talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-10--Graham Says Black People And Immigrants Can Be Successful With Caveat

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R ) said Friday that Black people and immigrants can achieve success in his state , they “ just need to be conservative , not liberal.
” The comments were made as the Republican senator took aim in a refashioned rhetorical sparring event for his Senate seat against Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison , who is Black .
“ I care about everybody , ” Graham said .
“ If you ’ re a young African American , an immigrant , you can go anywhere in this state , you just need to be conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Scott ( R ) – another South Carolina senator , who is also the only Black Republican senator – as well as former Gov .
Nikki Haley , as people of color who rose to success at least in part due to sharing that state ’ s “ values.
” Hours before the event , debate organizers were forced to switch up the debate ’ s format , offering one-on-one televised interviews with two journalists while abandoning a traditional debate format after Graham refused to take a test for COVID-19 by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harrison had issued a statement on Thursday saying he would not appear to debate Graham in person if the lawmaker refused to take a COVID-19 test following a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with GOP senators who have since tested positive for coronavirus .
In the statement , Harrison said that he could not “ responsibly debate in person ” if Graham denied the test and suggested that doing so would put his family , staffers for both candidates and members of the press “ at unnecessary risk.
” Graham rejected the request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative and that the Senate physician had told him further testing was not needed .
COVID-19 concerns were central to Friday ’ s event following the controversy .
Graham , who is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee , was asked about potential coronavirus testing ahead of Monday ’ s scheduled confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett , President Donald Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee .
The nomination ceremony at the White House on Sept. 26 , has been dubbed a “ super-spreader ” event by public health experts , including Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that what has emerged as a White House cluster was unsurprising amid a failure among a majority of attendees to mask at the event .
Graham said federal guidelines would impact the hearing ’ s set up but refused to say that lawmakers involved would be tested ahead of the hearing .
“ I ’ m not going to live my life differently than you have to live yours , ” Graham said , in an apparent reference to Americans who work alongside colleagues who have not been tested for the virus according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those of you who work for a living , you can ’ t do what Mr. Harrison has demanded tonight , ” he added .
Graham has vowed to confirm Trump ’ s nominee ahead of the election .
“ The Senate ’ s floor schedule will not interrupt the thorough , fair and historically supported confirmation process , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) wrote last week .
Graham added at the time that senators could attend the hearings remotely .
Prominent Democrats have responded to to McConnell ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing by suggested that McConnell ’ s move to delay the return of the Senate amid positive COVID-19 tests of at least three GOP senators last week was also reason to delay convening Barrett ’ s confirmation hearing due to safety concerns .
“ No plausible public health or scientific rationale justifies proceeding with Senate Judiciary Committee hearings next week , ” the Democratic members of the Judiciary Committe wrote in a letter to Graham on Friday .
“ We need not proceed in such a reckless and blind fashion .
”

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) said Friday that Black people and immigrants can achieve success in his state, they “just need to be conservative, not liberal.”
The comments were made as the Republican senator took aim in a refashioned rhetorical sparring event for his Senate seat against Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison, who is Black.
“I care about everybody,” Graham said. “If you’re a young African American, an immigrant, you can go anywhere in this state, you just need to be conservative, not liberal.”
Graham highlighted Sen. Tim Scott (R) – another South Carolina senator, who is also the only Black Republican senator – as well as former Gov. Nikki Haley, as people of color who rose to success at least in part due to sharing that state’s “values.”
Hours before the event, debate organizers were forced to switch up the debate’s format, offering one-on-one televised interviews with two journalists while abandoning a traditional debate format after Graham refused to take a test for COVID-19 by the request of the Democratic Senate candidate.
Harrison had issued a statement on Thursday saying he would not appear to debate Graham in person if the lawmaker refused to take a COVID-19 test following a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with GOP senators who have since tested positive for coronavirus.
In the statement, Harrison said that he could not “responsibly debate in person” if Graham denied the test and suggested that doing so would put his family, staffers for both candidates and members of the press “at unnecessary risk.”
Graham rejected the request, saying that he had previously tested negative and that the Senate physician had told him further testing was not needed.
COVID-19 concerns were central to Friday’s event following the controversy.
Graham, who is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was asked about potential coronavirus testing ahead of Monday’s scheduled confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee.
The nomination ceremony at the White House on Sept. 26, has been dubbed a “super-spreader” event by public health experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci who told CBS News Radio that what has emerged as a White House cluster was unsurprising amid a failure among a majority of attendees to mask at the event.
Graham said federal guidelines would impact the hearing’s set up but refused to say that lawmakers involved would be tested ahead of the hearing.
“I’m not going to live my life differently than you have to live yours,” Graham said, in an apparent reference to Americans who work alongside colleagues who have not been tested for the virus according to the Associated Press.
“For those of you who work for a living, you can’t do what Mr. Harrison has demanded tonight,” he added.
Graham has vowed to confirm Trump’s nominee ahead of the election.
“The Senate’s floor schedule will not interrupt the thorough, fair and historically supported confirmation process,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) wrote last week. Graham added at the time that senators could attend the hearings remotely.
Prominent Democrats have responded to to McConnell’s decision to plow ahead with the hearing by suggested that McConnell’s move to delay the return of the Senate amid positive COVID-19 tests of at least three GOP senators last week was also reason to delay convening Barrett’s confirmation hearing due to safety concerns.
“No plausible public health or scientific rationale justifies proceeding with Senate Judiciary Committee hearings next week,” the Democratic members of the Judiciary Committe wrote in a letter to Graham on Friday. “We need not proceed in such a reckless and blind fashion.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-10--Trump Hosts First Public Event Since Discharge From Walter Reed For COVID-19

President Donald Trump on Saturday made his first major public appearance since returning to the White House after being hospitalized for coronavirus last weekend .
The President wore a mask which he removed as he approached the podium — taking a dramatic pause before making his remarks to the cheers of hundreds of supporters who gathered on the South Lawn in spite of warnings from public health officials .
“ I ’ m feeling great , ” Trump told the crowd , although the White House has provided little evidence that Trump is no longer contagious amid his recovery from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading infectious diseases expert , cautioned the White House to avoid large gatherings — especially where people are not wearing masks– after a Supreme Court nomination ceremony on Sept. 26 turned into what he called a “ super-spreader event ” that resulted in a cluster of new cases among its attendees and other White House staffers in recent weeks .
During a Fox News interview on Friday , Trump was also not able to definitively report that he had tested negative for coronavirus which CDC officials have said is key indicator to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contagious .
“ I have been retested , and I haven ’ t even found out numbers or anything yet .
But I ’ ve been retested , and I know I ’ m at either the bottom of the scale or free , ” he said at the time .
Prior to Saturday ’ s event the President had not appeared publicly since his return less than one week ago from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he was administered steroids , supplemental oxygen and experimental treatments for COVID-19 .
Bandages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hands on Saturday as he addressed the crowd .
Earlier in the week , the President appeared in highly choreographed White House-produced videos , projecting an image of strength in a clip on Wednesday where he suggested that falling ill with coronavirus for him had been a “ blessing from God.
” In his remarks on Saturday President Trump kept with an old and widely disputed narrative that the coronavirus was largely fading saying — “ it ’ s going to disappear , it is disappearing.
” The remarks were delivered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not socially-distanced , “ Blexit ” supporters who are campaigning to convince Black voters to leave the Democratic Party .
The highly political address that the White House called a “ peaceful protest for law & order ” and billed as an official White House event strongly resembled a campaign rally — taking clear aim at the Democratic Party as Trump rebuked Democrats as the enemy in a sweeping condemnation of the “ radical , socialist left.
” While the White House remains evasive about what sort of testing is underway to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallies again , Joe Biden ’ s campaign reported that the Democratic presidential nominee tested negative again on Saturday for COVID-19 after he was potentially exposed to the coronavirus during last month ’ s presidential debate .

