usatoday--2020-10-07--University of New Hampshire investigates professor accused of posing as woman of color on Twitter

DURHAM , N.H. – A white male professor in the University of New Hampshire chemistry department is accused of posting offensive tweets while posing as a woman of color .
The fake Twitter account , which was deleted along with the personal account of the chemistry professor named by his department chair as the person behind it , was known as “ The Science Femme , Woman in STEM ” and used the handle @ piney_the .
UNH said on Twitter and in emails to the media , “ We were recently made aware of allegations on social media about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are deeply troubled by what we ’ ve learned so far and immediately launched an investigation.
” Friday , UNH said , “ The employee at the center of allegations on social media is on leave and not in the classroom .
In order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation the university is unable to comment further .
The university is unable to confirm the identity of the employee.
” ' I grossly misstepped ' : University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student apologizes for falsely claiming to be Black Seacoast Media Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweets by “ The Science Femme , Woman in STEM , ” as well as reaction to them by Glen Miller , chair of UNH ’ s chemistry department .
Miller named a professor , but the identity of the person who posted the tweets has not been confirmed by Seacoast Media Group , so his name is not included in this story .
Tweets boasted about fighting a statement being crafted by colleagues in response to racial unrest in America after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful in killing my dept ’ s woke statement on recent social unrest .
This took several weeks and may have permanently burned some bridges , but I think it ’ s important .
It is a toxic ideology that can not be given an inch , ” the tweet says .
An ensuing tweet within the thread reads , “ I was successful in removing all woke terminology from the statement including anti-racism , white supremacy , white privilege , and claims of systemic racism .
Before attempting a similar feat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know what all these terms really mean.
” ' A violent anti-Black lie ' : Jessica Krug , professor who pretended to be Black , resigns from George Washington University One tweet unrelated to Floyd ’ s death mocked the idea of “ cultural appropriation.
” Another included a photo of a topless Black woman among protesters .
Tweets from the account in February responded to the account of former California Congresswoman Katie Hill with censored nude photos of her that had been posted without permission , a leak that led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You should know , you ’ ve had plenty caught on camera , ” @ piney_the wrote to Hill under one explicit image .
There were tweets about “ leftists ” being angry about American capitalism and scorn against another Twitter user within the STEM field tweeting about preferred gender pronouns .
Twitter users accused the account of “ trolling ” and “ intense cyberstalking for nearly two years now , ” particularly against STEM-based users .
A since-deleted post from Miller to the UNH Department of Chemistry Facebook page this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science Femme.
” “ Over the past 25 years , I have had the privilege to work at the Chemistry Department at UNH , the last 5 years as Chair .
I am constantly impressed by the collegial and collaborative and accepting nature of this department .
It is in fact these very qualities of the faculty , staff and students that drove me and others to accept a position here .
That is the department I know and love .
That is who we are .
“ As a Department , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek to minimize , dismiss , hurt or harm others .
That is not us .
That is not what we stand for .
That is not who we are .
Nor will it ever be , ” he wrote .
Asked for comment this week by Seacoast Media Group , Miller said , “ I have been instructed by HR not to make any further statements about this situation , so I must abide by that.
” Documents obtained by Seacoast Media Group include an email Miller sent this week to colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a large number of things written by ( the professor ) that ranged from unfortunate to hurtful to deeply offensive , ” the email says .
The email says the professor planned to “ come clean to you , his colleagues , very soon.
” “ As I mentioned , I spoke to ( the professor ) , twice actually .
( The professor ) is embarrassed and overwhelmed and shell shocked .
He fears that this could be the end of his academic year , ” Miller wrote .
The professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .
The UNH investigation comes weeks after Jessica Krug resigned as a professor from George Washington University after publishing an essay on Medium describing her pattern of misrepresenting herself as a Black woman though she is white .

University of New Hampshire investigates professor accused of posing as woman of color on Twitter
Show Caption Hide Caption George Washington University professor who pretended to be Black resigns from the school Associate Professor Jessica Krug, has resigned from George Washington University over false claims of Black identity. Buzz60
DURHAM, N.H. – A white male professor in the University of New Hampshire chemistry department is accused of posting offensive tweets while posing as a woman of color.
The fake Twitter account, which was deleted along with the personal account of the chemistry professor named by his department chair as the person behind it, was known as “The Science Femme, Woman in STEM” and used the handle @piney_the.
UNH said on Twitter and in emails to the media, “We were recently made aware of allegations on social media about a member of our faculty. We are deeply troubled by what we’ve learned so far and immediately launched an investigation.”
Friday, UNH said, “The employee at the center of allegations on social media is on leave and not in the classroom. In order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation the university is unable to comment further. The university is unable to confirm the identity of the employee.”
'I grossly misstepped': University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student apologizes for falsely claiming to be Black
Seacoast Media Group obtained a document compiling many of the tweets by “The Science Femme, Woman in STEM,” as well as reaction to them by Glen Miller, chair of UNH’s chemistry department.
Miller named a professor, but the identity of the person who posted the tweets has not been confirmed by Seacoast Media Group, so his name is not included in this story.
Tweets boasted about fighting a statement being crafted by colleagues in response to racial unrest in America after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.
“Here it is: I was successful in killing my dept’s woke statement on recent social unrest. This took several weeks and may have permanently burned some bridges, but I think it’s important. It is a toxic ideology that cannot be given an inch,” the tweet says.
An ensuing tweet within the thread reads, “I was successful in removing all woke terminology from the statement including anti-racism, white supremacy, white privilege, and claims of systemic racism. Before attempting a similar feat, it’s important to make sure you know what all these terms really mean.”
'A violent anti-Black lie': Jessica Krug, professor who pretended to be Black, resigns from George Washington University
One tweet unrelated to Floyd’s death mocked the idea of “cultural appropriation.” Another included a photo of a topless Black woman among protesters.
Tweets from the account in February responded to the account of former California Congresswoman Katie Hill with censored nude photos of her that had been posted without permission, a leak that led to Hill’s resignation in October 2019.
“You should know, you’ve had plenty caught on camera,” @piney_the wrote to Hill under one explicit image.
There were tweets about “leftists” being angry about American capitalism and scorn against another Twitter user within the STEM field tweeting about preferred gender pronouns.
Twitter users accused the account of “trolling” and “intense cyberstalking for nearly two years now,” particularly against STEM-based users.
A since-deleted post from Miller to the UNH Department of Chemistry Facebook page this week condemned the actions of “The Science Femme.”
“Over the past 25 years, I have had the privilege to work at the Chemistry Department at UNH, the last 5 years as Chair. I am constantly impressed by the collegial and collaborative and accepting nature of this department. It is in fact these very qualities of the faculty, staff and students that drove me and others to accept a position here. That is the department I know and love. That is who we are.
“As a Department, we wholeheartedly reject any statements or actions which seek to minimize, dismiss, hurt or harm others. That is not us. That is not what we stand for. That is not who we are. Nor will it ever be,” he wrote.
Asked for comment this week by Seacoast Media Group, Miller said, “I have been instructed by HR not to make any further statements about this situation, so I must abide by that.”
Documents obtained by Seacoast Media Group include an email Miller sent this week to colleagues in the chemistry department.
Miller wrote the professor admitted running the fake Twitter account.
“There were a large number of things written by (the professor) that ranged from unfortunate to hurtful to deeply offensive,” the email says.
The email says the professor planned to “come clean to you, his colleagues, very soon.”
“As I mentioned, I spoke to (the professor), twice actually. (The professor) is embarrassed and overwhelmed and shell shocked. He fears that this could be the end of his academic year,” Miller wrote.
The professor did not respond to a request for comment.
The UNH investigation comes weeks after Jessica Krug resigned as a professor from George Washington University after publishing an essay on Medium describing her pattern of misrepresenting herself as a Black woman though she is white.


