alternet--2020-10-13--‘Accidentally cut cable’ shuts down online voter registration in Virginia on last day

The Republican Party 's never-ending war on democracy continues in high gear as we approach the 2020 November Election Day .
There have been some victories for Americans who believe that Americans should be allowed to vote .
But there continues to be very suspicious , `` accidental '' acts of suppression taking place across the country .
In Florida , for example , the online voter registration portal stopped working on the last day of registration , freezing out who knows how many people .
Throughout California , Republican operatives have been setting up illegal fake mail ballot drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of possible voter suppression .
Then on Tuesday morning , the Virginia Department of Elections tweeted this distressing piece of voter suppression news : `` This morning we were alerted by VITA that a fiber cut near the Commonwealth Enterprise Solutions Center was impacting data circuits and VPN connectivity for multiple agencies .
This has affected the citizen portal along w/ registrar 's offices . ''
According to WUSA 9 , a CBS affiliate , an `` accidentally cut cable '' is the cause of Virginia 's online voter registration portal going dark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The outages caused by this `` accident '' are affecting the entire state .
According to the state 's cybersecurity company , Virginia Information Technologies Agency ( VITA ) : `` A fiber cut near Rt .
10 in Chester near the Commonwealth Enterprise Solutions Center ( CESC ) is impacting data circuits and virtual private network ( VPN ) connectivity for multiple Commonwealth agencies . ''
The last update , that `` technicians '' were `` on site '' working to fix the problem , came around 9:30 AM EST .
Lt. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadline for registration to be extended beyond the Oct. 13 deadline , but the state 's board of elections has yet to make any announcements for rectifying the situation .
Virginia Democrats were able to get same-day voter registration through as law in the Old Dominion .
But that will not take effect until October 1 , 2022 .

The Republican Party's never-ending war on democracy continues in high gear as we approach the 2020 November Election Day. There have been some victories for Americans who believe that Americans should be allowed to vote. But there continues to be very suspicious, "accidental" acts of suppression taking place across the country. In Florida, for example, the online voter registration portal stopped working on the last day of registration, freezing out who knows how many people. Throughout California, Republican operatives have been setting up illegal fake mail ballot drop boxes. This is a criminal enterprise of possible voter suppression.
Then on Tuesday morning, the Virginia Department of Elections tweeted this distressing piece of voter suppression news: "This morning we were alerted by VITA that a fiber cut near the Commonwealth Enterprise Solutions Center was impacting data circuits and VPN connectivity for multiple agencies. This has affected the citizen portal along w/ registrar's offices."
Excuse me?
According to WUSA 9, a CBS affiliate, an "accidentally cut cable" is the cause of Virginia's online voter registration portal going dark on the final day of registration. The outages caused by this "accident" are affecting the entire state. According to the state's cybersecurity company, Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA): "A fiber cut near Rt. 10 in Chester near the Commonwealth Enterprise Solutions Center (CESC) is impacting data circuits and virtual private network (VPN) connectivity for multiple Commonwealth agencies."
The last update, that "technicians" were "on site" working to fix the problem, came around 9:30 AM EST. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has called for the deadline for registration to be extended beyond the Oct. 13 deadline, but the state's board of elections has yet to make any announcements for rectifying the situation.
Virginia Democrats were able to get same-day voter registration through as law in the Old Dominion. But that will not take effect until October 1, 2022.


alternet--2020-10-13--Pennsylvania looking more and more like the state that will decide the election: report

President Donald Trump , on Tuesday , is traveling to Johnstown , Pennsylvania for a MAGA rally — an event that comes only three days after former Vice President Joe Biden 's campaign event in Erie County , Pennsylvania .
Between now and election day , Pennsylvania is a state that both campaigns are expected to pay very close attention to .
And the Philadelphia Inquirer , in an article published this week , stresses that Pennsylvania , more and more , is looking like the state that could decide the election .
Inquirer reporters Julia Terruso , Sean Collins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue increasingly looks as if it could be decided by voters in Pennsylvania towns like ( Johnstown ) .
With 21 days until Election Day , President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden — along with the TV advertising and campaign events meant to help them — are zeroing in on the state , where 20 Electoral College votes could push either one to victory . ''
If Biden carries every state that 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won four years ago and flips Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get him to 270 electoral votes .
But add Pennsylvania in that scenario , and Biden would become the next president of the United States .
Biden has paths to victory outside of the Rust Belt : Arizona , North Carolina , Florida and Georgia , according to polls , are among the 2016 Trump states that are in play for Biden this year .
But Biden is looking at Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin as the Rust Belt trifecta .
Trump 's campaign , the Inquirer reporters note , sent former New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an `` Italian-Americans for Trump '' event in Philadelphia — and Biden has `` ramped up his travel , aiming to focus the campaign on calling out Trump 's mishandling of the pandemic and his contracting of COVID-19 as signs of the president 's disregard for its seriousness .
Biden visited Gettysburg , Erie and Johnstown in the last three weeks and plans to be in Philadelphia on Thursday for a televised town hall . ''
Biden needs a heavy voter turnout in Philly , an overwhelmingly Democratic and densely populated city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the late Bernard Samuel left office in January 1952 .
But the former vice president also needs to win over as many residents of Central Pennsylvania as he can .
Trump 's strongest support among Pennsylvania voters is in the small towns and rural areas of Central Pennsylvania , which is the part of the state that Democratic strategist James Carville famously described as `` Alabama in between '' Philly and Pittsburgh .
Terruso , Walsh and Tamari note , `` Priorities USA , one of the main Democratic Super PACs supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its analysis showed Trump 's narrow path to reelection rides on Pennsylvania .
Priorities rates Pennsylvania as the most likely 'tipping point , ' the state most likely to deliver the decisive Electoral College vote that seals the election .
But as polls show Biden rising and Trump struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic and his catching the virus , the Democratic group sees other routes to victory for Biden , with the former vice president viewed as competitive in states such as Florida , Arizona and Georgia . ''
The Inquirer reporters add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA , recently told reporters , `` We continue to see a widening of the path for Joe Biden to 270 Electoral College votes .
Biden continues to shore up support , and Trump is struggling both to reconcile and to bring new voters into the fold .
He is simply running out of time to turn things around . ''
According to Terruso , Walsh and Tamari , the Biden and Trump campaigns are both `` pouring resources into Pennsylvania '' — although Biden 's resources are greater .
`` Overall in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside groups outspent Trump and his allies by a 2-1 ratio , $ 31 million to $ 15 million , on Pennsylvania broadcast television , cable and radio , according to data from the ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics , '' the reporters observe .
`` In recent weeks , the Trump campaign has cut advertising spending in states like Wisconsin , Michigan and Ohio , and shifted resources to Pennsylvania .
Even so , Biden maintains a spending advantage in the Keystone State .
His campaign and allied outside groups have reserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania from now through Election Day , compared with about $ 16 million booked by the Trump campaign and his allies , according to Advertising Analytics . ''

President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, is traveling to Johnstown, Pennsylvania for a MAGA rally — an event that comes only three days after former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign event in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Between now and election day, Pennsylvania is a state that both campaigns are expected to pay very close attention to. And the Philadelphia Inquirer, in an article published this week, stresses that Pennsylvania, more and more, is looking like the state that could decide the election.
Inquirer reporters Julia Terruso, Sean Collins Walsh and Jonathan Tamari explain, "The occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue increasingly looks as if it could be decided by voters in Pennsylvania towns like (Johnstown). With 21 days until Election Day, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden — along with the TV advertising and campaign events meant to help them — are zeroing in on the state, where 20 Electoral College votes could push either one to victory."
If Biden carries every state that 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won four years ago and flips Wisconsin and Michigan, that still doesn't get him to 270 electoral votes. But add Pennsylvania in that scenario, and Biden would become the next president of the United States. Biden has paths to victory outside of the Rust Belt: Arizona, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia, according to polls, are among the 2016 Trump states that are in play for Biden this year. But Biden is looking at Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin as the Rust Belt trifecta.
Trump's campaign, the Inquirer reporters note, sent former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to Pennsylvania for an "Italian-Americans for Trump" event in Philadelphia — and Biden has "ramped up his travel, aiming to focus the campaign on calling out Trump's mishandling of the pandemic and his contracting of COVID-19 as signs of the president's disregard for its seriousness. Biden visited Gettysburg, Erie and Johnstown in the last three weeks and plans to be in Philadelphia on Thursday for a televised town hall."
Biden needs a heavy voter turnout in Philly, an overwhelmingly Democratic and densely populated city that hasn't had a Republican mayor since the late Bernard Samuel left office in January 1952. But the former vice president also needs to win over as many residents of Central Pennsylvania as he can. Trump's strongest support among Pennsylvania voters is in the small towns and rural areas of Central Pennsylvania, which is the part of the state that Democratic strategist James Carville famously described as "Alabama in between" Philly and Pittsburgh.
Terruso, Walsh and Tamari note, "Priorities USA, one of the main Democratic Super PACs supporting Biden, told reporters last week that its analysis showed Trump's narrow path to reelection rides on Pennsylvania. Priorities rates Pennsylvania as the most likely 'tipping point,' the state most likely to deliver the decisive Electoral College vote that seals the election. But as polls show Biden rising and Trump struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic and his catching the virus, the Democratic group sees other routes to victory for Biden, with the former vice president viewed as competitive in states such as Florida, Arizona and Georgia."
The Inquirer reporters add that Guy Cecil, chairman of Priorities USA, recently told reporters, "We continue to see a widening of the path for Joe Biden to 270 Electoral College votes. Biden continues to shore up support, and Trump is struggling both to reconcile and to bring new voters into the fold. He is simply running out of time to turn things around."
According to Terruso, Walsh and Tamari, the Biden and Trump campaigns are both "pouring resources into Pennsylvania" — although Biden's resources are greater.
"Overall in September, the Biden campaign and pro-Biden outside groups outspent Trump and his allies by a 2-1 ratio, $31 million to $15 million, on Pennsylvania broadcast television, cable and radio, according to data from the ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics," the reporters observe. "In recent weeks, the Trump campaign has cut advertising spending in states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio, and shifted resources to Pennsylvania. Even so, Biden maintains a spending advantage in the Keystone State. His campaign and allied outside groups have reserved almost $35 million in airtime in Pennsylvania from now through Election Day, compared with about $16 million booked by the Trump campaign and his allies, according to Advertising Analytics."


