usatoday--2020-11-02--Authorities found 27 missing children in Virginia. Here's what we know about the operation.

Many of the 27 children located by the U.S .
Marshals Service in Virginia were runaways , sometimes found with other family members , and teens in the foster care system , federal officials said .
A news release from the Department of Justice on Friday said that 27 children in Virginia were recovered as part of an operation over five days with federal agents , local law enforcement , state social services officials and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children .
However , while the cases were announced together as part of a larger operation , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and each is independent of one another , said Peter Marketos , Chief Deputy U.S .
Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia .
`` A lot of ( the cases ) have their unique set of circumstances , '' Marketos said .
Many of the children `` either ran away or go into what they perceived as a less dangerous situation than what they were in . ''
None of the cases involved a child being abducted by someone they did not know , and many were `` essentially kids in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy U.S .
Marshal Frank Schermer for the Western District of Virginia .
`` This is not part of a child smuggling ring or anything of that nature , '' he said .
'Out of harm 's way ' : US Marshals Service leads recovery of 27 missing children in Virginia Here 's what we know : Agents from the U.S .
Marshals Service assisted local law enforcement , Virginia 's Department of Social Services and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to recover the 27 children , the Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing were found to be in the custody of their legal guardians during the operation , the statement added .
Most of the children were in their late teens and many ran away from foster care situations , Schermer said .
The operation involved 27 separate incidents that were carried out over the course of five days in Virginia , he added .
Agents typically got information about the cases from the state 's social services department and the missing children 's center and helped in locating the child , Schermer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ where those 27 kids are found in one house , '' Angela Aufmuth , the executive director of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 's analytical programs , said of similar cases like the one in Virginia .
In some cases , federal authorities were involved because a child had gone missing from one jurisdiction and fled to another , Marketos added .
A few of the children were in situations where they could have fallen victim to sex trafficking , added Schermer .
In at least one case , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about housing one of the children , Schermer said .
Drugs and a pistol were found at the house , he added .
Other recoveries part of 'concerted effort , ' but no 'spike ' in missing children cases Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen said in a statement that the U.S .
Marshals Service this year has recovered more than 440 missing children .
The U.S .
Marshals last week announced the recovery of 45 missing children , resulting in 179 arrests , during an operation across Ohio .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , following an August effort that led to the discovery of 25 missing children in less than three weeks .
Also this year , an operation in Georgia led to the recovery of 39 children in August and one in September found eight missing children in Indiana .
Since 2005 , the U.S .
Marshals have recovered more than 2,000 missing children , including a 75 % success rate in received cases in the last five years , according to the release .
A 2015 law , the Justice for Victims of Trafficking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marshals Service to assist local , state and federal officials in locating missing children when requested , Schermer noted .
Schermer said , however , that operation is a result of increased capacity and shifted priorities of the U.S .
Marshals Service , not an increase in missing children cases .
It 's not `` necessarily a spike ( in missing children cases ) but a more concerted effort on this area that needs attention , '' added Marketos .
According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse , a Syracuse University research group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child sex trafficking prosecutions have actually fallen in recent years .
In 2019 , the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children assisted law enforcement and families with more than 29,000 cases of missing children .
More than 90 % of those cases were `` endangered runaways , '' defined by the Center as `` a child under the age of 18 who is missing on his or her own accord and whose whereabouts are unknown to their parent or legal guardian . ''
The Center says these children are `` highly vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are missing .
In many cases , children who run away feel unsafe at home or face abuse or family conflict , among other factors , according to the Center .
`` These kids who do go missing and have these vulnerability already ... are much more vulnerable to people who do n't have their best interest at heart , '' Aufmuth said .
According to Aufmuth and the Center 's data , 1 in 6 endangered runaways in 2019 were likely victims of sex trafficking .
In most cases , that involves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex trafficking by one individual , Aufmuth said .
Still , people often have an image in their head of a missing child case being an abduction , which is `` extremely rare and a very small percentage of missing child operations , '' Aufmuth said .

Authorities found 27 missing children in Virginia. Here's what we know about the operation.
Many of the 27 children located by the U.S. Marshals Service in Virginia were runaways, sometimes found with other family members, and teens in the foster care system, federal officials said.
A news release from the Department of Justice on Friday said that 27 children in Virginia were recovered as part of an operation over five days with federal agents, local law enforcement, state social services officials and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
However, while the cases were announced together as part of a larger operation, there is no suspected criminal enterprise linking the cases and each is independent of one another, said Peter Marketos, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia.
"A lot of (the cases) have their unique set of circumstances," Marketos said. Many of the children "either ran away or go into what they perceived as a less dangerous situation than what they were in."
None of the cases involved a child being abducted by someone they did not know, and many were "essentially kids in a bad situation," added Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Frank Schermer for the Western District of Virginia.
"This is not part of a child smuggling ring or anything of that nature," he said.
'Out of harm's way': US Marshals Service leads recovery of 27 missing children in Virginia
Here's what we know:
What happened in Virginia?
Agents from the U.S. Marshals Service assisted local law enforcement, Virginia's Department of Social Services and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to recover the 27 children, the Justice Department said Friday.
Six other children reported missing were found to be in the custody of their legal guardians during the operation, the statement added.
Most of the children were in their late teens and many ran away from foster care situations, Schermer said.
The operation involved 27 separate incidents that were carried out over the course of five days in Virginia, he added. Agents typically got information about the cases from the state's social services department and the missing children's center and helped in locating the child, Schermer said.
"It's definitely not a situation where those 27 kids are found in one house," Angela Aufmuth, the executive director of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's analytical programs, said of similar cases like the one in Virginia.
In some cases, federal authorities were involved because a child had gone missing from one jurisdiction and fled to another, Marketos added.
A few of the children were in situations where they could have fallen victim to sex trafficking, added Schermer. In at least one case, two individuals were charged with obstruction for lying about housing one of the children, Schermer said. Drugs and a pistol were found at the house, he added.
Other recoveries part of 'concerted effort,' but no 'spike' in missing children cases
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen said in a statement that the U.S. Marshals Service this year has recovered more than 440 missing children.
The U.S. Marshals last week announced the recovery of 45 missing children, resulting in 179 arrests, during an operation across Ohio. It was the second such mission in the Buckeye State, following an August effort that led to the discovery of 25 missing children in less than three weeks.
Also this year, an operation in Georgia led to the recovery of 39 children in August and one in September found eight missing children in Indiana.
Since 2005, the U.S. Marshals have recovered more than 2,000 missing children, including a 75% success rate in received cases in the last five years, according to the release.
A 2015 law, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, also enabled the U.S. Marshals Service to assist local, state and federal officials in locating missing children when requested, Schermer noted.
Schermer said, however, that operation is a result of increased capacity and shifted priorities of the U.S. Marshals Service, not an increase in missing children cases.
It's not "necessarily a spike (in missing children cases) but a more concerted effort on this area that needs attention," added Marketos.
According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a Syracuse University research group that analyses federal law enforcement data, child sex trafficking prosecutions have actually fallen in recent years.
Most missing children cases are 'endangered runaways'
In 2019, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children assisted law enforcement and families with more than 29,000 cases of missing children. More than 90% of those cases were "endangered runaways," defined by the Center as "a child under the age of 18 who is missing on his or her own accord and whose whereabouts are unknown to their parent or legal guardian."
The Center says these children are "highly vulnerable" and may be homeless while they are missing. In many cases, children who run away feel unsafe at home or face abuse or family conflict, among other factors, according to the Center.
"These kids who do go missing and have these vulnerability already ... are much more vulnerable to people who don't have their best interest at heart," Aufmuth said.
According to Aufmuth and the Center's data, 1 in 6 endangered runaways in 2019 were likely victims of sex trafficking. In most cases, that involves a child over time being groomed into sex trafficking by one individual, Aufmuth said.
Still, people often have an image in their head of a missing child case being an abduction, which is "extremely rare and a very small percentage of missing child operations," Aufmuth said.
Contributing: Steve Kiggins, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-03--Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival Corp. cancel cruises through the end of the year

