usatoday--2020-06-13--GOP, Democratic leaders rush to overhaul convention plans in era of COVID-19

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

Joey Garrison and Ledyard King, USA TODAY

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


usatoday--2020-06-13--Trump to deliver West Point commencement address amid racial tensions, coronavirus fears

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will deliver the commencement address for West Point ’ s graduating class on Saturday during an unconventional ceremony that will reflect the challenges facing Americans amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The military academy ’ s roughly 1,100 graduating class members will practice social distancing .
Gray-uniformed cadets will sit in chairs spaced six feet apart .
Diplomas will be handed out in advance , and cadets will salute the official party instead of crossing the stage when their name is called .
No handshakes will be permitted .
Parents , relatives and friends won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important tradition will continue : Cadets will still toss their caps in the air when the ceremony is over .
Coronavirus on campus : At least 16 West Point cadets test COVID-19 positive before grad speech by President Trump Trump announced in April that he would deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2020 – a decision met with swift condemnation from critics , who accused him of putting future military leaders ’ lives at risk by forcing them to assemble during a deadly contagion .
Cadets were sent home in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies through remote learning .
Only the graduating seniors returned for Saturday 's event , which is being moved from the on-campus football stadium to an expansive parade field known as the Plain .
Presidents routinely speak at commencement addresses .
Trump ’ s speech will mark his first graduation address at West Point , although he has spoken in previous years to graduates at the Naval Academy in Annapolis , Maryland , the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs , Colorado , and the Coast Guard Academy in New London , Connecticut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poll : Forceful clearing of Lafayette Square protest was defining moment for president and protests At West Point , Trump ’ s remarks to graduates will come not only as the nation is still reeling from the deadly coronavirus pandemic but also at a time of racial tension , domestic unrest and turmoil between the White House and the nation ’ s military leaders .
Trump ’ s handpicked chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Army Gen. Mark Milley , admitted Thursday he 'd erred by allowing the military to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to mostly peaceful protests following the death of George Floyd .
Mark Esper , Trump 's defense secretary , has signaled his willingness to change the names of Army forts that honor Confederate generals , a stance Trump has rejected .
Meanwhile , West Point itself has been riven by the same racial tensions roiling the nation .
Minority cadets , in a confidential survey obtained by USA TODAY , say they face blatant and subtle discrimination at the nation 's elite training ground for Army officers .
The posting of racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted the survey .
The graduation ceremony will be livestreamed starting at 9:30 a.m. on the West Point Channel on YouTube .
Contributing : Tom Vanden Brook and The Associated Press .
Oklahoma campaign event : Trump dismisses controversy over Tulsa rally , says it will be a 'celebration ' of his campaign

Michael Collins and Peter D. Kramer, USA TODAY

Trump touts 'unity' in socially distant speech to West Point graduates amid racial tensions, coronavirus fears
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump celebrates diversity as he gave commencement address at West Point Trump spoke of "unity" in his commencement address to the roughly 1,100 graduating cadets that historically made the U.S. unique. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump saluted the service and sacrifice of West Point's graduating class Saturday, calling on cadets to be as visionary as military heroes of the past and encouraging them to stand strong for the cause of freedom and equality at a time of discord and division.
In remarks that emphasized unity, Trump said in his commencement address to the roughly 1,100 graduating cadets that what has historically made the U.S. unique is "the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment."
“When times are turbulent, when the road is rough, what matters most is that which is permanent, timeless, enduring and eternal," he said.
