skynewsus--2020-10-19--'No red states, no blue states, just the United States': Biden paints himself as a unifying force

He may be ahead in the polls but Joe Biden is n't taking any chances , hammering home how much is hanging on the election to supporters in North Carolina .
`` The very soul of our nation is at stake .
Folks , as my coach used to say in college , it 's go time .
It 's the most important election in our lifetimes , '' he said .
Voter complacency could still derail him .
Hillary Clinton was also ahead with two weeks to go in 2016 .
In a crucial week which will see his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's painting himself as a unifying force .
`` I 'm running as a proud Democrat but I will govern as an American president .
No red states , no blue states , just the United States , '' he declared .
In Nevada , Mr Trump was also firing up the base .
`` We are going to see a red wave , '' he told crowds of cheering supporters , in spite of official polls telling a different story .
`` On election day , you can send a message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech companies and the Washington swamp , '' he said .
`` Send them a message they will never forget , show them the American people are still in charge by delivering sleepy Joe Biden and the Democrats a thundering defeat on 3 November . ''
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker And this week will likely see a victory for the president , with his Supreme Court pick Amy Coney Barrett expected to be approved by the judiciary committee on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go head-to-head on TV .
The televised debate in Nashville , Tennessee , will see the candidates grilled on topics including `` race in America '' , `` climate change '' , `` foreign policy '' and `` fighting COVID-19 '' .
Their first debate was an uncomfortable , rather chaotic , watch dominated by constant interruptions and widely criticised for the tone and tactics .
The second was cancelled and replaced with duelling Town Hall debates after Donald Trump refused to take part virtually .
With just over two weeks to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump with a deluge of rallies , Kamala Harris is back on the road after two people connected to her campaign tested positive for COVID-19 and Barack Obama is stepping up for Mr Biden as the race for the White House intensifies .

He may be ahead in the polls but Joe Biden isn't taking any chances, hammering home how much is hanging on the election to supporters in North Carolina.
"The very soul of our nation is at stake. Folks, as my coach used to say in college, it's go time. It's the most important election in our lifetimes," he said.
Voter complacency could still derail him. Hillary Clinton was also ahead with two weeks to go in 2016.
Image: Mr Biden walks past members of the press in a mask
In a crucial week which will see his final TV debate with Donald Trump, he's painting himself as a unifying force.
"I'm running as a proud Democrat but I will govern as an American president. No red states, no blue states, just the United States," he declared.
In Nevada, Mr Trump was also firing up the base.
Image: Donald Trump was campaigning in Nevada
"We are going to see a red wave," he told crowds of cheering supporters, in spite of official polls telling a different story.
"On election day, you can send a message to the fake news media, big tech companies and the Washington swamp," he said.
"Send them a message they will never forget, show them the American people are still in charge by delivering sleepy Joe Biden and the Democrats a thundering defeat on 3 November."
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And this week will likely see a victory for the president, with his Supreme Court pick Amy Coney Barrett expected to be approved by the judiciary committee on the same day Mr Trump and Mr Biden go head-to-head on TV.
The televised debate in Nashville, Tennessee, will see the candidates grilled on topics including "race in America", "climate change", "foreign policy" and "fighting COVID-19".
Their first debate was an uncomfortable, rather chaotic, watch dominated by constant interruptions and widely criticised for the tone and tactics.
The second was cancelled and replaced with duelling Town Hall debates after Donald Trump refused to take part virtually.
With just over two weeks to go, both campaigns are ramping up.
Mr Trump with a deluge of rallies, Kamala Harris is back on the road after two people connected to her campaign tested positive for COVID-19 and Barack Obama is stepping up for Mr Biden as the race for the White House intensifies.


skynewsus--2020-10-19--Why Arizona matters to Donald Trump and Joe Biden

Donald Trump is staging a campaign blitz in one of the swing states that could deliver a devastating blow to his re-election chances .
Mr Trump won Arizona by four percentage points in 2016 but the polls this time show him trailing former vice president Joe Biden in the state .
Only once since 1948 - when Bill Clinton was running for re-election in 1996 - has the Democratic candidate for president won Arizona .
This year , Arizona is one of half a dozen states that hold the balance of presidential power .
Mr Trump 's two campaign events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shore up his base support , but Arizona is an example of how changing demographics and moderates disillusioned with Mr Trump have shifted the landscape .
In the northwestern corner of Arizona , Mohave County delivered one of Mr Trump 's biggest margins of victory four years ago .
The city of Kingman , which sits on the historic Route 66 , remains solid Trump country .
Volunteers at the Republican Party headquarters in Kingman say they believe the enthusiasm for the president remains as high as it was in 2016 .
Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carol Fay , it is clear the president 's base support is fervent .
`` It 's so important that he gets re-elected so the country does n't go down the tubes , '' said Karen .
`` That 's why I felt I had to do something . ''
They stop at the door of committed Trump voters Carolyn and Gary Cole .
They believe the opinion polls showing Mr Trump losing are `` lies '' .
`` People are scared to say they 're voting for Trump , '' said Carolyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Like many Trump supporters , they believe the country is in for the same sort of surprise that saw him upend the polls and beat Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
But the challenge Mr Trump has faced , in Arizona and across the country , is reaching out beyond that base and appealing to voters in the political centre .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In recent weeks , his campaign has made a point of trying to appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message that he is a strong leader and job creator .
The Latino vote has traditionally leaned towards Democrats .
But other signs are worrying for the president .
A political action committee called Arizona Republicans for Biden says it is attracting hundreds of voters who can not face backing Mr Trump .
Nan Barker , one of the founders of the committee , says it has come at a cost .
`` We 've had vicious comments , social media comments , vicious letters , vicious emails , you 're unworthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things and these are people we 've known 15 or 20 years , that we 've gone to church with for 15 or 20 years , '' she said .
Her husband Dan added : `` Trump is not a unifier , Trump is a divider and hopefully Biden will be able to unify .
That 's why so many of us conservatives are working so hard to get Biden elected even though we do n't endorse the whole platform because we believe it 'll be an opportunity for the country to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's visit , his son Don Jr and daughter Ivanka have made campaign stops in Arizona in recent days at events with members of the Mormon church , and the Latinos for Trump group .

Donald Trump is staging a campaign blitz in one of the swing states that could deliver a devastating blow to his re-election chances.
Mr Trump won Arizona by four percentage points in 2016 but the polls this time show him trailing former vice president Joe Biden in the state.
Only once since 1948 - when Bill Clinton was running for re-election in 1996 - has the Democratic candidate for president won Arizona.
Image: Kingman, Arizona, remains solid Trump country
This year, Arizona is one of half a dozen states that hold the balance of presidential power.
Mr Trump's two campaign events in rural areas are an effort to shore up his base support, but Arizona is an example of how changing demographics and moderates disillusioned with Mr Trump have shifted the landscape.
In the northwestern corner of Arizona, Mohave County delivered one of Mr Trump's biggest margins of victory four years ago. The city of Kingman, which sits on the historic Route 66, remains solid Trump country.
Volunteers at the Republican Party headquarters in Kingman say they believe the enthusiasm for the president remains as high as it was in 2016.
Out canvassing with identical twin volunteers Karen and Carol Fay, it is clear the president's base support is fervent.
"It's so important that he gets re-elected so the country doesn't go down the tubes," said Karen. "That's why I felt I had to do something."
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Image: Twins Carol and Karen Fay are campaigning for Donald Trump
They stop at the door of committed Trump voters Carolyn and Gary Cole. They believe the opinion polls showing Mr Trump losing are "lies".
"People are scared to say they're voting for Trump," said Carolyn. "Well, I'm not."
Like many Trump supporters, they believe the country is in for the same sort of surprise that saw him upend the polls and beat Hillary Clinton in 2016.
But the challenge Mr Trump has faced, in Arizona and across the country, is reaching out beyond that base and appealing to voters in the political centre.
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In recent weeks, his campaign has made a point of trying to appeal to Latino men in Arizona, with a message that he is a strong leader and job creator. The Latino vote has traditionally leaned towards Democrats.
But other signs are worrying for the president. A political action committee called Arizona Republicans for Biden says it is attracting hundreds of voters who cannot face backing Mr Trump.
Nan Barker, one of the founders of the committee, says it has come at a cost.
Image: Nan and Dan Barker are the founders of the Arizona Republicans for Biden group
"We've had vicious comments, social media comments, vicious letters, vicious emails, you're unworthy, you're evil, all these things and these are people we've known 15 or 20 years, that we've gone to church with for 15 or 20 years," she said.
Her husband Dan added: "Trump is not a unifier, Trump is a divider and hopefully Biden will be able to unify. That's why so many of us conservatives are working so hard to get Biden elected even though we don't endorse the whole platform because we believe it'll be an opportunity for the country to come together."
Ahead of Mr Trump's visit, his son Don Jr and daughter Ivanka have made campaign stops in Arizona in recent days at events with members of the Mormon church, and the Latinos for Trump group.