Royal Caribbean Group , Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and Carnival Corp. announced Monday that they are canceling most cruises through the end of the year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues .
The announcements come on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's `` Framework for Conditional Sailing Order , '' which replaced the eight-month `` no sail '' order that expired over the weekend .
The new order , published Friday , allows cruise ships to sail in U.S. waters as of this week , but the first cruises to leave port wo n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be simulation sailings designed to show that ships and crews are in compliance with CDC standards and able to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 onboard .
Royal Caribbean Group , which owns several cruise lines , including Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises , Silversea and Azamara , said the extended suspension through the end of the year does not apply to sailings from Singapore .
And some of its lines have canceled cruises into 2021 : Celebrity Cruises suspended its full 2020/2021 winter program in Australia and Asia , and Azamara canceled its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zealand , South Africa and South America , according to a news release on the company 's website .
The cruise lines will reach out to affected passengers .
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. , which owns Norwegian Cruise Line , Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises , has extended its cruising suspension through Dec. 31 .
Passengers with affected voyages should contact the cruise line or their travel adviser , the company said in a news release .
Likewise , Carnival Corp. , which operates nine of the world 's leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release Monday that it will extend its operations pause for North American brands through Dec. 31 .
Cruise lines affected by this suspension include Carnival Cruise Line , Cunard North America , Holland America Line , Princess Cruises and Seabourn .
The companies had previously announced cruise suspensions through Nov. 30 .
Though some cruises have restarted with new COVID-19 protocols in Asia and Europe , ocean cruises have yet to restart in U.S. waters and have been suspended since mid-March .
The cruise industry announced mandatory health and safety changes in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cruise Lines International Association ( CLIA ) , the main cruise trade organization , and its members , which carry 95 % of the world 's oceangoing cruisers , adopted mandatory health protocols for vessels that can carry 250 or more passengers that include crew and passenger testing , mask wearing , enhanced cruise ship ventilation , stringent response procedures and shore excursion protocols .
CLIA worked with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian 's `` Healthy Sail Panel , '' other cruise lines and health experts and examined sailings with new protocols in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of Royal Caribbean Group , believes that the industry has found a way to move forward .
`` We do believe it is possible to make it that you are safer on a cruise ship than you are on 'Main Street ' , '' he said on the company 's earnings call Thursday .

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival Corp. cancel cruises through the end of the year
Show Caption Hide Caption Cruises: What will they look like during the COVID-19 pandemic? Cruise Lines International Association, which represents 95% of the cruise industry, introduced mandatory requirements to be able to set sail again. USA TODAY
Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and Carnival Corp. announced Monday that they are canceling most cruises through the end of the year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The announcements come on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Framework for Conditional Sailing Order," which replaced the eight-month "no sail" order that expired over the weekend. The new order, published Friday, allows cruise ships to sail in U.S. waters as of this week, but the first cruises to leave port won't have paying passengers; instead, they'll be simulation sailings designed to show that ships and crews are in compliance with CDC standards and able to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 onboard.
Royal Caribbean Group, which owns several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea and Azamara, said the extended suspension through the end of the year does not apply to sailings from Singapore. And some of its lines have canceled cruises into 2021: Celebrity Cruises suspended its full 2020/2021 winter program in Australia and Asia, and Azamara canceled its 2020/2021 winter sailings in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America, according to a news release on the company's website. The cruise lines will reach out to affected passengers.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., which owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has extended its cruising suspension through Dec. 31. Passengers with affected voyages should contact the cruise line or their travel adviser, the company said in a news release.
Likewise, Carnival Corp., which operates nine of the world's leading cruise lines, announced in a press release Monday that it will extend its operations pause for North American brands through Dec. 31. Cruise lines affected by this suspension include Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard North America, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.
The companies had previously announced cruise suspensions through Nov. 30.
Though some cruises have restarted with new COVID-19 protocols in Asia and Europe, ocean cruises have yet to restart in U.S. waters and have been suspended since mid-March.
The cruise industry announced mandatory health and safety changes in September in preparation for a return to cruising.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the main cruise trade organization, and its members, which carry 95% of the world's oceangoing cruisers, adopted mandatory health protocols for vessels that can carry 250 or more passengers that include crew and passenger testing, mask wearing, enhanced cruise ship ventilation, stringent response procedures and shore excursion protocols.
CLIA worked with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian's "Healthy Sail Panel," other cruise lines and health experts and examined sailings with new protocols in place in Europe.
Richard Fain, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, believes that the industry has found a way to move forward.
"We do believe it is possible to make it that you are safer on a cruise ship than you are on 'Main Street'," he said on the company's earnings call Thursday.
Contributing: Morgan Hines


usatoday--2020-11-03--Bill Belichick defends salary cap stance, says Patriots 'sold out' for recent Super Bowl success

The post-Tom Brady era in New England could be going better .
After Sunday 's defeat to the Buffalo Bills , the Patriots have lost four consecutive games — their worst losing streak in 18 years .
New England is on the fast track toward missing the playoffs for just the third time in the past two decades .
In his weekly radio interview on WEEI in Boston , Patriots coach Bill Belichick got defensive when asked about his comments from a Sirius XM NFL Radio interview last week citing the salary cap for his team 's depth issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an excuse .
I never said that , '' Belichick said .
`` Look , we paid Cam Newton a million dollars .
It 's obvious we did n't have any money .
It 's nobody 's fault .
`` That 's what we did the last five years .
We sold out and won three Super Bowls , played in a fourth , and played in an AFC championship game .
This year we have less to work with .
It 's not an excuse .
It 's just a fact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Tomlin has Steelers looking like legitimate Super Bowl contender NFL NEWSLETTER : Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox Brady 's departure to Tampa Bay was just the start of an offseason exodus in New England .
No team was hit harder by players opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Patriots had eight players opt out , including Pro Bowl linebacker Dont ' a Hightower , veteran safety Patrick Chung and starting offensive tackle Marcus Cannon .
The Newton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of genius in late June , has n't exactly panned out as expected .
A positive COVID-19 test sidelined the former Carolina Panthers star and 2015 NFL MVP for a Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs , which New England lost , and the Patriots have n't won since his return .
Newton 's passing numbers for the season ( 2 TDs , 7 INTs , 190.5 yards a game ) have been mediocre .
In a crucial moment in Sunday 's game , with his team in position for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a potential winning score , Newton fumbled the ball on a scramble , handing the Bills a rare victory over the Patriots .
If you enjoy talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders .
Do the right thing , sign up now !

Bill Belichick defends salary cap stance, says Patriots 'sold out' for recent Super Bowl success
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Montana on Brady winning breakup with Patriots: 'He saw the demise' SportsPulse: In speaking to Mackenzie Salmon about the on-field success Tom Brady is having at age 43, Joe Montana questions his own retirement and voices some regret about the timing of it. USA TODAY
The post-Tom Brady era in New England could be going better.
After Sunday's defeat to the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots have lost four consecutive games — their worst losing streak in 18 years. New England is on the fast track toward missing the playoffs for just the third time in the past two decades.
In his weekly radio interview on WEEI in Boston, Patriots coach Bill Belichick got defensive when asked about his comments from a Sirius XM NFL Radio interview last week citing the salary cap for his team's depth issues.
"I didn't say it as an excuse. I never said that," Belichick said. "Look, we paid Cam Newton a million dollars. It's obvious we didn't have any money. It's nobody's fault.
"That's what we did the last five years. We sold out and won three Super Bowls, played in a fourth, and played in an AFC championship game. This year we have less to work with. It's not an excuse. It's just a fact."
WEEK 8 WINNERS, LOSERS: Mike Tomlin has Steelers looking like legitimate Super Bowl contender
OPINION: These 6 NFL contenders show potentially fatal flaws
NFL NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox
Brady's departure to Tampa Bay was just the start of an offseason exodus in New England. No team was hit harder by players opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns of the coronavirus pandemic. The Patriots had eight players opt out, including Pro Bowl linebacker Dont'a Hightower, veteran safety Patrick Chung and starting offensive tackle Marcus Cannon.
The Newton signing, hailed as a potential stroke of genius in late June, hasn't exactly panned out as expected. A positive COVID-19 test sidelined the former Carolina Panthers star and 2015 NFL MVP for a Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which New England lost, and the Patriots haven't won since his return.
Newton's passing numbers for the season (2 TDs, 7 INTs, 190.5 yards a game) have been mediocre. In a crucial moment in Sunday's game, with his team in position for a tying field goal position and still driving for a potential winning score, Newton fumbled the ball on a scramble, handing the Bills a rare victory over the Patriots.
If you enjoy talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!


usatoday--2020-11-02--Five-year-old meets anonymous donor who cured him

Nicholas started receiving blood transfusions when he was only six weeks old .
Thanks to DKMS and his donor , @ @ @ @ @ him .

Five-year-old meets anonymous donor who cured him
Nicholas started receiving blood transfusions when he was only six weeks old. Thanks to DKMS and his donor, that life is now behind him.
Humankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-02--Former President Barack Obama makes three-pointer while campaigning for Biden in Michigan

Former President Barack Obama makes three-pointer while campaigning for Biden in Michigan Former President Barack Obama could n't pass up @ @ @ @ @ basketball even on the campaign trail for Joe Biden .

Obama sinks three-pointer while campaigning for Biden in Michigan
Former President Barack Obama couldn't pass up an opportunity to play some basketball even on the campaign trail for Joe Biden.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-09-23--Did you get our text? Sign up for Election Day updates.

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With many subscribers though , it ’ s not always @ @ @ @ @ question .
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Great minds think alike !