Trump's commencement address – his first at West Point – came at a time when his own relationship with the military has grown strained and at a time when racial tensions and domestic unrest have brought protesters spilling into the streets in dozens of cities across the country demanding racial justice and police reforms. The graduation ceremony itself was unconventional, a reflection of the challenges facing Americans amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Gray-uniformed cadets wearing white face masks marched onto an expansive parade field while practicing social distancing and watched the ceremony from folding chairs spaced six feet apart. Diplomas were handed out in advance, so instead of walking across the stage, cadets saluted Trump and other members of the official party when their name was called.
No handshakes were permitted. Parents, relatives and friends weren't allowed to attend. But one tradition remained: Cadets still tossed their caps in the air at the end of the ceremony as military helicopters flew overhead.
Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, noted the unusual nature of the ceremony. But, "there's still a celebration," he said.
Coronavirus on campus: At least 16 West Point cadets test COVID-19 positive before grad speech by President Trump
Trump announced in April that he would deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2020 – a decision met with swift condemnation from critics, who accused him of putting future military leaders’ lives at risk by forcing them to assemble during a deadly contagion.
Cadets were sent home in March when the pandemic hit and finished their studies through remote learning. Only the graduating seniors returned for Saturday's event, which was moved from the on-campus football stadium to an expansive parade field known as the Plain.
In his roughly half-hour remarks to the graduates, Trump praised West Point as "a universal symbol of American gallantry, loyalty, devotion, discipline and great skill."
Trump, who was welcomed to the ceremony with cannon blasts and a 21-gun salute, paid tribute to the diversity of the graduating class, noting the young men and women had come from every state in the nation and "from every race, religion, color and creed."
"But when you entered these grounds, you became part of one team and one family, proudly serving one American nation," he said. "You exemplify the power of shared national purpose to transcend all differences and achieve true unity."
Trump urged cadets to follow the example of towering West Point figures such as Gen. George Patton and Gen. Douglas MacArthur, whom he said knew “that the American solider never ever quits.”
“These great leaders were not afraid of what others might say about them,” he said. “They didn’t care. They knew their duty was to protect our country.”
Trump, who did not wear a face mask while on the stage, acknowledged the deadly toll of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 2 million Americans and killed nearly 115,000. He called the virus “the invisible enemy … that came to our shore from a distant land called China.”
But, "we will extinguish this plague," he vowed.
Trump also celebrated the newest branch of the Armed Services – the newly created Space Force – and said that on his watch the U.S. is bringing an end to "the era of endless wars."
“It is not the duty of U.S. troops to solve ancient conflicts in faraway lands that many people have never even heard of,” he said.
“We are not the policeman of the world. But let our enemies be on notice, if our people are threatened, we will never ever hesitate to act.”
Trump’s speech marks his first graduation address at West Point, although he has spoken in previous years to graduates at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
A look at how the USA TODAY Network covered the George Floyd protests USA TODAY Network journalists across the country documented protests denouncing police brutality and racial bias in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. USA TODAY
USA TODAY POLL: USA TODAY Poll: Forceful clearing of Lafayette Square protest was defining moment for president and protests
Trump's remarks to West Point's graduating cadets came as his own relationship with the nation's military leaders has frayed.
Trump’s handpicked chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Mark Milley, said Thursday he'd erred by allowing the military to be drawn into the president’s politicized response to mostly peaceful protests following the death of George Floyd. Mark Esper, Trump's defense secretary, has signaled his willingness to change the names of Army forts that honor Confederate generals, a stance Trump has rejected.
Meanwhile, West Point itself has been riven by the same racial tensions roiling the nation. Minority cadets, in a confidential survey obtained by USA TODAY, say they face blatant and subtle discrimination at the nation's elite training ground for Army officers. The posting of racist videos in April by one their classmates prompted the survey.
Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook and The Associated Press.
Oklahoma campaign event: Trump dismisses controversy over Tulsa rally, says it will be a 'celebration' of his campaign


