washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Joe Biden pledges to 'heal' nation in final campaign swing

Joseph R. Biden closed out his 2020 presidential campaign Monday in Pennsylvania , saying that if elected he will seek to “ heal ” a nation that is reeling from the “ chaos , ” “ failures ” and “ irresponsibility ” that have defined President Trump ’ s first term .
Mr. Biden and his wife Jill Biden were joined by pop music star Lady Gaga at a drive-in rally in Pittsburgh .
His running mate Sen. Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff headlined a separate event with singer-songwriter John Legend in Philadelphia .
“ Tomorrow is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Biden said at his final stop .
“ Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has left hard-working Americans out in the cold !
” “ Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that divided this nation and fanned the flames of hate !
” he said .
“ Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has failed to protect this nation !
” Mr. Biden started the day with a stop in Cleveland and ended with a pair of events in Pittsburgh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and the GOP are trying to suppress the vote .
“ I don ’ t care how hard Donald Trump tries ; there ’ s nothing , nothing that ’ s going to stop the people of this nation from voting , ” he said .
“ It ’ s time for Donald Trump to pack his bags and go home !
” Mr. Biden vowed to protect people ’ s health care , stick up for labor unions , and fight for a $ 15-per-hour minimum wage .
He accused Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican ’ s claim that he wants to ban fracking .
“ If you elect me as your president , I ’ m going to heal this country and we are going to act , we are going to act to get COVID under control beginning on Day One , ” he said .
The stops marked the culmination of a candidacy that began over 18 months ago when Mr. Biden announced he could no longer sit on the sidelines after watching the violent 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville and Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s late-in-the-game focus on Pennsylvania reflects the widespread belief that the state , which Mr. Trump carried by 44,000 votes in 2016 , could make or break the election for both candidates .
Mr. Trump held a number of rallies in the state over the last 48 hours of the contest .
Mr. Biden ’ s path to victory in the state hinges on driving up his margins of victory in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas and performing better than Hillary Clinton did four years ago in the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We all know that this thing may come down to Pennsylvania , ” said Lady Gaga , whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta .
“ Now is your chance to vote against Donald Trump , a man who believes his fame gives him the right to grab one of your daughters , or sisters or mothers or wives by any part of their bodies , ” she said .
“ Vote for Joe , he ’ s a good person.
” At his first stop , Mr. Biden put an emphasis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump ’ s claim he has done more for the African American community than any president since Abraham Lincoln .
“ Pittsburgh , honk if you think it is a bunch of malarkey , ” he said at his first stop , sparking a round of honking car horns .
“ You ’ ve got it .
The truth is that Donald Trump has done more to harm Black Americans than any president in modern history.
” The Trump campaign says the Republican is poised to make significant inroads with Black voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic presidential candidates .
A recent Rasmussen daily tracking poll found that 31 % of likely Black voters would cast their support behind Mr. Trump .
Mr. Biden pushed back Monday , saying Mr. Trump promoted “ birther ” conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama and called his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris , the first Black vice presidential nominee , a “ monster.
” Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump has refused to condemn white nationalist groups and refused to say “ Black Lives Matter.
” And he said Mr. Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country more vulnerable to the threat - pointing out that the pandemic is disproportionately impacting the Black community .
“ We are done with the chaos , ” he said .
“ We are done with the racism , we are done with the tweets , the anger , the hate , the failure , the irresponsibility .
”

Joseph R. Biden closed out his 2020 presidential campaign Monday in Pennsylvania, saying that if elected he will seek to “heal” a nation that is reeling from the “chaos,” “failures” and “irresponsibility” that have defined President Trump’s first term.
Mr. Biden and his wife Jill Biden were joined by pop music star Lady Gaga at a drive-in rally in Pittsburgh. His running mate Sen. Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff headlined a separate event with singer-songwriter John Legend in Philadelphia.
“Tomorrow is the beginning of a new day!” Mr. Biden said at his final stop. “Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has left hard-working Americans out in the cold!”
“Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that divided this nation and fanned the flames of hate!” he said. “Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has failed to protect this nation!”
Mr. Biden started the day with a stop in Cleveland and ended with a pair of events in Pittsburgh, where the former vice president said Mr. Trump and the GOP are trying to suppress the vote.
“I don’t care how hard Donald Trump tries; there’s nothing, nothing that’s going to stop the people of this nation from voting,” he said. “It’s time for Donald Trump to pack his bags and go home!”
Mr. Biden vowed to protect people’s health care, stick up for labor unions, and fight for a $15-per-hour minimum wage.
He accused Mr. Trump of peddling lies, dismissing the Republican’s claim that he wants to ban fracking.
“If you elect me as your president, I’m going to heal this country and we are going to act, we are going to act to get COVID under control beginning on Day One,” he said.
The stops marked the culmination of a candidacy that began over 18 months ago when Mr. Biden announced he could no longer sit on the sidelines after watching the violent 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville and Mr. Trump’s response to it.
Mr. Biden’s late-in-the-game focus on Pennsylvania reflects the widespread belief that the state, which Mr. Trump carried by 44,000 votes in 2016, could make or break the election for both candidates.
Mr. Trump held a number of rallies in the state over the last 48 hours of the contest.
Mr. Biden’s path to victory in the state hinges on driving up his margins of victory in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas and performing better than Hillary Clinton did four years ago in the more rural areas of the state.
“We all know that this thing may come down to Pennsylvania,” said Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.
“Now is your chance to vote against Donald Trump, a man who believes his fame gives him the right to grab one of your daughters, or sisters or mothers or wives by any part of their bodies,” she said. “Vote for Joe, he’s a good person.”
At his first stop, Mr. Biden put an emphasis on winning over black voters, mocking Mr. Trump’s claim he has done more for the African American community than any president since Abraham Lincoln.
“Pittsburgh, honk if you think it is a bunch of malarkey,” he said at his first stop, sparking a round of honking car horns. “You’ve got it. The truth is that Donald Trump has done more to harm Black Americans than any president in modern history.”
The Trump campaign says the Republican is poised to make significant inroads with Black voters, who have traditionally lined up behind Democratic presidential candidates.
A recent Rasmussen daily tracking poll found that 31% of likely Black voters would cast their support behind Mr. Trump.
Mr. Biden pushed back Monday, saying Mr. Trump promoted “birther” conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama and called his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris, the first Black vice presidential nominee, a “monster.”
Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump has refused to condemn white nationalist groups and refused to say “Black Lives Matter.”
And he said Mr. Trump’s failed response has left people across the country more vulnerable to the threat - pointing out that the pandemic is disproportionately impacting the Black community.
“We are done with the chaos,” he said. “We are done with the racism, we are done with the tweets, the anger, the hate, the failure, the irresponsibility.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Alaska lawmakers say they lack votes for special session

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - The leaders of the Alaska House and Senate said they do not have the votes to call the Legislature into special session to extend a disaster declaration for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and asked Gov .
Mike Dunleavy on Monday for his help .
Senate President Cathy Giessel and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon , in a letter to Dunleavy , asked that he exercise his powers to call lawmakers into special session or help them secure the votes necessary so the Legislature can call a special session of its own .
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public health disaster emergency declaration , set to expire Nov. 15 .
“ However , it is clear after months of what appeared to be a lack of interest in convening the Legislature by your administration , the sudden nature of your request finds many legislators in a difficult position , given the immediate timeline involved and with COVID-19 cases spiking across the state , ” they wrote .
Giessel , like Dunleavy , is a Republican .
Edgmon is an independent .
Dunleavy ’ s chief of staff , Ben Stevens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polled their members .
He said Dunleavy wanted to know if the Legislature planned to convene itself to extend the declaration “ or let it expire.
” At least 40 lawmakers must agree for the Legislature to call itself into special session .
The Legislature has 60 seats though one remains vacant after the July death of Rep. Gary Knopp , who was part of the bipartisan House majority .
Some lawmakers , such as Rep. Ben Carpenter and Sen. Lora Reinbold , both Republicans , have argued for the declaration to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s help appealing to “ the smaller group of legislators , who have , in the past two years , consistently looked to you for direction.
” “ We are highly confident you are aware of this dynamic , having routinely used it to attain your objectives during the first two years of your administration to thwart veto overrides of your budget , among other procedural matters , ” Giessel and Edgmon wrote .
Jeff Turner , a Dunleavy spokesperson , said Dunleavy is evaluating “ all options regarding a continuance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents are facing and will make a decision soon.
” “ His paramount consideration is the health and safety of Alaskans , especially the most vulnerable in our communities , ” Turner said by email .
Stevens , in a statement last week , said if the Legislature doesn ’ t convene itself , Dunleavy could call a special session or allow the existing declaration to expire and issue a new one .
Legislative Legal Services Director Megan Wallace , in a September memo , wrote that no statutory provision authorizes the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same emergency .
Alaska is in what Dunleavy has called an “ acceleration ” phase of COVID-19 cases .
He has said the state is taking steps to bolster testing , supplies and contact tracing .
The state health department has reported nearly 16,000 confirmed resident cases since the start of the pandemic .
Of those , about 9,400 are active , according to the state health department .
Giessel said she had been under the impression , based on Dunleavy ’ s public statements , that he wasn ’ t particularly concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This should have been dealt with months ago .
There should have been communication months ago and there was not , ” she said , citing a lack of communication from Dunleavy ’ s office on the issue .
She said there is interest in having the extension done in a “ secure , law-conforming way.
” She said lawmakers want to avoid a repeat of the “ fiasco ” that surrounded authorization of federal coronavirus aid for various programs .
The manner in which that was approved was challenged in court .