skynewsus--2020-10-20--Trump calls his top coronavirus task force member Fauci 'a disaster'

Donald Trump has called one of the experts leading the US response to the coronavirus crisis , Dr Anthony Fauci , `` a disaster '' .
In a call with his campaign staff in Las Vegas on Monday , the US president said : `` People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots .
`` Every time he goes on television , there 's always a bomb .
But there 's a bigger bomb if you fire him .
But Fauci 's a disaster . ''
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a reference to an interview Dr Fauci , the US 's leading infectious disease expert , gave on Sunday in which he said he was not surprised Mr Trump caught coronavirus after attending large events with few face coverings .
`` I was worried that he was going to get sick when I saw him in a completely precarious situation of crowded , no separation between people , and almost nobody wearing a mask , '' he told 60 Minutes .
Dr Fauci has been director of the National Institute of Allergy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Mr Trump 's own White House coronavirus response task force .
The pair have repeatedly been at odds over how to best handle the pandemic .
The outbreak has led to the deaths of more than 220,000 Americans .
Mr Trump told staff , `` With Fauci , if we listen to him , we 'd have 700-800 thousand deaths right now '' .
The pair also recently fell out over a campaign advertisement in which the doctor appeared to back the president 's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak .
But Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political candidate , and said he did not agree to be featured in the advert and the comments made by him in it were taken out of context .
At an election rally in Prescott , Arizona , Mr Trump mocked his presidential rival , Joe Biden , for listening to the advice of scientific experts , saying dismissively that his Democrat opponent `` wants to listen to Dr Fauci '' .
However , Mr Biden later issued a statement , attacking the president for his repeated attacks on Dr Fauci .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing : the American people are tired .
They 're tired of your lies about this virus , '' he said .
`` They 're tired of watching more Americans die and more people lose their jobs because you refuse to take this pandemic seriously . ''
Republican senator Lamar Alexander , also defended Dr Fauci , calling him one of the nation 's `` most distinguished public servants '' .
With two weeks until the 3 November election , Mr Trump is trailing Mr Biden in most opinion polls but denies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think I 'm running angry .
I 'm running happy and I 'm running very content ( because ) I 've done a great job , '' he told reporters before taking off for Tucson , Arizona , for his fifth rally in three days .
Microphones will be muted for parts of the final TV election debate between the pair on Thursday , it has been announced .
More than 8.2 million cases of coronavirus have been recorded across the US , with case numbers spiking after the widespread lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic earlier this year .

Donald Trump has called one of the experts leading the US response to the coronavirus crisis, Dr Anthony Fauci, "a disaster".
In a call with his campaign staff in Las Vegas on Monday, the US president said: "People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots.
"Every time he goes on television, there's always a bomb. But there's a bigger bomb if you fire him. But Fauci's a disaster."
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That may be a reference to an interview Dr Fauci, the US's leading infectious disease expert, gave on Sunday in which he said he was not surprised Mr Trump caught coronavirus after attending large events with few face coverings.
"I was worried that he was going to get sick when I saw him in a completely precarious situation of crowded, no separation between people, and almost nobody wearing a mask," he told 60 Minutes.
Dr Fauci has been director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984 and serves on Mr Trump's own White House coronavirus response task force.
The pair have repeatedly been at odds over how to best handle the pandemic. The outbreak has led to the deaths of more than 220,000 Americans.
Mr Trump told staff, "With Fauci, if we listen to him, we'd have 700-800 thousand deaths right now".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Fauci says Trump campaign ad quote misleading
The pair also recently fell out over a campaign advertisement in which the doctor appeared to back the president's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak.
But Dr Fauci insisted he had never endorsed a political candidate, and said he did not agree to be featured in the advert and the comments made by him in it were taken out of context.
At an election rally in Prescott, Arizona, Mr Trump mocked his presidential rival, Joe Biden, for listening to the advice of scientific experts, saying dismissively that his Democrat opponent "wants to listen to Dr Fauci".
However, Mr Biden later issued a statement, attacking the president for his repeated attacks on Dr Fauci.
"Mr President, you're right about one thing: the American people are tired. They're tired of your lies about this virus," he said.
"They're tired of watching more Americans die and more people lose their jobs because you refuse to take this pandemic seriously."
Republican senator Lamar Alexander, also defended Dr Fauci, calling him one of the nation's "most distinguished public servants".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 What Trump thinks of lockdowns
With two weeks until the 3 November election, Mr Trump is trailing Mr Biden in most opinion polls but denies he is "running scared".
"I think I'm running angry. I'm running happy and I'm running very content (because) I've done a great job," he told reporters before taking off for Tucson, Arizona, for his fifth rally in three days.
Microphones will be muted for parts of the final TV election debate between the pair on Thursday, it has been announced.
More than 8.2 million cases of coronavirus have been recorded across the US, with case numbers spiking after the widespread lifting of state lockdowns imposed to curb the pandemic earlier this year.


skynewsus--2020-10-20--Microphones to be muted during final US presidential TV debate to stop interruptions

Microphones will be muted during the final US presidential debate to avoid Donald Trump and Joe Biden interrupting one another , it has been confirmed .
The new rules will mean Mr Trump and Mr Biden get two minutes to answer each question uninterrupted , the debate commission said on Monday .
Moderators were already considering changing debate protocol after chaotic exchanges in the first TV debate saw Mr Biden shout at Mr Trump : `` Will you shut up , man ? ''
The Trump campaign said the `` last minute rule changes '' had been made by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide advantage to their favoured candidate '' .
The president also hit out at the moderator for the next debate , NBC 's Kristen Welker .
Mr Biden 's team have not yet commented .
The third and final TV debate will take place in Nashville , Tennessee on 22 October .
During a visit to Arizona for his fifth rally in three days on Monday , Mr Trump accused his Democratic rival of being a `` criminal '' .
Speaking to reporters beforehand he said : `` Joe Biden is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a long time . ''
His comments are part of an ongoing bid by the Trump campaign to cast doubt over Mr Biden 's son Hunter 's business interests in Ukraine , which Trump claims have broken the law .
At the rally in Tucson , Mr Trump also launched another scathing attack on his top infectious diseases expert Dr Anthony Fauci .
He said : `` People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots…these people that have got it wrong . ''
Describing Dr Fauci as a `` disaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we listened to him we 'd have 700 to 800,000 deaths right now '' .
Also using the opportunity to hit out at his rival , the president appeared to mock Mr Biden for `` listening to the scientists '' .
Responding on Twitter , the Democratic candidate said late on Monday : `` @ realDonaldTrump - if you had listened to the scientists it would n't be this bad . ''
Coronavirus has killed nearly 220,000 Americans so far , with Mr Trump widely criticised for his approach to the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president contracted the virus after he `` saw him in a completely precarious situation of crowded , no separation between people , and almost nobody wearing a mask '' .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Biden , who is currently ahead in the polls , was not out on the campaign trail on Monday , but chose to stay in Delaware to prepare for Thursday 's debate .
His vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris returned to campaigning after seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a close adviser .