usatoday--2020-06-14--Poll: Democrat Theresa Greenfield leads GOP Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa race

DES MOINES , Iowa – Democrat Theresa Greenfield leads Republican incumbent Joni Ernst by 3 percentage points in Iowa ’ s hotly contested U.S. Senate race , a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows .
According to the poll , 46 % of likely voters say they would back Greenfield if the election were held today , and 43 % say they would back Ernst .
“ This is definitely a competitive race , ” said J. Ann Selzer , president of Selzer & Co. , which conducted the poll .
She said the poll contains other “ warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the first Iowa Poll conducted since Ernst first ran in 2014 in which she has trailed her general election opponent .
“ Symbolically , that 's certainly meaningful , even if Theresa Greenfield 's lead is not commanding , ” Selzer said .
The poll , which was conducted June 7-10 , has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points for questions asked of the 674 likely voters in the 2020 general election and plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for those asked of 801 Iowans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a general election cycle likely to be shaped by social and economic turmoil wrought by a global pandemic , nationwide protests around racial justice and a volatile incumbent president seeking reelection .
Both parties have already invested heavily in Iowa , underscoring its political importance as Republicans seek to defend their narrow 53-47 seat majority in the U.S. Senate .
Democrats have charted a path to the majority that includes taking on vulnerable incumbents in Arizona , Colorado , Maine and North Carolina .
As Democrats work to defend their own endangered incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand their opportunities by investing heavily in Iowa , where they see Ernst as beatable .
The senator ’ s job approval rating among all Iowans began to drop earlier this year , according to Register polling , falling to 47 % in March from 57 % a year before .
This poll shows that rating has changed little , now at 49 % .
Another 39 % say they disapprove of the job she is doing , and 13 % are unsure .
Ronda Hennings , a 61-year-old Bonaparte resident and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t vote for Ernst but had high hopes for her when she took office .
“ I wanted her to get out there and really talk about the people that put her in office , ” Hennings said .
“ And all I can see from her she 's a yes player .
She just goes along with whatever the party says , and she puts her votes in , and she says , ‘ Yes.
’ ” Hennings , who is disabled and benefits from Social Security payments , said she appreciates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that program in her advertising .
Greenfield ’ s first husband died in a workplace accident , leaving her a single mother who relied on Social Security benefits to get by .
“ I know that she ’ s gone through the system and knows how it works , ” Hennings said .
“ And a lot of people don ’ t. ” Greenfield is viewed favorably by 41 % of Iowans and unfavorably by 20 % .
Although she is substantially better known today than she was in March , a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they don ’ t know enough about Greenfield to form an opinion .
Forty-five percent of Iowans have a favorable view of Ernst , and 40 % say they have an unfavorable view .
Those numbers have dipped during the past year .
In February 2019 , 56 % said they had a favorable view of Ernst and 29 % had an unfavorable view .
Ernst appeals to the 'heart ' of Iowa 's GOP base Ernst does well with many of the demographic groups that also backed Republican President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 67 % of the evangelical vote , compared with 22 % for Greenfield .
Fifty-six percent of likely voters living in rural parts of the state back her over Greenfield , who earns 32 % .
And men are more likely to favor Ernst – 53 % of men support her , compared with 37 % for Greenfield .
And white men without a college degree back her 59 % to 30 % .
“ That 's the heart of the Republican base in Iowa , ” Selzer said .
Ernst has occasionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more controversial comments , including his call to ban transgender Americans from serving in the military .
And she called it racist when the president issued tweets calling on four Democratic congresswomen of color to “ go back ” to the countries they came from .
Still , Ernst has defended the president on numerous occasions , including during his impeachment hearings , and she frequently attends events with him and touts his praise of her .
On Thursday , the president tweeted his support for Ernst , saying “ Few people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as she has .
Trump carried Iowa by 9 percentage points over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 , but Democrats made gains in 2018 by flipping two congressional seats .
Darwin Vice , a 59-year old Libertyville resident and poll respondent , said he plans to vote for both Ernst and the president in the fall .
He ’ s particularly concerned about rising health care costs associated with the Affordable Care Act and the influence of money and corporations on politicians .
“ I just want them to do what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Vice said of elected leaders .
“ I 'm tired of all these years of being lied to.
” He said he couldn ’ t see himself voting for a Democrat , because he hasn ’ t seen them condemn the violence associated with protests after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Floyd , a Black man , died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Greenfield leads 71 % to 19 % among likely voters who do not have a religious affiliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who live in cities .
She earns a plurality or majority of the vote in every congressional district except the 4th , which is the most Republican-leaning in the state .
Women choose Greenfield by 20 percentage points , 54 % to 34 % .
White women without a college degree choose Greenfield by an even larger margin : 60 % to 29 % .
Selzer said the gender gap for each candidate is striking .
“ More women typically vote in elections than men , '' she said .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap , this kind of lead with the majority of voters , it 's very difficult to overcome that .
Except that recently the division is strong on both sides.
” While Ernst leads 47 % to 41 % among those ages 35 to 54 , Greenfield leads with those younger than 35 ( 46 % to 40 % ) and those 65 and older ( 50 % to 42 % ) .
Each candidate is firmly backed by members of her own party .
Ninety-five percent of Democrats say they will vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans say they will vote for Ernst .
But independents are more likely to back Greenfield , with 42 % saying they would support her and 38 % saying they would support Ernst .
Terry Dvorak , a 49-year old Norwalk resident and independent , said he voted for Ernst in 2014 .
He said he remembers her advertising that she would “ make ‘ em squeal ” in Washington , D.C. , by cutting government waste , but he said he ’ s been dissatisfied with her performance .
“ It seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of big corporations instead of the everyday Iowan , ” he said .
“ I think she has slipped right into the corrupt Washington base .
I mean , the whole administration is that way .
She fits in with Trump , which I do n't like either .
That whole crowd is getting worse and worse to me .
”

Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register

Poll: Democrat Theresa Greenfield leads GOP Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa race
Show Caption Hide Caption How polls work: The science behind gathering voter opinions The news cycle is jampacked with polls. But have you ever wondered how polls actually work and what they mean? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
DES MOINES, Iowa – Democrat Theresa Greenfield leads Republican incumbent Joni Ernst by 3 percentage points in Iowa’s hotly contested U.S. Senate race, a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows.
According to the poll, 46% of likely voters say they would back Greenfield if the election were held today, and 43% say they would back Ernst.
“This is definitely a competitive race,” said J. Ann Selzer, president of Selzer & Co., which conducted the poll. She said the poll contains other “warning signs” for Ernst and noted that this is the first Iowa Poll conducted since Ernst first ran in 2014 in which she has trailed her general election opponent.
“Symbolically, that's certainly meaningful, even if Theresa Greenfield's lead is not commanding,” Selzer said.
The poll, which was conducted June 7-10, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points for questions asked of the 674 likely voters in the 2020 general election and plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for those asked of 801 Iowans.
Worried Republicans: Pandemic, George Floyd death has once-confident Senate GOPon defense in November election
Republicans, Democrats already spending millions
The results come at the start of a general election cycle likely to be shaped by social and economic turmoil wrought by a global pandemic, nationwide protests around racial justice and a volatile incumbent president seeking reelection.
Both parties have already invested heavily in Iowa, underscoring its political importance as Republicans seek to defend their narrow 53-47 seat majority in the U.S. Senate.
Democrats have charted a path to the majority that includes taking on vulnerable incumbents in Arizona, Colorado, Maine and North Carolina. As Democrats work to defend their own endangered incumbent in Alabama, they’re hoping to expand their opportunities by investing heavily in Iowa, where they see Ernst as beatable.
The senator’s job approval rating among all Iowans began to drop earlier this year, according to Register polling, falling to 47% in March from 57% a year before. This poll shows that rating has changed little, now at 49%. Another 39% say they disapprove of the job she is doing, and 13% are unsure.
Ronda Hennings, a 61-year-old Bonaparte resident and poll respondent, said she didn’t vote for Ernst but had high hopes for her when she took office.
“I wanted her to get out there and really talk about the people that put her in office,” Hennings said. “And all I can see from her she's a yes player. She just goes along with whatever the party says, and she puts her votes in, and she says, ‘Yes.’”
Hennings, who is disabled and benefits from Social Security payments, said she appreciates that Greenfield talks about the importance of that program in her advertising. Greenfield’s first husband died in a workplace accident, leaving her a single mother who relied on Social Security benefits to get by.
“I know that she’s gone through the system and knows how it works,” Hennings said. “And a lot of people don’t.”
Greenfield is viewed favorably by 41% of Iowans and unfavorably by 20%. Although she is substantially better known today than she was in March, a large group remains – 39% – who say they don’t know enough about Greenfield to form an opinion.
Forty-five percent of Iowans have a favorable view of Ernst, and 40% say they have an unfavorable view. Those numbers have dipped during the past year. In February 2019, 56% said they had a favorable view of Ernst and 29% had an unfavorable view.
Ernst appeals to the 'heart' of Iowa's GOP base
Ernst does well with many of the demographic groups that also backed Republican President Donald Trump in the 2016 election.
She earns 67% of the evangelical vote, compared with 22% for Greenfield. Fifty-six percent of likely voters living in rural parts of the state back her over Greenfield, who earns 32%. And men are more likely to favor Ernst – 53% of men support her, compared with 37% for Greenfield. And white men without a college degree back her 59% to 30%.
“That's the heart of the Republican base in Iowa,” Selzer said.
Ernst has occasionally distanced herself from some of Trump’s more controversial comments, including his call to ban transgender Americans from serving in the military. And she called it racist when the president issued tweets calling on four Democratic congresswomen of color to “go back” to the countries they came from.
Still, Ernst has defended the president on numerous occasions, including during his impeachment hearings, and she frequently attends events with him and touts his praise of her.
On Thursday, the president tweeted his support for Ernst, saying “Few people have ever fought as strongly for Iowa” as she has.
Few people have ever fought as strongly for Iowa as Senator @JoniErnst! A combat Veteran, her service to Iowa and our Country is remarkable! Joni is Strong on Crime, our Military, Vets, Low Taxes and will protect your #2A at all times... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 11, 2020
Trump carried Iowa by 9 percentage points over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, but Democrats made gains in 2018 by flipping two congressional seats.
Darwin Vice, a 59-year old Libertyville resident and poll respondent, said he plans to vote for both Ernst and the president in the fall. He’s particularly concerned about rising health care costs associated with the Affordable Care Act and the influence of money and corporations on politicians.
“I just want them to do what they say they're going to do,” Vice said of elected leaders. “I'm tired of all these years of being lied to.”
He said he couldn’t see himself voting for a Democrat, because he hasn’t seen them condemn the violence associated with protests after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd, a Black man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Women supportive of Greenfield
Greenfield leads 71% to 19% among likely voters who do not have a religious affiliation and 55% to 34% with those who live in cities. She earns a plurality or majority of the vote in every congressional district except the 4th, which is the most Republican-leaning in the state.
Women choose Greenfield by 20 percentage points, 54% to 34%. White women without a college degree choose Greenfield by an even larger margin: 60% to 29%.
Selzer said the gender gap for each candidate is striking.
“More women typically vote in elections than men," she said. "And so if there is this kind of gap, this kind of lead with the majority of voters, it's very difficult to overcome that. Except that recently the division is strong on both sides.”
While Ernst leads 47% to 41% among those ages 35 to 54, Greenfield leads with those younger than 35 (46% to 40%) and those 65 and older (50% to 42%).
Each candidate is firmly backed by members of her own party. Ninety-five percent of Democrats say they will vote for Greenfield, and 90% of Republicans say they will vote for Ernst.
But independents are more likely to back Greenfield, with 42% saying they would support her and 38% saying they would support Ernst.
Terry Dvorak, a 49-year old Norwalk resident and independent, said he voted for Ernst in 2014. He said he remembers her advertising that she would “make ‘em squeal” in Washington, D.C., by cutting government waste, but he said he’s been dissatisfied with her performance.
“It seems she's playing to the political lobbies of big corporations instead of the everyday Iowan,” he said. “I think she has slipped right into the corrupt Washington base. I mean, the whole administration is that way. She fits in with Trump, which I don't like either. That whole crowd is getting worse and worse to me.”


usatoday--2020-06-14--Sen. Tim Scott rejects key criminal justice proposals by Democrats, setting up Capitol Hill showdown

