talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-31--How Do They Get To 270? Biden Has Options, Trump’s Path Is Narrower

TAMPA , Fla. ( AP ) — President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden each has a path to the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House .
Biden ’ s is appreciably wider .
The former vice president is competitive in all the battleground states Trump carried in 2016 and has put a handful of traditional Republican states , including Georgia and Arizona , in play .
That has Trump scrambling to defend a wide swath of territory and putting the incumbent ’ s hopes for reelection on two of the most populous swing states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the most likely roads to victory : Biden can win an electoral majority most simply by carrying the three states where Trump stunned Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 : Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
Those states were carried by Democrats for decades before 2016 .
They would give Biden 279 electoral votes , as long as he wins all the other states in Clinton ’ s column .
Under this scenario , Biden would not need to win any other states Trump won in 2016 .
The three northern industrial states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for advertising dollars .
He spent almost $ 150 million — 30 % of his total national ad spending since June — in the three , according to Kantar/CMAG ’ s review for The Associated Press .
The fiercest struggle among the three is in Pennsylvania .
Biden has had a slight advantage in most polls , while some suggest Trump remains within striking distance .
Biden , who was born in Scranton , claims some favorite-son status in the state .
Trump ’ s hopes have been boosted by Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though Biden has said he would not ban fracking .
If Biden loses Pennsylvania , it would require him to find 11 electoral votes elsewhere .
Once reliably Republican Arizona , offering exactly 11 , and North Carolina , with 15 , are states Trump won four years ago that are well within Biden ’ s reach .
Democrats are particularly bullish about Arizona , last carried by a Democrat in 1996 .
Trump won the state in 2016 by 3.5 percentage points , the smallest margin in 20 years , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate , former astronaut Mark Kelly , is running a strong race .
The Arizona alternative supposes , as most of Biden ’ s paths do , that he also wins Nevada , last carried by a Republican in 2004 .
Trump has campaigned in the state , though Democrats say they are comfortable with their prospects there .
The race for North Carolina appears tighter , but there is recent precedent for a Democrat carrying the state .
In 2008 , Barack Obama was the first Democrat to take it in 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2012 , as did Clinton in 2016 , waves of college-educated newcomers are swelling its booming suburbs , a boost to Biden ’ s chances .
There ’ s another scenario for Biden : a more comfortable Electoral College victory .
Should Biden win Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , and either Arizona and North Carolina , he would capture at least 290 electoral votes .
He ’ s also competing for Ohio , which Trump won by 8 percentage points in 2016 ; Iowa , which Trump won by nearly 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump carried by 5 percentage points .
Victories in those states would boost Biden ’ s electoral total above 300 .
Biden made two stops in Georgia this past this week and on Friday had his first fall campaign visit to Iowa .
He ’ s spent almost $ 5 million but hasn ’ t visited Iowa since the state ’ s caucuses in February .
Biden has campaigned lightly in Ohio but has spent almost $ 7 million in advertising .
Surveys and operatives in both parties said the two states were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s final weekend .
Oh , and remember Florida ?
The perennial battleground offers 29 electoral votes and is , per usual , exceedingly close .
There ’ s one more big prize on the table : Texas .
Democrats have been eyeing the state for years , but this is the first year in decades where it may really be within reach for the party .
The state ’ s new battleground status highlights not just Trump ’ s struggles in the suburbs , which are booming outside Texas ’ major cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every state with a diverse electorate .
“ Biden has more of an opportunity to win by a larger electoral number than Trump does , ” said Republican pollster Glen Bolger , who is surveying in several battleground states but not for Trump ’ s campaign .
“ It doesn ’ t mean Trump can ’ t win.
” Trump almost certainly can not reach 270 electoral votes without carrying Florida , where polls show a tight race .
Some have suggested a slight Biden advantage .
Trump ’ s rally Thursday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state this month , underscoring why Florida is so important to his reelection .
He plans to return before Tuesday ’ s election .
His stop Thursday was in swing-voting Hillsborough County , where Clinton beat him by about 41,000 votes .
Hillsborough is next to — and shares a media market with — Pinellas County , the most populous county in the state to flip from Democratic in 2012 to Republican in 2016 .
Trump won some counties in the surrounding area by more than 60 % of the vote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run up the score with first-time and less regular voters in these places .
Trump planned to accompany first lady Melania Trump when she votes Tuesday near Palm Beach County .
The Trumps moved their residence from reliably Democratic New York to Florida last year .
Even if Trump nets Florida and holds battlegrounds he won in the South and Southwest , he would still be short of 270 electoral votes .
The president is wagering much on Pennsylvania as the best chance of moving within striking distance of that threshold .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump was set to hold four more in the state on Saturday .
He ’ s been making stops across Pennsylvania , from counties outside Philadelphia , the largest metro area , to the rural northwest corner of the state .
Among his upcoming stops : Bucks County .
It was once Philadelphia ’ s most GOP-heavy suburb but has been trending Democratic and is an example of the obstacles Trump is facing .
He lost the county by less than 2 percentage points in 2016 and has seen his standing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s argument to Pennsylvania voters was recharged after Biden , during their Oct. 22 debate , called for phasing out fossil fuels .
That created an opportunity for Trump in a state with a robust natural gas industry .
“ Biden ’ s plan to abolish the entire U.S. oil industry — you saw that ?
” Trump noted at a rally last week in Lansing , Michigan , recalling Biden ’ s call for phasing renewable fuels in and fossil fuels out over time .
“ Will cripple our nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depression.
” THE REST ISN ’ T THE BEST Even if Trump wins Florida and Pennsylvania , he would still be short of the magic number if he can ’ t carry most of the states he won in 2016 .
He could nose ahead in Ohio , long one of his strongest states , but would still need to cobble together a series of states he won in 2016 , such as Iowa , and some he lost narrowly and continues to trail .
That more complicated path would include flipping Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , would defy political logic for an incumbent to lose in places won four years ago and win in places lost back then .
Grasping for every vote he can , Trump has even campaigned in Maine and Nebraska , where electoral votes are awarded by congressional district and to the overall state winner .
A week ago , Trump was in Levant , Maine , near the hub of the state ’ s GOP leaning north , Bangor , hoping to hold the single electoral vote in its 2nd District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , hoping to hold that metropolitan district ’ s single vote .