alternet--2020-10-13--California GOP refuses to comply with attorney general’s order to remove 'illegal' ballot drop boxes

The California Republican Party said it would not comply with state Attorney General Xavier Becerra 's order to remove unofficial ballot drop boxes , which officials say are `` illegal . ''
The state GOP admitted that it was responsible for erecting fake `` official '' drop boxes in front of churches , gun stores and gyms .
Secretary of State Alex Padilla said the boxes had been set up in `` violation of the law . ''
Becerra and Padilla on Monday sent cease-and-desist letters to the GOP , which ordered the party to remove the collection boxes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Anyone who knowingly engages with the tampering or misuse of the vote is subject to prosecution , '' Becerra said during a Monday news conference with Padilla , in which he called the boxes `` fake . ''
`` It is illegal to tamper with a citizen 's vote , '' the attorney general continued .
The boxes were `` not permitted by state law , '' Padilla said , adding that `` if they refuse to comply , we 'll of course entertain all of our legal options . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Republican Party , told The New York Times that the GOP would not comply with the order and instead continue to set up the boxes without adding any label identifying them as a Republican effort .
Barajas argued that a 2016 law allowing `` ballot harvesting , '' which allows a third party to submit mail ballots on voters ' behalf , protects the practice .
`` There is nothing in any of the laws or regulations cited in that advisory that indicate private organization drop boxes are not permitted , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote the law , if we wanted to use a Santa bag , we could .
A locked heavy box seems a lot safer . ''
State officials rejected that argument in a letter sent to the state GOP and several county chapters .
`` The use of unauthorized , non-official vote-by-mail ballot drop boxes does not comply with state law governing ballot collection activities , which also require that persons to whom a voter entrusts their ballot to return to county election officials provide their name , signature and relationship to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The letter added that the state also had strict rules governing the security of official drop boxes .
`` If you are in possession or control of any vote-by-mail ballots received through these unauthorized , non-official drop boxes , we demand that you immediately return and surrender those voted vote-by-mail ballots to the appropriate county elections official , '' the officials said .
Padilla said votes submitted through the boxes would still be counted , but Becerra acknowledged that the state had `` no idea '' what happens to the ballots after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now , we 're going to continue our ballot harvesting program , '' Barajas told the Associated Press .
Becerra and Padilla suggested that the state might take legal action if the GOP does not comply by its Oct. 15 deadline .
`` We hope that the message goes out loud and clear to anyone who is trying to improperly solicit , obtain and manage a citizen 's vote that they are subject to prosecution , '' Becerra said .
`` I 'm trying to be careful with how I say this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are disturbing . ''
Gov .
Gavin Newsom , a Democrat , accused Republicans of cheating by setting up the `` illegal '' boxes .
`` Nothing reeks of desperation quite like the Republican Party organization these days -- willing to lie , cheat , and threaten our democracy all for the sake of gaining power , '' he tweeted .
`` These unofficial drop boxes are n't just misleading , they are illegal . ''

The California Republican Party said it would not comply with state Attorney General Xavier Becerra's order to remove unofficial ballot drop boxes, which officials say are "illegal."
The state GOP admitted that it was responsible for erecting fake "official" drop boxes in front of churches, gun stores and gyms. Secretary of State Alex Padilla said the boxes had been set up in "violation of the law."
Becerra and Padilla on Monday sent cease-and-desist letters to the GOP, which ordered the party to remove the collection boxes in Los Angeles, Orange and Fresno counties.
"Anyone who knowingly engages with the tampering or misuse of the vote is subject to prosecution," Becerra said during a Monday news conference with Padilla, in which he called the boxes "fake."
"It is illegal to tamper with a citizen's vote," the attorney general continued.
The boxes were "not permitted by state law," Padilla said, adding that "if they refuse to comply, we'll of course entertain all of our legal options."
Hector Barajas, a spokesman for the California Republican Party, told The New York Times that the GOP would not comply with the order and instead continue to set up the boxes without adding any label identifying them as a Republican effort.
Barajas argued that a 2016 law allowing "ballot harvesting," which allows a third party to submit mail ballots on voters' behalf, protects the practice.
"There is nothing in any of the laws or regulations cited in that advisory that indicate private organization drop boxes are not permitted," he said. "The way Democrats wrote the law, if we wanted to use a Santa bag, we could. A locked heavy box seems a lot safer."
State officials rejected that argument in a letter sent to the state GOP and several county chapters.
"The use of unauthorized, non-official vote-by-mail ballot drop boxes does not comply with state law governing ballot collection activities, which also require that persons to whom a voter entrusts their ballot to return to county election officials provide their name, signature and relationship to the voter," the cease-and-desist letter read.
The letter added that the state also had strict rules governing the security of official drop boxes.
"If you are in possession or control of any vote-by-mail ballots received through these unauthorized, non-official drop boxes, we demand that you immediately return and surrender those voted vote-by-mail ballots to the appropriate county elections official," the officials said.
Padilla said votes submitted through the boxes would still be counted, but Becerra acknowledged that the state had "no idea" what happens to the ballots after they are submitted.
The state GOP has remained defiant.
"As of right now, we're going to continue our ballot harvesting program," Barajas told the Associated Press.
Becerra and Padilla suggested that the state might take legal action if the GOP does not comply by its Oct. 15 deadline.
"We hope that the message goes out loud and clear to anyone who is trying to improperly solicit, obtain and manage a citizen's vote that they are subject to prosecution," Becerra said. "I'm trying to be careful with how I say this, but the reports we are hearing are disturbing."
Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, accused Republicans of cheating by setting up the "illegal" boxes.
"Nothing reeks of desperation quite like the Republican Party organization these days -- willing to lie, cheat, and threaten our democracy all for the sake of gaining power," he tweeted. "These unofficial drop boxes aren't just misleading, they are illegal."


alternet--2020-10-13--Ethics groups demand Congress impeach Barr for using DOJ as 'vehicle' to advance Trump reelection

A team of legal experts is calling on the House of Representatives to immediately launch formal impeachment proceedings against Attorney General William Barr for an array of abuses during his tenure as the nation 's top law enforcement official , including wielding the powers of the Justice Department to advance the political objectives of President Donald Trump .
In a detailed 267-page report ( pdf ) released Monday , lawyers from the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington made the case that based on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Barr appears to embrace an autocratic view of the power of the executive branch , specifically presidential power , and he views his own extensive authority as flowing from this nearly unbounded view of presidential power . ''
`` This authoritarian worldview limits the degree to which Mr. Barr regards himself as bound by the rule of law and makes him see himself as entitled to ignore the laws , ethics , and historical practices that have helped to ensure that the work of the department is in line with the values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report reads .
After closely examining Barr 's record since his confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate last February , the legal experts conclude that Trump 's attorney general is guilty of numerous transgressions and politically motivated decisions that warrant his impeachment , including : • `` Seriously and intentionally '' mischaracterizing the findings of the Mueller report in Trump 's favor ; • Appointing U.S. Attorney John Durham to review the origins of the Mueller probe , prompting concerns of a politically motivated ploy to announce `` high level indictments '' right before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Justice Department in the cases of Michael Flynn and Roger Stone ; • Exploiting `` loopholes in the law '' to justify deploying federal troops to crush protests in U.S. cities like Portland , Oregon at Trump 's behest ; • Ramping up `` surveillance and other law enforcement activities aimed at the political left , '' including allegedly tapping protesters ' phones ; and • Repeatedly stonewalling attempts by Congress to conduct lawful oversight of Justice Department activities ; and • Making `` scores of unsubstantiated claims '' suggesting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud , a narrative also peddled by Trump .
The legal experts said a `` common theme '' that emerges from their findings is Barr 's repeated `` use of the DOJ to further President Trump 's 2020 re-election campaign . ''
`` The working group came to the reluctant conclusion that Attorney General Barr is using the powers of the Department as a vehicle for supporting the political objectives of President Donald Trump , '' the report reads .
`` It appears that the department has transitioned from one that is subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead views the application of law as politically discretionary ; moving from rule of law to rule by law . ''
`` Such a rule by law system , '' the report continues , `` is the hallmark of regimes that are democracies in name but not in fact . ''

