way . ''
The vote for suffrage `` was a hard battle '' in Tennessee , Cotham said .
Once it passed , some legislators immediately moved to try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real crucial moment because once the procedures in the vote had happened , the legislators were trying to undo it , '' Cotham said .
`` But once it happened , the official documents went to the Tennessee secretary of state and he put them on a train to Washington .
`` By the time they were pushing to try to have another vote , the secretary of state in Washington had already accepted the proof of the election , '' Cotham said .
Each page of the Burn letter is stored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acid-free archival folders and boxes .
Despite rumors that the letter had been destroyed , it has been stored in the McClung Collection since 1978 .
It 's been scanned and uploaded to the collection 's website and copies have appeared in several textbooks .
As the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment approache , Cotham said they 've gotten requests to view the letter at least once a day .
The collection also has about 250 telegrams Burn received before and after the vote .
Some are in favor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It was controversial , '' Cotham said .
`` The anti-suffrage group was of the opinion that if women got really interested in politics , it would pull them away from their major responsibility with hearth and home , taking care of children and taking care of families .
They were pretty passionate about that .
`` The other side , a lot of women were already thinking about being in the workforce , and that was fairly new , '' Cotham continued .
`` They really wanted to be part @ @ @ @ @ @

In downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, at the corner of Clinch Avenue and Market Street, stands a formal-looking statue of Harry Burn and his mother, Febb Ensminger Burn.
The mother and son statue doesn't tell much at a glance. But it commemorates a simple act between family members that changed the course of American history.
In 1920, Harry Burn, a young state representative from McMinn County, cast Tennessee's deciding vote to ratify the U.S. Constitution's 19th Amendment. The Volunteer State became the 36th to ratify — making the 19th Amendment law and securing for women their right to vote nationwide.
Before the vote, the freshman representative from rural McMinn County was undecided. But when it came time for the roll call, Burn voted in favor of suffrage.
What helped persuade him? A handwritten letter from his mother, now a piece of history preserved in a museum just one block away from the statue in downtown Knoxville.
Harry Burn’s mother persuaded him to vote for women’s suffrage. Her letter still exists. Brianna Paciorka, USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee
‘Vote for Suffrage’
The seven-page letter is written in pencil on lined paper. The outer envelope is addressed in pen to Hon. H. T. Burn at the state Capitol building in Nashville, with a red 2-cent postage stamp in the top right corner.
Harry Burn of Rockwood, Tenn., pictured in 1948. News Sentinel Photo Archive
"Dear Son," the letter starts. "I wish you were home too. We have had nothing but rain since you left."
Febb, 47 years old at the time the letter was written, goes on to talk about recent visitors and ask if Harry, 24, will be home for Labor Day. The letter reminded Harry to "be a good boy."
Between updates about their neighbors and Harry's siblings, she urged him to vote for suffrage.
"Hurrah and vote for Suffrage and don’t keep them in doubt," she wrote.
Febb "was just a fearless person," said Tyler L. Boyd, her great-great-grandson. Boyd recently published a biography titled "Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn."
"She was just a good, old-fashioned Southern woman, matriarch, who happened to get put in the middle of history," Boyd said.
Febb was educated and became a teacher before returning to work on the Burn family farm. After her husband died in 1916, the ownership of the farm passed on to her sons. Febb ran the farm, despite the fact that she could not legally own it.
Boyd said he thinks that was one spark that pushed her to advocate for suffrage.
"She really spoke about the morality of the vote ... 'I’m glad that my son believes in my rights as a mother and as a woman,' " Boyd said.
A Burn family photo from 1920 photographed at the McClung Historical Collection. Febb Ensminger Burn, at right, is leaning over her son Harry Burn, second from right. Photo: BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL, Illustration: USA TODAY Network
In the letter, Febb noted that while other representatives had made their position on suffrage known, she was still waiting to see how her son planned to vote.
"Don’t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Thomas Catt with her 'Rats,' " she wrote. "Is she the one that put rat in ratification, ha! No more from mama this time. With lots of love, Mama."
Mrs. Thomas Catt was Carrie Chapman Catt, who took over leadership of the National American Woman Suffrage Association from Susan B. Anthony. Her "rats" were the people who wanted to ratify the 19th Amendment.
When it became clear that Tennessee could become the deciding state, Catt spent the summer of 1920 making speeches and advocating for suffrage across the state.