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden each has a path to the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House. Biden’s is appreciably wider.
The former vice president is competitive in all the battleground states Trump carried in 2016 and has put a handful of traditional Republican states, including Georgia and Arizona, in play. That has Trump scrambling to defend a wide swath of territory and putting the incumbent’s hopes for reelection on two of the most populous swing states, Florida and Pennsylvania.
A look at the most likely roads to victory:
BIDEN
TRUE NORTH
Biden can win an electoral majority most simply by carrying the three states where Trump stunned Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016: Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Those states were carried by Democrats for decades before 2016. They would give Biden 279 electoral votes, as long as he wins all the other states in Clinton’s column. Under this scenario, Biden would not need to win any other states Trump won in 2016.
The three northern industrial states have been Biden’s sharpest target for advertising dollars. He spent almost $150 million — 30% of his total national ad spending since June — in the three, according to Kantar/CMAG’s review for The Associated Press.
The fiercest struggle among the three is in Pennsylvania. Biden has had a slight advantage in most polls, while some suggest Trump remains within striking distance. Biden, who was born in Scranton, claims some favorite-son status in the state. Trump’s hopes have been boosted by Biden’s recent call for phasing out fossil fuels, though Biden has said he would not ban fracking.
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
If Biden loses Pennsylvania, it would require him to find 11 electoral votes elsewhere.
Once reliably Republican Arizona, offering exactly 11, and North Carolina, with 15, are states Trump won four years ago that are well within Biden’s reach.
Democrats are particularly bullish about Arizona, last carried by a Democrat in 1996. Trump won the state in 2016 by 3.5 percentage points, the smallest margin in 20 years, and this year, the Democrats’ Senate candidate, former astronaut Mark Kelly, is running a strong race.
The Arizona alternative supposes, as most of Biden’s paths do, that he also wins Nevada, last carried by a Republican in 2004. Trump has campaigned in the state, though Democrats say they are comfortable with their prospects there.
The race for North Carolina appears tighter, but there is recent precedent for a Democrat carrying the state. In 2008, Barack Obama was the first Democrat to take it in 32 years. Although he narrowly lost there in 2012, as did Clinton in 2016, waves of college-educated newcomers are swelling its booming suburbs, a boost to Biden’s chances.
THE REST IS EXTRA
There’s another scenario for Biden: a more comfortable Electoral College victory.
Should Biden win Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and either Arizona and North Carolina, he would capture at least 290 electoral votes.
He’s also competing for Ohio, which Trump won by 8 percentage points in 2016; Iowa, which Trump won by nearly 10 percentage points; and Georgia, which Trump carried by 5 percentage points. Victories in those states would boost Biden’s electoral total above 300.
Biden made two stops in Georgia this past this week and on Friday had his first fall campaign visit to Iowa. He’s spent almost $5 million but hasn’t visited Iowa since the state’s caucuses in February. Biden has campaigned lightly in Ohio but has spent almost $7 million in advertising. Surveys and operatives in both parties said the two states were very close heading into the campaign’s final weekend.
Oh, and remember Florida? The perennial battleground offers 29 electoral votes and is, per usual, exceedingly close.
There’s one more big prize on the table: Texas. Democrats have been eyeing the state for years, but this is the first year in decades where it may really be within reach for the party.
The state’s new battleground status highlights not just Trump’s struggles in the suburbs, which are booming outside Texas’ major cities, but also his weaknesses in nearly every state with a diverse electorate.
“Biden has more of an opportunity to win by a larger electoral number than Trump does,” said Republican pollster Glen Bolger, who is surveying in several battleground states but not for Trump’s campaign. “It doesn’t mean Trump can’t win.”
TRUMP
FLORIDA OR BUST
Trump almost certainly cannot reach 270 electoral votes without carrying Florida, where polls show a tight race. Some have suggested a slight Biden advantage.
Trump’s rally Thursday in Florida was his third campaign trip to the state this month, underscoring why Florida is so important to his reelection. He plans to return before Tuesday’s election.
His stop Thursday was in swing-voting Hillsborough County, where Clinton beat him by about 41,000 votes. Hillsborough is next to — and shares a media market with — Pinellas County, the most populous county in the state to flip from Democratic in 2012 to Republican in 2016.
Trump won some counties in the surrounding area by more than 60% of the vote, and his campaign hopes it can further run up the score with first-time and less regular voters in these places.
Trump planned to accompany first lady Melania Trump when she votes Tuesday near Palm Beach County. The Trumps moved their residence from reliably Democratic New York to Florida last year.
PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
Even if Trump nets Florida and holds battlegrounds he won in the South and Southwest, he would still be short of 270 electoral votes.
The president is wagering much on Pennsylvania as the best chance of moving within striking distance of that threshold. After a trio of rallies this past week, Trump was set to hold four more in the state on Saturday.
He’s been making stops across Pennsylvania, from counties outside Philadelphia, the largest metro area, to the rural northwest corner of the state.
Among his upcoming stops: Bucks County. It was once Philadelphia’s most GOP-heavy suburb but has been trending Democratic and is an example of the obstacles Trump is facing. He lost the county by less than 2 percentage points in 2016 and has seen his standing in the suburbs steadily erode since then.
Trump’s argument to Pennsylvania voters was recharged after Biden, during their Oct. 22 debate, called for phasing out fossil fuels. That created an opportunity for Trump in a state with a robust natural gas industry.
“Biden’s plan to abolish the entire U.S. oil industry — you saw that?” Trump noted at a rally last week in Lansing, Michigan, recalling Biden’s call for phasing renewable fuels in and fossil fuels out over time. “Will cripple our nation and send us into an absolute deep depression.”
THE REST ISN’T THE BEST
Even if Trump wins Florida and Pennsylvania, he would still be short of the magic number if he can’t carry most of the states he won in 2016.
He could nose ahead in Ohio, long one of his strongest states, but would still need to cobble together a series of states he won in 2016, such as Iowa, and some he lost narrowly and continues to trail.
That more complicated path would include flipping Minnesota, Nevada and New Hampshire. That, however, would defy political logic for an incumbent to lose in places won four years ago and win in places lost back then.
Grasping for every vote he can, Trump has even campaigned in Maine and Nebraska, where electoral votes are awarded by congressional district and to the overall state winner. A week ago, Trump was in Levant, Maine, near the hub of the state’s GOP leaning north, Bangor, hoping to hold the single electoral vote in its 2nd District, and in Omaha, Nebraska, on Tuesday, hoping to hold that metropolitan district’s single vote.
___
Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-31--Legendary Actor Sean Connery Dies At 90

