usatoday--2020-10-09--Despite stumbles and disruptions, VP debate shows America's progress: Readers

No doubt that the country is polarized and divided , sometimes bitterly , on a host of issues .
But Wednesday night ’ s vice presidential debate proved that all of us should take a moment to be thankful that we are doing something right , even if progress is slow .
Two presidential candidates and two vice presidential candidates .
Three of them are white men of privilege and one , for the first time ever , is a woman of color .
And not just any woman of color , but a genuine star .
Politics aside , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt that Sen. Kamala Harris belonged on that stage ?
Of course not .
All she needed was the moment , and she excelled .
She ( not surprisingly ) proved beyond dispute that she can compete with the men .
Wednesday night was a very good night for the United States .
Now , we can imagine in a very real sense that a woman of color can be a leader of the free world as vice president or president of the United States .
The Trump administration ’ s disdain for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the debate Wednesday night .
Vice President Mike Pence bullied moderator Susan Page repeatedly talking over her consistent attempts to signal to him he had exceeded his time .
He flouted the rules of the debate which he and his team approved , and he repeatedly interrupted and talked over Sen. Kamala Harris .
His paternal bias was hard to miss in his answers about how much say women should have in making reproductive decisions .
He was dismissive when responding to points made by Harris .
Even when he was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and muttering spoke volumes .
One point made by Harris that bears repeating was her assertion that Trump administration appointments to the federal bench have been overwhelmingly white and male .
Like the first presidential debate , the debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris was a sham .
The moderator , Susan Page , who I hold in high regard , was either far too restrained in enforcing or without the power to enforce the debate rules .
For example , Pence frequently sidestepped the questions put to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and points he wanted to address , often going well beyond his allotted time .
Harris was then forced to parry the topics and points that Pence , not Page , raised for discussion .
To her credit , Page had prepared some excellent questions designed to elicit information from both candidates likely to be valuable to voters on key issues .
Regrettably , many of those questions were not answered .
To make the debates more valuable to the electorate , the debate commission needs to arm the moderators with a stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control the conduct of candidates .
Such powers might include the authority to shut off offender ’ s microphones , reduce their time for answering upcoming questions and require the candidates to answer directly the precise question put to them .
Otherwise , the debates will only provide the electorate with the narratives that the candidates themselves have created on the issues .
Voice your view by emailing a letter to letters @ usatoday.com or using # tellusatoday on Twitter .
You can also catch us on Facebook .

Despite stumbles and disruptions, VP debate shows America's progress: Readers On debate stage, vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris showed beyond a doubt that she is ready to lead this nation.
No doubt that the country is polarized and divided, sometimes bitterly, on a host of issues.
But Wednesday night’s vice presidential debate proved that all of us should take a moment to be thankful that we are doing something right, even if progress is slow.
Two presidential candidates and two vice presidential candidates. Three of them are white men of privilege and one, for the first time ever, is a woman of color. And not just any woman of color, but a genuine star.
Politics aside, watching the debate, is there any doubt that Sen. Kamala Harris belonged on that stage? Of course not. All she needed was the moment, and she excelled. She (not surprisingly) proved beyond dispute that she can compete with the men.
Wednesday night was a very good night for the United States. Now, we can imagine in a very real sense that a woman of color can be a leader of the free world as vice president or president of the United States.
That’s cool.
Michael Kenny; Atlanta
The fly was the MVP. — FatNixon/Individual1/TariffMan is NOT ScottFree (@lunybinger) October 8, 2020
Pence A, Harris D for her lies and being so smirky and condescending. — Committed voter (@committedvoter) October 8, 2020
#Harris knocked it out of the park. She spoke from the heart and went toe to toe with #Pence. She’ll make a great VP! #Debate2020 — Jonathan Pick (@dcsportsfan75) October 8, 2020
It was a bit more civil. However, the @VP consistently went over time and attempted to mansplain both @KamalaHarris and @SusanPage. I believe Senator Harris put this in the win column easily. #YesYouCanPublish#VPDebate — Aaron Wittnebel (@AaronWittnebel) October 8, 2020
The Trump administration’s disdain for women and minorities was on full display at the debate Wednesday night. Vice President Mike Pence bullied moderator Susan Page repeatedly talking over her consistent attempts to signal to him he had exceeded his time. He flouted the rules of the debate which he and his team approved, and he repeatedly interrupted and talked over Sen. Kamala Harris.
His paternal bias was hard to miss in his answers about how much say women should have in making reproductive decisions. He was dismissive when responding to points made by Harris. Even when he was not speaking, his head shaking, grimaces and muttering spoke volumes.
One point made by Harris that bears repeating was her assertion that Trump administration appointments to the federal bench have been overwhelmingly white and male.
Mark P. Hunter; Atlanta
#VPDebate It was professional and semi polite. #Harris A, Senator Harris was factual, historical, honest and calm.#Pence C, Vice President Pence was calm and engaging. Every other word out of his mouth was a lie. We the people deserve better than that.
#tellusatoday #Debate2020 — Elva Carter (@CarterElva) October 8, 2020
#tellusatoday Senator Harris was polite, backing up arguments with facts and data, while VP Pence (sleepily) used a "kitchen sink" approach. She did not defend herself as well as she did in the primary debates on her record. I feel tonight was a draw. — E Scherzer (@scherzem) October 8, 2020
#tellUSATODAY why blame the moderator for Pence’s terrible behavior? Why not make Pence responsible for his own rude and disrespectful behavior? — mariwood (@mariwood54) October 8, 2020
Kamala crushed it... she made my voting choice an easy one — Sam (@SamSaintSlam) October 8, 2020
Like the first presidential debate, the debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris was a sham. The moderator, Susan Page, who I hold in high regard, was either far too restrained in enforcing or without the power to enforce the debate rules. For example, Pence frequently sidestepped the questions put to him by Page and expounded instead on topics and points he wanted to address, often going well beyond his allotted time. Harris was then forced to parry the topics and points that Pence, not Page, raised for discussion. To her credit, Page had prepared some excellent questions designed to elicit information from both candidates likely to be valuable to voters on key issues. Regrettably, many of those questions were not answered.
To make the debates more valuable to the electorate, the debate commission needs to arm the moderators with a stronger and clearly articulated range of powers to control the conduct of candidates. Such powers might include the authority to shut off offender’s microphones, reduce their time for answering upcoming questions and require the candidates to answer directly the precise question put to them. Otherwise, the debates will only provide the electorate with the narratives that the candidates themselves have created on the issues.
William Plesec; Cleveland
#tellusatoday #Harris she was concise, clear and patient. Stayed on topic and what a beautiful smile and peace. receives an A+ #Pence truly a F for not obeying the debate guidelines and once again these men continue to disrespect Women, plus strong Brown Women! — Rhonda “Asale” Robinson (@asaleepoet) October 8, 2020
Following the debate, I definitely dislike Pence more than I thought before due to his passive aggressive patronizing approach. The untruths just rolled out of him. #tellusatoday — jcarsonflamini (@jcarsonflamini) October 8, 2020
Voice your view by emailing a letter to letters@usatoday.com or using #tellusatoday on Twitter. You can also catch us on Facebook.


usatoday--2020-10-09--2020 election live updates: Trump planning campaign event at the White House