Microphones will be muted during the final US presidential debate to avoid Donald Trump and Joe Biden interrupting one another, it has been confirmed.
The new rules will mean Mr Trump and Mr Biden get two minutes to answer each question uninterrupted, the debate commission said on Monday.
Moderators were already considering changing debate protocol after chaotic exchanges in the first TV debate saw Mr Biden shout at Mr Trump: "Will you shut up, man?"
The Trump campaign said the "last minute rule changes" had been made by a "biased commission in their latest attempt to provide advantage to their favoured candidate".
Image: Mr Biden told Mr Trump: 'Will you shut up, man?'
The president also hit out at the moderator for the next debate, NBC's Kristen Welker.
Mr Biden's team have not yet commented.
The third and final TV debate will take place in Nashville, Tennessee on 22 October.
During a visit to Arizona for his fifth rally in three days on Monday, Mr Trump accused his Democratic rival of being a "criminal".
Speaking to reporters beforehand he said: "Joe Biden is a criminal and he's been a criminal for a long time."
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Image: Donald Trump addresses supporters at a rally in Arizona on Monday
His comments are part of an ongoing bid by the Trump campaign to cast doubt over Mr Biden's son Hunter's business interests in Ukraine, which Trump claims have broken the law.
At the rally in Tucson, Mr Trump also launched another scathing attack on his top infectious diseases expert Dr Anthony Fauci.
He said: "People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots…these people that have got it wrong."
Describing Dr Fauci as a "disaster", he said that "if we listened to him we'd have 700 to 800,000 deaths right now".
Image: Joe Biden is pictured in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday
Also using the opportunity to hit out at his rival, the president appeared to mock Mr Biden for "listening to the scientists".
Responding on Twitter, the Democratic candidate said late on Monday: "@realDonaldTrump - if you had listened to the scientists it wouldn't be this bad."
Coronavirus has killed nearly 220,000 Americans so far, with Mr Trump widely criticised for his approach to the disease.
Dr Fauci said he was not surprised the president contracted the virus after he "saw him in a completely precarious situation of crowded, no separation between people, and almost nobody wearing a mask".
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Mr Biden, who is currently ahead in the polls, was not out on the campaign trail on Monday, but chose to stay in Delaware to prepare for Thursday's debate.
His vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris returned to campaigning after seven days self-isolating following a positive COVID-19 result of a close adviser.


skynewsus--2020-10-20--Melania Trump cancels campaign trip with husband over lingering COVID cough

Melania Trump has pulled out of a campaign trip with her husband due to a lingering cough after her COVID-19 diagnosis , her chief of staff has said .
Stephanie Grisham said that the first lady continues to feel better every day after having coronavirus , `` but with a lingering cough , and out of an abundance of caution , she will not be travelling today '' .
Mrs Trump was due to accompany the US president to a rally in the town of Erie in Pennsylvania on Tuesday night , in what would have been her first public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , Mr Trump will now travel without his wife by his side , as he continues to court his fervent base of supporters ahead of next month 's election .
She was last seen in public two days before she tested positive for COVID-19 , at the first presidential debate between her husband and Democrat Joe Biden on 29 September , while her last campaign appearance was in June 2019 in Orlando , Florida .
Mrs Trump is expected to travel to Nashville , Tennessee , on Thursday for the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November .
The announcement that the first lady will no longer be travelling is another reminder to the president that the virus is still present in everyday life , despite him appearing keen to believe otherwise .
On Monday , Mr Trump said that the American public were tired of hearing about COVID-19 , and railed against his own infectious diseases expert , Dr Anthony Fauci , calling him a `` disaster '' .
Around 58,000 people in the US are testing positive for the virus daily , with the country reporting more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The total number of coronavirus cases in the US is nearing 8.3 million , while deaths approach 221,000 , according to figures being tracked by Johns Hopkins University .
Last week , Mrs Trump wrote in a blog that she had overcome coronavirus and had recently tested negative , adding that she suffered from aches and fatigue while ill .

Melania Trump has pulled out of a campaign trip with her husband due to a lingering cough after her COVID-19 diagnosis, her chief of staff has said.
Stephanie Grisham said that the first lady continues to feel better every day after having coronavirus, "but with a lingering cough, and out of an abundance of caution, she will not be travelling today".
Mrs Trump was due to accompany the US president to a rally in the town of Erie in Pennsylvania on Tuesday night, in what would have been her first public campaign appearance in more than a year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Trump mocks Fauci at rally
Instead, Mr Trump will now travel without his wife by his side, as he continues to court his fervent base of supporters ahead of next month's election.
She was last seen in public two days before she tested positive for COVID-19, at the first presidential debate between her husband and Democrat Joe Biden on 29 September, while her last campaign appearance was in June 2019 in Orlando, Florida.
Mrs Trump is expected to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday for the final presidential debate before the election on 3 November.
The announcement that the first lady will no longer be travelling is another reminder to the president that the virus is still present in everyday life, despite him appearing keen to believe otherwise.
On Monday, Mr Trump said that the American public were tired of hearing about COVID-19, and railed against his own infectious diseases expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, calling him a "disaster".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Around 58,000 people in the US are testing positive for the virus daily, with the country reporting more than 700 coronavirus-related deaths each day.
The total number of coronavirus cases in the US is nearing 8.3 million, while deaths approach 221,000, according to figures being tracked by Johns Hopkins University.
Last week, Mrs Trump wrote in a blog that she had overcome coronavirus and had recently tested negative, adding that she suffered from aches and fatigue while ill.


skynewsus--2020-10-21--'Basement Biden' stays humble as he closes in on the ultimate prize

The man trying to topple Donald Trump and win the presidency has spent a lot of the year in his basement .
Never has America seen a candidate racking up so many hours from the comfort of his own home .
In the past month he has selectively hit the campaign trail , only to hunker down again in recent days .
He 's always cited safety - his team hoping voters will recognise and reward his prudence .
But there 's perhaps a more subtle strategy they 're also employing - let Mr Trump do the talking and make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to .
His opponent would describe life in the former vice president 's hometown of Wilmington as suitably sleepy right now .
The local theatre where his team has built a studio for occasional events , shows some very subtle signs of life .
There 's a rumour that the restaurant we 're eating in across the road might be used by him on election night .
It is about as humble as you can get for a possible political coronation when you think of the glass-covered colossus Hillary Clinton fatefully chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate who 's railed against big rallies and showy moments - a man pitching to restore civility and normalcy to American political life .
Holding a potential star-studded COVID-fest would n't exactly help his cause .
The polls will tell you Biden 's cautious strategy has paid dividends - he 's leading in double digits nationally .
But down at the local skate park in Wilmington , young voters sound either unimpressed or fretful about his socially distanced , low-profile approach .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael has a different take , claiming Biden 's past it politically and pushing him outside is `` geriatric abuse '' , anyway .
Heading north up the Delaware River to Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , there 's less scepticism in what is a key swing state .
And just as well for Joe Biden .
He needs a big turnout among black and Latino voters in urban centres like this .
It could make or break him .
And Albert 's confident he 'll get it .
He insists the Democrats will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his friends are voting and that Biden will do much better with people of colour than Clinton .
Why ?
I ask him .
`` Because I think a lot of people are thinking what I 'm thinking - if Biden gets elected president there 's not gon na ' be no talk about building a wall right after the first year . ''
Democratic strategists believe four years of racial division in the United States and big demographic changes including a growing hispanic population will make the difference this time round .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama to stump for him in the city today , though , is proof his team knows he needs a boost .
It 's a push to add some stardust from one of America 's most popular political figures while reminding everyone Biden worked by his side .
There 's even wild talk he might get the kind of turnout his former boss did in 2008 .
That would be stunning for a white guy in his 70s who has a mixed record on race and would say a lot more about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away in leafy Bucks County is his other key challenge ; reassuring suburban voters , who deserted the Democrats in 2016 , that he can be trusted .
That means closing the gap with white non-college educated people .
He does n't need to completely reverse the trend , but he needs to seriously chip away at Trump 's appeal among them .
Karen , who 's canvassing for Biden , tells me what he needs : `` He has to get it clearly across that he is centrist , that he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who are undecided , that they 're not going to be voting for socialism . ''
His supporters view him as a trustworthy caretaker that will get them out of a disaster .
He is far from an ideal candidate .
He does n't represent a new generation of leadership .
But his best bet and the thing that is perhaps his best chance of securing victory , is that his opposition to Donald Trump is enough to speak to a new era and rise to the clarion call for change .