usatoday--2020-10-08--Trump praises experimental COVID drugs in video update; Pence and Harris face off tonight: Live upda

President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday , breaking quarantine by returning to the offices where the president and more than a dozen employees have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Trump left the White House residence just two days after returning from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , where he was treated for the deadly virus that has killed more than 200,000 Americans .
He filmed a nearly five-minute video praising experimental drugs he took as part of his recovery , saying that catching the virus was like a `` blessing from God '' so he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment in particular , Regeneron 's experimental drug cocktail .
His video came just hours before Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris , the Democratic vice presidential nominee , face each other in one of the most anticipated vice presidential debates in years .
Trump also got more bad news regarding his tax returns on Wednesday when the 2nd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the president 's claims that a grand jury subpoena of his returns was overly broad and issued in bad faith .
Trump ’ s accountant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manhattan prosecutors , the court ruled .
However , the court said a stay of the lower court 's decision will remain in effect so Trump 's attorneys can appeal to the Supreme Court .
The matter may not be fully resolved before the November election .
• Positives and negatives : A running list of COVID-19 test results in Washington as more than two dozen associated with the White House are infected • Election integrity : The FBI , NSA , National Counterintelligence and Security Center and Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your vote has never been higher . ''
• Analysis : Experts in authoritarianism ( including those living through it in other countries ) share warnings , reassurances for American democracy .
• Visas : The Trump administration is tightening requirements for foreign workers , saying `` economic security is homeland security . ''
📊 What the polls are saying : A startling poll of roughly 2,000 U.S. voters found 56 % expect violence after the election .
In the battleground state of Wisconsin , Biden leads Trump by 46 % to 41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University Law School Poll .
📆 27 days until Election Day , zero days until the vice presidential debate , eight days until the second presidential debate , 105 days until Inauguration Day , 86 days left in 2020 .
🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote , when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues .
We will update this article throughout the day .
You can follow all of USA TODAY 's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The assistant commandant of the Marine Corps has tested positive for COVID-19 , the second officer to contract the disease days after a meeting of the military 's most senior commanders at the Pentagon .
Marine Gen. Gary Thomas , the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps , has been quarantined since Tuesday along with most of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several other officers who had been in a meeting last week with Coast Guard 's No .
2 officer , Adm. Charles Ray .
Thomas is experiencing mild symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a statement from the Marine Corps .
The military 's top two officers , Army Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , and Air Force Gen. John Hyten , the vice chairman , are among those senior commanders in quarantine .
`` We are aware of General Thomas ’ positive test for COVID-19 , '' Jonathan Hoffman , the chief spokesman for the Pentagon , said in a statement Wednesday night .
`` At this time we have no additional senior leader positive test results to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC guidance for self-quarantining and contact tracing . ''
President Donald Trump released a nearly five-minute video Wednesday evening on Twitter to update supporters on his condition as he continues to battle COVID-19 .
Trump , who was dressed in a suit and not wearing a mask , said the `` key '' to his recovery from the virus was the experimental antibody cocktail by drugmaker Regeneron that he was given on Friday before he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
`` Immediately I felt as good three days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said in a video shot Wednesday outside the White House , according to his chief of staff Mark Meadows .
.
The president also said his administration was working to make the drug free for Americans .
`` I want everybody to be given the same treatment as your president , because I feel great .
I feel like perfect , '' Trump said The drug remains under development and is not yet approved for use in the United States or anywhere else .
Trump was able to get it under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company said it has granted to fewer than 10 people so far , after requests from their doctors and approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , a process that typically takes days to weeks .
The president said his administration had asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve emergency use authorization of the Regeneron drug .
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly , Regeneron 's competitor , has requested emergency use authorization from the FDA for a similar drug .
Trump says catching COVID was a 'blessing from God' President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a broader White House outbreak that included his wife first lady Melania Trump , his press secretary and top aids .
But he described catching the virus as a `` blessing from God '' in a video message Wednesday .
`` I think this was a blessing from God that I caught it . ''
he said , adding that it was a `` blessing in disguise '' so he could understand firsthand the benefits of Regeneron 's experimental drug cocktail , which he has taken as part of his treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you what I got and I 'm going to make it free .
You 're not going to pay for it , '' he vowed .
Trump previously reported he earned capital gains from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Gilead Sciences Inc. , both manufacturers of two medicines he 's taken as part of his COVID-19 treatment .
Trump 's doctors said the president continues to take the steroid dexamethasone and he completed a five-day course of the antiviral drug Remdesivir on Tuesday .
He has also taken zinc , vitamin D , famotidine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Four Democratic senators spoke with President Donald Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Wednesday .
Sens .
Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. ; Sheldon Whitehouse , D-R.I. ; Patrick Leahy , D-Vt. ; and Chris Coons , D-Del.
, spoke with Barrett over the phone , rather than holding in-person meetings like Republican senators did last week .
All four Democrats are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee , the panel overseeing judicial nominations .
Feinstein is the top Democrat on the panel , and Leahy is its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Barrett her confirmation was “ divisive ” given it is so close to Election Day .
He asked her about cases related to the Affordable Care Act because of Democrats ’ concerns that the Supreme Court could overturn the law , but she declined to comment on cases that could come before the court , he said .
The Delaware Democrat said Barrett had qualifications “ appropriate ” for that of a Supreme Court justice , but he still had concerns about “ her judicial philosophy and her views.
” At least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far .
Sen. Joe Manchin , D-W.V.
, a moderate Democrat , met with her on Thursday .
In a statement released later Wednesday , White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said two other senators had also met with Barrett – Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , and Sen. Cory Booker , D-N.J. Klobuchar spoke with Barrett Wednesday , and Booker spoke with her `` last week . ''
Klobuchar and Booker are also on the Judiciary Committee .
Two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee , Sen. Thom Tillis , R-N.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both tested positive for COVID-19 last week and have gone into quarantine .
Hearings are scheduled to start Monday and Republicans aim to confirm Barrett before Election Day .
Pence tests negative for COVID-19 ahead of debate with Harris Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen tested negative for COVID-19 Wednesday , according to his spokesman .
Mike Pence faces off against Sen. Kamala Harris in the vice presidential debate Wednesday evening .
President Donald Trump remained out of the public eye midday Wednesday , but it appears he did get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marine guard posted himself outside the door of the West Wing shortly after 3 p.m. EST ; the Marine 's presence has long been the traditional signal that the president , any president , is in the Oval .
An administration official confirmed that Trump worked out of the Oval Office , but declined to say whether this constituted breaking quarantine .
Aides said Trump continues to speak with aides and congressional leaders , and to do the job as needed .
The president is also talking about the possibility of some kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video .
“ He wants to speak to the American people and he will do so soon , '' said White House spokesperson Brian Morgenstern .
`` I do n't have an exact time or a definite way he 'll do that . ''
Doctor says Donald Trump says he feels 'great ! '
In his daily written summation , presidential physician Sean Conley quoted Donald Trump himself providing his own prognosis .
`` The President this morning says ' I feel great ! ''
Conley wrote in a brief memo released by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exam and vital signs , including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate , all remain stable and in normal range . ''
Conley also reported that Trump – who has not been seen in public since he returned to the White House on Monday night – has been fever-free for more than four days and symptom-free for more than 24 hours .