Sidelined from the trail because of his bout with coronavirus , President Donald Trump is planning to hold a campaign event at the White House this weekend , a person with knowledge of the event told USA TODAY .
Trump expects to speak from a balcony at the White House on Saturday , said the official , who spoke on the condition of anonymity .
Details were not immediately clear .
Planning for the event comes as the White House has been criticized for hosting an official ceremony last weekend on the South Lawn from which many attendees later tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci described that event , to mark the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court , as a “ super spreader.
” Trump has also faced criticism for using the White House for political events .
The president delivered his formal acceptance speech to the Republican National Convention this summer from the South Lawn .
Trump has recently floated several possible returns to the campaign trail , including the possibility of rallies this weekend in Florida and Pennsylvania that have not come to fruition .
The White House has so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested negative for the virus since he returned to the White House on Monday after a three day stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
An official said precautions would be taken to maintain the safety of the crowd but the details of those measures were not immediately clear .
• Pence trip canceled : On Thursday , Vice President Mike Pence canceled a planned appearance the next day in Indianapolis .
His office did not explain why , but did say `` nobody 's sick .
There 's no positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he has n't been to the White House since August because of the executive office 's lax coronavirus precautions .
• Trump campaign : The Trump campaign is exploring the prospect of an event on Monday in Pittsburgh , an aide said .
The aide did not elaborate , saying only it would be an `` event '' and not a `` rally '' for the COVID-stricken president .
📆 25 days until Election Day , six days until the second presidential debate , 103 days until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Trump says he may hold rallies this weekend President Donald Trump said Thursday he may hold campaign rallies this weekend in Florida and Pennsylvania , an announcement that comes a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a larger White House coronavirus outbreak .
Hours before he told Fox News his plans , White House physician Sean Conley cleared the president to resume public events , saying he had completed his therapy of COVID-19 .
Trump and the administration have repeatedly declined to say to when the president last received a negative test .
That continued Thursday .
`` There 's no reason to test all the time , but they found very little infection or virus , if any , '' Trump told Fox .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I did n't go into it greatly with the doctors . ''
Meanwhile , the next presidential debate appears up-in-the-air after Trump said he would n't participate because organizers changed the Miami event to a virtual platform over COVID-19 concerns .
The Commission on Presidential Debates said it would n't hold the debate Thursday with just Biden .
Trump 's team now wants each of the remaining debates moved back a week , an idea the Biden campaign rejected .
Trump gets lowest rating yet on COVID response in poll Americans ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus pandemic has reached its lowest point in a Reuters/Ipsos tracking poll since the outbreak first began to hit the U.S .
The poll was conducted from Oct. 6-8 , after the president left the hospital where he had been treated for COVID-19 and returned to the White House , where a coronavirus outbreak has infected more than 20 people including first lady Melania Trump .
The poll found 38 % approve and 59 % disapprove of Trump 's handling of the public health crisis .
The negative 22-percentage point rating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the issue in a Reuters/Ipsos survey since early March .
And it is 11 points worse than it was in a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken Sept. 30-Oct. 1 , before Trump announced he had tested positive for the virus .
The White House is set to offer Democrats a $ 1.8 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package as President Donald Trump reversed course on stimulus negotiations and said he wanted to `` Go Big , '' according to multiple reports .
The proposal , a $ 1.8 trillion offer according to the Wall Street Journal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion more than the White House 's $ 1.6 trillion proposal last week .
It is still smaller than the $ 2.2 trillion Democrats most recently offered and which Trump rejected on Tuesday .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to talk Friday with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
Director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow told reporters Friday that President Donald Trump had approved a “ revised ” stimulus package , though he declined to provide details .
Kudlow has not been part of negotiations so far , which have largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schumer , White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , and Mnuchin .
Shortly after , Trump tweeted , “ Covid Relief Negotiations are moving along .
Go Big !
” Stimulus latest : White House to offer $ 1.8 trillion COVID-19 stimulus plan as Pelosi and Mnuchin negotiate , reports say Pelosi said on MSNBC Friday she would talk more with Mnuchin as they worked through differences on funding amounts and on policy in the bill .
Negotiations have deadlocked over provisions like funding for state and local governments and the dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I do hope we will have an agreement soon , ” she said .
The optimism comes three days after Trump abruptly rejected a recent Democratic proposal and saying he wanted to postpone any negotiations until after the November election .
Since then , Trump has reversed course , saying he wanted standalone bills to send out stimulus checks and provide relief to airlines .
Any negotiated deal , however , will have to pass through the Republican-controlled Senate , where members have expressed hesitancy at spending trillions of dollars on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kentucky Friday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said it was “ unlikely ” a stimulus deal would occur before the election .
House Democrats unveiled legislation Friday to establish rules for presidential succession , citing President Donald Trump 's recent COVID-19 diagnosis and the outbreak among top administration officials .
The legislation would set up a 16-member bipartisan commission comprised of doctors and former administration officials to conduct a medical exam of the president and evaluate the fitness of the president for office .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intended to clarify the procedure for future presidents .
The Democrats ' legislation would address a provision of the 25th Amendment to determine that the president is `` unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office . ''
Congress has never acted on the provision .
The 25th Amendment , ratified in 1967 , lays out a legal mechanism for designating a head of state if the president is disabled or dead and also formalized the line of succession for the vice president to take over if the president dies or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says deal 'unlikely ' before election Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said Friday he thinks it 's unlikely Congress will `` rise above '' and pass any kind of coronavirus stimulus legislation before the Nov. 3 election .
Congressional leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democrat-run House of Representatives both say another stimulus package is needed as Americans grapple with the health and economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic , but they 've failed to reach a compromise .
But McConnell , while at an event in Kentucky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the election .
`` I just think the situation 's kind of murky , and I think the murkiness is a result of the proximity to the election and everybody kind of trying to elbow for political advantage , '' he said .
`` I 'd like to see us rise above that like we did back in March and April , but I think that 's unlikely in the next three weeks . ''
Mitch McConnell : A COVID-19 relief deal is 'unlikely ' before Election Day Trump says he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said Thursday he may hold rallies this weekend in Florida and Pennsylvania , hours after his physicians said he would be cleared to return to the campaign trail on Saturday .
“ I think I ’ m going to try doing a rally on Saturday night , probably in Florida on Saturday , ” the president told Fox News , breaking his answer at one point to clear his throat .
“ Pennsylvania the following night.
” White House physician Sean Conley said Thursday the president had completed his course of therapy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team of physicians '' and cleared the president to return to public life on Saturday , 10 days since his diagnosis .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines say patients are supposed to quarantine for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms – in Trump 's case , last Thursday .
Earlier on Thursday Trump said he would bow out of the second presidential debate , scheduled for Oct. 15 , after the Commission on Presidential Debates said they would hold a virtual debate out of coronavirus safety concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer in a plot in which they considered storming the state Capitol in a commando raid that would use Molotov cocktails to keep police cars at bay , according to newly unsealed court records .
Members of the group bought weapons , conducted surveillance , held training and planning meetings , but they were foiled in part because the FBI infiltrated the group with informants , according to a criminal complaint .
Six were charged with federal kidnapping offenses and at least seven others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware early in 2020 , through social media , that a militia group was `` discussing the violent overthrow of certain government and law enforcement components '' and `` agreed to take violent action , '' according to a sworn affidavit .
McConnell says he has n't visited White House because of lax COVID rules Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said he has n't visited the White House in two months because of what he saw as lax coronavirus practices .
`` My impression was their approach to how to handle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine and what I insisted we do in the Senate , which was to wear a mask and practice social distancing , '' McConnell said during an appearance in Northern Kentucky .
McConnell said he maintains regular phone contact with Trump and that the president `` seems perfectly fine . ''
But McConnell said he does n't have first-hand knowledge of the president 's health condition because he has n't visited the White House since Aug. 6 .
McConnell was not at the Sept. 26 event in the Rose Garden announcing Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a `` superspreader '' event .
Mitch McConnell : :Senator says he has n't visited White House since August because of lax COVID rules Trump says he wo n't do next debate after it goes virtual President Donald Trump said Thursday he would not take part in the next presidential debate Oct. 15 with former Vice President Joe Biden after it was moved to a virtual format because of COVID-19 safety concerns .
`` I 'm not going to waste my time doing a virtual debate , '' he told Fox Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` joke '' and an effort `` to protect Biden . ''
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday morning the next debate would be remote to `` protect the health and safety of all involved '' after Trump 's positive COVID-19 diagnosis and the subsequent White House outbreak .
Co-chairman Frank Fahrenkopf said the commission would not host a debate with Biden alone if Trump doesn ’ t budge .
He said the future of the debate rests with Trump : `` The ball 's in his court . ''
The Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remaining two debates back one week each , an idea Biden 's team rejected .
Trump : Trump wo n't do next debate after it goes virtual ; Biden schedules solo town hall in its place

Sean Rossman, John Fritze, David Jackson and Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY

2020 election live updates: Trump planning campaign event at the White House
Show Caption Hide Caption Donald Trump declares himself ready for rallies on phone call with Fox News Donald Trump insisted on Thursday he was ready to resume campaign rallies and felt “perfect” only one week after his Covid-19 diagnosis. PA Media - News, PA Media - News
Sidelined from the trail because of his bout with coronavirus, President Donald Trump is planning to hold a campaign event at the White House this weekend, a person with knowledge of the event told USA TODAY.
Trump expects to speak from a balcony at the White House on Saturday, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Details were not immediately clear.
Planning for the event comes as the White House has been criticized for hosting an official ceremony last weekend on the South Lawn from which many attendees later tested positive for the virus. Dr. Anthony Fauci described that event, to mark the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, as a “super spreader.”
Trump has also faced criticism for using the White House for political events. The president delivered his formal acceptance speech to the Republican National Convention this summer from the South Lawn.
Trump has recently floated several possible returns to the campaign trail, including the possibility of rallies this weekend in Florida and Pennsylvania that have not come to fruition. The White House has so far declined to say if Trump has tested negative for the virus since he returned to the White House on Monday after a three day stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
An official said precautions would be taken to maintain the safety of the crowd but the details of those measures were not immediately clear.
-- David Jackson and John Fritze
☕ The latest:
Pence trip canceled: On Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence canceled a planned appearance the next day in Indianapolis. His office did not explain why, but did say "nobody's sick. There's no positive tests."
On Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence canceled a planned appearance the next day in Indianapolis. His office did not explain why, but did say "nobody's sick. There's no positive tests." Mitch McConnell: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he hasn't been to the White House since August because of the executive office's lax coronavirus precautions.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he hasn't been to the White House since August because of the executive office's lax coronavirus precautions. Trump campaign: The Trump campaign is exploring the prospect of an event on Monday in Pittsburgh, an aide said. The aide did not elaborate, saying only it would be an "event" and not a "rally" for the COVID-stricken president.
📆 25 days until Election Day, six days until the second presidential debate, 103 days until Inauguration Day, 85 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.
Trump says he may hold rallies this weekend
President Donald Trump said Thursday he may hold campaign rallies this weekend in Florida and Pennsylvania, an announcement that comes a week after he tested positive for COVID-19 as part of a larger White House coronavirus outbreak.
Hours before he told Fox News his plans, White House physician Sean Conley cleared the president to resume public events, saying he had completed his therapy of COVID-19. Trump and the administration have repeatedly declined to say to when the president last received a negative test. That continued Thursday.
"There's no reason to test all the time, but they found very little infection or virus, if any," Trump told Fox. "I don't know that they found any, I didn't go into it greatly with the doctors."
Meanwhile, the next presidential debate appears up-in-the-air after Trump said he wouldn't participate because organizers changed the Miami event to a virtual platform over COVID-19 concerns. The Commission on Presidential Debates said it wouldn't hold the debate Thursday with just Biden. Trump's team now wants each of the remaining debates moved back a week, an idea the Biden campaign rejected.
Trump gets lowest rating yet on COVID response in poll
Americans' approval of President Donald Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic has reached its lowest point in a Reuters/Ipsos tracking poll since the outbreak first began to hit the U.S.
The poll was conducted from Oct. 6-8, after the president left the hospital where he had been treated for COVID-19 and returned to the White House, where a coronavirus outbreak has infected more than 20 people including first lady Melania Trump.
The poll found 38% approve and 59% disapprove of Trump's handling of the public health crisis. The negative 22-percentage point rating is the biggest deficit Trump has had on the issue in a Reuters/Ipsos survey since early March.
And it is 11 points worse than it was in a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken Sept. 30-Oct. 1, before Trump announced he had tested positive for the virus.
– William Cummings
COVID stimulus update: White House to offer $1.8 trillion relief plan, reports say
The White House is set to offer Democrats a $1.8 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package as President Donald Trump reversed course on stimulus negotiations and said he wanted to "Go Big," according to multiple reports.
The proposal, a $1.8 trillion offer according to the Wall Street Journal and CNBC, is about $200 billion more than the White House's $1.6 trillion proposal last week. It is still smaller than the $2.2 trillion Democrats most recently offered and which Trump rejected on Tuesday.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to talk Friday with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow told reporters Friday that President Donald Trump had approved a “revised” stimulus package, though he declined to provide details. Kudlow has not been part of negotiations so far, which have largely involved Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and Mnuchin.
Shortly after, Trump tweeted, “Covid Relief Negotiations are moving along. Go Big!”
Stimulus latest: White House to offer $1.8 trillion COVID-19 stimulus plan as Pelosi and Mnuchin negotiate, reports say
Pelosi said on MSNBC Friday she would talk more with Mnuchin as they worked through differences on funding amounts and on policy in the bill. Negotiations have deadlocked over provisions like funding for state and local governments and the dollar amount for a federal unemployment benefit boost. “I do hope we will have an agreement soon,” she said.
The optimism comes three days after Trump abruptly rejected a recent Democratic proposal and saying he wanted to postpone any negotiations until after the November election. Since then, Trump has reversed course, saying he wanted standalone bills to send out stimulus checks and provide relief to airlines.
Any negotiated deal, however, will have to pass through the Republican-controlled Senate, where members have expressed hesitancy at spending trillions of dollars on COVID-19 relief.
At an event in Kentucky Friday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said it was “unlikely” a stimulus deal would occur before the election.
– NIcholas Wu
House Democrats unveiled legislation Friday to establish rules for presidential succession, citing President Donald Trump's recent COVID-19 diagnosis and the outbreak among top administration officials.
The legislation would set up a 16-member bipartisan commission comprised of doctors and former administration officials to conduct a medical exam of the president and evaluate the fitness of the president for office.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters the process was not directed at Trump and was intended to clarify the procedure for future presidents.
The Democrats' legislation would address a provision of the 25th Amendment to determine that the president is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." Congress has never acted on the provision.
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, lays out a legal mechanism for designating a head of state if the president is disabled or dead and also formalized the line of succession for the vice president to take over if the president dies or resigns.
25th Amendment: Democrats pitch bill on commission on presidential succession, citing Trump's COVID test
– Nicholas Wu
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Friday he thinks it's unlikely Congress will "rise above" and pass any kind of coronavirus stimulus legislation before the Nov. 3 election.
Congressional leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democrat-run House of Representatives both say another stimulus package is needed as Americans grapple with the health and economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic, but they've failed to reach a compromise.
But McConnell, while at an event in Kentucky, expressed doubt Congress could reach an agreement before the election.
"I just think the situation's kind of murky, and I think the murkiness is a result of the proximity to the election and everybody kind of trying to elbow for political advantage," he said. "I'd like to see us rise above that like we did back in March and April, but I think that's unlikely in the next three weeks."
– Morgan Watkins (Louisville Courier Journal)
Mitch McConnell: A COVID-19 relief deal is 'unlikely' before Election Day
President Donald Trump said Thursday he may hold rallies this weekend in Florida and Pennsylvania, hours after his physicians said he would be cleared to return to the campaign trail on Saturday.
“I think I’m going to try doing a rally on Saturday night, probably in Florida on Saturday,” the president told Fox News, breaking his answer at one point to clear his throat. “Pennsylvania the following night.”
White House physician Sean Conley said Thursday the president had completed his course of therapy for COVID-19 "as prescribed by his team of physicians" and cleared the president to return to public life on Saturday, 10 days since his diagnosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines say patients are supposed to quarantine for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms – in Trump's case, last Thursday.
Earlier on Thursday Trump said he would bow out of the second presidential debate, scheduled for Oct. 15, after the Commission on Presidential Debates said they would hold a virtual debate out of coronavirus safety concerns.
– John Fritze and Courtney Subramanian
A team of militia operatives is charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a plot in which they considered storming the state Capitol in a commando raid that would use Molotov cocktails to keep police cars at bay, according to newly unsealed court records.
Members of the group bought weapons, conducted surveillance, held training and planning meetings, but they were foiled in part because the FBI infiltrated the group with informants, according to a criminal complaint. Six were charged with federal kidnapping offenses and at least seven others face state charges.
The FBI became aware early in 2020, through social media, that a militia group was "discussing the violent overthrow of certain government and law enforcement components" and "agreed to take violent action," according to a sworn affidavit.
- Paul Egan and Tresa Baldas (Detroit Free Press)
'Deeply disturbing': Feds charge 6 militia members in domestic terror plot to kidnap Whitmer
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said he hasn't visited the White House in two months because of what he saw as lax coronavirus practices.
"My impression was their approach to how to handle this (pandemic) was different from mine and what I insisted we do in the Senate, which was to wear a mask and practice social distancing,'' McConnell said during an appearance in Northern Kentucky.
McConnell said he maintains regular phone contact with Trump and that the president "seems perfectly fine.''
But McConnell said he doesn't have first-hand knowledge of the president's health condition because he hasn't visited the White House since Aug. 6. McConnell was not at the Sept. 26 event in the Rose Garden announcing Trump's Supreme Court nominee - which may have become a "superspreader" event.
- Randy Tucker (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Mitch McConnell:: Senator says he hasn't visited White House since August because of lax COVID rules
President Donald Trump said Thursday he would not take part in the next presidential debate Oct. 15 with former Vice President Joe Biden after it was moved to a virtual format because of COVID-19 safety concerns.
"I'm not going to waste my time doing a virtual debate," he told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, calling it a "joke" and an effort "to protect Biden."
Trump says he won't 'waste my time' on virtual debate President Donald Trump told Fox Business that he won't "waste my time" on a virtual presidential debate. USA TODAY
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday morning the next debate would be remote to "protect the health and safety of all involved" after Trump's positive COVID-19 diagnosis and the subsequent White House outbreak.
Co-chairman Frank Fahrenkopf said the commission would not host a debate with Biden alone if Trump doesn’t budge. He said the future of the debate rests with Trump: "The ball's in his court."
The Trump campaign later said they want to push the remaining two debates back one week each, an idea Biden's team rejected.
- Nicholas Wu and Joey Garrison
Trump: Trump won't do next debate after it goes virtual; Biden schedules solo town hall in its place


usatoday--2020-10-09--USOPC suing insurance carriers, blaming them for lack of settlement with Nassar survivors