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The leaders of the Alaska House and Senate said they do not have the votes to call the Legislature into special session to extend a disaster declaration for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and asked Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Monday for his help.
Senate President Cathy Giessel and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, in a letter to Dunleavy, asked that he exercise his powers to call lawmakers into special session or help them secure the votes necessary so the Legislature can call a special session of its own.
They said members have expressed an interest in extending the public health disaster emergency declaration, set to expire Nov. 15.
“However, it is clear after months of what appeared to be a lack of interest in convening the Legislature by your administration, the sudden nature of your request finds many legislators in a difficult position, given the immediate timeline involved and with COVID-19 cases spiking across the state,” they wrote. Giessel, like Dunleavy, is a Republican. Edgmon is an independent.
Dunleavy’s chief of staff, Ben Stevens, asked them Friday if they had polled their members. He said Dunleavy wanted to know if the Legislature planned to convene itself to extend the declaration “or let it expire.”
At least 40 lawmakers must agree for the Legislature to call itself into special session. The Legislature has 60 seats though one remains vacant after the July death of Rep. Gary Knopp, who was part of the bipartisan House majority. Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Ben Carpenter and Sen. Lora Reinbold, both Republicans, have argued for the declaration to end.
Giessel and Edgmon asked for Dunleavy’s help appealing to “the smaller group of legislators, who have, in the past two years, consistently looked to you for direction.”
“We are highly confident you are aware of this dynamic, having routinely used it to attain your objectives during the first two years of your administration to thwart veto overrides of your budget, among other procedural matters,” Giessel and Edgmon wrote.
Jeff Turner, a Dunleavy spokesperson, said Dunleavy is evaluating “all options regarding a continuance of the state of emergency Alaska’s residents are facing and will make a decision soon.”
“His paramount consideration is the health and safety of Alaskans, especially the most vulnerable in our communities,” Turner said by email.
Stevens, in a statement last week, said if the Legislature doesn’t convene itself, Dunleavy could call a special session or allow the existing declaration to expire and issue a new one.
Legislative Legal Services Director Megan Wallace, in a September memo, wrote that no statutory provision authorizes the governor to issue a second declaration for the same emergency.
Alaska is in what Dunleavy has called an “acceleration” phase of COVID-19 cases. He has said the state is taking steps to bolster testing, supplies and contact tracing.
The state health department has reported nearly 16,000 confirmed resident cases since the start of the pandemic. Of those, about 9,400 are active, according to the state health department.
Giessel said she had been under the impression, based on Dunleavy’s public statements, that he wasn’t particularly concerned about continuing the disaster declaration.
“This should have been dealt with months ago. There should have been communication months ago and there was not,” she said, citing a lack of communication from Dunleavy’s office on the issue.
She said there is interest in having the extension done in a “secure, law-conforming way.” She said lawmakers want to avoid a repeat of the “fiasco” that surrounded authorization of federal coronavirus aid for various programs. The manner in which that was approved was challenged in court.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Trump in Kenosha, Wisconsin, muses on losing to Biden

President Trump had to do his fourth rally of Election Eve game show-host style , grabbing a mic by hand after reverb and volume problems disrupted his push to rally voters in Kenosha , Wisconsin — a swing-state town that was caught up in riots earlier this year .
Gripping the mic with a black-gloved hand , Mr. Trump recounted how he restored order to Kenosha as violence erupted in the wake of a police shooting involving a Black man , Jacob Blake .
“ We spent a little time with you , we brought law and order to Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That ’ s what we want.
” “ You were in the news , right ?
” Mr. Trump said .
Mr. Trump insisted the country is united despite fears the election could result in another stretch of violent unrest .
Mr. Trump said Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden should tell his supporters that , though he abruptly caught himself and said his rival “ doesn ’ t have supporters.
” The president said any rioting or looting will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on a window , ” he said .
“ We are a country of law and order.
” Mr. Trump won Wisconsin and its 10 electoral votes four years ago , shocking Hillary Clinton and Democrats .
It will be a key prize on Tuesday , along with neighboring states in the upper Midwest .
Mr. Trump openly mused whether it ’ s possible for him to lose to Mr. Biden .
“ Can he really win ?
Are we serious about this ?
What the hell is going on ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his disgust with Supreme Court decisions that allow ballots in states like Pennsylvania to be counted for days after Election Day .
“ We ’ re gon na be all waiting around , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ I ’ m very disappointed on behalf of this country.
” “ The whole world is waiting for this decision , ” he said .
“ Lawyers will be going in and they ’ ll be fighting.
” Mr. Trump ’ s vibe was disrupted by mic problems in the early going , prompting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to pay whoever set up the show .
“ You got ta get the microphones fixed , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ We ’ re supposed to pay these people , right ?
” An assistant tried to affix the mic to the presidential lectern , prompting the president to quip : “ Now we ’ re back where we started !
”

President Trump had to do his fourth rally of Election Eve game show-host style, grabbing a mic by hand after reverb and volume problems disrupted his push to rally voters in Kenosha, Wisconsin — a swing-state town that was caught up in riots earlier this year.
Gripping the mic with a black-gloved hand, Mr. Trump recounted how he restored order to Kenosha as violence erupted in the wake of a police shooting involving a Black man, Jacob Blake.
“We spent a little time with you, we brought law and order to Kenosha, right?” Mr. Trump said. “That’s what we want.”
“You were in the news, right?” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump insisted the country is united despite fears the election could result in another stretch of violent unrest.
“We strongly condemn political violence,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump said Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden should tell his supporters that, though he abruptly caught himself and said his rival “doesn’t have supporters.”
The president said any rioting or looting will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“I hate to see where they put boards up on a window,” he said. “We are a country of law and order.”
Mr. Trump won Wisconsin and its 10 electoral votes four years ago, shocking Hillary Clinton and Democrats. It will be a key prize on Tuesday, along with neighboring states in the upper Midwest.
Mr. Trump openly mused whether it’s possible for him to lose to Mr. Biden.
“Can he really win? Are we serious about this? What the hell is going on?” the president said.
The president repeated his disgust with Supreme Court decisions that allow ballots in states like Pennsylvania to be counted for days after Election Day.
“We’re gonna be all waiting around,” Mr. Trump said. “I’m very disappointed on behalf of this country.”
“The whole world is waiting for this decision,” he said. “Lawyers will be going in and they’ll be fighting.”
Mr. Trump’s vibe was disrupted by mic problems in the early going, prompting him to muse repeatedly about whether he needed to pay whoever set up the show.
“You gotta get the microphones fixed,” Mr. Trump said. “We’re supposed to pay these people, right?”
An assistant tried to affix the mic to the presidential lectern, prompting the president to quip: “Now we’re back where we started!”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Last evacuation from Southeast Texas train derailment lifted

MAURICEVILLE , Texas ( AP ) - The last evacuation order has been lifted from the Southeast Texas vicinity of @ @ @ @ @ occurred last week , officials said Monday .
Schools near the derailment site will reopen @ @ @ @ @ since they were closed after the Thursday morning derailment near Mauriceville , close to the @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
There were no reports of injuries from the accident on the Kansas @ @ @ @ @ the leakage of corrosive material prompted the evacuation order .

MAURICEVILLE, Texas (AP) - The last evacuation order has been lifted from the Southeast Texas vicinity of a freight train derailment that occurred last week, officials said Monday.
Schools near the derailment site will reopen Tuesday for the first time since they were closed after the Thursday morning derailment near Mauriceville, close to the Louisiana border, Orange County officials said.
There were no reports of injuries from the accident on the Kansas City Southern line, but the leakage of corrosive material prompted the evacuation order.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Ted Wheeler, Portland mayor, warns of 'white supremacist' violence in city under siege by Antifa

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler drew eye-rolls Monday when he warned of the likelihood of post-election violence by “ white supremacist ” groups in a city that has been roiled since May by left-wing Antifa rioting .
“ Given the heightened concerns about potential violence , particularly from white supremist [ sic ] organizations and the divisive rhetoric from Washington , D.C. , the need for coordination and partnership takes on statewide significance .
Oregon is likely to be a flashpoint , ” Mr. Wheeler tweeted .
His comment prompted chortles from conservatives , including Fox host Tucker Carlson and Blexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that retailers boarding up their stores in anticipation of rioting have also posted “ Black Lives Matter ” messages , an indication that they believe that window-breaking protesters are likely to come from the left , not the right .
“ Now why would a business owner feel the need to spray paint on their own business boarded up , ‘ We support Black Lives Matter ?
’ Because they ’ re hoping that they send that message , ” said Ms. Owens on “ Tucker Carlson Tonight.
” “ They know exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They know it ’ s not Trump supporters .
They know it ’ s the left .
It ’ s the radical left.
” Nearly 1,000 people have been arrested in Portland on rioting-related charges since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , according to KOIN-TV .
“ For over five months , antifa have laid siege to Portland , leaving behind violence , destruction & death in the name of ‘ racial justice , ’ ” tweeted Portland conservative journalist Andy Ngo , who was featured in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Unfortunately , Democrats not only refuse to denounce Antifa ’ s violent extremism , they pretend that they don ’ t even exist , ” Mr. Ngo said .
Mr. Wheeler is seeking reelection in Tuesday ’ s run-off race against left-wing community activist Sarah Iannarone , who has declared , “ I am Antifa .
”