What is Joe Biden's game?
The man trying to topple Donald Trump and win the presidency has spent a lot of the year in his basement.
Never has America seen a candidate racking up so many hours from the comfort of his own home.
Image: Biden supporter Karen says he must persuade people he's not a radical
In the past month he has selectively hit the campaign trail, only to hunker down again in recent days.
He's always cited safety - his team hoping voters will recognise and reward his prudence.
But there's perhaps a more subtle strategy they're also employing - let Mr Trump do the talking and make the mistakes, so Joe doesn't have to.
His opponent would describe life in the former vice president's hometown of Wilmington as suitably sleepy right now.
The local theatre where his team has built a studio for occasional events, shows some very subtle signs of life.
There's a rumour that the restaurant we're eating in across the road might be used by him on election night.
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Image: If Joe Biden wins, he'll hold a low-key celebration in his home town of Wilmington, Delaware
It is about as humble as you can get for a possible political coronation when you think of the glass-covered colossus Hillary Clinton fatefully chose in New York.
But this is a candidate who's railed against big rallies and showy moments - a man pitching to restore civility and normalcy to American political life.
Holding a potential star-studded COVID-fest wouldn't exactly help his cause.
The polls will tell you Biden's cautious strategy has paid dividends - he's leading in double digits nationally.
But down at the local skate park in Wilmington, young voters sound either unimpressed or fretful about his socially distanced, low-profile approach.
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Michael has a different take, claiming Biden's past it politically and pushing him outside is "geriatric abuse", anyway.
Heading north up the Delaware River to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there's less scepticism in what is a key swing state.
And just as well for Joe Biden. He needs a big turnout among black and Latino voters in urban centres like this. It could make or break him.
Image: Barack Obama will be campaigning for Joe Biden
And Albert's confident he'll get it.
He insists the Democrats will get "big numbers," that all his friends are voting and that Biden will do much better with people of colour than Clinton.
Why? I ask him. "Because I think a lot of people are thinking what I'm thinking - if Biden gets elected president there's not gonna' be no talk about building a wall right after the first year."
Democratic strategists believe four years of racial division in the United States and big demographic changes including a growing hispanic population will make the difference this time round.
The fact he's drafted in Barack Obama to stump for him in the city today, though, is proof his team knows he needs a boost.
It's a push to add some stardust from one of America's most popular political figures while reminding everyone Biden worked by his side.
There's even wild talk he might get the kind of turnout his former boss did in 2008.
That would be stunning for a white guy in his 70s who has a mixed record on race and would say a lot more about the moment than the man.
An hour away in leafy Bucks County is his other key challenge; reassuring suburban voters, who deserted the Democrats in 2016, that he can be trusted.
Image: Albert from Philadelphia is backing Joe Biden
That means closing the gap with white non-college educated people.
He doesn't need to completely reverse the trend, but he needs to seriously chip away at Trump's appeal among them.
Karen, who's canvassing for Biden, tells me what he needs: "He has to get it clearly across that he is centrist, that he is moderate - to quell the fears of people who are undecided, that they're not going to be voting for socialism."
Biden's critics call him a puppet of progressives.
His supporters view him as a trustworthy caretaker that will get them out of a disaster.
He is far from an ideal candidate. He doesn't represent a new generation of leadership.
But his best bet and the thing that is perhaps his best chance of securing victory, is that his opposition to Donald Trump is enough to speak to a new era and rise to the clarion call for change.


skynewsus--2020-10-21--Biden has big cash advantage over Trump as race enters final stretch

Joe Biden 's campaign has entered the final two weeks of the presidential election campaign with a large cash advantage over Donald Trump , figures have shown .
The former vice president 's campaign team outraised and outspent Mr Trump 's re-election bid in September , with political ads for the Democratic candidate much more prevalent on US television .
Having the advantage in the money race is no guarantee of victory , however .
Mr Trump won the 2016 presidential election despite being outspent by Hillary Clinton .
Polling by Reuters/Ipsos shows that in the swing states that decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than in national polls which put Mr Biden well ahead .
At the end of last month , Mr Biden 's campaign had around $ 177m ( £135m ) in cash , nearly triple the $ 63m ( £48m ) held by the Trump campaign .
Mr Biden took in $ 281m ( £215m ) during September , more than three times as much as Mr Trump 's campaign which raised £81m ( £62m ) , the Federal Election Commission showed on Tuesday .
Mr Trump 's campaign spent less than $ 56m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advertising in September , compared with nearly $ 148m ( £113m ) for Mr Biden , according to Advertising Analytics LLC .
This month , Mr Biden 's campaign has said that it - along with the Democratic Party - has $ 432m ( £330m ) in the bank .
Mr Trump and the Republican Party has $ 251m ( £192m ) , his campaign said .
The gap in finance has put Mr Trump in the position of needing to hold more of his signature rallies as a substitute for political advertising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign manager , has insisted money is not an issue .
He said : `` We have more than sufficient air cover , almost three times as much as 2016 . ''
He added that Mr Biden was `` putting it all on TV '' rather than carrying out door-knocking in a pandemic , while Mr Trump has around 2,000 field staffers across the country knocking on doors and making calls .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Biden and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 142m ( £107m ) on adverts in the closing days of the campaign - outspending the Republicans by more than two to one .
On Monday , Medium Buying reported that Mr Trump was cancelling adverts in Wisconsin , Minnesota - which he had hoped to win from the Democrats - and Ohio , which backed him in 2016 but now appears to be a tighter contest .
That is in stark contrast to May , when Mr Biden 's campaign was struggling for cash and Mr Trump 's campaign was compared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about to `` start pressing fire for the first time '' by senior adviser Brad Parscale .

Joe Biden's campaign has entered the final ten days of the presidential election campaign with a large cash advantage over Donald Trump, figures have shown.
The former vice president's campaign team outraised and outspent Mr Trump's re-election bid in early October, with political ads for the Democratic candidate much more prevalent on US television.
Having the advantage in the money race is no guarantee of victory, however. Mr Trump won the 2016 presidential election despite being outspent by Hillary Clinton.
Polling by Reuters/Ipsos shows that in the swing states that decide the election, the race is closer than in national polls which put Mr Biden well ahead.
Image: A Democratic advert in Florida shows Mr Trump throwing toilet paper to people in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017
Mr Biden raised about $130m (£100m) during period 1 October to 14 October, around three times the $44m (£34m) raised by Mr Trump's campaign.
The Democratic candidate spent more than twice as much as his Republican rival during the period, figures from the Federal Election Commission showed.
With just days to go before the 3 November election, Mr Biden had $162m (£124m) in the bank, compared to around $44m (£34m) in cash held by the Trump campaign.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:32 How to win a US election
The gap in finance has put Mr Trump in the position of needing to hold more of his signature rallies as a substitute for political advertising.
Bill Stepien, Mr Trump's campaign manager, has insisted money is not an issue.
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He said: "We have more than sufficient air cover, almost three times as much as 2016."
He added that Mr Biden was "putting it all on TV" rather than carrying out door-knocking in a pandemic, while Mr Trump has around 2,000 field staffers across the country knocking on doors and making calls.
The advertising spending figures offer a bleaker picture.
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Mr Biden and the Democrats are on pace to spend $142m (£107m) on adverts in the closing days of the campaign - outspending the Republicans by more than two to one.
Last week, Medium Buying reported that Mr Trump was cancelling adverts in Wisconsin, Minnesota - which he had hoped to win from the Democrats - and Ohio, which backed him in 2016 but now appears to be a tighter contest.
That is in stark contrast to May, when Mr Biden's campaign was struggling for cash and Mr Trump's campaign was compared to a "Death Star" that was about to "start pressing fire for the first time" by senior adviser Brad Parscale.


skynewsus--2020-10-22--Obama attacks Trump for 'ignoring' pandemic at Biden rally

Barack Obama has said Donald Trump is `` incapable of taking the job seriously '' as he took aim at his successor during a drive-in campaign rally for the Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden .
With less than a fortnight to go until ballots close , Mr Obama made his first in-person campaign stop for his former vice president .
Speaking to a drive-in rally in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania - a key state for both Republicans and Democrats - the former commander-in-chief spent much of his time criticising his successor in the Oval Office .
He said : `` Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us .
`` He ca n't even take the basic steps to protect himself . ''
The former president added : `` America is a good and decent place , but we 've just seen so much nonsense and noise that sometimes it 's hard to remember . ''
He also said that President Trump was `` incapable of taking the job seriously '' and that he `` wants full credit for the economy he inherited and no blame for the pandemic he ignored '' .
Speaking at a rally in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticised Mr Obama for his support of Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
He said : `` It was nobody who campaigned harder for Crooked Hillary than Obama , right ? ''
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker North Carolina is another battleground state that both Mr Trump and Mr Biden are fighting hard to win .
The incumbent argued on Wednesday that Democrats and the media were obsessed with the coronavirus pandemic .
He said : `` All you hear is COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they put on because they want to scare the hell out of everyone . ''
Back in Philadelphia , Barack Obama encouraged people to get out and vote .
`` I 'm asking you to remember what this country can be , '' he said .
`` I 'm asking you to believe in Joe 's ability and Kamala 's ability to lead this country out of these dark times and help us build it back better . ''
He went on : `` What we do these next 13 days will matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that we do n't get 100 % of what we want right away is not a good reason not to vote . ''
Speaking to the honking horns of support at the drive-in rally , the former president said : `` We 've got to vote like never before and leave no doubt . ''
Watch and follow the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden at 2am Friday morning on the Sky News website , app and on TV .