How Tennessee became the deciding state in women's right to vote Angela M. Gosnell, Knoxville News Sentinel
Where is the letter now?
Harry T. Burn Jr. wrote that his grandmother, Febb, "thought all adults regardless of station in life or any other characteristics had something to contribute to our political process. ... She was a very practical person."
The letter was delivered to Harry Burn at the state Capitol, where he had arrived wearing a red rose, signaling he would vote against suffrage.
"Don’t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Thomas Catt with her 'Rats' " is written toward the end of Febb Ensminger Burn’s letter to her son Harry Burn. PHOTO: BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL, ILLUSTRATION: USA TODAY NETWORK
After two votes to table the resolution tied 48-48, Speaker Seth Walker called for a vote on the merits of the resolution. If the amendment failed in Tennessee, finding another state to ratify it would have been difficult, Boyd wrote in his book.
Burn, the fourth to vote, quickly voted "Aye," a change that sent shock waves through the room. After the full vote was taken, shock turned into chaos.
A statue of Febb Ensminger Burn and her son Harry Burn stands at Clinch Avenue and Market Street in downtown Knoxville. Photo: BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL, Illustration: USA TODAY Network
"It was pandemonium," Boyd wrote. "There is no better word to describe the House chamber after the vote. Like a room full of graduates tossing their caps into the air upon commencement, the suffragists in the gallery tossed their yellow roses in the air. They screamed, sang and danced in joy."
The original letter is stored in the East Tennessee History Center, part of the McClung Historical Collection in Knoxville.
Steve Cotham, the manager of the collection, said the family was at first hesitant to have the letter displayed publicly because of how informal it was.
"The family story is because (Febb) was embarrassed about the letter because it was a personal letter, written in pencil on a tablet," Cotham said. "She was a very well-educated woman and if she was going to make a plea, for something formal, she wouldn’t have done it that way."
The vote for suffrage "was a hard battle" in Tennessee, Cotham said. Once it passed, some legislators immediately moved to try to undo the vote.
"It was a real crucial moment because once the procedures in the vote had happened, the legislators were trying to undo it," Cotham said. "But once it happened, the official documents went to the Tennessee secretary of state and he put them on a train to Washington.
"By the time they were pushing to try to have another vote, the secretary of state in Washington had already accepted the proof of the election," Cotham said.
A Tennessee suffrage banner. PHOTO: BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL, ILLUSTRATION: USA TODAY NETWORK
How is the letter preserved?
Each page of the Burn letter is stored in protective Mylar sheets and stored in acid-free archival folders and boxes.
Despite rumors that the letter had been destroyed, it has been stored in the McClung Collection since 1978.
It's been scanned and uploaded to the collection's website and copies have appeared in several textbooks. As the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment approache, Cotham said they've gotten requests to view the letter at least once a day.
Febb Ensminger Burn writes “Hurrah and vote for suffrage” in a letter to her son Harry Burn, photographed at the McClung Historical Collection in downtown Knoxville. Febb Ensminger Burn writes “Hurrah and vote for suffrage” in a letter to her son Harry Burn, photographed at the McClung Historical Collection in downtown Knoxville. Febb Ensminger Burn writes “Hurrah and vote for suffrage” in a letter to her son Harry Burn, photographed at the McClung Historical Collection in downtown Knoxville. PHOTOS: BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL, ILLUSTRATIONS: USA TODAY NETWORK
The collection also has about 250 telegrams Burn received before and after the vote. Some are in favor of suffrage, while others are against.
"It was controversial," Cotham said. "The anti-suffrage group was of the opinion that if women got really interested in politics, it would pull them away from their major responsibility with hearth and home, taking care of children and taking care of families. They were pretty passionate about that.
"The other side, a lot of women were already thinking about being in the workforce, and that was fairly new," Cotham continued. "They really wanted to be part of the bigger public."
Women of the Century: Recognizing the accomplishments of women from the last 100 years USA TODAY
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Statues bring suffrage history to you Women’s suffrage is commemorated in many landmarks around the country. Two statues, the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial in Knoxville, Tennessee, above, and the Let’s Have Tea statue in Rochester, New York, recognize key figures in the movement to ratify the 19th Amendment. Explore these statues in our augmented reality experience, available on your phone and within the Augmented Reality section of the USA TODAY app. Learn more


usatoday--2020-08-18--He delivers where Amazon and FedEx won't: USPS worker covers 'the last mile' to rural America

