usatoday--2020-10-06--Trump tied with Biden in Florida despite campaign setbacks,  Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network po

The presidential race is tied in Florida less than 30 days before the election , according to a Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network poll that shows President Donald Trump ’ s campaign is still highly competitive in a must-win state despite a calamitous stretch .
Trump and Democratic opponent Joe Biden each is supported by 45 % of voters in the poll , while 6 % of voters are undecided , and the rest support third-party candidates or refuse to say who they back .
“ You can ’ t get any closer than a 45/45 split ; it really reflects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” says David Paleologos , director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center .
Trump ’ s campaign had a series of setbacks last week , from a New York Times report that the candidate paid just $ 750 in federal income taxes in 2016 to a widely panned debate performance and Trump ’ s positive coronavirus test , which took him off the campaign trail and put a spotlight on his virus response .
Despite the tumult , slightly more Florida voters ( 48 % ) approve of the president ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ) , according to the poll , which largely was conducted after the president ’ s COVID-19 diagnosis .
“ Oftentimes , politics is like mixing cement , ” Paleologos says .
“ In the early stages of a candidate ’ s life or in the early stages of a campaign , the cement is fluid , but as time goes on , it hardens , and I think you have a hardening of support on both sides.
” The number of undecided voters in the poll runs contrary to the view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minds about the candidates .
In Florida , at least , there appear to be opportunities to persuade voters , many of them independents .
“ That ’ s really a fertile area to do any persuasion .
That ’ s the place to be , ” Paleologos says .
Tabitha Hall , 40 , a mother of three in Fort Walton Beach , is one of those undecided voters .
She leans toward Democrats on issues such as abortion rights but more toward the GOP on fiscal policy .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s on the fence because I feel like I need to know about the issues to make a decision , and I kind of put it off until the last minute , ” says Hall , an independent .
Working in Trump ’ s favor , a majority of voters ( 55 % ) say they are better off than they were four years ago .
Forty-nine percent support a Senate vote on Amy Coney Barrett , the president ’ s pick to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her nomination .
Forty-two percent of Florida voters rate Trump 's efforts to combat the coronavirus as “ good ” or “ excellent , ” and 13 % say he ’ s doing a “ fair ” job ; 45 % describe his virus response as “ poor.
” 'Reckless to a shocking degree ' : Reaction to Trump saying not to 'be afraid of COVID ' as US passes 210,000 deaths Hall rates Trump ’ s coronavirus response as “ fair.
” She doesn ’ t view the pandemic as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hear the criticisms , and I ’ m kind of like , I don ’ t know , could it have been done differently or better ?
I think it ’ s fair what ’ s been done so far , ” she says , though she ’ d like to see the president wear a mask in public .
Independent voter David Lambert , 69 , rates Trump 's response to the pandemic as `` excellent . ''
“ He shut down the country right away , he ’ s provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says Lambert , a Zephyrills retiree who voted for Trump in 2016 and plans to do so again .
St. Petersburg retiree Pauline Ward , 81 , says Trump has n't taken the virus `` seriously enough . ''
“ I think he ’ s done everything to make everybody think it ’ s not a bad thing , '' says Ward , a Democrat who voted for Hillary Clinton and plans to vote for Biden .
`` Even after he got it , he is ready to put himself in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s probably still contagious.
” More voters describe the economy as the most important issue facing the next president , rather than COVID-19 , according to the poll .
Their top issue is “ bringing the country together.
” 'Do n't be afraid of it ' : Donald Trump talks COVID-19 on video after return to White House Trump ’ s support is overwhelming among voters who prioritize the economy ; Biden ’ s support is equally strong among those who view COVID-19 as the most important issue .
Trump won Florida voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 , but Biden is up by 3 points among these voters in the latest survey .
Biden is up by 4 points with Hispanic voters in Florida , a group Clinton won by 27 points in 2016 .
Among the more troubling aspects of the poll for Trump : 54 % of Florida voters say the country is on the wrong track , and 24 % say Trump won the first presidential debate , compared with 41 % who say Biden won .
Overall , the survey is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times/Siena College poll released over the weekend has Trump losing Florida by five percentage points .
The president almost certainly must win Florida to have a shot at winning enough Electoral College votes to be reelected , but his illness forced him to cancel a rally planned near Orlando last week .
His son also canceled campaign events in the state .
Biden campaigned in South Florida on Monday before a town hall event .
Both campaigns worked to get voters registered before Monday ’ s deadline .
A big question is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting rights restored by a constitutional amendment in 2018 – registered before the deadline .
The new survey found that 7 % of Florida voters have someone in their household who is a felon and plans on voting for the first time this year .
The poll found that restoring voting rights to these individuals is popular with 67 % of voters .
Voting rights advocates lost a court challenge seeking to overturn a law passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature that requires felons to pay back all fines , fees and restitution before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be unable to vote this year because they have outstanding financial obligations .
Mail voting has begun in Florida , and 571,872 ballots had been cast as of Monday afternoon , most of those by Democrats .
The new survey shows that 50 % of Florida Democrats plan to vote by mail this year compared with 21 % of Republicans .
Health concerns led to a big expansion of mail voting , but Lambert always votes on Election Day and will do so again .
He is not worried about the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not one bit .
I don ’ t wear a mask either , ” he says .
The poll of 500 likely Florida voters was conducted Oct. 1 to 4 .
It has a 4.4-percentage-point margin of error .
The majority of the interviews – 393 – were conducted after Trump ’ s COVID-19 diagnosis .

Trump tied with Biden in Florida despite campaign setbacks, Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network poll finds
Show Caption Hide Caption 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
The presidential race is tied in Florida less than 30 days before the election, according to a Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network poll that shows President Donald Trump’s campaign is still highly competitive in a must-win state despite a calamitous stretch.
Trump and Democratic opponent Joe Biden each is supported by 45% of voters in the poll, while 6% of voters are undecided, and the rest support third-party candidates or refuse to say who they back.
“You can’t get any closer than a 45/45 split; it really reflects the core support of the respective bases,” says David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.
Trump’s campaign had a series of setbacks last week, from a New York Times report that the candidate paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 to a widely panned debate performance and Trump’s positive coronavirus test, which took him off the campaign trail and put a spotlight on his virus response.
Despite the tumult, slightly more Florida voters (48%) approve of the president’s job performance than disapprove (47%), according to the poll, which largely was conducted after the president’s COVID-19 diagnosis.
VP debate Wednesday: Vice President Mike Pence campaigns despite Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis
Biden wishes Trump well from campaign trail With President Donald Trump hospitalized, Joe Biden is wishing him a speedy recovery, but urging him to "listen to scientists" and approve nationwide restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. AP
“Oftentimes, politics is like mixing cement,” Paleologos says. “In the early stages of a candidate’s life or in the early stages of a campaign, the cement is fluid, but as time goes on, it hardens, and I think you have a hardening of support on both sides.”
The number of undecided voters in the poll runs contrary to the view that nearly everyone has made up their minds about the candidates. In Florida, at least, there appear to be opportunities to persuade voters, many of them independents.
“That’s really a fertile area to do any persuasion. That’s the place to be,” Paleologos says.
Tabitha Hall, 40, a mother of three in Fort Walton Beach, is one of those undecided voters. She leans toward Democrats on issues such as abortion rights but more toward the GOP on fiscal policy.
“I’m one of those voters that’s on the fence because I feel like I need to know about the issues to make a decision, and I kind of put it off until the last minute,” says Hall, an independent.
Working in Trump’s favor, a majority of voters (55%) say they are better off than they were four years ago. Forty-nine percent support a Senate vote on Amy Coney Barrett, the president’s pick to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, compared with 44% who oppose voting on her nomination.
Forty-two percent of Florida voters rate Trump's efforts to combat the coronavirus as “good” or “excellent,” and 13% say he’s doing a “fair” job; 45% describe his virus response as “poor.”
'Reckless to a shocking degree': Reaction to Trump saying not to 'be afraid of COVID' as US passes 210,000 deaths
Hall rates Trump’s coronavirus response as “fair.” She doesn’t view the pandemic as a big factor in her vote.
“I hear the criticisms, and I’m kind of like, I don’t know, could it have been done differently or better? I think it’s fair what’s been done so far,” she says, though she’d like to see the president wear a mask in public.
Independent voter David Lambert, 69, rates Trump's response to the pandemic as "excellent."
“He shut down the country right away, he’s provided all the medical necessities that they needed," says Lambert, a Zephyrills retiree who voted for Trump in 2016 and plans to do so again.
St. Petersburg retiree Pauline Ward, 81, says Trump hasn't taken the virus "seriously enough."
“I think he’s done everything to make everybody think it’s not a bad thing," says Ward, a Democrat who voted for Hillary Clinton and plans to vote for Biden. "Even after he got it, he is ready to put himself in front of everybody even though he’s probably still contagious.”
More voters describe the economy as the most important issue facing the next president, rather than COVID-19, according to the poll. Their top issue is “bringing the country together.”
'Don't be afraid of it': Donald Trump talks COVID-19 on video after return to White House
Trump’s support is overwhelming among voters who prioritize the economy; Biden’s support is equally strong among those who view COVID-19 as the most important issue.
Trump won Florida voters older than 65 by 17 percentage points in 2016, but Biden is up by 3 points among these voters in the latest survey.
Biden is up by 4 points with Hispanic voters in Florida, a group Clinton won by 27 points in 2016.
Among the more troubling aspects of the poll for Trump: 54% of Florida voters say the country is on the wrong track, and 24% say Trump won the first presidential debate, compared with 41% who say Biden won.
Overall, the survey is one of the better ones for Trump. A New York Times/Siena College poll released over the weekend has Trump losing Florida by five percentage points.
The president almost certainly must win Florida to have a shot at winning enough Electoral College votes to be reelected, but his illness forced him to cancel a rally planned near Orlando last week. His son also canceled campaign events in the state.
Biden campaigned in South Florida on Monday before a town hall event.
Both campaigns worked to get voters registered before Monday’s deadline. A big question is how many felons – who had their voting rights restored by a constitutional amendment in 2018 – registered before the deadline.
SCOTUS: Supreme Court restores witness signature rule for absentee ballots in South Carolina
The new survey found that 7% of Florida voters have someone in their household who is a felon and plans on voting for the first time this year. The poll found that restoring voting rights to these individuals is popular with 67% of voters.
Voting rights advocates lost a court challenge seeking to overturn a law passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature that requires felons to pay back all fines, fees and restitution before voting. A large number of felons will be unable to vote this year because they have outstanding financial obligations.
Mail voting has begun in Florida, and 571,872 ballots had been cast as of Monday afternoon, most of those by Democrats. The new survey shows that 50% of Florida Democrats plan to vote by mail this year compared with 21% of Republicans.
Health concerns led to a big expansion of mail voting, but Lambert always votes on Election Day and will do so again. He is not worried about the health implications of voting in person.
“Not one bit. I don’t wear a mask either,” he says.
The poll of 500 likely Florida voters was conducted Oct. 1 to 4. It has a 4.4-percentage-point margin of error. The majority of the interviews – 393 – were conducted after Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis.