President Donald Trump on Saturday made his first major public appearance since returning to the White House after being hospitalized for coronavirus last weekend.
The President wore a mask which he removed as he approached the podium — taking a dramatic pause before making his remarks to the cheers of hundreds of supporters who gathered on the South Lawn in spite of warnings from public health officials.
“I’m feeling great,” Trump told the crowd, although the White House has provided little evidence that Trump is no longer contagious amid his recovery from coronavirus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a leading infectious diseases expert, cautioned the White House to avoid large gatherings — especially where people are not wearing masks– after a Supreme Court nomination ceremony on Sept. 26 turned into what he called a “super-spreader event” that resulted in a cluster of new cases among its attendees and other White House staffers in recent weeks.
During a Fox News interview on Friday, Trump was also not able to definitively report that he had tested negative for coronavirus which CDC officials have said is key indicator to determine whether or not a person is still contagious.
“I have been retested, and I haven’t even found out numbers or anything yet. But I’ve been retested, and I know I’m at either the bottom of the scale or free,” he said at the time.
Prior to Saturday’s event the President had not appeared publicly since his return less than one week ago from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he was administered steroids, supplemental oxygen and experimental treatments for COVID-19. Bandages could still be seen on one of his hands on Saturday as he addressed the crowd.
Earlier in the week, the President appeared in highly choreographed White House-produced videos, projecting an image of strength in a clip on Wednesday where he suggested that falling ill with coronavirus for him had been a “blessing from God.”
In his remarks on Saturday President Trump kept with an old and widely disputed narrative that the coronavirus was largely fading saying — “it’s going to disappear, it is disappearing.”
The remarks were delivered to a crowd of largely masked, but not socially-distanced, “Blexit” supporters who are campaigning to convince Black voters to leave the Democratic Party. The highly political address that the White House called a “peaceful protest for law & order” and billed as an official White House event strongly resembled a campaign rally — taking clear aim at the Democratic Party as Trump rebuked Democrats as the enemy in a sweeping condemnation of the “radical, socialist left.”
While the White House remains evasive about what sort of testing is underway to ensure Trump is noninfectious as he ramps up rallies again, Joe Biden’s campaign reported that the Democratic presidential nominee tested negative again on Saturday for COVID-19 after he was potentially exposed to the coronavirus during last month’s presidential debate.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-10--Federal Judge Rejects Trump Camp Lawsuit Targeting PA Ballot Drop Box Use

A federal judge ruled against the Trump campaign in its lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania ’ s use of ballot drop boxes and other aspects of the state ’ s voting process .
U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan rejected the Trump campaign ’ s claims that a nebulous threat of voter fraud warranted a court intervention in how Pennsylvania was carrying out its election .
Ranjan concluded the Trump campaign had not proved that the measures it was challenging were inflicting the kind of harms that would make it appropriate for a court to adjudicate the allegations .
“ While Plaintiffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud , they must at least prove that such fraud is ‘ certainly impending.
’ They haven ’ t met that burden , ” Ranjan , who was appointed by President Trump , wrote .
Earlier in the case the judge requested that the campaign put forward evidence of fraud in Pennsylvania ’ s election .
The documents the campaign submitted barely touched on the topic .
The Trump campaign argued in the lawsuit that the way Pennsylvania election officials were planning to utilize ballot drop boxes was unconstitutional .
The state Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boxes as permissible under state law .
The campaign was also challenging guidance from Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar to local election officials that were not to reject mail ballots because of perceived signature mismatch .
Additionally , the campaign went after Pennsylvania ’ s requirement that poll workers reside in the county they ’ re serving ; the residency requirement has also been upheld by the state Supreme Court .
The judge said the Trump campaign ’ s allegations about these measures also failed on the merits .
Pennsylvania , a key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the site of some of the most aggressive legal fights over voting during the pandemic .
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently weighing how to handle a separate request from state Republicans that the justices reverse the state Supreme Court ’ s extension of the deadline by when mail ballots must be received .
Read the opinion in the federal drop box case here .

A federal judge ruled against the Trump campaign in its lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania’s use of ballot drop boxes and other aspects of the state’s voting process.
U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan rejected the Trump campaign’s claims that a nebulous threat of voter fraud warranted a court intervention in how Pennsylvania was carrying out its election.
Ranjan concluded the Trump campaign had not proved that the measures it was challenging were inflicting the kind of harms that would make it appropriate for a court to adjudicate the allegations.
“While Plaintiffs may not need to prove actual voter fraud, they must at least prove that such fraud is ‘certainly impending.’ They haven’t met that burden,” Ranjan, who was appointed by President Trump, wrote.
Earlier in the case the judge requested that the campaign put forward evidence of fraud in Pennsylvania’s election. The documents the campaign submitted barely touched on the topic.
The Trump campaign argued in the lawsuit that the way Pennsylvania election officials were planning to utilize ballot drop boxes was unconstitutional. The state Supreme Court previously upheld Pennsylvania use of drop boxes as permissible under state law.
The campaign was also challenging guidance from Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar to local election officials that were not to reject mail ballots because of perceived signature mismatch. Additionally, the campaign went after Pennsylvania’s requirement that poll workers reside in the county they’re serving; the residency requirement has also been upheld by the state Supreme Court.
The judge said the Trump campaign’s allegations about these measures also failed on the merits.
Pennsylvania, a key swing state for Trump, has been the site of some of the most aggressive legal fights over voting during the pandemic.
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently weighing how to handle a separate request from state Republicans that the justices reverse the state Supreme Court’s extension of the deadline by when mail ballots must be received.
Read the opinion in the federal drop box case here.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-10--Federal Appeals Court Temporarily Reinstates Ohio Ballot Drop Box Limits

A federal appeals court on Friday agreed to at least temporarily reinstate Ohio ’ s limit on ballot drop boxes in a move that voting rights advocates say infringes on Ohioans ability to cast their ballots , while it considers whether to make a more permanent ruling on the case .
U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judges Richard Griffin and Amul Thapar in an order Friday night criticized a Thursday decision from a federal judge in Cleveland who struck down the drop box limit as unconstitutional after early voting had already begun .
“ Notably , Ohio voters are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box to vote , ” they wrote in Friday ’ s ruling after voting rights advocates brought a lawsuit challenging Secretary of State Frank LaRose ’ s move to limit ballot drop boxes to one per county saying more would be illegal based on his understanding of state law .
Judges Griffin and Thapar sided with LaRose who said that additional ballot drop boxes could create unnecessary security risks .
The court struck down claims that limiting drop off boxes was unconstitutional on the basis of impeding voting rights saying the move caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subset of voters.
” “ Moreover , the State can not be faulted for these voters ’ choice to not take advantage of the other avenues available to them to cast their ballot , ” the judges wrote .
The ruling means that the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections will not be able to go forward with its plans to install ballot drop off boxes at staffed locations in six county libraries , per Cleveland.com .
Friday ’ s ruling noted that the late stage move was not supported by legal precedent which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to election procedure , noting that LaRose decided in August to limit drop boxes .
“ We conclude that LaRose has made a strong showing that he is likely to succeed on appeal , ” the judges wrote .
In a statement hailing the ruling , LaRose said that voters in the week leading up to the decision had “ enthusiastically demonstrated how easy it is to vote in Ohio.
” “ The higher court ’ s opinion only reinforces Ohio ’ s standing as a leader in accessible and secure voting options.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections officials had pressed LaRose to allow additional drop boxes , saying they would help reduce congestion at their elections office .
LaRose has argued , however that making changes so close to the election could create confusion for voters and provide a platform for parties to challenge the results of the election .
Breaking with her colleagues , circuit Judge Helene White appeared to agree with voting rights advocates who brought the lawsuit saying the drop boxes pose no security concerns .
“ The Secretary has not shown that the proposed locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will undermine the security and order of the election .
Nor has the Secretary shown that the plan will lead to voter confusion .
Any confusion is a result of the Secretary ’ s changing positions , ” White said .
While Griffin and White were appointed by George W. Bush , Thapar is an an appointee of President Donald Trump .
The Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee have LaRose ’ s drop box limit in an effort that has extended to a number of states — especially in battleground areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s Democratic Party while not involved in the federal case sued LaRose in state court over the same issue .
Read the Friday order from the appeals court below :

A federal appeals court on Friday agreed to at least temporarily reinstate Ohio’s limit on ballot drop boxes in a move that voting rights advocates say infringes on Ohioans ability to cast their ballots, while it considers whether to make a more permanent ruling on the case.
U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judges Richard Griffin and Amul Thapar in an order Friday night pushed back on a Thursday decision from a federal judge in Cleveland who struck down the drop box limit as unconstitutional after early voting was already underway.
“Notably, Ohio voters are not required to use a ballot drop box to vote,” they wrote in Friday’s ruling after voting rights advocates brought a lawsuit challenging Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s move to limit ballot drop boxes to one per county saying more would be illegal based on his understanding of state law.
Judges Griffin and Thapar sided with LaRose who said that additional ballot drop boxes could create unnecessary security risks. The court struck down claims that limiting drop off boxes was unconstitutional on the basis of impeding voting rights saying the move caused “at most an inconvenience to a subset of voters.”
“Moreover, the State cannot be faulted for these voters’ choice to not take advantage of the other avenues available to them to cast their ballot,” the judges wrote.
The ruling means that the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections will not be able to go forward with its plans to install ballot drop off boxes at staffed locations in six county libraries, per Cleveland.com.
Friday’s ruling noted that the late stage move was not supported by legal precedent which has not historically favored last minute alterations to election procedure, noting that LaRose decided in August to limit drop boxes.
“We conclude that LaRose has made a strong showing that he is likely to succeed on appeal,” the judges wrote.
In a statement hailing the ruling, LaRose said that voters in the week leading up to the decision had “enthusiastically demonstrated how easy it is to vote in Ohio.”
“The higher court’s opinion only reinforces Ohio’s standing as a leader in accessible and secure voting options.”
Voting rights advocates and some local elections officials had pressed LaRose to allow additional drop boxes, saying more drop off locations would help reduce heavy traffic at their elections office.
LaRose has argued, however that making changes so close to the election could create confusion for voters and provide a platform for parties to challenge the results of the election.
Breaking with her colleagues, circuit Judge Helene White appeared to agree with voting rights advocates who brought the lawsuit saying the drop boxes pose no security concerns.
“The Secretary has not shown that the proposed locations at the libraries staffed by elections officials will undermine the security and order of the election. Nor has the Secretary shown that the plan will lead to voter confusion. Any confusion is a result of the Secretary’s changing positions,” White said.
While Griffin and White were appointed by George W. Bush, Thapar is an an appointee of President Donald Trump.
The Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee have LaRose’s drop box limit in an effort that has extended to a number of states — especially in battleground areas — to limit mail-in voting. The state’s Democratic Party while not involved in the federal case sued LaRose in state court over the same issue.
Read the Friday order from the appeals court below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-10--Trump Has Yet To Publicly Confirm A Negative COVID Test Ahead Of Second Balcony Stunt

