usatoday--2020-06-02--Republican, Democrat coronavirus schism on full display as GOP explores new convention site

NASHVILLE – While the Democratic Party is working to decide whether it will even have an in-person convention , Republicans are looking at changing the location of theirs to ensure a splashy event .
President Donald Trump weighed Tuesday evening in a series of tweets , where he said Republicans were looking for a new state for their convention and criticized North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper for refusing `` to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena - Spend millions of dollars , have everybody arrive , and ... .then tell them they will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode , and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised , '' Trump wrote in a series of tweets .
`` Would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World , and brought in hundreds of ... millions of dollars , and jobs , for the State .
Because of @ NC_Governor , we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention . ''
The Republican National Convention is scheduled for August in Charlotte .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Democrat , who wants the party to demonstrate it can safely hold the convention amid the pandemic .
Tuesday 's news that the Republican Party is eyeing Nashville as a possible new location to host this summer 's Republican National Convention also highlighted a growing schism between the two parties and how they are approaching the election in the face of a pandemic .
Republicans , led by President Donald Trump , largely have called for weeks for states to re-open after weeks of stay-at-home orders and other measures closed businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy to a halt .
On the other side , Democrats have generally urged caution , noting the lack of a vaccine and urging Congress to appropriate more money for testing .
In a recent survey , 94 % of Democrats said they were concerned about the coronavirus in the United States compared with 76 % of Republicans .
The Republican Party has maintained that it 's going to continue with a full-scale convention , which will probably have about 50,000 people in attendance .
Both Democrats and Republicans will host their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country is still transitioning back to public life from the coronavirus pandemic .
“ The President and ( Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel ) have been clear on our intent to hold our convention in Charlotte , '' RNC spokesperson Mike Reed told Politico .
`` We are awaiting confirmation from the governor that the originally contracted convention can still be held at the Spectrum Center . ''
McDaniel said last month during an interview with The 19th News that under the party 's bylaws , `` we have no option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` We 're planning full steam ahead because it 's much harder to put a whole convention together with 50,000 people , then to scale it back , '' McDaniel said .
Politico first reported the RNC 's interest in Nashville .
“ Nashville is the best place in America to have a convention , ” Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee said Tuesday , noting his office has “ just begun those conversations.
” Republican officials are expected to tour the city Thursday .
`` While the Trump Administration is ignoring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miraculously improve in under three months , and moving forward with plans for a massive in-person convention – Democrats are acknowledging the severity of this pandemic that 's already killed over 100,000 Americans and taking proactive steps in coordination with our elected officials to prevent more people from getting sick , '' he said in a statement .
The Democratic Party has been open to hosting a heavily “ virtual ” gathering in August .
It has been exploring a range of scenarios that could include a partly , mostly or fully virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a hybrid event where some speakers will appear live in Milwaukee , along with some but not all delegates in attendance .
Some Republicans praised the possibility of the convention coming to Music City – including U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn , R-Tenn .
In addition to Nashville , Republicans are looking at Las Vegas ; Orlando and Jacksonville , Fla. ; and a location in Georgia , according to Politico .

Natalie Allison, Duane W. Gang and Rebecca Morin, Nashville Tennessean

Trump: GOP 'forced to seek another state' to host the Republican National Convention
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump may seek alternative RNC convention location President Donald Trump is weighing his options after threatening to pull the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina in August. Two Republican governors have offered up their states as alternatives. (May 27) AP
NASHVILLE – While the Democratic Party is working to decide whether it will even have an in-person convention, Republicans are looking at changing the location of theirs to ensure a splashy event.
President Donald Trump weighed Tuesday evening in a series of tweets, where he said Republicans were looking for a new state for their convention and criticized North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper for refusing "to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena - Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and....then tell them they will not be able to gain entry."
"Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised," Trump wrote in a series of tweets. "Would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World, and brought in hundreds of...millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State. Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention."
...millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State. Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020
The Republican National Convention is scheduled for August in Charlotte. But Republicans are in standoff with Cooper, a Democrat, who wants the party to demonstrate it can safely hold the convention amid the pandemic.
Tuesday's news that the Republican Party is eyeing Nashville as a possible new location to host this summer's Republican National Convention also highlighted a growing schism between the two parties and how they are approaching the election in the face of a pandemic.
Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, largely have called for weeks for states to re-open after weeks of stay-at-home orders and other measures closed businesses and schools, cancelled events, and ground the economy to a halt.
On the other side, Democrats have generally urged caution, noting the lack of a vaccine and urging Congress to appropriate more money for testing. In a recent survey, 94% of Democrats said they were concerned about the coronavirus in the United States compared with 76% of Republicans.
The Republican Party has maintained that it's going to continue with a full-scale convention, which will probably have about 50,000 people in attendance. Both Democrats and Republicans will host their conventions in August, while much of the country is still transitioning back to public life from the coronavirus pandemic.
“The President and (Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel) have been clear on our intent to hold our convention in Charlotte," RNC spokesperson Mike Reed told Politico. "We are awaiting confirmation from the governor that the originally contracted convention can still be held at the Spectrum Center."
McDaniel said last month during an interview with The 19th News that under the party's bylaws, "we have no option except to do an in-person convention."
"We're planning full steam ahead because it's much harder to put a whole convention together with 50,000 people, then to scale it back," McDaniel said.
Politico first reported the RNC's interest in Nashville.
“Nashville is the best place in America to have a convention,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Tuesday, noting his office has “just begun those conversations.”Republican officials are expected to tour the city Thursday.
Democratic National Convention Committee CEO Joe Solmonese slammed the Republicans' move.
"While the Trump Administration is ignoring the public health landscape, presuming things will miraculously improve in under three months, and moving forward with plans for a massive in-person convention – Democrats are acknowledging the severity of this pandemic that's already killed over 100,000 Americans and taking proactive steps in coordination with our elected officials to prevent more people from getting sick," he said in a statement.
The Democratic Party has been open to hosting a heavily “virtual” gathering in August. It has been exploring a range of scenarios that could include a partly, mostly or fully virtual gathering. Some Democrats expect there could be a hybrid event where some speakers will appear live in Milwaukee, along with some but not all delegates in attendance.
Some Republicans praised the possibility of the convention coming to Music City – including U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.
In addition to Nashville, Republicans are looking at Las Vegas; Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla.; and a location in Georgia, according to Politico.


usatoday--2020-06-02--Booker has emotional message for Trump as GOP blocks resolution condemning the president

WASHINGTON – An emotional Cory Booker , one of only three African American senators , said on Tuesday he 's embarrassed that he did n't join the protesters who were pushed out Monday of an area near the White House so President Donald Trump could walk to a church near the White House and hold up a Bible .
`` If Donald Trump wants to gas someone next time , start right here , '' Booker said , as he thumped his heart .
`` If he wants to shoot somebody with our federal officials , with rubber bullets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trample them with horses while they peacefully assemble , come to this body . ''
Booker spoke at a news conference shortly before Senate Democrats called for a vote on a resolution condemning Trump for `` violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protesters . ''
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , blocked the resolution .
McConnell said it failed to deal with the two issues Americans want addressed : racial justice and ending the riots .
`` Instead , '' he continued , `` it just indulges in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to define the Democratic side of the aisle . ''
More : St. John 's Church has intersected with Donald Trump at key moments of his presidency Violent protests erupted in Washington and dozens of other cities across the country after the death of George Floyd , a black man in Minneapolis who died in police custody .
Booker grew up in Washington , D.C. , the son of parents who graduated from historically black colleges and whose lives were improved by the civil rights movement .
He said his father was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region .
His mother helped organize the 1963 March on Washington .
`` I 'm here because of those marches .
I 'm here because of those protests .
And last night , I felt a sense of embarrassment , '' he said .
`` I was not there in that park .
Every one of us should wish we were there . ''
California Sen. Kamala Harris , whose parents were also active in the civil rights movement , said she would not have become the second black woman elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those folks who took to the streets . ''
But despite the progress , Harris said she does n't know a single black man who has n't been the subject of some form of racial discrimination at the hands of law enforcement .
`` Not one I know .
And I 'm talking about people at every level of life , including people who graduated Harvard and Stanford , '' she said .
`` And the only thing that is common among them is that the color of their skin is black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate 's sole black Republican , said Lafayette Square should not have been cleared for Trump .
`` As it relates to the tear gas situation and the Bible… it ’ s not something that I thought was helpful or what I would do without any question , '' he told Politico .
`` If your question is : Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op ?
The answer is ‘ no . '
'' 'Word of God as a political prop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd protesters forced out of park