usatoday--2020-10-06--Florida reopens voter registration after system crashed due to 'unprecedented' volume of requests

TALLAHASSEE – The day after Florida 's voter registration system crashed due to an `` unprecedented '' volume of requests , Secretary of State Laurel Lee extended the deadline to 7 p.m. Tuesday so that eligible voters have the chance to register for the November election .
Lee suggested that the site was overwhelmed by requests and the crash could be related to a deliberate attempt to overload the system .
She asked state and federal law enforcement to investigate .
`` We are working with local Supervisors of Elections and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability submit a voter registration application by 7:00 p.m. this evening , ” Lee said .
“ During the last few hours , the RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov website was accessed by an unprecedented 1.1 million requests per hour .
`` We will work with our state and federal law-enforcement partners to ensure this was not a deliberate act against the voting process.
” Any applications received on the state 's OVR system today will be included in the registration books for the Nov. 3 election , she said .
Any applications received today through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The glitch-plagued OVR system crashed for several hours Monday night , preventing people from registering .
Several Democratic leaders and voter rights groups urged DeSantis to extend the voter registration deadline while voter groups said they were contemplating legal action .
More : On day of deadline , Florida voter registration site crashes , is down for hours '' This was a highly concerning development on the last day of voter registration in Florida , '' said Patricia Brigham , president of the League of Women Voters Florida .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thirty-five voting advocacy groups sent DeSantis a letter this morning urging the governor to extend the registration deadline to midnight Wednesday , lengthen and publicize the technical support hotline , and have operators fluent in both English and Spanish .
People began reporting on Twitter around 4:30 p.m. Monday that they were encountering error messages when trying to log into the online system .
At first , Lee said users experienced delays for a 15-minute period .
But people said they continued to have difficulties logging into the system throughout the night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the fourth time the system crashed since it went live three years ago .
It crashed one month before the 2018 primary and a day before the before the voter registration deadline for the 2018 general election .
It crashed again after the March presidential preferential primary .
During a sit-down interview with USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida in September , Lee said the elections department was doing everything it could to increase load capacity by bringing additional servers online in anticipation of a huge voter surge .
A voter registration surge is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also , the state sent out registration invitation cards cards to 2.2 million potentially eligible voters a month ago .
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried , the state 's only Democrat elected to statewide office , sent a letter to DeSantis and Lee this morning `` highlighting yesterday ’ s voter registration website errors , which for hours , caused Floridians to not be able to register to vote.
`` She joined others in calling on DeSantis to extend the state 's voter registration deadline by at least 24 hours `` due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have prevented thousands of Floridians from exercising their right to vote in the coming election . ''
Contact Jeff Schweers at jschweers @ gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ jeffschweers .

Florida reopens voter registration after system crashed due to 'unprecedented' volume of requests
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
TALLAHASSEE – The day after Florida's voter registration system crashed due to an "unprecedented" volume of requests, Secretary of State Laurel Lee extended the deadline to 7 p.m. Tuesday so that eligible voters have the chance to register for the November election.
Lee suggested that the site was overwhelmed by requests and the crash could be related to a deliberate attempt to overload the system.
She asked state and federal law enforcement to investigate.
"We are working with local Supervisors of Elections and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to ensure that all eligible registrants have the ability submit a voter registration application by 7:00 p.m. this evening,” Lee said. “During the last few hours, the RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov website was accessed by an unprecedented 1.1 million requests per hour.
"We will work with our state and federal law-enforcement partners to ensure this was not a deliberate act against the voting process.”
Any applications received on the state's OVR system today will be included in the registration books for the Nov. 3 election, she said.
Any applications received today through the following channels will also be accepted:
County Supervisors of Elections Offices
Local Tax Collector’s Offices
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Driver’s License Offices
Paper applications postmarked by today, October 6, 2020
The glitch-plagued OVR system crashed for several hours Monday night, preventing people from registering. Several Democratic leaders and voter rights groups urged DeSantis to extend the voter registration deadline while voter groups said they were contemplating legal action.
More: On day of deadline, Florida voter registration site crashes, is down for hours
"This was a highly concerning development on the last day of voter registration in Florida," said Patricia Brigham, president of the League of Women Voters Florida. "We are looking closely at possible litigation."
Thirty-five voting advocacy groups sent DeSantis a letter this morning urging the governor to extend the registration deadline to midnight Wednesday, lengthen and publicize the technical support hotline, and have operators fluent in both English and Spanish.
People began reporting on Twitter around 4:30 p.m. Monday that they were encountering error messages when trying to log into the online system. At first, Lee said users experienced delays for a 15-minute period.
But people said they continued to have difficulties logging into the system throughout the night, right up to the midnight deadline.
This is the fourth time the system crashed since it went live three years ago. It crashed one month before the 2018 primary and a day before the before the voter registration deadline for the 2018 general election. It crashed again after the March presidential preferential primary.
During a sit-down interview with USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida in September, Lee said the elections department was doing everything it could to increase load capacity by bringing additional servers online in anticipation of a huge voter surge.
A voter registration surge is typical leading up to a presidential election. Also, the state sent out registration invitation cards cards to 2.2 million potentially eligible voters a month ago.
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the state's only Democrat elected to statewide office, sent a letter to DeSantis and Lee this morning "highlighting yesterday’s voter registration website errors, which for hours, caused Floridians to not be able to register to vote. "
She joined others in calling on DeSantis to extend the state's voter registration deadline by at least 24 hours "due to the website’s errors which may have prevented thousands of Floridians from exercising their right to vote in the coming election."
Contact Jeff Schweers at jschweers@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @jeffschweers.
Subscribe today and never miss a story.


usatoday--2020-10-07--Trump COVID-19 live updates: After rejecting COVID relief, a tweet; Pence and Harris face off tonigh

Trump COVID-19 live updates: After rejecting COVID relief, a tweet; Pence and Harris face off tonight

President Donald Trump put an end to months of negotiations over a COVID-19 stimulus package Tuesday , rejecting the Democrats ' latest offer .
The president 's rejection and insistence on restarting negotiations means both parties head into a crucial election without more relief for Americans struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , which has led to unprecedented levels of unemployment and caused businesses to suffer .
But then at 10:18 p.m. he tweeted that he would approve a standalone bill for $ 1,200 stimulus checks .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , questioned whether the steroid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abrupt decision .
Tonight , Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris , the Democratic vice presidential nominee , face each other in one of the most anticipated vice presidential debates in some time .
• Positives and negatives : A running list of COVID-19 test results in Washington as more than two dozen associated with White House infected • Election integrity : The FBI , NSA , National Counterintelligence and Security Center and Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency and say `` the security of your vote has never been higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authoritarianism ( including those living through it in other countries ) share warnings , reassurances for American democracy .
• Visas : The Trump administration is tightening requirements for foreign workers , saying `` economic security is homeland security . ''
📊 What the polls are saying : A startling poll of roughly 2,000 U.S. voters found 56 % expect violence after the election .
📆 27 days until Election Day , zero days until the vice presidential debate , eight days until the second presidential debate , 105 days until Inauguration Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote , when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues .
We will update this article throughout the day .
You can follow all of USA TODAY 's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter .
Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris get their turn in the spotlight at the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's already been disagreement -- over Plexiglass .
The debate will be especially high stakes .
With Trump 's COVID-19 diagnosis , the age of both presidential candidates and the much-disputed first presidential debate , voters may view the contest as an important chance to understand the issues .
Susan Page , USA TODAY 's Washington Bureau chief who has interviewed nine presidents , will moderate the 90-minute debate .
Viewers can stream the match-up live at debate2020.usatoday.com with real-time facts and context from USA TODAY 's team of experts showing on-screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be aired on most major networks and cable news channels , including Fox News , CNN , ABC , CBS , NBC , MSNBC , PBS and C-SPAN .
Since Sept. 1 , Trump and key Oval Office figures have violated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on the coronavirus at least 23 times , ignoring recommendations on mask wearing , social distancing , quarantining and more .
• No masks were worn during Trump 's debate prep -- now several who were there have COVID , including former New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser Stephen Miller .
And Trump 's family did n't wear masks during the debate .
• At the large Rose Garden nomination of Amy Coney Barrett few wore masks and many hugged .
Now , many who attended have COVID .
• Even despite being exposed to the president and others who tested positive for COVID , numerous officials did not start quarantining as recommended -- and later tested positive themselves -- such as White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany .
Senior White House adviser Stephen Miller has tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of White House officials who have tested positive since Trump was diagnosed last week .
Miller was one of several involved in Trump 's debate preparation who have since tested positive for the virus .
Miller is known as one of Trump ’ s main influences on immigration policies , including restrictions on travel from Muslim-majority countries and family separation policies at the southern border .
Joint Chiefs of Staff to quarantine after senior officer tests positive for COVID Most of the nation 's top military leaders are quarantining after coming in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Pentagon .
The military 's top two officers , Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , and Air Force Gen. John Hyten , along with service chiefs from the Army , Navy and Air Force are in quarantine after meeting with the officer last week , according to a senior Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly .
Gen. David Berger , the Marine Corps commandant , was not at the meeting .
The officer who tested positive for the disease is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 officer at the Coast Guard .
None of the officers in quarantine have tested positive or shown symptoms of the disease , according to the official .
`` The chain of command is so strong , '' said Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel .
`` You never want to lose a chief .
But if we did we are prepared .
There 's always somebody right behind them to step in . ''