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler drew eye-rolls Monday when he warned of the likelihood of post-election violence by “white supremacist” groups in a city that has been roiled since May by left-wing Antifa rioting.
“Given the heightened concerns about potential violence, particularly from white supremist [sic] organizations and the divisive rhetoric from Washington, D.C., the need for coordination and partnership takes on statewide significance. Oregon is likely to be a flashpoint,” Mr. Wheeler tweeted.
His comment prompted chortles from conservatives, including Fox host Tucker Carlson and Blexit movement founder Candace Owens.
She said that retailers boarding up their stores in anticipation of rioting have also posted “Black Lives Matter” messages, an indication that they believe that window-breaking protesters are likely to come from the left, not the right.
“Now why would a business owner feel the need to spray paint on their own business boarded up, ‘We support Black Lives Matter?’ Because they’re hoping that they send that message,” said Ms. Owens on “Tucker Carlson Tonight.” “They know exactly who’s going to attack them. They know it’s not Trump supporters. They know it’s the left. It’s the radical left.”
Portland mayor blames “white supremist [sic] organizations” and “divisive rhetoric” from DC for potential violence in the city after election. https://t.co/r9RFtXNAY5 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) November 2, 2020
For over five months, antifa have laid siege to Portland, leaving behind violence, destruction & death in the name of “racial justice.” Watch the new @getoutspoken20 video where I talk about this terrorist movement & its black shirt militants. pic.twitter.com/ynqFT3iq4L — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) November 2, 2020
Nearly 1,000 people have been arrested in Portland on rioting-related charges since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, according to KOIN-TV.
“For over five months, antifa have laid siege to Portland, leaving behind violence, destruction & death in the name of ‘racial justice,’” tweeted Portland conservative journalist Andy Ngo, who was featured in a video released Monday by Log Cabin Republicans.
“Unfortunately, Democrats not only refuse to denounce Antifa’s violent extremism, they pretend that they don’t even exist,” Mr. Ngo said.
Mr. Wheeler is seeking reelection in Tuesday’s run-off race against left-wing community activist Sarah Iannarone, who has declared, “I am Antifa.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--AP PHOTOS:  In campaign's last days, a final push for votes

Election Day is Nov. 3 , but the nation has been teeming with voting activity for weeks as the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ stretch .
With coronavirus cases spiking in most of the country , millions of Americans @ @ @ @ @ lining up at socially distanced intervals at early voting stations to have their say well @ @ @ @ @ candidates , their running mates and surrogates are making last-minute pitches to any voters who @ @ @ @ @ and haven ’ t already voted .
Amid the rallies and speeches , local elections @ @ @ @ @ are preparing by sanitizing polling booths and checking vote-counting systems .
Here ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ photos , 2020 election edition .

Election Day is Nov. 3, but the nation has been teeming with voting activity for weeks as the 2020 campaign barrels down the home stretch.
With coronavirus cases spiking in most of the country, millions of Americans are mailing in ballots or lining up at socially distanced intervals at early voting stations to have their say well beforehand.
Meanwhile, the candidates, their running mates and surrogates are making last-minute pitches to any voters who may still be persuadable - and haven’t already voted.
Amid the rallies and speeches, local elections officials from coast to coast are preparing by sanitizing polling booths and checking vote-counting systems.
Here’s a look at the day in photos, 2020 election edition.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Teachers union, parents rally over D.C. Public Schools' reopening plans

D.C. Public Schools advisors stood Monday in solidarity with other parents and teachers concerned about reopening plans , just hours after the District delayed its plans to return to in-person instruction next week .
The afternoon rally hosted by Local Schools Advisory Team ( LSAT ) members outside Schools Without Walls at Francis Stevens in Northwest had been scheduled before the school system ’ s decision to scrap its reopening plans .
DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee sent an email to parents Monday morning stating that elementary school students will not return to in-person instruction on Nov. 9 as originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Teachers Union ( WTU ) members took a mental health day on Monday .
The union last week cast a vote of no confidence in the reopening plan after DCPS was ordered by a labor board to “ commence bargaining ” with WTU on the plan .
“ I know that there had been negotiations between the [ union ] and [ DCPS ] even going on this weekend , so it was shocking that they waited until Monday to make that decision , but I ’ m glad that they did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the LSAT for Bard High School Early College .
“ I don ’ t think that they engaged parents and families enough .
I mean , I don ’ t think parents had enough information to make decisions about whether they wanted their children to go back into the classroom or not , ” said Ms. Winston , whose child attends Bard High .
LSATs are made up of elected parents , staff , community members and sometimes students who help advise school principals .
“ We were compelled to come together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ] our input as LSATs , ” said Sherice Muhammed , chair of the LSAT for McKinley Technology High School .
“ The overall plan , I think , just needs to be trashed and we start again .
You can ’ t salvage this plan , it just doesn ’ t make sense .
I think it ’ s convoluted and I don ’ t think it ’ s fully planned out.
” Under DCPS ’ “ Reopen Strong ” plan , randomly selected students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school in-person starting Nov. 9 .
The process prioritized students who are designated as “ at-risk , ” experiencing homelessness , enrolled in special education , English language learners or siblings .
Those chosen would have been given two in-person instruction options , including being taught in-person by a teacher or virtually in a Canvas Academics and Real Engagement ( CARE ) classroom supervised by a staff member .
One teacher per grade level would teach classes of up to 11 students in-person .
Students in middle and high school were set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible transition ” to in-person learning on Feb. 1 .
Critics of the plan argued that it failed to accommodate students who need the most support and some virtual classes will be overcrowded with up to 40 students .
They also said it would negatively affect schools as staff are reassigned to CARE classrooms .
LSAT members sent Mr. Ferebee and Mayor Muriel Bowser an email Monday reiterating their call for schools to remain virtual until “ at least ” term 3 next year .
They cited concerns about the “ inadequate ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” disruption to middle and high school staff , and “ elusive ” coronavirus testing protocols .
The chancellor ’ s email states that the revised plan will begin with opening CARE classrooms “ as soon as staffing plans are confirmed.
” “ We have heard feedback from many in our community about # ReopenStrong plans , and we will use this moment to adjust our timeline and staffing plans for reopening , ” Mr. Ferebee said .
DCPS and Miss Bowser will hold a virtual community town hall on return plans at @ @ @ @

D.C. Public Schools advisors stood Monday in solidarity with other parents and teachers concerned about reopening plans, just hours after the District delayed its plans to return to in-person instruction next week.
The afternoon rally hosted by Local Schools Advisory Team (LSAT) members outside Schools Without Walls at Francis Stevens in Northwest had been scheduled before the school system’s decision to scrap its reopening plans.
DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee sent an email to parents Monday morning stating that elementary school students will not return to in-person instruction on Nov. 9 as originally planned.
The change came as some Washington Teachers Union (WTU) members took a mental health day on Monday. The union last week cast a vote of no confidence in the reopening plan after DCPS was ordered by a labor board to “commence bargaining” with WTU on the plan.
“I know that there had been negotiations between the [union] and [DCPS] even going on this weekend, so it was shocking that they waited until Monday to make that decision, but I’m glad that they did,” said Nikisha Winston, chair of the LSAT for Bard High School Early College.
“I don’t think that they engaged parents and families enough. I mean, I don’t think parents had enough information to make decisions about whether they wanted their children to go back into the classroom or not,” said Ms. Winston, whose child attends Bard High.
LSATs are made up of elected parents, staff, community members and sometimes students who help advise school principals.
“We were compelled to come together because this reopen plan was void [of] our input as LSATs,” said Sherice Muhammed, chair of the LSAT for McKinley Technology High School. “The overall plan, I think, just needs to be trashed and we start again. You can’t salvage this plan, it just doesn’t make sense. I think it’s convoluted and I don’t think it’s fully planned out.”
Under DCPS’ “Reopen Strong” plan, randomly selected students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade were to have the option of returning to school in-person starting Nov. 9. The process prioritized students who are designated as “at-risk,” experiencing homelessness, enrolled in special education, English language learners or siblings.
Those chosen would have been given two in-person instruction options, including being taught in-person by a teacher or virtually in a Canvas Academics and Real Engagement (CARE) classroom supervised by a staff member. One teacher per grade level would teach classes of up to 11 students in-person.
Students in middle and high school were set to continue with online instruction “with a possible transition” to in-person learning on Feb. 1.
Critics of the plan argued that it failed to accommodate students who need the most support and some virtual classes will be overcrowded with up to 40 students. They also said it would negatively affect schools as staff are reassigned to CARE classrooms.
LSAT members sent Mr. Ferebee and Mayor Muriel Bowser an email Monday reiterating their call for schools to remain virtual until “at least” term 3 next year. They cited concerns about the “inadequate” facility readiness plans, the “major” disruption to middle and high school staff, and “elusive” coronavirus testing protocols.
The chancellor’s email states that the revised plan will begin with opening CARE classrooms “as soon as staffing plans are confirmed.”
“We have heard feedback from many in our community about #ReopenStrong plans, and we will use this moment to adjust our timeline and staffing plans for reopening,” Mr. Ferebee said.
DCPS and Miss Bowser will hold a virtual community town hall on return plans at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
• Emily Zantow can be reached at ezantow@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Judge Michael Mosman restricts feds amid Portland protests

