washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Mike Pence-Kamala Harris VP debate dominated by coronavirus

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala D. Harris attacked Vice President Mike Pence on the Trump administration ’ s response to the coronavirus crisis in their only debate Wednesday night , a confrontation that took on heightened importance in the pandemic-rattled campaign .
“ The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country , ” Ms. Harris said in the debate , held in Salt Lake City , Utah .
“ They knew what was happening , and they didn ’ t tell you .
They knew , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue means that “ this administration has forfeited their right to reelection.
” The senator also said she wouldn ’ t take a vaccine if it is proclaimed safe by President Trump but would if it is guaranteed safe by Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top epidemiologist .
Mr. Pence responded adamantly that Mr. Trump “ has put the health of America first ” from the start of the crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 210,000 Americans .
He noted that Mr. Trump suspended travel from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late January .
“ Sen .
Joe Biden opposed that decision , ” Mr. Pence told his rival .
“ He said it was xenophobic and hysterical .
I believe it saved hundreds of thousands of American lives.
” He chided her , “ Stop playing politics with people ’ s lives.
” Even before Mr. Trump went into isolation with COVID-19 and the vice presidential debate stage in Salt Lake City , Utah , was outfitted with plexiglass shields , Ms. Harris and Mr. Pence were under increased scrutiny about their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are running with the two oldest presidential candidates in history : Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden is 77 , and Mr. Trump is 74 .
Mr. Trump warned before the debate that Ms. Harris would control the White House with her extreme agenda even if Mr. Biden remains healthy for a full four-year term .
“ She is far further left than Crazy Bernie , ” the president tweeted in reference to democratic socialist Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont .
“ Biden would not last a month !
” Ms. Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Pence in his role as head of the White House task force on the coronavirus .
She said the administration ’ s plan hasn ’ t worked and pointed to the death toll in the U.S. “ The vice president is the head of the task force and knew on Jan. 28 how serious this was , ” she said .
Mr. Pence replied to the cameras , “ I want all of you to know that you ’ ll always been in our hearts.
” He said to Ms. Harris , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American people have done over these past eight months hasn ’ t worked , it ’ s a great disservice to the sacrifices of the American people.
” Mr. Pence also used the issue to take a shot at Mr. Biden for “ plagiarizing ” the Trump plan for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ When I look at their plan that talks about advancing testing , creating new PPE and developing the vaccine , it looks a little bit like plagiarism , which is something Joe Biden knows a little bit about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plagiarism have dogged Mr. Biden throughout his long political career and helped sink his 1988 presidential run when he ripped off a speech from the head of Britain ’ s Labor Party .
The president didn ’ t set the table well for the even-keeled Mr. Pence in the view of many White House allies .
Mr. Trump drew widespread criticism in his first debate with Mr. Biden last week for an angry performance in which he interrupted his rival repeatedly and failed to outline a second-term agenda .
A Wall Street Journal/NBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a 32-point advantage over Mr. Trump on the question of which candidate has the right temperament to be president .
Trump campaign officials were still saying Wednesday that their internal polls show much better prospects for the president .
“ We ’ re in good shape , ” campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley said on Fox Business .
“ Our internal polls have us leading , ahead or tied in a lot of these battleground states needed to retain the White House for another four years .
The people out there are so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another victory and shocking the world again on Nov. 3.
” The president ’ s illness also has raised questions , still not answered by the White House , about whether Mr. Trump tested positive for infection from the coronavirus before taking the stage with Mr. Biden on Sept. 29 .
Since then , Mr. Trump was hospitalized for three days and nearly 20 White House staffers tested positive .
Mr. Pence tested negative Wednesday morning , as he has consistently .
Many in the Trump campaign were looking at the vice presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the campaign , with less than four weeks until Election Day .
The president is trailing Mr. Biden by 8 to 10 percentage points in most national public polls .
Aides said among Mr. Pence ’ s goals heading into the debate were to highlight the Democratic ticket ’ s far-left positions on taxes , health care for illegal immigrants and the costly Green New Deal energy agenda .
Mr. Pence ’ s guest list included the parents of slain Islamic State group hostage Kayla Mueller , signaling that he intended to attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorism while he was vice president in the Obama administration .
Republicans also tried to counter the narrative that Ms. Harris is helping Mr. Biden attract more Black voters to their campaign .
“ Senator Kamala Harris ’ extreme positions , from raising taxes to abolishing private health insurance to comparing law enforcement officials to the KKK , show that the left-wing mob is controlling Joe Biden ’ s candidacy , just like they would control him as president , ” said Paris Dennard , Republican National Committee senior communications adviser for Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be popular among liberals , but they are well outside the mainstream for most Black Americans.
” Part of Ms. Harris ’ job Wednesday night was to criticize the administration ’ s response to the COVID-19 pandemic , including Mr. Pence ’ s role as head of the White House coronavirus task force .
The set of two plexiglass barriers separating the candidates , which the Democrat insisted on using , was a visual reminder of the crisis .
Advisers to Ms. Harris , a former California state attorney general , characterized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They said she would talk directly to voters and try to make the debate about Mr. Trump ’ s failed leadership during the pandemic .
The Democratic National Committee trolled the vice president in the hours leading up to the debate with a mobile billboard outside the venue in Salt Lake City , attacking him on his handling of the pandemic .
“ As chair of the White House coronavirus task force , Pence owns the administration ’ s failed response to the pandemic more than anyone except Trump himself , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases continue to rise across the country and millions of families struggle to make ends meet , Americans are owed answers … on the administration ’ s failed coronavirus response.
” The vice presidential debate also was an opportunity for Mr. Pence , the conservative former governor of Indiana , to showcase his qualifications for an expected bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 .
His pro-life and evangelical Christian credentials are stellar , and he has earned a reputation as a tireless , disciplined campaigner .
He was also a talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade .
Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden are scheduled to debate again Oct. 15 in Miami , although Mr. Biden said they shouldn ’ t debate if Mr. Trump still has COVID-19 .
The final presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville , Tennessee .

