skynewsus--2020-10-29--The biggest US election since 1860? Why this one really matters

US Election 2020 : The biggest since 1860 ?
Why this one really matters We 're used to hearing that each American election is hugely important .
But this time , really , it is .
Ask anyone in foreign policy establishments either side of the Atlantic .
For some you need to go back to the 19th century to the eve of the US civil war to find an election as significant as this .
US historian Ed Watts , who wrote Mortal Republic : How Rome Fell Into Tyranny , said he saw worrying parallels with America under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sank into decline , and was deeply concerned by damage done to US democratic institutions during the Trump presidency .
`` This is definitely the most consequential election that we 've seen since 1860 , '' he said .
`` This is an election where I think it 's very easy to imagine scenarios where the peaceful administration of the United States breaks down .
And this is very dangerous .
`` I think the way Trump has been blurring his willingness to accept democratic outcomes , that suggests that a Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to US political institutions .
`` I do n't think it 's going to look like a republic of laws .
I think it 's going to look instead like a republic of power where individuals who have power do more or less what they want without significant constraints and that 's a significant danger . ''
Others draw a line back almost a century , to the 1930s .
`` I think it 's the most important election since 1932 , '' said Martin Wolf , chief economics commentator for the Financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was elected at the trough of the great depression and proceeded to change America and the world and proceeded to take America into the world as a great power . ''
America led efforts to build the post war world order , a system of democratic and international institutions designed to keep the world prosperous and safe .
Donald Trump is an America first unilateralist and appears to have little time for those institutions .
He has pulled America out of some of them , gone back on America 's word on key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and openly admired strongmen and dictators while at times deriding America 's traditional democratic allies .
`` It 's remarkable that Trump admires and respects autocrats like Xi and Putin over Merkel , '' said Mr Wolf .
`` All other American presidents recognised who was on their side .
`` We have relied on America .
We have lived in the world that America has created .
We have prospered in the world that America has created .
`` If America pulls out of it , then Britain , particularly outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own in a way it has n't been since the 20s and it 's much less powerful than it was then . ''
It is not hyperbolic to argue that a Mr Trump re-election could spell the end of the liberal democratic post-war world order .
It would re-confirm that Americans no longer support the institutions and rules that America put in place after the Second World War .
If that world order falls apart it will be exponentially harder for the world to solve problems threatening us all .
We are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under Donald Trump , America has pulled out of the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and not come up with a plan to replace it .
International efforts to save the planet have been jeopardised by his decision to walk away from the Paris Agreement on climate change .
Environmental lawyer Farhana Yamin said the choice between the two presidential candidates could not be clearer .
`` It 's chalk and cheese between these two candidates , '' she said .
`` You 've got a climate deal wrecker Trump who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement and is a fossil fuel champion and a climate denier .
`` And you 've got Joe Biden , who is a champion of climate action at the moment and so the stakes could n't be any higher on whether the world moves backwards essentially or whether we move forward . ''
This election is a stark choice between a multilateralist who believes America 's problems and the world 's are best solved working with allies , and a committed `` America first '' unilateralist .
Former Trump campaign official Bryan Lanza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say he has done it his way and it has paid off .
`` When you point to North Korea not having the nuclear weapon that we thought they were going to have today or you point to the caliphate being defeated that 's a good thing , '' he said .
`` When you point to US troops coming out of these countries where they 've been for 20 years I think you can look at the totality of that policy and can say they 've hit a good stride , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump 's critics are dismissive of such claims and fear another four years of the Trump presidency could terminally damage the western alliance .
Sir Peter Westmacott was British ambassador to the US during the Obama-Biden years .
He said : `` I do think that there 's a real threat to NATO and I do think that some of the international institutions that Donald Trump does n't like will be weakened .
`` I hope that that does n't mean to say that that 's the end of the post-war international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that would hand game set and match to some of the big malevolent players out there . ''
Mr Trump is not the favourite of course .
Joe Biden would be a very different president .
A confirmed multilateralist , he has promised to restore America 's credibility among allies .
`` I think that can be rebuilt and it can be reconstructed , '' Sir Peter told Sky News .
`` And I do believe that a president Biden is going to be very keen to restore values and respect for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America 's interest . ''
Others are not so sure .
They wonder if the damage has been done , regardless of the outcome of this election .
Karin von Hipel , from the Royal United Services Institute , wonders whether the Trump genie is now out of the bottle .
She said : `` Many countries may not trust America anymore .
`` They may say well look you elected someone like Donald Trump before .
You may do it again and who 's to say that the next version , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competent . ''
If that is the case this election may not be so consequential after all .
Regardless of who wins this election , Mr Trump has shown what can be done within the US system of government and could be the trailblazer for others like him .
America will never been seen as quite the same again .

US Election 2020: The biggest since 1860? Why this one really matters
We're used to hearing that each American election is hugely important. But this time, really, it is. Ask anyone in foreign policy establishments either side of the Atlantic.
For some you need to go back to the 19th century to the eve of the US civil war to find an election as significant as this.
US historian Ed Watts, who wrote Mortal Republic: How Rome Fell Into Tyranny, said he saw worrying parallels with America under Donald Trump and the Roman republic as it sank into decline, and was deeply concerned by damage done to US democratic institutions during the Trump presidency.
"This is definitely the most consequential election that we've seen since 1860," he said. "This is an election where I think it's very easy to imagine scenarios where the peaceful administration of the United States breaks down. And this is very dangerous.
"I think the way Trump has been blurring his willingness to accept democratic outcomes, that suggests that a Trump victory is going to be really damaging to US political institutions.
"I don't think it's going to look like a republic of laws. I think it's going to look instead like a republic of power where individuals who have power do more or less what they want without significant constraints and that's a significant danger."
Others draw a line back almost a century, to the 1930s.
"I think it's the most important election since 1932," said Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator for the Financial Times. "When Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected at the trough of the great depression and proceeded to change America and the world and proceeded to take America into the world as a great power."
America led efforts to build the post war world order, a system of democratic and international institutions designed to keep the world prosperous and safe.
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Image: Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
Donald Trump is an America first unilateralist and appears to have little time for those institutions.
He has pulled America out of some of them, gone back on America's word on key international agreements on Iran and the climate, and openly admired strongmen and dictators while at times deriding America's traditional democratic allies.
"It's remarkable that Trump admires and respects autocrats like Xi and Putin over Merkel," said Mr Wolf. "All other American presidents recognised who was on their side.
"We have relied on America. We have lived in the world that America has created. We have prospered in the world that America has created.
"If America pulls out of it, then Britain, particularly outside Europe, will be really on its own in a way it hasn't been since the 20s and it's much less powerful than it was then."
It is not hyperbolic to argue that a Mr Trump re-election could spell the end of the liberal democratic post-war world order.
It would re-confirm that Americans no longer support the institutions and rules that America put in place after the Second World War.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:32 How to win a US election
If that world order falls apart it will be exponentially harder for the world to solve problems threatening us all.
We are still waiting for an international COVID-19 action plan.
Under Donald Trump, America has pulled out of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and not come up with a plan to replace it.
International efforts to save the planet have been jeopardised by his decision to walk away from the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Environmental lawyer Farhana Yamin said the choice between the two presidential candidates could not be clearer.
Image: Farhana Yamin is a climate lawyer and activist
"It's chalk and cheese between these two candidates," she said. "You've got a climate deal wrecker Trump who's tried to kill the climate change agreement and is a fossil fuel champion and a climate denier.
"And you've got Joe Biden, who is a champion of climate action at the moment and so the stakes couldn't be any higher on whether the world moves backwards essentially or whether we move forward."
This election is a stark choice between a multilateralist who believes America's problems and the world's are best solved working with allies, and a committed "America first" unilateralist.
Former Trump campaign official Bryan Lanza is among the president's supporters who say he has done it his way and it has paid off.
Image: Bryan Lanza is a former Trump campaign official
"When you point to North Korea not having the nuclear weapon that we thought they were going to have today or you point to the caliphate being defeated that's a good thing," he said.
"When you point to US troops coming out of these countries where they've been for 20 years I think you can look at the totality of that policy and can say they've hit a good stride, they've hit a good benchmark."
Donald Trump's critics are dismissive of such claims and fear another four years of the Trump presidency could terminally damage the western alliance.
Sir Peter Westmacott was British ambassador to the US during the Obama-Biden years. He said: "I do think that there's a real threat to NATO and I do think that some of the international institutions that Donald Trump doesn't like will be weakened.
Image: Sir Peter Westmacott was British ambassador to US 2012-2016
"I hope that that doesn't mean to say that that's the end of the post-war international order. That would be pretty catastrophic and that would hand game set and match to some of the big malevolent players out there."
Mr Trump is not the favourite of course. Joe Biden would be a very different president. A confirmed multilateralist, he has promised to restore America's credibility among allies.
"I think that can be rebuilt and it can be reconstructed," Sir Peter told Sky News. "And I do believe that a president Biden is going to be very keen to restore values and respect for America as well as putting in policies in America's interest."
Others are not so sure. They wonder if the damage has been done, regardless of the outcome of this election.
Karin von Hipel, from the Royal United Services Institute, wonders whether the Trump genie is now out of the bottle.
Image: Karin Von Hipel is Director-General of Royal United Services Institute
She said: "Many countries may not trust America anymore.
"They may say well look you elected someone like Donald Trump before. You may do it again and who's to say that the next version, the next iteration won't be more competent."
If that is the case this election may not be so consequential after all.
Regardless of who wins this election, Mr Trump has shown what can be done within the US system of government and could be the trailblazer for others like him.
America will never been seen as quite the same again.