Our hosts do their best to answer you directly. With many subscribers though, it’s not always possible to respond to every question. You may find that your question is addressed by the host in a text to all subscribers, as other subscribers were asking the same question. Great minds think alike!


usatoday--2020-11-03--Election Day turns into judgment day for social media: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are on high ale

Election Day turns into judgment day for social media: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are on high alert

All the preparations of the past four years to protect the election have come down to this .
Facebook , Twitter and Google-owned YouTube are pulling on their battle fatigues .
They will be on high alert Tuesday and in coming days for any effort to destabilize the election or delegitimize the results .
This heightened state is the result of the 2016 presidential election when the major online platforms were caught with their guard down as Russians inflamed the electorate with divisive messages and falsehoods and hoaxes ran rampant .
This time , the stakes are even higher .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has ripped through social media in recent months may lead to an unprecedented torrent of misinformation , voter suppression efforts , even fomenting of violence , observers say .
On Election Eve , Facebook and Twitter posted a warning label on a President Donald Trump post .
Twitter said his assertion that a recent Supreme Court decision could lead to problems and even violence in the election in Pennsylvania was misleading , and Twitter users were prevented from liking or replying to the tweet .
Facebook also fact-checked the president , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` extremely rare . ''
The result of a policy announced in September , the Facebook label is slapped on posts that seek to delegitimize the outcome of the election or discuss the legitimacy of voting methods .
`` Platforms know this is a referendum on their futures and how they ’ ll be regulated .
The public is aware of the risks and social media companies know they need to demonstrate they are trying , '' said Jennifer Grygiel , a communications professor at Syracuse University who studies social media , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' they said , `` is about as safe as skydiving without a parachute . ''
Facebook election : Facebook bans ads that seek to delegitimize the election or make false claims about voting Facebook and Twitter warn on Trump post : Facebook and Twitter post warning on President Trump ’ s election eve Supreme Court tweet Facebook says it has invested billions of dollars and assigned more than 35,000 people to fight harmful content from “ coordinated inauthentic behavior ” ( accounts that work together to spread misinformation ) to foreign interference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate or party declares premature victory before the race is called by major media outlets , Facebook will add labels on candidates ’ posts and will put a notification at the top of News Feed to alert voters that no winner has been projected .
It will also continue to show updated and accurate information in the Voting Information Center .
After polls close , Facebook will run a notification at the top of Facebook and Instagram and label voting-related posts from everyone , including politicians , with a link to its Voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for president , the Senate , and the House .
A voting alerts tool will allow state and local election authorities to reach constituents with notifications on Facebook .
The voting alerts will also appear in the Voting Information Center .
Facebook has readied “ break-glass ” tools to deploy if election-related violence erupts .
These tools slow the spread of inflammatory posts .
Facebook stopped accepting new political ads a week before the election and plans to suspend all political ads on Facebook and Instagram after the polls close Tuesday .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turning off political and social group recommendations , removing a feature in Instagram hashtag pages and restricting the forwarding of messages in its WhatsApp messaging app .
Before the election , Twitter made aggressive changes to curb misinformation by labeling tweets on mail-in voting and COVID-19 , even from prominent political figures including President Trump .
On Election Day , the company says it will take action against any tweet that claims victory before the election is called by state election officials or projected by authoritative national news outlets .
Election Day preparation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a turbulent election and post-election cycle Trump Facebook feuds : Nothing could have prepared social media users for the full-blown partisan warfare of 2020 Tweets that include premature claims of victory will be labeled and will direct users to Twitter ’ s election page which contains credible election information .
The company says it may add a warning label or remove tweets that incite people to interfere with the election or encourage violence .
Twitter said it would prioritize labeling tweets about the presidential race and any other hotly contested races “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misleading information.
” When people attempt to retweet a tweet with a misleading information label , they ’ ll see a prompt pointing them to credible information before they are able to amplify it .
During the election and at least through election week , Twitter will try to slow down the spread of misinformation by encouraging users to add their own commentary before amplifying content ( in other words prompting them to “ Quote Tweet ” instead of retweeting someone else ’ s post ) .
You will have to tap through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information from U.S. political figures , U.S. based accounts with more than 100,000 followers or accounts that get a lot of engagement , Twitter says .
You will not be able to retweet those posts but you can quote tweet them .
Likes , retweets and replies will also be turned off .
In September , Twitter launched an election hub to make it easier for users to find accurate voting and election information .
It also banned political ads before the election .
Its stand : political reach “ should be earned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , YouTube , the popular video platform owned by Google , says it will prominently display election results in an information panel at the top of search results for a wide range of queries related to the election and under videos that discuss the election .
The panel will warn users that the results may not be final and will link to a Google election page which will track results in real time based on data from The Associated Press .
As polls close , YouTube will also point users to live streams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlets .
YouTube said it would “ elevate ” these outlets in election-related news and information queries in search results and “ watch next ” panels , too .
YouTube says it does not allow videos that mislead voters or that encourage people to interfere in the election and will quickly take down any violating videos .
Google says it will temporarily suspend election ads on Google and YouTube after the polls close .

Judgment day for Facebook and Twitter: Trump election eve posts provide early Election Day test
Show Caption Hide Caption Election 2020: Americans worried about response to election results Here are the biggest takeaways from a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll, taken after the final presidential debate. USA TODAY
For social media, it wasn't Election Day. It was judgment day.
All the preparations of the past four years to protect the election have come down to this. On high alert, Facebook, Twitter and Google-owned YouTube pulled on their battle fatigues to quickly spot any effort to destabilize the election or delegitimize the results.
This heightened state is the result of the 2016 presidential election when the major online platforms were caught with their guard down as Russians inflamed the electorate with divisive messages, and falsehoods and hoaxes ran rampant.
This time, the stakes are even higher. The full-blown partisan warfare of presidential campaigning that ripped through social media in recent months may lead to an unprecedented torrent of misinformation, voter suppression efforts and even fomenting of violence, observers say.
Facebook election: Facebook bans ads that seek to delegitimize the election or make false claims about voting
Facebook and Twitter warn on Trump post: Facebook and Twitter post warning on President Trump’s election eve Supreme Court tweet
It began on election eve when Facebook and Twitter posted a warning label on a President Donald Trump post. Twitter said his assertion that a recent Supreme Court decision could lead to problems and even violence in the Pennsylvania election was misleading, and Twitter users were prevented from liking or replying to the tweet.
Slamming on the brakes quickly slowed its spread, according to misinformation researchers at the Election Integrity Partnership, but the tweet had already been retweeted more than 55,000 times and favorited more than 126,000 times.
Facebook also fact-checked the president, with a label that says voting fraud is "extremely rare." The result of a policy announced in September, the Facebook label is slapped on posts that seek to delegitimize the outcome of the election or discuss the legitimacy of voting methods.
More tweets were flagged on Election Day. Another by the GOP alleging voting irregularities in Philadelphia soon sported this warning: "Some or all of the content shared in this Tweet is disputed and might be misleading about an election or other civic process."
"Platforms know this is a referendum on their futures and how they’ll be regulated. The public is aware of the risks and social media companies know they need to demonstrate they are trying," Jennifer Grygiel, a communications professor at Syracuse University who studies social media, told USA TODAY.
Facebook
Facebook says it has invested billions of dollars and assigned more than 35,000 people to fight harmful content, from “coordinated inauthentic behavior” (accounts that work together to spread misinformation) to foreign interference to election-related misinformation.
"Our Election Operations Center will continue monitoring a range of issues in real time –including reports of voter suppression content. If we see attempts to suppress participation, intimidate voters, or organize to do so, the content will be removed," the company said Monday night.
The team staffing that center will also track other issues, such as the swarming of Joe Biden campaign buses over the week, Facebook said.
"We are monitoring closely and will remove content calling for coordinated harm or interference with anyone’s ability to vote," the company said.
If a presidential candidate or party declares premature victory before the race is called by major media outlets, Facebook said it will add labels on candidates’ posts and will put a notification at the top of News Feed to alert voters that no winner has been projected. It will also continue to show updated and accurate information in the Voting Information Center.
After polls close, Facebook will run a notification at the top of Facebook and Instagram and label voting-related posts from everyone, including politicians, with a link to its Voting Information Center giving the latest state-by-state results for president, the Senate and the House.
A voting alerts tool will allow state and local election authorities to reach constituents with notifications on Facebook. The voting alerts will also appear in the Voting Information Center.
Facebook has readied “break-glass” tools to deploy if election-related violence erupts. These tools slow the spread of inflammatory posts.
Facebook stopped accepting new political ads a week before the election and plans to suspend all political ads on Facebook and Instagram after the polls close Tuesday.
It has also temporarily limited popular features, turning off political and social group recommendations, removing a feature in Instagram hashtag pages and restricting the forwarding of messages in its WhatsApp messaging app.
Twitter
Before the election, Twitter made aggressive changes to curb misinformation by labeling tweets on mail-in voting and COVID-19, even from prominent political figures including Trump.
On Election Day, the company says it will take action against any tweet that claims victory before the race is called by state election officials or projected by authoritative national news outlets.
Election Day preparation: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube brace for a turbulent election and post-election cycle
Trump Facebook feuds: Nothing could have prepared social media users for the full-blown partisan warfare of 2020
Tweets that include premature claims of victory will be labeled and will direct users to Twitter’s election page, which contains credible election information. The company says it may add a warning label or remove tweets that incite people to interfere with the election or encourage violence.
Twitter said it would prioritize labeling tweets about the presidential race and any other hotly contested races “where there may be significant issues with misleading information.”
When people attempt to retweet a tweet with a misleading information label, they’ll see a prompt pointing them to credible information before they are able to amplify it.
During the election and at least through election week, Twitter will try to slow down the spread of misinformation by encouraging users to add their own commentary before amplifying content (in other words prompting them to “Quote Tweet” instead of retweeting someone else’s post).
Users will have to tap through a warning to see tweets with misleading information from U.S. political figures, U.S. based accounts with more than 100,000 followers or accounts that get a lot of engagement, Twitter says. Users will not be able to retweet those posts but can quote tweet them. Likes, retweets and replies will also be turned off.
In September, Twitter launched an election hub to make it easier for users to find accurate voting and election information. It also banned political ads before the election. Its stand: political reach “should be earned, not bought.”
YouTube
On Election Day, YouTube, the popular video platform owned by Google, says it will prominently display election results in an information panel at the top of search results for a wide range of queries related to the election and under videos that discuss the election.
The panel will warn users that the results may not be final and will link to a Google election page that will track results in real time based on data from The Associated Press.
As polls close, YouTube will also point users to live streams of election night coverage from authoritative news outlets. YouTube said it would “elevate” these outlets in election-related news and information queries in search results and “watch next” panels, too.
YouTube says it does not allow videos that mislead voters or that encourage people to interfere in the election and will quickly take down any violating videos.
Google says it will temporarily suspend election ads on Google and YouTube after the polls close.