Legendary Actor Sean Connery Dies At 90

LONDON ( AP ) — Scottish actor Sean Connery , the first actor to play James Bond on film and for many fans the best , has died .
He was 90 .
Bond producers EON Productions confirmed his death , first reported by the BBC .
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were “ devastated by the news.
” “ He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words — ‘ The name ’ s Bond… James Bond , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The producers said Connery ’ s “ gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent ” was largely responsible for the success of the series .
The Scottish actor rose to international superstardom as the suave and fearless secret agent , first playing Bond in “ Dr No ” in 1962 .
After a further four films , he abandoned the role , before being enticed back to play him twice more , finally in 1983 ’ s “ Never Say Never Again.
” While he will be most remembered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoyed a varied career , which included the best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of a tough Irish street cop in the 1987 movie “ The Untouchables.
” He also had major roles in films including “ Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , ” “ Highlander ” and “ The Hunt for Red October.
” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “ heartbroken ” at the news .
“ Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons , ” she said .
He was knighted by Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film drama and in 2005 he was chosen for a lifetime achievement award by the American Film Institute .
Thomas Sean Connery was born Aug. 25 , 1930 , in Edinburgh , Scotland , the first of two sons of a long-distance truck driver and a domestic worker .
He left school at age 13 during World War II to help support his family .
“ I was a milkman , laborer , steel bender , cement mixer — virtually anything , ” he said .
Weary of day labor , he joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after three years .
The ailment : stomach ulcers .
Back in Edinburgh , he lifted weights to build his body and compete in the Mr. Universe contest .
He came in third , briefly considered becoming a professional soccer player , but chose acting because he reasoned his career would last longer .
He got his first big break singing and dancing to “ There is Nothing Like a Dame ” in “ South Pacific ” on the London stage and in a road production before going on to act in repertory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to Hollywood for two early films , Disney ’ s “ Darby O ’ Gill and the Little People ” and “ Tarzan ’ s Greatest Adventure.
” When he decided to become an actor , he was told that Thomas Sean Connery wouldn ’ t fit on a theater marquee so he dropped his first name .
Then came the audition that changed his life .
American producers Albert “ Cubby ” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman had bought the film rights to a string of post-World War II spy adventure novels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their first choice for “ Dr .
No.
” The producers had looked to Cary Grant , but decided they wanted an actor would commit to a series .
The producers also realized they couldn ’ t afford a big-name star because United Artists had limited their film budget to $ 1 million a picture , so they started interviewing more obscure British performers .
Among them was the 6-foot-2 Connery .
Without a screen test , Broccoli and Saltzman chose the actor , citing his “ dark , cruel good looks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fleming described Bond .
It ’ s the way many will always remember Bond .
Italie contributed from Los Angeles .
Bob Thomas also contributed from Los Angeles .

LONDON (AP) — Scottish actor Sean Connery, the first actor to play James Bond on film and for many fans the best, has died. He was 90.
Bond producers EON Productions confirmed his death, first reported by the BBC. Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were “devastated by the news.”
“He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words — ‘The name’s Bond… James Bond,’” they said in a statement.
The producers said Connery’s “gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent” was largely responsible for the success of the series.
The Scottish actor rose to international superstardom as the suave and fearless secret agent, first playing Bond in “Dr No” in 1962. After a further four films, he abandoned the role, before being enticed back to play him twice more, finally in 1983’s “Never Say Never Again.”
While he will be most remembered for his portrayal of Bond, Connery enjoyed a varied career, which included the best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of a tough Irish street cop in the 1987 movie “The Untouchables.”
He also had major roles in films including “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Highlander” and “The Hunt for Red October.”
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “heartbroken” at the news.
“Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons,” she said.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 for services to film drama and in 2005 he was chosen for a lifetime achievement award by the American Film Institute.
Thomas Sean Connery was born Aug. 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, the first of two sons of a long-distance truck driver and a domestic worker.
He left school at age 13 during World War II to help support his family.
“I was a milkman, laborer, steel bender, cement mixer — virtually anything,” he said.
Weary of day labor, he joined the British navy and was medically discharged after three years. The ailment: stomach ulcers.
Back in Edinburgh, he lifted weights to build his body and compete in the Mr. Universe contest. He came in third, briefly considered becoming a professional soccer player, but chose acting because he reasoned his career would last longer.
He got his first big break singing and dancing to “There is Nothing Like a Dame” in “South Pacific” on the London stage and in a road production before going on to act in repertory, television and B movies.
He went to Hollywood for two early films, Disney’s “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” and “Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure.”
When he decided to become an actor, he was told that Thomas Sean Connery wouldn’t fit on a theater marquee so he dropped his first name.
Then came the audition that changed his life. American producers Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman had bought the film rights to a string of post-World War II spy adventure novels by Ian Fleming.
Connery was not their first choice for “Dr. No.” The producers had looked to Cary Grant, but decided they wanted an actor would commit to a series. The producers also realized they couldn’t afford a big-name star because United Artists had limited their film budget to $1 million a picture, so they started interviewing more obscure British performers.
Among them was the 6-foot-2 Connery. Without a screen test, Broccoli and Saltzman chose the actor, citing his “dark, cruel good looks,” a perfect match for the way Fleming described Bond.
It’s the way many will always remember Bond.
___
Italie contributed from Los Angeles. Bob Thomas also contributed from Los Angeles.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-11-01--In Closing Message, Trump Flexes Right-Wing Nationalism Muscle He’s Spent Years Working Out

