usatoday--2020-06-15--Poll: Trump leads Biden by 1 point in Iowa, a state Trump won by 9 points in 2016

Four years after Republican Donald Trump decisively won Iowa and the presidency , the state appears to be a toss-up as he seeks re-election this November , a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows .
Trump carried Iowa by 9 percentage points in his 2016 contest against Democrat Hillary Clinton .
But today , the Register ’ s Iowa Poll shows the president leading former Vice President Joe Biden by just 1 point — 44 % to 43 % .
The poll of 674 likely voters was conducted June 7-10 by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines .
Its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.8 percentage points .
The Des Moines Register is a part of the USA TODAY Network .
The results — which come in the midst of a pandemic and widespread civil unrest — are among a wave of polling that indicates an increasingly unstable electoral map for the president .
States like Iowa that were expected to be safe territory for him after clear wins in 2016 now appear to be battlegrounds in 2020 .
“ I think it 's obviously nothing that Joe Biden should take for granted , because he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ann Selzer .
“ But if the election were held today , Biden has a far better shot than anybody thought.
” The president ’ s re-election campaign booked more than $ 400,000 worth of television advertising in Iowa from early May to early June , according to the ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics .
During that same time frame , the Lincoln Project , which is airing ads against the president , booked about $ 150,000 worth of television time .
The president 's Cabinet has also spent considerable time in Iowa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ visited Des Moines and Urbandale to meet with religious and agricultural leaders .
Pence will return to Iowa on Tuesday , and Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette will be in Ames on Wednesday .
A March Iowa Poll showed 41 % of likely Iowa voters would support Biden in a general election against the president , and 51 % said they would support Trump .
In the months since , Biden has become the Democratic Party ’ s de facto nominee — a title Democrats will formalize at a convention scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to coalesce around him .
The president , though , has faced consistent criticism for his management of the coronavirus pandemic and for his handling of protests surrounding the death of George Floyd , a Black resident of Minneapolis , at the hands of white police officers .
The president ’ s job approval rating has also fallen in that time .
In March , his approval rating was above water for the first time in a Register poll , with 50 % of Iowans saying they approved of the job he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 46 % of Iowans said the country was on the right track — another high-water mark for Trump ’ s presidency , and the highest that number had been recorded since May 2003 .
But both measures have fallen substantially , the new poll shows .
Today , just 22 % of Iowans say the nation is on the right track .
Another 63 % say the nation is on the wrong track , including a plurality of Republicans ( 45 % ) .
It ’ s rare for members of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the same party , Selzer said .
Trump ’ s approval rating has fallen 5 percentage points from March to 45 % today .
Now , a majority of Iowans — 52 % — disapprove of the job he ’ s doing .
That ratings dip coincides with disapproval of the president ’ s handling of two major current events .
Forty-five percent of Iowans say they approve of how he has addressed COVID-19 , while 53 % disapprove and 6 % are unsure .
Just 37 % approve of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and police actions .
Another 55 % disapprove and 8 % are unsure .
Carolyn Robinson , a 44-year-old Des Moines resident and poll respondent , is among those who have problems with the way the president has managed the coronavirus crisis .
“ I do n't think he 's done a very good job at all , ” she said .
“ I think we should have had more PPE ( personal protective equipment ) .
We should have been a lot more prepared than what we were .
And I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people for his mistakes .
He ca n't take responsibility for what he says and does.
” Robinson , a Democrat , said she ’ s excited to vote for Biden in November and hopes the former vice president can reverse course and get the country back on track .
But both Biden and Trump are underwater in their favorability ratings , with more Iowans viewing them unfavorably than viewing them favorably .
For Biden , 45 % of Iowans view him favorably and 50 % view him unfavorably .
For Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a favorable view , while 52 % have an unfavorable view .
However , poll respondents were more likely to say they have a “ very unfavorable ” view of the president .
Forty-three percent say their views of Trump are “ very unfavorable , ” including 87 % of Democrats and 42 % of independents .
Thirty-two percent of Iowans say they have a “ very unfavorable ” view of Biden .
That includes 66 % of Republicans and 30 % of independents .
Selzer said that dynamic was critical in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disliked both candidates and ultimately chose between what many described as the “ lesser of two evils.
” She said she expects the Trump campaign to work to “ vilify Joe Biden to make him an unacceptable candidate ” in the same way they worked to make Hillary Clinton unacceptable to many voters .
“ But there 's some work to be done there , ” she said .
“ Because there 's a stronger revulsion to Trump among the Democrats than there is toward Biden by the Republicans.
” ‘ A mood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supporters have divided firmly along party lines , with the president retaining the support of 93 % of the Republican vote and Biden holding 92 % of the Democratic vote .
Independents lean slightly toward Biden , 39 % to 38 % .
Another 18 % say they would vote for someone other than Biden or Trump .
Trump holds an advantage among those who say their mind is made up , with 87 % of his supporters saying they are firm in their choice .
Among Biden ’ s supporters , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ) does what he says he 's going to do — Israel , building up the military , giving people tax breaks and voting in better judges , ” said Brad Blunt , a 55-year-old Ankeny resident and poll respondent .
Blunt said he considers himself an independent voter but tends to side with Republicans on most issues .
He plans to vote for Trump in November and has been pleased with the way he ’ s handled issues around the coronavirus and the protests .
“ It ’ s pretty much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , ” he said .
“ I think he ’ s done about all he can do right now.
” Blunt is among the 53 % of men who side with the president — a 17-percentage-point lead over Biden , who earns 36 % with men .
The gender divide is significant among women as well .
Biden leads by 14 percentage points with women , 50 % to 36 % over Trump .
The gap is even larger among white men with no college degree — a key demographic that helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That group favors the president 64 % to 28 % over Biden — a 36-point spread .
White women with no college degree prefer Biden 53 % to 35 % over Trump — an 18-point margin .
Trump leads with the Republican Party ’ s core voters in Iowa : rural residents ( 56 % to 31 % ) , evangelicals ( 69 % to 20 % ) and those who live in Iowa ’ s heavily conservative 4th congressional district , in northwest and north central Iowa ( 59 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among those with no religious affiliation ( 62 % to 23 % ) and those who live in cities ( 51 % to 36 % ) .
In the other three congressional districts , he leads : • 3rd District , the Des Moines metro and southwest Iowa : 49 % to 41 % .
Overall , Selzer said this poll seems to indicate a climate that favors Democrats .
Likely voters preferred a Democratic U.S. House candidate over a Republican candidate in three of the state ’ s four congressional districts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theresa Greenfield over Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst .
“ Having come out of 2018 ( when Democrats flipped two congressional seats ) and now , with these dynamics and the popularity of these Democratic candidates , including Theresa Greenfield , it creates a mood that feels more favorable to Democrats statewide , ” she said .
The Iowa Poll , conducted June 7-10 for the Des Moines Register and Mediacom by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines , is based on telephone interviews with 801 Iowans ages 18 or older .
Interviewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected landline and cellphone numbers supplied by Dynata .
Interviews were administered in English .
Responses were adjusted by age , sex , and congressional district to reflect the general population based on recent American Community Survey estimates .
Questions based on the sample of 801 Iowa adults have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points , and questions based on the sample of 674 likely voters in the 2020 general election have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points .
This means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same questions and the same methodology , 19 times out of 20 , the findings would not vary from the true population value by more than plus or minus 3.5 or 3.8 percentage points , respectively .
Results based on smaller samples of respondents — such as by gender or age — have a larger margin of error .
Republishing the copyright Iowa Poll without credit to the Des Moines Register and Mediacom is prohibited .
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register .
Reach her at bpfann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter at @ brianneDMR .
Support reporters who follow your government by becoming a subscriber .
Sign up at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal .

Poll: Trump leads Biden by 1 point in Iowa, a state Trump won by 9 points in 2016
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
© Copyright 2020, Des Moines Register and Tribune Co.
Four years after Republican Donald Trump decisively won Iowa and the presidency, the state appears to be a toss-up as he seeks re-election this November, a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows.
Trump carried Iowa by 9 percentage points in his 2016 contest against Democrat Hillary Clinton. But today, the Register’s Iowa Poll shows the president leading former Vice President Joe Biden by just 1 point — 44% to 43%.
The poll of 674 likely voters was conducted June 7-10 by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines. Its margin of error is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. The Des Moines Register is a part of the USA TODAY Network.
The results — which come in the midst of a pandemic and widespread civil unrest — are among a wave of polling that indicates an increasingly unstable electoral map for the president. States like Iowa that were expected to be safe territory for him after clear wins in 2016 now appear to be battlegrounds in 2020.
“I think it's obviously nothing that Joe Biden should take for granted, because he's not leading,” said pollster J. Ann Selzer. “But if the election were held today, Biden has a far better shot than anybody thought.”
The president’s re-election campaign booked more than $400,000 worth of television advertising in Iowa from early May to early June, according to the ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics. During that same time frame, the Lincoln Project, which is airing ads against the president, booked about $150,000 worth of television time.
The president's Cabinet has also spent considerable time in Iowa. Last month, Vice President Mike Pence visited Des Moines and Urbandale to meet with religious and agricultural leaders. Pence will return to Iowa on Tuesday, and Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette will be in Ames on Wednesday.
Trump’s approval rating falls
A March Iowa Poll showed 41% of likely Iowa voters would support Biden in a general election against the president, and 51% said they would support Trump.
In the months since, Biden has become the Democratic Party’s de facto nominee — a title Democrats will formalize at a convention scheduled for August — allowing the party to begin to coalesce around him. The president, though, has faced consistent criticism for his management of the coronavirus pandemic and for his handling of protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, a Black resident of Minneapolis, at the hands of white police officers.
The president’s job approval rating has also fallen in that time. In March, his approval rating was above water for the first time in a Register poll, with 50% of Iowans saying they approved of the job he was doing as president. At the time, 46% of Iowans said the country was on the right track — another high-water mark for Trump’s presidency, and the highest that number had been recorded since May 2003.
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But both measures have fallen substantially, the new poll shows.
Today, just 22% of Iowans say the nation is on the right track. Another 63% say the nation is on the wrong track, including a plurality of Republicans (45%). It’s rare for members of a political party to break with a sitting president of the same party, Selzer said.
Trump’s approval rating has fallen 5 percentage points from March to 45% today. Now, a majority of Iowans — 52% — disapprove of the job he’s doing.
That ratings dip coincides with disapproval of the president’s handling of two major current events.
Forty-five percent of Iowans say they approve of how he has addressed COVID-19, while 53% disapprove and 6% are unsure. Just 37% approve of the way he has addressed protests surrounding race and police actions. Another 55% disapprove and 8% are unsure.
Carolyn Robinson, a 44-year-old Des Moines resident and poll respondent, is among those who have problems with the way the president has managed the coronavirus crisis.
“I don't think he's done a very good job at all,” she said. “I think we should have had more PPE (personal protective equipment). We should have been a lot more prepared than what we were. And I don't think he should be blaming other people for his mistakes. He can't take responsibility for what he says and does.”
Robinson, a Democrat, said she’s excited to vote for Biden in November and hopes the former vice president can reverse course and get the country back on track.
But both Biden and Trump are underwater in their favorability ratings, with more Iowans viewing them unfavorably than viewing them favorably.
How polls work: The science behind gathering voter opinions The news cycle is jampacked with polls. But have you ever wondered how polls actually work and what they mean? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
For Biden, 45% of Iowans view him favorably and 50% view him unfavorably. For Trump, the same portion, 45%, have a favorable view, while 52% have an unfavorable view.
However, poll respondents were more likely to say they have a “very unfavorable” view of the president. Forty-three percent say their views of Trump are “very unfavorable,” including 87% of Democrats and 42% of independents.
Thirty-two percent of Iowans say they have a “very unfavorable” view of Biden. That includes 66% of Republicans and 30% of independents.
Selzer said that dynamic was critical in 2016, when voters regularly said they disliked both candidates and ultimately chose between what many described as the “lesser of two evils.”
She said she expects the Trump campaign to work to “vilify Joe Biden to make him an unacceptable candidate” in the same way they worked to make Hillary Clinton unacceptable to many voters.
“But there's some work to be done there,” she said. “Because there's a stronger revulsion to Trump among the Democrats than there is toward Biden by the Republicans.”
‘A mood that feels more favorable to Democrats’
Supporters have divided firmly along party lines, with the president retaining the support of 93% of the Republican vote and Biden holding 92% of the Democratic vote.
Independents lean slightly toward Biden, 39% to 38%. Another 18% say they would vote for someone other than Biden or Trump.
Trump holds an advantage among those who say their mind is made up, with 87% of his supporters saying they are firm in their choice. Among Biden’s supporters, that number is 80%.
“(Trump) does what he says he's going to do — Israel, building up the military, giving people tax breaks and voting in better judges,” said Brad Blunt, a 55-year-old Ankeny resident and poll respondent.
Blunt said he considers himself an independent voter but tends to side with Republicans on most issues. He plans to vote for Trump in November and has been pleased with the way he’s handled issues around the coronavirus and the protests.
“It’s pretty much just Democratic governors that are causing the issues,” he said. “I think he’s done about all he can do right now.”
Blunt is among the 53% of men who side with the president — a 17-percentage-point lead over Biden, who earns 36% with men.
The gender divide is significant among women as well. Biden leads by 14 percentage points with women, 50% to 36% over Trump.
The gap is even larger among white men with no college degree — a key demographic that helped propel Trump’s success in 2016. That group favors the president 64% to 28% over Biden — a 36-point spread. White women with no college degree prefer Biden 53% to 35% over Trump — an 18-point margin.
Trump leads with the Republican Party’s core voters in Iowa: rural residents (56% to 31%), evangelicals (69% to 20%) and those who live in Iowa’s heavily conservative 4th congressional district, in northwest and north central Iowa (59% to 28%).
Biden does best among those with no religious affiliation (62% to 23%) and those who live in cities (51% to 36%). In the other three congressional districts, he leads:
1st District, northeast Iowa: 48% to 43%.
2nd District, southeast Iowa: 48% to 34%.
3rd District, the Des Moines metro and southwest Iowa: 49% to 41%.
Overall, Selzer said this poll seems to indicate a climate that favors Democrats. Likely voters preferred a Democratic U.S. House candidate over a Republican candidate in three of the state’s four congressional districts, and they slightly favored Democratic Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield over Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst.
“Having come out of 2018 (when Democrats flipped two congressional seats) and now, with these dynamics and the popularity of these Democratic candidates, including Theresa Greenfield, it creates a mood that feels more favorable to Democrats statewide,” she said.
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About this poll
The Iowa Poll, conducted June 7-10 for the Des Moines Register and Mediacom by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines, is based on telephone interviews with 801 Iowans ages 18 or older. Interviewers with Quantel Research contacted households with randomly selected landline and cellphone numbers supplied by Dynata. Interviews were administered in English. Responses were adjusted by age, sex, and congressional district to reflect the general population based on recent American Community Survey estimates.
Questions based on the sample of 801 Iowa adults have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, and questions based on the sample of 674 likely voters in the 2020 general election have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. This means that if this survey were repeated using the same questions and the same methodology, 19 times out of 20, the findings would not vary from the true population value by more than plus or minus 3.5 or 3.8 percentage points, respectively. Results based on smaller samples of respondents — such as by gender or age — have a larger margin of error.
Republishing the copyright Iowa Poll without credit to the Des Moines Register and Mediacom is prohibited.
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.
Support reporters who follow your government by becoming a subscriber. Sign up at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.


usatoday--2020-06-15--Ben Carson says Trump will "get there" on understanding why athletes kneel during the anthem