With no settlement in sight after almost a year and a half of mediation with Larry Nassar survivors , the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is suing its insurance carriers , accusing them of stalling the process .
In a lawsuit filed Thursday in a Colorado district court and obtained by USA TODAY Sports , the USOPC claims that 11 insurance companies have not met their contractual obligations and `` failed to honor their promises to the USOPC . ''
“ This lawsuit seeks to have a court resolve the issues related to the insurers ' obligations , as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolution for the victims and survivors , ” board chair Susanne Lyons said Friday .
“ We feel additional work needs to be done to get to a place of settlement , ” she added .
Olympic champions Simone Biles and Aly Raisman are among more than 500 girls and young women who have sued USA Gymnastics and the USOPC , saying they were sexually abused by Nassar , their coach or someone else affiliated with the sport .
The lawsuits were put on hold when USA Gymnastics filed for bankruptcy in December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a settlement with survivors as part of its plan to emerge from the proceedings .
If it doesn ’ t , the bankruptcy case could be dismissed and the lawsuits would resume .
In its lawsuit against its insurance carriers , the USOPC continued to deny legal responsibility for Nassar 's abuse , saying he was not an employee and had no direct relationship with the USOPC .
Nassar was the longtime team physician for both USA Gymnastics and Michigan State , but did work as a Team USA physician at several Olympic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had to pay claims associated with Nassar 's abuse , it would deprive thousands of other athletes of funding .
It claims that is why it took out insurance policies – policies the carriers are now refusing to honor .
`` Defendants have refused to pay significant amounts of legal and other costs that the USOPC has incurred in responding to and trying to resolve these claims , notwithstanding the USOPC ’ s efforts to secure such payments in a cooperative manner .
Defendants have not settled the underlying lawsuits , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine whether a reasonable opportunity to settle them exists , '' the USOPC alleges in its lawsuit .
`` The USOPC brings this action to clarify its rights and the Defendants ’ obligations concerning coverage for the underlying claims . ''
In a joint motion filed Aug. 20 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court , USA Gymnastics and the survivors accused the insurance carriers of stalling negotiations “ for their own economic benefit.
” The carriers did not bring representatives with “ ultimate , unrestricted ( settlement ) authority ” to mediation sessions earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the survivors said in their motion .
The survivors rejected a $ 215 million settlement offer that USA Gymnastics made Jan. 30 , in part because it included a release for the USOPC and other third-party defendants .
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robyn Moberly has also criticized the USOPC 's release , saying the organization needs to be “ actively participating , particularly with their pocketbook.
” The USOPC has disputed this , saying it was contributing to the settlement but could not say how much because the court has ordered mediation proceedings to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s current financial challenges , which stem from the pandemic and the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics to next summer , contributed to the decision to sue the insurance carriers , Lyons said no .
“ This is not about the USOPC 's financial condition .
This is about getting justice , and appropriate justice , for the survivors , '' she said .
`` We have insurance for just these types of situations .
And we 'll just continue to play out the mediation , and hope that we can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can have some closure . ''

USOPC suing insurance carriers, blaming them for lack of settlement with Nassar survivors
With no settlement in sight after almost a year and a half of mediation with Larry Nassar survivors, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is suing its insurance carriers, accusing them of stalling the process.
In a lawsuit filed Thursday in a Colorado district court and obtained by USA TODAY Sports, the USOPC claims that 11 insurance companies have not met their contractual obligations and "failed to honor their promises to the USOPC."
“This lawsuit seeks to have a court resolve the issues related to the insurers' obligations, as part of our efforts to achieve a fair resolution for the victims and survivors,” board chair Susanne Lyons said Friday.
“We feel additional work needs to be done to get to a place of settlement,” she added.
Olympic champions Simone Biles and Aly Raisman are among more than 500 girls and young women who have sued USA Gymnastics and the USOPC, saying they were sexually abused by Nassar, their coach or someone else affiliated with the sport. The lawsuits were put on hold when USA Gymnastics filed for bankruptcy in December 2018, and the federation must reach a settlement with survivors as part of its plan to emerge from the proceedings.
If it doesn’t, the bankruptcy case could be dismissed and the lawsuits would resume.
In its lawsuit against its insurance carriers, the USOPC continued to deny legal responsibility for Nassar's abuse, saying he was not an employee and had no direct relationship with the USOPC. Nassar was the longtime team physician for both USA Gymnastics and Michigan State, but did work as a Team USA physician at several Olympic Games.
The USOPC alleges that if it had to pay claims associated with Nassar's abuse, it would deprive thousands of other athletes of funding. It claims that is why it took out insurance policies – policies the carriers are now refusing to honor.
"Defendants have refused to pay significant amounts of legal and other costs that the USOPC has incurred in responding to and trying to resolve these claims, notwithstanding the USOPC’s efforts to secure such payments in a cooperative manner. Defendants have not settled the underlying lawsuits, and have not made a good faith effort to determine whether a reasonable opportunity to settle them exists," the USOPC alleges in its lawsuit.
"The USOPC brings this action to clarify its rights and the Defendants’ obligations concerning coverage for the underlying claims."
In a joint motion filed Aug. 20 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, USA Gymnastics and the survivors accused the insurance carriers of stalling negotiations “for their own economic benefit.” The carriers did not bring representatives with “ultimate, unrestricted (settlement) authority” to mediation sessions earlier in the month, USA Gymnastics and the survivors said in their motion.
The USOPC joined that motion Aug. 24.
The survivors rejected a $215 million settlement offer that USA Gymnastics made Jan. 30, in part because it included a release for the USOPC and other third-party defendants. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robyn Moberly has also criticized the USOPC's release, saying the organization needs to be “actively participating, particularly with their pocketbook.”
The USOPC has disputed this, saying it was contributing to the settlement but could not say how much because the court has ordered mediation proceedings to remain confidential.
Asked if the USOPC’s current financial challenges, which stem from the pandemic and the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics to next summer, contributed to the decision to sue the insurance carriers, Lyons said no.
“This is not about the USOPC's financial condition. This is about getting justice, and appropriate justice, for the survivors," she said. "We have insurance for just these types of situations. And we'll just continue to play out the mediation, and hope that we can get to a timely settlement so these survivors can have some closure."


usatoday--2020-10-08--12 things that will keep you warm outdoors this winter

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Over the past couple of months , many people have coped with the pandemic 's new normal by getting outside .
Outdoor dining , daily neighborhood walks , backyard socially distant gatherings with small groups , and hiking are just a few things that have given people a way to be social and active while feeling safe .
With winter on its way , though , many are wondering if these activities will still be enjoyable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor dining is not usually the norm , a number of restaurants are doing what they can to keep it going into the colder months like utilizing heat lamps and offering `` warmer '' cocktails .
Many people have been doing the same when it comes to their own outdoor spaces .
Patio heaters , for example , have been flying off shelves the past couple of weeks .
If you 're worried that cold weather could keep you cooped up indoors this winter , there are several other things you can buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From touchscreen gloves to an especially warm face mask , here are 12 items to consider buying for winter 2020 .
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It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
1 .
An outdoor blanket for sitting outside We 're calling it now : Outdoor blankets will be everywhere this fall and winter .
They 're portable , can withstand a little dirt , and , most importantly , they 're warm .
Reviewers love this one from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rating from 1,000 reviews on Amazon .
It 's big enough to fit three people under it , comes with a carrying case , and is machine washable .
Get the Oceas Outdoor Waterproof Blanket at Amazon for $ 33.99 2 .
The best touchscreen gloves we 've ever tested Texting while wearing gloves can be annoying .
Often , people resort to taking them off to successfully use their smartphones .
To avoid having to take off your gloves this winter , consider buying a pair of touchscreen gloves .
These allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freezing your precious digits .
These ones from Harrms happen to be the best touchscreen gloves we tested at Reviewed .
Not only are they super warm , but all 10 fingers are touchscreen compatible and we had no issues using our phones with them .
Get the Harrms Touchscreen Leather Knitted Cuff Gloves at Amazon for $ 23.99 If you have really cold hands , then you know gloves alone are n't going to cut it .
That 's where hand warmers come in .
The Hot Hands are possibly the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating .
People love that they last for up to 10 hours and are easy to activate .
Reviewers say they 've used them in extreme temperatures , so you know they 'll be good for your daily life .
Get the HeatMax Hot Hands Handwarmer , 40 Pairs at Amazon for $ 23.44 4 .
A warm face mask that doubles as an extra layer Face masks are already essential for preventing the spread of the coronavirus , but they 're also particularly good for the winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one 's face which is similar to wearing a ski mask in public .
Though the Under Armour Sportsmask is designed for exercise , our tester found that it was quite warm .
The mask has three layers and felt much warmer than other masks she had tried .
Get the Sportsmask at Under Armour for $ 30 Extreme temperatures call for an extremely warm winter hat .
Reviewers love this one from Mysuntown , which features a soft faux fur interior , is windproof , and has a removable face mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but should not replace your cloth or disposable face masks .
Shoppers say it 's comfortable and not too bulky for daily wear .
Get the Mysuntown Winter Hat with Mask at Amazon for $ 18.99 6 .
A patio heater to warm up your backyard If you want to stay warm in your own backyard , a patio heater is the way to go .
That way you can still enjoy a socially distant hangout outdoors even when there 's light snow on the ground .
Patio heaters are pretty hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Hampton Bay is a popular model that is still in stock on Amazon .
Get the Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater at Amazon for $ 279.99 There 's a good balance between a warm jacket and one that looks good—a.k.a .
one that does n't turn you into a giant puffball .
Our apparel expert recommends the lightweight , yet warm Nano Puff coat from Patagonia .
It 's is easy to carry around or squish into a bag , and it has a clean look to it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making it great for windy and rainy days .
Our shopping director 's husband owns it and is a big fan .
• Get the Women 's Patagonia Nano Puff Water Resistant Jacket from Nordstrom for $ 199 • Get the Men 's Patagonia Nano Puff Water Resistant Jacket from Nordstrom for $ 199 While most snow boots can be heavy and bulky , Sorel managed to make a fashionable pair that 's also functional .
Insulated with a felt interior and Sherpa cuff , these boots are incredibly warm , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're snow boots .
They have a clean look to them and offer great traction , which means there wo n't be any slipping on ice patches , making them well worth the investment .
• Get the Women 's Caribou Boot at Sorel for $ 170 • Get the Men 's Caribou Wool Boot at Sorel for $ 190 Snow boots and warm socks still might not be enough to keep frigid toes warm .
That 's where a solid pair of wool liners come in .
People love these ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're incredible warm .
One reviewer says they purchase a new fresh pair every year because they 're that good at keeping their feet warm .
Get the Adults ' Shearling Insoles at L.L.Bean for $ 29.99 10 .
A travel mug that keeps drinks hot for hours One of the best ways to warm up on a cold day is drinking a steaming cup of tea ( or coffee ! )
.
And a good travel mug ensures you still can do this outside without your drink becoming lukewarm in less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ton of travel mugs , we found that the Zojirushi kept drinks hot for the longest and did not spill after some massive drops , which is why it 's our favorite .
Get the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug at Amazon for $ 20.99 In the winter , jeans or leggings just are n't enough to keep you warm outside .
That 's why it 's a good idea to invest in some long underwear as an extra layer .
These ones from Smartwool are made with merino wool , so they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit underneath pants without feeling constrictive .
• Get the Women 's Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Bottoms at REI for $ 85 • Get the Men 's Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Bottoms at REI for $ 85 Smartwool are some of the most popular socks on the market for a reasonhey ’ re made of cozy wool that is in it for the long haul .
The PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks are particularly popular amongst hikers and campers as they ’ re warm , yet breathable and come in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stylish , too .
They work just as well for walking around outside this winter .
Get the Smartwool Jovian Stripe PhD Outdoor Light Crew Sock at Amazon for $ 22.95 The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