A judge on Monday ordered federal police to stay penned inside a one-block radius from the courthouse in Portland , ruling that they were violating protesters ’ rights when they went into crowds blocks away to try to arrest agitators .
U.S. District Judge Judge Michael W. Mosman said President Trump ’ s heated rhetoric and vows of retaliation against the Portland protesters forced his hand .
He said those protesters had a right to a “ zone of safety where they can peacefully protest without fear of retaliation.
” “ I have limited defendants ’ crowd control activities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courthouse , ” he wrote .
He called that area the “ Excluded Zone , ” and said federal officers and agents can continue to do their regular crowd control duties there .
But beyond that zone , they can not use crowd control .
It ’ s not clear how his order would affect protests at the ICE office building , which stands miles away in South Portland , and has been the scene of some violent clashes over the last four months of demonstrations and riots .
In July , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal courthouse , Homeland Security deployed additional agents and officers to protect the building .
Those police would often send sorties out beyond the perimeter of the courthouse to clear streets or target specific agitators .
Those moves prompted complaints from local officials , and several investigations have been launched to figure out if agents and officers crossed any lines .
Mr. Trump repeatedly slammed the protesters and insisted federal agents should give no quarter .
Judge Mosman , a George W. Bush appointee , said those comments suggested a retaliatory motive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ rights .
Activist groups cheered his ruling limiting federal agents to the one-block perimeter .
“ President Trump didn ’ t just pick a fight with the city of Portland , he picked a fight with all Americans who believe in the U.S. Constitution .
And he lost , ” said Eric Ward , executive director of Western States Center , the lead plaintiff .

A judge on Monday ordered federal police to stay penned inside a one-block radius from the courthouse in Portland, ruling that they were violating protesters’ rights when they went into crowds blocks away to try to arrest agitators.
U.S. District Judge Judge Michael W. Mosman said President Trump’s heated rhetoric and vows of retaliation against the Portland protesters forced his hand.
He said those protesters had a right to a “zone of safety where they can peacefully protest without fear of retaliation.”
“I have limited defendants’ crowd control activities to an extended city block around the U.S. courthouse,” he wrote.
He called that area the “Excluded Zone,” and said federal officers and agents can continue to do their regular crowd control duties there. But beyond that zone, they cannot use crowd control.
It’s not clear how his order would affect protests at the ICE office building, which stands miles away in South Portland, and has been the scene of some violent clashes over the last four months of demonstrations and riots.
In July, when protesters were staging nightly attacks on the federal courthouse, Homeland Security deployed additional agents and officers to protect the building. Those police would often send sorties out beyond the perimeter of the courthouse to clear streets or target specific agitators.
Those moves prompted complaints from local officials, and several investigations have been launched to figure out if agents and officers crossed any lines.
Mr. Trump repeatedly slammed the protesters and insisted federal agents should give no quarter.
Judge Mosman, a George W. Bush appointee, said those comments suggested a retaliatory motive, which he said trampled on the protesters’ rights.
Activist groups cheered his ruling limiting federal agents to the one-block perimeter.
“President Trump didn’t just pick a fight with the city of Portland, he picked a fight with all Americans who believe in the U.S. Constitution. And he lost,” said Eric Ward, executive director of Western States Center, the lead plaintiff.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Twitter tags election-eve Trump tweet as 'misleading,' blocks sharing

President Trump posted to Twitter on the day before the election — and the Silicon Valley company promptly slapped a warning label on it .
In the tweet , Mr. Trump criticized a Supreme Court decision and warned of post-election violence — a warning borne out by businesses boarding up their establishment to protect themselves from riots .
“ The Supreme Court decision on voting in Pennsylvania is a VERY dangerous one .
It will allow rampant and unchecked cheating and will undermine our entire systems of laws .
It will also induce violence in the streets .
Something must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not so fast , Twitter said .
The social-media giant , almost all of whose employee donations go to Democrats and which regularly censors conservative figures , put two warning labels on the tweet .
One label , appearing above the tweet on Chrome desktop version of the service , said that “ Some or all of the content shared in this Tweet is disputed and might be misleading about an election or other civic process.
” The social-media companies are opaque about what makes a political claim “ disputed ” or “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of politics .
The second warning , shown below the text , invited readers to get what Twitter has determined is the truth : “ Learn how voting by mail is safe and secure.
” Twitter users can not share the tweet , to see what the president is saying on Election Eve , without making users click through and read Twitter ’ s warnings .

President Trump posted to Twitter on the day before the election — and the Silicon Valley company promptly slapped a warning label on it.
In the tweet, Mr. Trump criticized a Supreme Court decision and warned of post-election violence — a warning borne out by businesses boarding up their establishment to protect themselves from riots.
“The Supreme Court decision on voting in Pennsylvania is a VERY dangerous one. It will allow rampant and unchecked cheating and will undermine our entire systems of laws. It will also induce violence in the streets. Something must be done!” he wrote.
The Supreme Court decision on voting in Pennsylvania is a VERY dangerous one. It will allow rampant and unchecked cheating and will undermine our entire systems of laws. It will also induce violence in the streets. Something must be done! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2020
Not so fast, Twitter said.
The social-media giant, almost all of whose employee donations go to Democrats and which regularly censors conservative figures, put two warning labels on the tweet.
One label, appearing above the tweet on Chrome desktop version of the service, said that “Some or all of the content shared in this Tweet is disputed and might be misleading about an election or other civic process.”
The social-media companies are opaque about what makes a political claim “disputed” or “misleading,” since disagreement is part of politics.
The second warning, shown below the text, invited readers to get what Twitter has determined is the truth: “Learn how voting by mail is safe and secure.”
Twitter users cannot share the tweet, to see what the president is saying on election eve, without making users click through and read Twitter’s warnings.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Kamala Harris in Philadelphia: 'It ain't over 'til it's over'

Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala D. Harris said Monday at an election-eve rally in Philadelphia that Democrats need to run through the tape if they want to oust President Trump from office .
“ We all know from the time the polls open tomorrow morning until they close , every minute counts .
So we can not let up , ” Ms. Harris said .
“ Because it ain ’ t over ‘ til it ’ s over.
” Ms. Harris said Mr. Trump has failed to contain the coronavirus pandemic .
“ He failed to lead , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greatest failure of a presidential administration in America ’ s history.
” She said there ’ s still reason for optimism .
“ As we head into tomorrow , I know we are empowered .
We are optimistic about our future , ” she said .
“ The energy out there is real , and it is inspiring.
” The event , parts of which were in Pittsburgh where Joseph R. Biden was campaigning Monday , also featured appearances from musicians Lady Gaga , John Legend , and Common .
Doug Emhoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was among the speakers who took the stage before her .
“ This is a country in pain , and it ’ s a direct result of the lack of leadership in the White House , ” Mr. Emhoff said .
Mr. Emhoff said unlike Mr. Trump , Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris are not going to try to force out Dr. Anthony Fauci , the federal government ’ s top infectious diseases expert .
“ They ’ re not going to fire Dr. Fauci — they ’ re going to stand with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .

Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala D. Harris said Monday at an election-eve rally in Philadelphia that Democrats need to run through the tape if they want to oust President Trump from office.
“We all know from the time the polls open tomorrow morning until they close, every minute counts. So we cannot let up,” Ms. Harris said. “Because it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
Ms. Harris said Mr. Trump has failed to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
“He failed to lead,” she said. “We have witnessed the greatest failure of a presidential administration in America’s history.”
She said there’s still reason for optimism.
“As we head into tomorrow, I know we are empowered. We are optimistic about our future,” she said. “The energy out there is real, and it is inspiring.”
The event, parts of which were in Pittsburgh where Joseph R. Biden was campaigning Monday, also featured appearances from musicians Lady Gaga, John Legend, and Common.
Doug Emhoff, Ms. Harris’s husband, was among the speakers who took the stage before her.
“This is a country in pain, and it’s a direct result of the lack of leadership in the White House,” Mr. Emhoff said.
Mr. Emhoff said unlike Mr. Trump, Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris are not going to try to force out Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious diseases expert.
“They’re not going to fire Dr. Fauci — they’re going to stand with Dr. Fauci and Science! Science!” he said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Gianforte fires staffer under investigation for vandalism

HELENA , Mont .
( AP ) - Republican Greg Gianforte ’ s campaign for governor has fired its political director , who is under investigation by police after he was accused of causing damage to another person ’ s car last week .
Daniel Duffey was fired after the campaign found out about the alleged incident , campaign spokesperson Travis Hall said Monday night .
Duffey is accused of using his own car door to strike the side of another car multiple times while the two vehicles were parked outside a restaurant in Bozeman on Oct. 26 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department after the incident .
No charges had been filed against Duffey as of Monday .
The case was still under investigation , said Bozeman Police Sgt .
Travis Munter .
Duffey did not return a call requesting comment on Monday .
The owner of the car that was allegedly hit , Jennifer Klingaman , said the damages were estimated at $ 1,600 .
She said an officer investigating the incident told her that surveillance footage captured Duffey slamming his car door into her car before keying her car .
Klingaman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who currently serves as Montana ’ s lone representative in the U.S. House , is facing Democratic Lt. Gov .
Mike Cooney in Tuesday ’ s election .
Current Gov .
Steve Bullock is termed out and running for a seat in the U.S. Senate .