WASHINGTON — Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson on Monday said that President Donald Trump will “ get there ” when it comes to understanding the motivation for athletes kneeling during the national anthem .
Trump has long opposed players kneeling as a form of protest , arguing that it is disrespectful to the American flag and to members of the military .
But Carson , the only Black member of Trump ’ s executive cabinet , said he thinks Trump could change his mind when asked if he could `` persuade the president that he ought not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national anthem . ''
`` Well , I don ’ t think he has manifested as much animosity in that region lately .
And I think we just continue to work with him .
He ’ ll get there , '' Carson said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt .
Trump denounced kneeling during the anthem as recently as Saturday , tweeting that he would not watch NFL or U.S. national soccer team games if players kneel .
He also tweeted earlier this month that kneeling during the anthem is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
' I won ’ t be watching much anymore ! '
: President Donald Trump says he wo n't watch NFL , U.S. national soccer team if there 's kneeling during anthem Carson said that the form of protest needs to be accompanied by conversation so the public understands why athletes do it , rather than assuming the athletes are being disrespectful .
`` A lot of people are under the impression that they ’ re kneeling because they don ’ t respect our national anthem or they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for .
And in fact , I don ’ t think that ’ s the reason that most of them are kneeling .
I think most of them are kneeling because you know , they want to protest some brutality in the police forces .
They need to make that very clear , '' Carson said .
`` And of course , now that that has been brought to national attention , I ’ m not sure if it needs to continue . ''
In the wake of the death of George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pinned down by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for nearly nine minutes while he was unarmed and said he couldn ’ t breathe , the nation has seen massive protests against racism and police brutality .
Athletes have also discussed the practice of kneeling during the national anthem started in 2016 by then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to protest police brutality and racial injustice .
Trump made derogatory remarks at a 2017 rally about NFL players who kneel during the anthem , leading to widespread kneeling that season .
NFL commissioner Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league was wrong `` for not listening to NFL players earlier '' and encouraged players to `` speak out and peacefully protest . ''
U.S. Soccer also repealed a rule banning kneeling during the anthem that was put in place in 2017 .
Want to talk more about politics ?
: Join our Facebook group : ‘ Across the Aisle , Across the Nation.
’ A number of Republican lawmakers have joined Trump in condemning the practice including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz , who tweeted ( later retweeted by Trump ) , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a soccer team than have a soccer team that won ’ t stand for the National Anthem . ''
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a press briefing last week that Trump is `` very much against kneeling in general , '' but would n't say whether he currently believes players should be fired for it .
`` Our beautiful American Flag should be respected and anyone who thinks otherwise is simply UN-AMERICAN ! ''
the Trump campaign wrote in a fundraising email to supporters on June 6 with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Ben Carson says Trump will "get there" on understanding why athletes kneel during the anthem
Show Caption Hide Caption Colin Kaepernick 'still hoping, preparing' to play in the NFL What I'm Hearing: USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell explains why Colin Kaepernick deserves a chance to play in the NFL again. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson on Monday said that President Donald Trump will “get there” when it comes to understanding the motivation for athletes kneeling during the national anthem.
Trump has long opposed players kneeling as a form of protest, arguing that it is disrespectful to the American flag and to members of the military. But Carson, the only Black member of Trump’s executive cabinet, said he thinks Trump could change his mind when asked if he could "persuade the president that he ought not to be upset with players kneeling during the national anthem."
"Well, I don’t think he has manifested as much animosity in that region lately. And I think we just continue to work with him. He’ll get there," Carson said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.
Trump denounced kneeling during the anthem as recently as Saturday, tweeting that he would not watch NFL or U.S. national soccer team games if players kneel. He also tweeted earlier this month that kneeling during the anthem is "disrespecting our Country & our Flag."
'I won’t be watching much anymore!': President Donald Trump says he won't watch NFL, U.S. national soccer team if there's kneeling during anthem
Carson said that the form of protest needs to be accompanied by conversation so the public understands why athletes do it, rather than assuming the athletes are being disrespectful.
"A lot of people are under the impression that they’re kneeling because they don’t respect our national anthem or they don’t respect the flag or what it stands for. And in fact, I don’t think that’s the reason that most of them are kneeling. I think most of them are kneeling because you know, they want to protest some brutality in the police forces. They need to make that very clear," Carson said. "And of course, now that that has been brought to national attention, I’m not sure if it needs to continue."
...We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020
In the wake of the death of George Floyd, a Black man whose neck was pinned down by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for nearly nine minutes while he was unarmed and said he couldn’t breathe, the nation has seen massive protests against racism and police brutality.
Athletes have also discussed the practice of kneeling during the national anthem started in 2016 by then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to protest police brutality and racial injustice. Trump made derogatory remarks at a 2017 rally about NFL players who kneel during the anthem, leading to widespread kneeling that season.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier this month that the league was wrong "for not listening to NFL players earlier" and encouraged players to "speak out and peacefully protest." U.S. Soccer also repealed a rule banning kneeling during the anthem that was put in place in 2017.
Want to talk more about politics?: Join our Facebook group: ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’
A number of Republican lawmakers have joined Trump in condemning the practice including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who tweeted (later retweeted by Trump), "I’d rather the US not have a soccer team than have a soccer team that won’t stand for the National Anthem."
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a press briefing last week that Trump is "very much against kneeling in general," but wouldn't say whether he currently believes players should be fired for it.
“The president is very much against kneeling in general,” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany says but adds she has not talked with Trump about whether he still believes that NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem should be fired. https://t.co/okNSpkJhlP pic.twitter.com/bKiaZXA0HY — ABC News (@ABC) June 8, 2020
"Our beautiful American Flag should be respected and anyone who thinks otherwise is simply UN-AMERICAN!" the Trump campaign wrote in a fundraising email to supporters on June 6 with the subject line "NO KNEELING!"


usatoday--2020-06-15--Trump campaign to provide temperature checks, face masks to Tulsa rally attendees

WASHINGTON – Supporters who plan to attend President Donald Trump 's election rally in Oklahoma this week will be given temperature checks , hand sanitizer and face masks before entering the venue as safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , the Trump campaign said Monday .
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale announced the precautions in a tweet in what appeared to be the first steps the campaign has taken to address coronavirus concerns at the president 's first rally in more than three months .
Last week , the campaign attempted to shield itself from any virus-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the rally by including a liability disclaimer on the sign-up page for free tickets to the event .
Parscale said more than 1 million people had requested free tickets for the event at the BOK Center in Tulsa , which holds around 19,000 people .
The president and his aides have made clear he will move forward with the rally Saturday despite warnings from city officials and new guidance from health professionals that large gatherings such as the rally pose a threat of spreading COVID-19 .
In a Monday tweet , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at protests over police brutality and the death of George Floyd , describing them as `` rioters and looters '' who did not practice health protection .
`` The Far Left Fake News Media , which had no Covid problem with the Rioters & Looters destroying Democrat run cities , is trying to Covid Shame us on our big Rallies .
Won ’ t work ! ''
he wrote .
Bruce Dart , director of the Tulsa City-County Health Department , told the Tulsa World newspaper last Saturday that he welcomes Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic . ''
“ I think it ’ s an honor for Tulsa to have a sitting president want to come and visit our community , but not during a pandemic , ” Dart told the World .
“ I ’ m concerned about our ability to protect anyone who attends a large , indoor event , and I ’ m also concerned about our ability to ensure the president stays safe as well.
” The World itself ran an editorial asking Trump not to come , citing the city 's struggle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protests over police brutality and racial injustice .
`` We don ’ t know why he chose Tulsa , but we can ’ t see any way that his visit will be good for the city .
Tulsa is still dealing with the challenges created by a pandemic , '' the newspaper said .
The editorial also said it was `` the wrong place for the rally , '' pointing out the city marked the 99th anniversary of Tulsa race massacre in which a white mob ravaged a thriving African-American business community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Black Wall Street . ''
An estimated 300 people were in one of the worst instances of racial violence in U.S. history .
Tulsa rally controversy : Trump says rally will be a 'celebration ' of his campaign '' There ’ s no reason to think a Trump appearance in Tulsa will have any effect on November ’ s election outcome in Tulsa or Oklahoma .
It has already concentrated the world ’ s attention of the fact that Trump will be rallying in a city that 99 years ago was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump has never held a rally in Tulsa , and Oklahoma is a state he won by 36 percentage points in the 2016 election .
In a rare reversal last week , Trump abruptly moved the event , originally scheduled for Friday , June 19th , after critics suggested the campaign was being insensitive by holding it on the holiday known as Juneteenth , or the commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the U.S .
The president announced in a late Friday night tweet that the rally would take place on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 19 , `` out of respect for this Holiday , and in observance of the important occasion and all that it represents . ''
Though the campaign initially suggested the decision to hold the rally on Juneteenth was intentional , Trump told Fox News on Friday that it was not deliberate and said it instead would be a `` celebration '' of his campaign rallies .
More : Trump stirs anger with plans for Juneteenth rally in Tulsa , site of huge massacre of African Americans The rally safety precautions also come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new guidelines on Friday , characterizing `` large in-gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area '' in the `` highest risk '' category .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's top infectious disease expert and a member of the White House coronavirus task force , expressed concern for people attending both Trump 's rally and the police brutality protests still smoldering across the country .
He hold ABC 's Jonathan Karl attending such large-scale events is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to both those holding and attending the event .
`` When you start to chant and shout , even though the instinct is to pull the mask down , which you see , do n't do that because there is a risk there and it 's a real risk , '' he said .
Last week Parscale suggested he was considering adding a second event to address the number of requests for tickets for the rally , but no events have been added .
The online sign-up page to request free tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiver , saying the campaign or other parties associated with the event can not be held liable for exposure to coronavirus .