Booker has emotional message for Trump as GOP blocks resolution condemning the president
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – An emotional Cory Booker, one of only three African American senators, said on Tuesday he's embarrassed that he didn't join the protesters who were pushed out Monday of an area near the White House so President Donald Trump could walk to a church near the White House and hold up a Bible.
"If Donald Trump wants to gas someone next time, start right here," Booker said, as he thumped his heart. "If he wants to shoot somebody with our federal officials, with rubber bullets, start right here. If he wants to trample them with horses while they peacefully assemble, come to this body."
Booker spoke at a news conference shortly before Senate Democrats called for a vote on a resolution condemning Trump for "violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protesters."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., blocked the resolution. McConnell said it failed to deal with the two issues Americans want addressed: racial justice and ending the riots.
"Instead," he continued, "it just indulges in the myopic obsession with President Trump that has come to define the Democratic side of the aisle."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, objected to McConnell's counter resolution that "order must be immediately restored to the cities of the United States" so there is peace and legitimate grievances can be addressed.
Schumer said it was insufficient "to just condemn violence and not condemn what the president did as well."
`Baffling' and 'reprehensible': Washington archbishop denounces Trump visit to Catholic shrine
More: St. John's Church has intersected with Donald Trump at key moments of his presidency
Violent protests erupted in Washington and dozens of other cities across the country after the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis who died in police custody.
Booker grew up in Washington, D.C., the son of parents who graduated from historically black colleges and whose lives were improved by the civil rights movement. He said his father was the first black salesman hired by IBM in the region. His mother helped organize the 1963 March on Washington.
"I'm here because of those marches. I'm here because of those protests. And last night, I felt a sense of embarrassment," he said. "I was not there in that park. Every one of us should wish we were there."
California Sen. Kamala Harris, whose parents were also active in the civil rights movement, said she would not have become the second black woman elected to the Senate "were it not for those folks who took to the streets."
But despite the progress, Harris said she doesn't know a single black man who hasn't been the subject of some form of racial discrimination at the hands of law enforcement.
"Not one I know. And I'm talking about people at every level of life, including people who graduated Harvard and Stanford," she said. "And the only thing that is common among them is that the color of their skin is black."
Sen. Tim Scott, the Senate's sole black Republican, said Lafayette Square should not have been cleared for Trump.
"As it relates to the tear gas situation and the Bible… it’s not something that I thought was helpful or what I would do without any question," he told Politico. "If your question is: Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op? The answer is ‘no.'"
'Word of God as a political prop': GOP senators criticize Trump after George Floyd protesters forced out of park


usatoday--2020-06-02--'Law and order': Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death

WASHINGTON – At the Kennedy Space Center over the weekend , President Donald Trump reflected the crises facing his administration : Acknowledging the `` pain '' felt by millions of Americans , he called for `` healing , not hatred . ''
Forty-eight hours later , as peaceful protesters were cleared from a park near the White House , the president stood in the Rose Garden , described himself as `` your president of law and order '' and demanded local officials `` dominate the streets '' – or else .
The whipsaw shift in tone underscored a change of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative allies : The increasingly confrontational demonstrations taking place across the USA , observers said , have given Trump an opportunity to reprise his get-tough approach to law enforcement from the 2016 campaign .
`` We ’ re not going to solve our issues of racial inequality or feelings of economic hopelessness brought on by the coronavirus pandemic overnight , but we can stop the riots and protests with bold , definitive and unapologetic action , '' said Jason Miller , who served as a senior communication adviser to Trump 's 2016 campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a high degree of drama and controversy Monday , appearing in the Rose Garden as Secret Service and police swiftly cleared an adjacent park of protesters .
Trump then strolled through the park to stand outside historic St. John 's Church , which had been vandalized the night before .
On Twitter Tuesday , Trump touted what he said was `` overwhelming force '' and `` domination '' of protesters in D.C .
Critics , including some Republicans , described the visit to St. John 's church as a `` photo-op '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president an image of walking through Lafayette Square that was widely shared by his supporters on social media .
Though there has been violence and rowdiness in the same park in recent days , reporters observing the events and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser , a Democrat , said the demonstrations were calm for hours leading up to their abrupt removal .
Sen. Ben Sasse , R-Neb.
, who occasionally criticizes Trump , slammed the president not only for clearing the park but also holding up a Bible when he arrived at St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
`` There is no right to riot , no right to destroy others ’ property and no right to throw rocks at police , '' Sasse said .
`` But there is a fundamental – a constitutional – right to protest , and I ’ m against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop . ''
Sasse was not alone in that assessment .
`` Anybody that protests something like that peacefully should not be impeded either , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So that it 's a tough call because you 're in the moment and it all gets a little blurry but we got to do better at that . ''
Many Trump supporters viewed the walk across Lafayette Square as a moment of strength and a demonstration of the president 's resolve to end the violence ripping through American cities .
They questioned media coverage of the park 's clearing and , in particular , reporting that tear gas was deployed .
The U.S. Park Police said in a statement Tuesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loudspeaker to alert demonstrators to evacuate the area .
As many of the protestors became more combative , continued to throw projectiles and attempted to grab officers ’ weapons , the statement said , officers used smoke canisters and pepper balls .
No tear gas was used by the Park Police or other law enforcement to close the area around Lafayette Park , the agency said .
Trump 's walk to St. John 's , which was damaged by fire a day earlier as protests turned violent , followed reports that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House as protests built Friday – an episode that drew a storm of criticism .
Trump , who frequently describes his political opponents as `` weak '' and who uses the 1978 song `` Macho Man '' in the playlist at campaign and official events , wanted to pay his respects to the church but also wanted to leave the White House to prove he was not `` in the bunker , '' said one official who requested anonymity to discuss the president ’ s strategy .
Trump 's display drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that at the exact moment the president was describing himself as an `` ally '' of peaceful protesters , military police were clearing a park of protesters who were demonstrating without incident .
The criticism did not deter Trump from visiting a Catholic shrine across town Tuesday , a trip that was slammed by a top church official , Washington Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory .
“ I find it baffling that and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree , ” Gregory said in a statement .
In 2016 , Trump repeatedly described himself as `` the law and order candidate '' as the nation was wrestling with many of the same questions about police use of force and the targeting of African Americans as it is now .
`` We must maintain law and order at the highest level , or we will cease to have a country , '' Trump said in the summer of 2016 during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to that message in a call with governors Monday , calling them `` weak '' and arguing they needed to `` dominate '' the `` radicals '' and `` anarchists '' he said were behind the violence .
Using blunt language , Trump urged the governors to crack down hard on violent protests in dozens of cities .
In another example of that more aggressive messaging , White House officials said this week that the president was considering invoking an 1807 federal law that would allow him to deploy active-duty U.S. troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Known as the Insurrection Act , it was last used in 1992 in response to the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles .
Though Trump 's core supporters may embrace the more combative approach , outside observers noted that it carries risk .
Federal and state officials traditionally seek to lower the temperature when unrest breaks out , not raise it .
It 's possible Trump 's remarks could escalate the demonstrations .
Washington officials reported more than 300 arrests Monday , most for curfew violations .
Trump has largely side-stepped the protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation is `` sickened and revolted '' by the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis – and he promised justice for Floyd 's family – but he stopped short of addressing the systemic concerns of racism and disparate use of force that sparked the anger .
`` You have an upset nation , '' said James Williams , 49 , an African American who attended the demonstration Monday at Lafayette Square , along with his wife and 14-year-old son .
Williams , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area in the presidential election – also participated in Sunday 's protest .
`` I came to see how everyone else feels about the injustice that is being done to African American people , '' Williams said , adding that the country 's law enforcement system is `` not the same for African Americans as it is for white Americans . ''
Democratic strategist Jim Manley said he was not convinced that running on a platform of law and order was necessarily going to help Trump much .
`` His base will love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overreach , he will just turn off the swing voters in the suburbs . ''
Matt Mackowiak , a GOP political consultant , was one of several Republicans who suggested Trump could bind the nation 's wounds with a formal address , perhaps from the Oval Office .
Mackowiak spoke with USA TODAY before the president 's remarks Monday .
`` I believe a national address would be helpful if the president spoke to the intense anger over the senseless Floyd killing and urged calm and nonviolent protest , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with anger over the Floyd killing while they are also horrified at the rioting and looting . ''
Some Republican lawmakers sharpened their criticism of the president 's tone during the unrest .
Sen. Pat Toomey , R-Pa. , said some of Trump 's `` tweets have not been helpful . ''
Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , who faces a tough reelection , said the president should highlight `` the fact that we need to work on the underlying racial injustice in this country , but we need to do so in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicated Monday that Trump believes he has spoken sufficiently on the topic and that his goal would be to take actions to promote security .
That approach is more in Trump 's wheelhouse : setting up fights not only with those protesters who are causing trouble but also Democratic mayors in the besieged cities .
Through the highs and lows of his presidency , Trump 's polling has remained consistent – underscoring a conventional wisdom that most Americans have made up their mind about him .
It 's not clear that Trump could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , several observers said , even if he wanted to .
`` This is heartbreaking .
The divide in our homes and among our friends is now on the streets , '' veteran GOP consultant Frank Luntz told USA TODAY before Trump 's visit to St. John 's .
`` But politically , I understand why he 's remained quiet .
The people he needs to address do n't want to hear him , and his base is appalled at the looting . ''
The unrest and angst , much of it driven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1968 , when Richard Nixon ran for president in part on a `` law and order '' platform after race riots prompted by the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Matt Dallek , a political historian at George Washington University who has studied social crises , said the comparison to the 1960s works only to a point .
Americans , he noted , were also angry with President Lyndon Johnson 's handling of Vietnam .
`` I do think there ’ s an interesting echo in that Lyndon Johnson was in many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Dallek said .
But Johnson had already removed himself from the race in 1968 .
And Trump , Dallek said , has already run a campaign focused on law and order .
`` What ( Trump ) really promised was a restoration of order , and what we 've seen is really the opposite , '' Dallek said .
`` In many ways , he 's inflamed an already bad situation . ''