skynewsus--2020-11-01--Joe Biden summons Obama's star power in final push for votes

Joe Biden has summoned up the Motown star power of Stevie Wonder and political heft of Barack Obama in a glitzy rally in Detroit as the US presidential campaign entered its final stages .
Obama appeared alongside his former vice-president for the first time in this year 's race for the White House , at two drive-in rallies in the crucial swing state of Michigan .
And , in a performance of his classic hit Superstition , Wonder adapted the lyrics to urge the crowd that `` Biden-Harris is the way '' .
Biden has repeatedly invoked his eight years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of his sales pitch to the American people to become its 46th .
In Michigan , Obama continued to mock his successor Donald Trump , especially for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
He said Trump had `` completely screwed it up . ''
`` Trump cares about feeding his ego , '' Obama said .
`` Joe cares about keeping you safe and your family safe , and getting country moving again .
That 's why you 've got to vote . ''
In the state that prides itself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there was something apt about Biden 's drive-in rallies .
Some sat on the bonnets and roofs of their cars , others popped their heads up through the sunroof into the near-zero temperatures .
Even four years after he left office , it is clear Obama still has the energy and zeal for campaigning .
No one needs reminding though of the muted impact his efforts for Hillary Clinton had in 2016 .
Biden has also been hammering Trump 's record but , like Obama , is focused on driving turnout on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president that `` it is time to pack up and go home '' .
`` In three days , we can put an end to a presidency that has divided this nation .
In three days , we can put an end to a presidency that has failed to protect this nation .
In three days , we can put an end to a presidency that has fanned the flames of hate all across this nation , '' he said .
Four years ago , Democrats neglected Michigan in the last days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump won it by 10,000 votes .
Supporters of the president believe a repeat is possible this time .
At the Halloween drive-through trick-or-treat in Flint , while the minds of children were on the games and candy , the adults pondered what is at stake .
The voters we spoke to were evenly divided politically .
In his `` I Love Jesus '' cap , Lee Williams said : `` Trump has been out for himself .
He has done what he was going to do , and he will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Joe Biden has summoned up the Motown star power of Stevie Wonder and political heft of Barack Obama in a glitzy rally in Detroit as the US presidential campaign entered its final stages.
Obama appeared alongside his former vice-president for the first time in this year's race for the White House, at two drive-in rallies in the crucial swing state of Michigan.
And, in a performance of his classic hit Superstition, Wonder adapted the lyrics to urge the crowd that "Biden-Harris is the way".
Image: Stevie Wonder performs at a Biden drive-in rally in Detroit
Biden has repeatedly invoked his eight years working alongside America's 44th president as part of his sales pitch to the American people to become its 46th.
In Michigan, Obama continued to mock his successor Donald Trump, especially for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said Trump had "completely screwed it up."
"Trump cares about feeding his ego," Obama said. "Joe cares about keeping you safe and your family safe, and getting country moving again. That's why you've got to vote."
In the state that prides itself as the capital of America's car industry, there was something apt about Biden's drive-in rallies. Some sat on the bonnets and roofs of their cars, others popped their heads up through the sunroof into the near-zero temperatures.
Even four years after he left office, it is clear Obama still has the energy and zeal for campaigning. No one needs reminding though of the muted impact his efforts for Hillary Clinton had in 2016.
Biden has also been hammering Trump's record but, like Obama, is focused on driving turnout on Tuesday to send a message to the president that "it is time to pack up and go home".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:29 Podcast: Will it be Biden or Trump?
"In three days, we can put an end to a presidency that has divided this nation. In three days, we can put an end to a presidency that has failed to protect this nation. In three days, we can put an end to a presidency that has fanned the flames of hate all across this nation," he said.
Four years ago, Democrats neglected Michigan in the last days of the campaign and paid the price when Trump won it by 10,000 votes. Supporters of the president believe a repeat is possible this time.
Image: Sky News US election coverage
At the Halloween drive-through trick-or-treat in Flint, while the minds of children were on the games and candy, the adults pondered what is at stake. The voters we spoke to were evenly divided politically.
In his "I Love Jesus" cap, Lee Williams said: "Trump has been out for himself. He has done what he was going to do, and he will have to face God in the end."


skynewsus--2020-11-01--Joe Biden would be 'very realistic' about UK's trade struggles if he becomes president

Former foreign secretary David Miliband has told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that Joe Biden would be `` warm '' to the UK but also `` very realistic '' about issues that the country is `` struggling with '' .
Mr Miliband , who is now chief executive of the International Rescue Committee , said if elected president , Mr Biden `` will follow the power '' and on the issues of the coronavirus pandemic and climate change , suggested he would look to the EU ahead of the UK .
`` He can see that in Paris and in Berlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries working closely together and there 's no question in my mind that for the Biden camp , Brexit has reduced the influence of the UK , '' he told the show .
Speaking from his home in New York , the former Labour minister said a Biden administration would be `` warm towards the UK '' but `` also very realistic about the kind of issues that we are still struggling with '' .
He added : `` I think that puts a special premium on the British government , not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union , but also to sort out the ways in which we are going to co-operate on security , intelligence and foreign policy terms .
`` This is something that has made so little progress and that really leaves us in a weaker position . ''
Mr Miliband also claimed the `` needs , values and interests '' of British consumers are `` incompatible '' with the priorities of American agriculture .
`` That 's just a massive stumbling block , it 's the reason why there is n't an EU-US trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Quizzed on the prospect of a Donald Trump election victory , he said the UK should be most wary of his threats against NATO and China .
`` I think in the event of a Trump victory , the big question for Britain becomes does he really mean what he says about neglecting NATO ?
`` Does he really mean what he says about confrontation with China in every area of international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think that if President Trump is re-elected then democratic countries in Europe are going to find some big questions about how they engage internationally when the US does n't want to engage multilaterally . ''
Watch Sophy Ridge On Sunday live from 8.30am on Sunday , followed by Sophy Ridge : The Take at 9.30am

Former foreign secretary David Miliband has told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that Joe Biden would be "warm" to the UK but also "very realistic" about issues that the country is "struggling with".
Mr Miliband, who is now chief executive of the International Rescue Committee, said if elected president, Mr Biden "will follow the power" and on the issues of the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, suggested he would look to the EU ahead of the UK.
"He can see that in Paris and in Berlin and in Brussels you've got 27 countries working closely together and there's no question in my mind that for the Biden camp, Brexit has reduced the influence of the UK," he told the show.
Speaking from his home in New York, the former Labour minister said a Biden administration would be "warm towards the UK" but "also very realistic about the kind of issues that we are still struggling with".
He added: "I think that puts a special premium on the British government, not just to get the trade deal with the European Union, but also to sort out the ways in which we are going to co-operate on security, intelligence and foreign policy terms.
"This is something that has made so little progress and that really leaves us in a weaker position."
Mr Miliband also claimed the "needs, values and interests" of British consumers are "incompatible" with the priorities of American agriculture.
"That's just a massive stumbling block, it's the reason why there isn't an EU-US trade deal as well as a UK-US trade deal."
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:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Quizzed on the prospect of a Donald Trump election victory, he said the UK should be most wary of his threats against NATO and China.
"I think in the event of a Trump victory, the big question for Britain becomes does he really mean what he says about neglecting NATO?
"Does he really mean what he says about confrontation with China in every area of international life?"
He added: "I think that if President Trump is re-elected then democratic countries in Europe are going to find some big questions about how they engage internationally when the US doesn't want to engage multilaterally."
Watch Sophy Ridge On Sunday live from 8.30am on Sunday, followed by Sophy Ridge: The Take at 9.30am


skynewsus--2020-11-01--'How could this happen?' A sea of white flags to remember COVID victims