A team of legal experts is calling on the House of Representatives to immediately launch formal impeachment proceedings against Attorney General William Barr for an array of abuses during his tenure as the nation's top law enforcement official, including wielding the powers of the Justice Department to advance the political objectives of President Donald Trump.
In a detailed 267-page report (pdf) released Monday, lawyers from the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington made the case that based on his words and actions as attorney general, "Barr appears to embrace an autocratic view of the power of the executive branch, specifically presidential power, and he views his own extensive authority as flowing from this nearly unbounded view of presidential power."
"This authoritarian worldview limits the degree to which Mr. Barr regards himself as bound by the rule of law and makes him see himself as entitled to ignore the laws, ethics, and historical practices that have helped to ensure that the work of the department is in line with the values of a democratic nation," the report reads.
After closely examining Barr's record since his confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate last February, the legal experts conclude that Trump's attorney general is guilty of numerous transgressions and politically motivated decisions that warrant his impeachment, including:
"Seriously and intentionally" mischaracterizing the findings of the Mueller report in Trump's favor;
Appointing U.S. Attorney John Durham to review the origins of the Mueller probe, prompting concerns of a politically motivated ploy to announce "high level indictments" right before the November election;
Political interference by the Justice Department in the cases of Michael Flynn and Roger Stone;
Exploiting "loopholes in the law" to justify deploying federal troops to crush protests in U.S. cities like Portland, Oregon at Trump's behest;
Ramping up "surveillance and other law enforcement activities aimed at the political left," including allegedly tapping protesters' phones; and
Repeatedly stonewalling attempts by Congress to conduct lawful oversight of Justice Department activities; and
Making "scores of unsubstantiated claims" suggesting that mail-in voting is highly vulnerable to mass fraud, a narrative also peddled by Trump.
The legal experts said a "common theme" that emerges from their findings is Barr's repeated "use of the DOJ to further President Trump's 2020 re-election campaign."
"The working group came to the reluctant conclusion that Attorney General Barr is using the powers of the Department as a vehicle for supporting the political objectives of President Donald Trump," the report reads. "It appears that the department has transitioned from one that is subject to law, to become one that instead views the application of law as politically discretionary; moving from rule of law to rule by law."
"Such a rule by law system," the report continues, "is the hallmark of regimes that are democracies in name but not in fact."


alternet--2020-10-13--Trump looking ‘a good deal worse’ in these 7 'critical' Rust Belt swing counties compared with 2016:

Trump looking ‘a good deal worse’ in these 7 'critical' Rust Belt swing counties compared with 2016: analysis

If former Vice President Joe Biden carries every state that 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won four years ago and flips Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin , he will defeat President Donald Trump in November and be sworn in as president of the United States in January 2021 .
Biden , of course , has other possible paths to victory in addition to the Rust Belt ; Florida , Arizona , Georgia and North Carolina are among the Trump states in the Sun Belt that are in play for the former vice president .
But flipping Pennsylvania , Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's campaign , and according to journalist Daniel McGraw , Biden has a very good chance of doing that if seven Rust Belt counties are any indication .
McGraw , in an article published by the conservative website The Bulwark on October 13 , takes a look at swing counties in Pennsylvania ( Northampton , Erie , Luzerne ) , Michigan ( Macomb ) and Wisconsin ( Chippewa , Brown , Racine ) .
The journalist describes them as Rust Belt swing counties that Trump won in 2016 and stresses that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing well in 2020 .
McGraw explains , `` In March of 2019 , I asked a simple question : President Donald Trump won the swing states of Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin by a combined 77,000 votes — what counties in those states would have changed that if they had not swung his way ?
… .
We pared it down to just seven counties total : three in Pennsylvania , one in Michigan and three in Wisconsin .
Think about it this way : there are 3142 counties in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if 3135 counties voted as they did in 2016 , but seven counties do not . ''
McGraw notes that in Northampton County , Pennsylvania , Trump `` beat Clinton by 5000 votes after '' President Barack Obama `` beat '' 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney `` by 6000 . ''
In that county , according to a Morning Call poll , Biden is leading by 7 % .
And Erie County , Pennsylvania , according to McGraw , is a place where `` Trump beat Clinton by 2000 votes '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' — as well as a place where , in 2020 , Biden is leading by 11 % with voters who are 65 or older , according to an AARP poll .
Luzerne County , McGraw observes , is one of Trump 's best counties in Pennsylvania : he won Luzerne by 20 % in 2016 .
But it 's uncertain whether Trump can `` hold '' that margin in 2020 in Luzerne .
McComb County , according to McGraw , is a Michigan County where `` Trump beat Clinton by 48,000 votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16,000 votes '' — and where `` the number of absentee ballot applications for this election '' is `` 215,000 this year compared with 121,000 in 2016 . ''
Those applications , McGraw writes , are `` not good for Trump '' in a `` state where Trump only won by about 11,000 votes . ''
In Racine County , Wisconsin , McGraw explains , `` Trump beat Clinton by 4000 votes '' and `` Romney beat Obama by 3600 votes '' — and in Wisconsin 's Chippewa County , `` Trump beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romney beat Obama by 150 votes . ''
Meanwhile , Brown County , Wisconsin , McGraw adds , is a place where `` Trump beat Clinton by 14,000 votes '' and `` Romney beat Obama by 2300 votes . ''
And Wisconsin , McGraw emphasizes , is a state that is being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic — and polls are showing that most voters disapprove of Trump 's handling of the pandemic .
`` In sum : of the critical seven counties , none of them look better for Trump than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes .
`` And most of them look a good deal worse . ''

If former Vice President Joe Biden carries every state that 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won four years ago and flips Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, he will defeat President Donald Trump in November and be sworn in as president of the United States in January 2021. Biden, of course, has other possible paths to victory in addition to the Rust Belt; Florida, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina are among the Trump states in the Sun Belt that are in play for the former vice president. But flipping Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin is a high priority for Biden's campaign, and according to journalist Daniel McGraw, Biden has a very good chance of doing that if seven Rust Belt counties are any indication.
McGraw, in an article published by the conservative website The Bulwark on October 13, takes a look at swing counties in Pennsylvania (Northampton, Erie, Luzerne), Michigan (Macomb) and Wisconsin (Chippewa, Brown, Racine). The journalist describes them as Rust Belt swing counties that Trump won in 2016 and stresses that in most of them, he isn't performing well in 2020.
McGraw explains, "In March of 2019, I asked a simple question: President Donald Trump won the swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin by a combined 77,000 votes — what counties in those states would have changed that if they had not swung his way?…. We pared it down to just seven counties total: three in Pennsylvania, one in Michigan and three in Wisconsin. Think about it this way: there are 3142 counties in the United States. President Trump could lose reelection if 3135 counties voted as they did in 2016, but seven counties do not."
McGraw notes that in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Trump "beat Clinton by 5000 votes after" President Barack Obama "beat" 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney "by 6000." In that county, according to a Morning Call poll, Biden is leading by 7%. And Erie County, Pennsylvania, according to McGraw, is a place where "Trump beat Clinton by 2000 votes" and "Obama beat Romney by 20,000 votes" — as well as a place where, in 2020, Biden is leading by 11% with voters who are 65 or older, according to an AARP poll.
Luzerne County, McGraw observes, is one of Trump's best counties in Pennsylvania: he won Luzerne by 20% in 2016. But it's uncertain whether Trump can "hold" that margin in 2020 in Luzerne.
McComb County, according to McGraw, is a Michigan County where "Trump beat Clinton by 48,000 votes" and "Obama beat Romney by 16,000 votes" — and where "the number of absentee ballot applications for this election" is "215,000 this year compared with 121,000 in 2016." Those applications, McGraw writes, are "not good for Trump" in a "state where Trump only won by about 11,000 votes."
In Racine County, Wisconsin, McGraw explains, "Trump beat Clinton by 4000 votes" and "Romney beat Obama by 3600 votes" — and in Wisconsin's Chippewa County, "Trump beat Clinton by 6000 votes" and "Romney beat Obama by 150 votes." Meanwhile, Brown County, Wisconsin, McGraw adds, is a place where "Trump beat Clinton by 14,000 votes" and "Romney beat Obama by 2300 votes." And Wisconsin, McGraw emphasizes, is a state that is being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic — and polls are showing that most voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the pandemic.
"In sum: of the critical seven counties, none of them look better for Trump than they were in 2016," McGraw writes. "And most of them look a good deal worse."