Courtney Subramanian and David Jackson, USA TODAY

Trump campaign to provide temperature checks, face masks to Tulsa rally attendees
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump changes Tulsa rally date after Juneteenth controversy After days of controversy over Trump's choice to hold his first rally since the coronavirus lockdowns in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it was changed to July 20. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Supporters who plan to attend President Donald Trump's election rally in Oklahoma this week will be given temperature checks, hand sanitizer and face masks before entering the venue as safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Trump campaign said Monday.
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale announced the precautions in a tweet in what appeared to be the first steps the campaign has taken to address coronavirus concerns at the president's first rally in more than three months. Last week, the campaign attempted to shield itself from any virus-related lawsuits from people who might get sick at the rally by including a liability disclaimer on the sign-up page for free tickets to the event.
Parscale said more than 1 million people had requested free tickets for the event at the BOK Center in Tulsa, which holds around 19,000 people.
The president and his aides have made clear he will move forward with the rally Saturday despite warnings from city officials and new guidance from health professionals that large gatherings such as the rally pose a threat of spreading COVID-19.
In a Monday tweet, Trump pointed to the large crowds of demonstrators at protests over police brutality and the death of George Floyd, describing them as "rioters and looters" who did not practice health protection.
"The Far Left Fake News Media, which had no Covid problem with the Rioters & Looters destroying Democrat run cities, is trying to Covid Shame us on our big Rallies. Won’t work!" he wrote.
The Far Left Fake News Media, which had no Covid problem with the Rioters & Looters destroying Democrat run cities, is trying to Covid Shame us on our big Rallies. Won’t work! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2020
Bruce Dart, director of the Tulsa City-County Health Department, told the Tulsa World newspaper last Saturday that he welcomes Trump's visit, "but not during a pandemic."
“I think it’s an honor for Tulsa to have a sitting president want to come and visit our community, but not during a pandemic,” Dart told the World. “I’m concerned about our ability to protect anyone who attends a large, indoor event, and I’m also concerned about our ability to ensure the president stays safe as well.”
The World itself ran an editorial asking Trump not to come, citing the city's struggle with the twin crises of the coronavirus pandemic and protests over police brutality and racial injustice.
"We don’t know why he chose Tulsa, but we can’t see any way that his visit will be good for the city. Tulsa is still dealing with the challenges created by a pandemic," the newspaper said.
The editorial also said it was "the wrong place for the rally," pointing out the city marked the 99th anniversary of Tulsa race massacre in which a white mob ravaged a thriving African-American business community in the Greenwood District known as the "Black Wall Street." An estimated 300 people were in one of the worst instances of racial violence in U.S. history.
Tulsa rally controversy: Trump says rally will be a 'celebration' of his campaign
Tulsa race massacre: The painful past of 'Black Wall Street' The Tulsa race massacre of 1921 is believed to be one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history. USA TODAY
"There’s no reason to think a Trump appearance in Tulsa will have any effect on November’s election outcome in Tulsa or Oklahoma. It has already concentrated the world’s attention of the fact that Trump will be rallying in a city that 99 years ago was the site of a bloody race massacre."
Trump has never held a rally in Tulsa, and Oklahoma is a state he won by 36 percentage points in the 2016 election.
In a rare reversal last week, Trump abruptly moved the event, originally scheduled for Friday, June 19th, after critics suggested the campaign was being insensitive by holding it on the holiday known as Juneteenth, or the commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
The president announced in a late Friday night tweet that the rally would take place on Saturday, June 20, instead of June 19, "out of respect for this Holiday, and in observance of the important occasion and all that it represents."
Though the campaign initially suggested the decision to hold the rally on Juneteenth was intentional, Trump told Fox News on Friday that it was not deliberate and said it instead would be a "celebration" of his campaign rallies.
More: Trump stirs anger with plans for Juneteenth rally in Tulsa, site of huge massacre of African Americans
The rally safety precautions also come after the Centers for Disease Control issued new guidelines on Friday, characterizing "large in-gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area" in the "highest risk" category.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert and a member of the White House coronavirus task force, expressed concern for people attending both Trump's rally and the police brutality protests still smoldering across the country. He hold ABC's Jonathan Karl attending such large-scale events is "risky" and a "danger" to both those holding and attending the event.
"When you start to chant and shout, even though the instinct is to pull the mask down, which you see, don't do that because there is a risk there and it's a real risk," he said.
Last week Parscale suggested he was considering adding a second event to address the number of requests for tickets for the rally, but no events have been added. The online sign-up page to request free tickets for the Tulsa rally includes a liability waiver, saying the campaign or other parties associated with the event cannot be held liable for exposure to coronavirus.


usatoday--2020-06-16--Republican Rep. Tom Rice, and his wife and son, test positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON – South Carolina Republican Rep. Tom Rice announced Monday that he and his family contracted COVID-19 , becoming the latest member of Congress to contract the deadly disease that has infected about 2.15 million Americans .
Rice , in a Facebook post to his constituents , said he and his family contracted the disease last week and were recovering .
He joins seven other members of Congress who tested positive for the disease or who were diagnosed with a presumed case .
But his case comes months after his colleagues ' and comes as states push to reopen businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to let you know that all 3 members of our household : Wrenzie , our son Lucas , and I all have the Wuhan Flu .
We are all on the mend and doing fine , '' Rice wrote on Facebook using a term that many of his Asian colleagues have deemed harmful and something that could stigmatize certain ethnic groups .
`` COVID-19 is a serious , sometimes deadly illness .
We , however , have fared well . ''
Rice said he contracted the disease June 8 and said he felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not bad for me .
I had a low fever and a mild cough .
It was gone by Thursday .
I never stopped eating or drinking or working or moving , '' Rice said .
`` The only bad thing is I have completely lost sense of taste and smell .
CAN ’ T TASTE BACON !
!
! ''
More : Why are states seeing a sudden increase in coronavirus cases ?
Experts have more than one answer More : Where is coronavirus continuing to spread ?
Here 's the states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rice 's infection will likely serve as a cautious warning for many Americans attempting to go back to normal .
Several states attempting to reopen have seen coronavirus cases spike .
His illness will also likely embolden House Democrats who have been weary of forcing the House 's more than 400 members to return to Washington .
The House voted in May to establish rules allowing members to vote by proxy .
While the changed passed , Republicans were vehemently opposed to it and filed a lawsuit challenging the Constitutionality of the measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floor on May 28 , about a week and a half before his family started getting sick .
More:20 Republican lawmakers file lawsuit against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over new proxy voting system He said his son , Lucas , was the first to get sick on June 7 and suffered from a bad cough and high fever .
`` He ’ s still weak but getting stronger- moving around and eating a little , '' Rice added .
He said his wife , while sick , `` never blinked '' and took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She is an amazing , iron-willed South Carolina Woman , '' he said of his wife .
Rice joins fellow Reps. Neal Dunn , R-Fla. , Mike Kelly , R-Pa. , Joe Cunningham , D-S.C. , Mario Diaz-Balart , R-Fla. , Ben McAdams , D-Utah , Nydia Velázquez , D-N.Y. , and Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , who have gotten ill from the virus .

Republican Rep. Tom Rice, and his wife and son, test positive for COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption Rep. McAdams on virus: The sickest I've ever been Rep. Ben McAdams who has recovered from the coronavirus after testing positive said it's the sickest he's ever been. As Congress considers whether to take up another relief bill, McAdams said more still needs to be done. (April 1) AP
WASHINGTON – South Carolina Republican Rep. Tom Rice announced Monday that he and his family contracted COVID-19, becoming the latest member of Congress to contract the deadly disease that has infected about 2.15 million Americans.
Rice, in a Facebook post to his constituents, said he and his family contracted the disease last week and were recovering. He joins seven other members of Congress who tested positive for the disease or who were diagnosed with a presumed case. But his case comes months after his colleagues' and comes as states push to reopen businesses and their economies.
"I wanted to let you know that all 3 members of our household: Wrenzie, our son Lucas, and I all have the Wuhan Flu. We are all on the mend and doing fine," Rice wrote on Facebook using a term that many of his Asian colleagues have deemed harmful and something that could stigmatize certain ethnic groups. "COVID-19 is a serious, sometimes deadly illness. We, however, have fared well."
Rice said he contracted the disease June 8 and said he felt "lucky."
"It was not bad for me. I had a low fever and a mild cough. It was gone by Thursday. I never stopped eating or drinking or working or moving," Rice said. "The only bad thing is I have completely lost sense of taste and smell. CAN’T TASTE BACON!!!"
More: Why are states seeing a sudden increase in coronavirus cases? Experts have more than one answer
More: Where is coronavirus continuing to spread? Here's the states where COVID-19 cases are growing the most
Rice's infection will likely serve as a cautious warning for many Americans attempting to go back to normal. Several states attempting to reopen have seen coronavirus cases spike.
His illness will also likely embolden House Democrats who have been weary of forcing the House's more than 400 members to return to Washington. The House voted in May to establish rules allowing members to vote by proxy. While the changed passed, Republicans were vehemently opposed to it and filed a lawsuit challenging the Constitutionality of the measure.
Rice last voted on the House floor on May 28, about a week and a half before his family started getting sick.
More: 20 Republican lawmakers file lawsuit against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over new proxy voting system
He said his son, Lucas, was the first to get sick on June 7 and suffered from a bad cough and high fever. "He’s still weak but getting stronger- moving around and eating a little," Rice added. He said his wife, while sick, "never blinked" and took care of both of them.
"She is an amazing, iron-willed South Carolina Woman," he said of his wife.
Rice joins fellow Reps. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., Mike Kelly, R-Pa., Joe Cunningham, D-S.C., Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., Ben McAdams, D-Utah, Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who have gotten ill from the virus.


usatoday--2020-06-15--Supreme Court hands victory to LGBTQ workers under Civil Rights Act Title VII provision

Supreme Court upholds that workers can not be fired for being LGBTQ The Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ workers can not @ @ @ @ @ of the 1964 Civil Rights Act .
Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch wrote the decision .