`` Dear Joe , thanks for the memories .
We miss you so much . ''
`` Ricky Taylor - we will tell your story , love you dad . ''
Fluttering in the autumn wind , these are just some of the messages grieving friends and relatives have written on 230,000 white flags planted in memory of coronavirus victims .
The epitaphs roll far down a grassy park in southwest Washington DC , adorned with a sign showing the US death toll during the pandemic - 230,556 - that asks visitors : `` In America , how could this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to catch up from yesterday 's deaths being planted , '' artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg sighs , as she dashes around handing out more flags .
She and a handful of volunteers look after the temporary art installation , wading through the muddy trenches of this otherwise ordinary park lying in the shadow of a dilapidated baseball stadium and the National Guard headquarters .
Names of the deceased from as far as California on the west coast are filling the expanse of white , scribbled along with hearts or drawings .
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Betsy Withycombe .
The 52-year-old self-described `` suburban mom '' from Arlington , Virginia , is here to write on a flag for her father , Sam Corl , who died with the virus on 27 August .
`` One of the things that is really distressing to me is he was a particularly formal man to whom it was important that he dress well , '' she tells me .
`` I asked about his passing because typically one is allowed to go and dress a body before cremation or burial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of COVID .
`` So he was cremated in his hospital gown .
That 's very upsetting to me . ''
She had to drive for 12 hours to scatter his ashes with her youngest child , with no break , for fear of catching COVID .
Two sisters , Lori and Juli Cooper , are here to remember their friend Joe - who escaped contracting coronavirus despite two hospital admissions during the pandemic but caught it a third time and died in May .
They describe an AIDS-survivor in his 70s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gary and known for his `` ladybird parties '' .
`` It 's sad to not be able to say goodbye , '' Lori says .
`` We join all the other people who 've lost someone in mourning that aspect of not really being able to have closure .
But he left us with some wonderful memories . ''
And Jean , a real estate worker from Virginia Beach , is here to honour a relative she only recently discovered but never got to meet .
She had used a genealogy site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father died with COVID , and is one of three people she knows who have passed away with the virus .
This is one of the few parts of the city not decorated with blue and red campaign signs ahead of the US election but everyone is keen to talk politics .
`` I think this administration 's response to the pandemic has been a total and complete failure , '' says Betsy .
`` So many of these deaths have been excess , and have been preventable - that actually is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds .
And the sight of all the flags `` will tell some people that our administration really seems to have given up on us '' , says organiser Suzanne .
But although there is anger about the political decisions that may have led to these deaths , she says the installation is bringing people together .
`` The other day I saw a man who is deaf , through his interpreter , console a complete stranger who had lost his uncle only the day before , '' the 61-year-old former hospice volunteer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming together and we 're seeing that we can unite .
If not in our politics , at least in our grief . ''

"Dear Joe, thanks for the memories. We miss you so much."
"Ricky Taylor - we will tell your story, love you dad."
"Jose Angel Ciaz Rodriguez - papu we miss you."
Fluttering in the autumn wind, these are just some of the messages grieving friends and relatives have written on 230,000 white flags planted in memory of coronavirus victims.
The epitaphs roll far down a grassy park in southwest Washington DC, adorned with a sign showing the US death toll during the pandemic - 230,556 - that asks visitors: "In America, how could this happen?"
Image: The installation stretches the full width of a Washington DC park
"I'm still trying to catch up from yesterday's deaths being planted," artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg sighs, as she dashes around handing out more flags.
She and a handful of volunteers look after the temporary art installation, wading through the muddy trenches of this otherwise ordinary park lying in the shadow of a dilapidated baseball stadium and the National Guard headquarters.
Image: Tributes and drawings are left to the deceased
Names of the deceased from as far as California on the west coast are filling the expanse of white, scribbled along with hearts or drawings.
Among those here to pay their respects is Betsy Withycombe.
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The 52-year-old self-described "suburban mom" from Arlington, Virginia, is here to write on a flag for her father, Sam Corl, who died with the virus on 27 August.
Image: Betsy Withycombe, with her husband, drove for 12 hours to scatter her father's ashes
"One of the things that is really distressing to me is he was a particularly formal man to whom it was important that he dress well," she tells me.
"I asked about his passing because typically one is allowed to go and dress a body before cremation or burial and in this case we were not, because of COVID.
"So he was cremated in his hospital gown. That's very upsetting to me."
She had to drive for 12 hours to scatter his ashes with her youngest child, with no break, for fear of catching COVID.
Two sisters, Lori and Juli Cooper, are here to remember their friend Joe - who escaped contracting coronavirus despite two hospital admissions during the pandemic but caught it a third time and died in May.
Image: Lori Cooper (right) and sister Juli wrote a flag dedicated to Joe
They describe an AIDS-survivor in his 70s who was a loving home-maker to husband Gary and known for his "ladybird parties".
"It's sad to not be able to say goodbye," Lori says.
"We join all the other people who've lost someone in mourning that aspect of not really being able to have closure. But he left us with some wonderful memories."
Image: Lori leaves a tribute to her friend
And Jean, a real estate worker from Virginia Beach, is here to honour a relative she only recently discovered but never got to meet.
She had used a genealogy site to track down a cousin, whose father died with COVID, and is one of three people she knows who have passed away with the virus.
This is one of the few parts of the city not decorated with blue and red campaign signs ahead of the US election but everyone is keen to talk politics.
Image: Pictures and other personalised effects adorn some flags
"I think this administration's response to the pandemic has been a total and complete failure," says Betsy.
"So many of these deaths have been excess, and have been preventable - that actually is the sad truth of it," Lori adds.
And the sight of all the flags "will tell some people that our administration really seems to have given up on us", says organiser Suzanne.
But although there is anger about the political decisions that may have led to these deaths, she says the installation is bringing people together.
Image: Victims from the west to east coast are remembered
"The other day I saw a man who is deaf, through his interpreter, console a complete stranger who had lost his uncle only the day before," the 61-year-old former hospice volunteer tells me.
"So strangers are coming together and we're seeing that we can unite. If not in our politics, at least in our grief."


skynewsus--2020-11-01--Joe Biden 'could intervene if Brexit talks turn acrimonious'

Joe Biden 's close ties to Ireland could see him make further interventions in Brexit if talks turn acrimonious , Sky News understands .
The Democratic presidential hopeful has already intervened once in the withdrawal debate this autumn , warning Boris Johnson there would be no US-UK trade deal if Britain goes back on the treaty it signed with the EU last year .
Sky News understands that if Brexit talks break up without agreement and the relationship becomes acrimonious , the Irish government hopes that Mr Biden might be persuaded to visit the border between Northern Ireland and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a visit was a realistic possibility , given his concern for the issue and the strength of the US Irish community .
Mr Biden has struck a close personal relationship with his cousins in Ireland , paying visits to the country to trace his ancestry and seen Irish cousins fly to the US to help with his campaign .
Ireland hopes this gives them the diplomatic edge in the event Mr Biden is elected president after Tuesday 's election .
At the height of the row over the Internal Market Bill in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to renege on the deal with the EU , Mr Biden tweeted : `` We ca n't allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit .
`` Any trade deal between the US and the UK must be contingent upon respect for the agreement and preventing the returning of a hard border . ''
British diplomats have met friends of Mr Biden in recent months , but a ban on his campaign team meeting foreign diplomats has made it harder for the US embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are hopes that the strength of the intelligence relationship will mean whoever is the president reaches out to the UK soon after the election .
One Tory said he suspected the power of special relationship with the UK would prohibit any president going to border , unless the security situation plummeted .
Tobias Ellwood , chairman of the defence select committee , said nevertheless Britain should `` apologise '' to the US for threatening to break international law , which is one of the bedrocks of the UK-US special relationship .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principle of Britain abiding , defending supporting international law - should not be questioned at all .
`` I 'm sorry , I think we should apologise to Americans that we even opened up this Pandora 's box .
I think when we read the memoirs - it was an error of judgement . ''
He said however that a lot of the reason that he tweeted about the Good Friday Agreement was `` theatre '' , adding : `` Assurances given to us on all fronts - including for our embassy here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international law .
But whichever party next president , we will have a very strong bond . ''
One former Downing Street advisor who oversaw the relationships with President Bush to President Obama alongside Gordon Brown and later David Cameron , said that Mr Biden 's Irish connections could actually benefit the UK .
Tom Fletcher , a former senior foreign policy advisor in No 10 , told Sky News : `` I think Biden clearly has strong sentimental links to Ireland .
`` He will be more interested in what 's happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a close working relationship with the UK system . ''
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He added that as President Obama 's vice president , his counterpart was deputy prime minister Nick Clegg .
`` He had regular contact , carried a lot of the load in US-UK relationship .
He knows us well .
And he knows that defence security intelligence relationship , '' he continued .
He said he doubted Brexit would sour the relationship .
`` I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but would n't see this as polluting the wider relationship . ''