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala D. Harris attacked Vice President Mike Pence on the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus crisis in their only debate Wednesday night, a confrontation that took on heightened importance in the pandemic-rattled campaign.
“The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country,” Ms. Harris said in the debate, held in Salt Lake City, Utah. “They knew what was happening, and they didn’t tell you. They knew, and they covered it up.”
Ms. Harris said the issue means that “this administration has forfeited their right to reelection.”
In a much more civil debate than last week’s presidential free-for-all, Mr. Pence and Ms. Harris clashed on energy policy, taxes, abortion and the Affordable Care Act.
During a discussion of whether Mr. Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, will vote to overturn a woman’s national right to an abortion based on her Catholic faith, Mr. Pence said she deserves a fair hearing and her faith shouldn’t be a factor.
“I’m pro-life, and I don’t apologize for it,” the vice president said.
SEE ALSO: VP debate winners and losers
Ms. Harris countered, “I will always fight for a woman’s right to make a decision about her own body.”
The Democrat also refused to answer Mr. Pence’s question whether she and Mr. Biden would try to expand or “pack” the Supreme Court with more than its current nine seats. She instead noted that none of Mr. Trump’s 50 appellate court nominees are Black.
“If you want to talk about packing a court, let’s have that discussion,” she said.
Mr. Pence replied, “Your party is openly advocating adding seats to the Supreme Court. You have refused to answer the question. Joe Biden has refused to answer the question.”
In some of his strongest arguments, Mr. Pence delivered a blistering critique of Mr. Biden’s economic vision, warning the Democrat is poised to raise taxes and enact policies such as ending natural-gas fracking that would cost hundreds of thousands of jobs. He said Mr. Biden’s tax-and-spend approach would be devastating for the nation as it seeks to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.
“America, you just heard Sen. Harris tell you, on Day One Joe Biden is going to raise your taxes,” Mr. Pence said. “Joe Biden says democracy is on the ballot, make no mistake about it … the American economy, the American comeback is on the ballot.”
SEE ALSO: Kamala Harris dodges Supreme Court packing question at VP debate
Ms. Harris accused Mr. Pence of peddling falsehoods, pledging that Mr. Biden would not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year.
“Joe Biden will not end fracking, he has been very clear about that,” she said. “Joe Biden is the one who during the great recession, was responsible for the Recovery Act that brought America back, and now the Trump-Pence administration wants to take credit when they rode the coattails of Joe Biden’s success for the economy they had at the beginning of their term.”
Noting that Ms. Harris was one of only 10 senators to vote against the administration’s U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, Mr. Pence chided her, “You put your radical environmental agenda ahead of American auto workers and American jobs.”
Ms. Harris delivered her most cutting criticisms on the administration’s handling of the coronavirus crisis.
The senator also said she wouldn’t take a vaccine if it is proclaimed safe by President Trump but would if it is guaranteed safe by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top epidemiologist.
Mr. Pence responded adamantly that Mr. Trump “has put the health of America first” from the start of the crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 210,000 Americans. He noted that Mr. Trump suspended travel from China, where the virus originated, in late January.
“Sen. Joe Biden opposed that decision,” Mr. Pence told his rival. “He said it was xenophobic and hysterical. I believe it saved hundreds of thousands of American lives.”
He chided her, “Stop playing politics with people’s lives.”
Even before Mr. Trump went into isolation with COVID-19 and the vice presidential debate stage in Salt Lake City, Utah, was outfitted with plexiglass shields, Ms. Harris and Mr. Pence were under increased scrutiny about their fitness to step into the top job. They are running with the two oldest presidential candidates in history: Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden is 77, and Mr. Trump is 74.
Mr. Trump warned before the debate that Ms. Harris would control the White House with her extreme agenda even if Mr. Biden remains healthy for a full four-year term.
“She is far further left than Crazy Bernie,” the president tweeted in reference to democratic socialist Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont. “Biden would not last a month!”
Ms. Harris tried to use the debate to attack Mr. Pence in his role as head of the White House task force on the coronavirus. She said the administration’s plan hasn’t worked and pointed to the death toll in the U.S.
“The vice president is the head of the task force and knew on Jan. 28 how serious this was,” she said.
Mr. Pence replied to the cameras, “I want all of you to know that you’ll always be in our hearts.”
He said to Ms. Harris, “When you say that what the American people have done over these past eight months hasn’t worked, it’s a great disservice to the sacrifices of the American people.”
Mr. Pence also used the issue to take a shot at Mr. Biden for “plagiarizing” the Trump plan for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When I look at their plan that talks about advancing testing, creating new PPE and developing the vaccine, it looks a little bit like plagiarism, which is something Joe Biden knows a little bit about,” he said.
Accusations of plagiarism have dogged Mr. Biden throughout his long political career and helped sink his 1988 presidential run when he ripped off a speech from the head of Britain’s Labor Party.
The president didn’t set the table well for the even-keeled Mr. Pence in the view of many White House allies. Mr. Trump drew widespread criticism in his first debate with Mr. Biden last week for an angry performance in which he interrupted his rival repeatedly and failed to outline a second-term agenda.
A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll last weekend showed Mr. Biden with a 32-point advantage over Mr. Trump on the question of which candidate has the right temperament to be president.
Trump campaign officials were still saying Wednesday that their internal polls show much better prospects for the president.
“We’re in good shape,” campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley said on Fox Business. “Our internal polls have us leading, ahead or tied in a lot of these battleground states needed to retain the White House for another four years. The people out there are so enthusiastic. And we look forward to another victory and shocking the world again on Nov. 3.”
The president’s illness also has raised questions, still not answered by the White House, about whether Mr. Trump tested positive for infection from the coronavirus before taking the stage with Mr. Biden on Sept. 29. Since then, Mr. Trump was hospitalized for three days and nearly 20 White House staffers tested positive.
Mr. Pence tested negative Wednesday morning, as he has consistently.
Many in the Trump campaign were looking at the vice presidential debate as the best chance to reset the campaign, with less than four weeks until Election Day. The president is trailing Mr. Biden by 8 to 10 percentage points in most national public polls.
Aides said among Mr. Pence’s goals heading into the debate were to highlight the Democratic ticket’s far-left positions on taxes, health care for illegal immigrants and the costly Green New Deal energy agenda.
Mr. Pence’s guest list included the parents of slain Islamic State group hostage Kayla Mueller, an American humanitarian worker, and he attacked Mr. Biden over his record in combating terrorism while he was vice president in the Obama administration. He said earlier Wednesday, the Department of Justice had extradited and charged two men believed to have been involved in the kidnapping and killing of several Americans hostages, including Ms. Mueller in 2015.
“The reality is, when Joe Biden was vice president we had an opportunity to save Kayla Mueller,” Mr. Pence said. “It breaks my heart to reflect on it but the military came into the Oval Office, presented a plan, they said they knew where Kayla was. But when Joe Biden was vice president, they hesitated for a month and when armed forces finally went in, it was clear she had been moved two days earlier, and her family says with a heart that broke the heart of every American, that if President Donald Trump had been president, they believe Kayla would be alive today.”
Ms. Harris responded that Mr. Trump has been accused of referring to U.S. casualties as “losers,” a charge that Mr. Pence heatedly rejected.
Republicans also tried to counter the narrative that Ms. Harris is helping Mr. Biden attract more Black voters to their campaign.
“Senator Kamala Harris’ extreme positions, from raising taxes to abolishing private health insurance to comparing law enforcement officials to the KKK, show that the left-wing mob is controlling Joe Biden’s candidacy, just like they would control him as president,” said Paris Dennard, Republican National Committee senior communications adviser for Black media affairs. “These radical policies might be popular among liberals, but they are well outside the mainstream for most Black Americans.”
Part of Ms. Harris’ job Wednesday night was to criticize the administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Mr. Pence’s role as head of the White House coronavirus task force. The set of two plexiglass barriers separating the candidates, which the Democrat insisted on using, was a visual reminder of the crisis.
Advisers to Ms. Harris, a former California state attorney general, characterized Mr. Pence as a formidable debater. They said she would talk directly to voters and try to make the debate about Mr. Trump’s failed leadership during the pandemic.
The Democratic National Committee trolled the vice president in the hours leading up to the debate with a mobile billboard outside the venue in Salt Lake City, attacking him on his handling of the pandemic.
“As chair of the White House coronavirus task force, Pence owns the administration’s failed response to the pandemic more than anyone except Trump himself,” said DNC spokeswoman Lily Adams. “As cases continue to rise across the country and millions of families struggle to make ends meet, Americans are owed answers … on the administration’s failed coronavirus response.”
The vice presidential debate also was an opportunity for Mr. Pence, the conservative former governor of Indiana, to showcase his qualifications for an expected bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. His pro-life and evangelical Christian credentials are stellar, and he has earned a reputation as a tireless, disciplined campaigner.
He was also a talk radio host in Indiana for more than a decade.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden are scheduled to debate again Oct. 15 in Miami, although Mr. Biden said they shouldn’t debate if Mr. Trump still has COVID-19. The final presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Seth McLaughlin contributed to this report.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com. • Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Former de Blasio aide Maya Wiley announces run for NYC mayor

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Maya Wiley , a civil rights lawyer , former aide to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and MSNBC legal analyst , is announcing her candidacy to succeed de Blasio in 2021 .
“ I want to build a New York where no matter who you are or what you look like , how you identify or who you love , whether you have a big bank account or none at all , whether you live in public housing or luxury condos , you can live a life with dignity and opportunity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video posted late Wednesday .
Wiley , 56 , is a former chairperson of New York City ’ s police oversight agency and former counsel to the mayor who has also taught at The New School .
She announced in July that she was leaving her position as a contributor to MSNBC and NBC to explore a run for mayor .
If elected , Wiley would be the city ’ s first woman mayor and second Black mayor .
She will join what is likely to be a crowded Democratic primary in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is barred by the city charter from seeking a third term .
Other announced candidates include City Comptroller Scott Stringer and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan .

NEW YORK (AP) - Maya Wiley, a civil rights lawyer, former aide to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and MSNBC legal analyst, is announcing her candidacy to succeed de Blasio in 2021.
“I want to build a New York where no matter who you are or what you look like, how you identify or who you love, whether you have a big bank account or none at all, whether you live in public housing or luxury condos, you can live a life with dignity and opportunity in this city,” Wiley says in a video posted late Wednesday.
Wiley, 56, is a former chairperson of New York City’s police oversight agency and former counsel to the mayor who has also taught at The New School. She announced in July that she was leaving her position as a contributor to MSNBC and NBC to explore a run for mayor.
If elected, Wiley would be the city’s first woman mayor and second Black mayor.
She will join what is likely to be a crowded Democratic primary in the race to succeed de Blasio, who is barred by the city charter from seeking a third term. Other announced candidates include City Comptroller Scott Stringer and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Mike Pence attacks Joe Biden economic plan that would raise taxes

Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday delivered a blistering critique of Joseph R. Biden ’ s economic vision , warning that the Democratic presidential candidate is poised to raise taxes and enact policies that would cost hundreds of thousands of jobs .
Mr. Pence , in the first and only vice presidential debate with Sen. Kamala Harris , said Mr. Biden ’ s tax-and-spend approach would be devastating for the nation as it seeks to rebound from the coronavirus .
“ America , you just heard Sen. Harris tell you , one Day One Joe Biden is going to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr. Pence said Mr. Biden plans to repeal the Trump tax cuts and said Mr. Biden wants to “ abolish fossil fuels and ban fracking.
” “ Joe Biden says democracy is on the ballot , make no mistake about it , Susan , the American economy , the American comeback is on the ballot , ” Mr. Pence said .
“ With four more years of growth and opportunity , with four more years of President Trump , 2021 is going to be the biggest economic year in the history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence of peddling falsehoods , pledging that Mr. Biden would not raise taxes on anyone making less than $ 400,000 a year .
“ Joe Biden will not end fracking , he has been very clear about that , ” she said .
“ Joe Biden is the one who during the Great Recession , was responsible for the Recovery Act that brought America back , and now the Trump-Pence administration wants to take credit when they rode the coattails of Joe Biden ’ s success for the economy they had at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said , the economy is a mess .

Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday delivered a blistering critique of Joseph R. Biden’s economic vision, warning that the Democratic presidential candidate is poised to raise taxes and enact policies that would cost hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Mr. Pence, in the first and only vice presidential debate with Sen. Kamala Harris, said Mr. Biden’s tax-and-spend approach would be devastating for the nation as it seeks to rebound from the coronavirus.
“America, you just heard Sen. Harris tell you, one Day One Joe Biden is going to raise your taxes,” Mr. Pence said.
Mr. Pence said Mr. Biden plans to repeal the Trump tax cuts and said Mr. Biden wants to “abolish fossil fuels and ban fracking.”
“Joe Biden says democracy is on the ballot, make no mistake about it, Susan, the American economy, the American comeback is on the ballot,” Mr. Pence said. “With four more years of growth and opportunity, with four more years of President Trump, 2021 is going to be the biggest economic year in the history of this country.”
Ms. Harris accused Mr. Pence of peddling falsehoods, pledging that Mr. Biden would not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year.
“Joe Biden will not end fracking, he has been very clear about that,” she said. “Joe Biden is the one who during the Great Recession, was responsible for the Recovery Act that brought America back, and now the Trump-Pence administration wants to take credit when they rode the coattails of Joe Biden’s success for the economy they had at the beginning of their term.”
Now, she said, the economy is a mess.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--VP Debate Takeaways: Pandemic looms over a more civil fight

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - In normal times , vice presidential debates don ’ t matter much .
But in an election year as wild as 2020 , everything is magnified .
Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday faced considerable pressure to boost coronavirus-stricken President Donald Trump ’ s flagging reelection hopes as he trails in national and battleground state polls .
California Sen. Kamala Harris stepped on stage having to balance her role as Joe Biden ’ s validator with her own historic presence as the first Black woman on a major party national ticket .
The candidates were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus from cases emanating from the White House .
Here are key early takeaways from the only vice presidential debate ahead of the Nov. 3 Election Day .
Millions of Americans were aghast when Trump derailed the first presidential debate with incessant interruptions and a cascade of falsehoods , while Biden answered by calling the Republican incumbent a “ clown ” who needed to “ shut up.
” The opening of Wednesday ’ s undercard matchup made clear that Pence and Harris were set for a much different encounter – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there were sharp moments , some modest interruptions and violations of the debate clock .
But the dynamics represented a rare 2020 return to some semblance of normal presidential politics .
Pence ’ s even temperament has been a signature of his political career and he has often served as a kind of translator for Trump ’ s bombast .
Harris had a long career as a prosecutor , comfortable arguing her case under pressure .
Both played to type .
In tone and content , their debate was like an alternate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a week ago .
The Trump campaign has wanted voters to focus on anything but the pandemic that has killed more than 210,000 people across the country and infected at least 7.5 million more .
But that subject dominated from the outset , with Trump and a growing list of White House aides , campaign staff and allies now sidelined with COVID-19 .
Harris immediately put Pence on the defensive , calling Trump ’ s pandemic response “ the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have a plan , ” she said .
Pence shot back that much of Biden ’ s proposed coronavirus response is action the federal government already is taking .
More clearly than Trump perhaps ever has done , Pence expressed sympathy for all those affected by the pandemic , and he accused Harris of “ playing politics with people ’ s lives.
” In fact , Biden ’ s plan does have elements that Trump ’ s doesn ’ t .
Biden has called for the president to issue a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors and mayors to do the same .
He has called for using other federal spending and regulatory power .
But Harris skipped those details .
Harris was cautious about approaching the historic nature of her candidacy .
She referenced thinking about her mother , an immigrant from India , on the day Biden invited her to join the Democratic ticket .
But she stuck mostly to the talking points that any potential Democratic candidate could have offered .
Pence , on the other hand , embraced the opportunity to be magnanimous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ … on the historic nature of your nomination , ” Pence told Harris .
“ I never expected to be on that stage four years ago so I know the feeling.
” It was a grace note from Pence , something not heard from his boss the week before .
The fundamental cultural divide between the major U.S. political parties was on plain display , far more than when Trump and Biden stood onstage together .
Pence is a 61-year-old white man from small-town Indiana , and he embraces conservative cultural values , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A former congressman and governor , he remains the most stabilizing link between the president and the pre-Trump Republican Party .
Harris , a 55-year-old Black and Asian American woman , hails from the same generation as Pence .
But she ’ s the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants .
She attended newly integrated Oakland public schools and then an historically black college before ascending the California political ladder to the U.S. Senate and now a national ticket .
For a party that gets most of its votes from women and much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters , she ’ s a more personal link than the 77-year-old Biden .
To be sure , the race is about the men at the top of the tickets .
But when it comes to understanding the two parties ’ core identities , the running mate picks offered a clear picture .
Both Pence and Harris used audience guests to make statements .
Whether that resonates with most voters is another question .
Pence hammered the president ’ s “ law and order ” message with two guests .
Flora Westbrooks ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May during protests over George Floyd ’ s death at the hands of police .
And Ann Marie Dorn is the widow of a retired St. Louis police captain who was shot to death on June 2 after a violent night of protests there .
Also joining Pence were the parents of Kayla Mueller , a humanitarian aid worker who was captured and killed by Islamic State militants in Syria .
Their presence was meant to highlight Trump ’ s efforts to stamp out the group and bring captives home .
Harris picked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hard-working Americans a Biden-Harris administration would fight for : state representative Angela Romero , who has been working to support families and businesses affected by pandemic , and Deborah Gatrell , a veteran and teacher running for a seat on the Salt Lake County Council .
But in this debate , unlike the first presidential one , all the guests wore masks as required by the Commission on Presidential Debates .
The penalty , after the Trump family flouted the guidelines by removing their masks a week ago , was being removed @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON (AP) - In normal times, vice presidential debates don’t matter much. But in an election year as wild as 2020, everything is magnified.
Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday faced considerable pressure to boost coronavirus-stricken President Donald Trump’s flagging reelection hopes as he trails in national and battleground state polls.
California Sen. Kamala Harris stepped on stage having to balance her role as Joe Biden’s validator with her own historic presence as the first Black woman on a major party national ticket.
The candidates were separated by plexiglass out of concern for spread of the coronavirus from cases emanating from the White House.
Here are key early takeaways from the only vice presidential debate ahead of the Nov. 3 Election Day.
DEBATE, UNINTERRUPTED … MOSTLY
Millions of Americans were aghast when Trump derailed the first presidential debate with incessant interruptions and a cascade of falsehoods, while Biden answered by calling the Republican incumbent a “clown” who needed to “shut up.”
The opening of Wednesday’s undercard matchup made clear that Pence and Harris were set for a much different encounter - an actual debate.
To be sure, there were sharp moments, some modest interruptions and violations of the debate clock. But the dynamics represented a rare 2020 return to some semblance of normal presidential politics.
Pence’s even temperament has been a signature of his political career and he has often served as a kind of translator for Trump’s bombast. Harris had a long career as a prosecutor, comfortable arguing her case under pressure. Both played to type.
In tone and content, their debate was like an alternate universe from the one Americans saw little more than a week ago.
__
PANDEMIC, UNABATED
The Trump campaign wants voters to focus on anything but the pandemic that has killed more than 210,000 people across the country and infected at least 7.5 million more. But that subject dominated from the outset, with Trump and a growing list of White House aides, campaign staff and allies now sidelined with COVID-19.
Harris immediately put Pence on the defensive, calling Trump’s pandemic response “the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country.” Trump and Pence “still don’t have a plan,” she said.
Pence shot back that much of Biden’s proposed coronavirus response is action the federal government already is taking. More clearly than Trump perhaps ever has done, Pence expressed sympathy for all those affected by the pandemic, and he accused Harris of “playing politics with people’s lives.” Harris has accused Trump of politicizing the vaccine development process.
In fact, Biden’s plan does have elements that Trump’s doesn’t. Biden has called for the president to issue a mask mandate on federal property and has urged governors and mayors to do the same. He has called for using other federal spending and regulatory power. But Harris skipped those details.
__
RACIAL POLITICS
One spoke proudly of joining racial justice protests; the other denied the existence of systemic racism.
Harris, the first Black woman on a presidential ticket, spoke passionately about “people around our country of every race, of every age, of every gender” who “marched, shoulder to shoulder, arm and arm, fighting for us to finally achieve that ideal of equal justice under law.”
Still, she said, “We are never going to condone violence.”
Pence, in contrast, proclaimed his trust for the justice system and put the focus on incidents of violence, saying there was “no excuse for the rioting and looting.”
And he argued that the idea that “America’s systemically racist” and that law enforcement has an implicit bias against minorities “is a great insult to the men and women” who serve in law enforcement.
__
SUPREME COURT ARGUMENT
Perhaps Pence’s most aggressive line of attack on Harris was pressing her for an answer on whether a Biden administration would “pack” the Supreme Court by adding liberal justices if they win the election. Harris didn’t take the bait, just as Biden hasn’t in recent weeks.
Pence clearly sees the court vacancy as a winning issue for the Republican ticket. He hailed Trump nominee Amy Coney Barrett, who would succeed the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg if she’s confirmed, as expected, before the election. At least twice, he spoke directly to voters warning that Biden and Democrats would expand the court if they “don’t get their way” on blocking Barrett.
Harris seemingly missed an opportunity to remind Pence and the audience that the court’s Republican lean comes because the GOP-led Senate in 2016 refused to consider President Barack Obama’s nominee in the spring of 2016, carrying over a vacancy that Trump filled in 2017. She did, however, invoke Abraham Lincoln, who declined to make a Supreme Court nomination less than a month before his reelection.
The senator did manage to turn Pence’s “pack the court” attack around by noting that Trump’s slate of federal court appointees has been overwhelmingly white. And she underscored Democrats’ argument and public polling that suggests most voters think the Senate should wait until after the election to fill the current Supreme Court vacancy.
__
HANDLING HISTORY
Harris was cautious about approaching the historic nature of her candidacy. She referenced thinking about her mother, an immigrant from India, on the day Biden invited her to join the Democratic ticket. But she stuck mostly to the talking points that any potential Democratic candidate could have offered.
Pence, on the other hand, embraced the opportunity to be magnanimous. “I also want to congratulate you … on the historic nature of your nomination,” Pence told Harris. “I never expected to be on that stage four years ago so I know the feeling.”
It was a grace note from Pence, something not heard from his boss the week before.
__
SO MUCH FOR THE QUESTIONS
There were many questions about specific subjects. There were many answers but not so much about those specific subjects.
Pence and Harris repeatedly dodged and sidestepped queries from debate moderator Susan Page, answering questions however they wanted.
The vice president danced around the Rose Garden Supreme Court ceremony last weekend that is now considered a spreader event and instead pivoted to platitudes about personal responsibility. He said he and the president “trust the American people to make choices” while accusing Harris of Biden of pushing mandates.
When both were asked whether they had discussed succession plans with their far older running mates in case they are incapacitated, Pence instead slammed Harris for her “continuous undermining of confidence in a vaccine” to fight the coronavirus.
Harris, meanwhile, used the question to share her biography, telling the story of her immigrant mother and her election as the first woman and the first Black person elected as attorney general in California.
__
MISSIONS ACCOMPLISHED
With the president’s poll numbers flagging since his manic debate performance and his infection with the coronavirus, Pence appeared to be on one mission: to stop the freefall.
Instead of speaking to on-the-fence independents or working to change the minds of undecided voters, Pence seemed intent on trying to keep the president’s base behind him.
Harris had a different burden because she is less well known. She introduced herself as credible and competent and likely assured Democratic voters that she is capable of stepping into the role of commander in chief if needed.
And she gamely defended Biden, another classic role for a vice president, broadly framing Trump’s tenure as a failure and Biden as suited to pick up the pieces.
__
THE FLIES HAVE IT
While the debate was comparatively tame, there were moments that stood out, especially on social media.
Most prominent were the two minutes when a fly rested on Pence’s well-combed white hair. Pence did not flinch. The internet exploded.
And the Biden campaign pounced, grabbing the internet domain flywillvote.com, tweeting it out from his account, and taking users to a site for voter registration and information.
__
Barrow reported from Wilmington, Delaware.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Montgomery, Prince George's counties not ready to reopen schools