President Donald Trump on Sunday delivered a dark closing message to supporters in multiple states : A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for scary non-white people and the Chinese government taking control of your country .
It wasn ’ t much of a departure from his closing message four years earlier , when a Trump television advertisement in the campaign ’ s final days positioned a “ global power structure ” — coincidentally illustrated by prominent Jewish Americans George Soros , Janet Yellen and Lloyd Blankfein — as scheming to undermine America ’ s working class .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of villains has emerged .
In Michigan , for example , Trump bragged of having reversed an Obama-era regulation concerning low-income housing in suburbs and warned that Joe Biden would put Sen. Cory Booker ( D-NJ ) in charge of federal housing policy if victorious on Tuesday .
Trump then said Biden would make Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D-MN ) , one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress and a Somali refugee as a child , “ in charge of immigration.
” Joe Biden ’ s plans to admit more refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ will turn Michigan , Minnesota , and many other Midwest great states into refugee camps , which I ’ m sure you ’ re thrilled about.
” Later he wondered aloud why the Department of Justice hadn ’ t investigated Omar or another frequent target of his , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) , for elections-related violations .
Turning to Biden himself , Trump played video montages at multiple rallies showing the Democratic candidate — who has famously overcome a stutter — tripping over his words , but only after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about China ’ s rising economic capacity .
The Trump campaign has tried for months to make an issue of Biden ’ s son ’ s business dealings in the country and paint the Democrat as “ soft ” on America ’ s geopolitical rival .
China will “ own the United States ” if Biden wins , Trump promised in Iowa .
Separately , he lauded the harassment of a Biden campaign bus rolling through Texas on Saturday , an incident that the FBI acknowledged Sunday it was investigating .
“ Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were , ya know , protecting this bus , ” he said , calling his supporters “ nice.
” “ They had hundreds of cars .
Trump !
Trump !
Trump and the American flag.
” But casting Democrats as un-American usurpers to his throne was , naturally , only half of Trump ’ s message : His politics this past half-decade has in part been about building up a new brand of right-wing nationalism , and that message was as prominent as ever Sunday .
In Michigan , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to jail Americans who burned the United States flag .
As the audience cheered , he beckoned to one group in particular , apparently a huddle of nuns .
“ Even the sisters !
” he exclaimed , before accusing the left of avoiding the flag .
“ I always say , if you look at a group , and you don ’ t see the American flag , you know that ’ s the opposition.
” Later , after rolling out a laundry list of campaign trail fodder — promising to ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , and increased protection for religious liberty and the Second Amendment — he went to the real Trump card .
“ We will stop the radical indoctrination of our students and restore patriotic education to our schools , ” Trump said .
“ We will teach our children to love our country , honor our history and always respect our great American flag.
” “ We love you !
” the crowd cheered , as the President made his exit .

President Donald Trump on Sunday delivered a dark closing message to supporters in multiple states: A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for scary non-white people and the Chinese government taking control of your country.
It wasn’t much of a departure from his closing message four years earlier, when a Trump television advertisement in the campaign’s final days positioned a “global power structure” — coincidentally illustrated by prominent Jewish Americans George Soros, Janet Yellen and Lloyd Blankfein — as scheming to undermine America’s working class.
But in November 2020, a new cast of villains has emerged.
In Michigan, for example, Trump bragged of having reversed an Obama-era regulation concerning low-income housing in suburbs and warned that Joe Biden would put Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) in charge of federal housing policy if victorious on Tuesday. Trump then said Biden would make Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress and a Somali refugee as a child, “in charge of immigration.”
Joe Biden’s plans to admit more refugees into the United States, Trump said, “will turn Michigan, Minnesota, and many other Midwest great states into refugee camps, which I’m sure you’re thrilled about.” Later he wondered aloud why the Department of Justice hadn’t investigated Omar or another frequent target of his, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), for elections-related violations.
The President says the justice department should be investigating AOC pic.twitter.com/TKHtMJL2GV — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) November 1, 2020
Turning to Biden himself, Trump played video montages at multiple rallies showing the Democratic candidate — who has famously overcome a stutter — tripping over his words, but only after showing a separate montage of Biden talking about China’s rising economic capacity. The Trump campaign has tried for months to make an issue of Biden’s son’s business dealings in the country and paint the Democrat as “soft” on America’s geopolitical rival. China will “own the United States” if Biden wins, Trump promised in Iowa.
Separately, he lauded the harassment of a Biden campaign bus rolling through Texas on Saturday, an incident that the FBI acknowledged Sunday it was investigating.
“Did you see the way our people, they were, ya know, protecting this bus,” he said, calling his supporters “nice.”
“They had hundreds of cars. Trump! Trump! Trump and the American flag.”
But casting Democrats as un-American usurpers to his throne was, naturally, only half of Trump’s message: His politics this past half-decade has in part been about building up a new brand of right-wing nationalism, and that message was as prominent as ever Sunday.
Joe Biden is the candidate of rioters, looters, arsonists, gun-grabbers, flag-burners, Marxists, lobbyists, and special interests. I am the candidate of farmers, factory workers, police officers, and hard-working, law-abiding patriots of every race, religion and creed! #MAGA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2020
Biden will terminate school choice, eliminate charter schools, defund religious schools, ban prayer in public schools, indoctrinate your children with Anti-American lies, and force you to subsidize extreme late-term abortion. We believe that every child is a Sacred Gift from God! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2020
In Michigan, for example, Trump offered a brief aside about wanting to jail Americans who burned the United States flag. As the audience cheered, he beckoned to one group in particular, apparently a huddle of nuns.
“Even the sisters!” he exclaimed, before accusing the left of avoiding the flag. “I always say, if you look at a group, and you don’t see the American flag, you know that’s the opposition.”
Later, after rolling out a laundry list of campaign trail fodder — promising to ban sanctuary cities, heightened penalties for attacking police, and increased protection for religious liberty and the Second Amendment — he went to the real Trump card.
“We will stop the radical indoctrination of our students and restore patriotic education to our schools,” Trump said. “We will teach our children to love our country, honor our history and always respect our great American flag.”
“We love you!” the crowd cheered, as the President made his exit.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-11-01--Officials Flame ‘Garbage’ Trump Camp Argument That Counting Votes Is Election Theft

Politicians and election observers flamed Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller on Sunday for saying that counting all of the votes cast in the presidential election would amount to an attempt to “ steal ” the election by Democrats .
Miller , in an interview with ABC News ’ George Stephanopoulos , was reiterating a lie about election results that President Donald Trump has tried to hammer home in recent weeks — that votes tallied after Election Day itself aren ’ t valid .
“ If you speak with many smart Democrats , they believe that Trump will be ahead on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ votes ] — somewhere in that range , and then they ’ re gon na try to steal it back after the election , ” Miller said .
Regardless of the spin from the Trump campaign , it ’ s likely that the results of this year ’ s presidential contest will take longer to tally than in years past , largely because of the tsunami of mail-in voting that ’ s occurred due to COVID-19 .
Trump has sought to undermine the public ’ s faith in voting by mail and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For that reason , tallies in some states on Election Day may show disproportionate support for him relative to the final vote tally .
The Trump campaign and Republican Party have fought legal battles in several states to limit the counting of ballots received by election officials after Election Day , even if postmarks show that the votes were cast on time .
Election observers and politicians were quick to point out Miller ’ s comment for what it was : Dangerous nonsense .
“ I want to be clear that elections have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Pennsylvania ’ s election chief Kathy Boockvar told NBC .
“ This is a process , and we want to make sure that every single vote of every valid voter is securely and accurately counted.
” Brendan Buck , a former top aide to past Speakers of the House John Boehner ( R-OH ) and Paul Ryan ( R-WI ) urged Republicans not to lend “ legitimacy ” to “ BS ” arguments that lawfully-cast votes should not be counted .
“ Hey guys , please ignore this type of garbage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cox ( R ) , the Republican nominee to be governor of the state this year .
“ The truth is that elections are never decided on election night.
” “ Votes cast before & counted after election night are , as every year , a normal part of the election — not an effort to ‘ steal it , ’ ” Princeton historian Kevin Kruse said .
“ That ’ s a dangerous lie told to damage democracy , ” said Democrat Shannon Freshour , who ’ s running against Rep. Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Counting all the votes is not stealing an election , ” wrote Leah Greenberg , co-executive director of the group Indivisible .
“ It is the election .
”