Supreme Court upholds that workers cannot be fired for being LGBTQ
The Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ workers cannot be fired under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch wrote the decision.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-15--Supreme Court won't hear Trump administration challenge to California's immigrant 'sanctuary' law

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider the Trump administration 's challenge to a California law limiting state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities .
The case , which would have been heard next fall or winter , raised the broad issue of whether state and local governments can effectively provide sanctuary to undocumented immigrants threatened with arrest or deportation .
California has taken the lead in providing sanctuary to certain undocumented immigrants , but it is not alone .
States such as New York , New Jersey , Virginia and Washington have taken the federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia to Chicago to Seattle .
The Trump administration in February ramped up its pressure on so-called sanctuary communities , touting a new round of legal challenges in Washington state and New Jersey in an attempt to force cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities .
`` We will consider taking action against any jurisdiction or any politician who unlawfully obstructs the federal enforcement of immigration law , '' Attorney General William Barr warned in a speech to the National Sheriffs ' Association .
A federal appeals court last year upheld the California law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not `` commandeer '' state governments to take actions they oppose .
That followed a district court ruling that said when a state refuses to help immigration authorities , `` standing aside does not equate to standing in the way . ''
More : Sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants ?
Here 's what you need to know Associate Justices Clarance Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the decision not to hear the administration 's challenge .
President Donald Trump 's two high court nominees , Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department argued that by allowing federal immigration officials access to undocumented immigrants , the state simply needs to remain neutral .
Instead , it told the Supreme Court , `` the state law openly seeks to undermine federal immigration enforcement . ''
`` When officers are unable to arrest aliens – often criminal aliens – who are in removal proceedings or have been ordered removed from the United States , those aliens instead return to the community , where criminal aliens are disproportionately likely to commit crimes , '' Solicitor General Noel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That result undermines public safety , immigration enforcement , and the rule of law . ''
California responded by citing its police powers .
`` Undue entanglement with immigration enforcement can deter victims and witnesses from reporting state crimes and divert limited resources from other activities that the legislature has determined will better protect local public safety , '' the state argued .
More than 300 jurisdictions across the nation are considered immigration sanctuaries in some fashion , according to an analysis by the Center for Immigration Studies , which favors restricting immigration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline to tell federal immigration authorities about possible illegal immigrants in their custody and refuse to comply with detainer orders .

Supreme Court won't hear Trump administration challenge to California's immigrant 'sanctuary' law
Show Caption Hide Caption Immigrant anxiously awaits Supreme Court decision A DACA recipient who became an immigrant activist is now anxiously awaiting a U.S. Supreme Court decision on President Donald Trump’s attempt to end protection from deportation. Alejandra Gonzalez's family brought her to the U.S. when she was 5. (June 12) AP
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider the Trump administration's challenge to a California law limiting state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The case, which would have been heard next fall or winter, raised the broad issue of whether state and local governments can effectively provide sanctuary to undocumented immigrants threatened with arrest or deportation.
California has taken the lead in providing sanctuary to certain undocumented immigrants, but it is not alone. States such as New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington have taken the federal government to court, as have cities from Philadelphia to Chicago to Seattle.
More: President Trump's immigration crackdown inundates Supreme Court
The Trump administration in February ramped up its pressure on so-called sanctuary communities, touting a new round of legal challenges in Washington state and New Jersey in an attempt to force cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities.
"We will consider taking action against any jurisdiction or any politician who unlawfully obstructs the federal enforcement of immigration law," Attorney General William Barr warned in a speech to the National Sheriffs' Association.
A federal appeals court last year upheld the California law under the theory that the Trump administration cannot "commandeer" state governments to take actions they oppose. That followed a district court ruling that said when a state refuses to help immigration authorities, "standing aside does not equate to standing in the way."
More: Sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants? Here's what you need to know
Associate Justices Clarance Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the decision not to hear the administration's challenge. President Donald Trump's two high court nominees, Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, did not register dissents.
The Justice Department argued that by allowing federal immigration officials access to undocumented immigrants, the state simply needs to remain neutral. Instead, it told the Supreme Court, "the state law openly seeks to undermine federal immigration enforcement."
"When officers are unable to arrest aliens – often criminal aliens – who are in removal proceedings or have been ordered removed from the United States, those aliens instead return to the community, where criminal aliens are disproportionately likely to commit crimes," Solicitor General Noel Francisco argued in court papers. "That result undermines public safety, immigration enforcement, and the rule of law."
California responded by citing its police powers. "Undue entanglement with immigration enforcement can deter victims and witnesses from reporting state crimes and divert limited resources from other activities that the legislature has determined will better protect local public safety," the state argued.
More than 300 jurisdictions across the nation are considered immigration sanctuaries in some fashion, according to an analysis by the Center for Immigration Studies, which favors restricting immigration.
Hundreds of additional cities and counties decline to tell federal immigration authorities about possible illegal immigrants in their custody and refuse to comply with detainer orders.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips


usatoday--2020-06-15--More than 100 liberal activists urge Joe Biden to pick Elizabeth Warren as VP in letter

WASHINGTON – A group of more than 100 liberal activists and celebrities sent a letter to Joe Biden urging him to choose Sen. Elizabeth Warren for his 2020 running mate as the former vice president considers his options .
Jane Fonda , whose recent activism includes a slew of arrests at climate protests , signed the letter , obtained by The Washington Post , along with progressive health care activist Ady Barkan , Pulse nightclub shooting survivor and gun violence activist Brandon Wolf and a wide range of left-leaning scholars and public figures .
It was sent to the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Massachusetts senator `` has proven herself most prepared to be President if the occasion arises and deeply expert on the overlapping emergencies now plaguing America – Covid-19 , Economic Insecurity , Racial Injustice and Climate Change , '' the letter said .
More : Biden and Trump each warn that other side may 'steal ' the election as fight over mail voting rages The Warren supporters who co-signed the letter noted her many policy plans during her presidential primary race a reason they viewed her as the best option for Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign slogans was `` I 've got a plan for that . ''
They also argued that she would be the best running mate pick to unite the party .
Biden is faced with the challenge of picking a VP who will help him energize young voters and voters of color .
Some Democrats have called on him to choose a Latina or Black running mate to reach key voting blocs .
Those calls have intensified as massive protests against racism and police brutality take place across the country .
Biden has pledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; she would be the first woman vice president if Biden wins the White House .
The letter argues Warren is key to reaching more progressive voters who backed Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt .
Many Sanders supporters were angry when Warren did not endorse him for the nomination , however .
The co-signers say Biden is already strong with voters in swing Midwestern states and with voters of color .
More : Joe Biden vowed to pick a woman VP .
Some Democrats say she must be a woman of color '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national experience have enabled her to get big things done , '' the letter said , citing her work building the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau .
The Biden campaign has yet to announce a running mate , but potential women floated as under consideration include Warren , Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham .
The vetting process is being handled by Biden 's vice presidential selection committee , which includes four co-chairs : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester ( D-Del . )
; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ; and Cynthia Hogan , former White House and Senate counsel to Biden .
Want to talk more about politics ?
: Join our Facebook group : ‘ Across the Aisle , Across the Nation.
’ The Post reported that one of the letter 's organizers , former New York City public advocate Mark Green , said he did not coordinate with Warren on its creation .
Biden 's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.nt @

More than 100 liberal activists urge Joe Biden to pick Elizabeth Warren as VP in letter
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden's vice presidential candidate: 6 possibilities The former vice president will soon begin the process of selecting a running mate as the Democratic primary nears its end. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A group of more than 100 liberal activists and celebrities sent a letter to Joe Biden urging him to choose Sen. Elizabeth Warren for his 2020 running mate as the former vice president considers his options.
Jane Fonda, whose recent activism includes a slew of arrests at climate protests, signed the letter, obtained by The Washington Post, along with progressive health care activist Ady Barkan, Pulse nightclub shooting survivor and gun violence activist Brandon Wolf and a wide range of left-leaning scholars and public figures. It was sent to the campaign on Friday, the Post reported.
The Massachusetts senator "has proven herself most prepared to be President if the occasion arises and deeply expert on the overlapping emergencies now plaguing America – Covid-19, Economic Insecurity, Racial Injustice and Climate Change," the letter said.
More: Biden and Trump each warn that other side may 'steal' the election as fight over mail voting rages
The Warren supporters who co-signed the letter noted her many policy plans during her presidential primary race a reason they viewed her as the best option for Biden's running mate. One of Warren's campaign slogans was "I've got a plan for that." They also argued that she would be the best running mate pick to unite the party.
Biden is faced with the challenge of picking a VP who will help him energize young voters and voters of color. Some Democrats have called on him to choose a Latina or Black running mate to reach key voting blocs. Those calls have intensified as massive protests against racism and police brutality take place across the country. Biden has pledged to select a woman for his ticket; she would be the first woman vice president if Biden wins the White House.
The letter argues Warren is key to reaching more progressive voters who backed Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Many Sanders supporters were angry when Warren did not endorse him for the nomination, however. The co-signers say Biden is already strong with voters in swing Midwestern states and with voters of color.
More: Joe Biden vowed to pick a woman VP. Some Democrats say she must be a woman of color
"Senator Warren's vision, competence and national experience have enabled her to get big things done," the letter said, citing her work building the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The Biden campaign has yet to announce a running mate, but potential women floated as under consideration include Warren, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The vetting process is being handled by Biden's vice presidential selection committee, which includes four co-chairs: former U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd; U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.); Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; and Cynthia Hogan, former White House and Senate counsel to Biden.
Want to talk more about politics?: Join our Facebook group: ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’
The Post reported that one of the letter's organizers, former New York City public advocate Mark Green, said he did not coordinate with Warren on its creation.
Biden's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.nt.
Contributing: Savannah Behrmann, Rebecca Morin


usatoday--2020-06-15--Faced with coronavirus, Republican and Democratic leaders overhaul convention plans