alternet--2020-10-13--How Donald Trump lost the financial markets — thanks to Mitch McConnell

Donald Trump has a recurring `` go to '' line which he has trotted out over and over throughout his entire 2020 campaign : that a Biden presidency would tank the financial markets and send millions of 401k 's reeling into a Depression .
Considering the fact that he 'd inherited a booming economy and a rising stock market to match from former president Barack Obama , Trump 's claims in this regard never had any basis in reality .
The economy under Democratic presidents always outpaces , on balance , those of Republicans , a fact which even Koch-type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans have notoriously short memories , and Trump knows that .
So explains his fixation on the stock market as the lodestone for whatever ad hoc financial policies his team of radical economic incompetents could dream up , to the point where they actively engaged in ginning up temporary boosts to the markets as a substitute for any coherent fiscal policy .
Announcing phony `` agreements '' with the Chinese government to draw attention away from a wholly disastrous and unnecessary `` trade war '' he himself instigated was one favored scheme employed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The COVID-19 pandemic and its grotesque mismanagement quickly revealed how rudderless and lacking in any economic logic Trump 's stewardship of the economy had been , and Trump quickly relinquished any pretense of formulating policy to the beleaguered Federal Reserve , which responded by immediately using its limited toolbox in cutting interest rates essentially out of existence .
Meanwhile , even as tens of millions became suddenly unemployed overnight , while GDP levels precipitously collapsed to levels mirroring the Great Recession of 2008-2009 , and while businesses in the retail , travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good , the stock market as reflected by the Dow Jones and Nasdaq continued to flourish .
With some notably unsettling gyrations , the markets remained relatively stable , creating something Trump clearly had hoped to brag about at Joe Biden 's expense .
But markets typically price in the next three to six months of economic activity , and market analysts are perfectly capable of reading political tea leaves .
As reported last week by the New York Times , a gradual consensus is emerging on Wall Street that not only is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the November election , but that the result will be a boost to the financial markets , as opposed to what Trump has been loudly warning about .
In this regard , Biden 's and Democrats ' standing with the financial markets has been ( perversely ) aided by the scorched earth tactics of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , who has prioritized further damaging an economy he now clearly believes Biden , not Trump , will be handed come January , 2021 .
McConnell 's refusal to negotiate in good faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by both Wall Street and the Fed—has prompted the markets to re-evaluate their misgivings over potentially higher tax rates for the wealthy and stricter government regulation , in light of the boost to the economy a Democratically-passed stimulus promises to provide .
Phillips explains that under the unprecedented stress of current economic conditions , the markets are looking to that stimulus as a lifeline—and they do n't care who provides it : As a result Trump can no longer credibly point to the resilient stock market in support of his own candidacy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and thanks to McConnell , believe that stocks will fare better under a Democratic trifecta in the House , Senate and Presidency .
Indeed , as Phillips notes , investors `` now see an indisputable win for Mr. Biden and the Democratic Party as the most favorable outcome for the market . ''
So not only are the markets rooting for a Biden and Democratic victory , they are hoping for a blowout , since that will take the any economic uncertainty of a `` contested '' election out of the picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate provide the type of substantial stimulus needed to rejuvenate the American economy .
During this past year , the stock market—whose rewards are not shared by the majority of Americans -- has been strangely and noticeably out of sync with the day-to-day reality being faced by millions .
A sweeping Democratic victory on November 3rd now appears likely to serve the interests of everyone—everyone except , perhaps , Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump .

Donald Trump has a recurring "go to" line which he has trotted out over and over throughout his entire 2020 campaign: that a Biden presidency would tank the financial markets and send millions of 401k's reeling into a Depression. Considering the fact that he'd inherited a booming economy and a rising stock market to match from former president Barack Obama, Trump's claims in this regard never had any basis in reality. The economy under Democratic presidents always outpaces, on balance, those of Republicans, a fact which even Koch-type libertarians will glumly stipulate to.
But Americans have notoriously short memories, and Trump knows that. So explains his fixation on the stock market as the lodestone for whatever ad hoc financial policies his team of radical economic incompetents could dream up, to the point where they actively engaged in ginning up temporary boosts to the markets as a substitute for any coherent fiscal policy. Announcing phony "agreements" with the Chinese government to draw attention away from a wholly disastrous and unnecessary "trade war" he himself instigated was one favored scheme employed by Trump to move the markets higher.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its grotesque mismanagement quickly revealed how rudderless and lacking in any economic logic Trump's stewardship of the economy had been, and Trump quickly relinquished any pretense of formulating policy to the beleaguered Federal Reserve, which responded by immediately using its limited toolbox in cutting interest rates essentially out of existence. Meanwhile, even as tens of millions became suddenly unemployed overnight, while GDP levels precipitously collapsed to levels mirroring the Great Recession of 2008-2009, and while businesses in the retail, travel and hospitality industry shuttered, many for good, the stock market as reflected by the Dow Jones and Nasdaq continued to flourish. With some notably unsettling gyrations, the markets remained relatively stable, creating something Trump clearly had hoped to brag about at Joe Biden's expense.
But markets typically price in the next three to six months of economic activity, and market analysts are perfectly capable of reading political tea leaves. As reported last week by the New York Times, a gradual consensus is emerging on Wall Street that not only is Vice- president Biden highly likely to win the November election, but that the result will be a boost to the financial markets, as opposed to what Trump has been loudly warning about.
As the Times' Matt Phillips reports:
B]eneath the volatility, which reflects investors' reaction to short-term developments, a subtle shift is occurring on Wall Street. Investors and analysts have begun to take into account the possibility that Mr. Trump's time in the White House may soon be over, as Democratic presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden Jr. continues to pull ahead in polls just weeks before the election.
And that is producing some optimism on Wall Street, because many investors believe that the higher Mr. Biden climbs in polls, the lower the chance of a contested presidential election. An election with no clear winner and the fading prospects of another round of stimulus are two of the biggest threats to market stability.
In this regard, Biden's and Democrats' standing with the financial markets has been (perversely) aided by the scorched earth tactics of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has prioritized further damaging an economy he now clearly believes Biden, not Trump, will be handed come January, 2021. McConnell's refusal to negotiate in good faith any fiscal stimulus—even one deemed absolutely essential by both Wall Street and the Fed—has prompted the markets to re-evaluate their misgivings over potentially higher tax rates for the wealthy and stricter government regulation, in light of the boost to the economy a Democratically-passed stimulus promises to provide.
Phillips explains that under the unprecedented stress of current economic conditions, the markets are looking to that stimulus as a lifeline—and they don't care who provides it:
[I]nvestors are of the view that a "blue wave" victory — in which Democrats retain the House of Representatives and retake the Senate as well as the presidency — represents the best chance to get another large injection of federal money into an economy that continues to struggle. Economists and policymakers, including the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome H. Powell, say such assistance is sorely needed, as job growth stalls, layoffs mount and temporary furloughs turn into permanent cuts.
As a result Trump can no longer credibly point to the resilient stock market in support of his own candidacy. The market now believes Trump will lose, and thanks to McConnell, believe that stocks will fare better under a Democratic trifecta in the House, Senate and Presidency. Indeed, as Phillips notes, investors "now see an indisputable win for Mr. Biden and the Democratic Party as the most favorable outcome for the market." So not only are the markets rooting for a Biden and Democratic victory, they are hoping for a blowout, since that will take the any economic uncertainty of a "contested" election out of the picture and ensure that a Democratic House and Senate provide the type of substantial stimulus needed to rejuvenate the American economy.
During this past year, the stock market—whose rewards are not shared by the majority of Americans-- has been strangely and noticeably out of sync with the day-to-day reality being faced by millions. A sweeping Democratic victory on November 3rd now appears likely to serve the interests of everyone—everyone except, perhaps, Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump.


alternet--2020-10-13--States receiving 'little federal assistance' as they scramble to solve glaring problem with COVID va

States receiving 'little federal assistance' as they scramble to solve glaring problem with COVID vaccine