President Donald Trump is pushing ahead with an appearance at a White House gathering on Saturday , even though he has not yet publicly announced a negative test for coronavirus which CDC officials have said is a definitive benchmark for determining whether a person who contracted COVID-19 is still contagious .
“ I haven ’ t even found out numbers or anything yet , but I ’ ve been retested and I know I ’ m at either the bottom of the scale or free , ” Trump told Fox News ’ medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel during an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of days , I guess , but it ’ s really at a level now that ’ s been great — great to see it disappear.
” The fact that Trump is unable to say whether or not he has tested negative for coronavirus , comes as he prepares to deliver another speech from the White House balcony with roughly 2,000 people expected at the event and potentially at risk of infection .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tore into the President , calling his behavior “ reckless.
” “ He didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect himself or others , ” Biden said at a campaign event on Friday .
“ The longer Donald Trump is President , the more reckless he gets .
How can we trust him to protect this country ?
” Trump seemed to acknowledge during the Fox News interview on Friday that he may have contracted the virus at one of the recent events at the White House which has routinely flouted guidelines to protect against the spread of coronavirus .
Although earlier in the week her appeared to blame Gold-Star families for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had much to say about a Sept. 26 Rose Garden event for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett where at least eight attendees later tested positive for coronavirus , including President Trump .
Earlier on Friday , Dr. Anthony Fauci told CBS News Radio during an interview that “ we had a super-spreader event at the White House.
” “ People were crowded together and were not wearing masks , ” Fauci said in an apparent reference to the event .
The remarks follow claims by White House Strategic Communications Director Alyssa Farah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event and claimed that staffers “ always take precautions ” with events hosted on White House grounds .
Per CNN , some experts have said the Fox News interview offered little clarity about whether or not Trump remains infectious .
“ They are being purposely vague on this , but I think they ’ re trying to track his viral load , ” Dr. Sanjay Gupta told CNN ’ s Jake Tapper .
The White House and the President ’ s physicians have remained evasive about Trump ’ s last negative test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fox News interview that he was no longer taking medication for COVID-19 and that the steroid dexamethsaone had helped to keep “ the swelling down of the lungs.
” White House physician , Dr. Sean Conley , who has been famously vague about the details of Trump ’ s health said in a statement earlier in the week that Saturday would mark 10 days since Trump ’ s diagnosis .
He appeared to contradict earlier statements by preemptively appearing to clear President Trump in anticipation of his “ safe return to public @ @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump is pushing ahead with an appearance at a White House gathering on Saturday, even though he has not yet publicly announced a negative test for coronavirus which CDC officials have said is a definitive benchmark for determining whether a person who contracted COVID-19 is still contagious.
“I haven’t even found out numbers or anything yet, but I’ve been retested and I know I’m at either the bottom of the scale or free,” Trump told Fox News’ medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel during an interview on Friday. “They test every couple of days, I guess, but it’s really at a level now that’s been great — great to see it disappear.”
The fact that Trump is unable to say whether or not he has tested negative for coronavirus, comes as he prepares to deliver another speech from the White House balcony with roughly 2,000 people expected at the event and potentially at risk of infection.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tore into the President, calling his behavior “reckless.”
“He didn’t take the necessary precautions to protect himself or others,” Biden said at a campaign event on Friday. “The longer Donald Trump is President, the more reckless he gets. How can we trust him to protect this country?”
Trump seemed to acknowledge during the Fox News interview on Friday that he may have contracted the virus at one of the recent events at the White House which has routinely flouted guidelines to protect against the spread of coronavirus. Although earlier in the week her appeared to blame Gold-Star families for his infection, he hasn’t had much to say about a Sept. 26 Rose Garden event for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett where at least eight attendees later tested positive for coronavirus, including President Trump.
Earlier on Friday, Dr. Anthony Fauci told CBS News Radio during an interview that “we had a super-spreader event at the White House.”
“People were crowded together and were not wearing masks,” Fauci said in an apparent reference to the event.
The remarks follow claims by White House Strategic Communications Director Alyssa Farah who on Thursday brushed away criticism of the event and claimed that staffers “always take precautions” with events hosted on White House grounds.
Per CNN, some experts have said the Fox News interview offered little clarity about whether or not Trump remains infectious.
“They are being purposely vague on this, but I think they’re trying to track his viral load,” Dr. Sanjay Gupta told CNN’s Jake Tapper.
The White House and the President’s physicians have remained evasive about Trump’s last negative test for coronavirus. But Trump revealed during the Fox News interview that he was no longer taking medication for COVID-19 and that the steroid dexamethsaone had helped to keep “the swelling down of the lungs.”
White House physician, Dr. Sean Conley, who has been famously vague about the details of Trump’s health said in a statement earlier in the week that Saturday would mark 10 days since Trump’s diagnosis. He appeared to contradict earlier statements by preemptively appearing to clear President Trump in anticipation of his “safe return to public engagements” on Saturday.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-10--Candidates Prepare Alternate Events Amid Cancellation Of Second Presidential Debate

The second presidential debate has been canceled , after President Donald Trump refused to participate in a modified virtual debate announced by the Commission on Presidential Debates earlier this week to ensure the safety of both candidates amid the President ’ s ongoing recovery from COVID-19 .
“ On October 8 , CPD announced that for the health and safety of all involved , the second presidential debate , scheduled for October 15 in Miami , would be conducted virtually , ” the commission said in a statement Friday .
“ Subsequently , the campaigns of the two candidates who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of statements concerning their respective positions regarding their willingness to participate in a virtual debate on October 15 , and each now has announced alternate plans for that date .
“ It is now apparent there will be no debate on October 15 , ” the commission said .
The final debate on Oct. 22 is still expected to take place in Nashville at Belmont University where CDC guidelines for masking and social distancing will be enforced to ensure the the safety of both candidates for a one-on-one debate moderated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign on Friday railed against CPD ’ s decision by again suggesting that there is “ no medical reason ” to stop the debate even though the White House has not yet provided evidence that President Trump is no longer infectious .
“ There ’ s nothing that says that President Trump and Joe Biden can ’ t debate together without the overlords at the commission having a say in the matter .
We would be glad to debate one-on-one without the commission ’ s interference , ” campaign communications director Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has not yet confirmed that he has received a negative test for coronavirus which the CDC has said is a definitive benchmark for determining whether or not a person remains contagious .
The debate ’ s cancellation comes after President Trump earlier this week rejected a virtual debate format that had put in place for the safety of both candidates after President Trump announced a positive test for coronavirus just days after leaving the debate stage in Cleveland , Ohio .
On Wednesday the Biden campaign announced that it had booked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia on the originally scheduled date for the debate .
The Trump campaign is preparing to hold a counter event hosted by NBC , potentially on the same night , three people with knowledge of the conversations told The New York Times .
The Biden campaign on Friday called Trump ’ s refusal to participate in the virtual contest “ no surprise.
” “ It ’ s shameful that Donald Trump ducked the only debate in which the voters get to ask the questions — but it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump likes to bully reporters , but obviously he doesn ’ t have the guts to answer for his record to voters at the same time as Vice President Biden , ” Andrew Bates a Biden campaign spokesman said in a statement Friday .