usatoday--2020-11-02--Comparing Trump's and Biden's plans to end the COVID-19 pandemic

As the number of U.S. COVID-19 cases per day reaches record levels , millions of voters are deciding whether former Vice President Joe Biden or President Donald Trump will lead them through the rest of the pandemic .
The recent increase in cases is driven by the spread in rural communities , including parts of Wisconsin , Iowa , and Minnesota .
So far , the disease has killed more than 231,000 people in the United States and more than 9 million Americans have contracted the virus .
The pandemic ranks second to the economy among issues guiding voters ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation .
We examined the candidates ' speeches , tweets and websites before comparing their plans for handling the COVID-19 pandemic .
We ranked their level of support for the issue and how specifically they addressed it .
We assigned each quote a score from 0 to 6 , with 0 representing strong opposition to the issue , and 6 , indicating strong support for the issue .
The graphics show an average score for each candidate 's quotes and/or plans on a specific issue .
According to New York Times reporting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on businesses , leaving mask guidelines and social distancing rules in place .
However , some governors have again closed certain sectors of the economy or considered implementing new restrictions .
California , Illinois and New York are among those states reversing their reopening .
`` They said would I lock down the – the economy if science said so .
I said I 'd follow science .
What I – but I do n't think there 's a need to lock down . ''
`` I would make sure that we set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open up schools and open up businesses so they can be safe , and give them the wherewithal and financial resources to be able to do that . ''
`` If you have a reproduction rate in a community that 's above a certain level , everybody says , slow up .
More social distancing .
Do not open bars and do not open gymnasiums .
Do not open until you get this under control , under more control .
But when you do open , give the people the capacity to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it safely .
For example schools – schools , they need a lot of money to open .
They need to deal with ventilation systems , they need to deal with smaller classes , more teachers , more pods . ''
According to Trump 's second term agenda he plans for returning to normal in 2021 .
`` People know what to do – they can social distance , they can wash their hands , they can wear a mask , they can do whatever they want – but they 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People want their schools open .
They do n't want to be shut down .
They do n't want their states to be shut down .
They want their restaurants . ''
`` Lockdowns are killing countries all over the world .
The cure can not be worse than the problem itself .
Open up your states , Democrat governors .
Open up New York .
A long battle , but they finally did the right thing ! ''
`` We had the greatest economy we ever had .
We had to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives .
We ’ re opening it up .
We have a V-shape and it ’ s coming back .
It ’ s coming back very fast . ''
`` You can ’ t let this continue to go on with the lockdowns . ''
According to data compiled by Education Week , most decisions about school reopenings have been made on the local level , with states providing guidelines or recommendations .
Only a handful of states have ordered every student to spend their school days inside classrooms .
Biden plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools – particularly Title I schools – to cover costs of personal protective equipment , training , adjustments of classes , buses and sanitation , according to the plan on reopening schools .
`` You make sure there 's testing .
That 's a really critical piece that he did n't do , testing and tracing .
And you make sure that people are equipped going to schools . ''
`` We need more teachers in our schools to be able to open , smaller pods .
We need ventilation systems change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared teachers `` essential worke '' in a move aimed at pushing school districts to open for in-person instruction .
`` The support my administration is providing would allow every state to , on a very regular basis , test every teacher who needs it . ''
“ Get your governor to open up your state .
And get your schools open !
” '' It happens .
People have it , and it goes .
Get the kids back to school . ''
With the Senate adjourned on Oct. 26 and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is little hope for a new stimulus package to be approved before Election Day .
`` We should be providing the money the House has passed in order to be able to go out and get people the help they need to keep their businesses open . ''
`` I would like to see a bigger stimulus package , frankly , than either the Democrats or the Republicans are offering . ''
`` If Nancy Pelosi and I , through my representatives or directly , I don ’ t care , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will agree to it . ''
`` After the election , we 'll get the best stimulus package you 've ever seen . ''
According to Yahoo Money , at least 46 states have paid out all benefits available under the Lost Wages Assistance ( LWA ) program , and the remaining will just pay for the weeks up to Sept. 5 .
The program was created by an Aug. 8 executive memo from Trump in an attempt to bypass stalled negotiations on a stimulus bill in Congress .
According to Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will create a health crisis unemployment initiative to help all workers facing a loss of work due to the COVID-19 crisis .
Biden also plans to ensure unemployment benefits are available to those who lose jobs but would be denied benefits for a variety of reasons .
Part of his plan includes extending COVID-19 crisis unemployment insurance to help those who are out of work , as well as providing employment relief for those with reduced hours or work-sharing arrangements .
Biden states that he will provide employment relief for domestic workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contractors who face reduced pay and hours .
Biden also plans to provide guaranteed emergency paid sick leave and caregiving leave .
The paid leave plan will create a federal fund to cover 100 % of weekly salaries or average weekly earnings capped at $ 1,400 a week .
The Trump administration 's latest proposal included a second round of direct payments of up to $ 1,200 for adults and $ 1,000 for children ; expanded unemployment benefits at $ 400 per week , and additional funding for state and local governments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection Program , aimed at funneling billions of dollars through banks to businesses that were suffering from widespread lockdowns .
However , the program failed to get enough money to the most vulnerable business owners , according to a congressional report published by House Democrats this month .
More than 97,966 businesses have permanently shut down during the pandemic , according to Yelp.com 's Local Economic Impact Report published last month .
According to Biden 's plan , he will provide grants for businesses to cover the costs of restarting and establish a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He will also establish and enforce health and safety standards for workplaces .
Expanding access to effective personal protective equipment , including through the use of the Defense Production Act , also is one of the priorities of the plan .
`` We should be bailing them out now , those small businesses .
You ’ ve got one in six of them going under . ''
`` The House & Senate should IMMEDIATELY Approve 25 Billion Dollars for Airline Payroll Support , & 135 Billion Dollars for Paycheck Protection Program for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fully paid for with unused funds from the Cares Act .
Have this money .
I will sign now ! ''
Most states currently require people to wear face coverings in public with details different for each state , according to Masks4All , a volunteer organization that advocates for more mask-wearing .
States without mask mandates have seen residents refusing to wear masks even amid soaring cases and hospitalizations , according to The Washington Post .
“ Every single American should be wearing a mask when they ’ re outside for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every governor should mandate mandatory mask-wearing . ''
`` Let 's institute a mask mandate , nationwide , starting immediately – and we will save lives . ''
`` You ca n't mandate a mask .
But you can say – you can go to every governor and get them all in a room , all 50 of them , as president , and say , ask people to wear the mask . ''
“ By the way , a lot of people don ’ t want to wear masks .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks are not good.
” '' Look , look , you have , on the masks , you have two stories .
You have a story where they want , a story where they don ’ t want .
I am all for it . ''
According to a New York Times analysis , the number of daily coronavirus tests being conducted nationwide is 55 % of the level considered necessary to mitigate the spread of the virus .
Biden wants to make testing widely available and free .
He stated that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions , not the thousands .
He also plans to establish at least 10 mobile testing sites and drive-through facilities per state to speed testing and protect health care workers in collaboration with private-sector health care entities .
Expanding Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sentinel surveillance programs and other surveillance programs to offer tests not only to those who ask but also to those who may not know to ask is also on Biden 's Plan to Combat Coronavirus .
`` I would make sure we move in the direction of rapid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` I ’ m pleased to report that we ’ re announcing our plan to distribute 150 million Abbott rapid point-of-care tests in the coming weeks – very , very soon .
This will be more than double the number of tests already performed .
And here ’ s our plan : Fifty million tests will go to protect the most vulnerable communities , which we ’ ve always promised to do , including 18 million for nursing homes ; 15 million for assisted living facilities ; 10 million for home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care – hospice care agencies ; and nearly 1 million for historically black colleges and universities , and also tribal nation colleges . ''
According to a statement from the Department of Health & Human Services , 100 million tests are being shipped on an ongoing , weekly basis to governors .
These tests are largely being deployed to local health departments , K-12 schools and institutes of higher education , nursing homes , hospitals and correctional facilities .
The other 50 million tests are being shipped directly to congregate care settings such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , home health , hospice , the Indian Health Service , and historically black colleges and universities .
One hundred million rapid point-of-care tests will be given to states and territories to support efforts to reopen their economies and schools immediately and fast as they can .
`` By the end of ( October ) , we will have over 100 million tests available in the market .
More than half will be point-of-care tests – those are the quick ones and they ’ re really the ones that have the best impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes . ''
For the past five months , USA TODAY has asked a dozen or more experts about all aspects of vaccine development and placed vaccine development predictions on a 12-hour clock , on which midnight , the starting point , is the moment in early January when the world became aware of the virus known as SARS-CoV-2 , and noon is the time a vaccine will become widely available .
The panel of experts has set the countdown clock to a widely available vaccine to 8 a.m. , nearing three-quarters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get a vaccine , it will not be available for most of the population until well into 2021.
” '' Every serious company is talking about maybe having a vaccine done by the end of the year , but the distribution of that vaccine will not occur until sometime beginning of the middle of next year to get it out , if we get the vaccine . ''
`` Most scientists say that it 's not likely to have a vaccine that would be available until the beginning of next year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` I would think that we should be talking about – depending on the continuation of the spread of the virus , we should be thinking about making it mandatory . ''
`` Well , we ’ re going to deliver it right away .
We have the military all set up .
Logistically , they ’ re all set up .
We have our military that delivers soldiers and they can do 200,000 a day.
`` `` We have finalized a partnership with CVSHealth and Walgreens to deliver the Coronavirus vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes – at no cost to seniors . ''
`` Develop a vaccine by the end of 2020 . ''
“ We ’ re very close to that vaccine as you know and I think much closer than I think most people want to say.
” '' I think there will be vaccine ( that ’ ll ) initially be available sometime between November and December , but very limited supply and will have to be prioritized .
If you ’ re asking me when is it going to be generally available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take advantage of vaccine to get back to our regular life , I think we ’ re probably looking at late second quarter , third quarter 2021 . ''
`` We ’ ll be able to distribute at least 100 million vaccine doses by the end of 2020 and a large number much sooner than that . ''
`` We have a vaccine that 's coming , it 's ready .
It 's going to be announced within weeks . ''
The FDA has approved the antiviral medication remdesivir for treatment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive that status .
However , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ’ s ) Solidarity trial showed that the drug does not reduce mortality or the time COVID-19 patients take to recover .
The anti-malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine were originally granted emergency use , which was later revoked after studies found that it ’ s “ unlikely to be effective in treating COVID-19 . ''
Biden 's plans include ensuring the National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority are swiftly accelerating the development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicines , and vaccines .
NIH must be responsible for the clinical trial networks and work closely with the Food and Drug Administration on trial approvals .
The candidate also plans to fully fund and expand authority for the National Disaster Medical System to reimburse health care providers for COVID-19-related treatment costs not directly covered by health insurance .
“ We have the vaccines coming and we have the therapies coming.
” '' I want to get you the same care that I got , I got incredible treatment at Walter Reed Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this one medicine , in particular , was unbelievable .
You are going to get the same medicine , and you are going to get it free , and soon .
The medicine is made by a number of companies it 's totally safe , but it is powerful against this disease . ''
“ We have Regeneron , we have a very similar drug from Eli Lilly , and they ’ re coming out , and we ’ re trying to get them on an emergency basis .
We ’ ve authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and if you ’ re in the hospital and you ’ re feeling really bad , I think we ’ re going to work it so that you get ‘ em , and you ’ re going to get ‘ em free.
” '' Great company , two great companies actually make it , make very similar things .
But they both work equally well .
And we ’ re going to send it , we ’ re already sending it and starting the processes .
Hundreds of thousands of vials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
People are going to get immediately better , like I did . ''
`` We got to get it there fast , that ’ s why I ’ m doing an emergency use authorization , I got to get them to approve it really fast.
`` According to a Brookings Institute report , many essential workers did not receive adequate access to the necessary personal protective equipment .
Since nearly 90 % of essential workers are not covered by a union contract , their ability to ensure safe workplaces is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Essential Workers , he will enact premium pay for frontline workers putting themselves at risk with additional funding to attract workers to serve as health and home care workers and first responders .
The candidate also stated that he will protect health care workers , assisted living staff , and other essential workers .
Making all critical medicines and supplies for health care workers in the United States is part of Trump 's second-term agenda .