Barack Obama has said Donald Trump is "incapable of taking the job seriously" as he took aim at his successor during a drive-in campaign rally for the Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden.
With less than a fortnight to go until ballots close, Mr Obama made his first in-person campaign stop for his former vice president.
Speaking to a drive-in rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - a key state for both Republicans and Democrats - the former commander-in-chief spent much of his time criticising his successor in the Oval Office.
He said: "Donald Trump isn't suddenly going to protect all of us.
"He can't even take the basic steps to protect himself."
The former president added: "America is a good and decent place, but we've just seen so much nonsense and noise that sometimes it's hard to remember."
He also said that President Trump was "incapable of taking the job seriously" and that he "wants full credit for the economy he inherited and no blame for the pandemic he ignored".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Obama: I left Trump 'a pandemic playbook'
Speaking at a rally in North Carolina, the current US leader criticised Mr Obama for his support of Hillary Clinton in 2016.
He said: "It was nobody who campaigned harder for Crooked Hillary than Obama, right?"
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North Carolina is another battleground state that both Mr Trump and Mr Biden are fighting hard to win.
The incumbent argued on Wednesday that Democrats and the media were obsessed with the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Barack Obama was speaking at a drive-in rally for Joe Biden
He said: "All you hear is COVID, COVID.
"That's all they put on because they want to scare the hell out of everyone."
Back in Philadelphia, Barack Obama encouraged people to get out and vote.
Image: Mr Obama criticised his successor for much of the rally in Pennsylvania
"I'm asking you to remember what this country can be," he said. "I'm asking you to believe in Joe's ability and Kamala's ability to lead this country out of these dark times and help us build it back better."
He went on: "What we do these next 13 days will matter for decades to come.
"The fact that we don't get 100% of what we want right away is not a good reason not to vote."
Speaking to the honking horns of support at the drive-in rally, the former president said: "We've got to vote like never before and leave no doubt."
Watch and follow the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden at 2am Friday morning on the Sky News website, app and on TV.


skynewsus--2020-10-22--Russia and Iran have obtained voter information ahead of US election, security officials say

In 2016 Russia tried to influence the US presidential election , this year it 's Iran , according to US security officials .
Emails from a far-right group linked to Donald Trump threatening to `` come after '' US voters if they do n't vote for him , are actually from Iran , the FBI has said .
The emails , purportedly from the Proud Boys , were sent to registered Democratic voters in at least four battleground states including Florida and Pennsylvania .
John Ratcliffe , the US national intelligence director , called them `` desperate attempts by desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some voter registration information has been obtained by Iran , and separately , by Russia .
`` We have already seen Iran sending spoofed emails designed to intimidate voters , incite social unrest and damage president Trump . ''
The emails are under investigation , and one intelligence source said it was still unclear who was behind them , according to Reuters .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Another government source said that US officials are investigating whether people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network or website .
This source said US officials suspect the Iranian government was involved but that the evidence is inconclusive .
FBI director Christopher Wray added : `` You should be confident that your vote counts .
Early , unverified claims to the contrary should be viewed with a healthy dose of scepticism . ''
Tehran also distributed a video that falsely suggested voters could cast fraudulent ballots from overseas , Mr Ratcliffe said .
At a news conference on Wednesday , the pair said Washington would impose costs on foreign countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting has already begun in some US states ahead of the main polling day , a week on Tuesday .
The voter intimidation operation apparently used email addresses obtained from state voter registration lists , which include party affiliation and home addresses and can include email addresses and phone numbers .
Those addresses were then used in an apparently widespread targeted spamming operation .
Though Democratic voters were targeted , Mr Ratcliffe said the spoofed emails were intended to harm Mr Trump in his battle with Democrat challenger Joe Biden , though he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the messages may have been intended simply to link the president with the Proud Boys , a far-right group , in the minds of voters .
Mr Trump was widely criticised for failing to unequivocally denounce the group , which has been linked to violence , during the first presidential debate .
The allegations illustrate the US government 's determination to ensure foreign countries are not allowed to influence this year 's ballot , after what happened four years ago .
Moscow carried out a covert social media campaign in 2016 aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hacked emails that damaged Mr Trump 's opponent , Hillary Clinton .
A lengthy investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow followed , the whole episode dismissed as `` the Russia hoax '' by Mr Trump .
Alireza Miryousefi , a spokesman for Iran 's mission to the United Nations , denied Tehran 's involvement .
`` Unlike the US , Iran does not interfere in other country 's elections , '' Mr Miryousefi wrote on Twitter .
Mr Trump , speaking at a rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the intelligence announcement , but repeated a familiar campaign assertion that Iran is opposed to his re-election .

In 2016 Russia tried to influence the US presidential election, this year it's Iran, according to US security officials.
Emails from a far-right group linked to Donald Trump threatening to "come after" US voters if they don't vote for him, are actually from Iran, the FBI has said.
The emails, purportedly from the Proud Boys, were sent to registered Democratic voters in at least four battleground states including Florida and Pennsylvania.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Former president Barack Obama launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump with less than two weeks to go before the US election
John Ratcliffe, the US national intelligence director, called them "desperate attempts by desperate adversaries".
"We have confirmed that some voter registration information has been obtained by Iran, and separately, by Russia.
"We have already seen Iran sending spoofed emails designed to intimidate voters, incite social unrest and damage president Trump."
The emails are under investigation, and one intelligence source said it was still unclear who was behind them, according to Reuters.
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Another government source said that US officials are investigating whether people in Iran had hacked into a Proud Boys network or website.
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This source said US officials suspect the Iranian government was involved but that the evidence is inconclusive.
FBI director Christopher Wray added: "You should be confident that your vote counts. Early, unverified claims to the contrary should be viewed with a healthy dose of scepticism."
Tehran also distributed a video that falsely suggested voters could cast fraudulent ballots from overseas, Mr Ratcliffe said.
At a news conference on Wednesday, the pair said Washington would impose costs on foreign countries that interfere in the election.
Image: Mr Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday
Early voting has already begun in some US states ahead of the main polling day, a week on Tuesday.
The voter intimidation operation apparently used email addresses obtained from state voter registration lists, which include party affiliation and home addresses and can include email addresses and phone numbers.
Those addresses were then used in an apparently widespread targeted spamming operation.
Image: Joe Biden during a drive-in campaign event in Toledo, Ohio
Though Democratic voters were targeted, Mr Ratcliffe said the spoofed emails were intended to harm Mr Trump in his battle with Democrat challenger Joe Biden, though he did not explain how.
One possibility is the messages may have been intended simply to link the president with the Proud Boys, a far-right group, in the minds of voters.
Mr Trump was widely criticised for failing to unequivocally denounce the group, which has been linked to violence, during the first presidential debate.
The allegations illustrate the US government's determination to ensure foreign countries are not allowed to influence this year's ballot, after what happened four years ago.
Moscow carried out a covert social media campaign in 2016 aimed at sowing unrest and was behind leaked hacked emails that damaged Mr Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:06 Why does it matter who is elected to the US Supreme Court? It could mean more than you think
A lengthy investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow followed, the whole episode dismissed as "the Russia hoax" by Mr Trump.
Alireza Miryousefi, a spokesman for Iran's mission to the United Nations, denied Tehran's involvement.
"Unlike the US, Iran does not interfere in other country's elections," Mr Miryousefi wrote on Twitter.
Mr Trump, speaking at a rally in North Carolina, made no reference to the intelligence announcement, but repeated a familiar campaign assertion that Iran is opposed to his re-election.


skynewsus--2020-10-22--Head to head for the last time: Trump and Biden prepare for the final presidential debate

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have one final chance to address tens of millions of Americans in the final televised debate of a fractious presidential campaign .
After the first debate descended into a shambolic squabble and the second was cancelled in a dispute over whether it should be held virtually , the two candidates will meet face-to-face again for a Thursday night prime time 90-minute event ( 2am Friday UK time ) .
It is a comment on the discordant state of American politics that the candidates will have their microphones muted during sections of the debate to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first debate .
That decision has angered the Trump campaign , which has alleged bias in the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates .
It has also complained about the moderator and her choice of debate subjects .
Kristen Welker , a White House correspondent for NBC News , has selected fighting COVID-19 , American families , race in America , climate change , national security and leadership as the debate topics .
Mr Trump has labelled her `` just like most of the Fake News reporters '' and recent history suggests any moderator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the candidates under control .
Opinion polls suggest Mr Trump needs a good debate performance to close a yawning gap between himself and his rival .
Nationally he trails by double-figures and he is also behind in polling in critical swing states .
While Mr Biden has spent the week preparing for the debate hunkered down at his Delaware home , the current president has been out on the campaign trail holding large rallies in some of those pivotal states .
He has largely eschewed traditional debate preparation , telling reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them is good enough practice for the night .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The president is certain to continue his attacks on Mr Biden 's record in public office and his suitability and capacity to be commander-in-chief .
He is also likely to step up attacks on the business dealings of Mr Biden 's son Hunter .
The former vice president , and his running mate Kamala Harris , have shown they are determined to keep Mr Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of the campaign .
They say he has made America weaker , sicker , poorer , more divided and more violent .
But , in the frantic race to the finish line in this election , every day brings new stories that could feature , from revelations about Mr Trump 's own tax affairs to the discovery that lawyers can not find the parents of 545 migrant children separated from them by the Trump administration .
The first debate was emblematic of a messy campaign which , with record numbers of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , could lead to an equally messy election night .
With Americans , like many in the world , facing a winter of economic and health hardship , the debate is an audition for who can best lead them through the dark times .
Watch and follow the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden at 2am Friday morning on the Sky News website , app and on TV .