GALLIPOLIS , Ohio – For 30 years , Michael Miller has delivered mail on the same rural route in southern Ohio ’ s Gallia County .
It ’ s 51 miles of country roads , gravel driveways and one-lane cow paths .
It ’ s hot in the summer and cold in the winter , and it ’ s always loud as he rumbles around in his mail truck , a hand-me-down from a retired city fleet that he got five years ago .
And yet , every morning at 7:30 sharp , Miller is at the Gallipolis Post Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a navy blue shirt that reads “ Postal Workers Deliver For You.
” “ When I go out and someone asks what I do , I ’ m proud to say I work for the Postal Service , ” said Miller , 56 , of Gallia County .
“ Somebody always knows someone who works at the post office.
” Neighbors have come and gone , but not much has changed on Miller ’ s route during the past three decades .
Restructuring and other possible changes at the Postal Service , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Miller and the millions of rural residents they serve .
Mail carriers in many ways are a lifeline for rural residents .
For one , Miller said , elderly customers are still dependent on the Postal Service .
More than 1 in 5 older Americans live in rural areas , according to the Census Bureau .
Rural carriers shoulder deliveries for USPS competitors such as FedEx , UPS and Amazon .
Every morning at the post office , Miller sorts through the five pallets Amazon delivers from Kentucky .
A few more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UPS throughout the week .
Because most major delivery companies won ’ t deliver to rural areas , postal workers carry their packages for what they call “ the last mile.
” The lack of reliable broadband internet in parts of Gallia County only add to the importance of mail service .
“ They ’ re more reluctant to go online .
They ’ re still writing a check for their electricity , ” he said .
“ If we went away , we ’ d have to be 100 % dependent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a commodity we have.
” Some days , Miller delivers as many as 30 packages of life-saving medication , everything from blood-pressure pills to cholesterol medicine .
If mail delivery is reduced , Miller fears what might happen to one of his customers should a prescription runs out .
“ Just last week , I was delivering a package and the guy said to me , ‘ Oh , thank God , I just took my last pill this morning.
’ ” Carolyn Casey and her husband , Bill , know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their Gallipolis home for 49 years and have been customers on Miller ’ s route for most of that time .
Carolyn , 69 , gets medical supplies and testing equipment sent straight to her door multiple times a month .
Without the Postal Service , she would have to drive to Columbus to pick up her supplies and pay more for FedEx or UPS to deliver her test results to New York .
“ When my immune system is down , I don ’ t want to be in big crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bill Casey , the Postal Service isn ’ t about the bottom line .
It ’ s central to their community , and carriers like Miller are an important part of their lives .
“ Mike is more like family , ” Carolyn said .
“ He ’ d help you with anything.
” The USPS employs more than 600,000 workers .
Of that number , more than 97,000 are military veterans , and minorities make up about 40 % of the workforce .
The Postal Service is consistently polled as one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The USPS receives zero tax dollars for operating expenses , relying instead on the sale of postage , products and services .
For years that was enough , as the Postal Service operated in the black .
But with the rise of the internet and email , a congressional mandate to pre-fund its retirement-benefits programs , the 2008 financial crisis and competitors including Amazon creating their own delivery fleets , financial troubles have mounted .
The USPS lost $ 9 billion last year .
The coronavirus pandemic only worsened its problems .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and advertisements that make up the bulk of the Postal Service ’ s bottom line .
Mail volume was down by nearly a third this spring compared with the same time last year .
The Postal Service projects it will lose $ 13 billion in revenue this fiscal year because of COVID-19 .
In April , then-Postmaster General Megan Brennan told Congress that the USPS could run out of money by the end of September .
Postal officials asked lawmakers for $ 89 billion in relief , but President Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USPS could fix itself simply by raising prices on packages it delivers for online retailers such as Amazon .
Democrats and Republicans resisted a plan proposed by the Trump administration in 2018 to privatize the Postal Service .
Privatizing the Postal Service , Miller said , would spell trouble for rural Americans .
Some fear that President Donald Trump might continue to thwart any funding to the Postal Service as Election Day approaches due to his opposition to mail-in voting .
Widespread cutbacks , including a significant loss of sorting and processing machinery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service officials to warn Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose that Ohioans who request their absentee ballots near the deadline likely won ’ t receive them in time for their votes to be counted .
Miller is already anticipating a spike in political mailings .
“ We are solely responsible for taking care of those ballots , ” Miller said .
There is a certain irony in delivering parcels to his customers who display “ Trump 2020 ” signs in their yards , that those who might need consistent mail delivery the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
But Miller said it never sways him .
“ I ’ ll deliver to every mailbox regardless of who they ’ re for , ” Miller said .
“ Every mile , every day.
” The Democratic National Convention is here : Here 's what you can expect to see this week