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Republican Greg Gianforte’s campaign for governor has fired its political director, who is under investigation by police after he was accused of causing damage to another person’s car last week.
Daniel Duffey was fired after the campaign found out about the alleged incident, campaign spokesperson Travis Hall said Monday night.
Duffey is accused of using his own car door to strike the side of another car multiple times while the two vehicles were parked outside a restaurant in Bozeman on Oct. 26, according to a report produced by the Bozeman Police Department after the incident.
No charges had been filed against Duffey as of Monday. The case was still under investigation, said Bozeman Police Sgt. Travis Munter.
Duffey did not return a call requesting comment on Monday.
The owner of the car that was allegedly hit, Jennifer Klingaman, said the damages were estimated at $1,600. She said an officer investigating the incident told her that surveillance footage captured Duffey slamming his car door into her car before keying her car. Klingaman said she has never met Duffey.
Gianforte, who currently serves as Montana’s lone representative in the U.S. House, is facing Democratic Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney in Tuesday’s election. Current Gov. Steve Bullock is termed out and running for a seat in the U.S. Senate.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--5 competitive House races to watch on Election Day

Democrats are poised to retain or expand their House majority but Republicans still have a shot at picking up a handful of seats in Tuesday ’ s vote .
Overall , Republicans have 17 seats considered a toss-up while Democrats only have 9 and are likely to increase their majority by 10 to 15 seats , according to an election-eve analysis from the Cook Political Report .
Here are some of the more competitive races to watch as Republicans target the Democratic Party ’ s most vulnerable members .
Rep. Collin Peterson , a 15 term-incumbent , is arguably one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members .
He ’ s running in a district that Mr. Trump won by a 31-point margin in 2016 .
The House Agriculture Committee chairman was also one of the three Democrats who voted against impeachment , which could help him in a conservative district .
He faces off against former Lt. Gov .
Michelle Fischbach , a Republican who comes in with statewide name recognition .
Rep. Max Rose , who was part of the blue wave that secured his party ’ s majority in the House in 2018 , is running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rose defeated a long-term GOP incumbent in 2018 and has been a vocal critic of the Democratic Party in New York in an attempt to distance himself from far-left stars such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
President Trump won the district by nearly 10 points in 2016 .
Recent polls in the district found Mr. Trump holding a 3-point advantage this time and Mr. Rose ahead by 1 point .
Rep. Xochitl Torres Small has been a consistent top target for the GOP since flipping her district in 2018 .
She ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump won the district by 10 points and has endorsed Ms. Herrell .
An October poll from Research & Polling Inc. showed Ms. Torres Small trailing by 2 points , though it was within the margin of error .
While Rep. T.J. Cox ’ s district is one that 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won by a solid margin , Republicans are hoping former Rep. David Valadao will be able to win his seat back .
The Democratic incumbent beat Mr. Valadao in 2018 by less than 1 percentage point .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first term for owing $ 140,000 in unpaid federal taxes , which he said he ’ s since paid off — though the scandal was highlighted in Mr. Valadao ’ s ads .
Rep. Kendra Horn is another Democrat running in solid Trump territory .
The GOP previously held the district for more than 40 years before Ms. Horn won it in 2018 .
She has been a vocal critic of her party ’ s leaders , particularly during the coronavirus pandemic as negotiations between Democrats and the White House gridlocked .
Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 , and a late October poll from Amber Integrated found Ms. Horn trailing Ms. Bice by 5 points .

Democrats are poised to retain or expand their House majority but Republicans still have a shot at picking up a handful of seats in Tuesday’s vote.
Overall, Republicans have 17 seats considered a toss-up while Democrats only have 9 and are likely to increase their majority by 10 to 15 seats, according to an election-eve analysis from the Cook Political Report.
Here are some of the more competitive races to watch as Republicans target the Democratic Party’s most vulnerable members.
Collin Peterson, Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District
Rep. Collin Peterson, a 15 term-incumbent, is arguably one of the House’s most vulnerable members. He’s running in a district that Mr. Trump won by a 31-point margin in 2016.
The House Agriculture Committee chairman was also one of the three Democrats who voted against impeachment, which could help him in a conservative district. He faces off against former Lt. Gov. Michelle Fischbach, a Republican who comes in with statewide name recognition.
Max Rose, New York 11th Congressional District
Rep. Max Rose, who was part of the blue wave that secured his party’s majority in the House in 2018, is running against state Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis. Mr. Rose defeated a long-term GOP incumbent in 2018 and has been a vocal critic of the Democratic Party in New York in an attempt to distance himself from far-left stars such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
President Trump won the district by nearly 10 points in 2016. Recent polls in the district found Mr. Trump holding a 3-point advantage this time and Mr. Rose ahead by 1 point.
Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico 2nd Congressional District
Rep. Xochitl Torres Small has been a consistent top target for the GOP since flipping her district in 2018. She’s running against Republican Yvette Herrell yet again
Mr. Trump won the district by 10 points and has endorsed Ms. Herrell. An October poll from Research & Polling Inc. showed Ms. Torres Small trailing by 2 points, though it was within the margin of error.
T.J. Cox, California 21st Congressional District
While Rep. T.J. Cox’s district is one that 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won by a solid margin, Republicans are hoping former Rep. David Valadao will be able to win his seat back.
The Democratic incumbent beat Mr. Valadao in 2018 by less than 1 percentage point. Mr. Cox faced some controversy during this first term for owing $140,000 in unpaid federal taxes, which he said he’s since paid off — though the scandal was highlighted in Mr. Valadao’s ads.
Kendra Horn, Oklahoma 5th Congressional District
Rep. Kendra Horn is another Democrat running in solid Trump territory. The GOP previously held the district for more than 40 years before Ms. Horn won it in 2018. She has been a vocal critic of her party’s leaders, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic as negotiations between Democrats and the White House gridlocked.
She’s facing a tough reelection challenge from state Sen. Stephanie Bice.
Mr. Trump won the district by 13 points in 2016, and a late October poll from Amber Integrated found Ms. Horn trailing Ms. Bice by 5 points.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Ballot returns at nearly 73% in Washington with one day left

OLYMPIA , Wash. ( AP ) - One day out from Election Day , nearly 73 % of Washington state ’ s more than 4.8 million voters have already cast their votes .
The secretary of state ’ s office reported that as of Monday night , 3,545,289 ballots have been returned .
In 2016 , about 52 % of ballots had been returned by the night before the election .
In addition to voting for president and weighing in on 10 congressional races , voters will also decide on several statewide races including governor and lieutenant governor , scores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on sex education .
Election officials have been preparing for turnout of up to 90 % , which would surpass the previous record of 84.6 % in 2008 .
Of the state ’ s 39 counties , 26 saw returns of more than 70 % by Monday night .
Two counties were already topping 80 % and 11 were above 60 % .
In King County , the state ’ s most populous county , 75.9 % of voters have returned their ballots so far .
Voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or , if they mail it , it must be postmarked by Election Day .

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - One day out from Election Day, nearly 73% of Washington state’s more than 4.8 million voters have already cast their votes.
The secretary of state’s office reported that as of Monday night, 3,545,289 ballots have been returned.
In 2016, about 52% of ballots had been returned by the night before the election.
In addition to voting for president and weighing in on 10 congressional races, voters will also decide on several statewide races including governor and lieutenant governor, scores of legislative races and a ballot measure on sex education.
Election officials have been preparing for turnout of up to 90%, which would surpass the previous record of 84.6% in 2008.
Of the state’s 39 counties, 26 saw returns of more than 70% by Monday night. Two counties were already topping 80% and 11 were above 60%. In King County, the state’s most populous county, 75.9% of voters have returned their ballots so far.
Voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday night to drop their ballot at a dropbox or, if they mail it, it must be postmarked by Election Day.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Another staffer in Nevada governor's office gets COVID-19

CARSON CITY , Nev. ( AP ) - An employee working in Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak ’ s Carson City office tested positive for COVID-19 , sending staff members who came into close contact home to work remotely for the second time in a month .
The staff member , who last worked in the governor ’ s office on Thursday , received a rapid test over the weekend after developing virus symptoms , Sisolak ’ s spokeswoman Meghin Delaney said in a press release on Monday .
The staff member ’ s identity was not disclosed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but health officials have already determined that Sisolak wasn ’ t in close contact with the staff member .
The Democratic governor is tested routinely and , after the employee ’ s result came back positive , he tested negative for the virus on Monday .
The positive test marks the second time the coronavirus has struck Sisolak ’ s office .
Caleb Cage , his COVID-19 response director , tested positive for the virus in early October .
It comes as cases surge in Carson City and northern Nevada , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the fall .
Nevada officials have flagged Carson City as “ high risk ” and local officials are slated to appear before a state reopening task force on Thursday .