Trump praises experimental COVID drugs in video update; Pence and Harris face off tonight: Live updates
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump wants standalone bill for $1,200 stimulus checks After shutting down negotiations over a new COVID-19 stimulus package, President Trump said he would pass a standalone bill for $1,200 stimulus checks. USA TODAY
President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday, breaking quarantine by returning to the offices where the president and more than a dozen employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
Trump left the White House residence just two days after returning from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was treated for the deadly virus that has killed more than 200,000 Americans.
He filmed a nearly five-minute video praising experimental drugs he took as part of his recovery, saying that catching the virus was like a "blessing from God" so he could understand firsthand the benefits of one treatment in particular, Regeneron's experimental drug cocktail.
His video came just hours before Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, face each other in one of the most anticipated vice presidential debates in years.
Trump also got more bad news regarding his tax returns on Wednesday when the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the president's claims that a grand jury subpoena of his returns was overly broad and issued in bad faith.
Trump’s accountant must turn over his tax records to Manhattan prosecutors, the court ruled. However, the court said a stay of the lower court's decision will remain in effect so Trump's attorneys can appeal to the Supreme Court. The matter may not be fully resolved before the November election.
☕ The latest:
📊 What the polls are saying: A startling poll of roughly 2,000 U.S. voters found 56% expect violence after the election. In the battleground state of Wisconsin, Biden leads Trump by 46% to 41%, according to Wednesday's Marquette University Law School Poll.
📆 27 days until Election Day, zero days until the vice presidential debate, eight days until the second presidential debate, 105 days until Inauguration Day, 86 days left in 2020.
🗳 Voting: See USA TODAY's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote, when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues.
We will update this article throughout the day. You can follow all of USA TODAY's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter.
Marine Corps assistant commandant tests positive for COVID-19
The assistant commandant of the Marine Corps has tested positive for COVID-19, the second officer to contract the disease days after a meeting of the military's most senior commanders at the Pentagon.
Marine Gen. Gary Thomas, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, has been quarantined since Tuesday along with most of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several other officers who had been in a meeting last week with Coast Guard's No. 2 officer, Adm. Charles Ray.
Thomas is experiencing mild symptoms, but otherwise is feeling well, according to a statement from the Marine Corps.
The military's top two officers, Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Air Force Gen. John Hyten, the vice chairman, are among those senior commanders in quarantine.
"We are aware of General Thomas’ positive test for COVID-19," Jonathan Hoffman, the chief spokesman for the Pentagon, said in a statement Wednesday night. "At this time we have no additional senior leader positive test results to report. We will continue to follow CDC guidance for self-quarantining and contact tracing."
– Tom Vanden Brook
President Donald Trump released a nearly five-minute video Wednesday evening on Twitter to update supporters on his condition as he continues to battle COVID-19.
Trump, who was dressed in a suit and not wearing a mask, said the "key" to his recovery from the virus was the experimental antibody cocktail by drugmaker Regeneron that he was given on Friday before he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
"Immediately I felt as good three days ago as I do now," Trump said in a video shot Wednesday outside the White House, according to his chief of staff Mark Meadows. .
The president also said his administration was working to make the drug free for Americans.
"I want everybody to be given the same treatment as your president, because I feel great. I feel like perfect," Trump said
The drug remains under development and is not yet approved for use in the United States or anywhere else.
Trump was able to get it under a "compassionate use" exemption, which the company said it has granted to fewer than 10 people so far, after requests from their doctors and approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a process that typically takes days to weeks.
The president said his administration had asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve emergency use authorization of the Regeneron drug. Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, Regeneron's competitor, has requested emergency use authorization from the FDA for a similar drug.
– Courtney Subramanian
President Donald Trump's positive COVID-19 test was part of a broader White House outbreak that included his wife first lady Melania Trump, his press secretary and top aids.
But he described catching the virus as a "blessing from God" in a video message Wednesday.
"I think this was a blessing from God that I caught it." he said, adding that it was a "blessing in disguise" so he could understand firsthand the benefits of Regeneron's experimental drug cocktail, which he has taken as part of his treatment.
"I want to get for you what I got and I'm going to make it free. You're not going to pay for it," he vowed.
Trump previously reported he earned capital gains from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Gilead Sciences Inc., both manufacturers of two medicines he's taken as part of his COVID-19 treatment.
Trump's doctors said the president continues to take the steroid dexamethasone and he completed a five-day course of the antiviral drug Remdesivir on Tuesday. He has also taken zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin, doctors said.
– Courtney Subramanian
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT! pic.twitter.com/uhLIcknAjT — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2020
Four Democratic senators spoke with President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Wednesday.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.; Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; and Chris Coons, D-Del., spoke with Barrett over the phone, rather than holding in-person meetings like Republican senators did last week.
All four Democrats are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the panel overseeing judicial nominations. Feinstein is the top Democrat on the panel, and Leahy is its former chair.
Coons told reporters he told Barrett her confirmation was “divisive” given it is so close to Election Day. He asked her about cases related to the Affordable Care Act because of Democrats’ concerns that the Supreme Court could overturn the law, but she declined to comment on cases that could come before the court, he said. The Delaware Democrat said Barrett had qualifications “appropriate” for that of a Supreme Court justice, but he still had concerns about “her judicial philosophy and her views.”
At least seven Democrats have met with Barrett so far. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., a moderate Democrat, met with her on Thursday. In a statement released later Wednesday, White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said two other senators had also met with Barrett – Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. Klobuchar spoke with Barrett Wednesday, and Booker spoke with her "last week." Klobuchar and Booker are also on the Judiciary Committee.
Two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, both tested positive for COVID-19 last week and have gone into quarantine. Hearings are scheduled to start Monday and Republicans aim to confirm Barrett before Election Day.
– Nicholas Wu
Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen tested negative for COVID-19 Wednesday, according to his spokesman.
Mike Pence faces off against Sen. Kamala Harris in the vice presidential debate Wednesday evening.
- Maureen Groppe
President Donald Trump remained out of the public eye midday Wednesday, but it appears he did get back to the Oval Office.
A Marine guard posted himself outside the door of the West Wing shortly after 3 p.m. EST; the Marine's presence has long been the traditional signal that the president, any president, is in the Oval.
An administration official confirmed that Trump worked out of the Oval Office, but declined to say whether this constituted breaking quarantine.
Aides said Trump continues to speak with aides and congressional leaders, and to do the job as needed.
The president is also talking about the possibility of some kind of national address, or perhaps another video.
“He wants to speak to the American people and he will do so soon," said White House spokesperson Brian Morgenstern. "I don't have an exact time or a definite way he'll do that."
– David Jackson
In his daily written summation, presidential physician Sean Conley quoted Donald Trump himself providing his own prognosis.
"The President this morning says 'I feel great!" Conley wrote in a brief memo released by the White House. "His physical exam and vital signs, including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, all remain stable and in normal range."
Conley also reported that Trump – who has not been seen in public since he returned to the White House on Monday night – has been fever-free for more than four days and symptom-free for more than 24 hours.
The president also "has not needed nor received any supplemental oxygen since initial hospitalization," the doctor said. Conley had been criticized for being evasive on Trump's oxygen and the question remains of when he last tested negative.
Conley also reported that Trump's bloodwork showed "detectable levels" of antibodies.
Trump received an experimental drug that is not yet FDA approved. Other than that, the drugs he received are normal for COVID-19 patients, although delivered much more quickly to him as president.
– David Jackson
Trump and other White House insiders infected with COVID-19 carried the virus across the country in a matter of days, potentially exposing hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people as they went about their business, a USA TODAY investigation found.
From a religious summit outside of Atlanta to a campaign rally at a Pennsylvania airport and a private fundraiser in Minnesota, Trump, his aides and his political allies attended events with thousands of people, often without masks and little regard for social distancing.
Trump, first lady Melania Trump, senior adviser Hope Hicks and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany are among more than 20 to test positive for COVID-19 from an outbreak tied to the White House. USA TODAY reporters examined hundreds of photos and videos from news coverage and social media posts and scoured attendance logs to identify people who came in contact with those individuals.
At least 6,000 people attended meetings, rallies and other gatherings with them within a week of the Sept. 26 Supreme Court nomination ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, now pegged as a potential “superspreader” event.
– Josh Salman and Dinah Voyles Pulver
White House outbreak: White House coronavirus outbreak may have exposed thousands from Atlanta to Minnesota
On Tuesday, Biden was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the site of the defining Civil War battle in 1863 that ended up saving the Union, to make a point about the need to heal the country's political chasms.
"Today again, we are a house divided," he said.
"As I look across America today, I'm concerned the country is in a dangerous place," the former vice president said. "Our trust in each other is ebbing. Hope seems elusive. Too many American see our public life not as an arena for mediation of our differences, but rather they see it as an occasion for total, unrelenting partisan warfare. Instead of treating each other's party as the opposition, we treat them as the enemy. This must end."
Biden's Gettysburg speech calls for national unity Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has issued a sweeping call for national unity, using a picturesque, symbolic backdrop of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War to warn that the U.S. again is "in a dangerous place." (Oct. 6) AP
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., lambasted Trump during a Wednesday interview on ABC’s “The View,” calling for White House staff to stage an "intervention" on President Donald Trump, who is back at the White House recovering from COVID-19.
Asked about her level of concern for President Donald Trump's health given her role as second in the line of succession behind Vice President Mike Pence, Pelosi said she was very concerned for both herself and others around the country suffering amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"That's why I think that there has to be an intervention in terms of people around him," she said, citing the need for a national plan to combat the pandemic.
She also said Trump made a “terrible mistake" by opposing any further discussion of a coronavirus stimulus package, she said.
Trump put an end to months of negotiations over a COVID-19 stimulus package Tuesday, rejecting the Democrats' latest offer.
The president's rejection and insistence on restarting negotiations means both parties head into a crucial election without more relief for Americans struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to unprecedented levels of unemployment and caused businesses to suffer.
But then at 10:18 p.m. he tweeted that he would approve a standalone bill for $1,200 stimulus checks. How stocks are reacting.
– Matthew Brown and Nicholas Wu
Pelosi on 'The View': White House should stage a Trump 'intervention'
Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris get their turn in the spotlight at the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday at 9 EDT/6 PDT.
And there's already been disagreement -- over Plexiglass.
The debate will be especially high stakes. With Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis, the age of both presidential candidates and the much-disputed first presidential debate, voters may view the contest as an important chance to understand the issues.
Susan Page, USA TODAY's Washington Bureau chief who has interviewed nine presidents, will moderate the 90-minute debate.
Viewers can stream the match-up live at debate2020.usatoday.com with real-time facts and context from USA TODAY's team of experts showing on-screen during the debate. The debate also will be aired on most major networks and cable news channels, including Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, PBS and C-SPAN.
- Anne Godlasky
Harris will have plexiglass on her side of the debate stage, but Pence's team says he won't. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a memo said he's concluded it is safe for Pence to participate in the debate.
However, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, chief of infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital, speaking on a call this morning sponsored by the Infectious Disease Society of America, said Vice President Pence should be at home quarantining, not traveling around the country.
As far as is known from published reports, less than 14 days ago he was in extended, close contact with people known to have come down with COVID-19, she said. CDC guidelines explicitly state that anyone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 needs to quarantine for 14 days.
The guidelines do not provide an option for “testing out” of this situation, she said. Because of a lack of transparency by the White House, which she condemned, she said it’s not exactly clear what his exposure was, but at the Rose Garden ceremony on September 26, he was within 6 feet of several people later diagnosed with COVID-19.
(By the way, want to get in on reporting? Help us ID people in this photo.)
“In my mind, I believe he meets the CDC definition for quarantine,” she said. “There are no guidances for how you should behave if you’re not going to quarantine, because you’re not supposed to do that.” But she noted that to go to the debate he would have to come into contact with many people, including drivers, hotel workers and servers. “All those people will be exposed, not just vice presidential candidate Harris through this,” she said. “This is where I really find it very important that we follow CDC guidance.”
- Karen Weintraub
White House officials continue to say different things about President Donald Trump's situation, including whether or not he dropped by the Oval Office on Tuesday.
While doctors want to confine Trump to the White House residence as he recovers from an attack of COVID-19, one aide claimed he did wander over to the Oval Office on Tuesday – though others said he had only planned to go there.
"The president actually showed up in the Oval Office yesterday with extra precautions," economic adviser Larry Kudlow told CNBC.
White House spokesman Ben Williamson, however, said it didn't happen.
"While the President wanted to be in the Oval Office yesterday, he was not there," Williamson said. "He stayed back in the residence working from there. Safety preparations have been underway in the event he moves to working out of the Oval in the coming days."
Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told reporters that Trump's schedule is "fluid."
“He wanted to go to the Oval yesterday. If he decided to go to the Oval, we’ve got safety protocols there," Meadows said.
Aides are in concert with claims that Trump continues to act as president despite his illness.
One thing for sure: The president is still tweeting. He tweeted or re-tweeted at least 40 items before 10 a.m. Wednesday, many of them attacking Democrats and presidential nominee Joe Biden.
– David Jackson
Since Sept. 1, Trump and key Oval Office figures have violated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on the coronavirus at least 27 times, ignoring recommendations on mask wearing, social distancing, quarantining and more.
Trump hosted rallies with large, unmasked crowds 15 times.
No masks were worn during Trump's debate prep -- now several who were there have COVID, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and White House adviser Stephen Miller. And Trump's family didn't wear masks during the debate.
At the large Rose Garden nomination of Amy Coney Barrett few wore masks and many hugged. Now, many who attended have COVID.
Even despite being exposed to the president and others who tested positive for COVID, numerous officials did not start quarantining as recommended -- and later tested positive themselves -- such as White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
- Grace Hauck, Josh Bote
Senior White House adviser Stephen Miller has tested positive for the coronavirus, adding to a growing list of White House officials who have tested positive since Trump was diagnosed last week.
Miller was one of several involved in Trump's debate preparation who have since tested positive for the virus.
Miller is known as one of Trump’s main influences on immigration policies, including restrictions on travel from Muslim-majority countries and family separation policies at the southern border.
- Savannah Behrmann
Dr. William Foege, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asked the current CDC leader Dr. Robert Redfield to expose the failed U.S. response to COVID-19, calling on him to orchestrate his own firing to protest White House interference.
In a private letter, Foege, who has not previously been a vocal critic of the agency's handling of the novel coronavirus, called on Redfield to openly address the White House’s meddling in the agency’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 crisis and then accept the political sacrifice that would follow. He recommended that Redfield commit to writing the administration's failures — and his own — so there was a record that could not be dismissed.
“Don’t shy away from the fact this has been an unacceptable toll on our country. It is a slaughter and not just a political dispute,” he said.


