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Greta Thunberg joins young activists in climate protest outside White House – live Trump reportedly calls Egypt's president his 'favorite dictator' – live
(32 minutes later)
Hi all - Sam Levin here in Los Angeles, taking over our live coverage for the rest of the day.
House Democrats are pushing to have Jeff Sessions testify in the House judiciary committee’s ongoing impeachment probe of Trump, the Washington Post has just reported:
SCOOPLET: House Dems are pursuing Trump’s favorite ex-Cabinet official JEFF SESSIONS for testimony in impeachment probe of Trump. https://t.co/ZfbbqlZ6RH
A lawyer for the former attorney general told the Post:
I have made clear that Attorney General Sessions will not appear except under compulsion of a congressional subpoena.”
Sessions had a famously rocky relationship with the president, who ended up publicly mocking him and then firing him last year.
There has been no subpoena issued for Sessions so far, according to the Post’s report.
That’s it from me this week. My west coast colleague, Sam Levin, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
The climate activist Greta Thunberg held a protest at the White House, where she and other young environmental advocates called for immediate action to address climate change.
The Democratic National Committee announced that the fourth primary debate would take place on October 15 (with the possibility for a second night) in Westerville, Ohio.
Joe Biden pledged that he would release his medical records before primary voting starts. He made the promise just a day after one of his opponents, Julián Castro, appeared to make a crack at the former vice president’s age during last night’s debate.
Taliban negotiators have reportedly arrived in Russia just days after Trump declared peace talks with the group to be “dead.”
Trump reportedly referred to Egypt’s authoritarian leader, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, as his “favorite dictator” during last month’s G-7 summit.
Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and senior adviser, told donors at a fundraising event last month that she got her moral compass from her father. (Yes. Really.)
Sam will have more on the news of the day. Have a wonderful weekend, live blog readers.
Trump’s appearance at the G-7 summit last month has already been criticized for the president skipping a climate session and making unsubstantiated claims about China reaching out to US officials to discuss trade. And now, a report has emerged that Trump praised Egypt’s authoritarian leader, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, during the trip.
The Wall Street Journal reports:
Mr. Trump looked over a gathering of American and Egyptian officials and called out in a loud voice: ‘Where’s my favorite dictator?’ Several people who were in the room at the time said they heard the question.
The witnesses said they believed the president made the comment jokingly, but said his question was met by a stunned silence.
It couldn’t be determined whether Mr. Sisi was present or heard the remark. ...
Even if lighthearted, Mr. Trump’s quip drew attention to an uncomfortable facet of the U.S.-Egypt relationship. ...
The White House hasn’t publicly admonished the Egyptian government for its human-rights record. Egypt has defended its actions, saying it is fighting extremists.
More from Joe Biden’s second day in Houston: the former vice president mocked those who have grilled him about comments from early in his Senate career.
“This is about the future, this is not about the past,” Biden said at a fundraiser, according to a pool report. “I love it when people say in 1972 you said ...” he added to laughs from the crowd.
The comment appeared to reference Linsey Davis’ question from the Democratic debate a day earlier. The ABC News moderator asked Biden about this 1975 quote defending his opposition to federally mandated busing to racially integrate schools: “I don’t feel responsible for the sins of my father and grandfather. I feel responsible for what the situation is today, for the sins of my own generation. And I’ll be damned if I feel responsible to pay for what happened 300 years ago.”
The answer Biden offered in response was described by commentators as everything from “baffling” to “racist.” And for some, it resurfaced a question that has come up repeatedly: has Biden adequately realized the faulty logic in his past ways of thinking about race?