The president also `` has not needed nor received any supplemental oxygen since initial hospitalization , '' the doctor said .
Conley had been criticized for being evasive on Trump 's oxygen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last tested negative .
Conley also reported that Trump 's bloodwork showed `` detectable levels '' of antibodies .
Trump received an experimental drug that is not yet FDA approved .
Other than that , the drugs he received are normal for COVID-19 patients , although delivered much more quickly to him as president .
White House COVID outbreak may have exposed thousands from Atlanta to Minnesota Trump and other White House insiders infected with COVID-19 carried the virus across the country in a matter of days , potentially exposing hundreds , perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about their business , a USA TODAY investigation found .
From a religious summit outside of Atlanta to a campaign rally at a Pennsylvania airport and a private fundraiser in Minnesota , Trump , his aides and his political allies attended events with thousands of people , often without masks and little regard for social distancing .
Trump , first lady Melania Trump , senior adviser Hope Hicks and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany are among more than 20 to test positive for COVID-19 from an outbreak tied to the White House .
USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos from news coverage and social media posts and scoured attendance logs to identify people who came in contact with those individuals .
At least 6,000 people attended meetings , rallies and other gatherings with them within a week of the Sept. 26 Supreme Court nomination ceremony in the White House Rose Garden , now pegged as a potential “ superspreader ” event .
White House outbreak : White House coronavirus outbreak may have exposed thousands from Atlanta to Minnesota On Tuesday , Biden was in Gettysburg , Pennsylvania , the site of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ended up saving the Union , to make a point about the need to heal the country 's political chasms .
`` Today again , we are a house divided , '' he said .
`` As I look across America today , I 'm concerned the country is in a dangerous place , '' the former vice president said .
`` Our trust in each other is ebbing .
Hope seems elusive .
Too many American see our public life not as an arena for mediation of our differences , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for total , unrelenting partisan warfare .
Instead of treating each other 's party as the opposition , we treat them as the enemy .
This must end . ''
Pelosi on 'The View ' : Trump needs an 'intervention' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , lambasted Trump during a Wednesday interview on ABC ’ s “ The View , ” calling for White House staff to stage an `` intervention '' on President Donald Trump , who is back at the White House recovering from COVID-19 .
Asked about her level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health given her role as second in the line of succession behind Vice President Mike Pence , Pelosi said she was very concerned for both herself and others around the country suffering amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` That 's why I think that there has to be an intervention in terms of people around him , '' she said , citing the need for a national plan to combat the pandemic .
She also said Trump made a “ terrible mistake '' by opposing any further discussion of a coronavirus stimulus package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end to months of negotiations over a COVID-19 stimulus package Tuesday , rejecting the Democrats ' latest offer .
The president 's rejection and insistence on restarting negotiations means both parties head into a crucial election without more relief for Americans struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , which has led to unprecedented levels of unemployment and caused businesses to suffer .
But then at 10:18 p.m. he tweeted that he would approve a standalone bill for $ 1,200 stimulus checks .
How stocks are reacting .
Pelosi on 'The View @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 'intervention' Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris get their turn in the spotlight at the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday at9 EDT/6 PDT .
And there 's already been disagreement -- over Plexiglass .
The debate will be especially high stakes .
With Trump 's COVID-19 diagnosis , the age of both presidential candidates and the much-disputed first presidential debate , voters may view the contest as an important chance to understand the issues .
Susan Page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has interviewed nine presidents , will moderate the 90-minute debate .
Viewers can stream the match-up live at debate2020.usatoday.com with real-time facts and context from USA TODAY 's team of experts showing on-screen during the debate .
The debate also will be aired on most major networks and cable news channels , including Fox News , CNN , ABC , CBS , NBC , MSNBC , PBS and C-SPAN .
Is it safe to debate ?
The Plexiglass dispute Harris will have plexiglass on her side of the debate stage , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , in a memo said he 's concluded it is safe for Pence to participate in the debate .
However , Dr. Rochelle Walensky , chief of infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital , speaking on a call this morning sponsored by the Infectious Disease Society of America , said Vice President Pence should be at home quarantining , not traveling around the country .
As far as is known from published reports , less than 14 days ago he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people known to have come down with COVID-19 , she said .
CDC guidelines explicitly state that anyone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 needs to quarantine for 14 days .
The guidelines do not provide an option for “ testing out ” of this situation , she said .
Because of a lack of transparency by the White House , which she condemned , she said it ’ s not exactly clear what his exposure was , but at the Rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was within 6 feet of several people later diagnosed with COVID-19 .
“ In my mind , I believe he meets the CDC definition for quarantine , ” she said .
“ There are no guidances for how you should behave if you ’ re not going to quarantine , because you ’ re not supposed to do that.
” But she noted that to go to the debate he would have to come into contact with many people , including drivers , hotel workers and servers .
“ All those people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate Harris through this , ” she said .
“ This is where I really find it very important that we follow CDC guidance.
” One aide says Trump was in Oval Office ; others say not White House officials continue to say different things about President Donald Trump 's situation , including whether or not he dropped by the Oval Office on Tuesday .
While doctors want to confine Trump to the White House residence as he recovers from an attack of COVID-19 , one aide claimed he did wander over to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others said he had only planned to go there .
`` The president actually showed up in the Oval Office yesterday with extra precautions , '' economic adviser Larry Kudlow told CNBC .
White House spokesman Ben Williamson , however , said it did n't happen .
`` While the President wanted to be in the Oval Office yesterday , he was not there , '' Williamson said .
`` He stayed back in the residence working from there .
Safety preparations have been underway in the event he moves to working out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told reporters that Trump 's schedule is `` fluid . ''
“ He wanted to go to the Oval yesterday .
If he decided to go to the Oval , we ’ ve got safety protocols there , '' Meadows said .
Aides are in concert with claims that Trump continues to act as president despite his illness .
One thing for sure : The president is still tweeting .
He tweeted or re-tweeted at least 40 items before 10 a.m. Wednesday , many of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since Sept. 1 , Trump and key Oval Office figures have violated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on the coronavirus at least 27 times , ignoring recommendations on mask wearing , social distancing , quarantining and more .
• No masks were worn during Trump 's debate prep -- now several who were there have COVID , including former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie and White House adviser Stephen Miller .
And Trump 's family did n't wear masks during the debate .
• At the large Rose Garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks and many hugged .
Now , many who attended have COVID .
• Even despite being exposed to the president and others who tested positive for COVID , numerous officials did not start quarantining as recommended -- and later tested positive themselves -- such as White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany .
Senior White House adviser Stephen Miller has tested positive for the coronavirus , adding to a growing list of White House officials who have tested positive since Trump was diagnosed last week .
Miller was one of several involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus .
Miller is known as one of Trump ’ s main influences on immigration policies , including restrictions on travel from Muslim-majority countries and family separation policies at the southern border .
Dr. William Foege , former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , asked the current CDC leader Dr. Robert Redfield to expose the failed U.S. response to COVID-19 , calling on him to orchestrate his own firing to protest White House interference .
In a private letter , Foege , who has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency 's handling of the novel coronavirus , called on Redfield to openly address the White House ’ s meddling in the agency ’ s efforts to manage the COVID-19 crisis and then accept the political sacrifice that would follow .
He recommended that Redfield commit to writing the administration 's failures — and his own — so there was a record that could not be dismissed .
“ Don ’ t shy away from the fact this has been an unacceptable toll on our country .
It is a slaughter and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