President Donald Trump is hoping that a vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus will be available before Election Day ; many health experts , however , have stressed that a COVID-19 vaccine needs to be thoroughly tested and should not be rushed .
Reporter Emily Kopp , in an article published by Roll Call on October 13 , examines one of the many challenges of developing COVID-19 vaccines : having enough places that are cold enough to store them .
`` States are getting little federal assistance as they scramble to find medical-grade deep freezers or dry ice for one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which requires storage at much colder temperatures than found on an average winter day on the South Pole , '' Kopp explains .
`` The Trump Administration has earmarked billions in taxpayer dollars to vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer , but these vaccines require ultra-low temperatures — particularly Pfizer 's , housed at an average of 103 degrees below zero Fahrenheit . ''
On Twitter , Kopp noted , `` Pfizer 's vaccine — the only one that could be available before the election — is EXTREMELY delicate .
It has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) And Operation Warp Speed is doing nothing about it . ''
It is possible to , in the United States , store vaccines in temperatures that would be cold even for Antarctica 's winter months — June , July and August — but Kopp notes , `` The number of medical grade ultra-cold deep freezers in the United States is unknown .
And it 's up to states to locate them . ''
Jay Butler , deputy director for infectious diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , recently explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination sites ) will have the ultra-cold deep freezers to be able to store vaccines , particularly the Pfizer product .
So , that is an important part of the state planning effort to determine where that capacity is . ''
Similarly , Soumi Saha , senior director of advocacy at Premier , Inc. — a company that helps hospitals with medical supplies — told Roll Call , `` Those freezers are like unicorns .
They are few and far between in health care settings today . ''
And Azra Behlim , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company Vizient , Inc. , told Roll Call , `` When you 're going to buy a medical grade freezer , it 's not like walking into Best Buy to buy a refrigerator and freezer for your home . ''

President Donald Trump is hoping that a vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus will be available before Election Day; many health experts, however, have stressed that a COVID-19 vaccine needs to be thoroughly tested and should not be rushed. Reporter Emily Kopp, in an article published by Roll Call on October 13, examines one of the many challenges of developing COVID-19 vaccines: having enough places that are cold enough to store them.
"States are getting little federal assistance as they scramble to find medical-grade deep freezers or dry ice for one of the COVID-19 vaccines furthest along in development, which requires storage at much colder temperatures than found on an average winter day on the South Pole," Kopp explains. "The Trump Administration has earmarked billions in taxpayer dollars to vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer, but these vaccines require ultra-low temperatures — particularly Pfizer's, housed at an average of 103 degrees below zero Fahrenheit."
On Twitter, Kopp noted, "Pfizer's vaccine — the only one that could be available before the election — is EXTREMELY delicate. It has to be stored at -103 degrees(!) And Operation Warp Speed is doing nothing about it."
It is possible to, in the United States, store vaccines in temperatures that would be cold even for Antarctica's winter months — June, July and August — but Kopp notes, "The number of medical grade ultra-cold deep freezers in the United States is unknown. And it's up to states to locate them."
Jay Butler, deputy director for infectious diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently explained, "Not all of those (vaccination sites) will have the ultra-cold deep freezers to be able to store vaccines, particularly the Pfizer product. So, that is an important part of the state planning effort to determine where that capacity is."
Similarly, Soumi Saha, senior director of advocacy at Premier, Inc. — a company that helps hospitals with medical supplies — told Roll Call, "Those freezers are like unicorns. They are few and far between in health care settings today." And Azra Behlim, who leads a coronavirus task force at the company Vizient, Inc., told Roll Call, "When you're going to buy a medical grade freezer, it's not like walking into Best Buy to buy a refrigerator and freezer for your home."


alternet--2020-10-13--Watch: Dick Durbin dismantles Lindsey Graham’s attack on Obamacare at Amy Barrett hearing

During his questioning of Amy Coney Barrett at her confirmation hearing this Tuesday , Senator Dick Durbin ( D-IL ) homed in on Democratic fears that Barrett would allow her ideological leanings to affect her judgement should she become a Supreme Court Justice .
`` Where could this idea have come from ? ''
Durbin said .
`` Could it have come from the White House ?
Could it have come from the President 's tweets of what he expects a Supreme Court nominee to do politically for him ?
`` That 's where it comes from , '' Durbin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originated .
And you 've said very clearly today … you are not going to be influenced by President Trump 's importuning or the importuning of this committee or anyone else .
… But this notion that this whole idea of your being used for political purposes is a Democratic creation — read the tweets and you have plenty to work with . ''
`` Three states get 35 percent of the money ?
How could that possibly be true ?
Well , it turns out that because those states decided to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the states , and [ Graham 's ] did not .
And as a consequence , fewer people in South Carolina have the protection of health insurance , and those that do are paying for their services , and those that do n't are not , which imperils hospitals and others in the process . ''

During his questioning of Amy Coney Barrett at her confirmation hearing this Tuesday, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) homed in on Democratic fears that Barrett would allow her ideological leanings to affect her judgement should she become a Supreme Court Justice.
"Where could this idea have come from?" Durbin said. "Could it have come from the White House? Could it have come from the President's tweets of what he expects a Supreme Court nominee to do politically for him?
"That's where it comes from," Durbin continued. "That's where it originated. And you've said very clearly today … you are not going to be influenced by President Trump's importuning or the importuning of this committee or anyone else. … But this notion that this whole idea of your being used for political purposes is a Democratic creation — read the tweets and you have plenty to work with."
Durbin then turned to Senator Lindsey Graham's earlier comments attacking Obamacare.
"Three states get 35 percent of the money? How could that possibly be true? Well, it turns out that because those states decided to extend Medicaid coverage to the people who lived in the states, and [Graham's] did not. And as a consequence, fewer people in South Carolina have the protection of health insurance, and those that do are paying for their services, and those that don't are not, which imperils hospitals and others in the process."
Watch the exchange below:


alternet--2020-10-13--Here are 10 vulnerable Senate seats that could flip in the 2020 election

As Election Day approaches , poll projections show that several senators ' seats , both Democratic and Republican , may be up for grabs on Election Day .
Although poll results signal that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is dominating the presidential race , his edge over President Donald Trump still may not be enough for some Democratic lawmakers to hold their seats .
Here are the Senate seats that are most likely to flip with the upcoming general election .
1 .
Alabama : Sen. Doug Jones ( D-AL ) , incumbent : It is no secret that Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuberville — his Republican , Trump-backed opponent vowing to join the president 's fight to `` drain the swamp '' — has taken aim at Jones in several political ads .
Since Jones only managed to edge ahead of his scandalized Republican opponent Roy Moore by a narrow margin in 2018 , there is strong speculation that the absence of that advantage might cost him the 2020 Senate race .
2 .
Arizona : Sen. Martha McSally ( R-AZ ) , incumbent : Although Arizona is typically a Republican-dominated state , that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show growing signs that Arizona could turn blue with the general election .
In addition to the poll results , McSally also found herself at the center of conservative criticism following her Senate debate last week .
The Republican lawmaker evaded questions about whether or not she was proud of her decision to support Trump .
She never directly answered the question .
3 .
Colorado : Sen. Cory Gardner ( R-CO ) , incumbent : Based on poll projections , there are strong indications that Colorado could be going blue in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardner to retain his Senate seat .
Although Gardner has made an effort to appeal to independent voters who could split the upcoming ticket , there are still multiple issues jeopardizing Gardner 's seat .
His inability to offer solid commitments on critical issues , including Trump 's nomination of a Supreme Court justice just weeks before the upcoming election , could also be problematic for his re-election .
4 .
Georgia : Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) , incumbent : Not only are Georgia Republicans concerned about Perdue 's seat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state due to the growing diversity in Georgia .
If Democrats manage to turn the state blue , the first-term senator could be facing an uphill battle being re-elected .
A Biden win could increase the possibility of Perdue 's Democratic opponent Jon Ossoff unseating him .
However , Perdue may have a better chance of maintaining his seat if the race goes to a run-off .
5 .
Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst ( R-IA ) , incumbent : The Iowa presidential race is quite different than when Trump carried the state by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time around , the race is so close the election could swing either way which could be problematic for Ernst 's re-election .
In fact , the Quinnipiac University poll released the first week of October projected a 5 % lead for Democratic Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield .
6 .
Maine : Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) , incumbent : With recent polling results under 50 % , the four-term senator could be near the chopping block as Election Day approaches .
Amid Trump 's Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her 2018 vote in support of Brett Kavanaugh .
Latest projections have shifted the election from a possible toss-up to a win more favorable for Collins ' Democratic opponent .
7 .
Michigan : Sen. Gary Peters ( D-MI ) , incumbent : While polls suggest the presidential race may result in a blue wave in Michigan , the Senate race remains close .
In fact , a New York Times/Siena College poll released Monday showed Peters with only a 1 % edge over his Republican opponent John James based on likely voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been criticized where Peters is concerned .
Republicans have noted that Democrats ' spending on advertisements for Peters ' re-election campaign could be cause for concern .
According to a CNN analysis of CMAG data , Democrats have spent approximately $ 55 million .
8 .
Montana : Sen. Steve Daines ( R-MT ) , incumbent : Despite multiple Senate Republicans vulnerability ahead of the upcoming election , Daines ' odds appear to be a bit more favorable , according to CNN .
9 .
North Carolina : Sen. Thom Tillis ( R-NC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found himself at the center of controversy when he tested positive for COVID-19 just days after attending Trump 's Rose Garden event for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett .
Like many Republicans , Tillis also did not to take mask-wearing as seriously as he should have .
Democratic opponent Cal Cunningham has faced backlash over a renewed sex scandal , but poll projections indicate a close race .
10 .
South Carolina : Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) , incumbent : The South Carolina Senate race has garnered national attention due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jaime Harrison poses .
In fact , Harrison has become one of the biggest Senate contenders in the United States — breaking down fundraising barriers that even Graham , himself , expressed concern about .
On Monday , The New York Times reported that Harrison has raised a record-breaking $ 57 million from July to September .
As a result of Harrison 's fundraising haul , Graham has admitted to being overwhelmed financially and even appealed to his supporters during a recent Fox News interview .
While there are Democratic senators at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest Republican lawmakers are most vulnerable .

