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Trump blames possible midterm losses on recent US terror attacks – live Trump blames possible midterm losses on recent US terror attacks – live
(35 minutes later)
The Nigerian army, accused of killing 45 demonstrators earlier this week during what Amnesty International called “peaceful protests” has seized on Donald Trump’s words yesterday in defense of its actions.
Trump said in remarks about the migrant caravan headed towards the US, that if the US military encounters anyone throwing rocks at personnel it should treat it as thought they have rifles.
The comments related to strife between migrants and Mexican police in which rocks were thrown at authorities leaving two officers with minor injuries.
The army of Africa’s most populous country tweeted video of Trump’s remarks Friday with the caption “watch and make your own deductions”.
As for Trump’s remarks, a number of military experts chimed in quickly to note that conflating rocks with rifles and using that as a basis for applying deadly force on migrants would be unlawful and out of accordance with rules of engagement.
FWIW, there is no leader in the military - Officer or NCO - who would allow a soldier to shoot at an individual throwing a rock. They know that violates the rules of engagement, the law of land warfare & the values those in the military believe. It would be an unlawful order.
Reuters has this from West Virginia where conservative Democrat Joe Manchin is in a tight battle to retain his senate seat:
Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s re-election race was never going to be easy in conservative West Virginia, a state that President Donald Trump carried by more than 40 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election.
But two new polls this week showing Manchin’s once comfortable lead over Republican Patrick Morrisey dwindling to five percentage points ahead of Tuesday’s congressional elections have sparked concern among Democrats, although a poll in mid-October showed Manchin still holding a double-digit lead.
On Friday, Trump will make his third trip to West Virginia in three months to support Morrisey against Manchin, a moderate Democrat who sometimes sides with the president. Morrisey, the state’s attorney general, touts Trump’s support in ads, and said earlier this year the president would be the “difference maker” in the Senate race.
“I know Trump coming so often is making an impact,” said Jim Hoyt, chairman of the Morgan County Democratic Party in northeast West Virginia. Like other state Democrats, he still expects Manchin to win.
The Democratic Senate campaign committee has made a late television ad buy in two small markets in the state, the Republican media firm Medium Buying reported, a sign of Democratic concern.
West Virginia is one of 10 states won by Trump where Democrats are defending Senate seats. A Manchin loss on Tuesday would deal a punishing blow to already-slim Democratic hopes of picking up the net two seats they need to gain a Senate majority. Democrats are widely favored to win control of the House of Representatives.
The visit to West Virginia on Friday, part of an 11-rally blitz across eight states in the final run-up to Tuesday’s voting, is aimed at turning out his core supporters in a state where Trump’s approval ratings are well above 50 percent.
Trump has tweeted this image of a faux-movie poster featuring himself to, presumably announce the reinstatement of sanctions against Iran reported a short time ago.
pic.twitter.com/nk2vKvHuaL
If the Democrats win control of either chamber of Congress they plan to use an obscure law to pressure Trump into releasing his tax returns, reports the New York Times.If the Democrats win control of either chamber of Congress they plan to use an obscure law to pressure Trump into releasing his tax returns, reports the New York Times.
Democrats are preparing to use an obscure law to try to obtain a copy of Trump's tax returns if they win control of the House or Senate — a scenario that could force one of the president’s most trusted aides to reveal his most closely guarded secret. https://t.co/ewyySLXgDADemocrats are preparing to use an obscure law to try to obtain a copy of Trump's tax returns if they win control of the House or Senate — a scenario that could force one of the president’s most trusted aides to reveal his most closely guarded secret. https://t.co/ewyySLXgDA
A Climate Nexus review of 50 competitive congressional races shows “nearly two dozen where climate or clean energy is part of candidates’ closing arguments in the final month before the election”.A Climate Nexus review of 50 competitive congressional races shows “nearly two dozen where climate or clean energy is part of candidates’ closing arguments in the final month before the election”.
In the competitive and potentially pivotal races in Michigan 8th, California 48th and New York 1st Districts, for example, candidates Elissa Slotkin, Harley Roudaand Perry Gershonare running on messages that specifically attack their opponents’ records on climate change. In some swing districts, particularly those where Republicans running in districts where Hillary Rodham Clinton won in 2016, climate change has become a threshold issue for candidates in both parties.In the competitive and potentially pivotal races in Michigan 8th, California 48th and New York 1st Districts, for example, candidates Elissa Slotkin, Harley Roudaand Perry Gershonare running on messages that specifically attack their opponents’ records on climate change. In some swing districts, particularly those where Republicans running in districts where Hillary Rodham Clinton won in 2016, climate change has become a threshold issue for candidates in both parties.