Joe Biden's close ties to Ireland could see him make further interventions in Brexit if talks turn acrimonious, Sky News understands.
The Democratic presidential hopeful has already intervened once in the withdrawal debate this autumn, warning Boris Johnson there would be no US-UK trade deal if Britain goes back on the treaty it signed with the EU last year.
Sky News understands that if Brexit talks break up without agreement and the relationship becomes acrimonious, the Irish government hopes that Mr Biden might be persuaded to visit the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Image: Mr Biden has struck a close personal relationship with his cousins in Ireland
Irish officials have said such a visit was a realistic possibility, given his concern for the issue and the strength of the US Irish community.
Mr Biden has struck a close personal relationship with his cousins in Ireland, paying visits to the country to trace his ancestry and seen Irish cousins fly to the US to help with his campaign.
Ireland hopes this gives them the diplomatic edge in the event Mr Biden is elected president after Tuesday's election.
At the height of the row over the Internal Market Bill in September, which gives the UK government powers to renege on the deal with the EU, Mr Biden tweeted: "We can't allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit.
"Any trade deal between the US and the UK must be contingent upon respect for the agreement and preventing the returning of a hard border."
British diplomats have met friends of Mr Biden in recent months, but a ban on his campaign team meeting foreign diplomats has made it harder for the US embassy to forge a closer relationship pre-election.
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Image: Mr Biden has already intervened once in the withdrawal debate this autumn
There are hopes that the strength of the intelligence relationship will mean whoever is the president reaches out to the UK soon after the election.
One Tory said he suspected the power of special relationship with the UK would prohibit any president going to border, unless the security situation plummeted.
Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the defence select committee, said nevertheless Britain should "apologise" to the US for threatening to break international law, which is one of the bedrocks of the UK-US special relationship.
Image: Tobias Ellwood has said Britain should 'apologise' to the US for threatening to break international law
He told Sky News: "The overarching principle of Britain abiding, defending supporting international law - should not be questioned at all.
"I'm sorry, I think we should apologise to Americans that we even opened up this Pandora's box. I think when we read the memoirs - it was an error of judgement."
He said however that a lot of the reason that he tweeted about the Good Friday Agreement was "theatre", adding: "Assurances given to us on all fronts - including for our embassy here, to say we are committed to international law. But whichever party next president, we will have a very strong bond."
Image: Sky News US election coverage
One former Downing Street advisor who oversaw the relationships with President Bush to President Obama alongside Gordon Brown and later David Cameron, said that Mr Biden's Irish connections could actually benefit the UK.
Tom Fletcher, a former senior foreign policy advisor in No 10, told Sky News: "I think Biden clearly has strong sentimental links to Ireland.
"He will be more interested in what's happening this side of Atlantic. He had a close working relationship with the UK system."
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He added that as President Obama's vice president, his counterpart was deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.
"He had regular contact, carried a lot of the load in US-UK relationship. He knows us well. And he knows that defence security intelligence relationship," he continued.
He said he doubted Brexit would sour the relationship.
"I think Biden and his closest advisors are anti-Brexit, but wouldn't see this as polluting the wider relationship."


skynewsus--2020-11-01--Fauci's coronavirus warning: US 'could not possibly be positioned more poorly'

The US `` could not possibly be positioned more poorly '' in its fight against coronavirus as winter approaches - that 's the warning from one of Donald Trump 's top advisers .
Dr Anthony Fauci , head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said the government 's strategy for tackling COVID-19 needed an `` abrupt change '' .
Dr Fauci told The Washington Post the US situation is `` not good '' .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' All the stars are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into the fall and winter season , with people congregating at home indoors , '' he said .
`` You could not possibly be positioned more poorly . ''
His warning came as the country recorded 99,000 new infections in a single day .
Dr Fauci cautioned the US could surpass 100,000 new coronavirus cases a day , and predicted worse to come .
He said that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden `` is taking it seriously from a public health perspective '' , whereas President Donald Trump is `` looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ namely , `` the economy and reopening the country '' .
A White House spokesman called Dr Fauci 's claims `` unacceptable '' for `` breaking with all norms ... to choose three days before an election to play politics '' .
As a senior adviser to Mr Trump on coronavirus , Dr Fauci has `` a duty to express concerns or push for a change in strategy , but he 's not done that '' , the spokesperson continued .
They accused him of `` choosing to criticise the president in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` make his political leanings known '' by praising the president 's opponent .
• Member of the White House coronavirus taskforce , chaired by US Vice President Mike Pence • Has led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984 • Widely viewed as one the country 's top infectious disease experts • Advised six different presidents on health matters - particularly HIV/AIDS Meanwhile Mr Trump and Mr Biden are entering the final few days of campaigning in a last-ditch bid to hoover up the 270 electoral college votes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
Mr Biden is on 52 % compared to Mr Trump 's 42 % , according to a new national poll by NBC and The Wall Street Journal , which has a margin of error of around 3 % .
That would put the Democrat challenger further ahead than Hilary Clinton was in 2016 - her lead had narrowed to 4 % by the same point at the last election .
Mr Biden 's camp has accused the president 's supporters of trying to `` put our staff , surrogates , supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by surrounding a campaign bus travelling through Texas .
But Mr Trump welcomed the action , tweeting a video of the incident , writing : `` I LOVE TEXAS ! ''

The US "could not possibly be positioned more poorly" in its fight against coronavirus as winter approaches - that's the warning from one of Donald Trump's top advisers.
Dr Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the government's strategy for tackling COVID-19 needed an "abrupt change".
Dr Fauci told The Washington Post the US situation is "not good".
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"All the stars are aligned in the wrong place as you go into the fall and winter season, with people congregating at home indoors," he said.
"You could not possibly be positioned more poorly."
His warning came as the country recorded 99,000 new infections in a single day.
Image: Tune in to watch the results and fallout
Dr Fauci cautioned the US could surpass 100,000 new coronavirus cases a day, and predicted worse to come.
He said that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden "is taking it seriously from a public health perspective", whereas President Donald Trump is "looking at it from a different perspective" - namely, "the economy and reopening the country".
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Image: Campaigning entered the final sprint over the Halloween weekend
A White House spokesman called Dr Fauci's claims "unacceptable" for "breaking with all norms... to choose three days before an election to play politics".
As a senior adviser to Mr Trump on coronavirus, Dr Fauci has "a duty to express concerns or push for a change in strategy, but he's not done that", the spokesperson continued.
They accused him of "choosing to criticise the president in the media" with an intervention that would "make his political leanings known" by praising the president's opponent.
Image: 99,000 people tested positive for COVID-19 in a single day in the US
Who is Dr Anthony Fauci?
Image: Dr Fauci has advised six presidents
Member of the White House coronavirus taskforce, chaired by US Vice President Mike Pence
Has led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984
Widely viewed as one the country's top infectious disease experts
Advised six different presidents on health matters - particularly HIV/AIDS
Developed effective therapies for previously fatal diseases
Meanwhile Mr Trump and Mr Biden are entering the final few days of campaigning in a last-ditch bid to hoover up the 270 electoral college votes that will guarantee one of them the White House.
Mr Biden is on 52% compared to Mr Trump's 42%, according to a new national poll by NBC and The Wall Street Journal, which has a margin of error of around 3%.
Image: Mr Biden is spending the last days campaigning in 'toss up' states
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Trump supporters surround Biden campaign bus
That would put the Democrat challenger further ahead than Hilary Clinton was in 2016 - her lead had narrowed to 4% by the same point at the last election.
Mr Biden's camp has accused the president's supporters of trying to "put our staff, surrogates, supporters, and others in harm's way" by surrounding a campaign bus travelling through Texas.
But Mr Trump welcomed the action, tweeting a video of the incident, writing: "I LOVE TEXAS!"


skynewsus--2020-11-01--'I feel powerful': The first time voters hoping to decide US election