As Election Day approaches, poll projections show that several senators' seats, both Democratic and Republican, may be up for grabs on Election Day. Although poll results signal that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is dominating the presidential race, his edge over President Donald Trump still may not be enough for some Democratic lawmakers to hold their seats. Here are the Senate seats that are most likely to flip with the upcoming general election.
1. Alabama: Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL), incumbent: It is no secret that Alabama is a heavily red state. Tommy Tuberville — his Republican, Trump-backed opponent vowing to join the president's fight to "drain the swamp" — has taken aim at Jones in several political ads. Since Jones only managed to edge ahead of his scandalized Republican opponent Roy Moore by a narrow margin in 2018, there is strong speculation that the absence of that advantage might cost him the 2020 Senate race.
2. Arizona: Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ), incumbent: Although Arizona is typically a Republican-dominated state, that could change in November. The latest polls show growing signs that Arizona could turn blue with the general election. In addition to the poll results, McSally also found herself at the center of conservative criticism following her Senate debate last week. The Republican lawmaker evaded questions about whether or not she was proud of her decision to support Trump. She never directly answered the question.
3. Colorado: Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), incumbent: Based on poll projections, there are strong indications that Colorado could be going blue in November, which will make it difficult for Gardner to retain his Senate seat. Although Gardner has made an effort to appeal to independent voters who could split the upcoming ticket, there are still multiple issues jeopardizing Gardner's seat. His inability to offer solid commitments on critical issues, including Trump's nomination of a Supreme Court justice just weeks before the upcoming election, could also be problematic for his re-election.
4. Georgia: Sen. David Perdue (R-GA), incumbent: Not only are Georgia Republicans concerned about Perdue's seat, but also their hold on the entire state due to the growing diversity in Georgia. If Democrats manage to turn the state blue, the first-term senator could be facing an uphill battle being re-elected. A Biden win could increase the possibility of Perdue's Democratic opponent Jon Ossoff unseating him. However, Perdue may have a better chance of maintaining his seat if the race goes to a run-off.
5. Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), incumbent: The Iowa presidential race is quite different than when Trump carried the state by a sizable margin in 2016. This time around, the race is so close the election could swing either way which could be problematic for Ernst's re-election. In fact, the Quinnipiac University poll released the first week of October projected a 5% lead for Democratic Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield.
6. Maine: Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), incumbent: With recent polling results under 50%, the four-term senator could be near the chopping block as Election Day approaches. Amid Trump's Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, Collins is facing more scrutiny for her 2018 vote in support of Brett Kavanaugh. Latest projections have shifted the election from a possible toss-up to a win more favorable for Collins' Democratic opponent.
7. Michigan: Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), incumbent: While polls suggest the presidential race may result in a blue wave in Michigan, the Senate race remains close. In fact, a New York Times/Siena College poll released Monday showed Peters with only a 1% edge over his Republican opponent John James based on likely voters. Democrats' ad spend has also been criticized where Peters is concerned. Republicans have noted that Democrats' spending on advertisements for Peters' re-election campaign could be cause for concern. According to a CNN analysis of CMAG data, Democrats have spent approximately $55 million.
8. Montana: Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), incumbent: Despite multiple Senate Republicans vulnerability ahead of the upcoming election, Daines' odds appear to be a bit more favorable, according to CNN.
9. North Carolina: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), incumbent: The Republican lawmaker found himself at the center of controversy when he tested positive for COVID-19 just days after attending Trump's Rose Garden event for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. Like many Republicans, Tillis also did not to take mask-wearing as seriously as he should have. Democratic opponent Cal Cunningham has faced backlash over a renewed sex scandal, but poll projections indicate a close race.
10. South Carolina: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), incumbent: The South Carolina Senate race has garnered national attention due to the growing threat Democratic Senate candidate Jaime Harrison poses. In fact, Harrison has become one of the biggest Senate contenders in the United States — breaking down fundraising barriers that even Graham, himself, expressed concern about. On Monday, The New York Times reported that Harrison has raised a record-breaking $57 million from July to September. As a result of Harrison's fundraising haul, Graham has admitted to being overwhelmed financially and even appealed to his supporters during a recent Fox News interview.
While there are Democratic senators at risk of losing their Senate seats, reports suggest Republican lawmakers are most vulnerable.


alternet--2020-10-13--'His business model is chaos': Ex-Trump Homeland Security official says president can't keep country

'His business model is chaos': Ex-Trump Homeland Security official says president can't keep country safe

A former Homeland Security official is speaking out about the difficulty she faced trying to protect the country while working in President Donald Trump 's administration .
Elizabeth Neumann , former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention , penned an op-ed that was published to USA Today on Tuesday morning .
According to Neumann , Trump 's erratic and combative behavior during the first presidential debate was nothing more than a glimpse into how he governs on a daily basis inside the White House .
`` Everything we saw during the first presidential debate is indicative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House , '' Neumann said .
Neumann went on to offer a vivid description of Trump 's business model as she slammed the president for his lack of organization and leadership .
Neumann , a known conservative who admits she supported Trump in 2016 , says debate moderator and Fox News host Chris Wallace experienced what White House staffers experience on a regular day .
First 2020 Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden She added , `` His business model is chaos .
He has no organization , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contest or a battle , even when it does n't have to be .
Chris Wallace now knows how so many administration staffers feel — and how I felt when the president got in the way of me doing my job .
He is dangerous for our country . ''
The former Homeland Security assistant secretary went on to express concern about the sharp rise of white nationalist violence .
Despite repeated warnings about white supremacists and nationalists being the largest deadly domestic threat in the United States , Neumann noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report the same way he did during the presidential debate : by refusing to denounce white nationalism .
My time in office coincided with a dramatic rise in white nationalist violence , but my colleagues and I could n't get the president to help address the problem .
At the debate , America saw what I saw in the administration : President Trump refuses to distance himself from white nationalists .
Neumann recalled the terrorist attack in El Paso as she explained how Trump 's rhetoric influences the actions of extremist groups .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ House response to the terrorist attack in El Paso that his rhetoric was a recruitment tool for violent extremist groups , '' Neumann wrote .
`` The president bears some responsibility for the deaths of Americans at the hands of these violent extremists . ''
She concluded with a reminder about the government 's role in protecting the American public as she posed a compelling question about supporting Trump for a second presidential term .
`` Your government is supposed to perform some basic functions ; keeping you and your family safe is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In 2016 , I voted for President Trump .
But when someone asked me if I could vote for him again , after he time and again refused to keep Americans safe — how could I say anything but no ? ''

A former Homeland Security official is speaking out about the difficulty she faced trying to protect the country while working in President Donald Trump's administration.
Elizabeth Neumann, former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention, penned an op-ed that was published to USA Today on Tuesday morning. According to Neumann, Trump's erratic and combative behavior during the first presidential debate was nothing more than a glimpse into how he governs on a daily basis inside the White House.
"Everything we saw during the first presidential debate is indicative of how President Donald Trump behaves in the White House," Neumann said.
Neumann went on to offer a vivid description of Trump's business model as she slammed the president for his lack of organization and leadership. Neumann, a known conservative who admits she supported Trump in 2016, says debate moderator and Fox News host Chris Wallace experienced what White House staffers experience on a regular day.
First 2020 Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden www.youtube.com
She added, "His business model is chaos. He has no organization, no leadership, and sees every interaction as a contest or a battle, even when it doesn't have to be. Chris Wallace now knows how so many administration staffers feel — and how I felt when the president got in the way of me doing my job. He is dangerous for our country."
The former Homeland Security assistant secretary went on to express concern about the sharp rise of white nationalist violence. Despite repeated warnings about white supremacists and nationalists being the largest deadly domestic threat in the United States, Neumann noted that the president responded to Homeland Security's report the same way he did during the presidential debate: by refusing to denounce white nationalism.
My time in office coincided with a dramatic rise in white nationalist violence, but my colleagues and I couldn't get the president to help address the problem. At the debate, America saw what I saw in the administration: President Trump refuses to distance himself from white nationalists.
Neumann recalled the terrorist attack in El Paso as she explained how Trump's rhetoric influences the actions of extremist groups.
"I realized after watching the White House response to the terrorist attack in El Paso that his rhetoric was a recruitment tool for violent extremist groups," Neumann wrote. "The president bears some responsibility for the deaths of Americans at the hands of these violent extremists."
She concluded with a reminder about the government's role in protecting the American public as she posed a compelling question about supporting Trump for a second presidential term.
"Your government is supposed to perform some basic functions; keeping you and your family safe is primary among them," she said. "In 2016, I voted for President Trump. But when someone asked me if I could vote for him again, after he time and again refused to keep Americans safe — how could I say anything but no?"