John Fritze and David Jackson, USA TODAY

'Law and order': Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: I'll send military if governors can't control protests U.S. president Donald Trump said he would deploy the military if state officials didn't quell the violence amidst protests after George Floyd's death. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – At the Kennedy Space Center over the weekend, President Donald Trump reflected the crises facing his administration: Acknowledging the "pain" felt by millions of Americans, he called for "healing, not hatred."
Forty-eight hours later, as peaceful protesters were cleared from a park near the White House, the president stood in the Rose Garden, described himself as "your president of law and order" and demanded local officials "dominate the streets" – or else.
The whipsaw shift in tone underscored a change of direction from the White House and its conservative allies: The increasingly confrontational demonstrations taking place across the USA, observers said, have given Trump an opportunity to reprise his get-tough approach to law enforcement from the 2016 campaign.
"We’re not going to solve our issues of racial inequality or feelings of economic hopelessness brought on by the coronavirus pandemic overnight, but we can stop the riots and protests with bold, definitive and unapologetic action," said Jason Miller, who served as a senior communication adviser to Trump's 2016 campaign.
The president brandished that message with a high degree of drama and controversy Monday, appearing in the Rose Garden as Secret Service and police swiftly cleared an adjacent park of protesters. Trump then strolled through the park to stand outside historic St. John's Church, which had been vandalized the night before.
On Twitter Tuesday, Trump touted what he said was "overwhelming force" and "domination" of protesters in D.C.
Critics, including some Republicans, described the visit to St. John's church as a "photo-op" and a "stunt" designed to give the president an image of walking through Lafayette Square that was widely shared by his supporters on social media. Though there has been violence and rowdiness in the same park in recent days, reporters observing the events and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, said the demonstrations were calm for hours leading up to their abrupt removal.
Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., who occasionally criticizes Trump, slammed the president not only for clearing the park but also holding up a Bible when he arrived at St. John's Episcopal Church near the White House.
"There is no right to riot, no right to destroy others’ property and no right to throw rocks at police," Sasse said. "But there is a fundamental – a constitutional – right to protest, and I’m against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop."
Sasse was not alone in that assessment.
"Anybody that protests something like that peacefully should not be impeded either," said Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind. "So that it's a tough call because you're in the moment and it all gets a little blurry but we got to do better at that."
Many Trump supporters viewed the walk across Lafayette Square as a moment of strength and a demonstration of the president's resolve to end the violence ripping through American cities. They questioned media coverage of the park's clearing and, in particular, reporting that tear gas was deployed.
The U.S. Park Police said in a statement Tuesday that its officers issued three warnings over a loudspeaker to alert demonstrators to evacuate the area. As many of the protestors became more combative, continued to throw projectiles and attempted to grab officers’ weapons, the statement said, officers used smoke canisters and pepper balls. No tear gas was used by the Park Police or other law enforcement to close the area around Lafayette Park, the agency said.
Trump's walk to St. John's, which was damaged by fire a day earlier as protests turned violent, followed reports that he had been hurried into an underground bunker at the White House as protests built Friday – an episode that drew a storm of criticism. Trump, who frequently describes his political opponents as "weak" and who uses the 1978 song "Macho Man" in the playlist at campaign and official events, wanted to pay his respects to the church but also wanted to leave the White House to prove he was not "in the bunker," said one official who requested anonymity to discuss the president’s strategy.
Trump's display drew fierce criticism from Democrats, who noted that at the exact moment the president was describing himself as an "ally" of peaceful protesters, military police were clearing a park of protesters who were demonstrating without incident.
The criticism did not deter Trump from visiting a Catholic shrine across town Tuesday, a trip that was slammed by a top church official, Washington Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory.
“I find it baffling that and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree,” Gregory said in a statement.
In 2016, Trump repeatedly described himself as "the law and order candidate" as the nation was wrestling with many of the same questions about police use of force and the targeting of African Americans as it is now.
"We must maintain law and order at the highest level, or we will cease to have a country," Trump said in the summer of 2016 during an address in Virginia.
The president returned to that message in a call with governors Monday, calling them "weak" and arguing they needed to "dominate" the "radicals" and "anarchists" he said were behind the violence. Using blunt language, Trump urged the governors to crack down hard on violent protests in dozens of cities.
In another example of that more aggressive messaging, White House officials said this week that the president was considering invoking an 1807 federal law that would allow him to deploy active-duty U.S. troops to respond to protests in cities. Known as the Insurrection Act, it was last used in 1992 in response to the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles.
Though Trump's core supporters may embrace the more combative approach, outside observers noted that it carries risk. Federal and state officials traditionally seek to lower the temperature when unrest breaks out, not raise it. It's possible Trump's remarks could escalate the demonstrations. Washington officials reported more than 300 arrests Monday, most for curfew violations.
Trump has largely side-stepped the protests' underlying issues. He said the nation is "sickened and revolted" by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis – and he promised justice for Floyd's family – but he stopped short of addressing the systemic concerns of racism and disparate use of force that sparked the anger.
"You have an upset nation," said James Williams, 49, an African American who attended the demonstration Monday at Lafayette Square, along with his wife and 14-year-old son. Williams, an engineer from suburban Virginia – a battleground area in the presidential election – also participated in Sunday's protest.
"I came to see how everyone else feels about the injustice that is being done to African American people," Williams said, adding that the country's law enforcement system is "not the same for African Americans as it is for white Americans."
Democratic strategist Jim Manley said he was not convinced that running on a platform of law and order was necessarily going to help Trump much. "His base will love it, but given his propensity to overreach, he will just turn off the swing voters in the suburbs."
Matt Mackowiak, a GOP political consultant, was one of several Republicans who suggested Trump could bind the nation's wounds with a formal address, perhaps from the Oval Office. Mackowiak spoke with USA TODAY before the president's remarks Monday.
"I believe a national address would be helpful if the president spoke to the intense anger over the senseless Floyd killing and urged calm and nonviolent protest," he said. "I believe the silent majority sympathizes with anger over the Floyd killing while they are also horrified at the rioting and looting."
Some Republican lawmakers sharpened their criticism of the president's tone during the unrest. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said some of Trump's "tweets have not been helpful." Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who faces a tough reelection, said the president should highlight "the fact that we need to work on the underlying racial injustice in this country, but we need to do so in a peaceful manner."
Administration officials indicated Monday that Trump believes he has spoken sufficiently on the topic and that his goal would be to take actions to promote security. That approach is more in Trump's wheelhouse: setting up fights not only with those protesters who are causing trouble but also Democratic mayors in the besieged cities.
Through the highs and lows of his presidency, Trump's polling has remained consistent – underscoring a conventional wisdom that most Americans have made up their mind about him. It's not clear that Trump could "heal" a highly polarized nation, several observers said, even if he wanted to.
"This is heartbreaking. The divide in our homes and among our friends is now on the streets," veteran GOP consultant Frank Luntz told USA TODAY before Trump's visit to St. John's. "But politically, I understand why he's remained quiet. The people he needs to address don't want to hear him, and his base is appalled at the looting."
The unrest and angst, much of it driven by racial tension, has prompted comparisons to 1968, when Richard Nixon ran for president in part on a "law and order" platform after race riots prompted by the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Matt Dallek, a political historian at George Washington University who has studied social crises, said the comparison to the 1960s works only to a point.
Americans, he noted, were also angry with President Lyndon Johnson's handling of Vietnam.
"I do think there’s an interesting echo in that Lyndon Johnson was in many ways the author of his own defeat," Dallek said.
But Johnson had already removed himself from the race in 1968. And Trump, Dallek said, has already run a campaign focused on law and order.
"What (Trump) really promised was a restoration of order, and what we've seen is really the opposite," Dallek said. "In many ways, he's inflamed an already bad situation."
Contributing: Caren Bohan, Christal Hayes, Nicholas Wu


usatoday--2020-06-02--'Word of God as a political prop': GOP senators criticize Trump after George Floyd protesters forced