WASHINGTON – Now that the Republican National Committee has chosen Jacksonville , Florida , as the new backdrop for President Donald Trump 's speech accepting his party 's 2020 nomination , the stage is set for the big party that the president so badly wanted .
With balloons , confetti and an auditorium packed with MAGA hat-wearing Trump fans , the setting is meant to advance the president 's new campaign theme , `` The Great American Comeback , '' as he pushes for the full reopening of the nation 's economy even as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24-27 , will build off the campaign rallies that Trump is holding again starting with Tulsa , Oklahoma , next week .
The goal : choreograph a sharp contrast with the Democratic National Convention that 's set to take place one week earlier , Aug. 17-20 , in Milwaukee .
More : Trump stirs anger with plans for Juneteenth rally in Tulsa , site of huge massacre of African Americans Although still clouded by uncertainty in the era of COVID-19 , radically different conventions are coming into focus .
Democrats said they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intend to follow safety guidelines , as opposed to RNC officials who bolted Charlotte , North Carolina , for Trump 's speech after state and city leaders sought a scaled-back convention .
The DNC 's approach matches the message of presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden , who has chastised Trump for not listening to public health experts during the pandemic .
That gives Democrats an opportunity as well – to show they are taking the coronavirus crisis seriously and feel the pain of those struggling , while Trump carries on with business as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain a presence in Milwaukee , with the city 's arena , Fiserv Forum , still locked in as the convention campus .
But party officials have n't said whether that will include Biden 's acceptance speech , or how many other top Democrats and delegates will attend .
More : Democrats ponder the political pros and cons of an unprecedented shift toward a more virtual convention Regardless , do n't expect an auditorium packed to the rafters as Democrats adhere to social distancing .
Some have speculated about a `` virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings and live-streamed speeches – although what that would look like is n't clear .
DNC officials are remaining tight-lipped but expect to announce some plans soon , perhaps by the end of the month .
The RNC 's party business will remain in Charlotte , the original host of the full convention , RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said , while the `` celebration '' will take place in Jacksonville .
Republicans are limiting the presence in Charlotte to 336 delegates , six from each state and territories .
All 2,511 delegates will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The schedule of the two-city arrangement is n't set , but Trump would deliver his speech on the final night , a Thursday , if the convention follows tradition .
The move shifts Trump from one battleground state where the president has a slight lead over Biden , North Carolina , to another in Florida , where polls have shown him trailing .
Trump carried Florida in 2016 and desperately needs to win it again for his reelection .
In an interview on Fox News , McDaniel on Friday noted that Jacksonville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where polling shows a tightening race .
`` But what we really get to highlight is that companies are opening up , that America ’ s opening up and these states where businesses are allowed to thrive economically are growing and adding jobs and helping with the transition to greatness as the president is showcasing time and time again , '' she said .
McDaniel could n't say when asked whether attendees would have to sign releases that they wo n't sue the RNC , like they do for his upcoming rallies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t even gotten there yet . ''
More : Tickets for Trump campaign rally include liability disclaimer about possible exposure to coronavirus Several Republican governors , including Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , lobbied for the convention , but Democratic mayors of cities in the hunt – including Nashville , Orlando and Phoenix – raised cost concerns , safety objections or both .
An exception was Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry , a Republican and former chairman of the Florida Republican Party , who aggressively pushed for the event .
`` Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things big and bold , and we will be ready , '' Curry said in a video after the RNC announced the move .
Under Florida 's `` Phase 2 '' reopening rules that began June 4 , auditoriums , as well as bars and pubs , were allowed to open to 50 % capacity .
But Curry said he expects Trump to speak before a full arena and for the guidelines to be different by August .
A spokeswoman for Curry said the mayor anticipates DeSantis to implement the guidelines for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which allows full attendance at indoor arenas .
Democrats said they are striving for a `` middle ground '' – something in between the full-fledged celebration that Trump covets and an online virtual format .
Party officials do n't foresee having satellite conventions across the country , one idea recently floated .
DNC officials hope to maintain flexibility to either scale-up if social distancing measures are relaxed or scale the convention back if needed for health concerns .
The DNC 's production team is exploring a range of options , including remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton 's surprise appearance in the 2016 DNC convention the night before her acceptance speech .
DNC chairman Tom Perez confirmed this week that Democrats are still coming to Milwaukee , saying he looks forward `` when we descend on Milwaukee to celebrate our party , to have a safe and effective convention where we will highlight Joe Biden and his historic choice as a running mate . ''
More : DNC chair Tom Perez reaffirms Democrats are coming to Milwaukee for 2020 national convention But he did not say how many Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know the answer today because we do n't know what the public health situation on the ground will be . ''
Many party insiders expect a hybrid event , where some but not all delegates will travel to Milwaukee and some but not all speakers will appear before a live audience in the city .
Perez said : `` Unlike Donald Trump , we are actually going to listen to the public health experts as we come to Milwaukee because we believe it 's really important to have a safe , exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm confident we can do that . ''
Biden last month said he does n't know whether he will be coming to Milwaukee to accept the nomination .
More : Democrats ponder the political pros and cons of an unprecedented shift toward a more virtual convention The DNC already delayed the convention , originally set for July , to provide more time to prepare during the pandemic .
Delegates of each state were recently polled by the DNC whether they would be willing to travel to Milwaukee for the convention .
The DNC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May to allow virtual voting among delegates , enabling them to still participate in party business if they choose to stay at home .
The DNC is expected to soon formally adopt the changes .
Milwaukee recently entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan , which allows public events of no more than 250 people and 25 % capacity .
Indoor areas of restaurant and bars are also limited to 25 % capacity .
To help steer the convention planning , the Biden campaign this month made two new hires : Addisu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker ’ s presidential campaign , and Lindsay Holst , who worked as Biden 's digital director when he was vice president .
Katie Peters , a spokeswoman for the DNCC , said Democrats are `` committed to protecting public health and we ’ re determined to find new ways to make our event as inclusive and engaging as possible . ''
Although still finalizing plans , she said Democrats `` will be be ready to unite the nation around our shared values and launch our nominee on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evolution of the political convention Both the Trump and Biden campaigns will look to the conventions to boost their polling as they enter the final months of the race , although any bump is historically offset by the other party 's convention .
Biden , especially , could face a major challenge for television viewership if the convention is scaled back .
Modern conventions have been glitzy , no-drama affairs tantamount to coronations .
The four-day orchestrated events are usually held in giant sports arenas and feature up-and-coming political stars in a build-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceptance speech on the final night .
Future presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton gave convention speeches that helped catapult them to the White House .
That was different from decades ago when the conventions were more akin to smoke-filled rooms .
Party brokers decided who would be on the ticket , guided by influential special interests such as labor and industry .
At the time , the gatherings could be unpredictable and raucous , as the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago proved to be .
Sometimes it took multiple rounds of voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The last convention that provided any real mystery was 1976 in Kansas City where incumbent President Gerald Ford defeated Ronald Reagan for the GOP nomination .
That began to change with the 1980 conventions .
By then , most of the drama played out in state primaries and caucuses in the winter and spring .
The conventions were foregone conclusions , promotional events made for television .
Trump calls for new GOP platform after adopting 2016 version These days , thousands of large donors , long-time activists and prominent politicians descend on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s strengths .
But they ’ re not all pomp and party .
Delegates officially vote one state at a time in roll-call fashion on the presidential and vice presidential nominees .
They also gather to vote on the party platform .
On that end , Trump 's decision to move his nomination speech to Jacksonville created a dilemma for Republicans .
Under party rules , the executive committee of the RNC carried over the party 's 2016 party platform that takes aim at the `` current president '' – Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – when it chose Wednesday not to formally adopt a platform for 2000 .
Party leaders decided it did n't make sense to ask all delegates to pay to fly to Charlotte to vote on the platform , the New York Times reported , when they would also be going to Jacksonville for speeches of Trump and Vice President Mike Pence .
Trump on Friday called for a new platform .
`` The Republican Party has not yet voted on a Platform .
No rush .
I prefer a new and updated Platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the president tweeted .
The president did n't say whether that vote will take place in Charlotte or Jacksonville .
Contributing : Craig Gilbert and Bill Glauber , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , and Christopher Hong , the Florida Times-Union