WASHINGTON – Sen. Tim Scott , who is leading GOP efforts in Congress on criminal justice legislation following nationwide protests over George Floyd 's death last month , is rejecting a Democratic proposal to end certain legal protections that make it hard for citizens to sue police officers for using excessive force .
In an interview with Fox News Saturday , the South Carolina Republican – and lone black GOP member in the Senate – said he wo n't support an end to `` qualified immunity , '' a key demand from liberal activists which has become part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats unveiled Monday .
`` That 's a non-starter from my perspective , '' Scott said .
That follows earlier statements from Scott opposing provisions in the Democrats ' bill that would bar state and local law enforcement agencies from using certain police tactics such as chokeholds on suspects or `` no-knock '' warrants in drug cases .
Led by California Rep. Karen Bass who chairs the Black Congressional Caucus , Democrats are pushing for historic changes in how police officers are trained , equipped and disciplined following a string of brutal incidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law enforcement .
“ If the Justice in Policing Act had been the law of the land several years ago , Eric Garner and George Floyd would be alive because the bill bans chokeholds , '' Bass said during the weekly Democratic address that aired on radio stations nationwide Saturday .
`` If the bill had been law last year , Breonna Taylor would not have been shot to death in her sleep because no-knock warrants for drug offenses would have been illegal . ''
More : 'The major stumbling block ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of structural reform , experts say Scott 's thumbs down on some of the Democrats ' top legislative proposals sets up a potential showdown on Capitol Hill next week when Republicans are expected to present their criminal justice bill at around the same time Democrats are set to pass their measure out of committee .
Aside from ending chokeholds , no-knock warrants and qualified immunity , the Democrats ' 134-page Justice in Policing Act would require dashboard and body cameras , increase police training to minimize racial profiling , create a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement agencies ' access to military equipment , and ban lynching .
After listening to protesters ' fervent calls for systemic change in the nation 's police forces , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not sound like she was willing to compromise on many aspects of the legislation .
`` We will not rest until the changes are made , '' she told reporters Thursday .
`` The rest of the country is ahead of us .
In cities and states and towns , people are acting upon some of these provisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility now to make sure that it does become the law . ''
Dismantling : What does 'defund the police ' mean and why some say 'reform ' is not enough Attorney General William Barr said the Trump administration would oppose weakening the immunity standard .
`` I do n't think you need to reduce immunity to go after the bad cops , because that would result certainly in police pulling back , '' he told CBS ' Face the Nation earlier this month .
Despite the partisan split over how drastic those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already seem to be emerging .
Scott told reporters on Capitol Tuesday he supports some elements in the House bill , including the federal lynching ban , increased requirements for body cameras on officers , more anti-bias training , and greater federal oversight of local police departments .
He said Saturday he also wants to beef up discipline for misconduct .
Complicating compromise are left-wing calls to de-fund police departments following the death of Floyd , an unarmed black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survival .
The Minneapolis City Council voted to dismantle its police force , while the mayor of Seattle has allowed a group of peaceful protesters to cordon off several city blocks into an autonomous zone that 's essentially free of police .
Police-free zone : CHAZ , a 'no Cop Co-op ' : Here 's what Seattle 's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone looks like The Democrats ' bill does not include any language to abolish law enforcement agencies or budgets .
But President Donald Trump and many congressional Republicans have seized on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misguided and dangerous while they defend the vast majority of officers as upstanding and decent .
`` They 're the officers who protect the Capitol , protect us every single day , they 're the officers who rushed into the ( World Trade Center ) twin towers on 9/11 , '' Rep. Jim Jordan said Wednesday during a Judiciary Committee hearing on policing that featured Floyd 's brother Philonise Floyd .
`` They 're the officers in every one of our neighborhoods in every one of our communities .
Every day , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put their lives on the line to keep our community safe . ''
More : 'Make it stop ' : George Floyd 's brother Philonise urges Congress to 'do the right thing' After speaking with key Democrats and the White House , Scott told Fox News Saturday he expects to reach a bipartisan compromise on criminal justice reform .
`` Everyone seems to have a sincere desire to get to an outcome that speaks to the American people about our willingness to listen and then respond , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice between law enforcement and communities of color .
We can actually service both so we can make sure that we have character-driven officers in every single precinct in this country . ''