Officials in Prince George ’ s and Montgomery counties still have not presented schedules for reopening schools two weeks after Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan authorized them to do so , as other districts in the D.C. area prepare to offer some in-person instruction .
“ As noted in our reopening plans , [ Prince George ’ s County Public Schools ] will remain in distance learning until the end of January 2021 .
At which time , we will analyze the current COVID-19 numbers before announcing our decision to reopen in a hybrid model or remain in distance learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Jack Smith said Tuesday that the district has not set a date to reopen classrooms for in-person learning , but he did identify steps the school system could take , Bethesda Magazine reported .
For example , MCPS will provide face coverings and hand sanitizer to all staff members and protective equipment such as face shields and gowns to staffers who work with students in special education who are unable to wear masks .
Meanwhile , Fairfax County Public Schools allowed some students back in school buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening plan .
On Monday , the school system began allowing students for specialized high school career preparatory programs to return to classrooms .
Officials have tentative plans to expand reopening to students for preschool autism classrooms and early childhood classes on Oct. 19 .
On Oct. 26 , FCPS will tentatively allow students who use elementary comprehensive services sites , those enrolled at the Key Center and Kilmer Center , students with limited or interrupted formal education , recently arrived English learners in grades 3-12 and Burke School elementary program kids to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will bring back about 3.5 % of its teachers and students , which means 6,707 students and 653 teachers .
But the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers expressed opposition to the reopening plans this week , saying it is setting up school-based staff for failure .
“ In addition to lack of details in the county ’ s reopening plan , our members are concerned with the lack of transparency from FCPS about COVID-19 cases that have already occurred in our school buildings , ” the labor union said Tuesday in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to share their ideas for reopening schools but their responses “ are not binding.
” The school system has said it is trying to accommodate teachers who want to keep instructing virtually .
In the District , school officials announced Monday that thousands elementary students will gradually return for in-person instruction next month .
An estimated 21,000 pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students could return for in-person learning and activities with a phased reopening starting Nov. 9 , schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee said .
Two in-person options will be available : regular classroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CARE ) , in which students participate in small cohorts assigned to a staffer who is not their teacher and who will help them with online learning .
Families can opt to continue with fully remote online learning .
About 7,000 students could return for in-person classes , and about 14,000 could participate in CARE classrooms .
The Washington Teachers ’ Union has shared its concerns about plans to reopen .
“ While our teachers want to return to our classrooms and resume in-person learning , we can only do so when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chancellor have come to the table to work with us and other Union leaders to ensure the safety of our students , schoolbased staff , and communities , ” WTU President Elizabeth Davis said .
“ In a survey of teachers the WTU conducted last week , less than 3 % believed our schools will be safe to reopen for in-person learning on or before November 9 .
Fewer said that DCPS has shared detailed information on proposed schedules and staffing plans.
” This month , DCPS began allowing some students back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student support centers and to participate in career and technical education programs through October .

Officials in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties still have not presented schedules for reopening schools two weeks after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan authorized them to do so, as other districts in the D.C. area prepare to offer some in-person instruction.
“As noted in our reopening plans, [Prince George’s County Public Schools] will remain in distance learning until the end of January 2021. At which time, we will analyze the current COVID-19 numbers before announcing our decision to reopen in a hybrid model or remain in distance learning,” said schools spokeswoman Gabrielle Brown.
Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Jack Smith said Tuesday that the district has not set a date to reopen classrooms for in-person learning, but he did identify steps the school system could take, Bethesda Magazine reported.
For example, MCPS will provide face coverings and hand sanitizer to all staff members and protective equipment such as face shields and gowns to staffers who work with students in special education who are unable to wear masks.
Meanwhile, Fairfax County Public Schools allowed some students back in school buildings this week as part of a phased opening plan.
On Monday, the school system began allowing students for specialized high school career preparatory programs to return to classrooms. Officials have tentative plans to expand reopening to students for preschool autism classrooms and early childhood classes on Oct. 19.
On Oct. 26, FCPS will tentatively allow students who use elementary comprehensive services sites, those enrolled at the Key Center and Kilmer Center, students with limited or interrupted formal education, recently arrived English learners in grades 3-12 and Burke School elementary program kids to return to school.
The school system will bring back about 3.5% of its teachers and students, which means 6,707 students and 653 teachers.
But the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers expressed opposition to the reopening plans this week, saying it is setting up school-based staff for failure.
“In addition to lack of details in the county’s reopening plan, our members are concerned with the lack of transparency from FCPS about COVID-19 cases that have already occurred in our school buildings,” the labor union said Tuesday in a statement.
FCPS said it gave staff an opportunity to share their ideas for reopening schools but their responses “are not binding.” The school system has said it is trying to accommodate teachers who want to keep instructing virtually.
In the District, school officials announced Monday that thousands elementary students will gradually return for in-person instruction next month.
An estimated 21,000 pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students could return for in-person learning and activities with a phased reopening starting Nov. 9, schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee said.
Two in-person options will be available: regular classroom instruction and Canvas Academics and Real Engagement (CARE), in which students participate in small cohorts assigned to a staffer who is not their teacher and who will help them with online learning. Families can opt to continue with fully remote online learning.
About 7,000 students could return for in-person classes, and about 14,000 could participate in CARE classrooms.
The Washington Teachers’ Union has shared its concerns about plans to reopen.
“While our teachers want to return to our classrooms and resume in-person learning, we can only do so when it is safe and when the Mayor and Chancellor have come to the table to work with us and other Union leaders to ensure the safety of our students, schoolbased staff, and communities,” WTU President Elizabeth Davis said. “In a survey of teachers the WTU conducted last week, less than 3% believed our schools will be safe to reopen for in-person learning on or before November 9. Fewer said that DCPS has shared detailed information on proposed schedules and staffing plans.”
This month, DCPS began allowing some students back into buildings to use services offered at student support centers and to participate in career and technical education programs through October.
• Shen Wu Tan can be reached at stan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Mike Pence: 'The climate is changing'

Mike Pence: 'The climate is changing'

Vice President Mike Pence declared Wednesday that the climate is changing , but he refused to say whether humans were causing it and attacked the Democratic election ticket for backing the Green New Deal .
“ The climate is changing but the issue is what is the cause and what do we do about it , ” Mr. Pence said during Wednesday ’ s vice presidential debate in Utah .
The Trump administration , he touted , has made a commitment to conservation , saying forest management is the answer to the increasing wildfires on the West Coast .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South than did so 100 years ago .
He took a swipe at Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris over the Green New Deal .
The proposed , pushed by progressives like millennial socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , would increase the cost of energy for every American household , Mr. Pence charged .
During last week ’ s presidential debate , Mr. Biden said he did not back the Green New Deal , but his campaign website says it lays out a framework for his administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Biden believes in science and will rely on experts to stop climate change which she said was an existential crisis .
“ Joe believes , again , in science , ” Ms. Harris said .