alternet--2020-10-13--Men arrested for plot to kidnap Michigan governor also discussed kidnapping Virginia governor: FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigations ( FBI ) has revealed several members of anti-government paramilitary groups who were arrested and charged for plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) also discussed kidnapping Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam ( D ) .
Special Agent Richard Trask , who was part of the task force that investigated the six men arrested last week , shared details about the orchestrated plots revealing they planned to kidnap both governors as a means of pushing back against coronavirus lockdown orders , according to CBS-13 .
`` They discussed possible targets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the governor of Michigan and Virginia based on the lockdown orders , '' Trask said .
The latest developments come just months after President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to `` liberate '' Michigan , Virginia and Minnesota back in April .
At the time , the president took to Twitter to attack Democratic states and lawmakers when he clashed with them on lifting coronavirus restrictions and reopening states .
Although many states did not meet the ( CDC ) reopening guidelines , the president still pushed for states to reopen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many Democratic lawmakers opposed doing so and instead opted to follow the science .
Trump 's calls for liberation led to maskless protests led by armed militants in several states including Michigan and Virginia .
According to the FBI , the investigation into the groups ' plot had been conducted over several months .
On Thursday of last week , the FBI revealed the affidavit detailing the elaborate plot to kidnap Whitmer .
They also released the names of six men that had been arrested : Adam Fox , Ty Garbin , Kaleb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Barry Croft .
Shortly after , it was revealed that seven more men had been arrested in connection with the plot .
`` The attendees discussed plans for assaulting the Michigan State Capitol , countering law enforcement first responders , and using 'Molotov cocktails ' to destroy police vehicles , '' the affidavit indicated .
`` The attendees also discussed plans for an additional meeting during the first weekend of July when they also would conduct firearms and tactical training . ''

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has revealed several members of anti-government paramilitary groups who were arrested and charged for plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) also discussed kidnapping Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D).
Special Agent Richard Trask, who was part of the task force that investigated the six men arrested last week, shared details about the orchestrated plots revealing they planned to kidnap both governors as a means of pushing back against coronavirus lockdown orders, according to CBS-13.
"They discussed possible targets, taking a sitting governor, specifically issues with the governor of Michigan and Virginia based on the lockdown orders," Trask said.
The latest developments come just months after President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to "liberate" Michigan, Virginia and Minnesota back in April. At the time, the president took to Twitter to attack Democratic states and lawmakers when he clashed with them on lifting coronavirus restrictions and reopening states.
Although many states did not meet the (CDC) reopening guidelines, the president still pushed for states to reopen and his supporters followed suit. However, many Democratic lawmakers opposed doing so and instead opted to follow the science. Trump's calls for liberation led to maskless protests led by armed militants in several states including Michigan and Virginia.
According to the FBI, the investigation into the groups' plot had been conducted over several months. On Thursday of last week, the FBI revealed the affidavit detailing the elaborate plot to kidnap Whitmer. They also released the names of six men that had been arrested: Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, Brandon Caserta, and Barry Croft.
Shortly after, it was revealed that seven more men had been arrested in connection with the plot.
"The attendees discussed plans for assaulting the Michigan State Capitol, countering law enforcement first responders, and using 'Molotov cocktails' to destroy police vehicles," the affidavit indicated. "The attendees also discussed plans for an additional meeting during the first weekend of July when they also would conduct firearms and tactical training."


alternet--2020-10-14--Bill Barr quietly buries DOJ report that undermines Trump's Obamagate conspiracy

U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr and Republicans ' pseudo `` unmasking '' investigation into Former President Barack Obama has not only come up short—it has come up completely empty .
Barr-appointed U.S. Attorney John Bash concluded his investigative report into Obama-era officials to determine if President Donald Trump was really spied on as he claimed he was .
Unfortunately , for Trump , Bash concluded the investigative review without any criminal charges or the release of a public report detailing his findings , according to The Washington Post .
As a result of Bash 's findings , Barr is reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public because it could likely exonerate Obama and refute Trump 's claims .
`` Bash 's team was focused not just on unmasking , but also on whether Obama-era officials provided information to reporters , according to people familiar with the probe , who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive investigation .
But the findings ultimately turned over to Barr fell short of what Trump and others might have hoped , and the attorney general 's office elected not to release them publicly , the people familiar with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unable to review the full results of what Bash found .
- The Washington Post On multiple occasions , President Donald Trump has spoken publicly about the `` Obamagate scandal '' despite having no evidence that such a scandal actually exists .
During a previous press conference in the Rose Garden , Trump was asked about his Mother 's Day tweet storm .
While the rest of the country celebrated the day , Trump was focused on Obamagate .
When asked what Obamagate is , Trump simply said , `` You know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very obvious . ''
Then , the president pivoted to criticizing the media for not releasing reports on the alleged `` crimes . ''
'You know what the crime is ' : Trump stumped on Obamagate details No specific details about Bash 's investigative findings have been released to the public .

U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr and Republicans' pseudo "unmasking" investigation into Former President Barack Obama has not only come up short—it has come up completely empty.
Barr-appointed U.S. Attorney John Bash concluded his investigative report into Obama-era officials to determine if President Donald Trump was really spied on as he claimed he was.
Unfortunately, for Trump, Bash concluded the investigative review without any criminal charges or the release of a public report detailing his findings, according to The Washington Post. As a result of Bash's findings, Barr is reportedly working to keep the document away from the public because it could likely exonerate Obama and refute Trump's claims.
"Bash's team was focused not just on unmasking, but also on whether Obama-era officials provided information to reporters, according to people familiar with the probe, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive investigation. But the findings ultimately turned over to Barr fell short of what Trump and others might have hoped, and the attorney general's office elected not to release them publicly, the people familiar with the matter said. The Washington Post was unable to review the full results of what Bash found. - The Washington Post
On multiple occasions, President Donald Trump has spoken publicly about the "Obamagate scandal" despite having no evidence that such a scandal actually exists.
During a previous press conference in the Rose Garden, Trump was asked about his Mother's Day tweet storm. While the rest of the country celebrated the day, Trump was focused on Obamagate.
When asked what Obamagate is, Trump simply said, "You know what the crime is. The crime is very obvious." Then, the president pivoted to criticizing the media for not releasing reports on the alleged "crimes."
'You know what the crime is': Trump stumped on Obamagate details www.youtube.com
No specific details about Bash's investigative findings have been released to the public.


alternet--2020-10-14--Authoritarian white masculinity is Trump and Pence’s political debate strategy: communications exper

Authoritarian white masculinity is Trump and Pence’s political debate strategy: communications expert