There 's a pride to the politics here .
It 's loud , it 's noisy and it has a new sort of confidence .
Perhaps only in America would a `` get out the vote '' effort involve dancers , a traditional mariachi band and fully attired Mexican wrestlers .
A canvassing caravan if you like , this is how LUCHA , a Latino support and empowerment organisation , took the message to the streets of downtown Phoenix , Arizona .
They sung , danced , and screamed `` get the vote out '' .
They backflipped in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an army of volunteers , armed with packs of information in Spanish and English , ran to greet those looking on from their homes .
It 's a familiar message , but the messengers are new .
This event was largely run by youth organisers , mostly under the age of 25 , many of them first time voters and all fired up with an appetite for change .
`` Honestly I feel powerful right now , '' says Alexa Franco , who is 19 and voting for the first time .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with emotion when she talks about the anti-immigration policies she sees as blighting her community .
`` This is our livelihoods you know , this is DACA [ Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival ] , this is ICE [ Immigration and Customs Enforcement ] , this is the kids in the cages , '' she says .
`` So many times we act like it 's just two candidates , but those candidates hold a lot of power and they forget who they work for - and it 's us . ''
Arianna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking through her neighbourhood , a heavily Latino area that clearly makes her proud .
`` I think it 's just really vital that we 're all encouraging each other , that we 're right here recognising our power , it 's really beautiful , '' she says .
They really believe they are the voters with the power to flip this state blue .
It wo n't be easy , Arizona has only voted for a Democrat presidential candidate once in the past 68 years .
In the 2018 midterms , Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32 years .
That victory was carried largely on the back of high turn out from the Latino community .
In Maricopa county , the state 's key battleground , the demographic is increasingly young and increasingly diverse - the average age here is under 30 .
And since 2016 , an estimated 600,000 Latinos have turned 18 .
Seeing as Donald Trump won by fewer than 100,000 votes last time , the balance of power could well be shifting .
While many young Latino voters have lived their whole lives here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as immigrants when heading to the polls .
Israel Lucero Garcia turned 18 this year .
He was born in America but his father was deported to their native Mexico when he was six , and that sadness still motivates him .
`` I 'm excited to choose the person I want to run this country , the person who is n't going to hate us , who is n't going to treat me differently , who 's just going to see me as a person , not as a different colour or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's a sentiment they say they 've heard again and again at the Chicanos Por La Causa ( CPLC ) community centre .
It offers a variety of help to people struggling in the community , from a food bank to educational support for families which struggle to teach their children at home .
The community , they say , still face challenges .
Anti-immigration policy may be the most high profile , but poverty , discrimination and now the pandemic all blight lives here .
It 's pushing people to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .
`` Young people will make their voices heard , '' says Luis Raygoza , programme director at CPLC .
`` They are very motivated this time . ''
In Phoenix that motivation really is being felt .
This weekend the city was alive with different events run by Latino groups .
Of course , not all of those from the Latino community vote Democrat , but there 's an energy and a fizz to those who do , and it 's an energy that 's increasingly young .

There's a pride to the politics here. It's loud, it's noisy and it has a new sort of confidence.
Perhaps only in America would a "get out the vote" effort involve dancers, a traditional mariachi band and fully attired Mexican wrestlers.
A canvassing caravan if you like, this is how LUCHA, a Latino support and empowerment organisation, took the message to the streets of downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
They sung, danced, and screamed "get the vote out". They backflipped in the street to a marching jazz band while an army of volunteers, armed with packs of information in Spanish and English, ran to greet those looking on from their homes.
It was infectious.
It's a familiar message, but the messengers are new.
This event was largely run by youth organisers, mostly under the age of 25, many of them first time voters and all fired up with an appetite for change.
"Honestly I feel powerful right now," says Alexa Franco, who is 19 and voting for the first time.
Her eyes tear up and her voice cracks with emotion when she talks about the anti-immigration policies she sees as blighting her community.
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"This is our livelihoods you know, this is DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival], this is ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement], this is the kids in the cages," she says.
Image: Alexa Franco is excited to be voting for the first time
"So many times we act like it's just two candidates, but those candidates hold a lot of power and they forget who they work for - and it's us."
Arianna Reyes is similarly excited - we're walking through her neighbourhood, a heavily Latino area that clearly makes her proud.
"I think it's just really vital that we're all encouraging each other, that we're right here recognising our power, it's really beautiful," she says.
Image: Arianna Reyes has voted in the US election for the first time
They really believe they are the voters with the power to flip this state blue.
It won't be easy, Arizona has only voted for a Democrat presidential candidate once in the past 68 years.
But their confidence isn't misplaced.
In the 2018 midterms, Arizona voted for its first Democrat senator in 32 years.
That victory was carried largely on the back of high turn out from the Latino community.
In Maricopa county, the state's key battleground, the demographic is increasingly young and increasingly diverse - the average age here is under 30.
And since 2016, an estimated 600,000 Latinos have turned 18. Seeing as Donald Trump won by fewer than 100,000 votes last time, the balance of power could well be shifting.
While many young Latino voters have lived their whole lives here, others are calling on their own experiences as immigrants when heading to the polls.
Image: Israel Lucero Garcia's father was deported to Mexico
Israel Lucero Garcia turned 18 this year. He was born in America but his father was deported to their native Mexico when he was six, and that sadness still motivates him.
"I'm excited to choose the person I want to run this country, the person who isn't going to hate us, who isn't going to treat me differently, who's just going to see me as a person, not as a different colour or a minority," he says.
Image: A mother collects food for her family from a community centre
It's a sentiment they say they've heard again and again at the Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) community centre. It offers a variety of help to people struggling in the community, from a food bank to educational support for families which struggle to teach their children at home.
They've seen a huge spike in demand.
The community, they say, still face challenges. Anti-immigration policy may be the most high profile, but poverty, discrimination and now the pandemic all blight lives here.
It's pushing people to the polls and there's one key driving group.
Image: Luis Raygoza runs a community centre in Phoenix
"Young people will make their voices heard," says Luis Raygoza, programme director at CPLC. "They are very motivated this time."
In Phoenix that motivation really is being felt. This weekend the city was alive with different events run by Latino groups.
Of course, not all of those from the Latino community vote Democrat, but there's an energy and a fizz to those who do, and it's an energy that's increasingly young.


skynewsus--2020-11-02--How Trump and Biden are spending last 24-hours before voting closes

Donald Trump and Joe Biden are making their last-ditch appeals to voters , as they dash between battleground states crucial to winning the White House .
The US president is using the final 24 hours before election day to hold rallies in North Carolina , Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin .
His Democrat challenger is focusing on Ohio and Pennsylvania , while dispatching Barack Obama to try to shore up support in Georgia and Florida .
Both are aware they will need early , convincing wins when voting closes tomorrow night , given the final results may take much longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many ballots have already been sent off , with 94 million early votes registered - nearly double the 50 million who did so by this point in 2016 .
The Department of Justice is still taking precautions and sending out officials to monitor polling stations and curb voter suppression and intimidation across 18 states .
On his first stop of the day , Mr Trump seemed confident about holding on to North Carolina 's 15 electoral college votes , declaring at a rally : `` We 're going to win . ''
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters in Ohio : `` Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has failed to protect this nation . ''
In at least two `` toss-up '' states , new NBC polls show the race is still tight .
Mr Biden has a 51 % lead to Mr Trump 's 46 % in Pennsylvania , while in Arizona , the two candidates are tied neck-and-neck on 48 % .
When he launched his campaign in April 2019 , Mr Biden admitted how crucial Pennsylvania would be to his victory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm going to be able to beat Donald Trump in 2020 , it 's going to happen here . ''
Given how uncertain the result is , both sides ' campaigns are already trying to set the terms of how a long , drawn-out result should be interpreted .
Mr Trump 's team accused their opponents of trying to `` delegitimise '' the first results reported overnight by warning of delays in counting and receiving postal votes .
`` The last gasp of the Biden campaign will be ugly and it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican nominee said .
Meanwhile , Mr Biden 's team sent out last-minute fundraising appeals , telling supporters they `` need to make sure we 're ready for any challenges we may face '' after voting ends but before a winner is declared .