Politicians and election observers flamed Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller on Sunday for saying that counting all of the votes cast in the presidential election would amount to an attempt to “steal” the election by Democrats.
Miller, in an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, was reiterating a lie about election results that President Donald Trump has tried to hammer home in recent weeks — that votes tallied after Election Day itself aren’t valid.
“If you speak with many smart Democrats, they believe that Trump will be ahead on election night, probably getting 280 electoral [votes] — somewhere in that range, and then they’re gonna try to steal it back after the election,” Miller said.
Jason Miller says the quiet part loud, suggesting late-arriving ballots are illegitimate. "If you speak with many smart Democrats, they believe President Trump will be ahead on election night probably getting 280 and they'll try to steal it back after the election." pic.twitter.com/kKFGonAfCG — TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) November 1, 2020
Regardless of the spin from the Trump campaign, it’s likely that the results of this year’s presidential contest will take longer to tally than in years past, largely because of the tsunami of mail-in voting that’s occurred due to COVID-19.
Trump has sought to undermine the public’s faith in voting by mail and urged his supporters to vote in-person. For that reason, tallies in some states on Election Day may show disproportionate support for him relative to the final vote tally. The Trump campaign and Republican Party have fought legal battles in several states to limit the counting of ballots received by election officials after Election Day, even if postmarks show that the votes were cast on time.
Election observers and politicians were quick to point out Miller’s comment for what it was: Dangerous nonsense.
“I want to be clear that elections have never been called on election night,” Pennsylvania’s election chief Kathy Boockvar told NBC. “This is a process, and we want to make sure that every single vote of every valid voter is securely and accurately counted.”
Brendan Buck, a former top aide to past Speakers of the House John Boehner (R-OH) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) urged Republicans not to lend “legitimacy” to “BS” arguments that lawfully-cast votes should not be counted.
The campaign is gonna do what it’s gonna do, but I really urge my Republican friends, wherever you come down on Trump, not to give any legitimacy to BS that people who voted according to their local rules should not have their ballot count. Just don’t go there. — Brendan Buck (@BrendanBuck) November 1, 2020
“Hey guys, please ignore this type of garbage,” wrote Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox (R), the Republican nominee to be governor of the state this year. “The truth is that elections are never decided on election night.”
Hey guys, please ignore this type of garbage. The truth is that elections are never decided on election night. In Utah (and most states) it takes 2 weeks to finalize counting and certify results. It really doesn’t matter who is ahead on election night, it only matters when…1/ https://t.co/UZWo3MyV58 — Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 1, 2020
“Votes cast before & counted after election night are, as every year, a normal part of the election — not an effort to ‘steal it,’” Princeton historian Kevin Kruse said.
It’s a lie Jason Miller made, not amy kind of valid point. There will be no Electoral votes decided in election night. That happens weeks later. Votes cast before & counted after election night are, as every year, a normal part of the election — not an effort to “steal it.” https://t.co/rZPxZ8lZ1s — Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) November 1, 2020
“That’s a dangerous lie told to damage democracy,” said Democrat Shannon Freshour, who’s running against Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) this year.
That's not a point made.. That's a dangerous lie told to damage democracy. You have a professional and moral obligation to tell the truth, not repeat the lie as equal to the truth. https://t.co/VeBnrBbEBe — Shannon4OH (@ShannonFreshour) November 1, 2020
“Counting all the votes is not stealing an election,” wrote Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of the group Indivisible. “It is the election.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-11-01--After Bragging About RT Interview, Atlas Apologizes, Says He Didn’t Know Outlet Is A Foreign Agent

A day after warning that people had best “ use a mask to cover your eyes and ears ” if they can ’ t handle the “ truth ” contained in his interview with RT , White House adviser Scott Atlas is now claiming that he didn ’ t know the Russian propaganda outlet is a registered foreign agent .
The Kremlin-backed TV network registered as a foreign agent with the Justice Department back in 2017 .
Atlas ’ Sunday tone is very different from the one he struck when sharing the interview in a now-deleted tweet .
“ New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Lockdown , facts , frauds … if you can ’ t handle truth , use a mask to cover your eyes and ears , ” he said , adding # FactsMatter and # LockdownsKill .
During the interview itself , Atlas — who is neither an epidemiologist nor a practicing doctor of any kind — pushed his typically specious COVID-19 claims .
“ The lockdowns will go down as an epic failure of public policy , ” Atlas said .
“ The argument is undeniable .
The lockdowns are killing people.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 231,000 American COVID-19 deaths to the lockdown , which real doctors support to slow the spread of the infection .
Atlas caught President Donald Trump ’ s eye in the first place due to his wildly wrong and over-optimistic COVID-19 predictions , predicting that the disease would peak in April and that the curve had been flattened in May .
He has argued a line popular with Trump , that the cure is worse than the disease , and advocated for “ herd immunity.
” He made many of those arguments on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an adviser to members of the White House coronavirus task force .
He has whipped up a significant following for his medical bunk , despite being called “ an outlier ” by the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci .

A day after warning that people had best “use a mask to cover your eyes and ears” if they can’t handle the “truth” contained in his interview with RT, White House adviser Scott Atlas is now claiming that he didn’t know the Russian propaganda outlet is a registered foreign agent.
I recently did an interview with RT and was unaware they are a registered foreign agent. I regret doing the interview and apologize for allowing myself to be taken advantage of. I especially apologize to the national security community who is working hard to defend us. — Scott W. Atlas (@SWAtlasHoover) November 1, 2020
The Kremlin-backed TV network registered as a foreign agent with the Justice Department back in 2017.
Atlas’ Sunday tone is very different from the one he struck when sharing the interview in a now-deleted tweet.
“New interview,” he wrote Saturday. “Lockdown, facts, frauds … if you can’t handle truth, use a mask to cover your eyes and ears,” he said, adding #FactsMatter and #LockdownsKill.
During the interview itself, Atlas — who is neither an epidemiologist nor a practicing doctor of any kind — pushed his typically specious COVID-19 claims.
“The lockdowns will go down as an epic failure of public policy,” Atlas said. “The argument is undeniable. The lockdowns are killing people.”
He went on to attribute some of the 231,000 American COVID-19 deaths to the lockdown, which real doctors support to slow the spread of the infection.
Senior WH official tells me Doctor Scott Atlas did not have approval from the WH before going on RT. Atlas did it “on his own” without seeking approval from WH. Senior aides have raised concerns that Atlas would appear on the Russian outlet, the official said. — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 1, 2020
Atlas caught President Donald Trump’s eye in the first place due to his wildly wrong and over-optimistic COVID-19 predictions, predicting that the disease would peak in April and that the curve had been flattened in May. He has argued a line popular with Trump, that the cure is worse than the disease, and advocated for “herd immunity.”
He made many of those arguments on Fox News, and soon after became an adviser to members of the White House coronavirus task force.
He has whipped up a significant following for his medical bunk, despite being called “an outlier” by the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-11-01--Trump Cheers His Supporters Swarming Biden Bus Mad-Max Style In Texas

Not only has President Donald Trump refused to condemn his supporters who swarmed a Biden campaign bus on the highway as it passed through San Antonio , but he retweeted a video of the episode with a giddy “ I LOVE TEXAS !
” Trump also reveled in the episode during a riff at his Pennsylvania rally Saturday night .
The response from the Texas Republican party was even more callous .
Citing the supposed “ execution ” of Trump supporters and attempted “ rape and killing ” of the McCloskeys , the gun-toting couple from St. Louis who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chair Allen West dismissed the incident as “ propaganda.
” “ Where is the liberal corporate media ’ s concern about that real violence ?
Additionally , none of what your question implies is accurate .
It is more fake news and propaganda , ” he responded to a Texas Tribune writer in an official party statement .
“ Prepare to lose … stop bothering me .
Maybe Soros can cut y ’ all another check in 2022.
” Some current and former Democratic Texas officials , including U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus at the time .
“ This aggressive , abusive conduct by his supporters comes from Trump continuing to incite acts of intimidation and violence , ” Doggett tweeted .
“ As Republican lawyers use Republican-dominated courts to diminish voting , this is another more outrageous form of voter suppression.
” “ Those who fear their party is about to lose Texas resort to such desperate tactics , ” he added .
“ We have to stand up to these bullies just as we seek to protect the right of every last Texan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Texas Tribune , Trump fans rallied on social media to intimidate the bus , causing at least one collision between the cars and the cancellation of scheduled Biden campaign events due to safety concerns .
Neither former Vice President Joe Biden nor Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-CA ) , the latter of which was campaigning in Texas on Friday , was on the bus .
The Trump squadron eventually backed off when a police escort arrived , and the FBI is now reportedly investigating .
FBI Special Agent Michelle Lee from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an official statement on the incident will be coming later Sunday afternoon .
Katie Naranjo , chair of the Travis County Democrats , tweeted that at one point , the Trump supporters “ ran into a person ’ s car , yelling curse words and threats.
” Democratic state Rep. Rafael Anchía ( D-TX ) said that those flanking the bus were “ armed.
” Senior Biden campaign adviser Symone Sanders tweeted that Trump ’ s response to the intimidation was even more reason for Americans to vote him out .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas is reckless , dangerous and an intimidation tactic , ” she said .
“ It ’ s not something we should come to accept from our leaders .
The people of our great country have the opportunity to turn the corner here .
VOTE .
HIM .
OUT .
”

Not only has President Donald Trump refused to condemn his supporters who swarmed a Biden campaign bus on the highway as it passed through San Antonio, but he retweeted a video of the episode with a giddy “I LOVE TEXAS!”
Trump also reveled in the episode during a riff at his Pennsylvania rally Saturday night.
The response from the Texas Republican party was even more callous.
Citing the supposed “execution” of Trump supporters and attempted “rape and killing” of the McCloskeys, the gun-toting couple from St. Louis who were indicted after brandishing their weapons at protesters, chair Allen West dismissed the incident as “propaganda.”
“Where is the liberal corporate media’s concern about that real violence? Additionally, none of what your question implies is accurate. It is more fake news and propaganda,” he responded to a Texas Tribune writer in an official party statement. “Prepare to lose … stop bothering me. Maybe Soros can cut y’all another check in 2022.”
Some current and former Democratic Texas officials, including U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (R-TX), were on the bus at the time.
“This aggressive, abusive conduct by his supporters comes from Trump continuing to incite acts of intimidation and violence,” Doggett tweeted. “As Republican lawyers use Republican-dominated courts to diminish voting, this is another more outrageous form of voter suppression.”
“Those who fear their party is about to lose Texas resort to such desperate tactics,” he added. “We have to stand up to these bullies just as we seek to protect the right of every last Texan to vote out the Bully-in-Chief.”
According to the Texas Tribune, Trump fans rallied on social media to intimidate the bus, causing at least one collision between the cars and the cancellation of scheduled Biden campaign events due to safety concerns. Neither former Vice President Joe Biden nor Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), the latter of which was campaigning in Texas on Friday, was on the bus.
The Trump squadron eventually backed off when a police escort arrived, and the FBI is now reportedly investigating.
FBI Special Agent Michelle Lee from the San Antonio field office told TPM that an official statement on the incident will be coming later Sunday afternoon.
Katie Naranjo, chair of the Travis County Democrats, tweeted that at one point, the Trump supporters “ran into a person’s car, yelling curse words and threats.” Democratic state Rep. Rafael Anchía (D-TX) said that those flanking the bus were “armed.”
Senior Biden campaign adviser Symone Sanders tweeted that Trump’s response to the intimidation was even more reason for Americans to vote him out.
“What the President tweeted in regards to Texas is reckless, dangerous and an intimidation tactic,” she said. “It’s not something we should come to accept from our leaders. The people of our great country have the opportunity to turn the corner here. VOTE. HIM. OUT.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-11-01--WH Attacks Fauci For Refuting Trump’s False COVID-19 Claims As Election Looms