The second presidential debate has been canceled, after President Donald Trump refused to participate in a modified virtual debate announced by the Commission on Presidential Debates earlier this week to ensure the safety of both candidates amid the President’s ongoing recovery from COVID-19.
“On October 8, CPD announced that for the health and safety of all involved, the second presidential debate, scheduled for October 15 in Miami, would be conducted virtually,” the commission said in a statement Friday.
“Subsequently, the campaigns of the two candidates who qualified for participation in the debate made a series of statements concerning their respective positions regarding their willingness to participate in a virtual debate on October 15, and each now has announced alternate plans for that date.
“It is now apparent there will be no debate on October 15,” the commission said.
The final debate on Oct. 22 is still expected to take place in Nashville at Belmont University where CDC guidelines for masking and social distancing will be enforced to ensure the the safety of both candidates for a one-on-one debate moderated by NBC News correspondent Kristen Welker.
The Trump campaign on Friday railed against CPD’s decision by again suggesting that there is “no medical reason” to stop the debate even though the White House has not yet provided evidence that President Trump is no longer infectious.
“There’s nothing that says that President Trump and Joe Biden can’t debate together without the overlords at the commission having a say in the matter. We would be glad to debate one-on-one without the commission’s interference,” campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said in a statement.
President Trump has not yet confirmed that he has received a negative test for coronavirus which the CDC has said is a definitive benchmark for determining whether or not a person remains contagious.
The debate’s cancellation comes after President Trump earlier this week rejected a virtual debate format that had put in place for the safety of both candidates after President Trump announced a positive test for coronavirus just days after leaving the debate stage in Cleveland, Ohio.
On Wednesday the Biden campaign announced that it had booked the Democratic presidential nominee for a town hall hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia on the originally scheduled date for the debate.
The Trump campaign is preparing to hold a counter event hosted by NBC, potentially on the same night, three people with knowledge of the conversations told The New York Times.
The Biden campaign on Friday called Trump’s refusal to participate in the virtual contest “no surprise.”
“It’s shameful that Donald Trump ducked the only debate in which the voters get to ask the questions — but it’s no surprise. Everyone knows that Donald Trump likes to bully reporters, but obviously he doesn’t have the guts to answer for his record to voters at the same time as Vice President Biden,” Andrew Bates a Biden campaign spokesman said in a statement Friday.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-10--Graham Says Black People And Immigrants Can Be Successful With A Caveat


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-11--Here’s How Trumpworld Is Rallying Behind COVID-Infected POTUS Return To Campaign Trail

The President ’ s public campaigning must go on , Trumpworld insists .
A day before President Trump ’ s rally scheduled in Miami , several prominent figures in Trump ’ s orbit joined the President in hyping his return to the campaign trail , amid unanswered questions on his condition following his return to the White House after his four-day hospitalization at Walter Reed .
During an interview on Fox News on Sunday , Trump attempted to take full advantage of White House physician Dr. Sean Conley ’ s vague memo issued the night before — which declared Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , but does not address when he last tested negative — by making the unfounded assertion that he is now “ immune ” from COVID-19 .
Conley ’ s memo did not conclude that the President is now immune from COVID-19 .
Trump also defended his first major public appearance since returning to the White House the day before during his Fox News interview by asserting that because he was on a balcony , “ there was nobody even close to me.
” Here ’ s how Trumpworld figures responded when pressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the campaign trail , during Sunday morning interviews : When asked about the risks of Trump holding rallies , Kudlow said that “ the operations people signed off ” on the President ’ s public appearance on the White House lawn on Saturday .
Kudlow then took a cue from the President by pointing to Conley ’ s memo as justification for Trump ’ s return to the campaign trail .
“ Dr .
Sean Conley released a document that said the President is healthy , he ’ s abided by the CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think that fits the bill , ” Kudlow said .
“ I have not seen the President in the last few days .
I have spoken to him on the phone .
A lot of people who have been with him said he ’ s fine , he ’ s peppy , he ’ s been smart , again , and he really is in healthy condition .
So , it seems like the conditions are being met.
” Kudlow added that Trump “ will go on ahead ” because “ this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When asked about the failure by the President ’ s team to abide by safety precautions during the first presidential debate in Cleveland , which include violating rules by the Commission on Presidential debates to wear masks in the hall , Trump said that he is “ happy to wear a mask ” before pivoting to ranting about how Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden supposedly backed out of the debate that was set to take place in Miami on Thursday .
“ He didn ’ t want to stand on the stage with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything you need to know about him .
Literally , my father wants nothing more than to debate on Thursday .
And Biden wouldn ’ t show up , ” Trump said .
“ I mean the only thing he would do is — he would do a Zoom call and my father , maybe , he ’ s a traditional guy.
” After saying that the President “ didn ’ t want to do a glorified conference call for a presidential debate , ” ABC News ’ Jon Karl jumped in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who pulled out of the debate after the CPD said it would be virtual .
Trump ’ s adult son reiterated that the President is opposed to “ a glorified conference call ” and that “ he wants to stand on the stage , ” before adding that his father would still debate Biden in-person in Miami on Thursday if the former VP agrees to do so .
Much like the President , Lara Trump told Fox News on Sunday that “ if the White House doctor says that he is free of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s done with the coronavirus.
” Trump then said that the President “ should be able to go out and get back on the road campaigning ” in light of Conley ’ s memo issued late Saturday , and that he “ certainly should be able to do a debate ” in Miami on Thursday .
Although she did not directly address Trump ’ s condition following his discharge from Walter Reed following treatment for COVID-19 , McDaniel — who tested positive for COVID-19 amid a recent outbreak among people in Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking Biden when asked whether the RNC will begin resuming in-person fundraisers , during an interview on CBS .
“ We ’ re going to do everything we need to do , ” McDaniel said , before launching into a rant that accuses Biden of “ running on the biggest power grab in history.
” McDaniel grew more defensive as CBS anchor Margaret Brennan tried to circle back to the question of whether the President will do any in-person fundraisers ahead of the November election .
“ Joe Biden is running on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you guys want to talk about fundraising protocols ?
” McDaniel said .
“ He is saying he ’ s going to stack the Supreme Court , get rid of the filibuster and he ’ s being given a free pass.
” McDaniel continued plowing on with her argument that the media should be focused on Biden packing the Supreme Court — which the former VP has deflected on when asked recently — before asking : “ Who cares if we have fundraisers ?
” Brennan replied “ because it ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rant attacking Biden .

The President’s public campaigning must go on, Trumpworld insists.
A day before President Trump’s rally scheduled in Miami, several prominent figures in Trump’s orbit joined the President in hyping his return to the campaign trail, amid unanswered questions on his condition following his return to the White House after his four-day hospitalization at Walter Reed.
During an interview on Fox News on Sunday, Trump attempted to take full advantage of White House physician Dr. Sean Conley’s vague memo issued the night before — which declared Trump as no longer at risk of transmitting COVID-19, but does not address when he last tested negative — by making the unfounded assertion that he is now “immune” from COVID-19. Conley’s memo did not conclude that the President is now immune from COVID-19.
Trump also defended his first major public appearance since returning to the White House the day before during his Fox News interview by asserting that because he was on a balcony, “there was nobody even close to me.”
Here’s how Trumpworld figures responded when pressed on the President’s return to the campaign trail, during Sunday morning interviews:
Larry Kudlow, White House economic adviser
When asked about the risks of Trump holding rallies, Kudlow said that “the operations people signed off” on the President’s public appearance on the White House lawn on Saturday. Kudlow then took a cue from the President by pointing to Conley’s memo as justification for Trump’s return to the campaign trail.
“Dr. Sean Conley released a document that said the President is healthy, he’s abided by the CDC, he is no longer contagious. I think that fits the bill,” Kudlow said. “I have not seen the President in the last few days. I have spoken to him on the phone. A lot of people who have been with him said he’s fine, he’s peppy, he’s been smart, again, and he really is in healthy condition. So, it seems like the conditions are being met.”
Kudlow added that Trump “will go on ahead” because “this election needs to be fought out.”
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow points to Dr. Sean Conley's memo as justification for Trump's return to the campaign trail pic.twitter.com/CN9VAHPAZ2 — TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) October 11, 2020
Eric Trump, the President’s son and Trump Organization Executive VP
When asked about the failure by the President’s team to abide by safety precautions during the first presidential debate in Cleveland, which include violating rules by the Commission on Presidential debates to wear masks in the hall, Trump said that he is “happy to wear a mask” before pivoting to ranting about how Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden supposedly backed out of the debate that was set to take place in Miami on Thursday.
“He didn’t want to stand on the stage with my father and that should tell you everything you need to know about him. Literally, my father wants nothing more than to debate on Thursday. And Biden wouldn’t show up,” Trump said. “I mean the only thing he would do is — he would do a Zoom call and my father, maybe, he’s a traditional guy.”
After saying that the President “didn’t want to do a glorified conference call for a presidential debate,” ABC News’ Jon Karl jumped in to clarify that it was President Trump himself who pulled out of the debate after the CPD said it would be virtual.
Trump’s adult son reiterated that the President is opposed to “a glorified conference call” and that “he wants to stand on the stage,” before adding that his father would still debate Biden in-person in Miami on Thursday if the former VP agrees to do so.
“My father wants to stand on the stage with his opponent," and "doesn’t want to do it over a glorified conference call,” Eric Trump tells @jonkarl when asked if the Trump campaign will decline to participate in Oct. 22 presidential debate if it’s virtual. https://t.co/R7EgB0oaON pic.twitter.com/s7Vl6T9MY6 — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) October 11, 2020
Lara Trump, Trump campaign senior adviser and daughter-in-law
Much like the President, Lara Trump told Fox News on Sunday that “if the White House doctor says that he is free of transmission I think that sounds like he’s done with the coronavirus.”
Trump then said that the President “should be able to go out and get back on the road campaigning” in light of Conley’s memo issued late Saturday, and that he “certainly should be able to do a debate” in Miami on Thursday.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Ronna McDaniel, Republican National Committee chair
Although she did not directly address Trump’s condition following his discharge from Walter Reed following treatment for COVID-19, McDaniel — who tested positive for COVID-19 amid a recent outbreak among people in Trump’s orbit — also pivoted to attacking Biden when asked whether the RNC will begin resuming in-person fundraisers, during an interview on CBS.
“We’re going to do everything we need to do,” McDaniel said, before launching into a rant that accuses Biden of “running on the biggest power grab in history.”
McDaniel grew more defensive as CBS anchor Margaret Brennan tried to circle back to the question of whether the President will do any in-person fundraisers ahead of the November election.
“Joe Biden is running on the biggest power grab in history, and you guys want to talk about fundraising protocols?” McDaniel said. “He is saying he’s going to stack the Supreme Court, get rid of the filibuster and he’s being given a free pass.”
McDaniel continued plowing on with her argument that the media should be focused on Biden packing the Supreme Court — which the former VP has deflected on when asked recently — before asking: “Who cares if we have fundraisers?”
Brennan replied “because it’s the President,” while McDaniel continued her rant attacking Biden.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-11--Fauci Slams Trump Camp For Taking His Words Out Of Context In Ad Without His Consent