Vice President Mike Pence declared Wednesday that the climate is changing, but he refused to say whether humans were causing it and attacked the Democratic election ticket for backing the Green New Deal.
“The climate is changing but the issue is what is the cause and what do we do about it,” Mr. Pence said during Wednesday’s vice presidential debate in Utah.
The Trump administration, he touted, has made a commitment to conservation, saying forest management is the answer to the increasing wildfires on the West Coast.
He also said no more hurricanes are hitting the South than did so 100 years ago.
He took a swipe at Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris over the Green New Deal.
The proposed, pushed by progressives like millennial socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, would increase the cost of energy for every American household, Mr. Pence charged.
During last week’s presidential debate, Mr. Biden said he did not back the Green New Deal, but his campaign website says it lays out a framework for his administration.
Ms. Harris pushed back, saying Mr. Biden believes in science and will rely on experts to stop climate change which she said was an existential crisis.
“Joe believes, again, in science,” Ms. Harris said.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Trump executive order makes colleges rethink diversity

Some colleges are rethinking diversity initiatives in the wake of the Trump administration ’ s crackdown on “ divisive concepts ” in workplace training for federal contractors .
The University of Iowa on Friday cited Mr. Trump ’ s threat to pull federal funding from contractors that espouse a “ malign ideology ” in employment training seminars as reason to reassess its own training .
“ [ A ] fter consulting with multiple entities , and given the seriousness of the penalties for non-compliance with the order , which include the loss of federal funding , we are recommending that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period to evaluate any trainings , workshops , or programs that may include language or materials that could be deemed in violation of the Executive Order , ” said a statement from Liz Tovar , interim associate vice president for diversity , equity and inclusion .
Southern Illinois University anthropology professor Roberto Barrios told The Washington Times that his speaking slot at a Hispanic Heritage Month event at John A. Logan College was postponed when school officials scrapped diversity events following the president ’ s executive order .
“ To me , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think critically about race , class , gender , sexuality is a matter of life and death , ” said Mr. Barrios .
“ Sometimes people think it ’ s liberal fluff [ but ] then you look at Dylann Roof , who went in and killed nine beautiful people .
That child was denied a critical race relations course in the United States.
” Officials at the University of Iowa and John A. Logan College , a community college in Carterville , Illinois , did not respond to requests for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ July hundreds of millions in federally funded research opportunities for 2020 , including $ 115 million from NASA to study satellites .
John A. Logan President Ron House cited “ several million dollars in federal money ” in an interview with The Southern , a newspaper in Carbondale , Illinois , as a reason for canceling the Hispanic Heritage Month event .
But they ’ re not the only colleges feeling the pinch from the president ’ s executive order .
University of Michigan President Mark S. Schlissel called Mr. Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sex Stereotyping ” “ very troubling , ” saying “ [ t ] he educational efforts this order seeks to prohibit are critical to much-needed action to create equitable economic and social opportunities for all members of society.
” On Wednesday , The Courier , a newspaper in Cedar Rapids , Iowa , reported that the University of Northern Iowa ’ s administration was reviewing its training in light of the executive order .
Mr. Trump ’ s executive order last month invoked marches on Selma and the memory of Abraham Lincoln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social and political identities.
” The order also threatened withholding federal funds from contractors and investigations by the Justice Department into trainings that perpetuate “ racial stereotypes and division.
” “ All of this is contrary to the fundamental premises underpinning our Republic , ” the order reads .
It defines “ divisive concepts ” as ideas that postulate that “ meritocracy ” is racist or that “ the United States is fundamentally racist or sexist.
” Scholars have debated the impact of diversity education on students and campus communities .
In 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Personality Science an “ unexpectedly negative outcome ” that persons exposed to a belief in “ color blindness ” — rather than the more contemporary notions of “ multiculturalism ” — showed more belief in “ race essentialist ” beliefs .
Jeff Snyder , an associate professor of educational studies at Carleton College in Northfield , Minnesota , has in the past questioned the effectiveness — if not the intent — of diversity training .
But he called the executive order “ heavy-handed ” and “ profoundly misguided.
” “ [ The ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital conversations about race in the United States and other significant diversity topics , ” Mr. Snyder said in an email to The Times .
Last month , Mr. Trump announced a grant to develop a “ pro-American curriculum , ” chastising a “ web of lies ” being taught in U.S. classrooms to combat racism .

Some colleges are rethinking diversity initiatives in the wake of the Trump administration’s crackdown on “divisive concepts” in workplace training for federal contractors.
The University of Iowa on Friday cited Mr. Trump’s threat to pull federal funding from contractors that espouse a “malign ideology” in employment training seminars as reason to reassess its own training.
“[A]fter consulting with multiple entities, and given the seriousness of the penalties for non-compliance with the order, which include the loss of federal funding, we are recommending that all units temporarily pause for a two-week period to evaluate any trainings, workshops, or programs that may include language or materials that could be deemed in violation of the Executive Order,” said a statement from Liz Tovar, interim associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Southern Illinois University anthropology professor Roberto Barrios told The Washington Times that his speaking slot at a Hispanic Heritage Month event at John A. Logan College was postponed when school officials scrapped diversity events following the president’s executive order.
“To me, this is deeply personal. Teaching ourselves to think critically about race, class, gender, sexuality is a matter of life and death,” said Mr. Barrios. “Sometimes people think it’s liberal fluff [but] then you look at Dylann Roof, who went in and killed nine beautiful people. That child was denied a critical race relations course in the United States.”
(Roof, a self-proclaimed white supremacist, is serving a life sentence in federal prison for fatally shooting nine Black people in a church in South Carolina in 2015.)
Officials at the University of Iowa and John A. Logan College, a community college in Carterville, Illinois, did not respond to requests for comment.
Iowa’s flagship university reported in July hundreds of millions in federally funded research opportunities for 2020, including $115 million from NASA to study satellites. John A. Logan President Ron House cited “several million dollars in federal money” in an interview with The Southern, a newspaper in Carbondale, Illinois, as a reason for canceling the Hispanic Heritage Month event.
But they’re not the only colleges feeling the pinch from the president’s executive order.
University of Michigan President Mark S. Schlissel called Mr. Trump’s Sept. 22 order on “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping” “very troubling,” saying “[t]he educational efforts this order seeks to prohibit are critical to much-needed action to create equitable economic and social opportunities for all members of society.”
On Wednesday, The Courier, a newspaper in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, reported that the University of Northern Iowa’s administration was reviewing its training in light of the executive order.
Mr. Trump’s executive order last month invoked marches on Selma and the memory of Abraham Lincoln to decry “hierarchies based on collective social and political identities.” The order also threatened withholding federal funds from contractors and investigations by the Justice Department into trainings that perpetuate “racial stereotypes and division.”
“All of this is contrary to the fundamental premises underpinning our Republic,” the order reads.
It defines “divisive concepts” as ideas that postulate that “meritocracy” is racist or that “the United States is fundamentally racist or sexist.”
Scholars have debated the impact of diversity education on students and campus communities. In 2018, researchers reported in Social Psychological and Personality Science an “unexpectedly negative outcome” that persons exposed to a belief in “color blindness” — rather than the more contemporary notions of “multiculturalism” — showed more belief in “race essentialist” beliefs.
Jeff Snyder, an associate professor of educational studies at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, has in the past questioned the effectiveness — if not the intent — of diversity training. But he called the executive order “heavy-handed” and “profoundly misguided.”
“The initiative appears to be cutting off vital conversations about race in the United States and other significant diversity topics,” Mr. Snyder said in an email to The Times.
Last month, Mr. Trump announced a grant to develop a “pro-American curriculum,” chastising a “web of lies” being taught in U.S. classrooms to combat racism.
• Christopher Vondracek can be reached at cvondracek@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Kamala Harris: Trump's debts 'influencing the president'

Sen. Kamala Harris accused President Trump of steering U.S. policy to pay off his creditors .
The senator , speaking @ @ @ @ @ presidential debate , cited reports in the New York Times that Mr. Trump owed more @ @ @ @ @ unknown creditors had provided the motivation for every decision in question .
“ Just so @ @ @ @ @ we say in debt , you owe money to somebody and it ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ the president of the United States , the commander in chief owes money to , @ @ @ @ @ Harris then insinuated that Mr. Trump was determining U.S. policy on that basis .
“ @ @ @ @ @ right to know what is influencing the president and if he is making those decisions @ @ @ @ @ the American people , or self-interest , ” she said .
The California senator made @ @ @ @ @ with Vice President Mike Pence in Salt Lake City , Utah .