12 things that will keep you warm outdoors this winter
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Over the past few weeks, many parts of the country have been dealing with freezing cold temperatures and, depending where you live, blustery snowstorms. It's the type of winter weather that makes you just want to stay inside—but for some of us, that isn't an option.
If you have to work outside (or commute to the office) or you simply don't want to be cooped up inside all season, there are several things you can buy that will keep you warm outdoors no matter the temperature. From outdoor blankets to Hot Hands hand warmers to the best winter boots, here are 12 items to add to your cart ASAP.
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1. Oceas Waterproof Outdoor Blanket
Outdoor blankets are a winter must-have, whether you're spending time on the porch or cheering on your team from the stands. They're portable, can withstand a little dirt and, most importantly, they're warm. Reviewers love this one from Oceas, which has earned a 4.7-star rating from more than 2,300 reviews on Amazon. It's big enough to fit three people under it, comes with a carrying case and is machine-washable for easy cleaning.
Get the Oceas Outdoor Waterproof Blanket from Amazon for $41.99
2. Harrms Leather Touchscreen Gloves
Texting while wearing gloves can be annoying. Often, you resort to taking them off to successfully use your smartphone. A warmer and more convenient solution? A pair of touchscreen gloves, which allow you to respond to texts or scroll through Instagram without freezing your precious digits. These ones from Harrms are the best touchscreen gloves we've tested at Reviewed. They're super warm, and all 10 fingers are touchscreen-compatible, so our experts had no issues using their phones while wearing them.
Get the Harrms Touchscreen Leather Knitted Cuff Gloves from Amazon starting at $23.69
3. Heatmax Hot Hands Hand Warmers
If you have really cold hands, then you know gloves alone aren't going to cut it. That's where hand warmers come in. Hot Hands are probably the most popular hand warmers on Amazon with more than 32,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating. People love that they last for up to 10 hours and are easy to activate. Many say they've used them in extreme temperatures, so you know they'll be good for your daily life.
Get the HeatMax Hot Hands Hand Warmers (40-Pack) from Amazon for $27.18
4. Smartwool Socks
Smartwool makes some of the most popular socks on the market for a reason—they’re made of cozy wool that is in it for the long haul. These crew socks are particularly popular amongst hikers and campers as they’re warm yet breathable and come in fun striped patterns that make them stylish, too. They'll brighten up a dreary winter day and keep your toes toasty.
Get the Smartwool Outdoor Light Crew Sock from Amazon for $22.95
5. Sorel Snow Boots
While most snow boots can be heavy and bulky, Sorel managed to make some that are as fashionable as they are functional. Our experts dubbed them the best winter boots for both men and women. They're incredibly warm, but don't scream in your face that they're snow boots. They have a clean look to them and offer great traction, which means there won't be any slipping on ice patches, making them well worth the investment.
6. Mysuntown Winter Trapper Hat
Extreme temperatures call for an extremely warm winter hat. Reviewers love this one from Mysuntown, which features a soft faux fur interior, is windproof and has a removable face mask that adds an extra layer of warmth but should not replace your cloth or disposable face masks. Shoppers say it's comfortable and not too bulky for daily wear.
Get the Mysuntown Winter Trapper Hat with Mask from Amazon for $23.99
7. Amazon Basics Patio Heater
If you want to stay warm in your own backyard, a patio heater is the way to go. Cozy up your outdoor space with one of the most popular picks from Amazon. Nearly 7,000 reviewers love it, with many loving that it's very sturdy yet it has wheels so it's easy to roll from spot to spot. It's also surprisingly powerful, emitting heat up to nine feet away.
Get the Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Patio Heater from Amazon for $175.99
8. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
There's a good balance between a warm jacket and one that looks good—a.k.a. one that doesn't turn you into a giant puffball. Our apparel expert recommends the lightweight yet warm Nano Puff coat from Patagonia. It's is easy to carry around or squish into a bag, and it has a clean look to it. The jacket is also windproof and water-resistant, making it great for days when wintry weather strikes.
9. L.L.Bean Shearling Insoles
Snow boots and warm socks still might not be enough to keep frigid toes warm. Enter a pair of wool liners. People love these ones from L.L.Bean, which are made from soft and cozy shearling. Available in unisex sizes 5 to 13, they're also designed to prevent odors and moisture. One reviewer says she purchases a new pair every year because they're that good at keeping her feet warm.
Get the Shearling Insoles from L.L.Bean for $29.99
10. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
One of the best ways to warm up on a cold day is drinking a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. A good travel mug ensures you still can do this outside without your drink becoming lukewarm in less than 30 minutes. After testing a ton of travel mugs, we found that the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug kept drinks hot the longest and didn't spill even when it was dropped, making it ideal for commuters and those on the go.
Get the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug from Amazon for $27.99
11. Smartwool Merino Long Underwear
Jeans or leggings aren't exactly known for their warmth. That's why it's a good idea to invest in some long underwear as an extra layer. These base layers from Smartwool are made with merino wool, so they're super soft yet thin enough to fit underneath pants without feeling constrictive.
12. Under Armour Sportsmask Face Mask
Face masks may be mandated for indoor wear in many states, but they're also particularly good for outdoor wear, especially in the winter, as they add an extra layer of protection against the elements to your face. Though the Under Armour Sportsmask is designed for exercise, our expert found that it was very warm. Available in four neutral colors, the mask has three layers and kept in more heat than other masks she tried.
Get the Sportsmask from Under Armour for $25
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The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-10-09--'It's already having a massive effect,' corporate America demands Trump rescind executive order on d