WASHINGTON – Republican senators were split on President Donald Trump 's decision Monday to push back protesters from an area surrounding the White House so he could visit a historic church across the street to take a photo with a Bible .
`` I 'm against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop , '' said Sen. Ben Sasse , R-Neb.
, in a statement .
While there is no right to riot or destroy property , he said , there is a `` fundamental — a Constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split reaction from Republicans came after another day of protests in the nation 's capital and across the country over the death of George Floyd , a black man who died in the custody of Minneapolis police May 25 .
Former police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd 's death .
During a Monday speech , the president threatened to send the military if cities and states did not put an end to violent protests .
As he spoke from the White House , police outside forcibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riot shields , flash bangs and chemical agents .
A few minutes later , Trump walked through the park and posed for photos with a Bible outside St. John 's Episcopal Church , which suffered slight damage after it was set on fire by protesters late Sunday night .
Many Democrats criticized the event as a stunt while some GOP lawmakers joined them in condemning Trump 's actions .
'Law and order ' : Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death More : DC mayor says using tear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curfew is 'shameful' Sen. Tim Scott , the Senate 's sole black Republican , said he did not approve of the move .
`` As it relates to the tear gas situation and the Bible… it ’ s not something that I thought was helpful or what I would do without any question , '' he told Politico .
`` If your question is : Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op ?
The answer is ‘ no . '
'' Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , also questioned the decision .
`` I don ’ t know what the point the president was trying to make , '' he said .
`` Trying to restore order is a good thing .
Attack on a church is a terrible thing .
I don ’ t think it advanced the ball one way or another . ''
But other Republicans applauded the president , arguing it sent a message to the rest of the country that the president was going to restore order and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the president did in visiting the church was not only appropriate , it was needed , '' Sen. John Kennedy , R-La.
, told reporters .
`` It sent a message to the American people that its government is going to protect the innocent . ''
'Most of you are weak ' : Trump rails at the nation 's governors , urges crackdown on violence More : Calling violent protests 'acts of domestic terror , ' Trump says he 'll send in military if they are n't controlled Some Republicans pointed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , including in front of the White House , and accused protesters of provoking authorities .
`` They know that the police have to move forward on them .
That will trigger the use of tear gas .
And it plays right into the imagery that they want , '' said Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Fla. `` That was provocation that was created deliberately for national television . ''
House Democrats are demanding information about the chain of events that led to peaceful protesters being forcibly removed from the park .
Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homeland Security Committee , asked the director of the Secret Service to appear before the committee to brief them on the incident , writing that he was `` stunned , disturbed , and furious at the sight of federal authorities tear-gassing peaceful protesters . ''
Asked Tuesday whether the president 's conduct merited censure , House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , D-Md.
, said he believed it did warrant such a move but noted the full Democratic caucus had not discussed taking that step .
Censuring Trump was discussed last year in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Democrats ultimately decided against censure , which is a formal statement of disapproval .
`` It is certainly an action worthy and appropriate to censure and to criticize .
It was a terrible act , '' Hoyer said on a call with reporters Tuesday .
`` It was an act indicating the total lack of understanding and empathy with the anger and frustration and cry for justice that was being put out simply to facilitate a photo op obviously designed for political purposes , not designed to bring the country together @ @

'Word of God as a political prop': GOP senators criticize Trump after George Floyd protesters forced out of park
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Republican senators were split on President Donald Trump's decision Monday to push back protesters from an area surrounding the White House so he could visit a historic church across the street to take a photo with a Bible.
"I'm against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop," said Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., in a statement. While there is no right to riot or destroy property, he said, there is a "fundamental — a Constitutional — right to protest."
The split reaction from Republicans came after another day of protests in the nation's capital and across the country over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in the custody of Minneapolis police May 25. Former police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death.
During a Monday speech, the president threatened to send the military if cities and states did not put an end to violent protests. As he spoke from the White House, police outside forcibly removed protesters gathered in Lafayette Square with riot shields, flash bangs and chemical agents. A few minutes later, Trump walked through the park and posed for photos with a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church, which suffered slight damage after it was set on fire by protesters late Sunday night.
Many Democrats criticized the event as a stunt while some GOP lawmakers joined them in condemning Trump's actions.
'Law and order': Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death
More: DC mayor says using tear gas on protesters outside White House before curfew is 'shameful'
Sen. Tim Scott, the Senate's sole black Republican, said he did not approve of the move.
"As it relates to the tear gas situation and the Bible… it’s not something that I thought was helpful or what I would do without any question," he told Politico. "If your question is: Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op? The answer is ‘no.'"
Even close confidants of the president, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also questioned the decision.
"I don’t know what the point the president was trying to make," he said. "Trying to restore order is a good thing. Attack on a church is a terrible thing. I don’t think it advanced the ball one way or another."
But other Republicans applauded the president, arguing it sent a message to the rest of the country that the president was going to restore order and keep Americans safe.
"I thought what the president did in visiting the church was not only appropriate, it was needed," Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., told reporters. "It sent a message to the American people that its government is going to protect the innocent."
'Most of you are weak': Trump rails at the nation's governors, urges crackdown on violence
More: Calling violent protests 'acts of domestic terror,' Trump says he'll send in military if they aren't controlled
Some Republicans pointed to violence that has broken out in recent days, including in front of the White House, and accused protesters of provoking authorities.
"They know that the police have to move forward on them. That will trigger the use of tear gas. And it plays right into the imagery that they want," said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. "That was provocation that was created deliberately for national television."
Pelosi to Trump: Be a 'healer in chief' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on President Donald Trump to be a "healer in chief" and not a "fanner of the flame" as the nation reels from mass protests over the treatment of black people in the United States. (June 2) AP
House Democrats are demanding information about the chain of events that led to peaceful protesters being forcibly removed from the park.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, asked the director of the Secret Service to appear before the committee to brief them on the incident, writing that he was "stunned, disturbed, and furious at the sight of federal authorities tear-gassing peaceful protesters."
Asked Tuesday whether the president's conduct merited censure, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said he believed it did warrant such a move but noted the full Democratic caucus had not discussed taking that step. Censuring Trump was discussed last year in the House as an alternative to impeaching him, but Democrats ultimately decided against censure, which is a formal statement of disapproval.
"It is certainly an action worthy and appropriate to censure and to criticize. It was a terrible act," Hoyer said on a call with reporters Tuesday. "It was an act indicating the total lack of understanding and empathy with the anger and frustration and cry for justice that was being put out simply to facilitate a photo op obviously designed for political purposes, not designed to bring the country together."


usatoday--2020-06-02--Nancy Pelosi calls on President Trump to be 'healer in chief' during George Floyd protests

Pelosi to Trump : Be 'healer in chief ' not 'fanner of the flame' Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ to be a `` healer in chief '' during George Floyd protests .

Pelosi to Trump: Be 'healer in chief' not 'fanner of the flame'
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called on President Donald Trump to be a "healer in chief" during George Floyd protests.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-03--Rep. Steve King loses Iowa Republican primary race to Randy Feenstra