For some, the answer is a resounding “no.” From a Time editor-at-large:
Here is my transcript of Joe Biden's record player moment.Asked about his past comments denying responsibility, as a white man, for America's sins, he gives an answer insinuating that black parents don't know how to raise kids. pic.twitter.com/Z39NtsiVkd
From an MSNBC analyst and former campaign aide to Hillary Clinton:
I like Joe Biden but his slavery answer was no bueno and I’m a bit disappointed I’m one of the only people saying so today. https://t.co/3LEHnAknvB
From a Rolling Stone writer:
Yes, I’m serious. We have a racist president with racist policies, and Democrats need an antiracist nominee. @JoeBiden keeps showing us that he isn’t up to the task. His debate meltdown proved that once again. He should step aside. The stakes are too high. https://t.co/PaZ48R9dxo
When asked about releasing his medical records, Joe Biden made this somewhat odd joke to a HuffPost reporter.When asked about releasing his medical records, Joe Biden made this somewhat odd joke to a HuffPost reporter.
Asked if he’ll release his medical records to address concerns raised by rivals, Biden jokes to me, “What the hell concerns. Man, you wanna wrestle?”He adds he’ll release them “when I get the next physical, before there’s a first vote.”Asked if he’ll release his medical records to address concerns raised by rivals, Biden jokes to me, “What the hell concerns. Man, you wanna wrestle?”He adds he’ll release them “when I get the next physical, before there’s a first vote.”
Joe Biden said in Houston that he would release his medical records before the first vote of the primaries, the Guardian’s Lauren Gambino reports.Joe Biden said in Houston that he would release his medical records before the first vote of the primaries, the Guardian’s Lauren Gambino reports.
The former vice president also told reporters a day after the third Democratic debate that he considered questions about his age to be fair in the context of the primary.The former vice president also told reporters a day after the third Democratic debate that he considered questions about his age to be fair in the context of the primary.
The comments come one night after Julián Castro appeared to make a crack about Biden’s age by asking him, “Are you forgetting what you said two minutes ago?”The comments come one night after Julián Castro appeared to make a crack about Biden’s age by asking him, “Are you forgetting what you said two minutes ago?”
But as the blog reported earlier today, some of Biden’s advisers appear to be taking less of a “live and let live” approach to Castro’s criticism.But as the blog reported earlier today, some of Biden’s advisers appear to be taking less of a “live and let live” approach to Castro’s criticism.
On @CNN right now, @SymoneDSanders coming for Castro: says there were 9 candidates interested in a substantive policy debate and one, Castro, wanted to take "personal and cheap and frankly factually incorrect shots at" Biden.On @CNN right now, @SymoneDSanders coming for Castro: says there were 9 candidates interested in a substantive policy debate and one, Castro, wanted to take "personal and cheap and frankly factually incorrect shots at" Biden.
He’s baaaack! Just days after being unceremoniously ousted via tweet from his job as Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton is resuming his political activities and endorsing Republican lawmakers who share his hawkish worldview.He’s baaaack! Just days after being unceremoniously ousted via tweet from his job as Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton is resuming his political activities and endorsing Republican lawmakers who share his hawkish worldview.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Bolton retook the reins of the John Bolton PAC and the John Bolton Super Pact, two groups he had headed before joining the White House 17 months ago. ...Bolton retook the reins of the John Bolton PAC and the John Bolton Super Pact, two groups he had headed before joining the White House 17 months ago. ...
As part of the resumption of his political action groups, Bolton announced the endorsement of five Republicans running in the November 2020 elections.As part of the resumption of his political action groups, Bolton announced the endorsement of five Republicans running in the November 2020 elections.
They are Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin of New York.They are Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin of New York.
Each candidate received $10,000 in contributions from the Bolton groups for a total of $50,000.Each candidate received $10,000 in contributions from the Bolton groups for a total of $50,000.
‘The experience that these incumbent members of Congress have provides them with a remarkable understanding and knowledge of the threats we face from international terrorism and rogue regimes such as Iran and North Korea,’ Bolton said in a statement.‘The experience that these incumbent members of Congress have provides them with a remarkable understanding and knowledge of the threats we face from international terrorism and rogue regimes such as Iran and North Korea,’ Bolton said in a statement.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has weighed in on the (potential) Senate primary in Massachusetts.Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has weighed in on the (potential) Senate primary in Massachusetts.