Michelle Kim received an email this week from a corporate client who asked her to make sure her anti-racism talk would comply with the White House ’ s new executive order prohibiting the use of terms such as “ white privilege.
” She offered to cancel the agreement instead .
“ Even if I could deliver a compelling talk without using the term , I could not agree with the spirit of the ask , ” Kim , an author and CEO of Awaken , which provides interactive diversity , equity and Inclusion workshops , wrote on Twitter .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now – ‘ Does this expose us to legal risk ?
’ ‘ Will we get sued ?
’ ‘ Will we lose our government contracts ?
’ ” President Trump ’ s decision to restrict the federal government and its contractors from engaging in what he calls “ divisive ” and “ un-American ” diversity training is sending a chilling effect throughout corporate America just as companies were stepping up efforts to address racial disparities following the death of George Floyd , a Black man , under the knee of white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wells Fargo investigated : Diversity initiatives to hire more Black leaders probed by Labor Department “ It ’ s already having a massive effect and will continue to have a massive effect until it 's rescinded or if it ’ s rescinded , ” said Franklin Turner , a partner with law firm McCarter & English who represents multinational contractors and small and medium-sized companies .
The executive order ’ s stated goal is `` to combat offensive and anti-American race and sex stereotyping and scapegoating . ''
A White House memo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideologies that label entire groups of Americans as inherently racist or evil ” in diversity training materials by searching for keywords such as “ white privilege , ” “ systemic racism , ” “ intersectionality ” and “ unconscious bias.
” Critics say the executive order is a broadside against diversity and inclusion programs that will impair efforts by business and government to reverse decades-long patterns of discrimination and exclusion .
A USA TODAY investigation found that more than 55 years after the Civil Rights Act , less than 2 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest companies are Black .
Research shows that fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces boosts financial performance and increases innovation but corporations are pulling back on diversity and inclusion training out of fear of losing out on government contracts that are critical , if not the lifeblood , of their businesses , Turner says .
Behind the scenes , civil rights leaders and industry groups are exploring legal challenges to the executive order , similar to organized opposition to the president ’ s Muslim travel ban .
Those efforts are expected to intensify if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the executive order argue that it only prohibits racist or sexist teachings , like that one race or sex is inherently superior to another .
But the White House memo on how to interpret the order makes clear that the intended impact is far broader , ” said Joelle Emerson , founder and chief executive officer of diversity and inclusion strategy firm Paradigm .
“ The goal is clear : to limit companies from training on a wide range of well-researched themes in the diversity , equity , and inclusion space.
” Push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and industry groups .
Dozens of civil rights groups including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law this week condemned the executive order as another sign of Trump 's `` support for white supremacists while demonstrating deep hostility to civil rights and racial justice . ''
On Thursday , a group of 11 technology , software and advertising industry groups that represent thousands of government contractors , called on the Trump administration to rescind it .
The executive order “ fails to acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequities in America and represents an unwarranted intrusion into private sector efforts to combat systemic racism , ” according to the letter sent to the Office of Management and Budget and the Labor Department .
“ I need every company 's legal team to fasten their seat belts and be willing to go to bat for people willing to speak truth to power , ” Kim said .
“ And I need executive leaders to signal to their teams we 're no longer in ‘ compliance ’ mode – we 're in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Asked about his executive order during the first presidential debate , Trump said : “ They were teaching people that our country is a horrible place , it ’ s a racist place .
And they were teaching people to hate our country .
And I ’ m not gon na allow that to happen.
” The executive order stems from appearances by conservative activist Christopher Rufo criticism of “ critical race theory '' on Fox News ' “ Tucker Carlson Tonight.
” Critical race theory teaches that racism pervades government and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an advantage .
“ What I ’ ve discovered is that critical race theory has become , in essence , the default ideology of the federal bureaucracy and is now being weaponized against the American people , ” Rufo , director of the Center on Wealth and Poverty at the Discovery Institute in Seattle , Washington , said on Carlson 's show .
Rufo celebrated achieving his goal – `` ... persuading the President of the United States to abolish critical race theory in the federal government '' – posting on Facebook moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration is not just pushing back against the belief that American society is inherently racist .
It 's also challenging corporate efforts to rebalance the scales by elevating more Black executives and executives of color into leadership ranks .
In recent weeks , the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs , which oversees federal contractors for the Labor Department , has questioned whether diversity initiatives at Microsoft and Wells Fargo to double the ranks of Black managers and executives over the next five years violate federal laws barring discrimination based on race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiatives comply with those laws .
Guidance issued by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs outlines strict but vague requirements for complying with Trump 's executive order on diversity and inclusion training that seem to cover essential and foundational concepts , Turner said .
The agency has set up a hotline so that any individual or group can file a complaint against a government agency or federal contractor for perceived violations by phone or email .
Third parties can also file a complaint on behalf of an individual or a group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America : Why are there still so few Black executives ?
After George Floyd , Black employees ask : Do we matter to corporate America ?
“ They are inviting complaints , obviously , and I would n't be shocked if the complaints started to pour in , ” Turner said .
“ The worry is that folks who attend trainings who don ’ t like an aspect of the training can use this order , even this guidance , to cause problems , because of the lack of really concrete standards here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so incredibly subjective.
” Corporations could face “ extraordinarily harsh ” penalties , Turner said .
If found in violation , they could have their contracts suspended or terminated and could be “ declared ineligible ” for future contracts , according to the guidance .
`` The message is 'watch out , ' '' Turner said .
“ Contractors don ’ t take those threats lightly .
They could potentially put an end to their business .
”

'It's already having a massive effect,' corporate America demands Trump rescind executive order on diversity
Show Caption Hide Caption Presidential Debate: Trump and Biden clash on ANTIFA, white supremacy President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden argue about white supremacy and ANTIFA at the first 2020 presidential debate. USA TODAY
Michelle Kim received an email last week from a corporate client who asked her to make sure her anti-racism talk would comply with the White House’s new executive order prohibiting the use of terms such as “white privilege.” She offered to cancel the agreement instead.
“Even if I could deliver a compelling talk without using the term, I could not agree with the spirit of the ask,” Kim, an author and CEO of Awaken, which provides interactive diversity, equity and Inclusion workshops, wrote on Twitter. “I understand the predicament companies are in right now – ‘Does this expose us to legal risk?’ ‘Will we get sued?’ ‘Will we lose our government contracts?’”
President Donald Trump’s decision to restrict the federal government and its contractors from engaging in what he calls “divisive” and “un-American” diversity training is sending a chilling effect throughout corporate America just as companies were stepping up efforts to address racial disparities following the death of George Floyd, a Black man, under the knee of white officer in Minneapolis in May.
Trump on corporate diversity: Executive order on anti-racism training roils corporate America
Microsoft, Wells Fargo investigated: Diversity initiatives to hire more Black leaders probed by Labor Department
“It’s already having a massive effect and will continue to have a massive effect until it's rescinded or if it’s rescinded,” said Franklin Turner, a partner with law firm McCarter & English who represents multinational contractors and small and medium-sized companies.
The executive order’s stated goal is "to combat offensive and anti-American race and sex stereotyping and scapegoating."
A White House memo in late September suggested rooting out “ideologies that label entire groups of Americans as inherently racist or evil” in diversity training materials by searching for keywords such as “white privilege,” “systemic racism,” “intersectionality” and “unconscious bias.”
Critics say the executive order is a broadside against diversity and inclusion programs that will impair efforts by business and government to reverse decadeslong patterns of discrimination and exclusion. A USA TODAY investigation found that more than 55 years after the Civil Rights Act, less than 2% of the top executives at the nation’s largest companies are Black.
Research shows that fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces boosts financial performance and increases innovation but corporations are pulling back on diversity and inclusion training out of fear of losing out on government contracts that are critical, if not the lifeblood, of their businesses, Turner says.
Behind the scenes, civil rights leaders and industry groups are exploring legal challenges to the executive order, similar to organized opposition to the president’s Muslim travel ban. Those efforts are expected to intensify if Trump wins reelection.
“Proponents of the executive order argue that it only prohibits racist or sexist teachings, like that one race or sex is inherently superior to another. But the White House memo on how to interpret the order makes clear that the intended impact is far broader,” said Joelle Emerson, founder and chief executive officer of diversity and inclusion strategy firm Paradigm.
“The goal is clear: to limit companies from training on a wide range of well-researched themes in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space.”
Push back grows from civil rights, industry groups
Push back is growing from civil rights leaders and industry groups. Dozens of civil rights groups including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law this week condemned the executive order as another sign of Trump's "support for white supremacists while demonstrating deep hostility to civil rights and racial justice."
On Thursday, a group of 11 technology, software and advertising industry groups that represent thousands of government contractors, called on the Trump administration to rescind it. The executive order “fails to acknowledge the realities of ongoing racial inequality and inequities in America and represents an unwarranted intrusion into private sector efforts to combat systemic racism,” according to the letter sent to the Office of Management and Budget and the Labor Department.
“I need every company's legal team to fasten their seat belts and be willing to go to bat for people willing to speak truth to power,” Kim said. “And I need executive leaders to signal to their teams we're no longer in ‘compliance’ mode – we're in the ‘right side of history’ mode.”
Asked about his executive order during the first presidential debate, Trump said: “They were teaching people that our country is a horrible place, it’s a racist place. And they were teaching people to hate our country. And I’m not gonna allow that to happen.”
Democratic challenger Joe Biden responded: “Nobody’s doing that.”
Trump order inspired by conservative activist
The executive order stems from appearances by conservative activist Christopher Rufo criticism of “critical race theory" on Fox News' “Tucker Carlson Tonight.” Critical race theory teaches that racism pervades government and other American institutions, giving white people an advantage.
“What I’ve discovered is that critical race theory has become, in essence, the default ideology of the federal bureaucracy and is now being weaponized against the American people,” Rufo, director of the Center on Wealth and Poverty at the Discovery Institute in Seattle said on Carlson's show.
Rufo celebrated achieving his goal – "...persuading the President of the United States to abolish critical race theory in the federal government" – posting on Facebook moments after Trump issued the order.
The Trump administration is not just pushing back against the belief that American society is inherently racist. It's also challenging corporate efforts to rebalance the scales by elevating more Black executives and executives of color into leadership ranks.
In recent weeks, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which oversees federal contractors for the Labor Department, has questioned whether diversity initiatives at Microsoft and Wells Fargo to double the ranks of Black managers and executives over the next five years violate federal laws barring discrimination based on race. Both corporations say they believe their initiatives comply with those laws.
Corporations fear losing government contracts
Guidance issued by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs outlines strict but vague requirements for complying with Trump's executive order on diversity and inclusion training that seem to cover essential and foundational concepts, Turner said.
The agency has set up a hotline so that any individual or group can file a complaint against a government agency or federal contractor for perceived violations by phone or email. Third parties can also file a complaint on behalf of an individual or a group, the guidance says.
Race in corporate America: Why are there still so few Black executives?
After George Floyd, Black employees ask: Do we matter to corporate America?
“They are inviting complaints, obviously, and I wouldn't be shocked if the complaints started to pour in,” Turner said.
“The worry is that folks who attend trainings who don’t like an aspect of the training can use this order, even this guidance, to cause problems because of the lack of really concrete standards here and because so much of this is so incredibly subjective.”
Corporations could face “extraordinarily harsh” penalties, Turner said. If found in violation, they could have their contracts suspended or terminated and could be “declared ineligible” for future contracts, according to the guidance.
"The message is 'watch out,'" Turner said. “Contractors don’t take those threats lightly. They could potentially put an end to their business.”