DES MOINES – Republican voters ousted U.S. Rep. Steve King on Tuesday , delivering an end the two decades of controversy he brought to his heavily conservative district .
The Associated Press has called the 4th Congressional District primary race for state Sen. Randy Feenstra , who had the backing of many state elected officials and national Republican groups .
Feenstra vastly out-raised King and spent heavily on television advertising targeting King as ineffective since he was stripped of his committee seats by Republican leaders in January 2019 .
`` I said from day one that Iowans deserve a proven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results and I have done that in the Iowa Senate being in the Iowa Legislature for the last 12 years .
And I promise you I will deliver results in Congress , '' Feenstra said in a Facebook Live video on Tuesday night .
King , a nine-term representative , was first elected in 2002 .
Feenstra also defeated Bret Richards , an Army veteran , educator and former businessman from Irwin ; Jeremy Taylor , a former Woodbury County supervisor and state lawmaker from Sioux City ; and Steve Reeder , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his committees last year following remarks he made to the New York Times about white nationalism .
All four challengers used King 's removal from those committees as evidence that they would be more effective in Congress while still sharing King 's conservative values .
King has denied supporting white nationalism and has said those comments were taken out of context for political reasons .
He 's described the backlash as an orchestrated campaign against him .
But King has long faced criticism for his incendiary comments .
He has long been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal immigration , and has made remarks that Republicans have decried before .
► More : Learn about the Iowa district that re-elects Steve King year after year Feenstra had amassed significant state elected officials and national Republican-aligned groups , including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , National Right to Life and the Republican Jewish Coalition .
Meanwhile , prominent Iowa Republicans like Gov .
Kim Reynolds and U.S. Sens .
Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst opted to stay out of the race rather than supporting King as they had in past elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northwest Iowa , has long favored Republicans .
King won in 2016 with 61 % of the vote — a 22 percentage-point margin over his Democratic challenger .
That same year , President Donald Trump won the district , besting Democrat Hillary Clinton by nearly 30 percentage points .
But this year , King knew the race would be tight .
`` I have some concerns .
There is no question the race is tightening up , '' King told the Sioux City Journal last month .
In 2018 , King defeated Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his smallest margin of victory in a general election .
Some of King 's opponents have said they 're concerned Republicans could lose the seat if he is the nominee .
Scholten is running again this year and was unopposed for the Democratic nomination , which he won Tuesday .
He will face Feenstra in November .
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register .
He can be reached by email at sgrubermil @ registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169 .
Follow him on Twitter at @ sgrubermiller @

Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register

Rep. Steve King loses Iowa Republican primary race to Randy Feenstra
Show Caption Hide Caption Election 2020: Iowa's congressional delegates face competitive races Iowa's Sen. Joni Ernst and Reps. Steve King, Cindy Axne and Abby Finkenauer likely face competitive races in 2020. Olivia Sun, Des Moines Register
DES MOINES – Republican voters ousted U.S. Rep. Steve King on Tuesday, delivering an end the two decades of controversy he brought to his heavily conservative district.
The Associated Press has called the 4th Congressional District primary race for state Sen. Randy Feenstra, who had the backing of many state elected officials and national Republican groups.
Feenstra vastly out-raised King and spent heavily on television advertising targeting King as ineffective since he was stripped of his committee seats by Republican leaders in January 2019.
"I said from day one that Iowans deserve a proven, effective conservative leader that will deliver results and I have done that in the Iowa Senate being in the Iowa Legislature for the last 12 years. And I promise you I will deliver results in Congress," Feenstra said in a Facebook Live video on Tuesday night.
King, a nine-term representative, was first elected in 2002.
Feenstra also defeated Bret Richards, an Army veteran, educator and former businessman from Irwin; Jeremy Taylor, a former Woodbury County supervisor and state lawmaker from Sioux City; and Steve Reeder, an Arnolds Park businessman.
King was stripped of his committees last year following remarks he made to the New York Times about white nationalism. All four challengers used King's removal from those committees as evidence that they would be more effective in Congress while still sharing King's conservative values.
King has denied supporting white nationalism and has said those comments were taken out of context for political reasons. He's described the backlash as an orchestrated campaign against him.
But King has long faced criticism for his incendiary comments. He has long been a strident critic of legal abortion and illegal immigration, and has made remarks that Republicans have decried before.
► More: Learn about the Iowa district that re-elects Steve King year after year
Feenstra had amassed significant state elected officials and national Republican-aligned groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Right to Life and the Republican Jewish Coalition. Meanwhile, prominent Iowa Republicans like Gov. Kim Reynolds and U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst opted to stay out of the race rather than supporting King as they had in past elections.
The 4th District, in conservative northwest Iowa, has long favored Republicans. King won in 2016 with 61% of the vote — a 22 percentage-point margin over his Democratic challenger. That same year, President Donald Trump won the district, besting Democrat Hillary Clinton by nearly 30 percentage points.
Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
But this year, King knew the race would be tight.
"I have some concerns. There is no question the race is tightening up," King told the Sioux City Journal last month.
In 2018, King defeated Democrat J.D. Scholten by just 3.4%, his smallest margin of victory in a general election. Some of King's opponents have said they're concerned Republicans could lose the seat if he is the nominee.
Scholten is running again this year and was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, which he won Tuesday. He will face Feenstra in November.
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.


usatoday--2020-06-03--Trump: GOP 'forced to seek another state' to host the Republican National Convention


usatoday--2020-06-04--'We can do better:' Obama urges mayors to take lead on reforms  after George Floyd's death

WASHINGTON – Former President Barack Obama urged the nation 's cities Wednesday to examine their community policing policies and revise them if necessary to prevent a repeat of what happened in Minneapolis last week .
`` Today , I am urging every mayor in this country to review your use-of-force policies with members of your community and commit to report on planned reforms , '' Obama said in a livestreamed discussion of police reform sparked by the deaths of George Floyd and other African Americans that have triggered waves of protest around the country .
`` What are the specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an hour-long town hall , Obama struck a tone of cautious optimism , saying he was heartened at the swift and broad response to Floyd 's killing at the hands of the Minneapolis police though he added that far more change was needed .
`` We do n't have the capacity to eradicate 400 years of racism in one fell swoop .
If we think this is a seismic shift , I hope people do n't think nothing 's going to happen once we figure this out , '' he said .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those protests were justified .
That would n't have existed 30 , 40 , 50 years ago .
There is a change in the mindset that 's taking place , a greater recognition that we can do better . ''
His town hall came a day after former President George W. Bush spoke out , saying in a written statement that he was “ anguished ” and calling it a “ time for us to listen.
” Bush , like Obama , expressed support for the protesters , saying it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better future .
The comments from both former presidents marked a contrast with those of President Donald Trump , who has been sharply critical of the protesters and has urged authorities to `` dominate '' the streets , including in a conference call with governors this week in which he accused them of being `` weak '' in their responses .
Trump , who has described himself as a `` law-and-order '' president , has emphasized instances of looting and rioting , often failing to make a distinction between those actions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept in the shadows , allowing their predecessors to run the nation without being second guessed .
But during his final White House news conference as president in 2017 , Obama said he would speak out after leaving the office when “ I think our core values may be at stake ...
I put in that category , if I saw systematic discrimination being ratified in some fashion . ''
Most of the changes needed , Obama said during Wednesday 's discussion , have to take place at the local level .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms from a task force created after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson , Missouri , in 2014 .
Many local officials supported the report , “ but then there wasn ’ t enough policy.
” '' Let 's go ahead and start implementing those , '' he said .
`` We need mayors , county executives , others who are in positions of power to say this is a priority . ''
While urging action , Obama also sent a message of hope to Americans disturbed and disheartened by recent events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The arc of the moral universe is long , but it bends toward justice , '' he said , quoting Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. `` We bend it .
All of you have bent it over the last four , five , six , 10 years and we are seeing the fruits of those labors in the degree of awareness that is out there . ''
Obama , who was weighing in for the third time after Floyd 's death , has been emphasizing the need to turn protests into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eric Holder , civil rights leader Rashad Robinson , Minneapolis City Council member Phillipe Cunningham and others .
`` We are an incredibly progressive city , '' Cunningham said .
`` At the same time , we are also the city that has the most significant racial disparities between white and black folks in the entire country across every indicator of quality of life .
So this has just been boiling under the surface . ''
New charges in George Floyd 's death : Derek Chauvin faces second-degree murder ; 3 other officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put on by My Brother 's Keeper Alliance , an initiative started by Obama after Trayvon Martin , a 17-year-old African American teenager from Florida , was fatally shot by George Zimmerman in 2012 .
The goal is breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for boys and young men of color .
After Floyd 's death , Obama called on a `` new generation of activists '' to channel the outrage .
`` If , going forward , we can channel our justifiable anger into peaceful , sustained , and effective action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turning point in our nation ’ s long journey to live up to our highest ideals , '' Obama wrote in an essay published Monday on Medium .
Obama also addressed Floyd 's death in a statement shared on social media Friday .
During a virtual event for historically black colleges and universities last month , Obama criticized the United States ' coronavirus response and said the crisis `` spotlights the underlying inequalities '' in the nation .
He called the U.S. response an `` absolute chaotic disaster '' during a call about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served in his administration .
More : Phoenix 's Jeri Williams is one of the nation 's few black female police chiefs .
She says George Floyd 's death was 'disgustingly horrific . '