Sen. Kamala Harris accused President Trump of steering U.S. policy to pay off his creditors.
The senator, speaking during Wednesday’s vice presidential debate, cited reports in the New York Times that Mr. Trump owed more than $400 million to unknown creditors had provided the motivation for every decision in question.
“Just so everyone is clear: when we say in debt, you owe money to somebody and it’d be really good to know who the president of the United States, the commander in chief owes money to,” she said.
Ms. Harris then insinuated that Mr. Trump was determining U.S. policy on that basis.
“The American people have a right to know what is influencing the president and if he is making those decisions in the best interest of the American people, or self-interest,” she said.
The California senator made the accusation during the debate with Vice President Mike Pence in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Kamala Harris targets Mike Pence over coronavirus response

Sen. Kamala Harris opened the vice presidential debate against Vice President Mike Pence by saying the Trump administration ’ s response to the coronavirus is the “ greatest failure of any presidential administration in our history.
” “ This administration has forfeited their right to re-election , ” she said .
Mr. Pence pushed back , arguing the Trump administration ’ s China travel ban helped buy the nation time and saved hundreds of thousands of lives .
“ Joe Biden opposed that decision , he said it was xenophobic and hysterical , ” Mr. Pence said .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden plan , it reads an awful lot like what President Trump and I and our task force has been doing every step of the way , ” he said .
Ms. Harris countered that the growing death toll shows that the administration ’ s response “ has not worked ” and accused the administration of trying to downplay the threat of the virus .
“ They knew and they covered it up , the president said it was a hoax , ” she said .
“ They minimized the seriousness of it.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the coronavirus has defined the 2020 presidential campaign .
Mr. Trump ’ s diagnosis with the coronavirus last week has put an even greater emphasis on the virus .
Mr. Pence is chairman of the White House Coronavirus Task Force .
He and Ms. Harris sat 12 feet apart on the debate stage and were separated by plexiglass .

Sen. Kamala Harris opened the vice presidential debate against Vice President Mike Pence by saying the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus is the “greatest failure of any presidential administration in our history.”
“This administration has forfeited their right to re-election,” she said.
Mr. Pence pushed back, arguing the Trump administration’s China travel ban helped buy the nation time and saved hundreds of thousands of lives.
“Joe Biden opposed that decision, he said it was xenophobic and hysterical,” Mr. Pence said. “The reality is when you look at the Biden plan, it reads an awful lot like what President Trump and I and our task force has been doing every step of the way,” he said.
Ms. Harris countered that the growing death toll shows that the administration’s response “has not worked” and accused the administration of trying to downplay the threat of the virus.
“They knew and they covered it up, the president said it was a hoax,” she said. “They minimized the seriousness of it.”
SEE ALSO: Kamala Harris: Trump’s debts ‘influencing the president’
The exchange was a reminder of how the coronavirus has defined the 2020 presidential campaign.
Mr. Trump’s diagnosis with the coronavirus last week has put an even greater emphasis on the virus.
Mr. Pence is chairman of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
He and Ms. Harris sat 12 feet apart on the debate stage and were separated by plexiglass.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Incumbent Gov. Jim Justice outraises Democratic challenger

CHARLESTON , W.Va. ( AP ) - Republican West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice raised nearly $ 890,000 for his reelection bid over the past three months , according to new campaign finance reports filed Wednesday .
Democratic nominee and Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango reported raising nearly $ 564,000 in his battle to deny Justice a second term .
In a state likely to vote to reelect President Donald Trump , Justice is playing up his ties to him in TV ads and eschewing typical campaign meet-and-greets amid the pandemic .
He reported spending nearly $ 900,000 in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The billionaire businessman has so far loaned his campaign $ 1.98 million from his own fortune .
Justice ’ s campaign reported having about $ 263,000 cash on hand , while Salango has nearly $ 153,000 .
Salango has been barnstorming the state , holding small outdoor rallies and aiming to convince voters he would do a better job fixing roads and bridges .
This week he released an economic development plan aiming to attract industries and expand broadband - a longstanding issue for rural swaths of West Virginia without fast internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has run a victory lap in recent weeks for his $ 1.6 billion infrastructure bond program , called Roads to Prosperity , which voters approved in 2017 .
On Monday he attended a ceremony in Nitro , about 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) east of Charleston , to mark construction of a road repaving project in the area .
In West Virginia , the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 13 .
Voters have until Oct. 28 to apply for a mail-in ballot .
Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their first debate , hosted by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association .
In recent months , both have aired attack ads .
Salango has hit Justice over his businesses tax bills while the governor has tried to portray his rival as a puppet of Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin .
The incumbent got donations from onetime foes , including Bill Cole , the GOP ’ s nominee for governor in 2016 against Justice , who won then as a Democrat .
He gave $ 2,800 , as did former Commerce Secretary Woody Thrasher , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP primary .
Justice forced Thrasher out of the commerce department in 2018 after numerous complaints about poor management of a housing assistance program for 2016 flood victims .
Justice ’ s campaign reported tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills to his family ’ s businesses .
The campaign owes $ 35,900 to his posh resort , The Greenbrier , $ 10,000 to Blackstone Energy , LLC , his family-owned coal company , and about $ 47,000 to Encore Leasing , LLC .
Associated Press writer John Raby contributed to this @ @

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Republican West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice raised nearly $890,000 for his reelection bid over the past three months, according to new campaign finance reports filed Wednesday.
Democratic nominee and Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango reported raising nearly $564,000 in his battle to deny Justice a second term.
In a state likely to vote to reelect President Donald Trump, Justice is playing up his ties to him in TV ads and eschewing typical campaign meet-and-greets amid the pandemic. He reported spending nearly $900,000 in his latest filing, mostly on television advertising. The billionaire businessman has so far loaned his campaign $1.98 million from his own fortune.
Justice’s campaign reported having about $263,000 cash on hand, while Salango has nearly $153,000.
Salango has been barnstorming the state, holding small outdoor rallies and aiming to convince voters he would do a better job fixing roads and bridges. This week he released an economic development plan aiming to attract industries and expand broadband - a longstanding issue for rural swaths of West Virginia without fast internet.
For his part, the governor has run a victory lap in recent weeks for his $1.6 billion infrastructure bond program, called Roads to Prosperity, which voters approved in 2017. On Monday he attended a ceremony in Nitro, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of Charleston, to mark construction of a road repaving project in the area.
In West Virginia, the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 13. Voters have until Oct. 28 to apply for a mail-in ballot.
Justice and Salango will meet next Tuesday for their first debate, hosted by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association. In recent months, both have aired attack ads. Salango has hit Justice over his businesses tax bills while the governor has tried to portray his rival as a puppet of Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.
Recent buys include an ad featuring Salango rock climbing, pledging to “help build West Virginia up.”
The incumbent got donations from onetime foes, including Bill Cole, the GOP’s nominee for governor in 2016 against Justice, who won then as a Democrat. He gave $2,800, as did former Commerce Secretary Woody Thrasher, Justice’s opponent in the June GOP primary. Justice forced Thrasher out of the commerce department in 2018 after numerous complaints about poor management of a housing assistance program for 2016 flood victims.
Justice’s campaign reported tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills to his family’s businesses. The campaign owes $35,900 to his posh resort, The Greenbrier, $10,000 to Blackstone Energy, LLC, his family-owned coal company, and about $47,000 to Encore Leasing, LLC.
A conservative running a long-shot write-in campaign, Del. S. Marshall Wilson, reported raising $40,400.
______
Associated Press writer John Raby contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Lloyd George, namesake of Vegas federal building, dies at 90

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - A longtime U.S. district judge who became a living legend as he continued for years to hear court cases in a Las Vegas federal building named in his honor has died at age 90 .
Lloyd D. George ’ s death was announced by the U.S. District Court of Nevada with a Wednesday statement calling him “ a judges ’ judge and a mentor to all of us on the federal bench.
” It said flags at U.S. courthouses in Nevada would fly at half-staff through Thursday .
George was a revered jurist and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader who hosted international delegations , led citizenship naturalization ceremonies and relished telling stories of attending schools he could see from his courthouse office .
He flew Cold War missions in the U.S. Air Force and traveled and taught court structure in the former Soviet Union ’ s republics .
He was born in February 1930 , in Montpelier , Idaho , but moved to Las Vegas at a young age .
He graduated from Brigham Young University and was an Air Force pilot from 1954 to 1958 .
He earned his law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berkeley School of Law and was admitted to the Nevada bar in 1961 .
He had a private law practice before being appointed as a U.S. bankruptcy judge in 1974 .
He was named in 1984 to his lifetime position by President Ronald Reagan , became chief judge in the Nevada district in 1992 and continued to work after taking senior judge status in 1997 .
He represented the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals on the Judicial Conference of the United States and served on the International Judicial Relations Committee through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court structure and the rule of law .
He hosted frequent visits by judges from other countries .
In a 2008 tribute entered into the congressional record , former U.S. Sen. John Ensign , R-Nevada , praised George and his wife , LaPrele , for their contributions to the Las Vegas community .
The State Bar of Nevada ’ s Professionalism Award is named for Lloyd George , along with a moot bankruptcy court competition at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada , Las Vegas .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal Building opened in 2002 .
When Congress approved the name in 1998 , then-U.S. Sen. Harry Reid , D-Nevada , summarized George ’ s acclaim .
“ No one on the bench in Nevada has received more praise for his work and sense of fairness than Chief Judge George , ” he said .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A longtime U.S. district judge who became a living legend as he continued for years to hear court cases in a Las Vegas federal building named in his honor has died at age 90.
Lloyd D. George’s death was announced by the U.S. District Court of Nevada with a Wednesday statement calling him “a judges’ judge and a mentor to all of us on the federal bench.” It said flags at U.S. courthouses in Nevada would fly at half-staff through Thursday.
George was a revered jurist and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leader who hosted international delegations, led citizenship naturalization ceremonies and relished telling stories of attending schools he could see from his courthouse office. He flew Cold War missions in the U.S. Air Force and traveled and taught court structure in the former Soviet Union’s republics.
He was born in February 1930, in Montpelier, Idaho, but moved to Las Vegas at a young age. He graduated from Brigham Young University and was an Air Force pilot from 1954 to 1958. He earned his law degree at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and was admitted to the Nevada bar in 1961. He had a private law practice before being appointed as a U.S. bankruptcy judge in 1974.
He was named in 1984 to his lifetime position by President Ronald Reagan, became chief judge in the Nevada district in 1992 and continued to work after taking senior judge status in 1997.
He represented the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on the Judicial Conference of the United States and served on the International Judicial Relations Committee through 2015, lecturing on constitutional issues, court structure and the rule of law. He hosted frequent visits by judges from other countries.
In a 2008 tribute entered into the congressional record, former U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nevada, praised George and his wife, LaPrele, for their contributions to the Las Vegas community.
The State Bar of Nevada’s Professionalism Award is named for Lloyd George, along with a moot bankruptcy court competition at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building opened in 2002. When Congress approved the name in 1998, then-U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, summarized George’s acclaim.
“No one on the bench in Nevada has received more praise for his work and sense of fairness than Chief Judge George,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--North Korea may show new missiles at weekend military parade