Joey Garrison and Ledyard King, USA TODAY

Faced with coronavirus, Republican and Democratic leaders overhaul convention plans
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Now that the Republican National Committee has chosen Jacksonville, Florida, as the new backdrop for President Donald Trump's speech accepting his party's 2020 nomination, the stage is set for the big party that the president so badly wanted.
With balloons, confetti and an auditorium packed with MAGA hat-wearing Trump fans, the setting is meant to advance the president's new campaign theme, "The Great American Comeback," as he pushes for the full reopening of the nation's economy even as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The Republican National Convention, set for Aug. 24-27, will build off the campaign rallies that Trump is holding again starting with Tulsa, Oklahoma, next week. The goal: choreograph a sharp contrast with the Democratic National Convention that's set to take place one week earlier, Aug. 17-20, in Milwaukee.
More: Trump stirs anger with plans for Juneteenth rally in Tulsa, site of huge massacre of African Americans
Although still clouded by uncertainty in the era of COVID-19, radically different conventions are coming into focus.
Democrats said they are working with Milwaukee and Wisconsin officials and intend to follow safety guidelines, as opposed to RNC officials who bolted Charlotte, North Carolina, for Trump's speech after state and city leaders sought a scaled-back convention. The DNC's approach matches the message of presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who has chastised Trump for not listening to public health experts during the pandemic.
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That gives Democrats an opportunity as well – to show they are taking the coronavirus crisis seriously and feel the pain of those struggling, while Trump carries on with business as usual.
The Democratic National Committee intends to maintain a presence in Milwaukee, with the city's arena, Fiserv Forum, still locked in as the convention campus. But party officials haven't said whether that will include Biden's acceptance speech, or how many other top Democrats and delegates will attend.
More: Democrats ponder the political pros and cons of an unprecedented shift toward a more virtual convention
Regardless, don't expect an auditorium packed to the rafters as Democrats adhere to social distancing.
Some have speculated about a "virtual convention" – a combination of Zoom meetings and live-streamed speeches – although what that would look like isn't clear. DNC officials are remaining tight-lipped but expect to announce some plans soon, perhaps by the end of the month.
Republicans to straddle between Charlotte, Jacksonville
The RNC's party business will remain in Charlotte, the original host of the full convention, RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said, while the "celebration" will take place in Jacksonville. Republicans are limiting the presence in Charlotte to 336 delegates, six from each state and territories. All 2,511 delegates will be able to attend the Jacksonville festivities.
The schedule of the two-city arrangement isn't set, but Trump would deliver his speech on the final night, a Thursday, if the convention follows tradition.
The move shifts Trump from one battleground state where the president has a slight lead over Biden, North Carolina, to another in Florida, where polls have shown him trailing. Trump carried Florida in 2016 and desperately needs to win it again for his reelection.
More: Jacksonville chosen to host Trump's Republican National Convention acceptance speech
In an interview on Fox News, McDaniel on Friday noted that Jacksonville is also near Georgia, another state where polling shows a tightening race.
"But what we really get to highlight is that companies are opening up, that America’s opening up and these states where businesses are allowed to thrive economically are growing and adding jobs and helping with the transition to greatness as the president is showcasing time and time again," she said.
McDaniel couldn't say when asked whether attendees would have to sign releases that they won't sue the RNC, like they do for his upcoming rallies, if they contract COVID-19. "We haven’t even gotten there yet."
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Several Republican governors, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, lobbied for the convention, but Democratic mayors of cities in the hunt – including Nashville, Orlando and Phoenix – raised cost concerns, safety objections or both. An exception was Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, a Republican and former chairman of the Florida Republican Party, who aggressively pushed for the event.
"Here in the River City, we do things big and bold, and we will be ready," Curry said in a video after the RNC announced the move.
Under Florida's "Phase 2" reopening rules that began June 4, auditoriums, as well as bars and pubs, were allowed to open to 50% capacity.
But Curry said he expects Trump to speak before a full arena and for the guidelines to be different by August. A spokeswoman for Curry said the mayor anticipates DeSantis to implement the guidelines for the White House's Phase 3 of reopening, which allows full attendance at indoor arenas.
Democrats say safety is top priority
Democrats said they are striving for a "middle ground" – something in between the full-fledged celebration that Trump covets and an online virtual format. Party officials don't foresee having satellite conventions across the country, one idea recently floated.
DNC officials hope to maintain flexibility to either scale-up if social distancing measures are relaxed or scale the convention back if needed for health concerns. The DNC's production team is exploring a range of options, including remote broadcasts of certain speakers – think Hillary Clinton's surprise appearance in the 2016 DNC convention the night before her acceptance speech.
DNC chairman Tom Perez confirmed this week that Democrats are still coming to Milwaukee, saying he looks forward "when we descend on Milwaukee to celebrate our party, to have a safe and effective convention where we will highlight Joe Biden and his historic choice as a running mate."
More: DNC chair Tom Perez reaffirms Democrats are coming to Milwaukee for 2020 national convention
But he did not say how many Democrats that would include: "We don't know the answer today because we don't know what the public health situation on the ground will be."
Many party insiders expect a hybrid event, where some but not all delegates will travel to Milwaukee and some but not all speakers will appear before a live audience in the city.
Perez said: "Unlike Donald Trump, we are actually going to listen to the public health experts as we come to Milwaukee because we believe it's really important to have a safe, exciting, inspiring convention in Milwaukee and I'm confident we can do that."
Biden last month said he doesn't know whether he will be coming to Milwaukee to accept the nomination.
More: Democrats ponder the political pros and cons of an unprecedented shift toward a more virtual convention
The DNC already delayed the convention, originally set for July, to provide more time to prepare during the pandemic.
Delegates of each state were recently polled by the DNC whether they would be willing to travel to Milwaukee for the convention. The DNC rules and bylaws committee approved a resolution in May to allow virtual voting among delegates, enabling them to still participate in party business if they choose to stay at home. The DNC is expected to soon formally adopt the changes.
Milwaukee recently entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan, which allows public events of no more than 250 people and 25% capacity. Indoor areas of restaurant and bars are also limited to 25% capacity.
To help steer the convention planning, the Biden campaign this month made two new hires: Addisu Demissie, a longtime Democratic strategist who managed New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker’s presidential campaign, and Lindsay Holst, who worked as Biden's digital director when he was vice president.
Katie Peters, a spokeswoman for the DNCC, said Democrats are "committed to protecting public health and we’re determined to find new ways to make our event as inclusive and engaging as possible."
Although still finalizing plans, she said Democrats "will be be ready to unite the nation around our shared values and launch our nominee on a path to victory."
The evolution of the political convention
Both the Trump and Biden campaigns will look to the conventions to boost their polling as they enter the final months of the race, although any bump is historically offset by the other party's convention.
Biden, especially, could face a major challenge for television viewership if the convention is scaled back.
Modern conventions have been glitzy, no-drama affairs tantamount to coronations. The four-day orchestrated events are usually held in giant sports arenas and feature up-and-coming political stars in a build-up culminating with the nominee’s prime-time acceptance speech on the final night.
Future presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton gave convention speeches that helped catapult them to the White House.
That was different from decades ago when the conventions were more akin to smoke-filled rooms. Party brokers decided who would be on the ticket, guided by influential special interests such as labor and industry.
At the time, the gatherings could be unpredictable and raucous, as the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago proved to be. Sometimes it took multiple rounds of voting among delegates to choose the nominee. The last convention that provided any real mystery was 1976 in Kansas City where incumbent President Gerald Ford defeated Ronald Reagan for the GOP nomination.
That began to change with the 1980 conventions. By then, most of the drama played out in state primaries and caucuses in the winter and spring. The conventions were foregone conclusions, promotional events made for television.
Trump calls for new GOP platform after adopting 2016 version
These days, thousands of large donors, long-time activists and prominent politicians descend on the chosen city to celebrate and showcase the party’s strengths.
But they’re not all pomp and party. Delegates officially vote one state at a time in roll-call fashion on the presidential and vice presidential nominees. They also gather to vote on the party platform.
On that end, Trump's decision to move his nomination speech to Jacksonville created a dilemma for Republicans.
Under party rules, the executive committee of the RNC carried over the party's 2016 party platform that takes aim at the "current president" – Obama at the time, but Trump now – when it chose Wednesday not to formally adopt a platform for 2000.
Party leaders decided it didn't make sense to ask all delegates to pay to fly to Charlotte to vote on the platform, the New York Times reported, when they would also be going to Jacksonville for speeches of Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
Trump on Friday called for a new platform.
"The Republican Party has not yet voted on a Platform. No rush. I prefer a new and updated Platform, short form, if possible," the president tweeted.
The president didn't say whether that vote will take place in Charlotte or Jacksonville.
Contributing: Craig Gilbert and Bill Glauber, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and Christopher Hong, the Florida Times-Union
Follow Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-06-15--Majority of Americans still concerned over coronavirus as country continues to reopen, survey shows