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - An employee working in Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s Carson City office tested positive for COVID-19, sending staff members who came into close contact home to work remotely for the second time in a month.
The staff member, who last worked in the governor’s office on Thursday, received a rapid test over the weekend after developing virus symptoms, Sisolak’s spokeswoman Meghin Delaney said in a press release on Monday. The staff member’s identity was not disclosed.
The origin of the case remains under investigation, but health officials have already determined that Sisolak wasn’t in close contact with the staff member. The Democratic governor is tested routinely and, after the employee’s result came back positive, he tested negative for the virus on Monday.
The positive test marks the second time the coronavirus has struck Sisolak’s office. Caleb Cage, his COVID-19 response director, tested positive for the virus in early October. It comes as cases surge in Carson City and northern Nevada, where case counts and positivity rates have spiked throughout the fall.
Nevada officials have flagged Carson City as “high risk” and local officials are slated to appear before a state reopening task force on Thursday.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Bodies of 2 men recovered from Mount Rainier

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK , Wash. ( AP ) - Rangers at Mount Rainier National Park have recovered the bodies @ @ @ @ @ Peak in the northwest corner of the park , officials said .
Park officials said @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday by hikers .
An investigation so far suggests the people died from self-inflicted @ @ @ @ @ few days , according to park officials .
The men are ages 29 and 34 @ @ @ @ @ Western Washington , officials said .
Their names haven ’ t been released because officials @ @ @ @ @ bodies were flown out by helicopter and turned over to the Pierce County Medical Examiner @ @ @

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, Wash. (AP) - Rangers at Mount Rainier National Park have recovered the bodies of two men from Tolmie Peak in the northwest corner of the park, officials said.
Park officials said Monday the bodies were discovered on Saturday by hikers. An investigation so far suggests the people died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in the previous few days, according to park officials.
The men are ages 29 and 34, and neither are from Western Washington, officials said. Their names haven’t been released because officials are notifying relatives.
The bodies were flown out by helicopter and turned over to the Pierce County Medical Examiner on Sunday.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--John Legend mocks pro-Trump rappers

John Legend mocks pro-Trump rappers

Musician John Legend took aim Monday at some of the country ’ s “ former favorite rappers ” that have rallied behind President Trump , joking at a rally for Joseph R. Biden that the pro-Trump rappers have formed “ a new supergroup — it ’ s called the sunken place.
” Without naming them , Mr. Legend said people have wrongly bought into Mr. Trump ’ s “ meanness , ” “ bullying , ” and “ selfishness.
” “ They mistake it for strength - a kind of twisted masculinity , ” he said at an event for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Some see his greed and they mistake it for being good at business.
” “ Some of your former favorite rappers have been taken in by these lies , ” he said .
“ I think they have even found a new supergroup — it ’ s called the sunken place.
” Rapper Lil Wayne this endorsed Mr. Trump and the “ Platinum Plan ” that he has vowed to push during a second term .
Rapper 50 Cent , meanwhile , panned Mr. Biden ’ s tax plan , and Ice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Republican on Black issues .
“ Trump ’ s Platinum Plan for black folks is nothing but fool ’ s gold because you can ’ t bank on a word he says , ” Mr. Legend said of the president ’ s policy agenda .
Mr. Biden has been focused on turning out Black voters over the closing days of the 2020 presidential campaign .

Musician John Legend took aim Monday at some of the country’s “former favorite rappers” that have rallied behind President Trump, joking at a rally for Joseph R. Biden that the pro-Trump rappers have formed “a new supergroup — it’s called the sunken place.”
Without naming them, Mr. Legend said people have wrongly bought into Mr. Trump’s “meanness,” “bullying,” and “selfishness.”
“They mistake it for strength - a kind of twisted masculinity,” he said at an event for Democrat Joseph R. Biden in Philadelphia. “Some see his greed and they mistake it for being good at business.”
“Some of your former favorite rappers have been taken in by these lies,” he said. “I think they have even found a new supergroup — it’s called the sunken place.”
Rapper Lil Wayne this endorsed Mr. Trump and the “Platinum Plan” that he has vowed to push during a second term.
Rapper 50 Cent, meanwhile, panned Mr. Biden’s tax plan, and Ice Cube has signaled a willingness to work with the Republican on Black issues.
“Trump’s Platinum Plan for black folks is nothing but fool’s gold because you can’t bank on a word he says,” Mr. Legend said of the president’s policy agenda.
Mr. Biden has been focused on turning out Black voters over the closing days of the 2020 presidential campaign.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--New Jersey Women for Trump, Facebook group, reinstated after Donald Trump tweet

Despite the rigors posed by a nonstop reelection campaign , social unrest and a raging pandemic , President Trump took a moment to right a wrong done to New Jersey Women for Trump , a 30,000-member private grassroots group in the Garden State that had a serious run-in with social media .
“ We are very vocal in our support for the president .
We ’ ve put a lot of volunteer effort into what we do .
On Saturday , our Facebook page simply disappeared .
It was gone , with no notice .
They silenced us , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a year ago , told The Washington Times .
Then came a surprise .
After a 12-hour day of campaigning , Mr. Trump took to Twitter very , very early Sunday with a message directed to Facebook , tweeted on behalf of the New Jersey group .
“ Put them back on , now , ” Mr. Trump told the social media giant .
Eight hours later , the bustling Facebook page was up and running .
“ Facebook stated that they made an ‘ enforcement error ’ .
Thank you !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The incident was both an unforgettable experience and a teachable moment for the New Jersey ladies who had supported Mr. Trump from the get-go .
“ We were so honored and thankful to the president .
To help us out at 1 a.m. , to defend a grassroots group that is not even in a battleground state — well , that was pretty extraordinary , ” Ms. Confrey said .
“ We also learned something .
Social media companies are not news media — but I believe they should be held accountable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
The social media companies have too much power .
This is definitely something for Congress to examine in the future , ” she observed .

Despite the rigors posed by a nonstop reelection campaign, social unrest and a raging pandemic, President Trump took a moment to right a wrong done to New Jersey Women for Trump, a 30,000-member private grassroots group in the Garden State that had a serious run-in with social media.
“We are very vocal in our support for the president. We’ve put a lot of volunteer effort into what we do. On Saturday, our Facebook page simply disappeared. It was gone, with no notice. They silenced us,” Priscilla Confrey, who co-founded the organization over a year ago, told The Washington Times.
Then came a surprise. After a 12-hour day of campaigning, Mr. Trump took to Twitter very, very early Sunday with a message directed to Facebook, tweeted on behalf of the New Jersey group.
“Put them back on, now,” Mr. Trump told the social media giant. Eight hours later, the bustling Facebook page was up and running.
“Facebook stated that they made an ‘enforcement error’. Thank you!” The president tweeted in response.
The incident was both an unforgettable experience and a teachable moment for the New Jersey ladies who had supported Mr. Trump from the get-go.
“We were so honored and thankful to the president. To help us out at 1 a.m., to defend a grassroots group that is not even in a battleground state — well, that was pretty extraordinary,” Ms. Confrey said.
“We also learned something. Social media companies are not news media — but I believe they should be held accountable and observe standards, similar to the news media. The social media companies have too much power. This is definitely something for Congress to examine in the future,” she observed.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Jones calls Tuberville 'quitter,' says health care on ballot

MONTGOMERY , Ala. ( AP ) - U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama made a flurry of campaign stops Monday as the Deep South Democrat tries to avoid being swept out of office by Republican Tommy Tuberville and a red wave on Election Day .
Jones , who is running for a full term after winning a special election three years ago , made a last-minute push to get voters to the polls as he seeks a coalition of Democrats , independents and Republicans , required to hold on to the seat .
During a stop at the AFL-CIO labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aside predictions that he can ’ t win , noting he had done so once .
“ We ’ ve got a tough road tomorrow .
Everybody knows this .
We ’ ve got a tough road .
We ’ ve got to get our folks voting , ” Jones said .
“ This is not about me .
This has never ever been about me and my family .
It ’ s about you .
… It ’ s all about One Alabama , ” the senator said , referencing his campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first Alabama Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate in a quarter-century .
He is facing reelection in a state where President Donald Trump won 62 % of the vote in 2016 .
Jones , as he has at other stops , emphasized health care issues , including the fate of the Affordable Care Act , which he says provides health coverage protections for hundreds of thousands of people in the state .
“ Make no mistake , folks , your health care is on the ballot .
… Leave it to Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into turmoil the health care of 957,000 Alabamians that have preexisting conditions in this state , ” Jones said .
Marilyn Hobbs , a program administrator for a media company , said she has already cast an absentee ballot for Jones and for Joe Biden in the presidential election .
“ He definitely has a chance , ” Hobbs said of Jones .
“ The same people who voted for him last time , we are going to vote for him again .
I do believe women will play a central part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Jones took parting shots at Tuberville , saying his opponent ’ s campaign consisted of only , “ Drain the swamp , build the wall , no amnesty , I ’ ve got Donald Trump ’ s back and let me tell you lies about Doug Jones.
” He also lampooned Tuberville as a quitter , noting the Republican had said he might spend part of the day golfing .
The Tuberville campaign did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment .
Tuberville held a Sunday rally in Gardendale , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race .
Tuberville emphasized his support for Trump and said Jones does not represent the conservative voters of the state .
“ When we win , you are going to get someone like Donald Trump who is going to work for you , ” Tuberville said .
“ I ’ m not doing this to be on television or be in the newspaper .
I ’ ve done all that.
” Tuberville did not announce any campaign stops Monday .
He told supporters all that was left to do was go vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m probably going to get a haircut .
I might even go hit a few golf balls .
I may be sore Tuesday night when I get up on the stage at the end of the election .
This is the last event I ’ ll attend .
There is not a lot we can do other than go vote , ” Tuberville said Sunday .
Wearing a string of GOP buttons and carrying a face mask that read , “ Biden will Keep Lock Downs For Years , ” Meghann Mustico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , came to hear Tuberville speak on Sunday .
“ I know he will better represent Alabama , ” Mustico said .
“ President Trump has been the voice for the unborn , stood up for veterans rights , and I have a feeling he is going to follow his lead .
”