Donald Trump and Joe Biden are making their last-ditch appeals to voters, as they dash between battleground states crucial to winning the White House.
The US president is using the final 24 hours before election day to hold rallies in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
His Democrat challenger is focusing on Ohio and Pennsylvania, while dispatching Barack Obama to try to shore up support in Georgia and Florida.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:15 Obama sinks three-pointer
Both are aware they will need early, convincing wins when voting closes tomorrow night, given the final results may take much longer than usual to tally up.
But many ballots have already been sent off, with 94 million early votes registered - nearly double the 50 million who did so by this point in 2016.
The Department of Justice is still taking precautions and sending out officials to monitor polling stations and curb voter suppression and intimidation across 18 states.
Image: Over 94 million early voters have turned out already
On his first stop of the day, Mr Trump seemed confident about holding on to North Carolina's 15 electoral college votes, declaring at a rally: "We're going to win."
While Mr Biden told a drive-in event with supporters in Ohio: "Tomorrow we can put an end to a presidency that has failed to protect this nation."
In at least two "toss-up" states, new NBC polls show the race is still tight.
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Mr Biden has a 51% lead to Mr Trump's 46% in Pennsylvania, while in Arizona, the two candidates are tied neck-and-neck on 48%.
When he launched his campaign in April 2019, Mr Biden admitted how crucial Pennsylvania would be to his victory, telling supporters in Pittsburgh: "If I'm going to be able to beat Donald Trump in 2020, it's going to happen here."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:05 Why you should care about the US election
Given how uncertain the result is, both sides' campaigns are already trying to set the terms of how a long, drawn-out result should be interpreted.
Mr Trump's team accused their opponents of trying to "delegitimise" the first results reported overnight by warning of delays in counting and receiving postal votes.
"The last gasp of the Biden campaign will be ugly and it will be ruthless," a spokesman for the Republican nominee said.
Meanwhile, Mr Biden's team sent out last-minute fundraising appeals, telling supporters they "need to make sure we're ready for any challenges we may face" after voting ends but before a winner is declared.


skynewsus--2020-11-01--The fight to give former felons the vote in Florida

Outside a polling station in Palmetto , Florida , 48-year-old Mike Horne is making a call to arms .
`` All you former felons come out and vote , '' he says , gesturing to his viewers on social media .
He is n't a politician or an activist , he 's a convicted criminal .
Drugs charges led to a twenty year stint in a jail in Florida .
Not only did he lose his freedom , but also his right to vote .
But in 2018 , a referendum in the state restored voting rights to ex-offenders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast his ballot in a presidential election .
`` It 's like a new life , it really means a lot to me , '' he says .
`` I 'm a convicted felon and it took a very long time for me to get my rights back . ''
More than a million former offenders got the right to vote under the new rules in 2018 , but a year later the Republican-controlled Florida legislature passed the law requiring all fines and fees connected to the sentence to be paid off first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's Republican governor and election officials over the requirement but in September an appeals court upheld the decision .
Campaigners say it means more than 750,000 people have effectively lost the opportunity to cast their ballots all over again .
`` We know that there are hundreds of thousands who are now eligible to vote and can vote and that 's something we are here celebrating but there 's hundreds of thousands of people who can not vote because they owe financial obligations .
We will not sleep until all 1.4million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box and can be heard in their communities , '' says Neil Volz , Deputy Director of Florida Right Restoration Coalition ( FRRC ) .
The FRRC has raised more than seven million dollars , including a donation from basketball star LeBron James , to help pay off the fines .
Activists have also been holding marches and bus tours to try to raise awareness and get people to the polls .
70-year-old volunteer Linda has been going door to door searching shelters and soup kitchens for former felons who are eligible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities have been hardest hit by the change in rules .
`` Are you a convicted felon ? ''
she asks a 25-year-old African America man called Thomas , who 's been sleeping rough in the bus station She tells him that he still has time to get to the polls but he has given up .
He says he likes Donald Trump but he believes society only listens to people with power and money .
`` Do you care that you 've got your vote back ? ''
I ask .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day our vote does n't even matter , '' he replies .
His message is echoed at the local drop-in centre by another former inmate called James .
He explains he 's never voted and he does n't see the point in opting into a system which does n't represent or relate to black people .
Other former offenders tell us they 've struggled to find work after coming out of jail so ca n't afford to pay off their debts to restore their rights .
`` They hit me with thirty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' one homeless man says .
Republicans who support the law say the fines are part of the sentence so must be paid before voting rights are restored .
But the votes of more than one million former offenders could dramatically sway the result here and FRRC chapter leader , Demetrius K Jifunza believes the decision 's politically motivated : '' For the state of Florida , I would definitely say yes , ( there 's a element of voter suppression ) because it 's been said over time individuals , especially African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they get their voting rights back . ''
Despite the efforts , time has run out ; campaigners say at least three quarters of a million of Florida 's former felons will miss out on this election .

Outside a polling station in Palmetto, Florida, 48-year-old Mike Horne is making a call to arms.
"All you former felons come out and vote," he says, gesturing to his viewers on social media.
He isn't a politician or an activist, he's a convicted criminal.
Drugs charges led to a twenty year stint in a jail in Florida.
Not only did he lose his freedom, but also his right to vote.
But in 2018, a referendum in the state restored voting rights to ex-offenders.
Image: Mike Horne will be voting for the first time
This is the first year Mike can cast his ballot in a presidential election.
"It's like a new life, it really means a lot to me," he says.
"I'm a convicted felon and it took a very long time for me to get my rights back."
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More than a million former offenders got the right to vote under the new rules in 2018, but a year later the Republican-controlled Florida legislature passed the law requiring all fines and fees connected to the sentence to be paid off first.
Voting and civil rights groups sued the state's Republican governor and election officials over the requirement but in September an appeals court upheld the decision.
Campaigners say it means more than 750,000 people have effectively lost the opportunity to cast their ballots all over again.
"We know that there are hundreds of thousands who are now eligible to vote and can vote and that's something we are here celebrating but there's hundreds of thousands of people who cannot vote because they owe financial obligations. We will not sleep until all 1.4million people impacted have access to the ballot box and can be heard in their communities," says Neil Volz, Deputy Director of Florida Right Restoration Coalition (FRRC).
The FRRC has raised more than seven million dollars, including a donation from basketball star LeBron James, to help pay off the fines.
Activists have also been holding marches and bus tours to try to raise awareness and get people to the polls.
70-year-old volunteer Linda has been going door to door searching shelters and soup kitchens for former felons who are eligible to vote.
Florida's black and poor communities have been hardest hit by the change in rules.
Image: Linda has been encouraging former felons to vote
"Are you a convicted felon?" she asks a 25-year-old African America man called Thomas, who's been sleeping rough in the bus station
"Yes, ma'am," he replies.
She tells him that he still has time to get to the polls but he has given up.
He says he likes Donald Trump but he believes society only listens to people with power and money.
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
"Do you care that you've got your vote back?" I ask.
"I feel like at the end of the day our vote doesn't even matter," he replies.
His message is echoed at the local drop-in centre by another former inmate called James.
He explains he's never voted and he doesn't see the point in opting into a system which doesn't represent or relate to black people.
Other former offenders tell us they've struggled to find work after coming out of jail so can't afford to pay off their debts to restore their rights.
"They hit me with thirty eight hundred dollars in court costs," one homeless man says.
Republicans who support the law say the fines are part of the sentence so must be paid before voting rights are restored.
Image: Demetrius K Jifunza talks to Sky correspondent Siobhan Robbins
But the votes of more than one million former offenders could dramatically sway the result here and FRRC chapter leader, Demetrius K Jifunza believes the decision's politically motivated:
"For the state of Florida, I would definitely say yes, (there's a element of voter suppression) because it's been said over time individuals, especially African Americans, are going to vote Democrat if they get their voting rights back."
Despite the efforts, time has run out; campaigners say at least three quarters of a million of Florida's former felons will miss out on this election.


skynewsus--2020-11-02--US election hots up as Trump hits out at FBI probe over Biden battle bus incident