Karina Zaiets and Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY

As the number of U.S. COVID-19 cases per day reaches record levels, millions of voters are deciding whether former Vice President Joe Biden or President Donald Trump will lead them through the rest of the pandemic. The recent increase in cases is driven by the spread in rural communities, including parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota.
So far, the disease has killed more than 231,000 people in the United States and more than 9 million Americans have contracted the virus. The pandemic ranks second to the economy among issues guiding voters' decisions, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
We examined the candidates' speeches, tweets and websites before comparing their plans for handling the COVID-19 pandemic. We ranked their level of support for the issue and how specifically they addressed it.
We assigned each quote a score from 0 to 6, with 0 representing strong opposition to the issue, and 6, indicating strong support for the issue. The graphics show an average score for each candidate's quotes and/or plans on a specific issue.
Reopening
Current state
According to New York Times reporting, most states have lifted lockdowns and restrictions on businesses, leaving mask guidelines and social distancing rules in place. However, some governors have again closed certain sectors of the economy or considered implementing new restrictions. California, Illinois and New York are among those states reversing their reopening.
Biden's views on reopening
"They said would I lock down the – the economy if science said so. I said I'd follow science. What I – but I don't think there's a need to lock down."
"I would make sure that we set up national standards as to how to open up schools and open up businesses so they can be safe, and give them the wherewithal and financial resources to be able to do that."
"If you have a reproduction rate in a community that's above a certain level, everybody says, slow up. More social distancing. Do not open bars and do not open gymnasiums. Do not open until you get this under control, under more control. But when you do open, give the people the capacity to be able to open and have the capacity to do it safely. For example schools – schools, they need a lot of money to open. They need to deal with ventilation systems, they need to deal with smaller classes, more teachers, more pods."
Trump's views on reopening
According to Trump's second term agenda he plans for returning to normal in 2021.
"People know what to do – they can social distance, they can wash their hands, they can wear a mask, they can do whatever they want – but they've got to open these states up. People want their schools open. They don't want to be shut down. They don't want their states to be shut down. They want their restaurants."
"Lockdowns are killing countries all over the world. The cure cannot be worse than the problem itself. Open up your states, Democrat governors. Open up New York. A long battle, but they finally did the right thing!"
"We had the greatest economy we ever had. We had to close it down, we saved 2 million lives. We’re opening it up. We have a V-shape and it’s coming back. It’s coming back very fast."
"You can’t let this continue to go on with the lockdowns."
Schools
Current state
According to data compiled by Education Week, most decisions about school reopenings have been made on the local level, with states providing guidelines or recommendations. Only a handful of states have ordered every student to spend their school days inside classrooms.
Biden's views on school reopening
Biden plans to provide funds for child care providers and schools – particularly Title I schools – to cover costs of personal protective equipment, training, adjustments of classes, buses and sanitation, according to the plan on reopening schools.
"You make sure there's testing. That's a really critical piece that he didn't do, testing and tracing. And you make sure that people are equipped going to schools."
"We need more teachers in our schools to be able to open, smaller pods. We need ventilation systems change."
Trump's views on school reopening
In August, the Trump administration declared teachers "essential worke" in a move aimed at pushing school districts to open for in-person instruction.
"The support my administration is providing would allow every state to, on a very regular basis, test every teacher who needs it."
“Get your governor to open up your state. And get your schools open!”
"It happens. People have it, and it goes. Get the kids back to school."
Stimulus
Current state
With the Senate adjourned on Oct. 26 and not scheduled to return until Nov. 9, there is little hope for a new stimulus package to be approved before Election Day.
Biden's views on stimulus funding
"We should be providing the money the House has passed in order to be able to go out and get people the help they need to keep their businesses open."
Trump's views on stimulus funding
"I would like to see a bigger stimulus package, frankly, than either the Democrats or the Republicans are offering."
"If Nancy Pelosi and I, through my representatives or directly, I don’t care, if we agree to something, the Republicans will agree to it."
"After the election, we'll get the best stimulus package you've ever seen."
Unemployment
Current state
According to Yahoo Money, at least 46 states have paid out all benefits available under the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, and the remaining will just pay for the weeks up to Sept. 5. The program was created by an Aug. 8 executive memo from Trump in an attempt to bypass stalled negotiations on a stimulus bill in Congress.
Biden's views on unemployment
According to Biden's Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, he will create a health crisis unemployment initiative to help all workers facing a loss of work due to the COVID-19 crisis. Biden also plans to ensure unemployment benefits are available to those who lose jobs but would be denied benefits for a variety of reasons.
Part of his plan includes extending COVID-19 crisis unemployment insurance to help those who are out of work, as well as providing employment relief for those with reduced hours or work-sharing arrangements.
Biden states that he will provide employment relief for domestic workers, caregivers, gig workers, or independent contractors who face reduced pay and hours.
Biden also plans to provide guaranteed emergency paid sick leave and caregiving leave. The paid leave plan will create a federal fund to cover 100% of weekly salaries or average weekly earnings capped at $1,400 a week.
Trump's views on unemployment
The Trump administration's latest proposal included a second round of direct payments of up to $1,200 for adults and $1,000 for children; expanded unemployment benefits at $400 per week, and additional funding for state and local governments.
Businesses
Current state
In March, Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program, aimed at funneling billions of dollars through banks to businesses that were suffering from widespread lockdowns. However, the program failed to get enough money to the most vulnerable business owners, according to a congressional report published by House Democrats this month. More than 97,966 businesses have permanently shut down during the pandemic, according to Yelp.com's Local Economic Impact Report published last month.
Biden's views on helping businesses
According to Biden's plan, he will provide grants for businesses to cover the costs of restarting and establish a temporary small- and medium-sized business loan facility. He will also establish and enforce health and safety standards for workplaces.
Expanding access to effective personal protective equipment, including through the use of the Defense Production Act, also is one of the priorities of the plan.
"We should be bailing them out now, those small businesses. You’ve got one in six of them going under."
Trump's views on helping businesses
"The House & Senate should IMMEDIATELY Approve 25 Billion Dollars for Airline Payroll Support, & 135 Billion Dollars for Paycheck Protection Program for Small Business. Both of these will be fully paid for with unused funds from the Cares Act. Have this money. I will sign now!"
Masks
Current state
Most states currently require people to wear face coverings in public with details different for each state, according to Masks4All, a volunteer organization that advocates for more mask-wearing. States without mask mandates have seen residents refusing to wear masks even amid soaring cases and hospitalizations, according to The Washington Post.
Biden's views on wearing masks