In these districts, the candidates may agree on the need to tackle climate change and move towards renewable energy sources even when they agree on little else.In these districts, the candidates may agree on the need to tackle climate change and move towards renewable energy sources even when they agree on little else.
Meanwhile, as we reported yesterday, Democrats don’t have a plan to address climate change comprehensively – or even to a significant degree – if they regain control of the government in the near future.Meanwhile, as we reported yesterday, Democrats don’t have a plan to address climate change comprehensively – or even to a significant degree – if they regain control of the government in the near future.
This is a developing story, check back soon for more.This is a developing story, check back soon for more.
BREAKING: Trump administration announces return of all US sanctions on Iran that were lifted under 2015 nuclear deal.BREAKING: Trump administration announces return of all US sanctions on Iran that were lifted under 2015 nuclear deal.
The New York Times has a bit of context today on the xenophobic, factually inaccurate immigration focused campaign ad tweeted by President Trump on Wednesday:The New York Times has a bit of context today on the xenophobic, factually inaccurate immigration focused campaign ad tweeted by President Trump on Wednesday:
Two people close to Mr. Trump declined to say whether it was made by the White House video unit or someone on the campaign. But one White House official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said that it had been in the works for several days, and was released on Wednesday in an effort to change the focus of cable television from the pipe bombs and the Pittsburgh killing.Two people close to Mr. Trump declined to say whether it was made by the White House video unit or someone on the campaign. But one White House official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said that it had been in the works for several days, and was released on Wednesday in an effort to change the focus of cable television from the pipe bombs and the Pittsburgh killing.
White House official says that a dark anti-immigration ad released this week was put out in an effort to change the focus of cable television from the pipe bombs and the Pittsburgh killings. ⁦@shearm⁩ ⁦@juliehdavis⁩ https://t.co/7U3Bt47ca9White House official says that a dark anti-immigration ad released this week was put out in an effort to change the focus of cable television from the pipe bombs and the Pittsburgh killings. ⁦@shearm⁩ ⁦@juliehdavis⁩ https://t.co/7U3Bt47ca9
The ad heavily featuring convicted cop killer Luis Bracamontes, a twice-deported illegal immigrant who killed two Sacramento-area deputies in a 2014 rampage.The ad heavily featuring convicted cop killer Luis Bracamontes, a twice-deported illegal immigrant who killed two Sacramento-area deputies in a 2014 rampage.
The president’s central claim in the ad, that “Democrats let him into our country” and that “Democrats let him stay” is in fact, demonstrably false the Sacramento Bee notes.The president’s central claim in the ad, that “Democrats let him into our country” and that “Democrats let him stay” is in fact, demonstrably false the Sacramento Bee notes.
Bracamontes, who is now on death row at San Quentin State Prison was first deported from the US in 1997 when Bill Clinton was president.Bracamontes, who is now on death row at San Quentin State Prison was first deported from the US in 1997 when Bill Clinton was president.
Records in Arizona show he was arrested on drug charges again in Phoenix in 1998, then released “for reasons unknown” by the Maricopa County Sheriff office of Joe Arpaio- a Republican and major Trump booster.Records in Arizona show he was arrested on drug charges again in Phoenix in 1998, then released “for reasons unknown” by the Maricopa County Sheriff office of Joe Arpaio- a Republican and major Trump booster.
From the Sacramento Bee:From the Sacramento Bee:
Bracamontes was next arrested May 4, 2001, on marijuana charges in Maricopa County, and deported three days later. Republican George W. Bush was president at the time, and was president when Bracamontes slipped back into the United States a short time later.Bracamontes was next arrested May 4, 2001, on marijuana charges in Maricopa County, and deported three days later. Republican George W. Bush was president at the time, and was president when Bracamontes slipped back into the United States a short time later.
The date of his re-entry is not clear, but records show Bracamontes was married in Maricopa County on Feb. 28, 2002, when Bush was president.The date of his re-entry is not clear, but records show Bracamontes was married in Maricopa County on Feb. 28, 2002, when Bush was president.
Arpaio, it should be noted- the first person to approve Bracamontes’ release in the US- was the recipient of Trump’s very first presidential pardon.Arpaio, it should be noted- the first person to approve Bracamontes’ release in the US- was the recipient of Trump’s very first presidential pardon.
The Kansas City Star has endorsed Democrat Laura Kelly in a tightly contested race for the Kansas governorship.The Kansas City Star has endorsed Democrat Laura Kelly in a tightly contested race for the Kansas governorship.