He delivers where Amazon and FedEx won't: USPS worker covers 'the last mile' to rural America
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
GALLIPOLIS, Ohio – For 30 years, Michael Miller has delivered mail on the same rural route in southern Ohio’s Gallia County.
It’s 51 miles of country roads, gravel driveways and one-lane cow paths. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and it’s always loud as he rumbles around in his mail truck, a hand-me-down from a retired city fleet that he got five years ago.
And yet, every morning at 7:30 sharp, Miller is at the Gallipolis Post Office sorting parcels for delivery. He sports a navy blue shirt that reads “Postal Workers Deliver For You.”
“When I go out and someone asks what I do, I’m proud to say I work for the Postal Service,” said Miller, 56, of Gallia County. “Somebody always knows someone who works at the post office.”
Neighbors have come and gone, but not much has changed on Miller’s route during the past three decades.
Restructuring and other possible changes at the Postal Service, however, could severely affect rural carriers such as Miller and the millions of rural residents they serve.
'Save USPS': Protesters converge outside US postmaster's North Carolina home
'The last mile'
Mail carriers in many ways are a lifeline for rural residents.
For one, Miller said, elderly customers are still dependent on the Postal Service. More than 1 in 5 older Americans live in rural areas, according to the Census Bureau.
Rural carriers shoulder deliveries for USPS competitors such as FedEx, UPS and Amazon. Every morning at the post office, Miller sorts through the five pallets Amazon delivers from Kentucky. A few more pallets will show up from FedEx and UPS throughout the week.
Because most major delivery companies won’t deliver to rural areas, postal workers carry their packages for what they call “the last mile.”
The lack of reliable broadband internet in parts of Gallia County only add to the importance of mail service.
“They’re more reluctant to go online. They’re still writing a check for their electricity,” he said. “If we went away, we’d have to be 100% dependent on the internet. ... That’s just not a commodity we have.”
Miller’s biggest concern about the Postal Service’s future? Delivering medication.
Some days, Miller delivers as many as 30 packages of lifesaving medication, everything from blood pressure pills to cholesterol medicine. If mail delivery is reduced, Miller fears what might happen to one of his customers should a prescription runs out.
“Just last week, I was delivering a package and the guy said to me, ‘Oh, thank God, I just took my last pill this morning.’”
Carolyn Casey and her husband, Bill, know that feeling well. They’ve lived in their Gallipolis home for 49 years and have been customers on Miller’s route for most of that time.
Carolyn, 69, gets medical supplies and testing equipment sent straight to her door multiple times a month. Without the Postal Service, she would have to drive to Columbus to pick up her supplies and pay more for FedEx or UPS to deliver her test results to New York.
“When my immune system is down, I don’t want to be in big crowds,” Carolyn said.
“It’s life or death. That’s it.”
To Carolyn and Bill Casey, the Postal Service isn’t about the bottom line. It’s central to their community, and carriers such as Miller are an important part of their lives.
“Mike is more like family,” Carolyn said. “He’d help you with anything.”
“Except mowing the lawn,” Bill, 71, joked.
Massive losses projected
The USPS employs more than 600,000 workers. Of that number, more than 97,000 are military veterans, and minorities make up about 40% of the workforce. The Postal Service is consistently polled as one of the most-trusted and beloved government agencies.
The USPS receives zero tax dollars for operating expenses, relying instead on the sale of postage, products and services. For years that was enough, and the Postal Service operated in the black.
But with the rise of the internet and email, a congressional mandate to prefund its retirement benefits programs, the 2008 financial crisis and competitors including Amazon creating their own delivery fleets, financial troubles have mounted. The USPS lost $9 billion last year.
The coronavirus pandemic only worsened its problems. Businesses drastically cut back on the mailers and advertisements that make up the bulk of the Postal Service’s bottom line. Mail volume was down by nearly a third this spring compared with the same time last year.
The Postal Service projects it will lose $13 billion in revenue this fiscal year because of COVID-19. In April, then-Postmaster General Megan Brennan told Congress that the USPS could run out of money by the end of September. Postal officials asked lawmakers for $89 billion in relief, but President Donald Trump’s administration refused.
USPS changes: Trump's Postmaster General DeJoy will testify before Congress
Trump has said the USPS could fix itself simply by raising prices on packages it delivers for online retailers such as Amazon. Democrats and Republicans resisted a plan proposed by the Trump administration in 2018 to privatize the Postal Service.
Privatizing the Postal Service, Miller said, would spell trouble for rural Americans.
Some fear that Trump might continue to thwart any funding to the Postal Service as Election Day approaches because of his opposition to mail-in voting. Widespread cutbacks, including a significant loss of sorting and processing machinery at Columbus-area post offices, led Postal Service officials to warn Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose that Ohioans who request their absentee ballots near the deadline likely won’t receive them in time for their votes to be counted.
Miller is already anticipating a spike in political mailings.
“We are solely responsible for taking care of those ballots,” Miller said.
There is a certain irony in delivering parcels to his customers who display “Trump 2020” signs in their yards, that those who might need consistent mail delivery the most support a president who wants to change it.
But Miller said it never sways him.
“I’ll deliver to every mailbox regardless of who they’re for,” Miller said. “Every mile, every day.”
Follow reporter Sheridan Hendrix on Twitter: @sheridan120
The Democratic National Convention is here: Here's what you can expect to see this week