Maureen Groppe and Ledyard King, USA TODAY

'We can do better:' Obama urges mayors to take lead on reforms after George Floyd's death
Show Caption Hide Caption Barack Obama talks reimagining policing in the wake of police violence Former President Barack Obama talked with local and national leaders in the police reform movement to discuss the tragic events of recent weeks. THE OBAMA FOUNDATION, USA TODAY Handout
WASHINGTON – Former President Barack Obama urged the nation's cities Wednesday to examine their community policing policies and revise them if necessary to prevent a repeat of what happened in Minneapolis last week.
"Today, I am urging every mayor in this country to review your use-of-force policies with members of your community and commit to report on planned reforms," Obama said in a livestreamed discussion of police reform sparked by the deaths of George Floyd and other African Americans that have triggered waves of protest around the country. "What are the specific steps you can take?”
In an hour-long town hall, Obama struck a tone of cautious optimism, saying he was heartened at the swift and broad response to Floyd's killing at the hands of the Minneapolis police though he added that far more change was needed.
"We don't have the capacity to eradicate 400 years of racism in one fell swoop. If we think this is a seismic shift, I hope people don't think nothing's going to happen once we figure this out," he said. But "a majority of Americans still think those protests were justified. That wouldn't have existed 30, 40, 50 years ago. There is a change in the mindset that's taking place, a greater recognition that we can do better."
His town hall came a day after former President George W. Bush spoke out, saying in a written statement that he was “anguished” and calling it a “time for us to listen.”
Bush, like Obama, expressed support for the protesters, saying it’s a “strength” when they march for a better future.
The comments from both former presidents marked a contrast with those of President Donald Trump, who has been sharply critical of the protesters and has urged authorities to "dominate" the streets, including in a conference call with governors this week in which he accused them of being "weak" in their responses. Trump, who has described himself as a "law-and-order" president, has emphasized instances of looting and rioting, often failing to make a distinction between those actions and peaceful demonstrations.
Former presidents have traditionally kept in the shadows, allowing their predecessors to run the nation without being second guessed. But during his final White House news conference as president in 2017, Obama said he would speak out after leaving the office when “I think our core values may be at stake ... I put in that category, if I saw systematic discrimination being ratified in some fashion."
Peaceful protests honor George Floyd George Floyd's family has called for protests in his honor to be peaceful, and many of them around the world are. USA TODAY, Associated Press
Most of the changes needed, Obama said during Wednesday's discussion, have to take place at the local level. He said his administration compiled a number of reforms from a task force created after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. Many local officials supported the report, “but then there wasn’t enough policy.”
"Let's go ahead and start implementing those," he said. "We need mayors, county executives, others who are in positions of power to say this is a priority."
While urging action, Obama also sent a message of hope to Americans disturbed and disheartened by recent events, especially young people of color.
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice," he said, quoting Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "We bend it. All of you have bent it over the last four, five, six, 10 years and we are seeing the fruits of those labors in the degree of awareness that is out there."
Obama, who was weighing in for the third time after Floyd's death, has been emphasizing the need to turn protests into policy.
Participants included former Attorney General Eric Holder, civil rights leader Rashad Robinson, Minneapolis City Council member Phillipe Cunningham and others.
"We are an incredibly progressive city," Cunningham said. "At the same time, we are also the city that has the most significant racial disparities between white and black folks in the entire country across every indicator of quality of life. So this has just been boiling under the surface."
New charges in George Floyd's death: Derek Chauvin faces second-degree murder; 3 other officers charged, senator says
The discussion was put on by My Brother's Keeper Alliance, an initiative started by Obama after Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African American teenager from Florida, was fatally shot by George Zimmerman in 2012. The goal is breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for boys and young men of color.
After Floyd's death, Obama called on a "new generation of activists" to channel the outrage.
"If, going forward, we can channel our justifiable anger into peaceful, sustained, and effective action, then this moment can be a real turning point in our nation’s long journey to live up to our highest ideals," Obama wrote in an essay published Monday on Medium.
Obama also addressed Floyd's death in a statement shared on social media Friday.
During a virtual event for historically black colleges and universities last month, Obama criticized the United States' coronavirus response and said the crisis "spotlights the underlying inequalities" in the nation. He called the U.S. response an "absolute chaotic disaster" during a call about a week earlier with 3,000 people who served in his administration.
More: Phoenix's Jeri Williams is one of the nation's few black female police chiefs. She says George Floyd's death was 'disgustingly horrific.'


usatoday--2020-06-04--'I can't breathe': Protesters lie down on DC street, repeat Floyd's words

A large group of protesters lay down on a Washington D.C. street to repeat the words George Floyd said as he was pinned down by police officers , minutes before he died .
The group lay down on Pennsylvania Avenue in the nation 's capital and repeated the words `` I ca n't breathe '' before continuing with their march through D.C. Floyd died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pinned Floyd 's neck down with his knee for nearly nine minutes as he was handcuffed and saying he could n't breathe .
He was unresponsive by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said they were responding to a report of a forgery in progress .
“ It moved me , you know what I ’ m saying ?
Everybody in sync , ” northern Virginia resident EB Mackee said about everyone chanting Floyd 's words .
Mackee added : “ It ’ s a statement to lie down and say , ‘ I can ’ t breathe !
’ It gives you a visual of what it ’ s like for somebody to be there for nine minutes saying they can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making statements.
” The Wednesday demonstration was part of a new day of protests in D.C. that started in near the White House , the scene of six days of demonstrations .
Things got started with law enforcement officers cutting off the main protest area , near Lafayette Park and the White House .
The move by police sent protesters along other paths in the city , which included walking towards Capitol Hill .
Limiting the protest zone did not sit well with demonstrators who said that the authorities – particularly President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
`` It 's like they want to remove us permanently - they want us to go , '' said Selah Squalls , 19 , of Alexandria , Va. , a student at Jackson State University in Mississippi .
More : DC mayor says using force on protesters outside White House before curfew is 'shameful' '' It 's crazy , it 's abusive , it represents injustice to me – it represents unfairness , '' she said .
Wednesday is the sixth consecutive day of protests in D.C. as part of nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Tuesday 's protest in the city ended peacefully after a tumultuous Monday that saw officers clear a peaceful group from the White House with projectiles .
Squalls , who said she has been at the site throughout the week , said protesters were very near the White House on Friday ... got pushed back into Lafayette Park the next day ... then got pushed beyond the park earlier this week .
Now , she noted , they have been moved north on 16th Street beyond St. John 's Church .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be pushed back even more , '' said Squalls , who attended the demonstration with her mother : Lawanda Squalls , 48 , Alexandria , Va. , a Washington , D.C. employee .
Neither mother nor daughter blames law enforcement for the new restrictions - they blamed someone else .
`` It 's not what they want to do – it 's what Trump wants to do , '' said Lawanda Squalls .
`` He wants this . ''
Antonio Jenkins , 26 , a caregiver who lives in Washington , D.C. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was disappointed he could n't get close to the White House .
He said he understood the need for security , but it feels like the government just wants to shut down the protests .
`` I feel like it violates our civil rights , '' Jenkins said .
`` It could be a necessary thing , because it is the White House ...
But they 're just doing it because it 's a protest . ''
`` It 's unnecessary , '' he said .
Jenkins said he does n't care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump cares about him .
`` It 's just a mess , ' Jenkins said .
`` This is a people 's protest . ''
A couple of blocks from the White House , a man stood just feet from a line of military police in riot gear and angrily confronted a black officer .
“ You ’ re one of them , ” he screamed as the officer looked on stoically .
But , “ you take that uniform off , you ’ re one of us , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ' I am outraged ' : DC bishop denounces Trump 's church visit after police clear protesters with tear gas One man , wearing a mask , yelled at military police officers standing in a line to block part of the roadway .
The unidentified man asked the officers if they could imagine standing still for nine minutes as somebody in custody died , a reference to the death of George Floyd .
`` Four people stood there and watched that man die and made sure that no one helped him while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him .
Can you stand there and watch that for nine minutes ? ''
the man asked the officers .
The same man told the officers he was `` trying to appeal to your heart , your humanity.
” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made a brief appearance Wednesday afternoon amid a group of protesters on 16th Street , just north of St. John 's Church and Lafayette Park .
She walked south toward a line of law enforcement officials shortly after 4:15 p.m. '' We want people to peacefully protest , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who 's been doing destruction to be here , but people have grievances that must be heard . ''
Asked to evaluate President Donald Trump 's response to the protests so far , Bowser was succinct .
`` I think to insinuate or actually bring the United States military into an American city is unconscionable — and maybe illegal , '' she said .
Caryn Brandon and her fiancé , Jeff Griner , stood just a few feet from a line of police officers in riot gear one block from Lafayette Park and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brandon , of Timonium , Md.
, said she has three sons .
She said she told the officers “ I need to know and trust they will do right by my sons.
” “ I need to know my sons will not lose their lives because their skin is black at the hands of police officers who are sworn to serve them , ” she said Brandon said the officers did not respond , but she could tell that her message got through .
“ They don ’ t speak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can feel .
”