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


usatoday--2020-10-07--High school quarterback scores 6 touchdowns in 1 game

Washington High School senior Trashaun Willis is a stellar athlete , but who he is off the field captivates everyone @ @ @ @ @ thinks this is just his beginning .

High school quarterback scores 6 touchdowns in 1 game
Washington High School senior Trashaun Willis is a stellar athlete, but who he is off the field captivates everyone around him. His coach thinks this is just his beginning.
Sportskind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-08--Sen. Harris and Vice President Pence discuss President Trump's tax returns at VP debate

Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence discuss Donald Trump 's tax returns and financial disclosures .

VP debate: Harris and Pence talk President Trump's tax returns
Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence discuss Donald Trump's tax returns and financial disclosures.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-07--The prosecutor vs. the 'king of sound bites': Why the Harris-Pence debate is no ordinary VP faceoff

California state Sen. Toni Atkins was going to ask Kamala Harris about her debate with Vice President Mike Pence when Harris animatedly interrupted .
“ Let me just say something : He ’ s a good debater , ” Harris said during a virtual fundraiser last month .
“ So I ’ m so concerned , like I can only disappoint.
” Harris ’ assessment of Pence is echoed by Democrats and Republicans alike who know the vice president and understand the skills he brings as a former radio talk show host and the Trump administration ’ s most disciplined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutorial skills – which have made more than one Republican squirm at congressional hearings – and her wattage as a rising star in the Democratic Party and first woman of color on a major party ’ s presidential ticket .
Her gender brings an extra element of interest because of the Trump campaign ’ s struggles with female voters and because of the criticism Pence has received from the left for his practice of avoiding being alone with a woman other than his wife .
Watch the vice presidential debate with live fact-checking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence vs. Harris : How vice presidential candidates stack up against each other Even before President Donald Trump 's hospitalization for COVID-19 increased the stakes in the vice presidential debate , it was expected to draw more attention than Pence ’ s 2016 contest against Sen. Tim Kaine – a match that Republican strategist Michael Steel dubbed “ Mayonnaise versus Miracle Whip.
” “ I think that the debates that are most interesting are the ones where you have a pretty striking contrast between the candidates , ” said Alan Schroeder , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book “ Presidential Debates : Risky Business on the Campaign Trail .
Older candidates can put more of a spotlight on younger running mates .
Trump ’ s illness , and the pandemic in general , increase the possibility that Trump , 74 , or Joe Biden , 77 , might not be able to finish a term .
( Pence is 61 , and Harris is 55 . )
“ There 's a greater than normal possibility that one of the candidates in the VP debate will be president of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped Paul Ryan prepare for the 2012 vice presidential debate .
Plexiglass and 12 feet apart : Mike Pence , Kamala Harris have new rules for vice presidential debate What to watch for : Pence , Harris likely to clash over SCOTUS , abortion , climate issues Trump 's diagnosis adds to the questions about whether there will be additional presidential debates .
After the first debate devolved into a slugfest , the Commission on Presidential Debates said it 's considering changes to ensure `` a more orderly discussion of the issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will participate if the rules are changed .
If he does n't , Wednesday could be the final faceoff between the campaigns .
Voters may view the vice presidential contest as a better chance to understand the issues .
“ Mike Pence is as smooth as Trump is crude , ” Democratic strategist David Axelrod said on his podcast .
“ He ’ ll probably give the performance that Trump ’ s handlers wished that he had given something like.
” A Republican close to Pence and the debate prep process said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` temperature-lowering debate '' in which both candidates will want to talk about policy and what the next four years would look like .
It ’ s not unusual that a vice presidential candidate has the task of cleaning up after a presidential debate .
After President Barack Obama ’ s weak first debate against Mitt Romney in 2012 , one of Biden ’ s missions was to put the campaign on a course correction , Schroeder said .
Pence , he said , “ has got a very tough job to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Journal poll taken after the presidential debate , 49 % of registered voters said Biden did better than Trump , and 24 % said Trump was the winner .
The poll showed Biden ’ s lead over Trump had grown to 14 percentage points .
“ It puts a little bit of pressure on Pence to try and sort of breathe some life back into a campaign that was behind beforehand , ” said Joel Goldstein , an emeritus professor of St. Louis University .
Though Pence has been through a vice presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris .
She hasn ’ t debated a Republican since her 2010 race for California attorney general .
The tough questioning she ’ s known for at Senate hearings and jabs she delivered during the 2019 Democratic presidential primary debates came under different dynamics than what she will face Wednesday .
“ I can ’ t stress how strongly I would say that doing a one-on-one debate in a general election is a much higher challenge than participating in primary debates with multiple candidates , ” said Robert Barnett , a Washington lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vice presidential debates , including by portraying Pence in Kaine ’ s 2016 debate prep .
“ The stakes are higher .
The audience is bigger .
The breadth of the issues is unlimited .
And the cost of failure is enormous.
” Harris faces high expectations .
After Biden announced her as his running mate , a common reaction – especially on social media – was predictions of a slaughter .