usatoday--2020-08-17--Dolphin leaps out of water as lifeboats respond to reports of jet ski on fire

Inquisitive dolphins came to see what was going on after jet skiers got into trouble near a seaside town in @ @

Dolphin investigates scene amid reports of jet ski fire in England
Inquisitive dolphins came to see what was going on after jet skiers got into trouble near a seaside town in England.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-08-18--Daughter who lost father to COVID-19: 'Preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump'

Kirstin Urquiza lost her 65-year-old father to COVID-19 .
She said President Trump 's dishonesty made the virus so much @ @

Woman who lost father to COVID-19: Trump's dishonesty made virus worse
Kirstin Urquiza lost her 65-year-old father to COVID-19. She said President Trump's dishonesty made the virus so much worse.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-18--Michelle Obama says Trump is 'wrong president for our country' in DNC speech

Michelle Obama called President Donald Trump the `` wrong president for our country '' during her speech at the Democratic @ @ @

Michelle Obama, wearing 'VOTE' necklace, calls Trump 'wrong president'
Michelle Obama called President Donald Trump the "wrong president for our country" during her speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-18--Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders headline first night of DNC focused on unity

The first night of the Democratic National Convention focused on persons of different backgrounds and political parties uniting behind Joe @ @

Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders headline first night of DNC
The first night of the Democratic National Convention focused on persons of different backgrounds and political parties uniting behind Joe Biden.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-18--Democratic Convention speaker: U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana

U.S .
Congressman Cedric Richmond of Louisiana delivers an economic message about jobs and small businesses for the Democratic National @ @

Democratic Convention speaker: U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond
U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond of Louisiana delivers an economic message about jobs and small businesses for the Democratic National Convention.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-18--Democratic Convention speaker: U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama

U.S .
Senator Doug Jones of Alabama delivers a message about unity for the Democratic National Convention .

Democratic Convention speaker: U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama
U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama delivers a message about unity for the Democratic National Convention.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-18--Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont urges his legions of supporters to turn out for Joe Biden

Senator Bernie Sanders , who once again finished as runner-up on the Democratic primary , urges his supporters to back @ @ @ @ @ .

DNC: U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders urges supporters to back Joe Biden
Senator Bernie Sanders, who once again finished as runner-up on the Democratic primary, urges his supporters to back Joe Biden at the convention.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-18--Democratic Convention speaker: Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto

U.S .
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada delivers remarks on the first night of the Democratic National Convention .

Democratic Convention speaker: Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto
U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada delivers remarks on the first night of the Democratic National Convention.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-18--Democratic Convention speaker: Kristin Urquiza, who lost her father to COVID-19

DNC speaker : Kristin Urquiza , who lost her father to COVID-19 Kristin Urquiza delivers a message to the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ to coronavirus after he believed what President Donald Trump said .

DNC speaker: Kristin Urquiza, who lost her father to COVID-19
Kristin Urquiza delivers a message to the Democratic Convention on losing her father to coronavirus after he believed what President Donald Trump said.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-18--Democratic Convention Speaker: US Rep. Gwen Moore, Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District

Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin 's 4th Congressional District speaks at the Democratic National Convention , which was supposed to @ @ @ @ @ .

DNC Speaker: U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI-4)
Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District speaks at the Democratic National Convention, which was supposed to be in Milwaukee, Wis.
USA TODAY