David Jackson, Michael Collins, Michelle R. Martinelli, Rebecca Morin and Tom Schad, USA TODAY

'I can't breathe': Protesters lie down on DC street, repeat Floyd's words
Show Caption Hide Caption DC resident offers refuge to nearly 100 protesters Rahul Dubey was one of the DC homeowners who opened his doors to over 100 protesters after a citywide curfew began. Fox - 5 DC, Video Elephant
A large group of protesters lay down on a Washington D.C. street to repeat the words George Floyd said as he was pinned down by police officers, minutes before he died.
The group lay down on Pennsylvania Avenue in the nation's capital and repeated the words "I can't breathe" before continuing with their march through D.C.
Floyd died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pinned Floyd's neck down with his knee for nearly nine minutes as he was handcuffed and saying he couldn't breathe.
He was unresponsive by the time medical personnel arrived at the scene. Police said they were responding to a report of a forgery in progress.
Protesters chant “I can’t breathe!” while lying down on Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 12th St. and Freedom Plaza outside the mayor’s office. #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/6o82CINuxC — Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 3, 2020
“It moved me, you know what I’m saying? Everybody in sync,” northern Virginia resident EB Mackee said about everyone chanting Floyd's words.
Mackee added: “It’s a statement to lie down and say, ‘I can’t breathe!’ It gives you a visual of what it’s like for somebody to be there for nine minutes saying they can’t breathe. So we’re just making statements.”
The Wednesday demonstration was part of a new day of protests in D.C. that started in near the White House, the scene of six days of demonstrations.
Things got started with law enforcement officers cutting off the main protest area, near Lafayette Park and the White House. The move by police sent protesters along other paths in the city, which included walking towards Capitol Hill.
Limiting the protest zone did not sit well with demonstrators who said that the authorities – particularly President Donald Trump – simply want to shut them down.
"It's like they want to remove us permanently - they want us to go," said Selah Squalls, 19, of Alexandria, Va., a student at Jackson State University in Mississippi.
More: DC mayor says using force on protesters outside White House before curfew is 'shameful'
"It's crazy, it's abusive, it represents injustice to me – it represents unfairness," she said.
Wednesday is the sixth consecutive day of protests in D.C. as part of nationwide demonstrations that have gripped the attention of the country.
Tuesday's protest in the city ended peacefully after a tumultuous Monday that saw officers clear a peaceful group from the White House with projectiles.
Squalls, who said she has been at the site throughout the week, said protesters were very near the White House on Friday ... got pushed back into Lafayette Park the next day ... then got pushed beyond the park earlier this week.
Now, she noted, they have been moved north on 16th Street beyond St. John's Church.
"I'm sure tomorrow we'll be pushed back even more," said Squalls, who attended the demonstration with her mother: Lawanda Squalls, 48, Alexandria, Va., a Washington, D.C. employee.
Neither mother nor daughter blames law enforcement for the new restrictions - they blamed someone else.
"It's not what they want to do – it's what Trump wants to do," said Lawanda Squalls. "He wants this."
Antonio Jenkins, 26, a caregiver who lives in Washington, D.C., said he was attending his first demonstration and was disappointed he couldn't get close to the White House. He said he understood the need for security, but it feels like the government just wants to shut down the protests.
"I feel like it violates our civil rights," Jenkins said. "It could be a necessary thing, because it is the White House ... But they're just doing it because it's a protest."
"It's unnecessary," he said.
Jenkins said he doesn't care about Trump, and doesn't think Trump cares about him.
"It's just a mess,' Jenkins said. "This is a people's protest."
A couple of blocks from the White House, a man stood just feet from a line of military police in riot gear and angrily confronted a black officer. “You’re one of them,” he screamed as the officer looked on stoically.
But, “you take that uniform off, you’re one of us,” he said. “You’re black.”
More: 'I am outraged': DC bishop denounces Trump's church visit after police clear protesters with tear gas
One man, wearing a mask, yelled at military police officers standing in a line to block part of the roadway. The unidentified man asked the officers if they could imagine standing still for nine minutes as somebody in custody died, a reference to the death of George Floyd.
"Four people stood there and watched that man die and made sure that no one helped him while that murdering bastard squeezed the lift out of him. Can you stand there and watch that for nine minutes?" the man asked the officers.
The same man told the officers he was "trying to appeal to your heart, your humanity.”
A protester talks to military police at the perimeter on 16th street, which has been expanded about half a block north toward Eye St. since last night. #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/nTLwBjnoAL — Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 3, 2020
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made a brief appearance Wednesday afternoon amid a group of protesters on 16th Street, just north of St. John's Church and Lafayette Park. She walked south toward a line of law enforcement officials shortly after 4:15 p.m.
"We want people to peacefully protest," Bowser said. "Nobody wants anybody who's been doing destruction to be here, but people have grievances that must be heard."
Asked to evaluate President Donald Trump's response to the protests so far, Bowser was succinct.
"I think to insinuate or actually bring the United States military into an American city is unconscionable — and maybe illegal," she said.
Caryn Brandon and her fiancé, Jeff Griner, stood just a few feet from a line of police officers in riot gear one block from Lafayette Park and held up large photos of George Floyd.
Brandon, of Timonium, Md., said she has three sons. She said she told the officers “I need to know and trust they will do right by my sons.”
“I need to know my sons will not lose their lives because their skin is black at the hands of police officers who are sworn to serve them,” she said
Brandon said the officers did not respond, but she could tell that her message got through.
“They don’t speak,” she said. “But they can feel.”


usatoday--2020-06-03--Senate passes fixes to Paycheck Protection Program designed to keep small business afloat during cor

WASHINGTON – The Senate Wednesday passed legislation giving thousands of restaurants , nail salons and other small businesses greater access to the Paycheck Protection Program , the federal lifeline designed to help them stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic .
Some Republicans initially objected to the measure over technical issues and a desire to close loopholes to prevent the money from going to businesses less in need of financial help .
But they agreed to pass the bill while they work on legislation to make further reforms .
The bill , which overwhelmingly passed in the House last week and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's desk , loosens some key rules regarding loan repayment and spending restrictions of the PPP .
The program , created in March as part of the nearly $ 2 trillion CARES Act , has provided nearly 4.5 million small businesses with an infusion of cash to keep their workers on the payroll during the coronavirus pandemic that has devastated the U.S. economy and upended daily life .
The $ 660 billion programprovides businesses employing up to 500 workers forgivable loans of as much as $ 10 million .
The average loan is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business Administration .
But many businesses said the program 's structure is too rigid to accommodate different types of small businesses , especially restaurants whose rent-heavy expenses do not fit well in a program that prioritizes rehiring of employees .
Unintended beneficiaries : Hundreds of publicly traded companies got more than $ 1 billion from PPP small-business fund The new changes would : • Lower to 60 % from 75 % the minimum portion of the PPP loan that must be spent on payroll .
The rest must be spent on rent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Extend from eight to 24 weeks the amount of time the loan can cover .
• Extend from two to five years the time new PPP loans must be paid back if the amount provided does n't convert into a grant .
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer , said increasing the amount of money businesses can spend on non-payroll expenses is crucial to keep them running .
Questions answered : Confused by the US government 's small business loan program ?
You 're not alone .
Here 's your guide Red ink:4 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding .
See what that means to the national debt '' In my home state of New York with high rents , high utility costs , many businesses were frozen out when it was 25 % but 40 will get them in , '' he said on the Senate floor Wednesday .
`` And that applies to most of your high-cost areas throughout the country . ''
The National Federation of Independent Businesses has endorsed the bill , saying it would clear up some of the confusion surrounding the program 's rules and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open .