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have one final chance to address tens of millions of Americans in the final televised debate of a fractious presidential campaign.
After the first debate descended into a shambolic squabble and the second was cancelled in a dispute over whether it should be held virtually, the two candidates will meet face-to-face again for a Thursday night prime time 90-minute event (2am Friday UK time).
Watch and follow the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden
It is a comment on the discordant state of American politics that the candidates will have their microphones muted during sections of the debate to prevent a repeat of the interruption-fest of the first debate.
That decision has angered the Trump campaign, which has alleged bias in the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates. It has also complained about the moderator and her choice of debate subjects.
Kristen Welker, a White House correspondent for NBC News, has selected fighting COVID-19, American families, race in America, climate change, national security and leadership as the debate topics.
Mr Trump has labelled her "just like most of the Fake News reporters" and recent history suggests any moderator will have a fight on their hands to keep the candidates under control.
Opinion polls suggest Mr Trump needs a good debate performance to close a yawning gap between himself and his rival. Nationally he trails by double-figures and he is also behind in polling in critical swing states.
While Mr Biden has spent the week preparing for the debate hunkered down at his Delaware home, the current president has been out on the campaign trail holding large rallies in some of those pivotal states.
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He has largely eschewed traditional debate preparation, telling reporters this week that his regular sparring contests with them is good enough practice for the night.
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The president is certain to continue his attacks on Mr Biden's record in public office and his suitability and capacity to be commander-in-chief. He is also likely to step up attacks on the business dealings of Mr Biden's son Hunter.
The former vice president, and his running mate Kamala Harris, have shown they are determined to keep Mr Trump's handling of the pandemic as the central issue of the campaign. They say he has made America weaker, sicker, poorer, more divided and more violent.
But, in the frantic race to the finish line in this election, every day brings new stories that could feature, from revelations about Mr Trump's own tax affairs to the discovery that lawyers cannot find the parents of 545 migrant children separated from them by the Trump administration.
The first debate was emblematic of a messy campaign which, with record numbers of people voting by post because of the pandemic, could lead to an equally messy election night.
With Americans, like many in the world, facing a winter of economic and health hardship, the debate is an audition for who can best lead them through the dark times.


skynewsus--2020-10-23--Biden renews attack on Trump's COVID-19 record in final debate

Joe Biden has renewed his attack on President Donald Trump 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic during the final debate ahead of the presidential election on 3 November .
The Democratic candidate told the debate in Nashville , Tennessee : `` Anyone who 's responsible for that many deaths should not remain president of the United States of America .
`` He says we 're , you know , learning to live with it .
People are learning to die with it . ''
Mr Trump responded by saying : `` We 're rounding the corner .
It 's going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't close up our nation or we wo n't have one '' .
The pair also clashed in the second section of the debate , on national security .
They were both asked about news that and Iran and Russia have obtained US voter registration information in an attempt to interfere in the election .
Mr Biden said such countries `` will pay a price if I 'm elected '' and claimed that Moscow does not want him elected because `` I know them and they know me '' .
Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Russia , and insisted that `` there 's been nobody tougher than me on Russia '' .
He added : `` You were getting a lot of money from Russia ... you probably still are . ''
Mr Biden responded : `` I have not taken a penny from any foreign source in my life . ''
He called on Mr Trump to release his tax returns or `` stop talking about corruption '' , with the Republican candidate claiming he was told he had `` prepaid tens of millions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was claimed to have paid in 2017 was a `` filing fee '' .
Mr Trump raised the issue of Mr Biden 's son Hunter and claims he drew a large salary from a Ukrainian firm .
Mr Biden responded that the accusation had been investigated repeatedly and did not link him to any wrongdoing .
He also pointed out that impeachment proceedings were started over the president 's attempt to pressure the president of Ukraine to find potentially damaging information on the Biden family .
Opinion polls show most Americans disapprove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
The final debate is one of the final opportunities for both candidates to make gains in a campaign dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic , which has killed more than 221,000 people in the US and devastated the economy .
Mr Biden leads Mr Trump by eight percentage points in the latest Reuters/Ipsos national poll , conducted between 20 October and 22 October .
That lead has narrowed slightly over the last few weeks .
The first segment of the debate was far more civil than when the candidates clashed in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exchanges of personal insults between the two men largely dominated the event .
Both candidate 's microphone was switched off this time while the opponent made a two-minute introductory statement on the six topics .

Joe Biden has renewed his attack on President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic during the final debate ahead of the presidential election on 3 November.
The Democratic candidate told the debate in Nashville, Tennessee: "Anyone who's responsible for that many deaths should not remain president of the United States of America.
"He says we're, you know, learning to live with it. People are learning to die with it."
Mr Trump responded by saying: "We're rounding the corner. It's going away," adding that "we can't close up our nation or we won't have one".
The pair also clashed in the second section of the debate, on national security. They were both asked about the news that Iran and Russia had obtained US voter registration information in an attempt to interfere in the election.
Image: Donald Trump repeatedly said Joe Biden had failed to achieve much while in office
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 Biden clashes with Trump over COVID-19 shutdowns
Mr Biden said such countries "will pay a price if I'm elected" and claimed that Moscow did not want him elected because "I know them and they know me".
Mr Trump alleged that Mr Biden received $3.5m (£2.7m) from Russia and insisted that "there's been nobody tougher than me on Russia".
He added: "You were getting a lot of money from Russia... you probably still are."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Candidates on Russian interference in US election
Mr Biden responded: "I have not taken a penny from any foreign source in my life." He called on Mr Trump to release his tax returns or "stop talking about corruption", with the Republican candidate claiming he was told he had "prepaid tens of millions of dollars" and that $750 (£574) in taxes he was claimed to have paid in 2017 was a "filing fee".
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Mr Trump raised the issue of Mr Biden's son Hunter and claims he drew a large salary from a Ukrainian firm.
Mr Biden responded that the accusation had been investigated repeatedly and did not link him to any wrongdoing. He also pointed out that impeachment proceedings were started over the president's attempt to pressure the president of Ukraine to find potentially damaging information on the Biden family.
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Race relations in America was also one of the topics, with both men clashing over immigrants held in control facilities after crossing the border, including children who were separated from parents.
Mr Biden called the current president "one of the most racist presidents we've had in modern history", with Mr Trump claiming he was the "least racist person in this room".
The discussion on race stretched for several minutes with Mr Biden accusing his rival of race baiting, adding the president "has a dog whistle about as big as a foghorn".
Image: Mr Biden attacked Mr Trump's record and played up his working class roots
Mr Trump said the Democrat had four years as vice president to combat racism but failed to do so, adding: "You're all talk and no action, Joe."
The two also sparred on climate change and US reliance on oil. Mr Biden said the US needed to embrace clean energy and gradually transition away from oil, with Mr Trump seizing on the remark and asked if voters in oil-producing states like Texas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania were listening.
Opinion polls show most Americans disapprove of Mr Trump's response to the virus.
The final debate is one of the final opportunities for both candidates to make gains in a campaign dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 221,000 people in the US and devastated the economy.
Mr Biden leads Mr Trump by eight percentage points in the latest Reuters/Ipsos national poll, conducted between 20 October and 22 October. That lead has narrowed slightly over the last few weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Trump: 'I am the least racist person in the room'
This final debate was far more civil and substantive than when the candidates clashed in September, where Mr Trump made constant interruptions and exchanges of personal insults between the two men largely dominated the event.
But both men differed in their approach to the subjects, with Mr Biden staring down the camera and appearing confident on the key questions and Mr Trump attacking his opponent or appealing to his core support as he came under scrutiny.
It contained six sections including the COVID-19 response, national security, American families, race in America, climate change and leadership
The candidates' microphones were switched off this time while their rival made a two-minute introductory statement on the six topics.