Dr. Anthony Fauci on Sunday denied consenting to being featured in a new advertisement from the Trump campaign touting the President ’ s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as the country suffers from more than 210,000 fatalities from the infectious disease .
Last week , the Trump campaign released an ad following the President ’ s discharge from Walter Reed following his treatment there for COVID-19 .
The 30-second ad , which airs in Michigan , uses a quote from Fauci in March to convey praise for Trump ’ s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
In the ad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t imagine that anybody could be doing more , ” without providing a date of when he said those remarks .
CNN noted that Fauci ’ s remarks were made during an interview on Fox News in March , when he praised his fellow White House coronavirus task force members for their non-stop efforts to respond to the pandemic .
According to a CNN report on Sunday , Fauci claimed that not only did he not consent to being featured in the Trump campaign ad , but his words were taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement given to CNN , Fauci cited how he has never publicly endorsed any political candidate during his nearly five decades of public service , before accusing the Trump campaign of taking his past remarks out of text without his permission .
“ The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context from a broad statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials , ” Fauci said in a statement to CNN .
In a statement following CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Tim Murtaugh claimed that “ these are Dr. Fauci ’ s own words.
” “ The video is from a nationally broadcast television interview in which Dr. Fauci was praising the work of the Trump Administration , ” Murtaugh wrote .
“ The words spoken are accurate , and directly from Dr. Fauci ’ s mouth .
As Dr. Fauci recently testified in the Senate , President Trump took the virus seriously from the beginning , acted quickly , and saved lives.
” Fauci ’ s denial of consenting to being featured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his absence in recent White House briefings , which include those held by Trump ’ s medical team outside of Walter Reed following the President ’ s COVID-19 diagnosis .
Last July , the White House launched efforts to discredit Fauci through a memo sent out to multiple media outlets that said “ several White House officials are concerned about the number of times Dr. Fauci has been wrong on things.
” The memo cited a list that attempted to show examples of how Fauci contradicted himself in the early stages of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House ’ s efforts to discredit him by telling The Atlantic in an interview that they ’ re “ a bit bizarre ” and “ it doesn ’ t do anything but reflect poorly on them .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci on Sunday denied consenting to being featured in a new advertisement from the Trump campaign touting the President’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as the country suffers from more than 210,000 fatalities from the infectious disease.
Last week, the Trump campaign released an ad following the President’s discharge from Walter Reed following his treatment there for COVID-19. The 30-second ad, which airs in Michigan, uses a quote from Fauci in March to convey praise for Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the ad, Fauci is shown saying: “I can’t imagine that anybody could be doing more,” without providing a date of when he said those remarks. CNN noted that Fauci’s remarks were made during an interview on Fox News in March, when he praised his fellow White House coronavirus task force members for their non-stop efforts to respond to the pandemic.
According to a CNN report on Sunday, Fauci claimed that not only did he not consent to being featured in the Trump campaign ad, but his words were taken out of context as well.
In a statement given to CNN, Fauci cited how he has never publicly endorsed any political candidate during his nearly five decades of public service, before accusing the Trump campaign of taking his past remarks out of text without his permission.
“The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context from a broad statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials,” Fauci said in a statement to CNN.
In a statement following CNN’s report, Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed that “these are Dr. Fauci’s own words.”
“The video is from a nationally broadcast television interview in which Dr. Fauci was praising the work of the Trump Administration,” Murtaugh wrote. “The words spoken are accurate, and directly from Dr. Fauci’s mouth. As Dr. Fauci recently testified in the Senate, President Trump took the virus seriously from the beginning, acted quickly, and saved lives.”
Fauci’s denial of consenting to being featured in the Trump campaign ad comes amid his absence in recent White House briefings, which include those held by Trump’s medical team outside of Walter Reed following the President’s COVID-19 diagnosis.
Last July, the White House launched efforts to discredit Fauci through a memo sent out to multiple media outlets that said “several White House officials are concerned about the number of times Dr. Fauci has been wrong on things.” The memo cited a list that attempted to show examples of how Fauci contradicted himself in the early stages of the outbreak.
Fauci reacted to the White House’s efforts to discredit him by telling The Atlantic in an interview that they’re “a bit bizarre” and “it doesn’t do anything but reflect poorly on them.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-11--Whitmer Says Alleged Plot To Kidnap Her Signals ‘Serious Threats’ Heading Into Election

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) on Sunday said that the alleged kidnapping plot against her demonstrates “ serious threats ” from domestic terrorists as concerns grow over voter intimidation tactics at polling places on Election Day .
During an interview on CBS on Sunday , which came three days after 13 men were charged in connection with a plot to storm the state capital building in Lansing and kidnap the Michigan governor , Whitmer was asked whether she knows if this security threat is over and if she feels safe .
After saying that she has “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Michigan State Police , Whitmer said she ’ s concerned about “ serious threats ” in the weeks leading up to the November election .
“ I do believe that there are still serious threats that groups like this group , these domestic terrorists , are finding comfort and support in the rhetoric coming out of Republican leadership from the White House to our state House , ” Whitmer said .
“ And so I remain concerned about safety and integrity going up to this election.
” Later in the interview , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with Republicans on deep divisions in her state , given how the Michigan Supreme Court recently tried to limit her powers as governor on issues such as mask mandates .
Whitmer responded that it ’ s important in this election to “ find common common ground ” and that “ there are decent human beings on both sides of the aisle , but we need a leader who can bring them together , ” before adding that ’ s why she is “ excited ” about Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that half of President Trump ’ s voters in Michigan think the President should encourage his supporters to go stand near polling places as watchers — which comes on the heels of Trump encouraging his supporters to go to the polls and “ watch very carefully ” — Whitmer said that the state is “ prepared to make sure that this election goes smoothly.
” “ We ’ re going to keep people safe as they go to the polls .
And we will not tolerate anyone who ’ s trying to interfere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , ” Whitmer said .
“ We are still in the middle of a global pandemic , which is why we ’ re really encouraging people to avail themselves of the ability to vote absentee and drop off their ballots or to pop into a clerk ’ s office.
” Whitmer added that she ’ s “ not worried ” about violence on Election Day , despite the kidnapping plot against her this week .
Whitmer ’ s latest remarks come days after Trump tweeted that the Michigan governor “ has done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic , which allegedly infuriated the 13 charged suspects involved in the plot to kidnap her .
Following the FBI ’ s announcement on Thursday , Whitmer had slammed Trump over his refusal to denounce right-wing extremist groups , particularly white supremacists , during the first presidential debate less than two weeks ago .
“ Hate groups heard the President ’ s words not as a rebuke but as a rallying cry , as a call to action , ” Whitmer said .