Sen. Tim Scott rejects key criminal justice proposals by Democrats, setting up Capitol Hill showdown on police conduct
Show Caption Hide Caption Defund Police: What does this idea mean? A veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis City Council committed to dismantling its police department after the death of George Floyd. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Tim Scott, who is leading GOP efforts in Congress on criminal justice legislation following nationwide protests over George Floyd's death last month, is rejecting a Democratic proposal to end certain legal protections that make it hard for citizens to sue police officers for using excessive force.
In an interview with Fox News Saturday, the South Carolina Republican – and lone black GOP member in the Senate – said he won't support an end to "qualified immunity," a key demand from liberal activists which has become part of the sweeping Justice in Policing Act of 2020 Democrats unveiled Monday.
"That's a non-starter from my perspective," Scott said.
That follows earlier statements from Scott opposing provisions in the Democrats' bill that would bar state and local law enforcement agencies from using certain police tactics such as chokeholds on suspects or "no-knock" warrants in drug cases.
Led by California Rep. Karen Bass who chairs the Black Congressional Caucus, Democrats are pushing for historic changes in how police officers are trained, equipped and disciplined following a string of brutal incidents involving unarmed black victims at the hands of law enforcement.
“If the Justice in Policing Act had been the law of the land several years ago, Eric Garner and George Floyd would be alive because the bill bans chokeholds," Bass said during the weekly Democratic address that aired on radio stations nationwide Saturday. "If the bill had been law last year, Breonna Taylor would not have been shot to death in her sleep because no-knock warrants for drug offenses would have been illegal."
More: Democrats unveil sweeping police reform bill, honor George Floyd with 8 minutes, 46 seconds of silence
More: 'The major stumbling block': Powerful police unions stand in the way of structural reform, experts say
Scott's thumbs down on some of the Democrats' top legislative proposals sets up a potential showdown on Capitol Hill next week when Republicans are expected to present their criminal justice bill at around the same time Democrats are set to pass their measure out of committee.
Aside from ending chokeholds, no-knock warrants and qualified immunity, the Democrats' 134-page Justice in Policing Act would require dashboard and body cameras, increase police training to minimize racial profiling, create a national registry to track abusive cops, limit law enforcement agencies' access to military equipment, and ban lynching.
After listening to protesters' fervent calls for systemic change in the nation's police forces, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not sound like she was willing to compromise on many aspects of the legislation.
"We will not rest until the changes are made," she told reporters Thursday. "The rest of the country is ahead of us. In cities and states and towns, people are acting upon some of these provisions already. So, it is our responsibility now to make sure that it does become the law."
Dismantling: What does 'defund the police' mean and why some say 'reform' is not enough
Attorney General William Barr said the Trump administration would oppose weakening the immunity standard.
"I don't think you need to reduce immunity to go after the bad cops, because that would result certainly in police pulling back," he told CBS' Face the Nation earlier this month.
Despite the partisan split over how drastic those changes should be, areas of agreement already seem to be emerging.
Scott told reporters on Capitol Tuesday he supports some elements in the House bill, including the federal lynching ban, increased requirements for body cameras on officers, more anti-bias training, and greater federal oversight of local police departments. He said Saturday he also wants to beef up discipline for misconduct.
Complicating compromise are left-wing calls to de-fund police departments following the death of Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as he gasped for survival.
The Minneapolis City Council voted to dismantle its police force, while the mayor of Seattle has allowed a group of peaceful protesters to cordon off several city blocks into an autonomous zone that's essentially free of police.
Police-free zone: CHAZ, a 'no Cop Co-op': Here's what Seattle's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone looks like
The Democrats' bill does not include any language to abolish law enforcement agencies or budgets. But President Donald Trump and many congressional Republicans have seized on that message to paint Democrats' efforts as misguided and dangerous while they defend the vast majority of officers as upstanding and decent.
"They're the officers who protect the Capitol, protect us every single day, they're the officers who rushed into the (World Trade Center) twin towers on 9/11," Rep. Jim Jordan said Wednesday during a Judiciary Committee hearing on policing that featured Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd. "They're the officers in every one of our neighborhoods in every one of our communities. Every day, every night, every shift, they work to put their lives on the line to keep our community safe."
More: 'Make it stop': George Floyd's brother Philonise urges Congress to 'do the right thing'
After speaking with key Democrats and the White House, Scott told Fox News Saturday he expects to reach a bipartisan compromise on criminal justice reform.
"Everyone seems to have a sincere desire to get to an outcome that speaks to the American people about our willingness to listen and then respond," he said. "We are trying to eliminate a binary choice between law enforcement and communities of color. We can actually service both so we can make sure that we have character-driven officers in every single precinct in this country."


usatoday--2020-06-13--President Trump celebrates diversity as he gave commencement address at West Point

President Trump celebrates diversity as he gave commencement address at West Point Trump spoke of `` unity '' in his @ @ @ @ @ 1,100 graduating cadets that historically made the U.S. unique .

President Trump celebrates diversity as he gave commencement address at West Point
Trump spoke of "unity" in his commencement address to the roughly 1,100 graduating cadets that historically made the U.S. unique.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-06-13--Trump touts 'unity' in socially distant speech to West Point graduates amid racial tensions, coronav

Trump touts 'unity' in socially distant speech to West Point graduates amid racial tensions, coronavirus fears