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama made a flurry of campaign stops Monday as the Deep South Democrat tries to avoid being swept out of office by Republican Tommy Tuberville and a red wave on Election Day.
Jones, who is running for a full term after winning a special election three years ago, made a last-minute push to get voters to the polls as he seeks a coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans, required to hold on to the seat. During a stop at the AFL-CIO labor union office in Montgomery, Jones brushed aside predictions that he can’t win, noting he had done so once.
“We’ve got a tough road tomorrow. Everybody knows this. We’ve got a tough road. We’ve got to get our folks voting,” Jones said. “This is not about me. This has never ever been about me and my family. It’s about you. … It’s all about One Alabama,” the senator said, referencing his campaign slogan.
In 2017, Jones was the first Alabama Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate in a quarter-century. He is facing reelection in a state where President Donald Trump won 62% of the vote in 2016.
Jones, as he has at other stops, emphasized health care issues, including the fate of the Affordable Care Act, which he says provides health coverage protections for hundreds of thousands of people in the state.
“Make no mistake, folks, your health care is on the ballot. … Leave it to Alabama to try to get rid and throw into turmoil the health care of 957,000 Alabamians that have preexisting conditions in this state,” Jones said.
Marilyn Hobbs, a program administrator for a media company, said she has already cast an absentee ballot for Jones and for Joe Biden in the presidential election.
“He definitely has a chance,” Hobbs said of Jones. “The same people who voted for him last time, we are going to vote for him again. I do believe women will play a central part in voting for this senator and this president.”
Jones took parting shots at Tuberville, saying his opponent’s campaign consisted of only, “Drain the swamp, build the wall, no amnesty, I’ve got Donald Trump’s back and let me tell you lies about Doug Jones.”
He also lampooned Tuberville as a quitter, noting the Republican had said he might spend part of the day golfing.
The Tuberville campaign did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Tuberville held a Sunday rally in Gardendale, which he said was his final stop of the race. Tuberville emphasized his support for Trump and said Jones does not represent the conservative voters of the state.
“When we win, you are going to get someone like Donald Trump who is going to work for you,” Tuberville said. “I’m not doing this to be on television or be in the newspaper. I’ve done all that.”
Tuberville did not announce any campaign stops Monday. He told supporters all that was left to do was go vote and send a message.
“I’m probably going to get a haircut. I might even go hit a few golf balls. I may be sore Tuesday night when I get up on the stage at the end of the election. This is the last event I’ll attend. There is not a lot we can do other than go vote,” Tuberville said Sunday.
Wearing a string of GOP buttons and carrying a face mask that read, “Biden will Keep Lock Downs For Years,” Meghann Mustico, a 40-year-old file clerk from Hoover, came to hear Tuberville speak on Sunday.
“I know he will better represent Alabama,” Mustico said. “President Trump has been the voice for the unborn, stood up for veterans rights, and I have a feeling he is going to follow his lead.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--School: LSU frat member arrested on charges including hazing

BATON ROUGE , La .
( AP ) - A fraternity member was arrested Monday on charges including hazing in connection with an incident that reportedly hospitalized a Louisiana State University freshman .
University police arrested Phi Kappa Psi member Terry Pat Reynolds II on Monday on charges of criminal and misdemeanor hazing and of failure to seek assistance , University spokesman Ernie Ballard III said .
“ The university has stated on multiple occasions that hazing will not be tolerated and the university acts swiftly when any hazing allegations are brought forth , ” his emailed news release said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reynolds had an attorney who could speak for him .
He was released on $ 13,500 bond , according to the East Baton Rouge Parish jail ’ s online roster .
News outlets cited arrest documents that said the victim was dropped off at a hospital about 3 a.m. on Oct. 19 and immediately had to be put on life support .
According to arrest documents , he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.451 % - nearly six times the level considered legal proof of intoxication .
The student , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement authorities , has since been released from the hospital , news outlets reported .
Detectives identified Reynolds as a suspect after looking at text messages sent from confiscated phones of fraternity members who brought the victim to the hospital , according to news reports .
The Phi Kappa Psi chapter was suspended while campus police investigated .
Felony criminal hazing was made a law after the death in 2017 of LSU freshman Max Gruver , who had pledged at another fraternity .
That fraternity is barred at LSU ’ s Baton Rouge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state law requires anyone who comes across someone with a serious injury or engages in reckless behavior that causes such injury to provide “ reasonable assistance .
”

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A fraternity member was arrested Monday on charges including hazing in connection with an incident that reportedly hospitalized a Louisiana State University freshman.
University police arrested Phi Kappa Psi member Terry Pat Reynolds II on Monday on charges of criminal and misdemeanor hazing and of failure to seek assistance, University spokesman Ernie Ballard III said.
“The university has stated on multiple occasions that hazing will not be tolerated and the university acts swiftly when any hazing allegations are brought forth,” his emailed news release said.
It was not immediately clear if Reynolds had an attorney who could speak for him. He was released on $13,500 bond, according to the East Baton Rouge Parish jail’s online roster.
News outlets cited arrest documents that said the victim was dropped off at a hospital about 3 a.m. on Oct. 19 and immediately had to be put on life support. According to arrest documents, he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.451% - nearly six times the level considered legal proof of intoxication.
The student, who was not identified by school officials or law enforcement authorities, has since been released from the hospital, news outlets reported.
Detectives identified Reynolds as a suspect after looking at text messages sent from confiscated phones of fraternity members who brought the victim to the hospital, according to news reports.
The Phi Kappa Psi chapter was suspended while campus police investigated.
Felony criminal hazing was made a law after the death in 2017 of LSU freshman Max Gruver, who had pledged at another fraternity. That fraternity is barred at LSU’s Baton Rouge campus at least until 2033.
Another state law requires anyone who comes across someone with a serious injury or engages in reckless behavior that causes such injury to provide “reasonable assistance.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-02--Trump vows arrival of vaccine in few weeks; Biden promises to protect Fauci