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on Sunday said that the alleged kidnapping plot against her demonstrates “serious threats” from domestic terrorists as concerns grow over voter intimidation tactics at polling places on Election Day.
During an interview on CBS on Sunday, which came three days after 13 men were charged in connection with a plot to storm the state capital building in Lansing and kidnap the Michigan governor, Whitmer was asked whether she knows if this security threat is over and if she feels safe.
After saying that she has “always felt safe” under the protection of Michigan State Police, Whitmer said she’s concerned about “serious threats” in the weeks leading up to the November election.
“I do believe that there are still serious threats that groups like this group, these domestic terrorists, are finding comfort and support in the rhetoric coming out of Republican leadership from the White House to our state House,” Whitmer said. “And so I remain concerned about safety and integrity going up to this election.”
Later in the interview, Whitmer was asked about how she can work with Republicans on deep divisions in her state, given how the Michigan Supreme Court recently tried to limit her powers as governor on issues such as mask mandates.
Whitmer responded that it’s important in this election to “find common common ground” and that “there are decent human beings on both sides of the aisle, but we need a leader who can bring them together,” before adding that’s why she is “excited” about Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
When asked about a CBS poll finding that half of President Trump’s voters in Michigan think the President should encourage his supporters to go stand near polling places as watchers — which comes on the heels of Trump encouraging his supporters to go to the polls and “watch very carefully” — Whitmer said that the state is “prepared to make sure that this election goes smoothly.”
“We’re going to keep people safe as they go to the polls. And we will not tolerate anyone who’s trying to interfere with someone’s ability to safely vote,” Whitmer said. “We are still in the middle of a global pandemic, which is why we’re really encouraging people to avail themselves of the ability to vote absentee and drop off their ballots or to pop into a clerk’s office.”
Whitmer added that she’s “not worried” about violence on Election Day, despite the kidnapping plot against her this week.
Whitmer’s latest remarks come days after Trump tweeted that the Michigan governor “has done a terrible job” with her emergency restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which allegedly infuriated the 13 charged suspects involved in the plot to kidnap her.
Following the FBI’s announcement on Thursday, Whitmer had slammed Trump over his refusal to denounce right-wing extremist groups, particularly white supremacists, during the first presidential debate less than two weeks ago.
“Hate groups heard the President’s words not as a rebuke but as a rallying cry, as a call to action,” Whitmer said.
Watch Whitmer’s remarks below:
"I have always felt safe…but I do believe there are serious threats that groups like this group are finding comfort and support in the rhetoric coming out Republican leadership from of the White House," @govwhitmer says in the wake of a foiled abduction plot against her pic.twitter.com/6CVRTTL5MT — Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) October 11, 2020
Can @govwhitmer work together with her Republican colleagues in the Michigan state legislature during a deeply divided political environment? She says it's important to find "common ground" ahead of #Election2020 pic.twitter.com/Plx8LmrbBU — Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) October 11, 2020


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-11--Trump Campaigns Off Of Vague WH Doctor Memo To Absurdly Claim COVID Immunity

President Trump attempted to take full advantage of White House physician Dr. Sean Conley ’ s vague memo issued the night before — which declared Trump as no longer at risk of transmitting COVID-19 , but does not address when he last tested negative — during an interview on Fox News on Sunday morning .
When asked about Conley ’ s memo and whether it suggests he no longer has COVID-19 , Trump replied “ yes ” and that “ it seems like I ’ m immune.
” “ So I can go way out of a basement — which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did because you have to run a country , you have to get out of the basement — and it looks like I ’ m immune for , I don ’ t know , maybe a long time , maybe a short time , ” Trump said , appearing to jab Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden by repeating a right-wing trope that slams the former VP for making virtual appearances amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Trump then leaned into his unfounded assertion that he has immunity from COVID-19 .
“ It could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I ’ m immune , ” Trump said .
“ So the President is in very good shape to fight the battles.
” When asked what he is doing to ensure the safety of attendees at his campaign rally scheduled in Florida on Monday , Trump bragged about how White House doctors are “ the best ” and supposedly told him that he is “ totally free of spreading.
” The President went on to defend his first major public appearance since returning to the White House following his discharge from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that because he was on a balcony , he was about a couple of hundred feet away from attendees standing on the lawn , so therefore “ there was nobody even close to me yesterday.
” After touting that he knew he was “ free ” from COVID-19 on Saturday , Trump took on an infomercial-like tone when saying that he believes contracting COVID-19 “ also gives you immunity.
” “ I mean , it does give you immunity , ” Trump said .
“ Even the people that just can not accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to accept anything .
No , so we — I passed the highest test , the highest standards , and I ’ m in great shape.
” The President doubled down on feeling “ fantastically ” and “ good , ” before baselessly arguing that he has a “ protective glow.
” “ I even feel good by the fact that the word immunity means something , having really a protective glow .
It means something , ” Trump said .
“ I think it ’ s very important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a very important thing.
” Shortly after his interview on Fox News aired , Trump reiterated his unfounded conclusion that he now has immunity from COVID-19 in a tweet : Although Conley wrote in his memo issued late Saturday that he will continue to monitor the President “ clinically as he returns to an active schedule , ” he did not confirm Trump ’ s last negative COVID-19 test nor conclude that the President is now immune from COVID-19 .
Both Conley and the White House have continued providing few details on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly dodged questions regarding the President ’ s last negative COVID-19 test in the past week .

President Trump attempted to take full advantage of White House physician Dr. Sean Conley’s vague memo issued the night before — which declared Trump as no longer at risk of transmitting COVID-19, but does not address when he last tested negative — during an interview on Fox News on Sunday morning.
When asked about Conley’s memo and whether it suggests he no longer has COVID-19, Trump replied “yes” and that “it seems like I’m immune.”
“So I can go way out of a basement — which I would have done anyway and which I did because you have to run a country, you have to get out of the basement — and it looks like I’m immune for, I don’t know, maybe a long time, maybe a short time,” Trump said, appearing to jab Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden by repeating a right-wing trope that slams the former VP for making virtual appearances amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump then leaned into his unfounded assertion that he has immunity from COVID-19.
“It could be a lifetime. Nobody really knows, but I’m immune,” Trump said. “So the President is in very good shape to fight the battles.”
When asked what he is doing to ensure the safety of attendees at his campaign rally scheduled in Florida on Monday, Trump bragged about how White House doctors are “the best” and supposedly told him that he is “totally free of spreading.”
The President went on to defend his first major public appearance since returning to the White House following his discharge from Walter Reed on Saturday. Trump asserted that because he was on a balcony, he was about a couple of hundred feet away from attendees standing on the lawn, so therefore “there was nobody even close to me yesterday.”
After touting that he knew he was “free” from COVID-19 on Saturday, Trump took on an infomercial-like tone when saying that he believes contracting COVID-19 “also gives you immunity.”
“I mean, it does give you immunity,” Trump said. “Even the people that just cannot accept anything, I mean, they just don’t want to accept anything. No, so we — I passed the highest test, the highest standards, and I’m in great shape.”
The President doubled down on feeling “fantastically” and “good,” before baselessly arguing that he has a “protective glow.”
“I even feel good by the fact that the word immunity means something, having really a protective glow. It means something,” Trump said. “I think it’s very important to have that. To have that is a very important thing.”
Shortly after his interview on Fox News aired, Trump reiterated his unfounded conclusion that he now has immunity from COVID-19 in a tweet:
A total and complete sign off from White House Doctors yesterday. That means I can’t get it (immune), and can’t give it. Very nice to know!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2020
Although Conley wrote in his memo issued late Saturday that he will continue to monitor the President “clinically as he returns to an active schedule,” he did not confirm Trump’s last negative COVID-19 test nor conclude that the President is now immune from COVID-19.
Both Conley and the White House have continued providing few details on Trump’s condition, and have repeatedly dodged questions regarding the President’s last negative COVID-19 test in the past week.
Watch Trump’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-11--READ: SCOTUS Nominee’s Opening Statement Set To Focus On Family, Not Personal Views

Judge Amy Coney Barrett will address the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday , kicking off her first day of Senate confirmation hearings as President Trump and Senate Republicans push to rush the conservative judge to the Supreme Court .
In prepared remarks released Sunday ahead of her hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee , Barrett omits her conservatism and religious views , but instead focuses on her family life while vowing to remove politics from her legal reasoning as a future Supreme Court justice .
Barrett will tell senators that “ policy decisions ” need to be made by Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts are “ not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life.
” Barrett will also nod to late Justice Antonin Scalia , who she clerked for , by saying that his “ reasoning ” shaped her “ straightforward ” judiciary philosophy .
“ A judge must apply the law as written , not as the judge wishes it were , ” Barrett wrote .
“ Sometimes that approach meant reaching results that he did not like.
” Senate confirmation hearings for Barrett are expected to begin at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last through Thursday .