usatoday--2020-10-09--Judge rejects Trump campaign request for access to Philadelphia voter offices

A Philadelphia judge has rejected a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump 's campaign seeking poll watcher access to satellite voter offices in the city .
The campaign last week said its poll watchers were denied entry to areas where voters were casting ballots , leading Trump to decry `` Bad things happen in Philadelphia '' during the televised debate against former Vice President Joe Biden .
More : Pa. official slams 'completely inaccurate ' Trump claim about Philly voting as campaign threatens lawsuit A few days later the campaign filed suit against the city , claiming `` while transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the actions of Philadelphia election officials to date have undermined election integrity by shrouding the casting of ballots in secrecy .
“ The absence of poll watchers at polling places where registration and voting are occurring threatens the integrity of the vote in elections and denies voters the constitutional right to free and fair public elections under the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions , '' the suit adds .
In denying the campaign 's petition , Judge Gary Glazer wrote that Pennsylvania law does not allow such representatives to observe in election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers , city officials and the state ’ s top elections official .
The city 's Board of Elections opened seven satellite offices on Sept. 29 , and plans more leading up to election day .
At these offices , residents can register to vote , apply for a mail-in ballot , fill it out and turn it in .
On the first day the offices were open , Trump campaign employees sought access to observe voters and employees .
They claimed that since ballots were being turned in , the offices were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , campaigns and political parties to appoint watchers for polling places .
Watchers must be a qualified , registered elector in that district , and must receive a certificate from the county Board of Elections .
In his 14-page ruling , the judge referenced the `` Election Code 's rather obtuse language '' in determining that the satellite offices were not polling places , and therefore watchers were n't allowed .
`` Given their scope , timing , and purpose , the satellite offices do not constitute polling places where watchers have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Code , '' Glazer wrote .
`` For this court to read into the Election Code the right of watchers to be present in Board of Elections ' offices , which the Legislature did not expressly provide , would be the worst sort of judicial activism , '' he added .
`` This court will not engage in such improper conduct , which would be a clear usurpation of the legislative function . ''
Glazer said that the campaign had been invited to tour the satellite offices , and he recommended they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of , or qualified voters registered in , Philadelphia County , and who are also associated with the campaign , may enter the satellite offices to register to vote , apply for their own mail-in ballot , receive it , fill it out in private , and/or drop it off , '' he said .
`` However , they may not linger in the satellite offices indefinitely as 'watchers ' under the Election Code . ''
A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of State said the office would have no comment on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Democrat , cheered the decision .
`` Today ’ s ruling makes clear , yet again , that the President ’ s wild claims don ’ t hold up in the court of law , '' said Attorney General Josh Shapiro .
`` Voters can have confidence their voice will be heard in this election . ''

Staff and wire reports, Bucks County Courier Times

Judge rejects Trump campaign request for access to Philadelphia voter offices
Show Caption Hide Caption PA Secretary of State Responds "Completely Inaccurate" Trump Claims PA Secretary of State Responds "Completely Inaccurate" Trump Claims Bucks County Courier Times
A Philadelphia judge has rejected a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump's campaign seeking poll watcher access to satellite voter offices in the city.
The campaign last week said its poll watchers were denied entry to areas where voters were casting ballots, leading Trump to decry "Bad things happen in Philadelphia" during the televised debate against former Vice President Joe Biden.
More: Pa. official slams 'completely inaccurate' Trump claim about Philly voting as campaign threatens lawsuit
More: Pa. Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar casts early vote in Bucks County
A few days later the campaign filed suit against the city, claiming "while transparency and accountability are hallmarks of election integrity, the actions of Philadelphia election officials to date have undermined election integrity by shrouding the casting of ballots in secrecy.
“The absence of poll watchers at polling places where registration and voting are occurring threatens the integrity of the vote in elections and denies voters the constitutional right to free and fair public elections under the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions," the suit adds.
In denying the campaign's petition, Judge Gary Glazer wrote that Pennsylvania law does not allow such representatives to observe in election offices, a stance held by election lawyers, city officials and the state’s top elections official.
The city's Board of Elections opened seven satellite offices on Sept. 29, and plans more leading up to election day. At these offices, residents can register to vote, apply for a mail-in ballot, fill it out and turn it in.
On the first day the offices were open, Trump campaign employees sought access to observe voters and employees. They claimed that since ballots were being turned in, the offices were polling places.
State law allows candidates, campaigns and political parties to appoint watchers for polling places. Watchers must be a qualified, registered elector in that district, and must receive a certificate from the county Board of Elections.
In his 14-page ruling, the judge referenced the "Election Code's rather obtuse language" in determining that the satellite offices were not polling places, and therefore watchers weren't allowed.
"Given their scope, timing, and purpose, the satellite offices do not constitute polling places where watchers have a right to be present under the Election Code," Glazer wrote.
"For this court to read into the Election Code the right of watchers to be present in Board of Elections' offices, which the Legislature did not expressly provide, would be the worst sort of judicial activism," he added. "This court will not engage in such improper conduct, which would be a clear usurpation of the legislative function."
President’s Claim: His poll watchers were unfairly denied admission to Philadelphia board of elections’ satellite offices.
Fact: PA law does not allow poll watchers inside election satellite offices. — AG Josh Shapiro (@PAAttorneyGen) October 9, 2020
Glazer said that the campaign had been invited to tour the satellite offices, and he recommended they do so.
"Individuals who are residents of, or qualified voters registered in, Philadelphia County, and who are also associated with the campaign, may enter the satellite offices to register to vote, apply for their own mail-in ballot, receive it, fill it out in private, and/or drop it off," he said. "However, they may not linger in the satellite offices indefinitely as 'watchers' under the Election Code."
A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of State said the office would have no comment on the ruling. Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, cheered the decision.
"Today’s ruling makes clear, yet again, that the President’s wild claims don’t hold up in the court of law," said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "Voters can have confidence their voice will be heard in this election."


usatoday--2020-10-09--Biden seen as more caring than Trump about those who have lost jobs amid COVID, survey finds

As the nation continues to reel from the economic recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic , more Americans see Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as empathetic to those who lost their jobs than President Donald Trump , according to a new survey .
Almost two in three ( 64 % ) Americans say Biden cares about those who lost their job , while just more than half ( 52 % ) say the same about Trump , according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
The survey comes amid stalled bipartisan talks for a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Trump earlier this week .
However , Trump has seemingly walked back that directive , telling Fox Business Thursday morning that “ very productive ” talks on the stimulus were still happening .
In addition , 840,000 workers applied for unemployment benefits last week , according to a report from the Labor Department .
Although that number is down slightly from 849,000 the week before , it is still considered high .
More : Trump wo n't do next debate after it goes virtual ; Biden schedules solo town hall in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group , said Biden is often seen broadly as empathetic to voters because of their familiarity with his his personal tragedies , including losing his wife and young daughter in a car accident decades ago and the death of his son Beau in recent years .
Griffin noted that while sometimes voters can perceive a candidate as empathetic but still vote along party lines , the country 's general unease and voters ' perceptions of how the candidates are responding likely will influence votes .
`` The empathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two candidates just might well be very important , '' Griffin said .
This most recent survey shows similar sentiments to a previous survey that showed Americans viewed Biden as more empathetic than Trump .
Last month , a combined 70 % of Americans described Biden as caring about those sick with COVID-19 , while just less than half ( 49 % ) said the same about Trump , according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates during the 2020 election cycle .
The most recent poll was done Sept. 24 to Sept. 30 , with 6,201 Americans surveyed .
The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points .
While there is a partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans about who they say cares about those who have lost their jobs , all other breakdowns , including by race and ethnicity , age and income level , show Biden is seen as more caring .
The partisan differences are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how well the statement `` cares about people who lost their jobs '' describes Biden and Trump , 88 % of Democrats said it described Biden somewhat or very well , while 23 % of Democrats said the same for Trump .
Among Republicans , 84 % said that statement describes Trump somewhat or very well , while 44 % said the same of Biden .
More than half ( 56 % ) of independents believe that statements describe Biden , compared with 41 % who believe that of Trump .
How Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president , as voters are already casting ballots for the election .
More than 6 million Americans have already early voted for the November election .
He has less than a month to change voters ' opinion on this and other issues where he may trail Biden .
• 62 % of men say Biden cares about people who lose their jobs , while 57 % of men said the same for Trump • The divide is larger among women , with 67 % saying Biden cares compared to the 46 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who make $ 0- $ 39,999 , 62 % believe that statement describes Biden , while 47 % believe is describes Trump .
Those were similar numbers for Biden ( 64 % ) and Trump ( 47 % ) among those who make $ 40,000- $ 74,999 • The gap between the candidates is a bit smaller among those who make $ 125,000 and more , with 70 % say that statement describes Biden , compared with 58 % for Trump • Trump does best among white Americans , with 56 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs .
Biden is at 61 % • Among Black Americans , 76 % say Biden cares about people who have lost their jobs , compared with 35 % of Black Americans who say Trump does .
• Among Latinos , Biden gets 70 % agreement while Trump gets 47 % .
• And among Asian and Pacific Islanders , Biden gets 73 % agreement while Trump gets 48 % .
Get ready : Register to vote or check your status here In addition , while every age group is more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have lost their jobs , there is a particularly strong divide between the candidates among seniors , according to the Nationscape Insights analysis , a project of Democracy Fund , UCLA and USA TODAY .
Americans 65 and older have the largest gap , with 70 % saying Biden cares about those who have lost their jobs , compared with 45 % for Trump .
Griffin said that even before the pandemic , seniors ' views on Trump were shifting and the president was losing support from that key voting bloc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` They already shifted , '' Griffin said of senior voters .
`` But there was an additional stair step that occurred ... roughly lining up with all these events occurring post February . ''