usatoday--2020-10-07--What to watch in Kamala Harris, Mike Pence vice presidential debate: Amy Coney Barrett, COVID-19, LG

SALT LAKE CITY – Vice presidential debates typically play second-fiddle to the presidential contests , but President Donald Trump 's COVID-19 illness – coupled with his and Democratic nominee Joe Biden 's age – will thrust the spotlight on Mike Pence and Kamala Harris .
The 90-minute event Wednesday will allow viewers to assess the understudies for the role of commander-in-chief .
And there may be a clearer discussion of the policy differences between the two campaigns than was apparent during the first presidential debate , which quickly descended into chaos with name calling , frequent interruptions and the candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's what to watch for in the Pence-Harris match up .
Both candidates will do their best to sell themselves as a credible potential replacement for the top of the ticket .
That basic threshold for the vice presidential nominee is of heightened importance because Trump ’ s illness – and the pandemic in general –increases the possibility that Trump , 74 , or Biden , 77 , might not be able to finish a term .
Either would be the oldest president sworn into office on inauguration day next year , raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Harris-Pence debate : The prosecutor vs. the 'king of sound bites' “ I suspect the renewed focus on succession will make the candidates focus even more on demonstrating that they are plausible presidents in the eyes of potentially reachable voters , ” said vice presidential scholar Joel Goldstein , an emeritus professor of St. Louis University .
In addition , Pence and Harris will have a leg up on other potential presidential candidates in the 2024 election .
So both need to do their best to help their running mate win in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competing in four years .
“ I 'll be curious to see to what extent , if any , ( Pence ) seems to be laying the groundwork for that possibility , ” said Republican strategist Michael Steel .
Even before the president contracted COVID-19 , the coronavirus pandemic was dominating the campaign .
Harris will undoubtedly focus on the administration ’ s response to the pandemic – and can specifically criticize Pence as head of the White House ’ s task force .
“ He 's not really in a position to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his office are a part of the failure , ” said Goldstein , the vice presidential scholar .
Plexiglass or no ?
Pence team says he does n't need it on his side of the debate stage Harris can also question if Pence acted appropriately after the president ’ s diagnosis or whether he should have quarantined to potentially protect others from getting infected if he turned out to be a carrier , as well as to protect the line of succession if Trump ’ s condition worsens .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the White House , he told me to head to Utah , '' Pence said Monday after Trump tweeted that he would be leaving Walter Reed Hospital .
Pence has gone after Harris for saying she wouldn ’ t trust Trump ’ s assurance on the safety of a COVID-19 vaccine .
“ That ’ s an insult to thousands of dedicated scientists and researchers who have been working around the clock to save American lives , ” Pence said while campaigning in Pennsylvania last month .
Pence going after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to talk about the pandemic , Pence has sought to paint her as part of the “ radical left.
” He ’ s accused Harris of wanting to abolish fossil fuels , banish red meat from Americans ’ diet and allow “ abortion on demand right up to the moment of birth.
” In keeping with the Trump campaign ’ s heavy emphasis on law and order , Pence has also criticized Harris for saying it ’ s “ outdated ” and “ wrongheaded ” to “ think the only way you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be safe is to put more police officers on the street.
” “ What we have to do and what we will do is reimagine public safety , ” Harris said , before talking about improving communities .
Alan Schroeder , a presidential debate historian and author of the book “ Presidential Debates : Risky Business on the Campaign Trail , '' said Pence will try to portray Harris as an out-of-touch liberal from San Francisco .
“ I expect we ’ re going to hear the words ` San Francisco ’ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They 're going to try to depict her as sort of a modern day , Angela Davis , or Emma Goldman , or pick your favorite female radical in American history.
” Pence is a 'master of the pivot' Harris used her prosecutorial background to bear down on Attorney General Jeff Sessions during a 2017 hearing on Russian interference in the 2016 election .
“ I ’ m not able to be rushed this fast , ” Session said at one point .
“ It makes me nervous.
” Schroeder said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be quite the shrinking violet that Jeff Sessions was.
” “ He will have studied , I 'm sure , those exchanges and they 're going to try to prepare him for that , ” he said .
For her part , Harris has likely worked on strategies to get the famously disciplined Pence off his talking points .
“ He is a master of the pivot , ” said Robert Barnett , the Washington lawyer who has prepared many Democrats for presidential and vice presidential debates , including portraying Pence in Kaine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris questions Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett from her seat on the Judiciary Committee at next week ’ s confirmation hearing , the topic will likely come up during the debate .
Democrats have tried to center their opposition to Barrett around her criticism of the court ’ s decision upholding Obamacare , a ruling that will be revisited shortly after the election .
But a Biden campaign aide said Harris won ’ t shy away from arguing that the landmark Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion is in jeopardy if Barrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long record of opposing abortion and reproductive rights , '' Harris said after Barrett 's nomination to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
`` There is no other issue that so disrespects and dishonors the work of Justice Ginsburg 's life than undoing the seminal decision in the court 's history that made it clear a woman has the right to control her own body . ''
Coming from a woman , Harris ’ charge could pack a bigger punch .
And there ’ s no bigger opponent of abortion than Pence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue throughout his political career , setting up some potential fireworks .
Pence ’ s opposition to abortion is rooted in his deeply held religious beliefs as is Barrett ’ s .
Republicans have accused Democrats of anti-religious bigotry in questioning how Barrett ’ s faith might affect her judicial opinions .
Speaking to the Faith and Freedom Coalition last month , Pence accused Harris of having “ attacked ” a federal judicial nominee in 2018 for being a member of the Catholic Knights of Columbus fraternal organization .
Harris had asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraternal organization “ opposed a woman ’ s right to choose.
” “ These attacks on our freedom of religion must stop , ” Pence said .
In the first presidential debate , Biden refused to say whether he supports adding justices to the Supreme Court if he wins .
That ’ s a move many liberals are calling for but could turn off the more moderate voters – particularly in the suburbs – who are contributing to Biden ’ s polling advantage over Trump .
Harris , herself , stumbled over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the Trump-Biden debate , she told CNN that the focus should be on the election now and Biden would “ deal with later , later.
” She may get pressed again to get the ticket to take a position .
Before Pence became vice president , he made national news through a controversial law he signed as Indiana ’ s governor that critics said could be used to discriminate against gays and lesbians .
The state law was modeled after the 1993 federal “ Religious Freedom Restoration Act , ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s introduced `` Do No Harm '' legislation to amend the law , saying it ’ s been used to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals , women and children in the guise of protecting freedom of religion .
As vice president , Pence has continued to champion “ religious freedom , ” making the subject ripe for contrast .
He particularly likes to talk about the Little Sisters of the Poor , one of the religious non-profits which fought against Obamacare ’ s requirement that birth control be included in health insurance offered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended the assault on the Little Sisters of the Poor , ” Pence recently said , before accusing Biden of wanting to resume the fight .
Harris is likely to counter that access to health care is a right and employers ca n't decide such issues for a worker .
Trump likes to play around with Harris ’ first name , which is pronounced “ comma-la , ” like the punctuation mark .
“ You know if you pronounce her name wrong , she goes crazy , ” Trump said at a September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` kah-MAH-la '' but adding , “ It ’ s like a comma .
She ’ s like a comma.
” Pence also uses the “ kah-MAH-la '' pronunciation .
If he does it Wednesday , we ’ ll see how Harris reacts .
The 2016 vice presidential debate between Pence and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine attracted 44 % fewer viewers than the least-watched of the three presidential debates that year , according to the Pew Research Center .
That was the biggest-ever drop-off .
Even without the extra dynamic of Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris ’ nomination as the first woman of color on a major party ticket may attract a larger-than-usual audience .
So far , the only vice presidential debate that was watched more than any of that year ’ s presidential contests was the 2008 matchup of then-Sen. Biden and Alaska Gov .
Sarah Palin .
Nearly 70 million tuned in compared with 37 million in 2016 .

What to watch in Kamala Harris, Mike Pence vice presidential debate: Amy Coney Barrett, COVID-19, LGBTQ rights