Judge Amy Coney Barrett will address the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, kicking off her first day of Senate confirmation hearings as President Trump and Senate Republicans push to rush the conservative judge to the Supreme Court.
In prepared remarks released Sunday ahead of her hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Barrett omits her conservatism and religious views, but instead focuses on her family life while vowing to remove politics from her legal reasoning as a future Supreme Court justice.
Barrett will tell senators that “policy decisions” need to be made by Congress and the White House, and that courts are “not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life.”
Barrett will also nod to late Justice Antonin Scalia, who she clerked for, by saying that his “reasoning” shaped her “straightforward” judiciary philosophy.
“A judge must apply the law as written, not as the judge wishes it were,” Barrett wrote. “Sometimes that approach meant reaching results that he did not like.”
Senate confirmation hearings for Barrett are expected to begin at 9 a.m. ET on Monday and last through Thursday.
Read Barrett’s opening statement below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-11--COVID Strongman Trump Wanted To Wear A Superman Shirt Upon Exiting Walter Reed

President Trump , who has gone out of his way in the past week to portray himself as a strongman who ’ s defeated COVID-19 amid mixed messaging from the White House on his condition , floated the idea of wearing a Superman shirt after his discharge from Walter Reed last week .
According to the New York Times on Saturday , the President told advisers during several phone calls last weekend from the presidential suite at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center about an outlandish idea he had as he would exit the military hospital where he spent four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with knowledge of the conversations told the Times that Trump envisioned himself appearing frail as he exited Walter Reed , but would reveal a Superman t-shirt underneath his button-down dress shirt as he ripped open the top layer .
The move — which did not ultimately come through — would be part of the President ’ s attempts to convey strength following his COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment .
Although the Superman stunt wasn ’ t a feature of Trump ’ s departure from Walter Reed , the President pulled showboating tactics before and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A day before his discharge , Trump held a motorcade publicity stunt in front of the hospital .
The next day , the COVID-infected President essentially held a photo-op as he returned to the White House and took off his mask .
The Times noted that the President has expressed his itch to return to the campaign trail to advisers .
The White House event on Saturday — which was his first public event since his discharge from Walter Reed — was a compromise from advisers , who preferred delaying Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

President Trump, who has gone out of his way in the past week to portray himself as a strongman who’s defeated COVID-19 amid mixed messaging from the White House on his condition, floated the idea of wearing a Superman shirt after his discharge from Walter Reed last week.
According to the New York Times on Saturday, the President told advisers during several phone calls last weekend from the presidential suite at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center about an outlandish idea he had as he would exit the military hospital where he spent four days undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
People with knowledge of the conversations told the Times that Trump envisioned himself appearing frail as he exited Walter Reed, but would reveal a Superman t-shirt underneath his button-down dress shirt as he ripped open the top layer. The move — which did not ultimately come through — would be part of the President’s attempts to convey strength following his COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.
Although the Superman stunt wasn’t a feature of Trump’s departure from Walter Reed, the President pulled showboating tactics before and after his discharge from the military hospital. A day before his discharge, Trump held a motorcade publicity stunt in front of the hospital. The next day, the COVID-infected President essentially held a photo-op as he returned to the White House and took off his mask.
The Times noted that the President has expressed his itch to return to the campaign trail to advisers. The White House event on Saturday — which was his first public event since his discharge from Walter Reed — was a compromise from advisers, who preferred delaying Trump’s re-entry on the campaign trail.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-11--WH Doctor Memo Says Trump No Longer Contagious, But Leaves Questions Unanswered

White House physician Dr. Sean Conley declared in a memo issued late Saturday that President Trump is no longer at risk of transmitting COVID-19 as he resumes campaign events following his discharge from Walter Reed last week , but fails to address lingering questions regarding Trump ’ s health condition .
In his memo released Saturday , Conley wrote that Trump meets CDC criteria “ for the safe discontinuation of isolation , ” citing a COVID PCR sample that morning , and therefore the President is “ no longer considered a transmission risk to others.
” Conley wrote that Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours and all symptoms improved ” — a report that comes after previous memos in the past week saying that the President was fever-free for several consecutive days .
Conley also wrote that diagnostic tests showed “ there is no longer evidence of actively replicating virus ” and that he will continue to monitor the President “ clinically as he returns to an active schedule.
” Conley ’ s memo did not address when Trump last tested negative for COVID-19 , much like his memos within the past week and his evasive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition last weekend .
The White House has provided few details on Trump ’ s condition , and has repeatedly dodged questions regarding the President ’ s last negative COVID-19 test .
Conley ’ s memo also comes after Trump held his first major public appearance since returning to the White House following his discharge from Walter Reed .
The President spoke to hundreds of supporters — who did not appear to practice social distancing and not all were wearing masks — on the South Lawn of the White House from a balcony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s memo was issued ahead of Trump ’ s campaign rally scheduled in Florida on Monday , and appears to give the President — who is itching to get back on the campaign trail as he attempts to portray himself as a strongman who won ’ t let COVID-19 scare him — the clear to resume public events .

White House physician Dr. Sean Conley declared in a memo issued late Saturday that President Trump is no longer at risk of transmitting COVID-19 as he resumes campaign events following his discharge from Walter Reed last week, but fails to address lingering questions regarding Trump’s health condition.
In his memo released Saturday, Conley wrote that Trump meets CDC criteria “for the safe discontinuation of isolation,” citing a COVID PCR sample that morning, and therefore the President is “no longer considered a transmission risk to others.”
Conley wrote that Trump has been “fever-free for well over 24 hours and all symptoms improved” — a report that comes after previous memos in the past week saying that the President was fever-free for several consecutive days.
Conley also wrote that diagnostic tests showed “there is no longer evidence of actively replicating virus” and that he will continue to monitor the President “clinically as he returns to an active schedule.”
Conley’s memo did not address when Trump last tested negative for COVID-19, much like his memos within the past week and his evasive briefings on the President’s health condition last weekend. The White House has provided few details on Trump’s condition, and has repeatedly dodged questions regarding the President’s last negative COVID-19 test.
Conley’s memo also comes after Trump held his first major public appearance since returning to the White House following his discharge from Walter Reed. The President spoke to hundreds of supporters — who did not appear to practice social distancing and not all were wearing masks — on the South Lawn of the White House from a balcony.
Additionally, the White House physician’s memo was issued ahead of Trump’s campaign rally scheduled in Florida on Monday, and appears to give the President — who is itching to get back on the campaign trail as he attempts to portray himself as a strongman who won’t let COVID-19 scare him — the clear to resume public events.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-12--Eric Trump Ditches Gun Store Stop Where Alleged Guv Kidnapping Plotter Used To Work

Eric Trump will no longer visit a gun store that used to employ a man now accused of plotting the kidnapping of the governor of Michigan , the gun store ’ s owner said .
The Trump campaign initially announced Eric ’ s planned Tuesday stop at the New Hudson , Michigan store on Friday , a day after the FBI announced that it had thwarted a plot to kidnap Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) .
The Detroit News first reported the campaign ’ s change of plans Monday .
Six people face federal charges and seven face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot .
Huron Valley Guns owner Ed Swadish did not disclose the name of the former employee , but a Facebook post from the store stated that the man had been fired after three weeks of work in February this year , the News reported .
The former employee “ would show up for work in a LOT of tactical gear , ” the store ’ s post said .
“ He ended up being one of the fringe characters arrested for the Governor Whitmer kidnapping , ” the store added , referring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor .
“ The Governor would have had a field day against the Trump campaign ” if the connection had come out , the post said .
“ They would accuse the administration of sending his son to the facility where terrorists work and train .
This could not be further from the truth , but imagine the left spin.
” Swadish told the News that he understood the campaign decided to change venues because of the former employee ’ s connection to the plot — as well as “ larger than expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s words .
The Trump campaign did not return TPM ’ s request for comment .