WASHINGTON – More than two out of five Americans say they are still worried about the coronavirus , even as states continue to relax pandemic restrictions and some are reporting a rise in the number of daily cases .
A combined 86 % of Americans say they are very or somewhat concerned with the pandemic , according to a new survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
That is 3 percentage points down from the recorded high during a survey conducted from March 26 to April 1 .
The findings come as some states are seeing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Arizona has seen the number of of daily cases rise over the past two weeks , with hospitalizations for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases hitting the highest number on Wednesday .
Where do Americans stand on election issues ?
Let them tell you how they feel about this policy Some states , including Arizona , began loosening social distancing restrictions and ending stay-at-home orders last month .
Robert Griffin , research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group , said there was a `` steady , slow week over week decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since stalled out over the past several weeks .
`` The level of concern that people are recording around COVID appears pretty stable over the last couple of week , '' Griffin said .
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a massive study of the American electorate designed to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates during the 2020 election cycle .
When broken down by political party , Republicans saw a drop in concern by 12 percentage points since early April , according to the Nationscape Insights analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCLA and USA TODAY .
However , more than three out of four Republicans — 79 % — say they are very or somewhat concerned with the virus in the most recent survey .
Memory loss , gnarled fingers , panic attacks : COVID-19 did n't kill these Americans , but many might never be the same The majority of Democrats – 94 % – said they are still very or somewhat concerned with the virus , just a 1 percentage point drop from early April .
Among independents , eight in 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the virus .
In addition , there has been a slow rise in Americans who believe `` it is safe right now '' to reopen certain activities , like theaters and large-scale events including live sports .
According to a May 23 survey , 16 % of Americans believe it 's safe now to reopen theaters and bars , up 6 percentage points from April 23 .
Twenty-one percent of Americans also say it 's safe to end stay-at-home orders , up 7 percentage points from the April survey .
When asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it 's safe to do so now , up 6 percentage points from April .

Majority of Americans still concerned over coronavirus as country continues to reopen, survey shows
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WASHINGTON – More than two out of five Americans say they are still worried about the coronavirus, even as states continue to relax pandemic restrictions and some are reporting a rise in the number of daily cases.
A combined 86% of Americans say they are very or somewhat concerned with the pandemic, according to a new survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project. That is 3 percentage points down from the recorded high during a survey conducted from March 26 to April 1.
The findings come as some states are seeing an increasing number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Arizona has seen the number of of daily cases rise over the past two weeks, with hospitalizations for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases hitting the highest number on Wednesday.
Some states, including Arizona, began loosening social distancing restrictions and ending stay-at-home orders last month.
Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group, said there was a "steady, slow week over week decline" in concern, but that has since stalled out over the past several weeks.
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"The level of concern that people are recording around COVID appears pretty stable over the last couple of week," Griffin said.
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a massive study of the American electorate designed to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates during the 2020 election cycle.
When broken down by political party, Republicans saw a drop in concern by 12 percentage points since early April, according to the Nationscape Insights analysis, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA and USA TODAY. However, more than three out of four Republicans — 79% — say they are very or somewhat concerned with the virus in the most recent survey.
Memory loss, gnarled fingers, panic attacks: COVID-19 didn't kill these Americans, but many might never be the same
The majority of Democrats – 94% – said they are still very or somewhat concerned with the virus, just a 1 percentage point drop from early April. Among independents, eight in 10 say they are very or somewhat concerned about the virus.
In addition, there has been a slow rise in Americans who believe "it is safe right now" to reopen certain activities, like theaters and large-scale events including live sports.
According to a May 23 survey, 16% of Americans believe it's safe now to reopen theaters and bars, up 6 percentage points from April 23. Twenty-one percent of Americans also say it's safe to end stay-at-home orders, up 7 percentage points from the April survey.
When asked about holding in-person voting, 18% said it's safe to do so now, up 6 percentage points from April.
Contributing: Alison Steinbach, Arizona Republic


usatoday--2020-06-16--Supreme Court blocks execution for Texas prisoner denied spiritual adviser

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court blocked the execution Tuesday of a Texas inmate who was not allowed to die in the presence of a Christian priest .
`` The District Court should promptly determine , based on whatever evidence the parties provide , whether serious security problems would result if a prisoner facing execution is permitted to choose the spiritual adviser the prisoner wishes to have in his immediate presence during the execution , '' the high court ruled in an unsigned order .
The court , which customarily looks favorably upon issues involving religious freedom , was in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocked a Buddhist prisoner 's execution last year because he was denied his own spiritual adviser .
To avoid further discrimination , Texas barred all clergy from being present at executions .
The high court 's action in the Buddhist prisoner 's case represented an about-face , following its refusal to block an Alabama inmate 's execution for being denied the company of a Muslim imam .
The court 's five conservative justices were widely criticized for that decision , which they justified by saying the prisoner made his request too late .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ profoundly wrong , '' asserting that the prisoner 's `` religious rights will be violated at the moment the state puts him to death . ''
In the subsequent Buddhist case , Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh said barring all religious advisers would be one way to solve the discrimination .
At the time , only Christian and Muslim advisers had the proper clearance to accompany prisoners into the execution chamber .
`` As this court has repeatedly held , governmental discrimination against religion – in particular , discrimination against religious persons , religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution , '' Kavanaugh wrote .
`` What the state may not do , in my view , is allow Christian or Muslim inmates but not Buddhist inmates to have a religious adviser of their religion in the execution room , '' he said .
The latest case involved Ruben Gutierrez , 43 , who was convicted of killing an elderly woman during a home robbery in 1998 .
His execution was stopped by a federal judge last week to review both the religious claim and his request for DNA testing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit .
`` Ruben Gutierrez believes that the presence of a Christian chaplain in the execution chamber will assist his passing from life to death and guide his path to the afterlife , '' his lawyer , Matthew Lawry , argued .
`` Prior to April 2019 , the state of Texas would have allowed this practice , as chaplains have been present for hundreds of executions in Texas .
But Texas changed the rules . ''

Supreme Court blocks execution for Texas prisoner denied spiritual adviser
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WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court blocked the execution Tuesday of a Texas inmate who was not allowed to die in the presence of a Christian priest.
"The District Court should promptly determine, based on whatever evidence the parties provide, whether serious security problems would result if a prisoner facing execution is permitted to choose the spiritual adviser the prisoner wishes to have in his immediate presence during the execution," the high court ruled in an unsigned order.
The court, which customarily looks favorably upon issues involving religious freedom, was in a bind of its own making: It blocked a Buddhist prisoner's execution last year because he was denied his own spiritual adviser. To avoid further discrimination, Texas barred all clergy from being present at executions.
The high court's action in the Buddhist prisoner's case represented an about-face, following its refusal to block an Alabama inmate's execution for being denied the company of a Muslim imam.
The court's five conservative justices were widely criticized for that decision, which they justified by saying the prisoner made his request too late. Associate Justice Elena Kagan called it "profoundly wrong," asserting that the prisoner's "religious rights will be violated at the moment the state puts him to death."
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In the subsequent Buddhist case, Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh said barring all religious advisers would be one way to solve the discrimination. At the time, only Christian and Muslim advisers had the proper clearance to accompany prisoners into the execution chamber.
"As this court has repeatedly held, governmental discrimination against religion – in particular, discrimination against religious persons, religious organizations, and religious speech – violates the Constitution," Kavanaugh wrote.
"What the state may not do, in my view, is allow Christian or Muslim inmates but not Buddhist inmates to have a religious adviser of their religion in the execution room," he said.
The latest case involved Ruben Gutierrez, 43, who was convicted of killing an elderly woman during a home robbery in 1998. His execution was stopped by a federal judge last week to review both the religious claim and his request for DNA testing. But it later was reinstated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.
"Ruben Gutierrez believes that the presence of a Christian chaplain in the execution chamber will assist his passing from life to death and guide his path to the afterlife," his lawyer, Matthew Lawry, argued. "Prior to April 2019, the state of Texas would have allowed this practice, as chaplains have been present for hundreds of executions in Texas. But Texas changed the rules."