“Every single American should be wearing a mask when they’re outside for the next three months at a minimum. Every governor should mandate mandatory mask-wearing."
"Let's institute a mask mandate, nationwide, starting immediately – and we will save lives."
"You can't mandate a mask. But you can say – you can go to every governor and get them all in a room, all 50 of them, as president, and say, ask people to wear the mask."
Trump's views on wearing masks
“By the way, a lot of people don’t want to wear masks. There are a lot of people that think the masks are not good.”
"Look, look, you have, on the masks, you have two stories. You have a story where they want, a story where they don’t want. I am all for it."
COVID-19 testing
Current state
According to a New York Times analysis, the number of daily coronavirus tests being conducted nationwide is 55% of the level considered necessary to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Biden's views on COVID-19 testing
Biden wants to make testing widely available and free. He stated that the number of tests must be in the millions, not the thousands.
He also plans to establish at least 10 mobile testing sites and drive-through facilities per state to speed testing and protect health care workers in collaboration with private-sector health care entities.
Expanding Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sentinel surveillance programs and other surveillance programs to offer tests not only to those who ask but also to those who may not know to ask is also on Biden's Plan to Combat Coronavirus.
"I would make sure we move in the direction of rapid testing, investing in rapid testing."
Trump's views on COVID-19 testing
"I’m pleased to report that we’re announcing our plan to distribute 150 million Abbott rapid point-of-care tests in the coming weeks – very, very soon. This will be more than double the number of tests already performed. And here’s our plan: Fifty million tests will go to protect the most vulnerable communities, which we’ve always promised to do, including 18 million for nursing homes; 15 million for assisted living facilities; 10 million for home, health, and hospece (sic) care – hospice care agencies; and nearly 1 million for historically black colleges and universities, and also tribal nation colleges."
According to a statement from the Department of Health & Human Services, 100 million tests are being shipped on an ongoing, weekly basis to governors. These tests are largely being deployed to local health departments, K-12 schools and institutes of higher education, nursing homes, hospitals and correctional facilities. The other 50 million tests are being shipped directly to congregate care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health, hospice, the Indian Health Service, and historically black colleges and universities.
One hundred million rapid point-of-care tests will be given to states and territories to support efforts to reopen their economies and schools immediately and fast as they can.
"By the end of (October), we will have over 100 million tests available in the market. More than half will be point-of-care tests – those are the quick ones and they’re really the ones that have the best impact with the results in less than 15 minutes."
Vaccine
Current state
For the past five months, USA TODAY has asked a dozen or more experts about all aspects of vaccine development and placed vaccine development predictions on a 12-hour clock, on which midnight, the starting point, is the moment in early January when the world became aware of the virus known as SARS-CoV-2, and noon is the time a vaccine will become widely available. The panel of experts has set the countdown clock to a widely available vaccine to 8 a.m., nearing three-quarters of the way there.
Biden's views on vaccine timing
"Even if we get a vaccine, it will not be available for most of the population until well into 2021.”
"Every serious company is talking about maybe having a vaccine done by the end of the year, but the distribution of that vaccine will not occur until sometime beginning of the middle of next year to get it out, if we get the vaccine."
"Most scientists say that it's not likely to have a vaccine that would be available until the beginning of next year, into the spring of next year."
"I would think that we should be talking about – depending on the continuation of the spread of the virus, we should be thinking about making it mandatory."
Trump's views on vaccine timing
"Well, we’re going to deliver it right away. We have the military all set up. Logistically, they’re all set up. We have our military that delivers soldiers and they can do 200,000 a day. "
"We have finalized a partnership with CVSHealth and Walgreens to deliver the Coronavirus vaccine, when approved, directly to nursing homes – at no cost to seniors."
"Develop a vaccine by the end of 2020."
“We’re very close to that vaccine as you know and I think much closer than I think most people want to say.”
"I think there will be vaccine (that’ll) initially be available sometime between November and December, but very limited supply and will have to be prioritized. If you’re asking me when is it going to be generally available to the American public so we can begin to take advantage of vaccine to get back to our regular life, I think we’re probably looking at late second quarter, third quarter 2021."
"We’ll be able to distribute at least 100 million vaccine doses by the end of 2020 and a large number much sooner than that."
"We have a vaccine that's coming, it's ready. It's going to be announced within weeks."
Therapeutics
Current state
The FDA has approved the antiviral medication remdesivir for treatment in patients with COVID-19 – the first drug to receive that status. However, the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Solidarity trial showed that the drug does not reduce mortality or the time COVID-19 patients take to recover. The anti-malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine were originally granted emergency use, which was later revoked after studies found that it’s “unlikely to be effective in treating COVID-19."
Biden's views on therapeutics
Biden's plans include ensuring the National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority are swiftly accelerating the development of rapid diagnostic tests, therapeutics and medicines, and vaccines. NIH must be responsible for the clinical trial networks and work closely with the Food and Drug Administration on trial approvals.
The candidate also plans to fully fund and expand authority for the National Disaster Medical System to reimburse health care providers for COVID-19-related treatment costs not directly covered by health insurance.
Trump's views on therapeutics
“We have the vaccines coming and we have the therapies coming.”
"I want to get you the same care that I got, I got incredible treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center, with incredible doctors, and this one medicine, in particular, was unbelievable. You are going to get the same medicine, and you are going to get it free, and soon. The medicine is made by a number of companies it's totally safe, but it is powerful against this disease."
“We have Regeneron, we have a very similar drug from Eli Lilly, and they’re coming out, and we’re trying to get them on an emergency basis. We’ve authorized it, I’ve authorized it, and if you’re in the hospital and you’re feeling really bad, I think we’re going to work it so that you get ‘em, and you’re going to get ‘em free.”
"Great company, two great companies actually make it, make very similar things. But they both work equally well. And we’re going to send it, we’re already sending it and starting the processes. Hundreds of thousands of vials are being sent to the hospitals all over the country. People are going to get immediately better, like I did."
"We got to get it there fast, that’s why I’m doing an emergency use authorization, I got to get them to approve it really fast. "
Essential workers
Current state
According to a Brookings Institute report, many essential workers did not receive adequate access to the necessary personal protective equipment. Since nearly 90% of essential workers are not covered by a union contract, their ability to ensure safe workplaces is limited.
Biden's views on essential workers
According to Biden's Plan for Essential Workers, he will enact premium pay for frontline workers putting themselves at risk with additional funding to attract workers to serve as health and home care workers and first responders. The candidate also stated that he will protect health care workers, assisted living staff, and other essential workers.
Trump's views on essential workers
Making all critical medicines and supplies for health care workers in the United States is part of Trump's second-term agenda.