The paper’s editorial board said the election of Republican Kris Kobach, currently the Kansas Secretary of State, “would be an inexplicable step backwards”.The paper’s editorial board said the election of Republican Kris Kobach, currently the Kansas Secretary of State, “would be an inexplicable step backwards”.
It’s no exaggeration to say a Kobach governorship would give Kansas a distinctly Trumpian flavor. The Republican secretary of state has borrowed liberally from the president’s playbook, sowing division and using dubious claims to fan unfounded fears.”It’s no exaggeration to say a Kobach governorship would give Kansas a distinctly Trumpian flavor. The Republican secretary of state has borrowed liberally from the president’s playbook, sowing division and using dubious claims to fan unfounded fears.”
The state is historically one of the safest Republican enclaves in the US, but polls have Kobach and Kelly in a statistical dead heat.The state is historically one of the safest Republican enclaves in the US, but polls have Kobach and Kelly in a statistical dead heat.
Trump ramps up falsehoods by a factor of six in lead-up to midterms, according to a Washington Post analysis.Trump ramps up falsehoods by a factor of six in lead-up to midterms, according to a Washington Post analysis.
“In the first nine months of his presidency, Trump made 1,318 false or misleading claims, an average of five a day,” the Post found, “but in the seven weeks leading up the midterm elections, the president made 1,419 false or misleading claims — an average of 30 a day.”“In the first nine months of his presidency, Trump made 1,318 false or misleading claims, an average of five a day,” the Post found, “but in the seven weeks leading up the midterm elections, the president made 1,419 false or misleading claims — an average of 30 a day.”
From the Daily Beast:From the Daily Beast:
More Democrats say they want to investigate and potentially impeach Donald Trump once the next Congress convenes than pursue fixes to the nation’s healthcare system, according to a new public opinion poll.More Democrats say they want to investigate and potentially impeach Donald Trump once the next Congress convenes than pursue fixes to the nation’s healthcare system, according to a new public opinion poll.
NEW POLL: We asked respondents what the top priority for the next congress should be37 percent of Dems said “investigate and potentially impeach Trump”None of the five other options scored higher https://t.co/Q20D3uipZDNEW POLL: We asked respondents what the top priority for the next congress should be37 percent of Dems said “investigate and potentially impeach Trump”None of the five other options scored higher https://t.co/Q20D3uipZD
Check out these impressive early voting turnout numbers from Texas where more votes have already been cast during early voting than in the entire 2014 midterm including election day.Check out these impressive early voting turnout numbers from Texas where more votes have already been cast during early voting than in the entire 2014 midterm including election day.
In addition, in 22 states and Washington DC, early voting numbers have surpassed those from the 2014.In addition, in 22 states and Washington DC, early voting numbers have surpassed those from the 2014.
22 states + DC surpassed their 2014 total #earlyvote:AZ, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, ME, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, NV, NM, NC, SC, TN, VA, WI, and WV1 state surpassed its 2014 total vote (early + Election Day):TX (in the 30 reporting counties)22 states + DC surpassed their 2014 total #earlyvote:AZ, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, ME, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, NV, NM, NC, SC, TN, VA, WI, and WV1 state surpassed its 2014 total vote (early + Election Day):TX (in the 30 reporting counties)
After a new voter ID law threatened to block thousands of Native Americans from the ballot, activists have rolled out an impressive push to get tribal residents the required documentation.After a new voter ID law threatened to block thousands of Native Americans from the ballot, activists have rolled out an impressive push to get tribal residents the required documentation.
According to NBC News, “at least 1,360 people have gotten new IDs since the law was changed, according to tribal officials across the state, amid a major get-out-the-vote effort across North Dakota’s five reservations ahead of Election Day.”According to NBC News, “at least 1,360 people have gotten new IDs since the law was changed, according to tribal officials across the state, amid a major get-out-the-vote effort across North Dakota’s five reservations ahead of Election Day.”
"At least 1,360 people have gotten new IDs since the law was changed, according to tribal officials across the state, amid a major get-out-the-vote effort across North Dakota's five reservations ahead of Election Day. "https://t.co/lWBFxy3UB9"At least 1,360 people have gotten new IDs since the law was changed, according to tribal officials across the state, amid a major get-out-the-vote effort across North Dakota's five reservations ahead of Election Day. "https://t.co/lWBFxy3UB9
Late yesterday a federal judge said allegations of voter suppression against Native Americans were “great cause for concern,’ but he denied a request to rollback the new election laws to avoid “confusion and chaos”. The law requires voters to have an ID with a street address, which a number of tribal members in the very rural state do not have, instead receiving mail to a post office box.Late yesterday a federal judge said allegations of voter suppression against Native Americans were “great cause for concern,’ but he denied a request to rollback the new election laws to avoid “confusion and chaos”. The law requires voters to have an ID with a street address, which a number of tribal members in the very rural state do not have, instead receiving mail to a post office box.