The White House continued its efforts to discredit Dr. Anthony Fauci , a member of its own coronavirus task force , as the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert has become notably more outspoken about the Trump administration ’ s missteps in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic just days before Election Day .
In an interview with the Washington Post published Saturday evening , Fauci issued a stern warning about COVID-19 surges in the months to come , saying that the country is positioned “ poorly ” to reduce the spread of the infectious disease that has killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re in for a whole lot of hurt .
It ’ s not a good situation , ” Fauci told the Post in an interview that the paper said took place late Friday .
“ All the stars are aligned in the wrong place as you go into the fall and winter season , with people congregating at home indoors .
You could not possibly be positioned more poorly.
” In light of the holiday season nearing , Fauci told the Post that the country needs to make an “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and behaviors , while warning that the country could surpass 100,000 new coronavirus cases a day and predicting rising COVID-19 fatalities in the coming weeks .
Fauci also told the Post that while Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s campaign “ is taking it seriously from a public health perspective , ” Trump ’ s re-election campaign is “ looking at it from a different perspective ” of “ reopening the country.
” The White House didn ’ t like that .
The morning after Fauci ’ s remarks were published by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deere issued a lengthy statement blasting Fauci by accusing him of “ playing politics ” in the days before the election .
“ It ’ s unacceptable and breaking with all norms for Dr. Fauci , a senior member of the President ’ s Coronavirus Taskforce and someone who has praised President Trump ’ s actions throughout this pandemic , to choose three days before an election to play politics , ” Deere said .
Deere attacked Fauci for being at odds with the President , who has repeatedly offered his wrong but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the turn ” on COVID-19 to rally-goers in the final days leading up to the election .
“ As a member of the Task Force , Dr. Fauci has a duty to express concerns or push for a change in strategy , but he ’ s not done that , instead choosing to criticize the president in the media and make his political leanings known by praising the president ’ s opponent — exactly what the American people have come to expect from The Swamp , ” Deere said .
Deere said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American people to make the best choice for themselves armed with CDC best practices.
” Fauci ’ s remarks to the Post were made as the country hit record highs on COVID-19 case counts in recent days , which includes nearly hitting 100,000 in a single day just last week .
The President , who has railed against media coverage of COVID-19 during his recent campaign rallies , has continued to falsely insist that the country is “ rounding the turn ” on the pandemic while touting the therapeutics he was treated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During a phone call with campaign staffers last month , Trump called Fauci a “ disaster ” and public health experts “ idiots .
”

The White House continued its efforts to discredit Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of its own coronavirus task force, as the nation’s top infectious disease expert has become notably more outspoken about the Trump administration’s missteps in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic just days before Election Day.
In an interview with the Washington Post published Saturday evening, Fauci issued a stern warning about COVID-19 surges in the months to come, saying that the country is positioned “poorly” to reduce the spread of the infectious disease that has killed more than 225,000 Americans thus far.
“We’re in for a whole lot of hurt. It’s not a good situation,” Fauci told the Post in an interview that the paper said took place late Friday. “All the stars are aligned in the wrong place as you go into the fall and winter season, with people congregating at home indoors. You could not possibly be positioned more poorly.”
In light of the holiday season nearing, Fauci told the Post that the country needs to make an “abrupt change” with public health practices and behaviors, while warning that the country could surpass 100,000 new coronavirus cases a day and predicting rising COVID-19 fatalities in the coming weeks.
Fauci also told the Post that while Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign “is taking it seriously from a public health perspective,” Trump’s re-election campaign is “looking at it from a different perspective” of “reopening the country.”
The White House didn’t like that. The morning after Fauci’s remarks were published by the Post, White House spokesperson Judd Deere issued a lengthy statement blasting Fauci by accusing him of “playing politics” in the days before the election.
“It’s unacceptable and breaking with all norms for Dr. Fauci, a senior member of the President’s Coronavirus Taskforce and someone who has praised President Trump’s actions throughout this pandemic, to choose three days before an election to play politics,” Deere said.
Deere attacked Fauci for being at odds with the President, who has repeatedly offered his wrong but rosy assessment of the country “rounding the turn” on COVID-19 to rally-goers in the final days leading up to the election.
“As a member of the Task Force, Dr. Fauci has a duty to express concerns or push for a change in strategy, but he’s not done that, instead choosing to criticize the president in the media and make his political leanings known by praising the president’s opponent — exactly what the American people have come to expect from The Swamp,” Deere said.
Deere said that Fauci “has no confidence in the American people to make the best choice for themselves armed with CDC best practices.”
"Dr. Fauci has a duty to express concerns or push for a change in strategy, but he’s not done that, instead choosing to criticize the President in the media and make his political leanings known by praising the President’s opponent," @JuddPDeere45 in statement. pic.twitter.com/X5SC9hC3vX — Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) November 1, 2020
Fauci’s remarks to the Post were made as the country hit record highs on COVID-19 case counts in recent days, which includes nearly hitting 100,000 in a single day just last week.
The President, who has railed against media coverage of COVID-19 during his recent campaign rallies, has continued to falsely insist that the country is “rounding the turn” on the pandemic while touting the therapeutics he was treated with during his hospitalization for COVID-19 last month. During a phone call with campaign staffers last month, Trump called Fauci a “disaster” and public health experts “idiots.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-11-01--Virus Spikes In Key Swing States, Creating Fresh Challenges For Polling Places