Show Caption Hide Caption Do 'undecided' voters still exist? And a vice presidential debate preview Are "undecided" voters a myth? Are the presidential debates giving people enough information? Will debates change after Tuesday's interruption fest? States of America, USA TODAY
SALT LAKE CITY – Vice presidential debates typically play second-fiddle to the presidential contests, but President Donald Trump's COVID-19 illness – coupled with his and Democratic nominee Joe Biden's age – will thrust the spotlight on Mike Pence and Kamala Harris.
The 90-minute event Wednesday will allow viewers to assess the understudies for the role of commander-in-chief. And there may be a clearer discussion of the policy differences between the two campaigns than was apparent during the first presidential debate, which quickly descended into chaos with name calling, frequent interruptions and the candidates veering away from subjects asked.
Here's what to watch for in the Pence-Harris match up.
More: Mike Pence vs Kamala Harris: Here's how to watch the vice presidential debate
Appearing presidential
Both candidates will do their best to sell themselves as a credible potential replacement for the top of the ticket. That basic threshold for the vice presidential nominee is of heightened importance because Trump’s illness – and the pandemic in general –increases the possibility that Trump, 74, or Biden, 77, might not be able to finish a term. Either would be the oldest president sworn into office on inauguration day next year, raising the risk even if COVID-19 goes away.
Harris-Pence debate: The prosecutor vs. the 'king of sound bites'
“I suspect the renewed focus on succession will make the candidates focus even more on demonstrating that they are plausible presidents in the eyes of potentially reachable voters,” said vice presidential scholar Joel Goldstein, an emeritus professor of St. Louis University.
In addition, Pence and Harris will have a leg up on other potential presidential candidates in the 2024 election. So both need to do their best to help their running mate win in November while preserving their own chances of competing in four years.
“I'll be curious to see to what extent, if any, (Pence) seems to be laying the groundwork for that possibility,” said Republican strategist Michael Steel.
Dominance of COVID-19
Even before the president contracted COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic was dominating the campaign. Harris will undoubtedly focus on the administration’s response to the pandemic – and can specifically criticize Pence as head of the White House’s task force.
“He's not really in a position to defend Trump's handling on it because he and his office are a part of the failure,” said Goldstein, the vice presidential scholar.
Plexiglass or no? Pence team says he doesn't need it on his side of the debate stage
Pence vs. Harris: How vice presidential candidates stack up against each other
Harris can also question if Pence acted appropriately after the president’s diagnosis or whether he should have quarantined to potentially protect others from getting infected if he turned out to be a carrier, as well as to protect the line of succession if Trump’s condition worsens.
“When the president told me he was headed back to the White House, he told me to head to Utah," Pence said Monday after Trump tweeted that he would be leaving Walter Reed Hospital.
Pence has gone after Harris for saying she wouldn’t trust Trump’s assurance on the safety of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“That’s an insult to thousands of dedicated scientists and researchers who have been working around the clock to save American lives,” Pence said while campaigning in Pennsylvania last month.
Pence going after the 'radical left'
As much as Harris may want to talk about the pandemic, Pence has sought to paint her as part of the “radical left.” He’s accused Harris of wanting to abolish fossil fuels, banish red meat from Americans’ diet and allow “abortion on demand right up to the moment of birth.” In keeping with the Trump campaign’s heavy emphasis on law and order, Pence has also criticized Harris for saying it’s “outdated” and “wrongheaded” to “think the only way you’re going to get communities to be safe is to put more police officers on the street.”
“What we have to do and what we will do is reimagine public safety,” Harris said, before talking about improving communities.
Alan Schroeder, a presidential debate historian and author of the book “Presidential Debates: Risky Business on the Campaign Trail," said Pence will try to portray Harris as an out-of-touch liberal from San Francisco.
“I expect we’re going to hear the words `San Francisco’ a lot,” Schroeder said. ““They're going to try to depict her as sort of a modern day, Angela Davis, or Emma Goldman, or pick your favorite female radical in American history.”
Pence is a 'master of the pivot'
Harris used her prosecutorial background to bear down on Attorney General Jeff Sessions during a 2017 hearing on Russian interference in the 2016 election.
“I’m not able to be rushed this fast,” Session said at one point. “It makes me nervous.”
Schroeder said he doubts that Pence is “going to be quite the shrinking violet that Jeff Sessions was.”
“He will have studied, I'm sure, those exchanges and they're going to try to prepare him for that,” he said.
For her part, Harris has likely worked on strategies to get the famously disciplined Pence off his talking points.
“He is a master of the pivot,” said Robert Barnett, the Washington lawyer who has prepared many Democrats for presidential and vice presidential debates, including portraying Pence in Kaine’s 2016 debate prep.
Supreme Court opening
Before Harris questions Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett from her seat on the Judiciary Committee at next week’s confirmation hearing, the topic will likely come up during the debate. Democrats have tried to center their opposition to Barrett around her criticism of the court’s decision upholding Obamacare, a ruling that will be revisited shortly after the election.
But a Biden campaign aide said Harris won’t shy away from arguing that the landmark Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion is in jeopardy if Barrett is confirmed.
"Judge Barrett has a long record of opposing abortion and reproductive rights," Harris said after Barrett's nomination to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg. "There is no other issue that so disrespects and dishonors the work of Justice Ginsburg's life than undoing the seminal decision in the court's history that made it clear a woman has the right to control her own body."
Coming from a woman, Harris’ charge could pack a bigger punch. And there’s no bigger opponent of abortion than Pence, for whom it has been a top issue throughout his political career, setting up some potential fireworks.
Pence’s opposition to abortion is rooted in his deeply held religious beliefs as is Barrett’s. Republicans have accused Democrats of anti-religious bigotry in questioning how Barrett’s faith might affect her judicial opinions.
Speaking to the Faith and Freedom Coalition last month, Pence accused Harris of having “attacked” a federal judicial nominee in 2018 for being a member of the Catholic Knights of Columbus fraternal organization. Harris had asked the nominee whether he was aware that the fraternal organization “opposed a woman’s right to choose.”
“These attacks on our freedom of religion must stop,” Pence said.
Expanding the Supreme Court
In the first presidential debate, Biden refused to say whether he supports adding justices to the Supreme Court if he wins. That’s a move many liberals are calling for but could turn off the more moderate voters – particularly in the suburbs – who are contributing to Biden’s polling advantage over Trump.
Harris, herself, stumbled over the question in an MSNBC interview last week. After the Trump-Biden debate, she told CNN that the focus should be on the election now and Biden would “deal with later, later.”
She may get pressed again to get the ticket to take a position.
'Religious freedom' issues
Before Pence became vice president, he made national news through a controversial law he signed as Indiana’s governor that critics said could be used to discriminate against gays and lesbians. The state law was modeled after the 1993 federal “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” which Harris wants to change. She’s introduced "Do No Harm" legislation to amend the law, saying it’s been used to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals, women and children in the guise of protecting freedom of religion.
As vice president, Pence has continued to champion “religious freedom,” making the subject ripe for contrast. He particularly likes to talk about the Little Sisters of the Poor, one of the religious non-profits which fought against Obamacare’s requirement that birth control be included in health insurance offered by non-church employers.
“President Donald Trump ended the assault on the Little Sisters of the Poor,” Pence recently said, before accusing Biden of wanting to resume the fight.
Harris is likely to counter that access to health care is a right and employers can't decide such issues for a worker.
Pronouncing Kamala
Trump likes to play around with Harris’ first name, which is pronounced “comma-la,” like the punctuation mark.
“You know if you pronounce her name wrong, she goes crazy,” Trump said at a September rally in Virginia, before mispronouncing it "kah-MAH-la" but adding, “It’s like a comma. She’s like a comma.”
Pence also uses the “kah-MAH-la" pronunciation. If he does it Wednesday, we’ll see how Harris reacts.
Audience size
The 2016 vice presidential debate between Pence and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine attracted 44% fewer viewers than the least-watched of the three presidential debates that year, according to the Pew Research Center. That was the biggest-ever drop-off.
Even without the extra dynamic of Trump’s hospitalization, the historic nature of Harris’ nomination as the first woman of color on a major party ticket may attract a larger-than-usual audience. So far, the only vice presidential debate that was watched more than any of that year’s presidential contests was the 2008 matchup of then-Sen. Biden and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Nearly 70 million tuned in compared with 37 million in 2016.
More: Watch the vice presidential debate with live fact-checking by USA TODAY's team of experts