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - For months , North Korea has been relatively uncombative , as leader Kim Jong Un grapples with the coronavirus pandemic , natural disasters and the deepening economic pain under years of tough U.S.-led sanctions .
But ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of his ruling party this weekend , speculation has risen that Kim may hold a massive military parade and unveil newly developed , powerful missiles .
The goal , experts say , would be to bolster internal unity and draw U.S. attention amid deadlocked nuclear diplomacy between the countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his economy is in trouble … so Kim Jong Un would want to mobilize his people and stress a self-reliant policy to quell their complaints and draw their loyalty , ” Nam Sung-wook , a professor at Korea University in South Korea .
“ To do so , he would need new weapons , powerful weapons that would send a message to the entire world.
” Recent satellite images showed thousands of troops assembling in formation along with vehicles in an apparent rehearsal at an airfield on the outskirts of Pyongyang , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook told lawmakers Wednesday that North Korea is expected to unveil unspecified “ strategic weapons ” during a military parade marking the Oct. 10 anniversary .
North Korea typically celebrates major state anniversaries with big military parades during years that end in zero and five .
But it has sometimes made those parades less provocative when it was seeking better relations with the outside world .
During a parade marking the 70th birthday of its socialist government in September 2018 , Kim didn ’ t speak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the event came three months after he held his first summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore on the future of his nuclear arsenal .
In celebrations marking his late grandfather ’ s birthday in 2012 and 2017 , Kim still paraded his intercontinental ballistic missiles in a display of military might as he raised the stakes in the standoff with the United States .
Kim met Trump two more times , but their nuclear diplomacy has been stalled for more than a year because of disputes over exchanging sanctions relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaring his intent to strengthen his nuclear deterrent and achieve a “ frontal breakthrough ” against U.S.-led economic pressure .
But the North ’ s broken economy was further ravaged by border closures amid the coronavirus pandemic , which significantly reduced its trade with China , its major ally and economic lifeline .
The heavy floods and strong typhoons that battered the North ’ s major farming regions this summer will certainly worsen the country ’ s chronic food shortages , outside observers say .
“ It ’ s clear that the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country could be approaching a point where it leads to instability in exchange rates and market prices , which would make people ’ s everyday lives harder and thus create a political burden for Kim , ” Lim Soo-ho , an analyst at Seoul ’ s Institute for National Security Strategy , said .
The National Assembly Budget Office in Seoul , a South Korean parliamentary research arm , said in a recent report that North Korea ’ s imports from China declined by nearly 67 % and its exports to China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this year .
The report said China accounted for more than 95 % of North Korea ’ s external trade last year .
North Korea has steadfastly argued it hasn ’ t had a single coronavirus case , a claim widely disputed by foreign experts .
The South Korean and U.S. militaries said Kim ordered troops to shoot smugglers and others illegally crossing its border as part of anti-virus measures .
Last month , North Korean soldiers fatally shot a South Korean found in its waters , an incident that prompted Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has nothing show to his people on the 75th anniversary .
Can he say his economy is doing well , his people are being fed well or his government is overcoming the coronavirus ?
” said Kim Yeol Soo , an analyst with South Korea ’ s Korea Institute for Military Affairs .
“ So he will stage a parade to unite his people who are demoralized.
” The new weapons systems that North Korea could unveil this weekend could be a new solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile , a missile with multiple warheads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sophisticated missile launcher , Kim Yeol Soo said .
It ’ s unclear whether Kim would make a public speech during the event at Pyongyang ’ s Kim Il Sung Square .
If he does , there won ’ t be much for Kim to say other than calling for his people to stay united and resilient in the fight to overcome national hardship .
“ Kim is trying to manage relations with the United States so that they don ’ t get worse , but he isn ’ t in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and issue a new external message toward rivals right now , ” said Moon Seong Mook , a retired South Korean army brigadier general who participated in inter-Korean military talks .
Moon said North Korea may conduct a mid-range SLBM test around the anniversary as such a missile won ’ t pose a direct threat to the U.S. homeland .
But other experts say North Korea will likely perform major weapons tests after the U.S. presidential election in November to boost its leverage in possible new negotiations with the U.S. , whoever wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firing a missile now won ’ t benefit them because they want Trump to be reelected , ” Nam said .
“ But after the election , whether it ’ s Trump or ( Democratic candidate Joe ) Biden , they ’ d want to send a message : ‘ Don ’ t forget me .
We need your sincere attention and a summit .
’ ”

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - For months, North Korea has been relatively uncombative, as leader Kim Jong Un grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and the deepening economic pain under years of tough U.S.-led sanctions.
But ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of his ruling party this weekend, speculation has risen that Kim may hold a massive military parade and unveil newly developed, powerful missiles. The goal, experts say, would be to bolster internal unity and draw U.S. attention amid deadlocked nuclear diplomacy between the countries.
“His people are considerably wearied and his economy is in trouble … so Kim Jong Un would want to mobilize his people and stress a self-reliant policy to quell their complaints and draw their loyalty,” Nam Sung-wook, a professor at Korea University in South Korea. “To do so, he would need new weapons, powerful weapons that would send a message to the entire world.”
Recent satellite images showed thousands of troops assembling in formation along with vehicles in an apparent rehearsal at an airfield on the outskirts of Pyongyang, where the North Koreans have practiced past parades. South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook told lawmakers Wednesday that North Korea is expected to unveil unspecified “strategic weapons” during a military parade marking the Oct. 10 anniversary.
North Korea typically celebrates major state anniversaries with big military parades during years that end in zero and five. But it has sometimes made those parades less provocative when it was seeking better relations with the outside world.
During a parade marking the 70th birthday of its socialist government in September 2018, Kim didn’t speak and avoided displaying any of his long-range missiles, as the event came three months after he held his first summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore on the future of his nuclear arsenal. In celebrations marking his late grandfather’s birthday in 2012 and 2017, Kim still paraded his intercontinental ballistic missiles in a display of military might as he raised the stakes in the standoff with the United States.
Kim met Trump two more times, but their nuclear diplomacy has been stalled for more than a year because of disputes over exchanging sanctions relief and disarmament steps.
Kim entered 2020 declaring his intent to strengthen his nuclear deterrent and achieve a “frontal breakthrough” against U.S.-led economic pressure. But the North’s broken economy was further ravaged by border closures amid the coronavirus pandemic, which significantly reduced its trade with China, its major ally and economic lifeline. The heavy floods and strong typhoons that battered the North’s major farming regions this summer will certainly worsen the country’s chronic food shortages, outside observers say.
“It’s clear that the North is running out of foreign currency and the country could be approaching a point where it leads to instability in exchange rates and market prices, which would make people’s everyday lives harder and thus create a political burden for Kim,” Lim Soo-ho, an analyst at Seoul’s Institute for National Security Strategy, said.
The National Assembly Budget Office in Seoul, a South Korean parliamentary research arm, said in a recent report that North Korea’s imports from China declined by nearly 67 % and its exports to China about 72 % during the first half of this year. The report said China accounted for more than 95 % of North Korea’s external trade last year.
North Korea has steadfastly argued it hasn’t had a single coronavirus case, a claim widely disputed by foreign experts. The South Korean and U.S. militaries said Kim ordered troops to shoot smugglers and others illegally crossing its border as part of anti-virus measures. Last month, North Korean soldiers fatally shot a South Korean found in its waters, an incident that prompted Kim to apologize to Seoul.
“Kim has nothing show to his people on the 75th anniversary. Can he say his economy is doing well, his people are being fed well or his government is overcoming the coronavirus?” said Kim Yeol Soo, an analyst with South Korea’s Korea Institute for Military Affairs. “So he will stage a parade to unite his people who are demoralized.”
The new weapons systems that North Korea could unveil this weekend could be a new solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile, a missile with multiple warheads, an upgraded submarine-launched ballistic missile or a sophisticated missile launcher, Kim Yeol Soo said.
It’s unclear whether Kim would make a public speech during the event at Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Square. If he does, there won’t be much for Kim to say other than calling for his people to stay united and resilient in the fight to overcome national hardship.
“Kim is trying to manage relations with the United States so that they don’t get worse, but he isn’t in an ideal position to do more than that and issue a new external message toward rivals right now,” said Moon Seong Mook, a retired South Korean army brigadier general who participated in inter-Korean military talks.
Moon said North Korea may conduct a mid-range SLBM test around the anniversary as such a missile won’t pose a direct threat to the U.S. homeland. But other experts say North Korea will likely perform major weapons tests after the U.S. presidential election in November to boost its leverage in possible new negotiations with the U.S., whoever wins the election.
“They would think firing a missile now won’t benefit them because they want Trump to be reelected,” Nam said. “But after the election, whether it’s Trump or (Democratic candidate Joe) Biden, they’d want to send a message: ‘Don’t forget me. We need your sincere attention and a summit.’”