skynewsus--2020-10-23--Trump v Biden: The key moments from their final debate

The final presidential debate of the US election campaign happened overnight , with Donald Trump and Joe Biden facing off .
And whether you missed it or want a recap , we 've rounded up the defining moments and tried to gauge who came out on top .
Click or tap here for the full report - and here are six moments that stood out : If you missed the first debate between these two , count yourself lucky .
Calling it a `` debate '' feels generous - it was more of a shouting match .
In a bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ button was introduced to Thursday night 's proceedings in Nashville , Tennessee .
This meant that each candidate was allowed two minutes uninterrupted at the start of each section to give their initial answer .
And it did have an impact .
The tone was more civil , with fewer interruptions overall .
It felt like more of a debate , although the bar was set low by the pair 's first encounter .
Praise should go to moderator Kristen Welker , who marshalled proceedings expertly .
`` I respect very much the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump said to the NBC News White House correspondent at one point .
But while the tone in general was more civil , there were still some testy exchanges .
Things got heated when both candidates were asked about foreign interference in American elections .
Mr Trump used this as an opportunity to bring up recent media reports about Mr Biden 's son , Hunter .
The New York Post has reported that Biden used his position as vice president to benefit his son 's business interests in Ukraine , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Biden refuted any allegations of impropriety , saying `` not one single solitary thing was out of line '' in terms of his conduct with regards to Ukraine .
This did not deter the president , who compared the Biden family to a vacuum cleaner because `` they 're sucking up money '' .
And he repeated unfounded allegations that Mr Biden has received funds from Russian sources .
Again , the former vice president denied this , telling the debate : `` I have not taken a penny from any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Biden turned the attack round on Mr Trump calling on the president to `` release your tax returns or stop talking about corruption '' .
He asked : `` What are you hiding ? ''
Mr Biden also used the segment to bring up some recent media reports - about Mr Trump having a bank account in China .
Mr Biden called his opponent `` one of the most racist presidents we 've had in modern history '' and someone who `` pours fuel on every racist fire '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least racist person in this room '' and boasted that only Abraham Lincoln , who abolished slavery , had done more for black Americans .
He defended the separation of immigrant children from their families after detentions along the US-Mexico border , after it was revealed that 545 children are still separated from their parents .
Mr Trump said it was the Obama administration that `` built cages '' to detain them .
This was disputed by Mr Biden , who said children were `` ripped from '' their families in 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to the coronavirus pandemic .
Unsurprisingly , given his administration 's handling of the virus has been under the spotlight , Mr Trump was more upbeat .
He said the US was `` rounding the turn '' and `` rounding the corner '' , with a vaccine `` coming '' .
The president spoke out against further shutdowns , criticising Democrat-controlled states for their COVID-19 restrictions .
`` The cure can not be worse than the problem itself and that 's what 's happening , '' Mr Trump said .
His assertion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live with it '' drew a swift rebuke from Mr Biden , who told him : `` People are learning to die with it . ''
The former vice president sought to portray himself as a unifying figure amid the pandemic , saying he does not see `` red states and blue states '' and `` they 're all Americans '' .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Biden 's pitch to voters throughout the campaign has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in touch with folks on Main Street .
Mr Biden spoke during the debate about not seeing red states or blue states and frequently referenced the fact that he was born in Pennsylvania , a key swing state .
He thinks he can begin healing America after four years of rancour and division .
As Jim Carrey put it when he played the former vice president on Saturday Night Live : `` We can all make America not actively on fire again . ''
6 . '
I ran because of you' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Washington insider who has been roaming the corridors of power for decades .
And he consistently referenced Mr Biden 's eight years as Barack Obama 's vice president , from 2009 to 2017 .
`` You were there and you did nothing , '' Mr Trump told Mr Biden as they clashed over race relations .
`` I ran because of you , '' the president added .
Incumbent candidates can often struggle to shrug off the baggage of their time in office .
But Mr Trump wanted to remind people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political establishment , he swept to victory four years ago with a pledge to `` drain the swamp '' .
`` Success is going to bring us together , we are on the road to success , '' he declared in his answer to the final question of the night on leadership .
The president put in a strong performance , at times appearing to have the upper hand , was the verdict of our US correspondent Cordelia Lynch .
`` That may help to win over some in the wildly small group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But the polls would suggest he needed a knock-out blow and it did n't quite feel like that . ''

The final presidential debate of the US election campaign happened overnight, with Donald Trump and Joe Biden facing off.
And whether you missed it or want a recap, we've rounded up the defining moments and tried to gauge who came out on top.
Click or tap here for the full report - and here are six moments that stood out:
1. Mute debates civil again
If you missed the first debate between these two, count yourself lucky.
Calling it a "debate" feels generous - it was more of a shouting match.
In a bid to avoid a repeat, a mute button was introduced to Thursday night's proceedings in Nashville, Tennessee.
This meant that each candidate was allowed two minutes uninterrupted at the start of each section to give their initial answer.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Mic cuts and praise for debate moderator
And it did have an impact.
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The tone was more civil, with fewer interruptions overall. It felt like more of a debate, although the bar was set low by the pair's first encounter.
Praise should go to moderator Kristen Welker, who marshalled proceedings expertly.
"I respect very much the way you're handling this," Mr Trump said to the NBC News White House correspondent at one point.
2. A family affair
But while the tone in general was more civil, there were still some testy exchanges.
Things got heated when both candidates were asked about foreign interference in American elections.
Mr Trump used this as an opportunity to bring up recent media reports about Mr Biden's son, Hunter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Biden and Trump on Russia and the US election
The New York Post has reported that Biden used his position as vice president to benefit his son's business interests in Ukraine, but the article's veracity has been widely questioned.
Mr Biden refuted any allegations of impropriety, saying "not one single solitary thing was out of line" in terms of his conduct with regards to Ukraine.
This did not deter the president, who compared the Biden family to a vacuum cleaner because "they're sucking up money".
And he repeated unfounded allegations that Mr Biden has received funds from Russian sources.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:30 Trump pressed on releasing tax returns
Again, the former vice president denied this, telling the debate: "I have not taken a penny from any foreign source ever in my life."
Mr Biden turned the attack round on Mr Trump calling on the president to "release your tax returns or stop talking about corruption".
He asked: "What are you hiding?"
Mr Biden also used the segment to bring up some recent media reports - about Mr Trump having a bank account in China.
3. Trump compares himself to Lincoln
Another flashpoint was race relations.
Mr Biden called his opponent "one of the most racist presidents we've had in modern history" and someone who "pours fuel on every racist fire".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Trump, Biden...and Abraham Lincoln
The president proclaimed himself to be "the least racist person in this room" and boasted that only Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery, had done more for black Americans.
He defended the separation of immigrant children from their families after detentions along the US-Mexico border, after it was revealed that 545 children are still separated from their parents.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 Biden and Trump clash over separated children
Mr Trump said it was the Obama administration that "built cages" to detain them.
This was disputed by Mr Biden, who said children were "ripped from" their families in 2018.
4. Coronavirus
Stark differences were on show when it came to the coronavirus pandemic.
Unsurprisingly, given his administration's handling of the virus has been under the spotlight, Mr Trump was more upbeat.
He said the US was "rounding the turn" and "rounding the corner", with a vaccine "coming".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 Biden clashes with Trump over COVID-19 shutdowns
The president spoke out against further shutdowns, criticising Democrat-controlled states for their COVID-19 restrictions.
"The cure cannot be worse than the problem itself and that's what's happening," Mr Trump said.
His assertion that the country needs to "learn to live with it" drew a swift rebuke from Mr Biden, who told him: "People are learning to die with it."
The former vice president sought to portray himself as a unifying figure amid the pandemic, saying he does not see "red states and blue states" and "they're all Americans".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
5. Biden's bid for unity
Mr Biden's pitch to voters throughout the campaign has been that he is a unifying figure who is in touch with folks on Main Street.
Mr Biden spoke during the debate about not seeing red states or blue states and frequently referenced the fact that he was born in Pennsylvania, a key swing state.
He thinks he can begin healing America after four years of rancour and division.
As Jim Carrey put it when he played the former vice president on Saturday Night Live: "We can all make America not actively on fire again."
6. 'I ran because of you'
The president wanted to portray his opponent as a Washington insider who has been roaming the corridors of power for decades.
And he consistently referenced Mr Biden's eight years as Barack Obama's vice president, from 2009 to 2017.
"You were there and you did nothing," Mr Trump told Mr Biden as they clashed over race relations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 'I ran because of you' - Trump to Biden
"I ran because of you," the president added.
Incumbent candidates can often struggle to shrug off the baggage of their time in office.
But Mr Trump wanted to remind people that as an outsider derided by the political establishment, he swept to victory four years ago with a pledge to "drain the swamp".
"Success is going to bring us together, we are on the road to success," he declared in his answer to the final question of the night on leadership.
The president put in a strong performance, at times appearing to have the upper hand, was the verdict of our US correspondent Cordelia Lynch.
"That may help to win over some in the wildly small group of undecided voters," she said.
"But the polls would suggest he needed a knock-out blow and it didn't quite feel like that."