Eric Trump will no longer visit a gun store that used to employ a man now accused of plotting the kidnapping of the governor of Michigan, the gun store’s owner said.
The Trump campaign initially announced Eric’s planned Tuesday stop at the New Hudson, Michigan store on Friday, a day after the FBI announced that it had thwarted a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D). The Detroit News first reported the campaign’s change of plans Monday.
Six people face federal charges and seven face state charges in connection with the alleged plot.
Huron Valley Guns owner Ed Swadish did not disclose the name of the former employee, but a Facebook post from the store stated that the man had been fired after three weeks of work in February this year, the News reported. The former employee “would show up for work in a LOT of tactical gear,” the store’s post said.
“He ended up being one of the fringe characters arrested for the Governor Whitmer kidnapping,” the store added, referring to the alleged plot to kidnap the governor.
“The Governor would have had a field day against the Trump campaign” if the connection had come out, the post said. “They would accuse the administration of sending his son to the facility where terrorists work and train. This could not be further from the truth, but imagine the left spin.”
Swadish told the News that he understood the campaign decided to change venues because of the former employee’s connection to the plot — as well as “larger than expected ticket sales,” in the paper’s words.
The Trump campaign did not return TPM’s request for comment.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-10-12--Big Turnout As Early In-Person Voting Starts In Georgia

ATLANTA ( AP ) — The chance to cast ballots on Georgia ’ s first day of in-person early voting Monday had thousands of people waiting for hours to make their voices heard .
Eager voters endured waits of six hours or more in Cobb County , which was once solidly Republican but has voted for Democrats in recent elections , and joined lines that wrapped around polling places in solidly Democratic DeKalb County .
They also turned out in big numbers in north Georgia ’ s Floyd County , a redoubt of supporters of President Donald Trump .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s presidential election and fears about exposure to the coronavirus , election officials and advocacy groups have been encouraging people to vote early , either in person or by absentee ballot .
Many answered the call on Monday , showing up in numbers that overwhelmed some locations .
“ We ’ d prepared as much as we could , but there ’ s only so much space in the rooms and parking in the parking lot .
We ’ re maxing out both of those , ” Cobb County Elections and Registration Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double parking , we have gridlock pretty much in our parking lot , ” she added .
Hundreds of people slowly moved along a line that snaked back and forth outside Cobb ’ s main elections office in a suburban area northwest of Atlanta .
Good moods seemed to prevail , even though some people said at 1 p.m. that they ’ d been waiting for six hours .
A brief cheer went up when a pizza deliverer handed a pie to someone in line .
At least two counties briefly had problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in voters .
The issue ground voting to a halt for a while at State Farm Arena , where the Atlanta Hawks NBA team plays .
On-site technicians resolved the problem and the lines soon cleared at the arena , which is Georgia ’ s largest early voting site , with 300 voting machines .
“ We ’ re disappointed that it happened , ” Hawks CEO Steve Koonin told reporters , but he noted that there are still plenty of days left .
Early in-person voting runs through Oct. 30 in Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with high turnout , the consolidation of polling places and shortages of poll workers — bedeviled Georgia ’ s primary in June .
The dysfunction renewed questions about Georgia ’ s ability to conduct fair elections , two years after the state drew heavy scrutiny during a closely watched gubernatorial election that also saw long waits and other problems .
While voters must vote at their assigned polling place on Election Day , they can vote at any voting site in their county during early voting .
Some people lined up before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote .
Turnout also may have also been boosted because Monday is a federal holiday , so more people are off work .
Natalie Rawlings , 49 , had prepared to vote absentee but didn ’ t trust the postal service , so she turned in the blank absentee ballot to poll workers before voting in person Monday .
She went first to a library in Atlanta , but there was no parking and a long line , so she went to State Farm Arena , where the line didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people left after someone announced that there was a “ known software issue ” they were hoping to work through .
But most stayed .
In the end , it took her about an hour and a half to vote .
“ I ’ m outside .
It ’ s a nice day .
They ’ re giving water away .
There are worse things .
And everybody is appropriately socially distanced , ” Rawlings said .
Rawlings , a Democrat , said she was motivated by the “ coarseness ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his seeming lack of respect for other branches of government and world leaders : “ It ’ s got ta end.
” Election officials also reported long lines in Floyd County , which also had a problem with the electronic pollbooks .
That slowed things initially at the county ’ s two open voting locations , but it was resolved within about an hour , said Robert Brady , the county ’ s chief election clerk .
“ Typically in Floyd County , you have a line that lasts five minutes .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes , ” Brady said .
“ It ’ s because of the huge — and I ’ m talking about huge — turnout.
” In Macon , Seth Clark arrived to vote at the main election office at about 9:30 a.m. Monday and found a U-shaped line wrapping around the parking lot .
It ended up taking him three hours to vote .
“ I ’ ve never seen this many people on the first day of early voting , ” said Clark , who won election over the summer to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The long line was in part caused by coronavirus precautions .
People stood six feet apart and wore masks , Clark said .
Some brought along folding chairs and books .
“ It seems to be going smoothly , ” Clark said .
“ It ’ s just a lot.
” With Georgia emerging as a potential battleground , both the Republican and Democratic presidential campaigns sent surrogates to the state Monday .
Jill Biden , wife of former vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , planned to appear in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveling to Columbus to meet with military and veteran families .
Meanwhile , Donald Trump Jr. was set rally Republican voters in Savannah near the coast and Kennesaw , just outside Atlanta .
Associated Press contributors include Brynn Anderson and Ben Nadler in Atlanta , Ron Harris in Marietta , and Russ Bynum in Savannah .

ATLANTA (AP) — The chance to cast ballots on Georgia’s first day of in-person early voting Monday had thousands of people waiting for hours to make their voices heard.
Eager voters endured waits of six hours or more in Cobb County, which was once solidly Republican but has voted for Democrats in recent elections, and joined lines that wrapped around polling places in solidly Democratic DeKalb County. They also turned out in big numbers in north Georgia’s Floyd County, a redoubt of supporters of President Donald Trump.
With record turnout expected for this year’s presidential election and fears about exposure to the coronavirus, election officials and advocacy groups have been encouraging people to vote early, either in person or by absentee ballot.
Many answered the call on Monday, showing up in numbers that overwhelmed some locations.
“We’d prepared as much as we could, but there’s only so much space in the rooms and parking in the parking lot. We’re maxing out both of those,” Cobb County Elections and Registration Director Janine Eveler said. “People are double parking, we have gridlock pretty much in our parking lot,” she added.
Hundreds of people slowly moved along a line that snaked back and forth outside Cobb’s main elections office in a suburban area northwest of Atlanta. Good moods seemed to prevail, even though some people said at 1 p.m. that they’d been waiting for six hours. A brief cheer went up when a pizza deliverer handed a pie to someone in line.
At least two counties briefly had problems with the electronic pollbooks used to check in voters. The issue ground voting to a halt for a while at State Farm Arena, where the Atlanta Hawks NBA team plays. On-site technicians resolved the problem and the lines soon cleared at the arena, which is Georgia’s largest early voting site, with 300 voting machines.
“We’re disappointed that it happened,” Hawks CEO Steve Koonin told reporters, but he noted that there are still plenty of days left. Early in-person voting runs through Oct. 30 in Georgia.
Problems with the electronic pollbooks — along with high turnout, the consolidation of polling places and shortages of poll workers — bedeviled Georgia’s primary in June. The dysfunction renewed questions about Georgia’s ability to conduct fair elections, two years after the state drew heavy scrutiny during a closely watched gubernatorial election that also saw long waits and other problems.
While voters must vote at their assigned polling place on Election Day, they can vote at any voting site in their county during early voting. Some people lined up before dawn Monday to be among the first to vote. Turnout also may have also been boosted because Monday is a federal holiday, so more people are off work.
Natalie Rawlings, 49, had prepared to vote absentee but didn’t trust the postal service, so she turned in the blank absentee ballot to poll workers before voting in person Monday.
She went first to a library in Atlanta, but there was no parking and a long line, so she went to State Farm Arena, where the line didn’t move for 45 minutes. A handful of people left after someone announced that there was a “known software issue” they were hoping to work through. But most stayed. In the end, it took her about an hour and a half to vote.
“I’m outside. It’s a nice day. They’re giving water away. There are worse things. And everybody is appropriately socially distanced,” Rawlings said.
Rawlings, a Democrat, said she was motivated by the “coarseness” of President Donald Trump’s language and his seeming lack of respect for other branches of government and world leaders: “It’s gotta end.”
Election officials also reported long lines in Floyd County, which also had a problem with the electronic pollbooks. That slowed things initially at the county’s two open voting locations, but it was resolved within about an hour, said Robert Brady, the county’s chief election clerk.
“Typically in Floyd County, you have a line that lasts five minutes. Today it’s taking up to 30 minutes,” Brady said. “It’s because of the huge — and I’m talking about huge — turnout.”
In Macon, Seth Clark arrived to vote at the main election office at about 9:30 a.m. Monday and found a U-shaped line wrapping around the parking lot. It ended up taking him three hours to vote.
“I’ve never seen this many people on the first day of early voting,” said Clark, who won election over the summer to a nonpartisan seat on the Macon-Bibb County commission.
The long line was in part caused by coronavirus precautions. People stood six feet apart and wore masks, Clark said. Some brought along folding chairs and books.
“It seems to be going smoothly,” Clark said. “It’s just a lot.”
With Georgia emerging as a potential battleground, both the Republican and Democratic presidential campaigns sent surrogates to the state Monday.
Jill Biden, wife of former vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, planned to appear in DeKalb County with prominent state Democrats before traveling to Columbus to meet with military and veteran families.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. was set rally Republican voters in Savannah near the coast and Kennesaw, just outside Atlanta.
___
Associated Press contributors include Brynn Anderson and Ben Nadler in Atlanta, Ron Harris in Marietta, and Russ Bynum in Savannah.