“ I will take EXTREME pleasure watching Kamala Harris eat Mike Pence alive in a debate , ” tweeted Adam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Pence leading the 2018 Olympic delegation because of Pence ’ s record on LGBTQ issues .
'No vaccine for racism ' : Kamala Harris delivers message of inclusion in historic acceptance speech Harris has repeatedly pushed back on such comments .
When Doug Hickey , a Silicon Valley executive , told Harris during a fundraiser , `` I sincerely feel sorry for Mike on this one . ''
`` Mike Pence debates really well , so lower the expectations , '' Harris retorted .
John Gregg , an Indiana Democrat who went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off against him in the state ’ s 2012 gubernatorial race , said people underrate the vice president ’ s skills .
“ You know , he 's easy to poke fun at .
A lot of people do because he 's conservative – or different things he ’ s said , ” Gregg said .
“ But they underestimate Mike .
He 's a very good debater.
” The years Pence spent as a radio talk show host helped make him the “ king of sound bites , ” which he combines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes him “ the most disciplined candidate I ’ ve ever run into.
” That allowed Pence to defy expectations in 2016 .
“ I think you 'd have to admit , Mike Pence got the best in that debate , ” Gregg said of the Pence-Kaine debate .
Though that contest was not as fractious as last month 's presidential debate , Pence and Kaine frequently interrupted each other .
The moderator , who lost control at times , admonished the candidates that the viewers couldn ’ t understand either one when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won points for appearing more even-tempered and in control – as well as deftly deflecting Kaine ’ s attacks on Trump as he employed the Reaganesque mannerisms of a little smile followed by a tilt and shake of his head in response to Kaine ’ s criticisms .
“ The biggest takeaway I had from that debate four years ago was the skill with which Pence could just kind of shake off almost anything that Donald Trump had done or said , ” Steel , the Republican strategist , said .
This time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her prosecutorial background to try to indict the Trump administration for the deaths from COVID-19 , millions of lost jobs , social unrest and sky-high deficits .
“ A prosecutor will have evidence to argue in this debate , and that ’ s kind of different than 2016 when it was more about promises about what we ’ ll do rather than in fact what has the record been of the administration , ” Kaine wrote in an emailed response to USA TODAY .
Harris said her biggest challenge will be handling “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of untruths.
” “ I do n't necessarily want to be the fact checker , ” Harris told Hillary Clinton during an episode of Clinton ’ s podcast .
“ At the same time , you know , depending on how far he goes with whatever he does , he ’ s going to be accountable for what he said.
” Clinton said Harris should be prepared for “ the slights , the efforts to diminish you personally , you as a woman who 's about to be our next vice president.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a vice presidential debate , rebuked George H.W .
Bush in 1984 for what she called his “ patronizing attitude that you have to teach me about foreign policy.
” That moment was unrehearsed , said Barnett , who played Bush in Ferraro ’ s debate prep .
It was a “ very important moment in the history of women in politics , ” even though Bush won the election , he said .
“ She stood for every woman who 'd ever been patronized , ” Barnett said .
Though female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Barnett said , male-female faceoffs are also “ fraught with peril for the male candidate.
” Pence has the added dynamic of the notoriety he ’ s gotten for saying he took steps to “ build a zone ” around his marriage , including not dining alone with a woman who is not his wife .
“ How can you not watch that debate and kind of think about that ?
” Schroeder said .
When The Washington Post reported that former Wisconsin Gov .
Scott Walker was essentially roleplaying Harris during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media snickers about whether the `` Pence rule '' was at play .
Walker portrayed Kaine in Pence ’ s 2016 debate prep , and the two “ have a good history , ” said the Republican close to Pence and the debate process who requested anonymity to speak candidly .
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and other women have also been involved .
In 2016 , Pence ’ s older daughter , Charlotte , worked with him on how to address “ women ’ s issues ” in anticipation of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s helping out again , according to the Republican close to Pence .
Getting the right tone Biden was deliberately restrained when he debated GOP presidential nominee Sarah Palin in 2008 , according to Goldstein , the vice presidential scholar .
“ The concern was that Palin was a lightweight , and he didn ’ t want to appear to be a bully , ” he said .
“ But I think that given the challenges they ’ ve had with women voters and the way that Trump has treated women politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think Pence has to be careful not to appear condescending or patronizing or engaged in any behavior that would appropriately be viewed as sexist.
” Pence : VP ramps up public appearances while Trump remains hospitalized , concerning experts Ralph Reed , a longtime friend of Pence and chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition , said Pence will be walking a tightrope on tone .
Still , he said , “ It ’ s important to respect one ’ s opponent enough to challenge them.
” And showing respect doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially , Reed said , because Harris is “ not at all afraid to throw a punch.
” “ I think the vice president will be a perfect gentleman – and he 'll be tough as nails , ” Reed said .
Gregg , Pence ’ s 2012 gubernatorial opponent , has no doubt Pence will be “ kind , courteous and gracious ” to Harris .
“ I think the biggest challenge for Sen. Harris will be to try to force him to give substantive answers , ” Gregg said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold his feet to the fire.
” More : Watch the vice presidential debate with live fact-checking by USA TODAY 's team of experts