usatoday--2020-10-07--Trump administration tightens H-1B visa restrictions for foreign workers

The Trump administration changed its rules for highly skilled foreign workers who want to live and work in the United States as part of the so-called H-1B visa program , the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced Tuesday .
The changes , which the Trump administration has characterized as part of its goal to protect American workers , mean employers will need to commit to higher salaries for those they want to hire and visa applicants will have to have a `` specialty occupation '' that more narrowly fits their formal qualifications .
Visa lengths could also shorten .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which economic security is an integral part of homeland security , '' Acting Department of Homeland Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement .
`` We must do everything we can within the bounds of the law to make sure the American worker is put first . ''
The policy changes have been discussed since 2017 and will be effective within 60 days .
Current immigration law allows for about 85,000 H-1B visas each year , according to U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services .
The Wall Street Journal reported that Ken Cuccinelli , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Homeland Secretary , told reporters on a conference call that he expects about one-third of H-1B visa applications would be rejected under the new set of rules .
The Journal additionally reported that the overhaul to the H-1B visa program could disproportionately affect technology workers .
Under the new rule , for example , someone who applies for a job as a software developer wouldn ’ t be awarded an H-1B visa if that person has a degree in engineering or some other non-computer-programming field .
The action comes less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slashed the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the U.S. to a new low next year .
The changes permit no more than 15,000 people fleeing war , violence and persecution across the globe to make a new home in America .
The U.S. State Department announced the cap .

Trump administration tightens H-1B visa restrictions for foreign workers
The Trump administration changed its rules for highly skilled foreign workers who want to live and work in the United States as part of the so-called H-1B visa program, the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced Tuesday.
The changes, which the Trump administration has characterized as part of its goal to protect American workers, mean employers will need to commit to higher salaries for those they want to hire and visa applicants will have to have a "specialty occupation" that more narrowly fits their formal qualifications. Visa lengths could also shorten.
"We have entered an era in which economic security is an integral part of homeland security," Acting Department of Homeland Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement. "We must do everything we can within the bounds of the law to make sure the American worker is put first."
The policy changes have been discussed since 2017 and will be effective within 60 days. Current immigration law allows for about 85,000 H-1B visas each year, according to U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Ken Cuccinelli, the No. 2 ranking official at the Department of Homeland Secretary, told reporters on a conference call that he expects about one-third of H-1B visa applications would be rejected under the new set of rules.
The Journal additionally reported that the overhaul of the H-1B visa program could disproportionately affect technology workers. Under the new rule, for example, someone who applies for a job as a software developer wouldn’t be awarded an H-1B visa if that person has a degree in engineering or some other non-computer-programming field.
The action comes less than a week after the Trump administration slashed the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the U.S. to a new low next year. The changes permit no more than 15,000 people fleeing war, violence and persecution across the globe to make a new home in America. The U.S. State Department announced the cap.
Trump admin slashes refugee program: President's campaign attacks immigrants
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen


usatoday--2020-10-07--'It didn't work:' Yankees strategy backfires, Rays slug four homers to even ALDS 1-1

SAN DIEGO -- The New York Yankees tried to out-Ray the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday night , beating them at their own strategic game .
The Yankees , trying to surprise the Rays by using rookie Deivi Garcia as an opener in his start , watched the decision blow up , resulting in a 7-5 loss to the Rays , evening the AL Division Series at 1-game apiece .
The Yankees ’ loss spoiled the heroics of slugger Giancarlo Stanton , who hit two more homers , putting him in the same company as Yankee greats Lou Gehrig and Reggie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jaw-dropping power could make up for the strategic misfire .
The Yankees , who have watched the Rays ’ employ the opener to perfection over the years , decided to try it themselves .
They started the 21-year-old right-hander , the youngest pitcher to start a postseason game in Yankees ’ history .
The Rays , having no idea the Yankees were up to any tricks , placed five left-handed batters in the lineup .
They scored one run off Garcia in the first inning on red-hot sizzling Randy Arozarena ’ s home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
Yankees manager Aaron Boone pulled Garcia after one inning and summoned left-handed veteran J.A .
Happ , hoping to suffocate the Rays ’ lineup with the favorable matchups .
The Rays had other ideas .
The Rays kept hitting , teeing off on Happ , hitting two more homers and scoring four runs on five hits .
He faced 17 batters , and nine reached base , with Happ departing after just 2 ⅔ innings .
“ Their roster is built to take advantage of the platoon advantage , ’ ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I felt like I was going to go to J.A .
pretty early as long as they were going with the heavy lefty lineup .
… “ We were trying to force their hand a little early in the game .
The Yankees employed the same strategy a year ago in Game 6 of the ALCS when Chad Green started and Happ came into relief , which ended up with Jose Altuve hitting a walk-off homer that sent the Houston Astros to the World Series .
Did Happ agree with the strategy ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to answer , ’ ’ Happ said , saying it belonged to the Yankee decision-makers .
The Rays say they were prepared for it , DH Austin Meadows said , knowing that a lefty would follow Garcia , but , of course , had no idea it would be after one inning .
It was Stanton who singlehandedly kept the Yankees in the game the rest of the way , putting on a power display that put his 2016 Home Run Derby title at the All-Star Game at Petco Park to shame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slam in his final at-bat in Game 1 of the series , started his night with an opposite field homer down the right-field line , joining Gehrig and Jackson as the only Yankees to homers in four consecutive postseason games .
“ I don ’ t think I ’ ve ever seen a letter-high curveball hit not to straight away right field , ’ ’ Boone said , “ but to the right of straight away right field.
’ ’ Stanton , coming to bat again in the fourth inning with the Yankees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most majestic home runs in postseason history .
The three-run home run was hit so hard , and so far , it almost left a vapor trail .
Stanton ’ s home run into the upper left-field traveled 458 feet , with an exit velocity of 118-mph .
Stanton also joined Jackson as the only Yankee to homer in three consecutive plate appearances .
“ It was pretty cool , ’ ’ Stanton said of carving a spot in the Yankees ’ record book , “ but that stuff you look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a thought right now.
’ ’ Yet , while the Yankees wildly celebrated that moment , it was fleeting .
The Yankees kept turning to their bullpen , and the Rays kept churning out homers , with their powerful bullpen stopping any illusions of a comeback .
The Rays just beat them at their own game .
They struck out a postseason record 18 batters .
They slugged four homers .
And they went the conventional approach with a starting pitcher , winning their 10th consecutive game with Tyler Glasnow on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were clocked at 100-mph or higher , struck out 10 of the 21 batters he faced .
Everyone in the Yankees ’ lineup struck out at least once , with Aaron Judge , Luke Voit , Clint Frazier and Gary Sanchez striking out three times apiece .
The only trick up the Rays ’ sleeve was employing four outfielders during two consecutive plate appearances with closer Nick Anderson on the mound -- in the seventh inning .
Anderson shut the door on the Yankees ’ comeback in the seventh .
They had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anderson entered the game .
No sweat .
Six up , six down , and four strikeouts .
Anderson has yet to give up a hit to the Yankees in his career , retiring all 16 batters he has faced .
“ Pretty Rays standard , ’ ’ Anderson said .
“ It ’ s what kind of pulls us together.
’ ’ The Rays ’ bullpen continued their phenomenal run , shutting the door with a lead , with the Rays having a 28-0 record with the lead after the seventh inning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today was huge , really huge , ’ ’ said Meadows , who homered in the sixth inning .
“ The Yankees are a great team , but we know we can win .
We know we can compete with anybody.
’ ’ The drama sets the stage for the pivotal Game 3 Wednesday with the Yankees starting Masahiro Tanaka , their No .
2 starter against Rays ’ veteran Charlie Morton .
As far as rest of the Yankees ’ plans , who knows ?
They could turn to a combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Boone said , and ace Gerrit Cole in Game 5 , even though he has never pitched on short rest in his career .
All they know is that Cole has pitched twice this postseason , and they ’ ve won the game by a combined score of 21-6 .
In the two games Cole hasn ’ t started , the Yankees have surrendered 16 runs .
The Yankees are going to be forced to think differently to win this series .
Yet , on this night , that kind of thinking @ @ @ @ @