Donald Trump has hit out at an FBI investigation after his supporters were accused of trying to run a Joe Biden battle bus off the road .
Tensions rose in the final hours before Americans head to the polls , with the president tweeting : `` In my opinion , these patriots did nothing wrong . ''
Mr Biden 's team said they were forced to call 911 when the caravan of cars bearing Trump flags surrounded their campaign bus - and those in front tried to slow it down to a stop in the middle of a Texas motorway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video of the incident , adding : `` I LOVE TEXAS ! ''
According to the Biden campaign , staff aboard the bus called 911 to report the incident , with local law enforcement responding to the calls and helping the bus reach its destination .
Neither Mr Biden nor his running mate , Kamala Harris , were on board the bus .
But speaking about the incident on the campaign trail in Philadelphia , Mr Biden said : `` We 've never had anything like this .
At least we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a good thing . ''
Mr Trump defended his supporters against the FBI investigation , saying the organisation `` should be investigating the terrorists , anarchists , and agitators of ANTIFA , who run around burning down our Democrat-run cities and hurting our people '' .
The row intensified as the incumbent Republican leader and his Democrat challenger make their last-ditch appeals to voters in swing states .
With polls due to open on Tuesday morning but a record number of Americans voting early or by mail , Mr Trump is holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Michigan and Wisconsin .
Meanwhile , Mr Biden is focusing his efforts on one event in Ohio and three in Pennsylvania , even employing the star power of Lady Gaga .
Attention is also turning to the possible outcomes after Tuesday , with predictable scenarios thrown into the air due to the coronavirus pandemic and record high numbers of early voters and mail-in ballots .
Mr Trump 's strategy seems to be that , if he sees good margins in states early on , then he will declare himself the winner - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting Mr Biden threaten that lead , then he will declare them illegitimate .
But in anticipation of further campaigning and legal action , Mr Biden 's team have dispatched Barack Obama to call for last-minute donations to `` make sure they can keep up the fight after election day , if necessary '' .
Mr Biden is also using the former president to drive turnout with events in two other crucial toss-up states - Georgia and Florida .
Seeking to put COVID-19 and the US death toll of over 230,000 central to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get control of the pandemic voters had to oust Mr Trump as `` he is the virus '' .
He also revealed at a rally in Georgia that aides told him he did not have to visit the state , because `` we have it made '' there .
Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Analysis : What Trump and Biden 's final campaign stops say about their aims By Greg Milam , US correspondent Donald Trump has dusted off his 2016 manual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to another election upset .
Four years ago , a breathless sweep through swing states in the final few days of the campaign reversed what the polls had been saying .
Trump believes the same is possible this year , with polls again showing him heading for defeat .
But they also show the president has so far failed to reach beyond the noisy , enthusiastic loyalists at his rallies and attract voters in the middle .
That could be decisive .
Joe Biden needs to rebuild the `` blue wall '' Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to ensure poll predictions become reality .
His focus on places like Detroit , Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is an attempt to drive up turn-out among black voters which , his campaign believe , could tip him into winning territory .
Florida and Arizona are also Biden targets - America 's `` sun belt '' and `` rust belt '' are where this election will be won and lost .

Donald Trump has hit out at an FBI investigation after his supporters were accused of trying to run a Joe Biden battle bus off the road.
Tensions rose in the final hours before Americans head to the polls, with the president tweeting: "In my opinion, these patriots did nothing wrong."
Mr Biden's team said they were forced to call 911 when the caravan of cars bearing Trump flags surrounded their campaign bus - and those in front tried to slow it down to a stop in the middle of a Texas motorway.
Image: Mr Biden said his opponent 'is the virus'
On Saturday, Mr Trump tweeted a video of the incident, adding: "I LOVE TEXAS!"
According to the Biden campaign, staff aboard the bus called 911 to report the incident, with local law enforcement responding to the calls and helping the bus reach its destination.
Neither Mr Biden nor his running mate, Kamala Harris, were on board the bus.
But speaking about the incident on the campaign trail in Philadelphia, Mr Biden said: "We've never had anything like this. At least we've never had a president who thinks it's a good thing."
Mr Trump defended his supporters against the FBI investigation, saying the organisation "should be investigating the terrorists, anarchists, and agitators of ANTIFA, who run around burning down our Democrat-run cities and hurting our people".
Image: Mr Trump is holding five events on Monday
The row intensified as the incumbent Republican leader and his Democrat challenger make their last-ditch appeals to voters in swing states.
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With polls due to open on Tuesday morning but a record number of Americans voting early or by mail, Mr Trump is holding five events across North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, Mr Biden is focusing his efforts on one event in Ohio and three in Pennsylvania, even employing the star power of Lady Gaga.
Attention is also turning to the possible outcomes after Tuesday, with predictable scenarios thrown into the air due to the coronavirus pandemic and record high numbers of early voters and mail-in ballots.
Image: Barack Obama will be sent to Georgia and Florida
Mr Trump's strategy seems to be that, if he sees good margins in states early on, then he will declare himself the winner - and if high numbers of mail-in ballots supporting Mr Biden threaten that lead, then he will declare them illegitimate.
But in anticipation of further campaigning and legal action, Mr Biden's team have dispatched Barack Obama to call for last-minute donations to "make sure they can keep up the fight after election day, if necessary".
Mr Biden is also using the former president to drive turnout with events in two other crucial toss-up states - Georgia and Florida.
Seeking to put COVID-19 and the US death toll of over 230,000 central to his campaign message, Mr Biden said to get control of the pandemic voters had to oust Mr Trump as "he is the virus".
He also revealed at a rally in Georgia that aides told him he did not have to visit the state, because "we have it made" there.
Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Analysis: What Trump and Biden's final campaign stops say about their aims
By Greg Milam, US correspondent
Donald Trump has dusted off his 2016 manual in the hope it contains the secret to another election upset.
Four years ago, a breathless sweep through swing states in the final few days of the campaign reversed what the polls had been saying.
Trump believes the same is possible this year, with polls again showing him heading for defeat.
But they also show the president has so far failed to reach beyond the noisy, enthusiastic loyalists at his rallies and attract voters in the middle. That could be decisive.
Joe Biden needs to rebuild the "blue wall" Democrats used to count on in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to ensure poll predictions become reality.
His focus on places like Detroit, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is an attempt to drive up turn-out among black voters which, his campaign believe, could tip him into winning territory.
Florida and Arizona are also Biden targets - America's "sun belt" and "rust belt" are where this election will be won and lost.


skynewsus--2020-11-02--People in Michigan are buying guns in fear of post-election civil unrest

They were waiting in their cars before opening time and , as the doors were unlocked , Detroit 's newest gun owners streamed in to buy firearms .
`` They do n't even know the process , '' Bill Kucyk , the gun shop owner told us .
`` They just want to buy guns - and I 'm getting about a hundred calls a day about it . ''
He motioned to an empty stack of shelves in front of him .
`` Normally I 'd have about a hundred guns in this cabinet but they 've been sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaned out several times . ''
The citizens of the key swing state of Michigan are arming themselves because of fears of civil unrest in the event of a disputed election result .
A young mother of two , Lexus Lewis was trying to buy a 12-gauge shotgun which she was struggling to hold up to her shoulder .
`` She 's going to need some serious training to use that , '' Mr Kucyk told us as we watched her wrestling with the weapon .
But Ms Lewis - like everyone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very concerned about security and protecting her family from an unspecified threat .
`` All of this is new , '' she confessed to us .
`` I 've always been a little insecure living in Detroit , Michigan , but it 's all new to me ... people are doing things that we 've never even thought about doing before ... taking it to limits that we never thought about going before . ''
The insecurity is down to a collection of factors which have stoked and fuelled worries - not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state and throughout the country .
In recent weeks , Michigan has shown itself to be a hotspot for homegrown militant activity .
The most high-profile example is the discovery by the FBI of a plot by an outfit called the Wolverine Watchmen to kidnap the Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer because of her coronavirus lockdown measures .
The investigations led to the arrest of more than a dozen men , some of whom are accused of driving to a meeting hoping to buy explosives and tactical gear only to find themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI .
Just days ago , the FBI and Michigan state police arrested a self-proclaimed leader of the white supremacy group , the Base , accusing him of multiple crimes and running a `` hate camp '' in the state .
Counter-terrorism expert Javed Ali , who has more than 20 years ' experience as a senior intelligence officer working in homeland security and the FBI , told us from his Michigan home that the threat of domestic terrorism is not going away quickly .
`` It 's not receding and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States for some long period time .
We dealt with al Qaeda and ISIS for more than 20 years ... will that be the same with domestic terrorism ?
It will be something that 's with us for some time in the future . ''
Mr Ali believes three key factors have led to this apparent sudden spike in domestic terrorist threats .
The impact of the pandemic and the restrictions that have come with that , the social justice protests initially sparked by George Floyd 's killing , and heightened political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action .
For decades , US counter-terrorism efforts have been focused on foiling threats from terror groups like al Qaeda and then ISIS while far-right extremists , white supremacists and anti-government anarchists thrived in the shadows , largely on social media platforms , garnering support and often stoking division .
Days before the governor 's kidnap plot was unearthed , the Department of Homeland Security issued a 26-page document warning the threat from homegrown terror groups far outweighs that from international terror groups .
It issued chilling warnings about domestic extremists potentially targeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns , the election itself , election results , or the post-election period '' .
It 's a view espoused by Democratic congresswomen Elissa Slotkin , who we saw campaigning in Brighton in Livingstone County in the final few days before the election .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Ms Slotkin is a former CIA officer who served three terms in Iraq studying the evolution of terror groups in the Middle East .
She spoke stirringly to the small audience who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before election day about what she described as the `` toxic '' atmosphere emanating from the top and dripping down to the rest of the country - empowering extremists and enabling `` hate speech and hate rhetoric '' to be normalised .
Later , inside the Democratic Party campaign office , she spoke of her fears about radicalisation of members growing out of initially idealistic motives .
She said : `` There 's a ladder of escalation that as a former CIA officer I used to watch in terrorist groups abroad ... how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iraq go from being a shopkeeper to a terrorist ?
... there 's a ladder of escalation and I never thought that I would be using those skills to watch extremism in my own country , '' she told us .
Many of the groups are deeply suspicious of the authorities and the media , who they accuse of deliberately perpetuating negative propaganda about them .
But we managed to persuade one - the Boogaloo Bois to agree to meet us in woodland in northern Michigan .
The Boogaloo Bois are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader and no obvious structure of command .
The members have a variety of beliefs and motives and they claim tens of thousands of supporters who - until they were purged from all the social media platforms a few weeks ago - used to communicate , through mainly Facebook .
Some have far right leanings , most seem to be anti-government and anti-tyranny which has lately been interpreted as rebellion against coronavirus lockdowns or the confiscation and public display of weapons .
The group we met insisted they 'd been mis-interpreted , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for `` liberty and freedoms '' and were the defenders of America 's constitutional rights .
The string of Boogaloo Bois arrested and accused of plotting or engaging in violent acts recently were `` rogue elements '' who 'd had `` breakdowns '' .
`` The Boogaloo Bois means a single word : liberty , '' one told us .
`` It means justice for all .
It 's in our pledge of allegiance . ''
A man calling himself Typhon told us : `` It 's not the government 's job to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't regulate me , do n't tread on me . ''
Another group member called Tim insisted they were peaceful : `` We help to calm situations if they get out of hand .
I 've pulled people out of teargas and helped people to safety .
We will only meet violence with violence and that 's only to bring the situation to a neutral setting . ''
We asked if he 'd be prepared to kill in the name of `` liberty '' .
There was a pause .
`` I 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innocent ... and if that has to do with defending liberty then so be it . ''
The multiple militia groups active in Michigan - and across America - have sent anxieties soaring in the midst of a particularly toxic election period .
And the Boogaloo Bois are symptomatic of the challenges facing the American counter terrorism experts .
Javed Ali , who now lectures at the University of Michigan , said : `` The Boogaloo Bos are not monolithic .
`` There 's no leader , no defined cells or organisational structure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat .
The challenge is identifying those on that path to violence rather than those just exercising their first and second amendment rights .
It 's when you cross that line into violent political action , that makes you a very different person . ''