IOWA CITY , Iowa ( AP ) — A surge in coronavirus cases across the country , including in key presidential battleground states , is creating mounting health and logistical concerns for voters , poll workers and political parties ahead of Election Day .
In Iowa , where both presidential campaigns are competing feverishly , county officials said they were preparing for scores of confirmed or potentially infected people to vote curbside .
It ’ s an option typically used by disabled people that must be available outside every polling place .
Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker , in Cedar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot but said they should take safety precautions at polling places to protect themselves and their neighbors .
“ We can ’ t afford to have Election Day serve as a superspreading event across the state and country , ” he said .
At a news conference this past week , Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate said his office had distributed 145,000 gloves , 200,000 masks and 11,000 social-distancing markers for use by voters and poll workers .
In Wisconsin , Gov .
Tony Evers sought to assure voters in the critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be risky , even as officials announced more than 5,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday .
“ For those who are voting in person now , I believe it ’ s safe , ” Evers said , adding that polling places have adequate supplies to protect voters .
Across the country , Republicans worked to downplay any concerns that health risks will keep some of their voters home , after Democrats heavily promoted mail-in and early in-person balloting to their voters .
Republicans are counting on a huge Election Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big leads in early voting among Democrats in states that are pivotal to the presidential race .
“ If you were worried about voting at the polls on Election Day , you ’ ve probably already voted , ” said John March , a spokesman for the Republican Party of Virginia .
Like many other states , Iowa this week reported its highest number of average daily new cases and hospitalizations to date .
In Cedar Rapids , public health officials called a news conference Friday to express alarm at the spike in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-day high reported Thursday of more than 200 .
They urged residents to avoid gatherings while advising those who visit polling places to wear masks , stay 6 feet apart and wash their hands afterward .
Linn County Auditor Joel Miller said a woman who acknowledged she was positive for coronavirus voted curbside Thursday at a mall where early voting is taking place , the first known infected voter in the county .
Poll workers gave her a face shield and gloves and isolated everything she touched , he said .
Several other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to avoid the line for health reasons also used it , and county auditors were preparing for a major increase in the rarely-used option Tuesday .
Under curbside voting , residents call a phone number for assistance from their vehicle and a bipartisan poll worker team is sent to help them cast ballots .
Miller , 65 , said he is concerned about contracting the virus after spending hours this week assisting voters and will get tested again Sunday .
He said he was worried about the virus spreading at polling places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be required to wear masks .
“ Heck yes I ’ m concerned .
I ’ m going to have 500 people working on Tuesday .
I don ’ t want it on my conscience that somebody caught COVID at a polling place and got sick , ” he said .
“ It could happen .
It could happen to me.
” County auditors have small full-time staffs and rely on experienced polling place workers to run smooth elections .
They say they are worried that any of those workers who test positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced people , which could lead to long lines .
In Davenport , Iowa , Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz asked her employees several days ago to self-quarantine to avoid the possibility of catching the virus before Tuesday .
Moritz said she has received several calls this week from people who have tested positive or are hospitalized with coronavirus seeking advice on how to vote .
One woman was crying over the situation .
Her staff is working with hospitals to deliver ballots to patients and is promoting curbside voting for those infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day .
She said curbside voting is labor intensive and risky .
“ Some of my poll workers are a little bit concerned because they are older individuals , ” she said .
“ Still , I would rather do curbside than have them ( voters ) go to the polls.
” Moritz said she has been relieved by the high number of early voters in her county , which will ease the burden on Election Day .
Still , she said she worries that crowded polling places could become a source of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public library in Davenport on Friday , poll workers were sanitizing voting stations and pens between users .
People waiting in line outside the library were wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart .
Lenore Benton-Bey , a Davenport retiree , said the socially distanced crowd didn ’ t bother her : “ I ’ ve got a whole bottle of hand sanitizer in the car , ” she said .
Associated Press writers Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee ; Denise Lavoie in Richmond , Virginia ; and Geoff Mulvihill in Davenport , Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A surge in coronavirus cases across the country, including in key presidential battleground states, is creating mounting health and logistical concerns for voters, poll workers and political parties ahead of Election Day.
In Iowa, where both presidential campaigns are competing feverishly, county officials said they were preparing for scores of confirmed or potentially infected people to vote curbside. It’s an option typically used by disabled people that must be available outside every polling place.
Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker, in Cedar Rapids, encouraged people to cast their ballot but said they should take safety precautions at polling places to protect themselves and their neighbors.
“We can’t afford to have Election Day serve as a superspreading event across the state and country,” he said.
At a news conference this past week, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate said his office had distributed 145,000 gloves, 200,000 masks and 11,000 social-distancing markers for use by voters and poll workers.
In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers sought to assure voters in the critical swing state that going to the polls would not be risky, even as officials announced more than 5,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday.
“For those who are voting in person now, I believe it’s safe,” Evers said, adding that polling places have adequate supplies to protect voters.
Across the country, Republicans worked to downplay any concerns that health risks will keep some of their voters home, after Democrats heavily promoted mail-in and early in-person balloting to their voters.
Republicans are counting on a huge Election Day turnout among their supporters to offset the big leads in early voting among Democrats in states that are pivotal to the presidential race.
“If you were worried about voting at the polls on Election Day, you’ve probably already voted,” said John March, a spokesman for the Republican Party of Virginia.
Like many other states, Iowa this week reported its highest number of average daily new cases and hospitalizations to date.
In Cedar Rapids, public health officials called a news conference Friday to express alarm at the spike in cases in Linn County, including a single-day high reported Thursday of more than 200. They urged residents to avoid gatherings while advising those who visit polling places to wear masks, stay 6 feet apart and wash their hands afterward.
Linn County Auditor Joel Miller said a woman who acknowledged she was positive for coronavirus voted curbside Thursday at a mall where early voting is taking place, the first known infected voter in the county. Poll workers gave her a face shield and gloves and isolated everything she touched, he said.
Several other voters who were awaiting test results or wanted to avoid the line for health reasons also used it, and county auditors were preparing for a major increase in the rarely-used option Tuesday.
Under curbside voting, residents call a phone number for assistance from their vehicle and a bipartisan poll worker team is sent to help them cast ballots.
Miller, 65, said he is concerned about contracting the virus after spending hours this week assisting voters and will get tested again Sunday. He said he was worried about the virus spreading at polling places Tuesday, noting that voters cannot be required to wear masks.
“Heck yes I’m concerned. I’m going to have 500 people working on Tuesday. I don’t want it on my conscience that somebody caught COVID at a polling place and got sick,” he said. “It could happen. It could happen to me.”
County auditors have small full-time staffs and rely on experienced polling place workers to run smooth elections. They say they are worried that any of those workers who test positive before Tuesday will be replaced with less experienced people, which could lead to long lines.
In Davenport, Iowa, Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz asked her employees several days ago to self-quarantine to avoid the possibility of catching the virus before Tuesday.
Moritz said she has received several calls this week from people who have tested positive or are hospitalized with coronavirus seeking advice on how to vote. One woman was crying over the situation.
Her staff is working with hospitals to deliver ballots to patients and is promoting curbside voting for those infected at early voting locations and on Election Day. She said curbside voting is labor intensive and risky.
“Some of my poll workers are a little bit concerned because they are older individuals,” she said. “Still, I would rather do curbside than have them (voters) go to the polls.”
Moritz said she has been relieved by the high number of early voters in her county, which will ease the burden on Election Day. Still, she said she worries that crowded polling places could become a source of spread for the coronavirus.
At a public library in Davenport on Friday, poll workers were sanitizing voting stations and pens between users. People waiting in line outside the library were wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart.
Lenore Benton-Bey, a Davenport retiree, said the socially distanced crowd didn’t bother her: “I’ve got a whole bottle of hand sanitizer in the car,” she said.
__
Associated Press writers Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee; Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia; and Geoff Mulvihill in Davenport, Iowa, contributed to this report.