'It didn’t work:' Yankees strategy backfires, Rays slug four homers to even ALDS 1-1
Show Caption Hide Caption Who faces more 'World Series or bust' pressure: Yankees or Dodgers? SportsPulse: Coming into the season, shortened or not, both the Yankees and Dodgers had 'World Series or bust' labels. Our MLB writers debate which team faces more pressure to win it all this season. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
SAN DIEGO -- The New York Yankees tried to out-Ray the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday night, beating them at their own strategic game.
It backfired.
The Yankees, trying to surprise the Rays by using rookie Deivi Garcia as an opener in his start, watched the decision blow up, resulting in a 7-5 loss to the Rays, evening the AL Division Series at 1-game apiece.
The Yankees’ loss spoiled the heroics of slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who hit two more homers, putting him in the same company as Yankee greats Lou Gehrig and Reggie Jackson.
Yet, not even his jaw-dropping power could make up for the strategic misfire.
The Yankees, who have watched the Rays employ the opener to perfection over the years, decided to try it themselves. They started the 21-year-old right-hander, the youngest pitcher to start a postseason game in Yankees’ history.
The Rays, having no idea the Yankees were up to any tricks, placed five left-handed batters in the lineup. They scored one run off Garcia in the first inning on red-hot Randy Arozarena’s home run, only to never see him again.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone pulled Garcia after one inning and summoned left-handed veteran J.A. Happ, hoping to suffocate the Rays lineup with the favorable matchups.
The Rays had other ideas.
The Rays kept hitting, teeing off on Happ, hitting two more homers and scoring four runs on five hits. He faced 17 batters, and nine reached base, with Happ departing after just 2 ⅔ innings.
“Their roster is built to take advantage of the platoon advantage,’’ Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I felt like I was going to go to J.A. pretty early as long as they were going with the heavy lefty lineup. …
“We were trying to force their hand a little early in the game.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t work tonight.’’
The Yankees employed the same strategy a year ago in Game 6 of the ALCS when Chad Green started and Happ came in to relieve, but it ended up with Jose Altuve hitting a walk-off homer that sent the Houston Astros to the World Series.
Did Happ agree with the strategy?
“That is not a question for me to answer,’’ Happ said, saying it belonged to the Yankee decision-makers.
The Rays were prepared for it, DH Austin Meadows said, knowing that a lefty would follow Garcia, but, of course, had no idea it would be after one inning.
It was Stanton who singlehandedly kept the Yankees in the game the rest of the way, putting on a power display that put his 2016 Home Run Derby title at the All-Star Game at Petco Park to shame.
Stanton, after hitting a grand slam in his final at-bat in Game 1 of the series, started his night with an opposite field homer down the right-field line, joining Gehrig and Jackson as the only Yankees to homers in four consecutive postseason games.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a letter-high curveball hit not to straight away right field,’’ Boone said, “but to the right of straight away right field.’’
Stanton, coming to bat again in the fourth inning with the Yankees trailing 5-1, then hit one of the most majestic home runs in postseason history.
The three-run home run was hit so hard, and so far, it almost left a vapor trail. Stanton’s home run into the upper left-field stands traveled 458 feet, with an exit velocity of 118-mph. Stanton also joined Jackson as the only Yankee to homer in three consecutive postseason plate appearances.
GAME 2: Did Aaron Boone's pitching strategy backfire on him?
MOON SHOT: Stanton's monster 458-foot home run
“It was pretty cool,’’ Stanton said of carving a spot in the Yankees record book, “but that stuff you look at after the year. It’s not a thought right now.’’
Yet, while the Yankees wildly celebrated that moment, it was fleeting.
The Yankees kept turning to their bullpen, and the Rays kept churning out homers, with their powerful bullpen stopping any illusions of a comeback.
The Rays just beat them at their own game. They struck out a postseason record 18 batters. They slugged four homers. And they took the conventional approach with a starting pitcher, winning their 10th consecutive game with Tyler Glasnow on the mound.
Glasnow, throwing eight pitches that were clocked at 100-mph or higher, struck out 10 of the 21 batters he faced. Everyone in the Yankees lineup struck out at least once, with Aaron Judge, Luke Voit, Clint Frazier and Gary Sanchez striking out three times apiece.
The only trick up the Rays’ sleeve was employing four outfielders during two consecutive plate appearances with closer Nick Anderson on the mound -- in the seventh inning. Anderson shut the door on the Yankees’ comeback in the seventh. They had two runners on and no outs when Anderson entered the game. No sweat. Six up, six down, and four strikeouts. Anderson has yet to give up a hit to the Yankees in his career, retiring all 16 batters he has faced.
“Pretty Rays standard,’’ Anderson said. “It’s what kind of pulls us together.’’
The Rays bullpen continued its phenomenal run, shutting the door with a lead, with the Rays having a 28-0 record with the lead after the seventh inning.
“For us to bounce back today was huge, really huge,’’ said Meadows, who homered in the sixth inning. “The Yankees are a great team, but we know we can win. We know we can compete with anybody.’’
The drama sets the stage for the pivotal Game 3 Wednesday with the Yankees starting Masahiro Tanaka, their No. 2 starter against Rays veteran Charlie Morton.
As far as rest of the Yankees’ plans, who knows? They could turn to a combination of Garcia and Jordan Montgomery in Game 4, Boone said, and ace Gerrit Cole in Game 5, even though he has never pitched on short rest in his career.
All they know is that Cole has pitched twice this postseason, and they’ve won by a combined score of 21-6. In the two games Cole hasn’t started, the Yankees have surrendered 16 runs.
The Yankees are going to be forced to think differently to win this series.
Yet, on this night, that kind of thinking got them into trouble.
Follow Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale


usatoday--2020-10-07--'Schitt's Creek' star Dan Levy calls out Comedy Central India for 'censorship of gay intimacy'

`` Schitt 's Creek '' star Dan Levy is taking aim at Comedy Central India , saying the network removed a scene from the show that shows two men kissing .
The actor , 37 , retweeted a clip shared on the verified Comedy Central India account , with a message .
`` You showed the kiss between two women , you showed the kiss between a woman and a man , then removed the kiss between two men ?
This is a show about the power of inclusivity .
The censorship of gay intimacy is making a harmful statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the hashtag # loveislove .
In the clip , from Season 5 Episode 5 of the show , Levy ( who plays David ) and Dustin Milligan ( Ted ) as well as Emily Hampshire ( Stevie ) , Annie Murphy ( Alexis ) and Noah Reid ( Patrick ) are seen playing spin the bottle .
A kiss between Stevie and Alexis is shown in the clip , but when Ted 's bottle spin lands on David , we see him approach David and grab his face , but the actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reached out to Comedy Central for comme Levy made it clear in a follow-up tweet that there was n't an issue with the scene in the American version of the show .
`` I thought I made this pretty clear but for those who are confused , this is about a channel in India .
@ ComedyCentral in America is not censoring the show , '' he tweeted .
`` They have been lovely and respectful .
Thank you for your time . ''
Similarly , in 2019 , the version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theaters in China was notably different from the original .
Scenes that were deleted included one in which Freddie Mercury reveals to his then-wife that he is not heterosexual .
In the part of the film where Mercury tells the band that he has AIDS , the dialogue goes silent .
“ The cut scenes really affect the movie , ” said Peng Yanzi , a Chinese LGBT rights activist .
“ The film talks about how ( Mercury ) became himself , and his sexuality is an important part of becoming who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is your favorite one of the decade 's most-censored ?
History on screen : East Germany through its filmmakers ' eyes