They were waiting in their cars before opening time and, as the doors were unlocked, Detroit's newest gun owners streamed in to buy firearms.
"They don't even know the process," Bill Kucyk, the gun shop owner told us.
"They just want to buy guns - and I'm getting about a hundred calls a day about it."
He motioned to an empty stack of shelves in front of him. "Normally I'd have about a hundred guns in this cabinet but they've been sold twice over. The store has been cleaned out several times."
The citizens of the key swing state of Michigan are arming themselves because of fears of civil unrest in the event of a disputed election result.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Boogaloo movement is 'serious threat'
A young mother of two, Lexus Lewis was trying to buy a 12-gauge shotgun which she was struggling to hold up to her shoulder.
"She's going to need some serious training to use that," Mr Kucyk told us as we watched her wrestling with the weapon.
But Ms Lewis - like everyone else we spoke to in the shop - is very concerned about security and protecting her family from an unspecified threat.
Image: Americans are buying guns in fear of civil unrest after election
"All of this is new," she confessed to us. "I've always been a little insecure living in Detroit, Michigan, but it's all new to me... people are doing things that we've never even thought about doing before... taking it to limits that we never thought about going before."
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The insecurity is down to a collection of factors which have stoked and fuelled worries - not least, the proliferation of militia groups in the state and throughout the country.
In recent weeks, Michigan has shown itself to be a hotspot for homegrown militant activity.
Image: Gun shop owner Bill Kucyk said his store has been cleared out several times
Image: People are concerned over unspecified threats
The most high-profile example is the discovery by the FBI of a plot by an outfit called the Wolverine Watchmen to kidnap the Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer because of her coronavirus lockdown measures. The investigations led to the arrest of more than a dozen men, some of whom are accused of driving to a meeting hoping to buy explosives and tactical gear only to find themselves at the centre of a set-up by the FBI.
Just days ago, the FBI and Michigan state police arrested a self-proclaimed leader of the white supremacy group, the Base, accusing him of multiple crimes and running a "hate camp" in the state.
Counter-terrorism expert Javed Ali, who has more than 20 years' experience as a senior intelligence officer working in homeland security and the FBI, told us from his Michigan home that the threat of domestic terrorism is not going away quickly.
"It's not receding and it'll be a permanent feature of the United States for some long period time. We dealt with al Qaeda and ISIS for more than 20 years... will that be the same with domestic terrorism? It will be something that's with us for some time in the future."
Mr Ali believes three key factors have led to this apparent sudden spike in domestic terrorist threats. The impact of the pandemic and the restrictions that have come with that, the social justice protests initially sparked by George Floyd's killing, and heightened political rhetoric have fuelled individuals to plan violent action.
Image: This gun shop has been very busy ahead of the election
For decades, US counter-terrorism efforts have been focused on foiling threats from terror groups like al Qaeda and then ISIS while far-right extremists, white supremacists and anti-government anarchists thrived in the shadows, largely on social media platforms, garnering support and often stoking division.
Days before the governor's kidnap plot was unearthed, the Department of Homeland Security issued a 26-page document warning the threat from homegrown terror groups far outweighs that from international terror groups.
It issued chilling warnings about domestic extremists potentially targeting "events related to the 2020 presidential campaigns, the election itself, election results, or the post-election period".
It's a view espoused by Democratic congresswomen Elissa Slotkin, who we saw campaigning in Brighton in Livingstone County in the final few days before the election.
:: Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Ms Slotkin is a former CIA officer who served three terms in Iraq studying the evolution of terror groups in the Middle East. She spoke stirringly to the small audience who'd turned out on the last Saturday before election day about what she described as the "toxic" atmosphere emanating from the top and dripping down to the rest of the country - empowering extremists and enabling "hate speech and hate rhetoric" to be normalised.
Later, inside the Democratic Party campaign office, she spoke of her fears about radicalisation of members growing out of initially idealistic motives.
She said: "There's a ladder of escalation that as a former CIA officer I used to watch in terrorist groups abroad... how does a young man in the middle of Iraq go from being a shopkeeper to a terrorist?... there's a ladder of escalation and I never thought that I would be using those skills to watch extremism in my own country," she told us.
Many of the groups are deeply suspicious of the authorities and the media, who they accuse of deliberately perpetuating negative propaganda about them. But we managed to persuade one - the Boogaloo Bois to agree to meet us in woodland in northern Michigan.
Image: Many of the groups are deeply suspicious of the authorities and the media
Image: One member insisted they are a peaceful group
The Boogaloo Bois are a disparate, loosely-organised movement with no identifiable leader and no obvious structure of command. The members have a variety of beliefs and motives and they claim tens of thousands of supporters who - until they were purged from all the social media platforms a few weeks ago - used to communicate, through mainly Facebook. Some have far right leanings, most seem to be anti-government and anti-tyranny which has lately been interpreted as rebellion against coronavirus lockdowns or the confiscation and public display of weapons.
The group we met insisted they'd been mis-interpreted, that they were "patriots" who stood for "liberty and freedoms" and were the defenders of America's constitutional rights. The string of Boogaloo Bois arrested and accused of plotting or engaging in violent acts recently were "rogue elements" who'd had "breakdowns".
"The Boogaloo Bois means a single word: liberty," one told us. "It means justice for all. It's in our pledge of allegiance."
A man calling himself Typhon told us: "It's not the government's job to regulate us... hands off... don't regulate me, don't tread on me."
Image: The group says they are 'patriots' who stand for 'liberty and freedoms'
Another group member called Tim insisted they were peaceful: "We help to calm situations if they get out of hand. I've pulled people out of teargas and helped people to safety. We will only meet violence with violence and that's only to bring the situation to a neutral setting."
We asked if he'd be prepared to kill in the name of "liberty". There was a pause. "I'll kill someone in the defence of the innocent... and if that has to do with defending liberty then so be it."
The multiple militia groups active in Michigan - and across America - have sent anxieties soaring in the midst of a particularly toxic election period. And the Boogaloo Bois are symptomatic of the challenges facing the American counter terrorism experts.
Javed Ali, who now lectures at the University of Michigan, said: "The Boogaloo Bos are not monolithic.
"There's no leader, no defined cells or organisational structure but I think this is a serious threat. The challenge is identifying those on that path to violence rather than those just exercising their first and second amendment rights. It's when you cross that line into violent political action, that makes you a very different person."