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump saluted the service and sacrifice of West Point 's graduating class on Saturday , calling on cadets to be as visionary as military heroes of the past and encouraging them to stand strong for the cause of freedom and equality at a time of discord and division .
In remarks that emphasized unity , Trump said in his commencement address to the roughly 1,100 graduating cadets that what has historically made the U.S. unique is `` the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment . ''
“ When times are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what matters most is that which is permanent , timeless , enduring and eternal , '' he said .
Trump 's commencement address – his first at West Point – came at a time when his own relationship with the military has grown strained and at a time when racial tensions and domestic unrest have brought protesters spilling into the streets in dozens of cities across the country demanding racial justice and police reforms .
The graduation ceremony itself was unconventional , a reflection of the challenges facing Americans amid the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks marched onto an expansive parade field while practicing social distancing and watched the ceremony from folding chairs spaced six feet apart .
Diplomas were handed out in advance , so instead of walking across the stage , cadets saluted Trump and other members of the official party when their name was called .
No handshakes were permitted .
Parents , relatives and friends were n't allowed to attend .
But one tradition remained : Cadets still tossed their caps in the air at the end of the ceremony as military helicopters flew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy , noted the unusual nature of the ceremony .
But , `` there 's still a celebration , '' he said .
Coronavirus on campus : At least 16 West Point cadets test COVID-19 positive before grad speech by President Trump Trump announced in April that he would deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2020 – a decision met with swift condemnation from critics , who accused him of putting future military leaders ’ lives at risk by forcing them to assemble during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March when the pandemic hit and finished their studies through remote learning .
Only the graduating seniors returned for Saturday 's event , which was moved from the on-campus football stadium to an expansive parade field known as the Plain .
In his roughly half-hour remarks to the graduates , Trump praised West Point as `` a universal symbol of American gallantry , loyalty , devotion , discipline and great skill . ''
Trump , who was welcomed to the ceremony with cannon blasts and a 21-gun salute , paid tribute to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting the young men and women had come from every state in the nation and `` from every race , religion , color and creed . ''
`` But when you entered these grounds , you became part of one team and one family , proudly serving one American nation , '' he said .
`` You exemplify the power of shared national purpose to transcend all differences and achieve true unity . ''
Trump urged cadets to follow the example of towering West Point figures such as Gen. George Patton and Gen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ that the American solider never ever quits.
” “ These great leaders were not afraid of what others might say about them , ” he said .
“ They didn ’ t care .
They knew their duty was to protect our country.
” Trump , who did not wear a face mask while on the stage , acknowledged the deadly toll of the coronavirus , which has infected more than 2 million Americans and killed nearly 115,000 .
He called the virus “ the invisible enemy … that came to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But , `` we will extinguish this plague , '' he vowed .
Trump also celebrated the newest branch of the Armed Services – the newly created Space Force – and said that on his watch the U.S. is bringing an end to `` the era of endless wars . ''
“ It is not the duty of U.S. troops to solve ancient conflicts in faraway lands that many people have never even heard of , ” he said .
“ We are not the policeman of the world .
But let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our people are threatened , we will never ever hesitate to act.
” Trump ’ s speech marks his first graduation address at West Point , although he has spoken in previous years to graduates at the Naval Academy in Annapolis , Maryland , the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs , Colorado , and the Coast Guard Academy in New London , Connecticut .
USA TODAY POLL : USA TODAY Poll : Forceful clearing of Lafayette Square protest was defining moment for president and protests Trump 's remarks to West Point 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the nation 's military leaders has frayed .
Trump ’ s handpicked chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Army Gen. Mark Milley , admitted Thursday he 'd erred by allowing the military to be drawn into the president ’ s politicized response to mostly peaceful protests following the death of George Floyd .
Mark Esper , Trump 's defense secretary , has signaled his willingness to change the names of Army forts that honor Confederate generals , a stance Trump has rejected .
Meanwhile , West Point itself has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation .
Minority cadets , in a confidential survey obtained by USA TODAY , say they face blatant and subtle discrimination at the nation 's elite training ground for Army officers .
The posting of racist videos in April by one their classmates prompted the survey .
Contributing : Tom Vanden Brook and The Associated Press .
Oklahoma campaign event : Trump dismisses controversy over Tulsa rally , says it will be a 'celebration ' of his campaign


usatoday--2020-06-13--Faced with coronavirus, Republican and Democratic leaders overhaul convention plans

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


usatoday--2020-06-13--Majority of Americans still concerned over coronavirus as country continues to reopen, survey shows

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

Majority of Americans still concerned over coronavirus as country continues to reopen, survey shows
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: US hits two million cases as country opens back up Of the confirmed two million coronavirus cases, more than 113,000 Americans have died since the virus emerged here a few months ago. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – More than two out of five Americans say they are still worried about the coronavirus, even as states continue to relax pandemic restrictions and some are reporting a rise in the number of daily cases.
A combined 86% of Americans say they are very or somewhat concerned with the pandemic, according to a new survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project. That is 3 percentage points down from the recorded high during a survey conducted from March 26 to April 1.
The findings come as some states are seeing an increasing number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Arizona has seen the number of of daily cases rise over the past two weeks, with hospitalizations for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases hitting the highest number on Wednesday.
Some states, including Arizona, began loosening social distancing restrictions and ending stay-at-home orders last month.
Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group, said there was a "steady, slow week over week decline" in concern, but that has since stalled out over the past several weeks.
States rights on reopening businesses over President Trump, explained The 10th Amendment protects state powers and puts a hamper on presidential powers. Here's how the fight for control is playing out today. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"The level of concern that people are recording around COVID appears pretty stable over the last couple of week," Griffin said.
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a massive study of the American electorate designed to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates during the 2020 election cycle.
When broken down by political party, Republicans saw a drop in concern by 12 percentage points since early April, according to the Nationscape Insights analysis, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA and USA TODAY. However, more than three out of four Republicans — 79% — say they are very or somewhat concerned with the virus in the most recent survey.
Memory loss, gnarled fingers, panic attacks: COVID-19 didn't kill these Americans, but many might never be the same
The majority of Democrats – 94% – said they are still very or somewhat concerned with the virus, just a 1 percentage point drop from early April. Among independents, eight in 10 say they are very or somewhat concerned about the virus.
In addition, there has been a slow rise in Americans who believe "it is safe right now" to reopen certain activities, like theaters and large-scale events including live sports.
According to a May 23 survey, 16% of Americans believe it's safe now to reopen theaters and bars, up 6 percentage points from April 23. Twenty-one percent of Americans also say it's safe to end stay-at-home orders, up 7 percentage points from the April survey.
When asked about holding in-person voting, 18% said it's safe to do so now, up 6 percentage points from April.
Contributing: Alison Steinbach, Arizona Republic


usatoday--2020-06-13--President Trump changes his MAGA rally date in Tulsa over Juneteenth choice

After days of controversy over Trump 's choice to hold his first rally since the coronavirus lockdowns in Tulsa , @ @ @ @ @ to July 20 .

President Trump changes Tulsa rally date after Juneteenth controversy
After days of controversy over Trump's choice to hold his first rally since the coronavirus lockdowns in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it was changed to July 20.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-06-14--Trump touts 'unity' in socially distant speech to West Point graduates amid racial tensions, coronav

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump saluted the service and sacrifice of West Point 's graduating class Saturday , calling on cadets to be as visionary as military heroes of the past and encouraging them to stand strong for the cause of freedom and equality at a time of discord and division .
In remarks that emphasized unity , Trump said in his commencement address to the roughly 1,100 graduating cadets that what has historically made the U.S. unique is `` the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment . ''
“ When times are turbulent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what matters most is that which is permanent , timeless , enduring and eternal , '' he said .
Trump 's commencement address – his first at West Point – came at a time when his own relationship with the military has grown strained and at a time when racial tensions and domestic unrest have brought protesters spilling into the streets in dozens of cities across the country demanding racial justice and police reforms .
The graduation ceremony itself was unconventional , a reflection of the challenges facing Americans amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marched onto an expansive parade field while practicing social distancing and watched the ceremony from folding chairs spaced six feet apart .
Diplomas were handed out in advance , so instead of walking across the stage , cadets saluted Trump and other members of the official party when their name was called .
No handshakes were permitted .
Parents , relatives and friends were n't allowed to attend .
But one tradition remained : Cadets still tossed their caps in the air at the end of the ceremony as military helicopters flew overhead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy , noted the unusual nature of the ceremony .
But , `` there 's still a celebration , '' he said .
Coronavirus on campus : At least 16 West Point cadets test COVID-19 positive before grad speech by President Trump Trump announced in April that he would deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2020 – a decision met with swift condemnation from critics , who accused him of putting future military leaders ’ lives at risk by forcing them to assemble during a deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March when the pandemic hit and finished their studies through remote learning .
Only the graduating seniors returned for Saturday 's event , which was moved from the on-campus football stadium to an expansive parade field known as the Plain .
In his roughly half-hour remarks to the graduates , Trump praised West Point as `` a universal symbol of American gallantry , loyalty , devotion , discipline and great skill . ''
Trump , who was welcomed to the ceremony with cannon blasts and a 21-gun salute , paid tribute to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the young men and women had come from every state in the nation and `` from every race , religion , color and creed . ''
`` But when you entered these grounds , you became part of one team and one family , proudly serving one American nation , '' he said .
`` You exemplify the power of shared national purpose to transcend all differences and achieve true unity . ''
Trump urged cadets to follow the example of towering West Point figures such as Gen. George Patton and Gen. Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the American solider never ever quits.
” “ These great leaders were not afraid of what others might say about them , ” he said .
“ They didn ’ t care .
They knew their duty was to protect our country.
” Trump , who did not wear a face mask while on the stage , acknowledged the deadly toll of the coronavirus , which has infected more than 2 million Americans and killed nearly 115,000 .
He called the virus “ the invisible enemy … that came to our shore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But , `` we will extinguish this plague , '' he vowed .
Trump also celebrated the newest branch of the Armed Services – the newly created Space Force – and said that on his watch the U.S. is bringing an end to `` the era of endless wars . ''
“ It is not the duty of U.S. troops to solve ancient conflicts in faraway lands that many people have never even heard of , ” he said .
“ We are not the policeman of the world .
But let our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are threatened , we will never ever hesitate to act.
” Trump ’ s speech marks his first graduation address at West Point , although he has spoken in previous years to graduates at the Naval Academy in Annapolis , Maryland , the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs , Colorado , and the Coast Guard Academy in New London , Connecticut .
USA TODAY POLL : USA TODAY Poll : Forceful clearing of Lafayette Square protest was defining moment for president and protests Trump 's remarks to West Point 's graduating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation 's military leaders has frayed .
Trump ’ s handpicked chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Army Gen. Mark Milley , said Thursday he 'd erred by allowing the military to be drawn into the president ’ s politicized response to mostly peaceful protests following the death of George Floyd .
Mark Esper , Trump 's defense secretary , has signaled his willingness to change the names of Army forts that honor Confederate generals , a stance Trump has rejected .
Meanwhile , West Point itself has been riven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation .
Minority cadets , in a confidential survey obtained by USA TODAY , say they face blatant and subtle discrimination at the nation 's elite training ground for Army officers .
The posting of racist videos in April by one their classmates prompted the survey .
Contributing : Tom Vanden Brook and The Associated Press .
Oklahoma campaign event : Trump dismisses controversy over Tulsa rally , says it will be a 'celebration ' of his campaign


usatoday--2020-06-15--President Trump celebrates diversity as he gave commencement address at West Point