usatoday--2020-11-02--DOJ sending voting rights monitors to 18 states, including Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio

The Justice Department is sending voting rights monitors to 18 states Tuesday , including jurisdictions in the key battlegrounds of Florida , Pennsylvania , Wisconsin and Ohio .
Drawn from the department 's Civil Rights Division , the monitors have been traditionally deployed on Election Day to guard against potential harassment , intimidation and discrimination .
Federal staffers will be sent to 44 jurisdictions in the 18 states , fewer than the 2016 effort overseen by the Obama administration , which deployed monitors to 67 jurisdictions in 28 states .
This year , tensions have been running particularly high , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsubstantiated claims about massive voter fraud while urging his own supporters to monitor voting locations .
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS : What to do if you encounter voter intimidation “ Our federal laws protect the right of all American citizens to vote without suffering discrimination , intimidation , and harassment , '' said Eric Dreiband , the Justice Department 's civil rights chief , describing the effort as part of the department 's `` historical mission to ensure that all of our citizens can freely exercise this most fundamental American right.
” On Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fielding public complaints involving possible voting rights violations filed on the department 's website , https : //civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone at 800-253-3931 .

DOJ sending voting rights monitors to 18 states, including Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio
Show Caption Hide Caption Look inside the US election cybersecurity center The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) described their ongoing efforts to protect the 2020 US general election during a tour of one of it's classified election security operations spaces on Friday. (October 30) AP
The Justice Department is sending voting rights monitors to 18 states Tuesday, including jurisdictions in the key battlegrounds of Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ohio.
Drawn from the department's Civil Rights Division, the monitors have been traditionally deployed on Election Day to guard against potential harassment, intimidation and discrimination.
Federal staffers will be sent to 44 jurisdictions in the 18 states, fewer than the 2016 effort overseen by the Obama administration, which deployed monitors to 67 jurisdictions in 28 states.
This year, tensions have been running particularly high, as President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised unsubstantiated claims about massive voter fraud while urging his own supporters to monitor voting locations.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What to do if you encounter voter intimidation
Q&A: This group monitors foreign elections. It's latest challenge? US democracy
“Our federal laws protect the right of all American citizens to vote without suffering discrimination, intimidation, and harassment," said Eric Dreiband, the Justice Department's civil rights chief, describing the effort as part of the department's "historical mission to ensure that all of our citizens can freely exercise this most fundamental American right.”
On Election Day, Justice Department officials also will be fielding public complaints involving possible voting rights violations filed on the department's website, https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone at 800-253-3931.


usatoday--2020-11-02--Joe Biden's nearly 50-year career in politics leading up to the 2020 presidential election

Joe Biden 's nearly 50-year career in politics leading up to the 2020 presidential election Joe Biden has spent nearly @ @ @ @ @ culminating in his candidacy for president in 2020 .

Joe Biden's nearly 50-years in politics in review
Joe Biden has spent nearly 5 decades in politics, culminating in his candidacy for president in 2020.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-02--A look at polling in key battleground states ahead of the 2020 presidential election

A look at polling in key battleground states ahead of the 2020 presidential election Battleground states are taking center stage @ @ @ @ @ USA TODAY 's States of America discusses polling in three key states .

2020 Election: A look at polling in key battleground states
Battleground states are taking center stage ahead of the election. USA TODAY's States of America discusses polling in three key states.
States of America, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-02--'Prepared for every scenario': How TV news plans to cover and make calls on election night

Unpredictability has been a hallmark of one of the most tumultuous presidential campaigns in recent political history , and there ’ s no reason to think that won ’ t be true on election night .
Who knows what will happen ?
Nobody , really , and don ’ t trust anyone who says they do .
There are , however , measures that television networks are taking to prepare .
Lots of them , in fact .
`` There ’ s no way to know , at this moment , how it ’ s going to play out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario , '' said Rashida Jones , senior vice president for NBC News and MSNBC .
`` We have a tremendous responsibility on election night and will be completely transparent with our viewers.
” For the latest results on Election Night : results.usatoday.com There have been enough predictions of a lengthy vote-counting process that , if everything is decided Tuesday night , we 'll all feel like the weather forecaster the day after the hurricane missed your town .
Still , it pays to be ready .
`` I think it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a disaster , ” said Chris Stirewalt , politics editor for Fox News .
“ But I also think it would be a serious mistake not to prepare for a disaster .
“ This is hillbilly optimism , which is you hope for the best but you plan for the worst .
That ’ s what we ’ ve done.
” The Backstory : On Election Day , we 're focused on accurate results , problems at the polls and correcting misinformation .
Here 's how .
How TV news networks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editors and directors who oversee politics coverage at networks like CBS News and Fox News , among others , talked about their plans going into the election .
Of course anything can happen , particularly in a volatile race .
`` I think this year has taught us that we need to be flexible on a lot of things that are out of our hands , '' said Caitlin Conant , political director for CBS News .
`` This is one of them . ''
Every network has plans in place to project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Each has a data desk , a panel of numbers crunchers that operates independently of the newsroom .
Using data such as exit polling , telephone sampling and other methods , those data teams keep a running count of votes counted and look for patterns in the results still to come .
Swing states : All eyes will be on these 6 states on Election Day .
Here 's what we know .
“ They don ’ t care about the spin , ” Rick Klein , political director for ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his network .
“ They don ’ t care about concessions or declaration of victory or anecdotes .
They ’ re ( only ) looking at the numbers.
” Any election night is by necessity a work in progress .
Certainly expectations were upended in 2016 , when Donald Trump surprised many so-called experts by winning the presidency .
Now he ’ s running behind Democratic opponent Joe Biden in several national polls – as he was Hillary Clinton four years ago .
There are differences , but it ’ s all volatile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who turn to any media outlet looking to learn who won might be in for a long night .
“ Obviously it is unclear who ’ s going to win this race , ” said Sally Buzbee , executive editor of The Associated Press , the newsgathering organization that makes projections for many media outlets ( including USA TODAY and 260 sites that are part of the USA TODAY Network ) .
“ I know what the polling shows , but it is unclear whether it ’ ll be a close race or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re not sure how long it will take.
” The particulars of projecting a winner are not complicated : `` When you start forecasting results , '' Stirewalt said , `` the question is , how many votes are out there , and how many does the candidate who is behind need in order to pull ahead ? ''
The details are more complex .
It 's not just waiting for mail-in votes from some states .
Rural counties tend to report results later .
Bad weather could drive down in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the equation .
But eventually , whether on election night or later , the numbers will point to a winner .
`` We only call a winner when there is no legal path for the trailing candidate to catch up , '' Buzbee said .
If a winner does n't emerge on election night , that 's not evidence of fraud However long it takes , whatever you may have heard , no matter who you heard it from , a long vote count isn ’ t evidence of fraud .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) “ We have to prepare for the possibility that this is not settled on election night – and that in fact it isn ’ t actually indicative of anything being wrong , ” Klein said .
“ That ’ s just the process , and we have to prepare our viewers for that accordingly and not create any sort of false expectations.
” Election week ?
Maybe not : Arizona , Florida , others could give early indication of who is winning Just because the process may take longer this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes are counted , doesn ’ t mean there ’ s a problem .
In 2000 , it was December before George W. Bush was declared the winner after the U.S. Supreme Court halted vote recounts in Florida and Al Gore conceded .
In 2004 , John Kerry did n't concede to Bush until the day after the election .
The nation survived .
So do n't panic , and do n't listen to people who suggest that you should .
“ If anyone – a news organization , a political candidate – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know on election night something ’ s wrong , that ’ s just not true , ” Klein said .
“ It isn ’ t. ” The surge in early voting will affect how long it takes to count votes Disinformation is just one in the bag full of wrenches 2020 has thrown into the machinery .
The biggest , of course , is the COVID-19 pandemic .
The fears of crowds at polling places , not having your vote counted or facing intimidation have contributed to record early voting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 50 % of the total votes may be cast before Election Day – will have an effect on election night .
'Unprecedented ' : Voter turnout in election could reach highest rate in more than a century “ So many states have changed the way they allow people to vote , ” Klein said .
“ So many states have changed the way that they count the vote .
And just the white-hot political rhetoric that ’ s flying around all of it means we cover the story that ’ s in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewers may have to be patient on election night “ I think the media has a responsibility to prepare the public that they may need to have some patience , and they may not know the answer on election night , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve said this before – it ’ s personally not a strength of mine , I do not have a ton of patience .
I think that the public tends to not have a lot of patience , either.
” Better get some .
Stirewalt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first thing to do is stay calm and keep your perspective .
… You just have to see what happens , ” he said .
“ The truth about every election is most of the conventional wisdom will be right , some of the conventional wisdom will be wrong .
Which way , how much , which part – you don ’ t know .
That ’ s the fun .
That ’ s what makes it exciting .
“ We ’ re running a real-time social-psychological experiment on 150 million or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to be interesting.
” Claims of 'fake news ' make the media 's job more difficult Another complicating factor : It 's not just that more people are voting early .
It ’ s how they ’ re voting that might cause confusion .
“ There is empirical evidence that there is a difference between who votes by mail and who doesn ’ t , ” Buzbee said .
“ It does look like Democrats tend to vote by mail more.
” That means if Trump jumps out to a big lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has won the election .
It doesn ’ t mean he has lost , either .
It just means that , depending on how individual states count early votes , it will take time to tally everything .
Which brings up another potential problem : Just because networks make a projection doesn ’ t mean a partisan audience will believe it .
`` Fake news '' and all that .
All any reputable news organization can do is report the facts .
“ On election night itself , we just have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to viewers what we know , why we know it and potentially , more importantly , what we don ’ t know and why we don ’ t know it , ” Conant said , “ so that we are very clear with what is happening throughout the night , and potentially days.
” Will audiences hang on every detail while votes are counted , even if the vote count drags on ?
Stirewalt believes they will .
“ If we ’ re 10 days into a count , I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to scrounge up intensity , ” he said , laughing .
“ If we ’ re in an election that is that close for that long and we are down to that point , I don ’ t think we ’ ll need to gin up any interest .
I think it will be a self-licking ice cream cone .
”