Read more:Read more:
There was good news for Trump heading into next week’s elections. The US added 250,000 new jobs in October – well ahead of the 188,000 Wall Street had been expecting. The unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7%, a low unseen since the Vietnam war.There was good news for Trump heading into next week’s elections. The US added 250,000 new jobs in October – well ahead of the 188,000 Wall Street had been expecting. The unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7%, a low unseen since the Vietnam war.
Wage growth has been slow since the end of the recession but does – finally – appear to be picking up. Wages were up 3.1% compared to last year, the first time they have risen above 3% since 2009.Wage growth has been slow since the end of the recession but does – finally – appear to be picking up. Wages were up 3.1% compared to last year, the first time they have risen above 3% since 2009.
Man, this is a really great jobs report. The job market is firing on all cylinders: Strong job growth (esp for this stage of expansion), wages rising faster, more people in labor force.Man, this is a really great jobs report. The job market is firing on all cylinders: Strong job growth (esp for this stage of expansion), wages rising faster, more people in labor force.
Good morning and welcome to the politics blog for 2 November. There’s just four days until the all-important 6 November midterms.Good morning and welcome to the politics blog for 2 November. There’s just four days until the all-important 6 November midterms.
Donald Trump continued his busy rally schedule last night in Missouri, and seemed to pre-emptively lay any Republican midterm losses on the bombing scare and synagogue attacks carried out by rightwing ideologues in recent weeks.Donald Trump continued his busy rally schedule last night in Missouri, and seemed to pre-emptively lay any Republican midterm losses on the bombing scare and synagogue attacks carried out by rightwing ideologues in recent weeks.
The president said:The president said:
We did have two maniacs stop a momentum that was incredible, because for seven days nobody talked about the elections,” he said at the rally Thursday. “It stopped a tremendous momentum.” He added: “More importantly, we have to take care of our people, and we don’t care about momentum when it comes to a disgrace like just happened to our country.We did have two maniacs stop a momentum that was incredible, because for seven days nobody talked about the elections,” he said at the rally Thursday. “It stopped a tremendous momentum.” He added: “More importantly, we have to take care of our people, and we don’t care about momentum when it comes to a disgrace like just happened to our country.
“But it did nevertheless stop a certain momentum, and now the momentum is picking up.”“But it did nevertheless stop a certain momentum, and now the momentum is picking up.”
Trump continued his hardline anti-immigrant rhetoric Thursday night, which has been a cornerstone of the GOP midterm messaging. This included a blatantly false claim about so-called “chain migration” debunked by the New York Times.Trump continued his hardline anti-immigrant rhetoric Thursday night, which has been a cornerstone of the GOP midterm messaging. This included a blatantly false claim about so-called “chain migration” debunked by the New York Times.
First Trump said:First Trump said:
Birthright citizens, in turn, can then bring their entire extended family into our country through chain migration. That’s another beauty. Chain migration. You come into the country, you’re, like, two months old and you’re going to take your brother, and your sister and your mother and your father. You’re going to bring them all.”Birthright citizens, in turn, can then bring their entire extended family into our country through chain migration. That’s another beauty. Chain migration. You come into the country, you’re, like, two months old and you’re going to take your brother, and your sister and your mother and your father. You’re going to bring them all.”
From the New York Times:From the New York Times:
This is impossible. American citizens must be at least 21 before they are eligible to petition for their parents to live in the United States, and there is a long queue for family-sponsored immigration, or what the president labels chain migration.This is impossible. American citizens must be at least 21 before they are eligible to petition for their parents to live in the United States, and there is a long queue for family-sponsored immigration, or what the president labels chain migration.
After a petition is filed and approved, would-be immigrants are given a so-called priority date and can apply for a green card only when the state department calls it up. For example, this month, brothers and sisters of adult American citizens can begin to apply for a green card if their priority dates were before March 22, 2005 – a waiting period of more than 13 years.After a petition is filed and approved, would-be immigrants are given a so-called priority date and can apply for a green card only when the state department calls it up. For example, this month, brothers and sisters of adult American citizens can begin to apply for a green card if their priority dates were before March 22, 2005 – a waiting period of more than 13 years.