The prosecutor vs. the 'king of sound bites': Why the Harris-Pence debate is no ordinary VP faceoff
California state Sen. Toni Atkins was going to ask Kamala Harris about her debate with Vice President Mike Pence when Harris animatedly interrupted.
“Let me just say something: He’s a good debater,” Harris said during a virtual fundraiser last month. “So I’m so concerned, like I can only disappoint.”
Harris’ assessment of Pence is echoed by Democrats and Republicans alike who know the vice president and understand the skills he brings as a former radio talk show host and the Trump administration’s most disciplined messenger.
Harris can rely on her prosecutorial skills – which have made more than one Republican squirm at congressional hearings – and her wattage as a rising star in the Democratic Party and first woman of color on a major party’s presidential ticket.
Her gender brings an extra element of interest because of the Trump campaign’s struggles with female voters and because of the criticism Pence has received from the left for his practice of avoiding being alone with a woman other than his wife.
Watch the vice presidential debate with live fact-checking by USA TODAY's team of experts
Pence vs. Harris: How vice presidential candidates stack up against each other
Even before President Donald Trump's hospitalization for COVID-19 increased the stakes in the vice presidential debate, it was expected to draw more attention than Pence’s 2016 contest against Sen. Tim Kaine – a match that Republican strategist Michael Steel dubbed “Mayonnaise versus Miracle Whip.”
“I think that the debates that are most interesting are the ones where you have a pretty striking contrast between the candidates,” said Alan Schroeder, a presidential debate historian and author of the book “Presidential Debates: Risky Business on the Campaign Trail.
Older candidates can put more of a spotlight on younger running mates. Trump’s illness, and the pandemic in general, increase the possibility that Trump, 74, or Joe Biden, 77, might not be able to finish a term. (Pence is 61, and Harris is 55.)
“There's a greater than normal possibility that one of the candidates in the VP debate will be president of the United States,” said Steel, who helped Paul Ryan prepare for the 2012 vice presidential debate.
Plexiglass and 12 feet apart: Mike Pence, Kamala Harris have new rules for vice presidential debate
What to watch for: Pence, Harris likely to clash over SCOTUS, abortion, climate issues
Trump's diagnosis adds to the questions about whether there will be additional presidential debates. After the first debate devolved into a slugfest, the Commission on Presidential Debates said it's considering changes to ensure "a more orderly discussion of the issues." Trump has not said whether he will participate if the rules are changed. If he doesn't, Wednesday could be the final faceoff between the campaigns.
'Temperature-lowering debate'
Voters may view the vice presidential contest as a better chance to understand the issues.
“Mike Pence is as smooth as Trump is crude,” Democratic strategist David Axelrod said on his podcast. “He’ll probably give the performance that Trump’s handlers wished that he had given something like.”
A Republican close to Pence and the debate prep process said he expects the 90 minutes to be a "temperature-lowering debate" in which both candidates will want to talk about policy and what the next four years would look like.
It’s not unusual that a vice presidential candidate has the task of cleaning up after a presidential debate.
After President Barack Obama’s weak first debate against Mitt Romney in 2012, one of Biden’s missions was to put the campaign on a course correction, Schroeder said.
Pence, he said, “has got a very tough job to do here.”
In an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll taken after the presidential debate, 49% of registered voters said Biden did better than Trump, and 24% said Trump was the winner. The poll showed Biden’s lead over Trump had grown to 14 percentage points.
“It puts a little bit of pressure on Pence to try and sort of breathe some life back into a campaign that was behind beforehand,” said Joel Goldstein, an emeritus professor of St. Louis University.
High expectations for Harris
Harris faces her own pressures.
Though Pence has been through a vice presidential debate, this is a first for Harris. She hasn’t debated a Republican since her 2010 race for California attorney general. The tough questioning she’s known for at Senate hearings and jabs she delivered during the 2019 Democratic presidential primary debates came under different dynamics than what she will face Wednesday.
“I can’t stress how strongly I would say that doing a one-on-one debate in a general election is a much higher challenge than participating in primary debates with multiple candidates,” said Robert Barnett, a Washington lawyer who has prepared many Democrats for presidential and vice presidential debates, including by portraying Pence in Kaine’s 2016 debate prep. “The stakes are higher. The audience is bigger. The breadth of the issues is unlimited. And the cost of failure is enormous.”
Harris faces high expectations. After Biden announced her as his running mate, a common reaction – especially on social media – was predictions of a slaughter.
“I will take EXTREME pleasure watching Kamala Harris eat Mike Pence alive in a debate,” tweeted Adam Rippon, a figure skater who objected to Pence leading the 2018 Olympic delegation because of Pence’s record on LGBTQ issues.
'No vaccine for racism': Kamala Harris delivers message of inclusion in historic acceptance speech
Harris has repeatedly pushed back on such comments. When Doug Hickey, a Silicon Valley executive, told Harris during a fundraiser, "I sincerely feel sorry for Mike on this one."
"Mike Pence debates really well, so lower the expectations," Harris retorted.
Don't underestimate Pence
John Gregg, an Indiana Democrat who went to law school with Pence and squared off against him in the state’s 2012 gubernatorial race, said people underrate the vice president’s skills.
“You know, he's easy to poke fun at. A lot of people do because he's conservative – or different things he’s said,” Gregg said. “But they underestimate Mike. He's a very good debater.”
The years Pence spent as a radio talk show host helped make him the “king of sound bites,” which he combines with a message focus that Gregg said makes him “the most disciplined candidate I’ve ever run into.” That allowed Pence to defy expectations in 2016.
“I think you'd have to admit, Mike Pence got the best in that debate,” Gregg said of the Pence-Kaine debate.
Though that contest was not as fractious as last month's presidential debate, Pence and Kaine frequently interrupted each other. The moderator, who lost control at times, admonished the candidates that the viewers couldn’t understand either one when they talked over each other.
Pence won points for appearing more even-tempered and in control – as well as deftly deflecting Kaine’s attacks on Trump as he employed the Reaganesque mannerisms of a little smile followed by a tilt and shake of his head in response to Kaine’s criticisms.
“The biggest takeaway I had from that debate four years ago was the skill with which Pence could just kind of shake off almost anything that Donald Trump had done or said,” Steel, the Republican strategist, said.
Convention pitch: Vice President Mike Pence calls election a choice on whether 'America remains America'
Prosecuting the case
This time, Kaine said, Harris can use her prosecutorial background to try to indict the Trump administration for the deaths from COVID-19, millions of lost jobs, social unrest and sky-high deficits.
“A prosecutor will have evidence to argue in this debate, and that’s kind of different than 2016 when it was more about promises about what we’ll do rather than in fact what has the record been of the administration,” Kaine wrote in an emailed response to USA TODAY.
Harris said her biggest challenge will be handling “what is very likely to be a series of untruths.”
“I don't necessarily want to be the fact checker,” Harris told Hillary Clinton during an episode of Clinton’s podcast. “At the same time, you know, depending on how far he goes with whatever he does, he’s going to be accountable for what he said.”
Clinton said Harris should be prepared for “the slights, the efforts to diminish you personally, you as a woman who's about to be our next vice president.”
Gender dynamics
Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman in a vice presidential debate, rebuked George H.W. Bush in 1984 for what she called his “patronizing attitude that you have to teach me about foreign policy.”
That moment was unrehearsed, said Barnett, who played Bush in Ferraro’s debate prep. It was a “very important moment in the history of women in politics,” even though Bush won the election, he said.
“She stood for every woman who'd ever been patronized,” Barnett said.
Though female candidates can still face a higher bar, Barnett said, male-female faceoffs are also “fraught with peril for the male candidate.”
Pence has the added dynamic of the notoriety he’s gotten for saying he took steps to “build a zone” around his marriage, including not dining alone with a woman who is not his wife.
“How can you not watch that debate and kind of think about that?” Schroeder said.
When The Washington Post reported that former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was essentially roleplaying Harris during debate prep, the news sparked social media snickers about whether the "Pence rule" was at play.
Walker portrayed Kaine in Pence’s 2016 debate prep, and the two “have a good history,” said the Republican close to Pence and the debate process who requested anonymity to speak candidly. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and other women have also been involved.
In 2016, Pence’s older daughter, Charlotte, worked with him on how to address “women’s issues” in anticipation of being asked about his anti-abortion views. She’s helping out again, according to the Republican close to Pence.
Getting the right tone
Biden was deliberately restrained when he debated GOP presidential nominee Sarah Palin in 2008, according to Goldstein, the vice presidential scholar. “The concern was that Palin was a lightweight, and he didn’t want to appear to be a bully,” he said.
“But I think that given the challenges they’ve had with women voters and the way that Trump has treated women politicians on occasions,” Goldstein said, “I think Pence has to be careful not to appear condescending or patronizing or engaged in any behavior that would appropriately be viewed as sexist.”
Pence: VP ramps up public appearances while Trump remains hospitalized, concerning experts
Ralph Reed, a longtime friend of Pence and chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, said Pence will be walking a tightrope on tone.
Still, he said, “It’s important to respect one’s opponent enough to challenge them.” And showing respect doesn’t mean taking a dive – especially, Reed said, because Harris is “not at all afraid to throw a punch.”
“I think the vice president will be a perfect gentleman – and he'll be tough as nails,” Reed said.
Gregg, Pence’s 2012 gubernatorial opponent, has no doubt Pence will be “kind, courteous and gracious” to Harris.
“I think the biggest challenge for Sen. Harris will be to try to force him to give substantive answers,” Gregg said. “I’d just tell her to hold his feet to the fire.”
More: Watch the vice presidential debate with live fact-checking by USA TODAY's team of experts


usatoday--2020-10-07--Michael Flynn's lawyers say judge is 'hostile,' should recuse himself from Trump ally's case