President Trump said Monday the U.S. will have a vaccine in “ just a few short weeks , ” while Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden vowed to protect Dr. Anthony Fauci , a top government scientist who has fallen out of favor at the White House , capping a campaign that began with barbs over trade , socialism and the “ soul of the nation ” before it — like everything else — got infected by the coronavirus .
Storming through four states , Mr. Trump said business restrictions in states such as North Carolina and Michigan are America ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the cusp of approving shots that will immunize the nation .
“ It will quickly eradicate the virus and wipe out the China plague once and for all , ” he told supporters in Fayetteville , North Carolina .
Mr. Biden , pointing to alarming COVID-19 trends , argued Mr. Trump has “ given up ” on the pandemic and is making matters worse by entertaining the idea of firing Dr. Fauci , head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
“ Last night , Trump said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t that wonderful ?
” Mr. Biden said in Ohio .
“ I got a better idea : Elect me and I ’ m going to hire Dr. Fauci and we ’ re going to fire Donald Trump.
” A year ago , voters thought they had an unobstructed view of the 2020 contest .
The former vice president accused Mr. Trump of “ shooting holes in the Constitution ” with his soon-to-be-impeached-over Ukraine call while the White House rode an economic juggernaut .
Instead , the coronavirus has given a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overriding questions for voters on Tuesday are who wears a mask , where business shutdown orders remain in place , and whether children can go to school .
Mr. Biden has bet his cautious — some say timid — approach to the campaign trail will resonate with Americans whose lives likely will be upended well into 2021 , while Mr. Trump tells Americans he ’ s gotten the nation through the pandemic and governors need to “ open up.
” Polls suggest the economy is top-of-mind for many voters .
Mr. Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the gross domestic product rebounded at a record annualized rate of 33.1 % in the third quarter as employers recovered from coronavirus lockdowns and a 31.4 % second-quarter drop in the GDP .
Rising coronavirus numbers and hospitalizations are making Wall Street investors skittish , though the White House insists the economic snapback will not be fleeting .
Still , the pandemic is weighing on Mr. Trump ’ s prospects as he barnstorms the country for a second term , with most Americans saying they disapprove of his response .
Efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handshakes and forced grandparents to have playdates over Zoom .
Beer-on-tap is a distant memory , and Americans requested mail-in ballots in record numbers to avoid crowds at the polls .
Most shockingly , the virus has killed close to a quarter-million Americans , a world-leading and once-unfathomable amount .
The crisis forced Mr. Trump to campaign through nostalgia at times , evoking the record unemployment , tax and regulation cuts and his efforts to redraft trade deals before the “ plague from China ” hit .
He says happy days will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that ’ s all we want , ” he told Arizona supporters at a recent rally .
“ Next year will be the greatest year in the history of our country.
” On the trail , Mr. Trump highlighted his decision to restrict travel from China early , saying it saved countless lives , and efforts to build a surplus of ventilators in the face of doubters .
He says big wins are on the horizon , including a vaccine , though he says the nation is “ rounding the turn ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrast to Mr. Biden , who is predicting a bleak winter .
The trend line in the U.S. is worsening heading into the colder months , with the seven-day rolling average of daily cases reaching a record 80,000 and rural hospitals in parts of the Midwest and Rockies filling up with patients .
Leaders in Chicago and parts of the Northeast are imposing new business restrictions .
Mr. Biden says the president is disregarding his basic responsibility to mitigate the virus through universal mask-wearing or a more deliberate testing strategy to break up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step to beating the virus is beating Donald Trump , ” Mr. Biden told Ohioans in Cleveland .
The candidates are practicing what they preach about the pandemic , more or less .
Mr. Biden ’ s team replaced large events with drive-in events , remarks in high-ceiling gymnasiums and outdoor soirees with circles drawn on the ground to maintain physical distancing .
“ They can ’ t even fill up the circles , ” Mr. Trump likes to tell his supporters , insisting that Mr. Biden is a lousy draw while MAGA-world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their First Amendment right to political speech and raucous assemblies featuring “ YMCA ” and rotating chants of “ Lock them up , ” “ We love you ” and “ Four more years.
” Mr. Trump said the virus is a worldwide problem and , while some nations have won plaudits for their nimble responses , flare-ups from Europe to Latin America underscore the pesky nature of the pathogen .
The U.S. has a case-fatality rate — the share of people who test positive and then die — of 2.5 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Mexico , Italy and the United Kingdom , and on par with France , according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker .
However , the U.S. has done a poorer job of avoiding deaths as a share of the population , with nearly 71 people per 100,000 dying from the virus .
That ’ s far better than the 103-per-100,000 in Belgium or 77 in Spain and 76 in Brazil , yet worse than Italy ( 64 ) or France ( 55 ) , and far worse than Germany ( 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which have struggled with flare-ups but have been heralded as exemplars of smart testing .
Mr. Trump focuses on the case-fatality number during his rallies .
He says the declining rate , which hit about 6 % in the spring , is a testament to how much the U.S. has learned about the virus , from protecting the vulnerable to improving treatments .
“ Through the profound resilience of the American people and the ingenuity and dedication of our frontline medical workers , clinicians , and scientists we now have more information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the most vulnerable through increased care , cutting-edge therapeutics , state-of-the-art testing , mitigation techniques to prevent community spread , and hospitals that can better prepare for and respond to health threats , ” White House spokesman Michael Bars said .
The case-fatality rate is a slippery number , however .
It can be driven down by a large denominator , when milder cases are detected and recorded — the same data-capture that Mr. Trump often complains about , saying those cases don ’ t mean much and are unflattering .
Widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some share of the infected see bad outcomes .
The U.S. accounts for 4.25 % of the world ’ s population but nearly one-fifth of the world ’ s deaths , with more than 231,000 .

President Trump said Monday the U.S. will have a vaccine in “just a few short weeks,” while Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden vowed to protect Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top government scientist who has fallen out of favor at the White House, capping a campaign that began with barbs over trade, socialism and the “soul of the nation” before it — like everything else — got infected by the coronavirus.
Storming through four states, Mr. Trump said business restrictions in states such as North Carolina and Michigan are America’s biggest worry because his administration is on the cusp of approving shots that will immunize the nation.
“It will quickly eradicate the virus and wipe out the China plague once and for all,” he told supporters in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Mr. Biden, pointing to alarming COVID-19 trends, argued Mr. Trump has “given up” on the pandemic and is making matters worse by entertaining the idea of firing Dr. Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
“Last night, Trump said he was going to fire Dr. Fauci. Isn’t that wonderful?” Mr. Biden said in Ohio. “I got a better idea: Elect me and I’m going to hire Dr. Fauci and we’re going to fire Donald Trump.”
A year ago, voters thought they had an unobstructed view of the 2020 contest. The former vice president accused Mr. Trump of “shooting holes in the Constitution” with his soon-to-be-impeached-over Ukraine call while the White House rode an economic juggernaut.
Instead, the coronavirus has given a new meaning to “political science.” The overriding questions for voters on Tuesday are who wears a mask, where business shutdown orders remain in place, and whether children can go to school.
Mr. Biden has bet his cautious — some say timid — approach to the campaign trail will resonate with Americans whose lives likely will be upended well into 2021, while Mr. Trump tells Americans he’s gotten the nation through the pandemic and governors need to “open up.”
Polls suggest the economy is top-of-mind for many voters. Mr. Trump is highlighting last week’s report that said the gross domestic product rebounded at a record annualized rate of 33.1% in the third quarter as employers recovered from coronavirus lockdowns and a 31.4% second-quarter drop in the GDP.
Rising coronavirus numbers and hospitalizations are making Wall Street investors skittish, though the White House insists the economic snapback will not be fleeting. Still, the pandemic is weighing on Mr. Trump’s prospects as he barnstorms the country for a second term, with most Americans saying they disapprove of his response.
Efforts to control the pathogen have eliminated hugs and handshakes and forced grandparents to have playdates over Zoom. Beer-on-tap is a distant memory, and Americans requested mail-in ballots in record numbers to avoid crowds at the polls. Most shockingly, the virus has killed close to a quarter-million Americans, a world-leading and once-unfathomable amount.
The crisis forced Mr. Trump to campaign through nostalgia at times, evoking the record unemployment, tax and regulation cuts and his efforts to redraft trade deals before the “plague from China” hit. He says happy days will be here again soon.
“Normal life, that’s all we want,” he told Arizona supporters at a recent rally. “Next year will be the greatest year in the history of our country.”
On the trail, Mr. Trump highlighted his decision to restrict travel from China early, saying it saved countless lives, and efforts to build a surplus of ventilators in the face of doubters. He says big wins are on the horizon, including a vaccine, though he says the nation is “rounding the turn” regardless.
It’s a stark contrast to Mr. Biden, who is predicting a bleak winter. The trend line in the U.S. is worsening heading into the colder months, with the seven-day rolling average of daily cases reaching a record 80,000 and rural hospitals in parts of the Midwest and Rockies filling up with patients. Leaders in Chicago and parts of the Northeast are imposing new business restrictions.
Mr. Biden says the president is disregarding his basic responsibility to mitigate the virus through universal mask-wearing or a more deliberate testing strategy to break up chains of transmission.
“The first step to beating the virus is beating Donald Trump,” Mr. Biden told Ohioans in Cleveland.
The candidates are practicing what they preach about the pandemic, more or less. Mr. Biden’s team replaced large events with drive-in events, remarks in high-ceiling gymnasiums and outdoor soirees with circles drawn on the ground to maintain physical distancing.
“They can’t even fill up the circles,” Mr. Trump likes to tell his supporters, insisting that Mr. Biden is a lousy draw while MAGA-world will not let the virus interfere with their First Amendment right to political speech and raucous assemblies featuring “YMCA” and rotating chants of “Lock them up,” “We love you” and “Four more years.”
Mr. Trump said the virus is a worldwide problem and, while some nations have won plaudits for their nimble responses, flare-ups from Europe to Latin America underscore the pesky nature of the pathogen.
The U.S. has a case-fatality rate — the share of people who test positive and then die — of 2.5%, putting it in better stead than countries such as Mexico, Italy and the United Kingdom, and on par with France, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker.
However, the U.S. has done a poorer job of avoiding deaths as a share of the population, with nearly 71 people per 100,000 dying from the virus.
That’s far better than the 103-per-100,000 in Belgium or 77 in Spain and 76 in Brazil, yet worse than Italy (64) or France (55), and far worse than Germany (13) or South Korea (0.91), which have struggled with flare-ups but have been heralded as exemplars of smart testing.
Mr. Trump focuses on the case-fatality number during his rallies. He says the declining rate, which hit about 6% in the spring, is a testament to how much the U.S. has learned about the virus, from protecting the vulnerable to improving treatments.
“Through the profound resilience of the American people and the ingenuity and dedication of our frontline medical workers, clinicians, and scientists we now have more information on how to better treat patients and protect the most vulnerable through increased care, cutting-edge therapeutics, state-of-the-art testing, mitigation techniques to prevent community spread, and hospitals that can better prepare for and respond to health threats,” White House spokesman Michael Bars said.
The case-fatality rate is a slippery number, however. It can be driven down by a large denominator, when milder cases are detected and recorded — the same data-capture that Mr. Trump often complains about, saying those cases don’t mean much and are unflattering.
Widespread transmission inevitably means more funerals, as some share of the infected see bad outcomes. The U.S. accounts for 4.25% of the world’s population but nearly one-fifth of the world’s deaths, with more than 231,000.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.