Senate passes fixes to Paycheck Protection Program designed to keep small business afloat during coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Small business owners share struggle with receiving PPP loans Small business owners share their difficult and confusing journeys in applying for the Paycheck Protection Program loan. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Senate Wednesday passed legislation giving thousands of restaurants, nail salons and other small businesses greater access to the Paycheck Protection Program, the federal lifeline designed to help them stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some Republicans initially objected to the measure over technical issues and a desire to close loopholes to prevent the money from going to businesses less in need of financial help. But they agreed to pass the bill while they work on legislation to make further reforms.
The bill, which overwhelmingly passed in the House last week and is now headed to President Donald Trump's desk, loosens some key rules regarding loan repayment and spending restrictions of the PPP.
The program, created in March as part of the nearly $2 trillion CARES Act, has provided nearly 4.5 million small businesses with an infusion of cash to keep their workers on the payroll during the coronavirus pandemic that has devastated the U.S. economy and upended daily life.
The $660 billion programprovides businesses employing up to 500 workers forgivable loans of as much as $10 million. The average loan is $113,705, according to the Small Business Administration.
But many businesses said the program's structure is too rigid to accommodate different types of small businesses, especially restaurants whose rent-heavy expenses do not fit well in a program that prioritizes rehiring of employees.
Unintended beneficiaries: Hundreds of publicly traded companies got more than $1 billion from PPP small-business fund
The new changes would:
Lower to 60% from 75% the minimum portion of the PPP loan that must be spent on payroll. The rest must be spent on rent, utilities and other business-related expenses.
Extend from eight to 24 weeks the amount of time the loan can cover.
Extend from two to five years the time new PPP loans must be paid back if the amount provided doesn't convert into a grant.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, said increasing the amount of money businesses can spend on non-payroll expenses is crucial to keep them running.
Questions answered: Confused by the US government's small business loan program? You're not alone. Here's your guide
Red ink: 4 coronavirus stimulus packages. $2.4 trillion in funding. See what that means to the national debt
"In my home state of New York with high rents, high utility costs, many businesses were frozen out when it was 25% but 40 will get them in," he said on the Senate floor Wednesday. "And that applies to most of your high-cost areas throughout the country."
The Independent Restaurant Coalition said the measure gives their members "a fighting chance."
But "even with these changes, many restaurants will still have a hard time surviving the crisis we’re in," the coalition said in a statement. "Social distancing measures are forcing restaurants and bars to operate with dramatically reduced revenues for the foreseeable future, which will be unsustainable in the long-run. The pandemic is a long term problem and these PPP fixes are only the beginning of a solution."
The National Federation of Independent Businesses has endorsed the bill, saying it would clear up some of the confusion surrounding the program's rules and give mom-and-pop enterprises more time and flexibility to open.
.


usatoday--2020-06-03--'Too tight to tell in Texas': New state poll shows Trump ahead by 1 point over Biden

AUSTIN — Texas could be a nail-biter on Election Night if findings of the Quinnipiac University poll of the state 's registered voters released Wednesday carry over to the fall .
Republican President Donald Trump , who carried Texas by a comfortable 9 percentage points in 2016 , leads presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden by a razor-thin 44-43 percent margin in the poll of 1,166 self-identified registered voters who were contacted from May 28 -through June 1 .
`` Too tight to tell in Texas , '' said Quinnipiac polling analyst Tim Malloy .
`` As the country confronts chaos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important states of all is a toss-up . ''
Quinnipiac 's numbers appear to vindicate the message the Texas Democratic Party has sought to push since the start of the 2020 election cycle , which is that the nation 's most reliably red state in every national election since 1980 is ripe for the flipping .
Changing demographics , an increasingly moderate voting base in the suburbs and the unpopularity of Trump , especially among female voters , all appear to cut against the Republicans with the November election five months away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state in the country , '' said state Democratic Party spokesman Abhi Rahman .
`` Texas Democrats are fired up and ready to win . ''
The Trump campaign did not immediately reply to a request for comment .
The poll was in field while many of the nation 's largest cities , including those in Texas , were the site of large scale protests over the death of George Floyd , who was held down by a Minneapolis police officer 's with a knee on his neck for more than eight minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor at the University of Houston , said the poll suggests Trump 's handling of the recent crises has split Texas voters instead of uniting them .
`` If the election is a referendum on these events , Republicans up and down the ballot should be worried , '' Rottinghaus said .
Other findings in the poll , which has a margin of error of 2.9 % , shows good news and bad news for the Texas Republicans , who control all statewide elective offices and both houses of the Legislature .
Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for election this year , has a 56-32 percent job approval rating .
That 's 9 points higher than Trump 's in Texas .
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz , also not on the November ballot , has an approval rating of 45-42 percent .
Texas ' senior senator , John Cornyn , is on the ballot .
His approval rating appears shaky — 37-36 percent — as he seeks his fourth six-year term .
Rottinghaus said Cornyn has plenty of time to consolidate Republican support , which will likely occur after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royce West and MJ Hegar .
But , he added , the president 's job performance is not helping Cornyn .
`` Trump is dragging Cornyn down among key constituencies both need to win Texas — independents , women , and college educated voters , '' Rottinghaus said .
`` These groups might have swung to Republicans in previous years but Trump changed that dynamic . ''
Almost six in 10 respondents said Texans should be allowed to vote by mail during the COVID-19 pandemic .
And there was a partisan gap .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote-by-mail .
Among Republican , 68 said it would be a bad idea .
But by November , about 60 percent of respondents said they 'd be comfortable going to the polls in person .
Just over half , 51 % , said they are concerned about contracting COVID-19 , the illness caused by coronavirus .
And 35 % said they know someone who has the illness .
On questions about the wearing of masks or face coverings , 65 % said they support a requirement that masks be worn inside businesses ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all public activities .
Also , 76 % of respondents said they wear a mask when in public .
Nearly 70 % of respondents said another outbreak requiring renewed shutdowns of businesses and schools is at least `` somewhat '' likely .
John C. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA Today Network in Austin .
Contact him at jmoritz @ gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ JohnnieMo .

John C Moritz Austin Bureau USA TODAY NETWORK, Corpus Christi Caller Times

'Too tight to tell in Texas': New state poll shows Trump ahead by 1 point over Biden The poll of 1,166 registered voters shows the nation's most reliably Republican large state could be in danger of falling to the Democrats in November.
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
AUSTIN — Texas could be a nail-biter on Election Night if findings of the Quinnipiac University poll of the state's registered voters released Wednesday carry over to the fall.
Republican President Donald Trump, who carried Texas by a comfortable 9 percentage points in 2016, leads presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden by a razor-thin 44-43 percent margin in the poll of 1,166 self-identified registered voters who were contacted from May 28 -through June 1.
"Too tight to tell in Texas," said Quinnipiac polling analyst Tim Malloy. "As the country confronts chaos and COVID-19, perhaps one of the most important states of all is a toss-up."
Quinnipiac's numbers appear to vindicate the message the Texas Democratic Party has sought to push since the start of the 2020 election cycle, which is that the nation's most reliably red state in every national election since 1980 is ripe for the flipping.
Changing demographics, an increasingly moderate voting base in the suburbs and the unpopularity of Trump, especially among female voters, all appear to cut against the Republicans with the November election five months away.
“Texas is the biggest battleground state in the country," said state Democratic Party spokesman Abhi Rahman. "Texas Democrats are fired up and ready to win."
The Trump campaign did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
The poll was in field while many of the nation's largest cities, including those in Texas, were the site of large scale protests over the death of George Floyd, who was held down by a Minneapolis police officer's with a knee on his neck for more than eight minutes.
Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, said the poll suggests Trump's handling of the recent crises has split Texas voters instead of uniting them.
"If the election is a referendum on these events, Republicans up and down the ballot should be worried," Rottinghaus said.
Other findings in the poll, which has a margin of error of 2.9%, shows good news and bad news for the Texas Republicans, who control all statewide elective offices and both houses of the Legislature.
Republican statewide officeholders
Gov. Greg Abbott, who is not up for election this year, has a 56-32 percent job approval rating. That's 9 points higher than Trump's in Texas.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, also not on the November ballot, has an approval rating of 45-42 percent.
Texas' senior senator, John Cornyn, is on the ballot. His approval rating appears shaky — 37-36 percent — as he seeks his fourth six-year term.
Rottinghaus said Cornyn has plenty of time to consolidate Republican support, which will likely occur after the July 14 runoff between Democratic Senate hopefuls Royce West and MJ Hegar. But, he added, the president's job performance is not helping Cornyn.
"Trump is dragging Cornyn down among key constituencies both need to win Texas — independents, women, and college educated voters," Rottinghaus said. "These groups might have swung to Republicans in previous years but Trump changed that dynamic."
Vote by mail
Almost six in 10 respondents said Texans should be allowed to vote by mail during the COVID-19 pandemic. And there was a partisan gap. Democrats 91-9 percent and independents 61-39 support vote-by-mail. Among Republican, 68 said it would be a bad idea.
But by November, about 60 percent of respondents said they'd be comfortable going to the polls in person.
Coronavirus concerns
Just over half, 51%, said they are concerned about contracting COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus. And 35% said they know someone who has the illness.
On questions about the wearing of masks or face coverings, 65% said they support a requirement that masks be worn inside businesses; 58% said they should be required for all public activities. Also, 76% of respondents said they wear a mask when in public.
Nearly 70% of respondents said another outbreak requiring renewed shutdowns of businesses and schools is at least "somewhat" likely.
John C. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA Today Network in Austin. Contact him at jmoritz@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @JohnnieMo.