'Schitt's Creek' star Dan Levy calls out Comedy Central India for 'censorship of gay intimacy'
Show Caption Hide Caption Dan Levy: 'Schitt's Creek' Emmy wins 'like a dream' “Schitt’s Creek” co-creator and star Dan Levy says "it feels like a dream" after the series completed a historic sweep of Emmys comedy categories. Next: a movie? (Sept. 20) AP
"Schitt's Creek" star Dan Levy is taking aim at Comedy Central India, saying the network removed a scene from the show that shows two men kissing.
The actor, 37, retweeted a clip shared on the verified Comedy Central India account, with a message.
"You showed the kiss between two women, you showed the kiss between a woman and a man, then removed the kiss between two men? This is a show about the power of inclusivity. The censorship of gay intimacy is making a harmful statement against that message," he wrote with the hashtag #loveislove.
In the clip, from Season 5 Episode 5 of the show, Levy (who plays David) and Dustin Milligan (Ted) as well as Emily Hampshire (Stevie), Annie Murphy (Alexis) and Noah Reid (Patrick) are seen playing spin the bottle. A kiss between Stevie and Alexis is shown in the clip, but when Ted's bottle spin lands on David, we see him approach David and grab his face, but the actual kiss is cut out.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY Thursday by spokesperson Janice Gatti, Comedy Central International said the promotional video was edited due to a "content code," but that the episode was broadcast unedited.
"In India, there is a code in place which requires broadcasters to be especially mindful about content running during the day, ensuring its suitable for children," the statement reads, in part. "A lingering, close up and passionate kiss shown during child viewing hours on channels in India may lead to content related issues regardless of whether the kiss was between a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, or between man and man... Comedy Central India supports and celebrates inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community."
You showed the kiss between two women, you showed the kiss between a woman and a man, then removed the kiss between two men? This is a show about the power of inclusivity. The censorship of gay intimacy is making a harmful statement against that message. #loveislove https://t.co/3ouNbuetq1 — dan levy (@danjlevy) October 6, 2020
Levy made it clear in a follow-up tweet that there wasn't an issue with the scene in the American version of the show.
"I thought I made this pretty clear but for those who are confused, this is about a channel in India. @ComedyCentral in America is not censoring the show," he tweeted. "They have been lovely and respectful. Thank you for your time."
Similarly, in 2019, the version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” shown in movie theaters in China was notably different from the original.
Scenes that were deleted included one in which Freddie Mercury reveals to his then-wife that he is not heterosexual. In the part of the film where Mercury tells the band that he has AIDS, the dialogue goes silent.
“The cut scenes really affect the movie,” said Peng Yanzi, a Chinese LGBT rights activist. “The film talks about how (Mercury) became himself, and his sexuality is an important part of becoming who he was.”
Contributing: The Associated Press
Banned Books Week: Is your favorite one of the decade's most-censored?
History on screen: East Germany through its filmmakers' eyes


usatoday--2020-10-07--Opinion: LeBron James seizes moment in 'winning time' to put Lakers on brink of championship

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — LeBron James sensed the moment and the opportunity .
Before the game he sent a text to his teammates calling Game 4 a must-win , and after the game , he called the fourth quarter winning time .
In between , James did what he often does .
He took over in the fourth quarter with the game up for grabs .
The Los Angeles Lakers star scored nine of his 11 fourth-quarter points in the final 6:08 , leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 102-96 victory and a 3-1 series lead against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it one of the biggest games of his career , James finished with 28 points , 12 rebounds and eight assists .
ON THE BRINK : Lakers one win from title after holding off Heat in Game 4 James knows what ’ s at stake for his legacy , the Lakers franchise and his teammates , especially Anthony Davis , who is seeking his first title .
The difference between a 3-1 and 2-2 series might be a game in the win column , but mentally , it 's a considerable gap .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has his team had a 3-1 series lead and lost Game 5 .
The other 12 times , including all three rounds of the Western Conference playoffs this season , James finished off the opponent in five games .
And just twice in James ' career has his team won three games in a series and failed to win .
And in more bad news for the Heat and good news for the Lakers , James is 3-0 in the Finals with a chance to clinch the series .
This is important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these conditions .
If the Lakers win another game in the series , it will be James ’ fourth title , easing criticism of his Finals record , and his third championship with a third team , joining John Salley and Robert Horry as the only players to do that .
`` When I woke up from my nap this morning after our team meeting , I just felt that , '' James said of the need to send his teammates a text .
`` I felt that vibe .
I felt that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally , this was one of the biggest games of my career .
I just wanted to relay that message to my teammates , the type of zone I was in , the type of moment it was , and the kind of team we were playing against .
... '' I feel like if we 're going to be a championship ballclub , if we want to really be a championship team , that we got to have that same grit and that same attitude .
It was my mindset .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see my mind kind of working right now . ''
The score was 83-83 midway through the fourth quarter , and Miami was playing well enough to win the game .
That ’ s when James exerted his dominance .
In the next four minutes , James scored six points and assisted on two 3-pointers , and the Lakers had a 95-88 lead .
Los Angeles is now 56-0 this season when leading after three quarters .
`` The fourth quarter , obviously it 's winning time , '' James said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down defensively with the lead , kind of hold that lead , and then you have to execute offensively .
Obviously , I did n't know the stat coming into tonight .
But for us , that 's just the mindset .
We 've got 12 minutes . ''
James has been special in the last quarter of the Finals .
Of a possible 48 fourth-quarter minutes , he has played 46 minutes , 23 seconds and is averaging 8.5 points , 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists and shooting 48.1 % from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season , I do n't care about rest .
I really do n't , '' said James who stayed up until 4:30 a.m. breaking down film after Game 1 .
`` I do n't care about sleep .
I do n't care about resting throughout the game .
Obviously , I come out of the game .
Coach ( Frank Vogel ) has a rhythm and rotation that we live by and we go by .
But I do n't care about resting because I can rest in a week , max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I could rest for a month straight , which I wo n't do because of who I am .
You guys know that .
But I can rest then .
I can sleep eight hours and get up and eat and then go right back to sleep if I want to . ''
One more victory and James can get all the rest he wants .

Opinion: LeBron James seizes moment in 'winning time' to put Lakers on brink of championship
Show Caption Hide Caption Anthony Davis clutch as Lakers now one win away from a title SportsPulse: This is why the Lakers acquired Anthony Davis. After another strong performance from their big man in Game 4, Los Angeles is one win away from clinching its first title since 2010. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — LeBron James sensed the moment and the opportunity.
Before the game he sent a text to his teammates calling Game 4 a must-win, and after the game, he called the fourth quarter winning time.
In between, James did what he often does. He took over in the fourth quarter with the game up for grabs.
The Los Angeles Lakers star scored nine of his 11 fourth-quarter points in the final 6:08, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 102-96 victory and a 3-1 series lead against the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
Calling it one of the biggest games of his career, James finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
ON THE BRINK: Lakers one win from title after holding off Heat in Game 4
REBOUND: Inside AD's bounce-back performance in Lakers' Game 4 win
James knows what’s at stake for his legacy, the Lakers franchise and his teammates, especially Anthony Davis, who is seeking his first title.
The difference between a 3-1 and 2-2 series might be a game in the win column, but mentally, it's a considerable gap.
Just three times in James' career has his team had a 3-1 series lead and lost Game 5. The other 12 times, including all three rounds of the Western Conference playoffs this season, James finished off the opponent in five games. And just twice in James' career has his team won three games in a series and failed to win.
And in more bad news for the Heat and good news for the Lakers, James is 3-0 in the Finals with a chance to clinch the series.
This is important to him, to win another title under these conditions. If the Lakers win another game in the series, it will be James’ fourth title, easing criticism of his Finals record, and his third championship with a third team, joining John Salley and Robert Horry as the only players to do that.
"When I woke up from my nap this morning after our team meeting, I just felt that," James said of the need to send his teammates a text. "I felt that vibe. I felt that pressure. I felt like for me personally, this was one of the biggest games of my career. I just wanted to relay that message to my teammates, the type of zone I was in, the type of moment it was, and the kind of team we were playing against. ...
"I feel like if we're going to be a championship ballclub, if we want to really be a championship team, that we got to have that same grit and that same attitude. It was my mindset. I'm still in it. You can see my mind kind of working right now."
The score was 83-83 midway through the fourth quarter, and Miami was playing well enough to win the game. That’s when James exerted his dominance. In the next four minutes, James scored six points and assisted on two 3-pointers, and the Lakers had a 95-88 lead.
LeBron James made it clear: Up 3-1 in the #NBAFinals, rest is the last thing he's concerned about. pic.twitter.com/ZjqM0sjrhD — USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) October 7, 2020
Los Angeles is now 56-0 this season when leading after three quarters.
"The fourth quarter, obviously it's winning time," James said. "You've got 12 minutes to buckle down defensively with the lead, kind of hold that lead, and then you have to execute offensively. Obviously, I didn't know the stat coming into tonight. But for us, that's just the mindset. We've got 12 minutes."
James has been special in the last quarter of the Finals. Of a possible 48 fourth-quarter minutes, he has played 46 minutes, 23 seconds and is averaging 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists and shooting 48.1% from the field.
"At this point in the season, I don't care about rest. I really don't," said James who stayed up until 4:30 a.m. breaking down film after Game 1. "I don't care about sleep. I don't care about resting throughout the game. Obviously, I come out of the game. Coach (Frank Vogel) has a rhythm and rotation that we live by and we go by. But I don't care about resting because I can rest in a week, max, if it happens to go there. I could rest for a month straight, which I won't do because of who I am. You guys know that. But I can rest then. I can sleep eight hours and get up and eat and then go right back to sleep if I want to."
One more victory and James can get all the rest he wants.
Follow Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt.