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Trump has 'particular venom for people of color', Al Sharpton says – live Trump has 'particular venom for people of color', Al Sharpton says – live
(32 minutes later)
The latest Quinnipiac national poll confirms that Joe Biden’s numbers are bouncing back after a temporary stumble following the first debates.
Biden attracted the support of 34 percent of Democratic respondents, compared to Elizabeth Warren’s 15 percent, Kamala Harris’ 12 percent and Bernie Sanders’ 11 percent.
Those numbers represent a 12-point bump for Biden and an 8-point dip for Harris since the university’s July 2 poll, while Warren and Sanders have remained relatively stable since then.
As FiveThirtyEight’s Nate Silver reported last week, Harris appears to have lost about a third of what she had gained after the debate, and Biden seems to have regained about two-fifths of what he had lost.
So even though Harris is in better shape than she was before the first debates, Biden is still the clear frontrunner. But this week’s debates could change that.
Former intelligence officials warned that Trump’s nomination of representative John Ratcliffe to replace Dan Coats as director of national intelligence was an attempt to “neutralise” US spy agencies.
Julian Borger has more:
Trump has indicated that he might not wait for [Ratcliffe] to receive Senate confirmation before wresting control over the office of the director of national intelligence, which coordinates the work of the other 16 intelligence agencies.
‘The Acting Director will be named shortly,’ Trump tweeted on Sunday, announcing the departure of Coats, and his choice of Ratcliffe, who has been a staunch defender of Trump in Congress.
However, the statute that established the role of DNI states that in case of a vacancy, the principal deputy director acts in the role until a replacement is confirmed. That would be Sue Gordon, a career official with three decades’ experience in intelligence. An attempt to break the rules and oust her will probably heighten the sense in the intelligence agencies that they are under attack. ...
‘I fear that there is a slow takeover of the norms and procedures of governance by this president, amassing unprecedented executive power,’ Mowatt-Larssen, now at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, added. ‘To do that he needs to neutralise or at least silence the intelligence community. He has been doing that for three years, but this takes it to the new level.’
The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus issued a statement endorsing Kamala Harris’s presidential bid just one day before the second round of debates are set to start in Detroit.The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus issued a statement endorsing Kamala Harris’s presidential bid just one day before the second round of debates are set to start in Detroit.
“The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus is proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President,” said Keith Williams, the chairman of the caucus. “She is a proven leader who has given a voice to the voiceless and championed our community as District Attorney, Attorney General, and United States Senator. Her plans to close the racial wealth gap, invest in our classrooms and higher education is a clear investment in our future but also America’s future and her continued economic growth.”“The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus is proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President,” said Keith Williams, the chairman of the caucus. “She is a proven leader who has given a voice to the voiceless and championed our community as District Attorney, Attorney General, and United States Senator. Her plans to close the racial wealth gap, invest in our classrooms and higher education is a clear investment in our future but also America’s future and her continued economic growth.”
Williams had previously said Harris was his favorite candidate “because she’s a sister,” but had declined to formally endorse her until today.Williams had previously said Harris was his favorite candidate “because she’s a sister,” but had declined to formally endorse her until today.
Trump will soon meet with “Inner City Pastors,” an event that did not initially appear on his public schedule.Trump will soon meet with “Inner City Pastors,” an event that did not initially appear on his public schedule.
He will almost certainly bring up his attacks on representative Elijah Cummings’ congressional district in Baltimore.He will almost certainly bring up his attacks on representative Elijah Cummings’ congressional district in Baltimore.
Looking forward to my meeting at 2:00 P.M. with wonderful Inner City Pastors!Looking forward to my meeting at 2:00 P.M. with wonderful Inner City Pastors!
Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren released an extensive trade policy proposal that appears to echo Trump on certain issues, like the economic threat of China and jobs that have been lost to outsourcing.Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren released an extensive trade policy proposal that appears to echo Trump on certain issues, like the economic threat of China and jobs that have been lost to outsourcing.
For decades, America’s trade policy has put the profits of big multinational corporations ahead of American workers, farmers, and the environment. I have a new approach: Trade on our terms and only when it benefits American families. Here's my plan. https://t.co/M0ILIV637HFor decades, America’s trade policy has put the profits of big multinational corporations ahead of American workers, farmers, and the environment. I have a new approach: Trade on our terms and only when it benefits American families. Here's my plan. https://t.co/M0ILIV637H
“As President, I won’t hand America’s leverage to big corporations to use for their own narrow purposes — I’ll use it to create and defend good American jobs, raise wages and farm income, combat climate change, lower drug prices, and raise living standards worldwide,” Warren wrote in a Medium post outlining her proposal. “We will engage in international trade — but on our terms and only when it benefits American families.”“As President, I won’t hand America’s leverage to big corporations to use for their own narrow purposes — I’ll use it to create and defend good American jobs, raise wages and farm income, combat climate change, lower drug prices, and raise living standards worldwide,” Warren wrote in a Medium post outlining her proposal. “We will engage in international trade — but on our terms and only when it benefits American families.”
Warren goes on to list nine preconditions countries must meet before entering a trade deal with America. They include eliminating all domestic fossil fuel subsidies, having a plan to meet the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement and upholding internationally recognized human rights.Warren goes on to list nine preconditions countries must meet before entering a trade deal with America. They include eliminating all domestic fossil fuel subsidies, having a plan to meet the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement and upholding internationally recognized human rights.
But the proposal would fundamentally alter existing and future trade partnerships and is likely to face intense congressional opposition, Politico notes.But the proposal would fundamentally alter existing and future trade partnerships and is likely to face intense congressional opposition, Politico notes.
The irony multiplies: House Republicans have scheduled their annual policy retreat in ... Baltimore.The irony multiplies: House Republicans have scheduled their annual policy retreat in ... Baltimore.
Despite Trump’s concerns that the city is a “very dangerous & filthy place,” House Republicans plan to hold the September retreat at a downtown Baltimore hotel, the Washington Post reports.Despite Trump’s concerns that the city is a “very dangerous & filthy place,” House Republicans plan to hold the September retreat at a downtown Baltimore hotel, the Washington Post reports.
The GOP retreat was originally supposed to take place in January in West Virginia, but it was rescheduled due to the looming government shutdown. It is now set to occur between September 12 and 14 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, which is just barely outside of representative Elijah Cummings’ district.The GOP retreat was originally supposed to take place in January in West Virginia, but it was rescheduled due to the looming government shutdown. It is now set to occur between September 12 and 14 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, which is just barely outside of representative Elijah Cummings’ district.
Trump’s comments this morning to 9/11 first responders that he “spent a lot time” at Ground Zero are raising serious doubts.Trump’s comments this morning to 9/11 first responders that he “spent a lot time” at Ground Zero are raising serious doubts.
A New York Times reporter who spent years covering the fallout of the attacks for the New York Post tweeted this:A New York Times reporter who spent years covering the fallout of the attacks for the New York Post tweeted this:
So, I covered rebuilding at the WTC for three years after covering the immediate aftermath of the attacks for NYPost. Giuliani was a frequent presence w families, as was Pataki. I recall one instance where Trump was at the site. https://t.co/7Ish98CX1gSo, I covered rebuilding at the WTC for three years after covering the immediate aftermath of the attacks for NYPost. Giuliani was a frequent presence w families, as was Pataki. I recall one instance where Trump was at the site. https://t.co/7Ish98CX1g
Trump has made similar claims in the past. During a 2016 rally in Buffalo, New York, he said, “I was down there and I watched our police and our firemen down on 7/11, down at the World Trade Center right after it came down. And I saw the greatest people I’ve ever seen in action. I saw the bravest people I’ve ever seen, including the construction workers, including every person down there. That’s what New York values are about.”Trump has made similar claims in the past. During a 2016 rally in Buffalo, New York, he said, “I was down there and I watched our police and our firemen down on 7/11, down at the World Trade Center right after it came down. And I saw the greatest people I’ve ever seen in action. I saw the bravest people I’ve ever seen, including the construction workers, including every person down there. That’s what New York values are about.”
The Associated Press reported at the time:The Associated Press reported at the time:
Trump’s reference to ‘7/11’ was a slip of the lip. News accounts from days just after 9/11 include references to Trump giving high-fives to police officers and volunteers on their way to the World Trade Center site. ‘I have a lot of men working down here. I want to make sure they’re OK,’ he said. Trump said his employers were cleaning and digging out, but declined to say where they were working.Trump’s reference to ‘7/11’ was a slip of the lip. News accounts from days just after 9/11 include references to Trump giving high-fives to police officers and volunteers on their way to the World Trade Center site. ‘I have a lot of men working down here. I want to make sure they’re OK,’ he said. Trump said his employers were cleaning and digging out, but declined to say where they were working.
Joe Biden’s campaign has released its own blistering criticism of Kamala Harris’ health care plan.Joe Biden’s campaign has released its own blistering criticism of Kamala Harris’ health care plan.
A statement from Biden’s campaign accuses the California senator of having “released a health care plan that both backtracks on her long-promised – but then-hedged – support of Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All legislation while at the same time committing to still unraveling the hard-won Affordable Care Act that the Trump Administration is trying to undo right now.”A statement from Biden’s campaign accuses the California senator of having “released a health care plan that both backtracks on her long-promised – but then-hedged – support of Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All legislation while at the same time committing to still unraveling the hard-won Affordable Care Act that the Trump Administration is trying to undo right now.”
The statement specifically criticizes Harris’s proposal to phase in the new system over 10 years. “This new, have-it-every-which-way approach pushes the extremely challenging implementation of the Medicare for All part of this plan ten years into the future, meaning it would not occur on the watch of even a two-term administration,” Biden’s campaign said. “The result? A Bernie Sanders-lite Medicare for All and a refusal to be straight with the American middle class, who would have a large tax increase forced on them with this plan.”The statement specifically criticizes Harris’s proposal to phase in the new system over 10 years. “This new, have-it-every-which-way approach pushes the extremely challenging implementation of the Medicare for All part of this plan ten years into the future, meaning it would not occur on the watch of even a two-term administration,” Biden’s campaign said. “The result? A Bernie Sanders-lite Medicare for All and a refusal to be straight with the American middle class, who would have a large tax increase forced on them with this plan.”
But the former vice president couldn’t end the statement without issuing a very backhanded compliment to Sanders. “To their credit, the Sanders campaign has been honest that the only way to enact Medicare for All without substantially raising taxes on the middle class would require ‘unicorns’ and ‘magic wands,’” the statement concludes.But the former vice president couldn’t end the statement without issuing a very backhanded compliment to Sanders. “To their credit, the Sanders campaign has been honest that the only way to enact Medicare for All without substantially raising taxes on the middle class would require ‘unicorns’ and ‘magic wands,’” the statement concludes.
Campaign staffers for Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders are going back and forth defending their candidates’ health care plans after Harris released her long-awaited proposal today.Campaign staffers for Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders are going back and forth defending their candidates’ health care plans after Harris released her long-awaited proposal today.
Sanders’s staffers are basically saying Harris’s plan doesn’t go far enough, specifically citing the role of private insurers. While Harris would allow private insurers to participate in Medicare plans, Sanders would eliminate the companies’ role. Sanders’s policy director tweeted this about Harris’s plan:Sanders’s staffers are basically saying Harris’s plan doesn’t go far enough, specifically citing the role of private insurers. While Harris would allow private insurers to participate in Medicare plans, Sanders would eliminate the companies’ role. Sanders’s policy director tweeted this about Harris’s plan:
I did not expect such a clear admission that Harris created a whole insurance proposal that’s main feature is to expand the power of insurance corporations to defraud people and deny care...to be “politically palatable” to insurance execs “concerned about disruption.” https://t.co/zJFRu4vSg7I did not expect such a clear admission that Harris created a whole insurance proposal that’s main feature is to expand the power of insurance corporations to defraud people and deny care...to be “politically palatable” to insurance execs “concerned about disruption.” https://t.co/zJFRu4vSg7
And that sparked a tense exchange with Harris’s press secretary:And that sparked a tense exchange with Harris’s press secretary:
Josh, have you even read the plan? Doesn't seem like it."Private plans in the new Medicare system will be held to stricter consumer protection standards than they are today such as getting reimbursed less than what the Medicare plan will cost to operate" https://t.co/HAQpDjGwPH https://t.co/j7nABPIJpKJosh, have you even read the plan? Doesn't seem like it."Private plans in the new Medicare system will be held to stricter consumer protection standards than they are today such as getting reimbursed less than what the Medicare plan will cost to operate" https://t.co/HAQpDjGwPH https://t.co/j7nABPIJpK
I did, twice. What stricter protections? How? What are the penalties of the insurance corporations aren’t cooperative (which seems...likely) https://t.co/8FfFuGqVxQI did, twice. What stricter protections? How? What are the penalties of the insurance corporations aren’t cooperative (which seems...likely) https://t.co/8FfFuGqVxQ
Disappointing then that, instead of debating the substance of the plan, you've chosen to mislead people by saying its "main feature" is to let insurers "defraud people and deny care," despite the plan explicitly saying it won't do that. No, its "main feature" is Medicare for All. https://t.co/P3GLmZ84OEDisappointing then that, instead of debating the substance of the plan, you've chosen to mislead people by saying its "main feature" is to let insurers "defraud people and deny care," despite the plan explicitly saying it won't do that. No, its "main feature" is Medicare for All. https://t.co/P3GLmZ84OE
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has released her campaign’s health care plan, which seems to create a middle option between Bernie Sanders’ Medicare-for-all plan and Joe Biden’s proposal to largely maintain the status quo while adding a government-run insurance option.Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has released her campaign’s health care plan, which seems to create a middle option between Bernie Sanders’ Medicare-for-all plan and Joe Biden’s proposal to largely maintain the status quo while adding a government-run insurance option.
Today, I’m announcing my Medicare for All plan. We’ve reached a crisis point for health care in America and it’s time we finally fix this broken system for good.https://t.co/Z1R24lZg6SToday, I’m announcing my Medicare for All plan. We’ve reached a crisis point for health care in America and it’s time we finally fix this broken system for good.https://t.co/Z1R24lZg6S
Harris outlined the plan in a Medium post, explaining that her proposal would allow Medicare to be expanded to all Americans over 10 years while preserving a role for private insurers.Harris outlined the plan in a Medium post, explaining that her proposal would allow Medicare to be expanded to all Americans over 10 years while preserving a role for private insurers.
“Medicare works. It’s popular. ... Now, let’s expand it to all Americans and give everyone access to comprehensive health care,” Harris writes, noting that her proposed Medicare system would “cover all medically necessary services, including emergency room visits.”“Medicare works. It’s popular. ... Now, let’s expand it to all Americans and give everyone access to comprehensive health care,” Harris writes, noting that her proposed Medicare system would “cover all medically necessary services, including emergency room visits.”
But the California senator diverges from Sanders and other progressives on private insurance companies. (Sanders’ plan would eliminate the role of private insurers.)But the California senator diverges from Sanders and other progressives on private insurance companies. (Sanders’ plan would eliminate the role of private insurers.)
“[W]e will allow private insurers to offer Medicare plans as a part of this system that adhere to strict Medicare requirements on costs and benefits. This would function similar to how private Medicare plans work today, which cover about a third of Medicare seniors, and operate within the Medicare system,” Harris writes. “This preserves the options that seniors have today and expands options to all Americans, while also telling insurance companies they don’t run the show.”“[W]e will allow private insurers to offer Medicare plans as a part of this system that adhere to strict Medicare requirements on costs and benefits. This would function similar to how private Medicare plans work today, which cover about a third of Medicare seniors, and operate within the Medicare system,” Harris writes. “This preserves the options that seniors have today and expands options to all Americans, while also telling insurance companies they don’t run the show.”
Harris does not mention that private insurance companies have profited extensively off their existing role in Medicare Advantage, which could help stifle industry opposition to her plan.Harris does not mention that private insurance companies have profited extensively off their existing role in Medicare Advantage, which could help stifle industry opposition to her plan.
Harris has previously offered mixed messages on her health care views, initially saying at a CNN town hall in January that she would “eliminate” private insurance. She later walked that back. But during the first round of presidential debates, Harris raised her hand when the moderators asked who was in favor of getting rid of private insurance.Harris has previously offered mixed messages on her health care views, initially saying at a CNN town hall in January that she would “eliminate” private insurance. She later walked that back. But during the first round of presidential debates, Harris raised her hand when the moderators asked who was in favor of getting rid of private insurance.
Conservative commentator Bill Kristol provided this “summary” of Dan Coat’s resignation letter as director of national intelligence:Conservative commentator Bill Kristol provided this “summary” of Dan Coat’s resignation letter as director of national intelligence:
Shorter Dan Coats letter to the president: I did some good things as DNI. I have nothing positive to say about you. pic.twitter.com/anNKe5lm1RShorter Dan Coats letter to the president: I did some good things as DNI. I have nothing positive to say about you. pic.twitter.com/anNKe5lm1R
George Conway, who is married to senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, responded with this note:George Conway, who is married to senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, responded with this note:
not full-bore mattis-style, but not bad https://t.co/SB9ZuDG8A6not full-bore mattis-style, but not bad https://t.co/SB9ZuDG8A6
If you need a refresher: former defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned late last year with a letter delineating all of his ideological differences with Trump. Mattis specifically cited the poor treatment of international allies and the administration’s approach to “malign actors” as two key matters on which he and the president diverged.If you need a refresher: former defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned late last year with a letter delineating all of his ideological differences with Trump. Mattis specifically cited the poor treatment of international allies and the administration’s approach to “malign actors” as two key matters on which he and the president diverged.
The letter concluded, “Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position.”The letter concluded, “Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position.”
Another House Democrat, representative Dina Titus of Nevada, has come out in favor of impeachment.Another House Democrat, representative Dina Titus of Nevada, has come out in favor of impeachment.
I'm calling for an impeachment inquiry because of the mounting evidence that Donald Trump has repeatedly broken the law to protect his own interests. pic.twitter.com/w0mSHc9ewQI'm calling for an impeachment inquiry because of the mounting evidence that Donald Trump has repeatedly broken the law to protect his own interests. pic.twitter.com/w0mSHc9ewQ
The House Democratic caucus is now nearing a majority level of support for launching impeachment proceedings, Politico reported yesterday.The House Democratic caucus is now nearing a majority level of support for launching impeachment proceedings, Politico reported yesterday.
Titus’ announcement brings the number of pro-impeachment House Democrats up to about 109, which is nine short of a majority for the Democratic caucus.Titus’ announcement brings the number of pro-impeachment House Democrats up to about 109, which is nine short of a majority for the Democratic caucus.
Al Sharpton addressed Trump’s attacks on representative Elijah Cummings and his congressional district in Baltimore.Al Sharpton addressed Trump’s attacks on representative Elijah Cummings and his congressional district in Baltimore.
Speaking to reporters in Baltimore, the longtime African American activist said Trump had attacked Cummings and his constituents “in the most bigoted and racist way.”Speaking to reporters in Baltimore, the longtime African American activist said Trump had attacked Cummings and his constituents “in the most bigoted and racist way.”
“He attacks everybody,” Sharpton said of the president. “I know Donald Trump. He’s not mature enough to take criticism. He can’t help it. He’s like a child. Somebody says something, he reacts. He’s thin-skinned and not really matured that well.“He attacks everybody,” Sharpton said of the president. “I know Donald Trump. He’s not mature enough to take criticism. He can’t help it. He’s like a child. Somebody says something, he reacts. He’s thin-skinned and not really matured that well.
“But he has a particular venom for blacks and people of color,” Sharpton noted. “He doesn’t refer to any of his other opponents or critics as ‘infested.’ He does not attack their districts.”“But he has a particular venom for blacks and people of color,” Sharpton noted. “He doesn’t refer to any of his other opponents or critics as ‘infested.’ He does not attack their districts.”
Sharpton then went on to laud Cummings’ constituents. “The fact of the matter is Elijah Cummings’ district is the most well-educated and middle class-aspiring district of blacks in this country,” he said.Sharpton then went on to laud Cummings’ constituents. “The fact of the matter is Elijah Cummings’ district is the most well-educated and middle class-aspiring district of blacks in this country,” he said.