'Prepared for every scenario': How TV news plans to cover and make calls on election night
Show Caption Hide Caption Election 2020 Facts: Counting votes election night How is the vote counted on election night? The Associated Press explains. (Oct. 26) AP
Unpredictability has been a hallmark of one of the most tumultuous presidential campaigns in recent political history, and there’s no reason to think that won’t be true on election night. Who knows what will happen?
Nobody, really, and don’t trust anyone who says they do. There are, however, measures that television networks are taking to prepare. Lots of them, in fact.
"There’s no way to know, at this moment, how it’s going to play out, but we’re prepared for every scenario," said Rashida Jones, senior vice president for NBC News and MSNBC. "We have a tremendous responsibility on election night and will be completely transparent with our viewers.”
For the latest results on Election Night: results.usatoday.com
There have been enough predictions of a lengthy vote-counting process that, if everything is decided Tuesday night, we'll all feel like the weather forecaster the day after the hurricane missed your town. Still, it pays to be ready.
"I think it would be a serious mistake to assume that there will be a disaster,” said Chris Stirewalt, politics editor for Fox News. “But I also think it would be a serious mistake not to prepare for a disaster.
“This is hillbilly optimism, which is you hope for the best but you plan for the worst. That’s what we’ve done.”
The Backstory: On Election Day, we're focused on accurate results, problems at the polls and correcting misinformation. Here's how.
How TV news networks crunch the numbers on election night
Political editors and directors who oversee politics coverage at networks like CBS News and Fox News, among others, talked about their plans going into the election. Of course anything can happen, particularly in a volatile race.
"I think this year has taught us that we need to be flexible on a lot of things that are out of our hands," said Caitlin Conant, political director for CBS News. "This is one of them."
Every network has plans in place to project winners, as they do every election year. Each has a data desk, a panel of numbers crunchers that operates independently of the newsroom. Using data such as exit polling, telephone sampling and other methods, those data teams keep a running count of votes counted and look for patterns in the results still to come.
Swing states: All eyes will be on these 6 states on Election Day. Here's what we know.
“They don’t care about the spin,” Rick Klein, political director for ABC News, said of the team at his network. “They don’t care about concessions or declaration of victory or anecdotes. They’re (only) looking at the numbers.”
Any election night is by necessity a work in progress. Certainly expectations were upended in 2016, when Donald Trump surprised many so-called experts by winning the presidency. Now he’s running behind Democratic opponent Joe Biden in several national polls – as he was Hillary Clinton four years ago. There are differences, but it’s all volatile. Because of several factors, viewers who turn to any media outlet looking to learn who won might be in for a long night.
Several nights, maybe.
“Obviously it is unclear who’s going to win this race,” said Sally Buzbee, executive editor of The Associated Press, the newsgathering organization that makes projections for many media outlets (including USA TODAY and 260 sites that are part of the USA TODAY Network). “I know what the polling shows, but it is unclear whether it’ll be a close race or a blowout. That’s why we’re not sure how long it will take.”
The particulars of projecting a winner are not complicated: "When you start forecasting results," Stirewalt said, "the question is, how many votes are out there, and how many does the candidate who is behind need in order to pull ahead?"
The details are more complex. It's not just waiting for mail-in votes from some states. Rural counties tend to report results later. Bad weather could drive down in-person voting, which would have to be part of the equation. But eventually, whether on election night or later, the numbers will point to a winner.
"We only call a winner when there is no legal path for the trailing candidate to catch up," Buzbee said.
If a winner doesn't emerge on election night, that's not evidence of fraud
However long it takes, whatever you may have heard, no matter who you heard it from, a long vote count isn’t evidence of fraud. (Neither is a short one.)
“We have to prepare for the possibility that this is not settled on election night – and that in fact it isn’t actually indicative of anything being wrong,” Klein said. “That’s just the process, and we have to prepare our viewers for that accordingly and not create any sort of false expectations.”
Election week? Maybe not: Arizona, Florida, others could give early indication of who is winning
Just because the process may take longer this year, or who is leading may shift as votes are counted, doesn’t mean there’s a problem. In 2000, it was December before George W. Bush was declared the winner after the U.S. Supreme Court halted vote recounts in Florida and Al Gore conceded. In 2004, John Kerry didn't concede to Bush until the day after the election.
The nation survived. So don't panic, and don't listen to people who suggest that you should.
“If anyone – a news organization, a political candidate – if anyone is saying that if we don't know on election night something’s wrong, that’s just not true,” Klein said. “It isn’t.”
The surge in early voting will affect how long it takes to count votes
Disinformation is just one in the bag full of wrenches 2020 has thrown into the machinery. The biggest, of course, is the COVID-19 pandemic. The fears of crowds at polling places, not having your vote counted or facing intimidation have contributed to record early voting.
That fundamental shift – Buzbee said more than 50% of the total votes may be cast before Election Day – will have an effect on election night.
'Unprecedented': Voter turnout in election could reach highest rate in more than a century
“So many states have changed the way they allow people to vote,” Klein said. “So many states have changed the way that they count the vote. And just the white-hot political rhetoric that’s flying around all of it means we cover the story that’s in front of us."
Journalists and viewers may have to be patient on election night
Conant knows waiting is difficult.
“I think the media has a responsibility to prepare the public that they may need to have some patience, and they may not know the answer on election night,” she said. “I’ve said this before – it’s personally not a strength of mine, I do not have a ton of patience. I think that the public tends to not have a lot of patience, either.”
Better get some.
Stirewalt has recommendations on that front.
“The first thing to do is stay calm and keep your perspective. … You just have to see what happens,” he said. “The truth about every election is most of the conventional wisdom will be right, some of the conventional wisdom will be wrong. Which way, how much, which part – you don’t know. That’s the fun. That’s what makes it exciting.
“We’re running a real-time social-psychological experiment on 150 million or so people. That’s just got to be interesting.”
More: Arizona 2020 ballot: Voters guide for Nov. 3 general election
Claims of 'fake news' make the media's job more difficult
Another complicating factor: It's not just that more people are voting early. It’s how they’re voting that might cause confusion.
“There is empirical evidence that there is a difference between who votes by mail and who doesn’t,” Buzbee said. “It does look like Democrats tend to vote by mail more.”
That means if Trump jumps out to a big lead early, it doesn’t mean he has won the election. It doesn’t mean he has lost, either. It just means that, depending on how individual states count early votes, it will take time to tally everything.
That's not fraud. It’s math.
Which brings up another potential problem: Just because networks make a projection doesn’t mean a partisan audience will believe it. "Fake news" and all that. All any reputable news organization can do is report the facts.
“On election night itself, we just have to be extremely transparent and clear and explain to viewers what we know, why we know it and potentially, more importantly, what we don’t know and why we don’t know it,” Conant said, “so that we are very clear with what is happening throughout the night, and potentially days.”
Will audiences hang on every detail while votes are counted, even if the vote count drags on? Stirewalt believes they will.
“If we’re 10 days into a count, I don’t think we’re going to have to scrounge up intensity,” he said, laughing. “If we’re in an election that is that close for that long and we are down to that point, I don’t think we’ll need to gin up any interest. I think it will be a self-licking ice cream cone.”
Tasty. Let’s just hope there’s not a meltdown.
Reach Goodykoontz at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. Twitter: @goodyk.