skynewsus--2020-10-23--Biden and Trump argue over COVID-19, race and Russian interference in final debate

Joe Biden has renewed his attack on President Donald Trump 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic during the final debate ahead of the presidential election on 3 November .
The Democratic candidate told the debate in Nashville , Tennessee : `` Anyone who 's responsible for that many deaths should not remain president of the United States of America .
`` He says we 're , you know , learning to live with it .
People are learning to die with it . ''
Mr Trump responded by saying : `` We 're rounding the corner .
It 's going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't close up our nation or we wo n't have one '' .
The pair also clashed in the second section of the debate , on national security .
They were both asked about the news that Iran and Russia had obtained US voter registration information in an attempt to interfere in the election .
Mr Biden said such countries `` will pay a price if I 'm elected '' and claimed that Moscow did not want him elected because `` I know them and they know me '' .
Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £2.7m ) from Russia and insisted that `` there 's been nobody tougher than me on Russia '' .
He added : `` You were getting a lot of money from Russia ... you probably still are . ''
Mr Biden responded : `` I have not taken a penny from any foreign source in my life . ''
He called on Mr Trump to release his tax returns or `` stop talking about corruption '' , with the Republican candidate claiming he was told he had `` prepaid tens of millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £574 ) in taxes he was claimed to have paid in 2017 was a `` filing fee '' .
Mr Trump raised the issue of Mr Biden 's son Hunter and claims he drew a large salary from a Ukrainian firm .
Mr Biden responded that the accusation had been investigated repeatedly and did not link him to any wrongdoing .
He also pointed out that impeachment proceedings were started over the president 's attempt to pressure the president of Ukraine to find potentially damaging information on the Biden family .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Race relations in America was also one of the topics , with both men clashing over immigrants held in control facilities after crossing the border , including children who were separated from parents .
Mr Biden called the current president `` one of the most racist presidents we 've had in modern history '' , with Mr Trump claiming he was the `` least racist person in this room '' .
The discussion on race stretched for several minutes with Mr Biden accusing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president `` has a dog whistle about as big as a foghorn '' .
Mr Trump said the Democrat had four years as vice president to combat racism but failed to do so , adding : `` You 're all talk and no action , Joe . ''
The two also sparred on climate change and US reliance on oil .
Mr Biden said the US needed to embrace clean energy and gradually transition away from oil , with Mr Trump seizing on the remark and asked if voters in oil-producing states like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Opinion polls show most Americans disapprove of Mr Trump 's response to the virus .
The final debate is one of the final opportunities for both candidates to make gains in a campaign dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic , which has killed more than 221,000 people in the US and devastated the economy .
Mr Biden leads Mr Trump by eight percentage points in the latest Reuters/Ipsos national poll , conducted between 20 October and 22 October .
That lead has narrowed slightly over the last few weeks .
This final debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the candidates clashed in September , where Mr Trump made constant interruptions and exchanges of personal insults between the two men largely dominated the event .
But both men differed in their approach to the subjects , with Mr Biden staring down the camera and appearing confident on the key questions and Mr Trump attacking his opponent or appealing to his core support as he came under scrutiny .
It contained six sections including the COVID-19 response , national security , American families , race in America , climate change and leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time while their rival made a two-minute introductory statement on the six topics .


skynewsus--2020-10-23--Trump and Biden both had predictable arguments - but there was one surprise

Phew !
We actually got to hear some substance .
After their first debate was dominated by rancour and interruptions , this time Joe Biden and Donald Trump were far more focused and restrained .
They were deftly assisted by a moderator who asked considered but thoughtful questions , who was firm without being rude and who respectfully followed up with fact checks when they were needed .
But the debate was n't short on attack lines and we saw two candidates deliver starkly different closing arguments on reshaping the immigration system , two divergent prognoses on coronavirus and polar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , Trump promised it was `` going away '' .
Biden by contrast , called for much more stringent federal action to prepare for a `` dark winter '' .
Predictable takes , but there was one surprise - the president for the first time saying `` I take full responsibility '' for the impact of the virus .
He did also blame China immediately after .
On immigration and race , Mr Trump appeared to land some blows , reminding the audience that it was the Obama administration that built cages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself who voted for the controversial Crime Bill in 1994 that saw many black men imprisoned for unduly lengthy sentences .
That could well resonate with black male voters who have long felt alienated by the political class and have haunting memories of that period in US history .
Trump 's opponent was able to return fire , if not quite as overtly , highlighting `` institutional racism '' and making clear children separated from their parents were not , as the president argued , `` well taken care of '' .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many still waiting to be reunited .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker What was most memorable and perhaps most effective , was Mr Trump casting Biden as a creature of `` the swamp '' , brandishing the unproven allegations about Mr Biden 's son , Hunter , to accuse his rival of personally taking money from foreign interests .
An investigation by Senate Republicans found no evidence that Mr Biden , the former vice president , engaged in wrongdoing over his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly believes the story is his best chance of undermining Biden in these final days .
The president put in a strong performance , at times appearing to have the upper hand .
That may help to win over some in the wildly small group of undecided voters .
But the polls would suggest he needed a knock-out blow and it did n't quite feel like that .
He has closed the margins in key states in recent days and he won in 2016 without 'winning ' the debates .
But the battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then and reshaping them with just one debate alone seems unlikely .

Phew! We actually got to hear some substance.
After their first debate was dominated by rancour and interruptions, this time Joe Biden and Donald Trump were far more focused and restrained.
They were deftly assisted by a moderator who asked considered but thoughtful questions, who was firm without being rude and who respectfully followed up with fact checks when they were needed.
But the debate wasn't short on attack lines and we saw two candidates deliver starkly different closing arguments on reshaping the immigration system, two divergent prognoses on coronavirus and polar opposite views on climate change.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 Biden clashes with Trump over COVID-19 shutdowns
On COVID-19, Trump promised it was "going away". Biden by contrast, called for much more stringent federal action to prepare for a "dark winter".
Predictable takes, but there was one surprise - the president for the first time saying "I take full responsibility" for the impact of the virus. He did also blame China immediately after.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Trump, Biden...and Abraham Lincoln
On immigration and race, Mr Trump appeared to land some blows, reminding the audience that it was the Obama administration that built cages to house immigrant children and Joe Biden himself who voted for the controversial Crime Bill in 1994 that saw many black men imprisoned for unduly lengthy sentences.
That could well resonate with black male voters who have long felt alienated by the political class and have haunting memories of that period in US history.
Trump's opponent was able to return fire, if not quite as overtly, highlighting "institutional racism" and making clear children separated from their parents were not, as the president argued, "well taken care of". They were in fact effectively made orphans with many still waiting to be reunited.
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:: Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
What was most memorable and perhaps most effective, was Mr Trump casting Biden as a creature of "the swamp", brandishing the unproven allegations about Mr Biden's son, Hunter, to accuse his rival of personally taking money from foreign interests.
An investigation by Senate Republicans found no evidence that Mr Biden, the former vice president, engaged in wrongdoing over his son's business dealings. But Trump clearly believes the story is his best chance of undermining Biden in these final days.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Mic cuts and praise for debate moderator
The president put in a strong performance, at times appearing to have the upper hand. That may help to win over some in the wildly small group of undecided voters.
But the polls would suggest he needed a knock-out blow and it didn't quite feel like that.
He has closed the margins in key states in recent days and he won in 2016 without 'winning' the debates.
But the battle lines are more fixed than they were then and reshaping them with just one debate alone seems unlikely.