WASHINGTON – Michael Flynn attorneys are seeking the recusal of U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan from his case , arguing the judge is `` increasingly hostile '' and `` irreparably biased '' against the former Army general .
`` His continued presence in the case has become a national scandal undermining confidence in the impartiality of the federal judicial system and faith in the rule of law , '' Flynn 's attorneys said in court papers Wednesday .
The move is the latest in the protracted and politically fraught prosecution of President Donald Trump 's former national security adviser .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the FBI about his contacts with a former Russian ambassador , is one of half a dozen former Trump aides and associates who were indicted as a result of the special counsel investigation on Russian election interference in 2016 .
Sullivan has been presiding over the case since 2017 .
The motion asking for his recusal comes days after a heated court hearing during which Sullivan pressed Flynn 's attorney , Sidney Powell , on whether she had briefed the president on the case .
Powell was initially reluctant to discuss her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive privilege , even though she is n't a a White House employee .
Powell later acknowledged that she updated Trump and requested that he not pardon Flynn .
Powell , who has repeatedly cast the prosecution of Flynn as part of a politically motivated conspiracy involving Obama administration officials , also said during the hearing that Sullivan should recuse himself .
In court papers , Powell claimed that Sullivan 's `` contempt and disdain '' for Flynn was `` palpable '' during the hearing .
The Michael Flynn saga : Appeals court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to force dismissal of case Powell cited Sullivan 's searing comments to Flynn during a 2018 sentencing hearing .
`` Arguably , you sold your country out , '' Sullivan told Flynn .
Flynn 's sentencing has since been postponed .
He has since backtracked from his guilty plea , declaring his innocence and accusing the government of forcing him to admit to crimes he did not commit and then hiding evidence that would 've exonerated him .
The Justice Department , under Attorney General William Barr , also reversed course and sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI interview during which Flynn made false statements was `` unjustified . ''
Instead of dismissing the case , Sullivan appointed a third party , known as an amicus , to challenge the Justice Department 's bid to drop the case and to examine whether Flynn had committed perjury for claiming to be innocent of a crime to which he had earlier pleaded guilty .
In court filings Wednesday , Powell cited Sullivan 's decision to appoint an amicus as evidence that the judge has become personally invested in prosecuting Flynn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. have already rejected that argument after Flynn 's defense team asked them to force Sullivan to dismiss the case and to remove him from it .
The appeals court said in August that judges have the authority to appoint third parties as they decide on how to rule in cases .
In Sullivan 's case , his attorney argued that the judge was simply doing what judges do : seeking to hear both sides before ruling on the motion to dismiss .
The appeals court said that Sullivan may ultimately dismiss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overreach were `` speculative . ''
It also said there 's no basis in removing Sullivan , saying opinions or statements judges make while presiding over a case do n't indicate bias .
Contributing : Kevin Johnson , USA TODAY and the Associated Press

Michael Flynn's lawyers say judge is 'hostile,' should recuse himself from Trump ally's case
Show Caption Hide Caption Justice Department dropping its case against Gen. Michael Flynn The DOJ will drop the criminal case against Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about contact with a Russian Ambassador. Flynn pleaded guilty. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Michael Flynn attorneys are seeking the recusal of U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan from his case, arguing the judge is "increasingly hostile" and "irreparably biased" against the former Army general.
"His continued presence in the case has become a national scandal undermining confidence in the impartiality of the federal judicial system and faith in the rule of law," Flynn's attorneys said in court papers Wednesday.
The move is the latest in the protracted and politically fraught prosecution of President Donald Trump's former national security adviser. Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with a former Russian ambassador, is one of half a dozen former Trump aides and associates who were indicted as a result of the special counsel investigation on Russian election interference in 2016.
Sullivan has been presiding over the case since 2017. The motion asking for his recusal comes days after a heated court hearing during which Sullivan pressed Flynn's attorney, Sidney Powell, on whether she had briefed the president on the case. Powell was initially reluctant to discuss her conversations with Trump and tried to invoke executive privilege, even though she isn't a a White House employee. Powell later acknowledged that she updated Trump and requested that he not pardon Flynn.
Powell, who has repeatedly cast the prosecution of Flynn as part of a politically motivated conspiracy involving Obama administration officials, also said during the hearing that Sullivan should recuse himself. In court papers, Powell claimed that Sullivan's "contempt and disdain" for Flynn was "palpable" during the hearing.
The Michael Flynn saga: Appeals court denies ex-Trump adviser Michael Flynn's request to force dismissal of case
Powell cited Sullivan's searing comments to Flynn during a 2018 sentencing hearing. "Arguably, you sold your country out," Sullivan told Flynn.
Flynn's sentencing has since been postponed. He has since backtracked from his guilty plea, declaring his innocence and accusing the government of forcing him to admit to crimes he did not commit and then hiding evidence that would've exonerated him.
The Justice Department, under Attorney General William Barr, also reversed course and sought to dismiss the charges, arguing that the FBI interview during which Flynn made false statements was "unjustified."
Instead of dismissing the case, Sullivan appointed a third party, known as an amicus, to challenge the Justice Department's bid to drop the case and to examine whether Flynn had committed perjury for claiming to be innocent of a crime to which he had earlier pleaded guilty.
In court filings Wednesday, Powell cited Sullivan's decision to appoint an amicus as evidence that the judge has become personally invested in prosecuting Flynn. But federal appeals court judges in Washington, D.C. have already rejected that argument after Flynn's defense team asked them to force Sullivan to dismiss the case and to remove him from it.
The appeals court said in August that judges have the authority to appoint third parties as they decide on how to rule in cases. In Sullivan's case, his attorney argued that the judge was simply doing what judges do: seeking to hear both sides before ruling on the motion to dismiss.
The appeals court said that Sullivan may ultimately dismiss the case and that concerns over judicial overreach were "speculative." It also said there's no basis in removing Sullivan, saying opinions or statements judges make while presiding over a case don't indicate bias.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY and the Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-07--Army investigating Senate candidate, Reserve officer Cal Cunningham after affair reports