Biden seen as more caring than Trump about those who have lost jobs amid COVID, survey finds
Show Caption Hide Caption Speaker Pelosi 'at the table' for COVID talks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she's "at the table" ready to negotiate a coronavirus aid package after President Donald Trump halted talks this week abruptly sending the economy teetering as Americans go without another round of jobless aid. (Oct. 8) AP
As the nation continues to reel from the economic recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic, more Americans see Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as empathetic to those who lost their jobs than President Donald Trump, according to a new survey.
Almost two in three (64%) Americans say Biden cares about those who lost their job, while just more than half (52%) say the same about Trump, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project.
The survey comes amid stalled bipartisan talks for a second COVID-19 stimulus bill, which were halted by Trump earlier this week. However, Trump has seemingly walked back that directive, telling Fox Business Thursday morning that “very productive” talks on the stimulus were still happening.
In addition, 840,000 workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, according to a report from the Labor Department. Although that number is down slightly from 849,000 the week before, it is still considered high.
More: Trump won't do next debate after it goes virtual; Biden schedules solo town hall in its place
Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group, said Biden is often seen broadly as empathetic to voters because of their familiarity with his his personal tragedies, including losing his wife and young daughter in a car accident decades ago and the death of his son Beau in recent years.
Griffin noted that while sometimes voters can perceive a candidate as empathetic but still vote along party lines, the country's general unease and voters' perceptions of how the candidates are responding likely will influence votes.
"The empathy gap that we're spotting between the two candidates just might well be very important," Griffin said.
This most recent survey shows similar sentiments to a previous survey that showed Americans viewed Biden as more empathetic than Trump. Last month, a combined 70% of Americans described Biden as caring about those sick with COVID-19, while just less than half (49%) said the same about Trump, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project.
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate designed to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates during the 2020 election cycle. The most recent poll was done Sept. 24 to Sept. 30, with 6,201 Americans surveyed. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Trump: Getting COVID-19 'Blessing from God' President Donald Trump says getting infected with COVID-19 was a "blessing from God." Trump attributes him feeling well to the experimental antibody therapy he got from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Oct. 7) AP
While there is a partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans about who they say cares about those who have lost their jobs, all other breakdowns, including by race and ethnicity, age and income level, show Biden is seen as more caring.
The partisan differences are what you might imagine, When asked how well the statement "cares about people who lost their jobs" describes Biden and Trump, 88% of Democrats said it described Biden somewhat or very well, while 23% of Democrats said the same for Trump.
Among Republicans, 84% said that statement describes Trump somewhat or very well, while 44% said the same of Biden. More than half (56%) of independents believe that statements describe Biden, compared with 41% who believe that of Trump.
How Americans perceive Trump could spell bad news for the president, as voters are already casting ballots for the election. More than 6 million Americans have already early voted for the November election. He has less than a month to change voters' opinion on this and other issues where he may trail Biden.
Other breakdowns include:
Gender
62% of men say Biden cares about people who lose their jobs, while 57% of men said the same for Trump
The divide is larger among women, with 67% saying Biden cares compared to the 46% who say Trump does.
Household Income
Among those who make $0-$39,999, 62% believe that statement describes Biden, while 47% believe is describes Trump. Those were similar numbers for Biden (64%) and Trump (47%) among those who make $40,000-$74,999
The gap between the candidates is a bit smaller among those who make $125,000 and more, with 70% say that statement describes Biden, compared with 58% for Trump
Race
Trump does best among white Americans, with 56% saying he cares about people who lost their jobs. Biden is at 61%
Among Black Americans, 76% say Biden cares about people who have lost their jobs, compared with 35% of Black Americans who say Trump does.
Among Latinos, Biden gets 70% agreement while Trump gets 47%.
And among Asian and Pacific Islanders, Biden gets 73% agreement while Trump gets 48%.
Get ready: Register to vote or check your status here
In addition, while every age group is more likely to see Biden as caring about those who have lost their jobs, there is a particularly strong divide between the candidates among seniors, according to the Nationscape Insights analysis, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA and USA TODAY. Americans 65 and older have the largest gap, with 70% saying Biden cares about those who have lost their jobs, compared with 45% for Trump.
Griffin said that even before the pandemic, seniors' views on Trump were shifting and the president was losing support from that key voting bloc. That shift became even more apparent amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"They already shifted," Griffin said of senior voters. "But there was an additional stair step that occurred ... roughly lining up with all these events occurring post February."


usatoday--2020-10-09--Mitch McConnell: A COVID-19 relief deal is 'unlikely' before Election Day

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said he thinks it 's unlikely Congress will `` rise above '' and pass any kind of coronavirus stimulus legislation before the Nov. 3 election .
Congressional leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democrat-run House of Representatives both say another stimulus package is needed as Americans grapple with the health and economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic , but they 've failed to reach a compromise .
The latest idea has been for Congress to pass less expansive , more targeted legislation that would send billions in funds to the struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,200 stimulus checks to Americans .
But McConnell expressed doubt that Congress will be able to agree to anything like that , at least not until the election is over .
`` I just think the situation 's kind of murky , and I think the murkiness is a result of the proximity to the election and everybody kind of trying to elbow for political advantage , '' he said .
`` I 'd like to see us rise above that like we did back in March and April , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks . ''
McConnell addressed the troubled negotiations during a stop Friday morning at Bullitt County EMS in Shepherdsville , Kentucky , where he took a little time to thank the first responders there for their service during the pandemic and to highlight the roughly $ 2 trillion Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security , or CARES , Act he helped guide through Congress in March .
McConnell also dismissed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's suggestion that President Donald Trump is unfit to serve and her plan to discuss the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amendment , which deals with the transfer of power from the president to another official .
`` That 's absurd .
Absolutely absurd , '' he said .
`` Right here in this last three weeks before the election , I think those kinds of wild comments should be largely discounted . ''
For subscribers : Senate candidate Amy McGrath has a plan to rebuild Kentucky .
Will voters buy into it ?

Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal

Mitch McConnell: A COVID-19 relief deal is 'unlikely' before Election Day
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
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he thinks it's unlikely Congress will "rise above" and pass any kind of coronavirus stimulus legislation before the Nov. 3 election.
Congressional leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democrat-run House of Representatives both say another stimulus package is needed as Americans grapple with the health and economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic, but they've failed to reach a compromise.
The latest idea has been for Congress to pass less expansive, more targeted legislation that would send billions in funds to the struggling airline industry and provide another round of $1,200 stimulus checks to Americans.
But McConnell expressed doubt that Congress will be able to agree to anything like that, at least not until the election is over.
"I just think the situation's kind of murky, and I think the murkiness is a result of the proximity to the election and everybody kind of trying to elbow for political advantage," he said. "I'd like to see us rise above that like we did back in March and April, but I think that's unlikely in the next three weeks."
McConnell addressed the troubled negotiations during a stop Friday morning at Bullitt County EMS in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, where he took a little time to thank the first responders there for their service during the pandemic and to highlight the roughly $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act he helped guide through Congress in March.
McConnell also dismissed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's suggestion that President Donald Trump is unfit to serve and her plan to discuss the possibility of taking congressional action concerning the 25th Amendment, which deals with the transfer of power from the president to another official.
"That's absurd. Absolutely absurd," he said. "Right here in this last three weeks before the election, I think those kinds of wild comments should be largely discounted."
For subscribers:Senate candidate Amy McGrath has a plan to rebuild Kentucky. Will voters buy into it?
Reach reporter Morgan Watkins;:mwatkins@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @morganwatkins26.