After the debate between Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence , commentators contrasted Pence 's reserved demeanor with the belligerence President Donald Trump exhibited in his debate with former Vice President Joe Biden the previous week .
NPR Congress editor Deirdre Walsh asserted that Pence 's debate style was an “ almost polar opposite of the president 's . ''
New York Times conservative columnist Christopher Buskirk called Pence “ calm , professional , competent and focused , '' claiming that he was “ in some sense the answer to every criticism leveled at Trump after the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zurcher contended that Pence 's “ typically calm and methodical style served as a steady counterpoint to Trump 's earlier aggression . ''
These seemingly disparate styles , however , are two sides of the same coin – manifestations of a particular version of authoritarian white masculinity that has taken over the GOP since it became the party of Trump .
Not only do these styles perpetuate sexist assumptions about leadership , they also are fundamentally undemocratic because they try to silence dissent , foreclose debate and curtail the participation of anyone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Authoritarian white masculinity is a version of patriarchal authority that has asserted itself in U.S. politics in conjunction with the rise of Donald Trump .
It assumes that heterosexual white men are best suited to leadership and casts political leadership by women and people of color as inauthentic – for example , the “ birther movement '' – or threatening – for example , “ lock her up . ''
The Trump presidency is , in part , a backlash to the election of the nation 's first Black president and to Hillary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first woman to top a major-party presidential ticket .
This reassertion of white patriarchal authority is presented as necessary for the nation 's stability and progress .
It 's one way Trump delivers on his promise to “ make America great again . ''
Authoritarian white masculinity has made a resurgence because it does n't only appeal to men .
People of all genders can be socialized into patriarchal systems , and white women , in particular , sometimes benefit from their proximity to , and participation in , authoritarian white masculinity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizenship , voting and participation , conservative authoritarianism aims to curtail it .
As a result , progressive women and candidates of color face a complex set of stereotypes and constraints when challenging the white patriarchy on which the U.S. political system is built .
As a political communication scholar who has studied gender and the U.S. presidency for 25 years , I have observed how talented and driven women have been held back from reaching the nation 's highest office by a culture that rewards authoritarian masculinity .
But I also study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose ability to navigate an inequitable political system makes them formidable .
Trump 's approach to the debate on Sept. 29 was to establish himself as someone who leads through dominance .
CNN reported that he “ dominated the discussion , talked over his rival , [ and ] steamrolled the moderator — often without any interruption . ''
Trump characterized Biden as someone who could easily be “ dominated '' by what he called “ socialists '' in the Democratic party .
Trump was unconstrained by either expectations of civility or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more disruptive , the better .
Drawn in by Trump 's provocations , Biden urged Trump to “ shut up , man '' and called him a “ clown . ''
Debate observers likened the event to a schoolyard brawl or a bar fight .
Although some commentators cheered Pence 's ostensible civility during the vice presidential debate , Pence persistently ignored the rules to which his campaign had assented , speaking past his time limit , refusing to answer many of moderator Susan Page 's questions , and supplanting the moderator 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own questions to Harris .
Pence 's authoritarian masculinity is the genteel version favored in the patriarchal religious and regional communities that compose Trump 's most loyal base : Southern conservatives and white evangelical Christians .
During the debate , Pence said it was a “ privilege to be on the stage '' with Harris and repeatedly thanked the moderator while ignoring her authority .
When Page moved to a new topic , Pence said , “ Well , thank you , but I would like to go back to the previous topic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time was up , he kept speaking as though no one had said anything .
When he wanted to interrupt Harris , he placidly insisted , “ I have to weigh in . ''
Harris ' response to the vice president 's interruptions were popular with women who have experienced similar rudeness .
Harris refused to be steamrolled .
Her gender insulated her from being drawn into a competitive masculinity display , as Biden was in his debate with Trump .
But that does n't mean her task was easy .
As noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ navigate stereotypes that pigeonhole Black women as angry and aggressive , and less qualified that white men . ''
Harris ' strategy was to meet Pence 's authoritarian masculinity with an authoritative assertion of her own : “ I 'm speaking . ''
Without appealing to the moderator to intervene on her behalf , she did what men routinely do : she took up space .
She claimed time .
She articulated her qualifications .
But she was careful to do it all with a smile .
Twitter lit up as women saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routinely encounter in their own lives .
The “ dominance '' strategy did not work well for Trump or Pence , other than garnering the expected partisan praise .
But neither is likely to abandon it .
More than a campaign tactic , authoritarian masculinity appears to be baked into their worldviews .
As Trump 's electoral prospects dwindle , his belief in his inherent entitlement to authority appears to be fostering a host of anti-democratic practices : contesting election procedures to reduce voter participation ; declining to commit to accepting the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sabotaging or boycotting debates .
When Trump told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News that he planned to stage a rally instead of debating Biden in a COVID-19-safe virtual format , it was revealing .
Debates are rituals of democracy , dating back to the classical Greek agora , flourishing in the Continental Congress that birthed the United States , and held up as the ideal form of campaign communication after those made famous by Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas .
Rallies , on the other hand , are authoritarian political theater popularized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attraction of authoritarian masculinity seems to be shared by other Republican politicians .
On the night of the vice presidential debate , Sen. Mike Lee posted a tweet that implied that something other than democratic governance might be required in order for “ the human condition to flourish . ''
Presidential campaign cycles present voters with the opportunity to think about the expectations they have of political leaders , who those standards benefit and constrain , and how they promote or impede democratic engagement .
As such , campaign communication and presidential debates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They build – or break – American democracy .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Karrin Vasby Anderson, Colorado State University
After the debate between Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence, commentators contrasted Pence's reserved demeanor with the belligerence President Donald Trump exhibited in his debate with former Vice President Joe Biden the previous week.
NPR Congress editor Deirdre Walsh asserted that Pence's debate style was an “almost polar opposite of the president's." New York Times conservative columnist Christopher Buskirk called Pence “calm, professional, competent and focused," claiming that he was “in some sense the answer to every criticism leveled at Trump after the last debate." The BBC's Anthony Zurcher contended that Pence's “typically calm and methodical style served as a steady counterpoint to Trump's earlier aggression."
These seemingly disparate styles, however, are two sides of the same coin – manifestations of a particular version of authoritarian white masculinity that has taken over the GOP since it became the party of Trump.
Not only do these styles perpetuate sexist assumptions about leadership, they also are fundamentally undemocratic because they try to silence dissent, foreclose debate and curtail the participation of anyone with whom they disagree in our democracy.
An inequitable system
Authoritarian white masculinity is a version of patriarchal authority that has asserted itself in U.S. politics in conjunction with the rise of Donald Trump. It assumes that heterosexual white men are best suited to leadership and casts political leadership by women and people of color as inauthentic – for example, the “birther movement" – or threatening – for example, “lock her up."
The Trump presidency is, in part, a backlash to the election of the nation's first Black president and to Hillary Clinton's nomination in 2016 as the first woman to top a major-party presidential ticket. This reassertion of white patriarchal authority is presented as necessary for the nation's stability and progress. It's one way Trump delivers on his promise to “make America great again."
Authoritarian white masculinity has made a resurgence because it doesn't only appeal to men. People of all genders can be socialized into patriarchal systems, and white women, in particular, sometimes benefit from their proximity to, and participation in, authoritarian white masculinity.
Where progressive political power aims to expand citizenship, voting and participation, conservative authoritarianism aims to curtail it. As a result, progressive women and candidates of color face a complex set of stereotypes and constraints when challenging the white patriarchy on which the U.S. political system is built.
As a political communication scholar who has studied gender and the U.S. presidency for 25 years, I have observed how talented and driven women have been held back from reaching the nation's highest office by a culture that rewards authoritarian masculinity.
But I also study the rhetorical ingenuity of candidates like Harris, whose ability to navigate an inequitable political system makes them formidable.
Authoritarian white masculinity as debate strategy
Trump's approach to the debate on Sept. 29 was to establish himself as someone who leads through dominance.
CNN reported that he “dominated the discussion, talked over his rival, [and] steamrolled the moderator — often without any interruption." Trump characterized Biden as someone who could easily be “dominated" by what he called “socialists" in the Democratic party.
Trump was unconstrained by either expectations of civility or the rules of the debate. The more disruptive, the better. Drawn in by Trump's provocations, Biden urged Trump to “shut up, man" and called him a “clown." Debate observers likened the event to a schoolyard brawl or a bar fight.
Although some commentators cheered Pence's ostensible civility during the vice presidential debate, Pence persistently ignored the rules to which his campaign had assented, speaking past his time limit, refusing to answer many of moderator Susan Page's questions, and supplanting the moderator's authority so that he could pose his own questions to Harris.
Pence's authoritarian masculinity is the genteel version favored in the patriarchal religious and regional communities that compose Trump's most loyal base: Southern conservatives and white evangelical Christians. During the debate, Pence said it was a “privilege to be on the stage" with Harris and repeatedly thanked the moderator while ignoring her authority.
When Page moved to a new topic, Pence said, “Well, thank you, but I would like to go back to the previous topic." When she informed him his time was up, he kept speaking as though no one had said anything. When he wanted to interrupt Harris, he placidly insisted, “I have to weigh in."
Harris: 'I'm speaking'
Harris' response to the vice president's interruptions were popular with women who have experienced similar rudeness.
Harris refused to be steamrolled. Her gender insulated her from being drawn into a competitive masculinity display, as Biden was in his debate with Trump. But that doesn't mean her task was easy.
As noted by Politico, Harris had to “navigate stereotypes that pigeonhole Black women as angry and aggressive, and less qualified that white men."
Harris' strategy was to meet Pence's authoritarian masculinity with an authoritative assertion of her own: “I'm speaking."
Without appealing to the moderator to intervene on her behalf, she did what men routinely do: she took up space. She claimed time. She articulated her qualifications. But she was careful to do it all with a smile.
Twitter lit up as women saw Harris weaving around familiar roadblocks that they routinely encounter in their own lives.
Dominance or democracy?
The “dominance" strategy did not work well for Trump or Pence, other than garnering the expected partisan praise. But neither is likely to abandon it. More than a campaign tactic, authoritarian masculinity appears to be baked into their worldviews.
As Trump's electoral prospects dwindle, his belief in his inherent entitlement to authority appears to be fostering a host of anti-democratic practices: contesting election procedures to reduce voter participation; declining to commit to accepting the results of the election if he loses; sabotaging or boycotting debates.
When Trump told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News that he planned to stage a rally instead of debating Biden in a COVID-19-safe virtual format, it was revealing. Debates are rituals of democracy, dating back to the classical Greek agora, flourishing in the Continental Congress that birthed the United States, and held up as the ideal form of campaign communication after those made famous by Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas.
Rallies, on the other hand, are authoritarian political theater popularized by demagogues and dictators.
And the attraction of authoritarian masculinity seems to be shared by other Republican politicians. On the night of the vice presidential debate, Sen. Mike Lee posted a tweet that implied that something other than democratic governance might be required in order for “the human condition to flourish."
Presidential campaign cycles present voters with the opportunity to think about the expectations they have of political leaders, who those standards benefit and constrain, and how they promote or impede democratic engagement. As such, campaign communication and presidential debates are about much more than political strategy. They build – or break – American democracy.
Karrin Vasby Anderson, Professor of Communication Studies, Colorado State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.