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Mike Pence jabs Kamala Harris over COVID-19 vaccine: 'Stop playing politics with people's lives'

Vice President Mike Pence pushed Sen. Kamala Harris on undermining a COVID-19 vaccine during Wednesday ’ s vice presidential debate @ @ @ @ @ suggesting that she is trying to score political points .
“ Stop playing politics with @ @ @ @ @ ” said Mr. Pence , directed at the California Democrat running on the ballot with @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
“ Your continuous undermining of confidence in a vaccine is unacceptable , ” @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s comments came after Ms. Harris said she would not take a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration if the president tells people to take it — but she would if @ @ @ @ @ “ If Dr. Fauci — if the doctors — tell us to take it , @ @ @ @ @ first in line , ” Ms. Harris said .

Vice President Mike Pence pushed Sen. Kamala Harris on undermining a COVID-19 vaccine during Wednesday’s vice presidential debate in Salt Lake City, suggesting that she is trying to score political points.
“Stop playing politics with people’s lives,” said Mr. Pence, directed at the California Democrat running on the ballot with Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden.
“Your continuous undermining of confidence in a vaccine is unacceptable,” he added.
The vice president’s comments came after Ms. Harris said she would not take a vaccine that came out under the Trump administration if the president tells people to take it — but she would if medical experts recommended it.
“If Dr. Fauci — if the doctors — tell us to take it, I’ll be the first in line,” Ms. Harris said.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Mike Pence hits Joe Biden for 'plagiarizing' Donald Trump coronavirus plan

Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday took an early shot at Democratic presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden for “ plagiarizing @ @ @ @ @ tackling the coronavirus pandemic .
“ When I look at their plan that talks about @ @ @ @ @ PPE and developing the vaccine , it looks a little bit like plagiarism , which @ @ @ @ @ a little bit about , ” he said during the vice presidential debate with Sen. @ @ @ @ @ Salt Lake City .
Allegations of plagiarism have dogged Mr. Biden throughout his long political @ @ @ @ @ his 1988 presidential run when he ripped off a speech from a British politician .
@ @ @ @ @ Mr. Pence and the Trump administration botched the response to COVID-19 and early on covered @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Whatever the vice president is saying the administration has done , clearly it @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re looking at a 210,000 dead bodies in our country , American lives @ @ @ @ @ families that are grieving , that loss , ” the California Democrat said .

Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday took an early shot at Democratic presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden for “plagiarizing” the Trump plan for tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
“When I look at their plan that talks about advancing testing, creating new PPE and developing the vaccine, it looks a little bit like plagiarism, which is something Joe Biden knows a little bit about,” he said during the vice presidential debate with Sen. Kamala Harris, held in Salt Lake City.
Allegations of plagiarism have dogged Mr. Biden throughout his long political career, including helping sink his 1988 presidential run when he ripped off a speech from a British politician.
Ms. Harris shot back that Mr. Pence and the Trump administration botched the response to COVID-19 and early on covered up how dangerous it was.
“Whatever the vice president is saying the administration has done, clearly it hasn’t worked when you’re looking at a 210,000 dead bodies in our country, American lives that have been lost, families that are grieving, that loss,” the California Democrat said.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--UN chief: Pandemic shows need for universal health coverage

UNITED NATIONS ( AP ) - The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the “ utterly inadequate health systems ” around the world , U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday in arguing that universal health coverage is essential for nations to deal with future health crises .
He said the failure to respond adequately to the outbreak has claimed more than 1 million lives , infected over 30 million people in 190 countries , wiped out 500 million jobs and is costing the global economy $ 375 billion a month .
Indicators of human advancement and well-being are going in reverse for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measuring them in 1990 , he added .
Guterres said in a video message and policy briefing that COVID-19 has shown the need for universal health coverage , strong public health systems , and emergency preparedness for communities and people everywhere .
“ At least half the world ’ s people do not have access to the health services they need , ” he said .
“ Some 100 million people are driven into poverty each year by catastrophic health care costs.
” The secretary-general noted all countries agreed in 2015 on U.N. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universal health coverage , “ but we can not wait 10 years.
” According to the new policy paper , “ health is a fundamental human right , and universal health coverage is a critical tool for achieving health for all.
” “ Universal health coverage is defined as a situation where all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without undue financial hardship , ” it says .
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric was asked about the policy paper ’ s release during the U.S. election campaign , where health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an issue because of the nearly 210,000 U.S. deaths and almost 7 million coronavirus infections .
“ The report is not linked to the electoral calendar here in the United States , ” Dujarric said .
“ It is targeted at every country , and I think we see the world over the issues that arise when people don ’ t have access to health care.
” The policy paper also calls for urgent efforts to control further transmission of the coronavirus , including universal provisions for testing , isolating , contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other health services during the pandemic .
“ COVID-19 is indirectly killing people with heart disease and cancer , as well as those it infects , ” Guterres said .
“ And access to mental health services and sexual and reproductive health programs can not be compromised.
” He also called for a huge expansion of access to new rapid diagnostic methods and treatments , and ensuring that future coronavirus vaccines “ are a global public good with equitable access for everyone , everywhere.
” The lessons learned from the pandemic “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal access to quality health care without financial risks for everyone and that effectively protects societies from another health crisis with its devastating effects on lives and livelihoods , ” Guterres said .

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the “utterly inadequate health systems” around the world, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday in arguing that universal health coverage is essential for nations to deal with future health crises.
He said the failure to respond adequately to the outbreak has claimed more than 1 million lives, infected over 30 million people in 190 countries, wiped out 500 million jobs and is costing the global economy $375 billion a month. Indicators of human advancement and well-being are going in reverse for the first time since the U.N. started measuring them in 1990, he added.
Guterres said in a video message and policy briefing that COVID-19 has shown the need for universal health coverage, strong public health systems, and emergency preparedness for communities and people everywhere.
“At least half the world’s people do not have access to the health services they need,” he said. “Some 100 million people are driven into poverty each year by catastrophic health care costs.”
The secretary-general noted all countries agreed in 2015 on U.N. goals for 2030 that include working toward universal health coverage, “but we cannot wait 10 years.”
“We need universal health coverage, including mental health coverage, now,” Guterres said.
According to the new policy paper, “health is a fundamental human right, and universal health coverage is a critical tool for achieving health for all.”
“Universal health coverage is defined as a situation where all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without undue financial hardship,” it says.
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric was asked about the policy paper’s release during the U.S. election campaign, where health care and the lack of universal health coverage is an issue because of the nearly 210,000 U.S. deaths and almost 7 million coronavirus infections.
“The report is not linked to the electoral calendar here in the United States,” Dujarric said. “It is targeted at every country, and I think we see the world over the issues that arise when people don’t have access to health care.”
The policy paper also calls for urgent efforts to control further transmission of the coronavirus, including universal provisions for testing, isolating, contact tracing and care, and the protection of other health services during the pandemic.
“COVID-19 is indirectly killing people with heart disease and cancer, as well as those it infects,” Guterres said. “And access to mental health services and sexual and reproductive health programs cannot be compromised.”
He also called for a huge expansion of access to new rapid diagnostic methods and treatments, and ensuring that future coronavirus vaccines “are a global public good with equitable access for everyone, everywhere.”
The lessons learned from the pandemic “call for universal health coverage that ensures equal access to quality health care without financial risks for everyone and that effectively protects societies from another health crisis with its devastating effects on lives and livelihoods,” Guterres said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-07--Wallen dropped as 'SNL' performer after breaking COVID rules

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Morgan Wallen has been dropped from performing on “ Saturday Night Live ” after @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 protocols .
The country singer posted a two-plus minute video on social media Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ decision .
He apologized after he was shown on TikTok socializing maskless at a crowded @ @ @ @ @ past weekend in Alabama .
Wallen was listed as a musical guest for this Saturday @ @ @ @ @ singer was emotional during his post , saying he respects the show ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ his actions were “ short-sighted ” and has affected his long-term goals and dreams .
@ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the coronavirus .
A representative for Wallen did not immediately respond to @ @ @ @ @ “ SNL ” officials did not have a comment .
The show has not announced @ @ @ @ @

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Morgan Wallen has been dropped from performing on “Saturday Night Live” after breaking the show’s COVID-19 protocols.
The country singer posted a two-plus minute video on social media Wednesday about the show’s decision. He apologized after he was shown on TikTok socializing maskless at a crowded bar and house party this past weekend in Alabama.
Wallen was listed as a musical guest for this Saturday’s show. The singer was emotional during his post, saying he respects the show’s decision.
The 27-year-old Wallen said his actions were “short-sighted” and has affected his long-term goals and dreams.
Wallen said he has not tested positive for the coronavirus.
A representative for Wallen did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “SNL” officials did not have a comment.
The show has not announced a replacement for Wallen.