The U.S. Army Reserve is investigating Democratic North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham , who is a Reserve officer , a spokesman said Oct. 7 .
The statement follows news reports that Cunningham , who is married and has children , had an affair this year with a married woman whose husband has served in the Army .
“ The Army Reserve is investigating the matters involving Lt. Col. James Cunningham .
As such , we are unable to provide further details at this time , ” Army Reserve Lt. Col. Simon Flake said in the statement .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 134th Legal Operations Detachment with the Army Reserve Legal Command and that he had deployments to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan .
On his campaign website , Cunningham touts that he has served as a military prosecutor .
The military prohibits adultery and other activities that it says are detrimental to the “ good order and discipline in the armed forces ” or bring discredit to the armed forces .
Soldiers can be prosecuted for it .
Cunningham is attempting to unseat Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fought hard to pick up in a bid to take majority control of the Senate .
In a statement Oct. 7 to the USA Today Network , Cunningham communications director Rachel Petri said Cunningham would cooperate with the investigation .
`` Cal will participate in this process , but it does not change the stakes of this election or the need for new leaders who will fight for the issues North Carolinians care about instead of caving to the corporate special interests – which is exactly what Senator Tillis has done in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
After news of this affair and a possible second affair were made public late last week and on Monday , the campaign said this is a personal matter and Cunningham will not drop out of the race .
Cunningham had previously issued an apology for his actions .
Tillis , who is recovering from testing positive for COVID-19 , on Wednesday commented on Twitter about the matter .
“ Cal Cunningham is now under investigation by the U.S. Army Reserve .
He owes North Carolinians a full explanation , ” Tillis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North Carolina , Cal.
” The military doesn ’ t shy from enforcing its policy against extramarital affairs , said Tod Leaven , an Army veteran and lawyer in Asheville .
“ For officers , having an affair is an absolute career killer , ” Leaven said .
“ They totally enforce it , and everyone knows it.
” While court-martials for adultery aren ’ t common , Leaven said personnel who break the military ’ s prohibition on “ Extramarital Sexual Conduct ” can face less-than-honorable discharges , known informally as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban , spelled out in Article 134 of the Universal Code of Military Justice , guards against servicemembers being compromised by the raw emotions and potential blackmail of extramarital affairs .
“ Affairs are so sensitive , and people do really , really stupid stuff to try to hide an affair and that could just jeopardize a unit , ” he said .
Leaven , who knows Cunningham and still supports him in the Senate race , said he was dismayed by the Democratic candidate ’ s actions , especially given the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He should know military law better than anyone else , ” he said .
“ If there ’ s an expert on the Universal Code of Military Justice , it should be Cal .
And knowing it , he still decided to take the risk , and that ’ s on him.
” While Leaven said the Army Reserve can ’ t create a double standard by approach the Cunningham situation differently , he does feel the policy against extramarital sexual conduct can be antiquated at times , especially for members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their time off duty .
Some veterans question how much private shortcomings impact their military performance .
“ I would say it ’ s a private thing , ” said Foryst Blackburn , a Vietnam War veteran in Wilkes County .
“ I don ’ t think a man ’ s personal life affects his ability to serve his country , but it ’ s sort of a black mark if they ’ re running for an office of some kind.
” This is a developing story and will be updated .

Paul Woolverton and Brian Gordon, USA TODAY NETWORK

Army investigating Senate candidate, Reserve officer Cal Cunningham after affair reports Adultery is illegal in the U.S. military.
The U.S. Army Reserve is investigating Democratic North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham, who is a Reserve officer, a spokesman said Oct. 7.
The statement follows news reports that Cunningham, who is married and has children, had an affair this year with a married woman whose husband has served in the Army.
“The Army Reserve is investigating the matters involving Lt. Col. James Cunningham. As such, we are unable to provide further details at this time,” Army Reserve Lt. Col. Simon Flake said in the statement.
An Army document says Cunningham is assigned to the 134th Legal Operations Detachment with the Army Reserve Legal Command and that he had deployments to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. On his campaign website, Cunningham touts that he has served as a military prosecutor.
The military prohibits adultery and other activities that it says are detrimental to the “good order and discipline in the armed forces” or bring discredit to the armed forces. Soldiers can be prosecuted for it.
More: ‘Complete and utter annoyance:’ NC Democratic voters react to Cunningham affair
Cunningham is attempting to unseat Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, and the Tillis seat is one that the Democrats have fought hard to pick up in a bid to take majority control of the Senate.
In a statement Oct. 7 to the USA Today Network, Cunningham communications director Rachel Petri said Cunningham would cooperate with the investigation.
"Cal will participate in this process, but it does not change the stakes of this election or the need for new leaders who will fight for the issues North Carolinians care about instead of caving to the corporate special interests – which is exactly what Senator Tillis has done in his years in Washington," she said.
After news of this affair and a possible second affair were made public late last week and on Monday, the campaign said this is a personal matter and Cunningham will not drop out of the race.
Cunningham had previously issued an apology for his actions.
More: Cal Cunningham admits to sending sexual texts to strategist
Tillis, who is recovering from testing positive for COVID-19, on Wednesday commented on Twitter about the matter.
“Cal Cunningham is now under investigation by the U.S. Army Reserve. He owes North Carolinians a full explanation,” Tillis said. “The truth still matters in North Carolina, Cal.”
‘He should know military law’
The military doesn’t shy from enforcing its policy against extramarital affairs, said Tod Leaven, an Army veteran and lawyer in Asheville.
“For officers, having an affair is an absolute career killer,” Leaven said. “They totally enforce it, and everyone knows it.”
While court-martials for adultery aren’t common, Leaven said personnel who break the military’s prohibition on “Extramarital Sexual Conduct” can face less-than-honorable discharges, known informally as “bad paper.”
Leaven said the ban, spelled out in Article 134 of the Universal Code of Military Justice, guards against servicemembers being compromised by the raw emotions and potential blackmail of extramarital affairs.
“Affairs are so sensitive, and people do really, really stupid stuff to try to hide an affair and that could just jeopardize a unit,” he said.
Leaven, who knows Cunningham and still supports him in the Senate race, said he was dismayed by the Democratic candidate’s actions, especially given the fact that Cunningham was a military prosecutor.
“He should know military law better than anyone else,” he said. “If there’s an expert on the Universal Code of Military Justice, it should be Cal. And knowing it, he still decided to take the risk, and that’s on him.”
While Leaven said the Army Reserve can’t create a double standard by approach the Cunningham situation differently, he does feel the policy against extramarital sexual conduct can be antiquated at times, especially for members of the Army Reserve who spend most of their time off duty.
Some veterans question how much private shortcomings impact their military performance.
“I would say it’s a private thing,” said Foryst Blackburn, a Vietnam War veteran in Wilkes County. “I don’t think a man’s personal life affects his ability to serve his country, but it’s sort of a black mark if they’re running for an office of some kind.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.