One of AOC’s colleagues, Joe Kennedy, is weighing a primary challenge against the incumbent senator, Ed Markey. Kennedy has argued it’s time for a generational change away from the 73-year-old Markey.One of AOC’s colleagues, Joe Kennedy, is weighing a primary challenge against the incumbent senator, Ed Markey. Kennedy has argued it’s time for a generational change away from the 73-year-old Markey.
But that argument may now be undercut with AOC endorsing Markey, who has been a key co-sponsor of the Green New Deal alongside the congresswoman.But that argument may now be undercut with AOC endorsing Markey, who has been a key co-sponsor of the Green New Deal alongside the congresswoman.
“Ed Markey, I know, is one of the strongest progressives that we have in the United States Senate,” AOC said in an endorsement video.“Ed Markey, I know, is one of the strongest progressives that we have in the United States Senate,” AOC said in an endorsement video.
“And in a time right now, when we have to have conversations not just about holding this administration accountable but changing the Democratic Party for the future, Ed Markey has a very critical role in making sure that climate change, as well as a bevy of other issues — health care and beyond — are critical core issues in how we fight for working people and working families in the United States.”“And in a time right now, when we have to have conversations not just about holding this administration accountable but changing the Democratic Party for the future, Ed Markey has a very critical role in making sure that climate change, as well as a bevy of other issues — health care and beyond — are critical core issues in how we fight for working people and working families in the United States.”
Last night’s Democratic debate included no questions on how the candidates would protect reproductive rights as states like Alabama and Missouri attempt to pass severe restrictions on the procedure. And the candidates took notice:Last night’s Democratic debate included no questions on how the candidates would protect reproductive rights as states like Alabama and Missouri attempt to pass severe restrictions on the procedure. And the candidates took notice:
Reproductive rights are under attack across our nation and it should have been discussed last night. pic.twitter.com/rDOyXZxJAgReproductive rights are under attack across our nation and it should have been discussed last night. pic.twitter.com/rDOyXZxJAg
Since it didn’t come up in tonight’s #DemDebate, at this moment when women’s reproductive freedom is under attack, I wanted to say I trust women to make their own decisions about their health. It’s important we all keep taking about it.Since it didn’t come up in tonight’s #DemDebate, at this moment when women’s reproductive freedom is under attack, I wanted to say I trust women to make their own decisions about their health. It’s important we all keep taking about it.
Three hours, not one question on abortion—with women's rights under attack across our country.Three hours, not one question on abortion—with women's rights under attack across our country.
The oversight was particularly notable given that this was the first debate since Kirsten Gillibrand dropped out of the race. The New York senator centered her campaign around issues like abortion and paid family leave.The oversight was particularly notable given that this was the first debate since Kirsten Gillibrand dropped out of the race. The New York senator centered her campaign around issues like abortion and paid family leave.
A former campaign adviser to Gillibrand said the lack of abortion questions demonstrated why the race needed a candidate dedicated to the issue.A former campaign adviser to Gillibrand said the lack of abortion questions demonstrated why the race needed a candidate dedicated to the issue.
Reproductive rights are under greater threat than they've been since before Roe v. Wade.We've had a three-hour, 10-candidate #DemDebate for the presidency and not a single question *or mention* about that crisis.But ok. We don't need a candidate who runs on women's rights.Reproductive rights are under greater threat than they've been since before Roe v. Wade.We've had a three-hour, 10-candidate #DemDebate for the presidency and not a single question *or mention* about that crisis.But ok. We don't need a candidate who runs on women's rights.
A Taliban negotiating team has reportedly arrived in Russia just days after Trump said potential peace talks with the group were “dead.”A Taliban negotiating team has reportedly arrived in Russia just days after Trump said potential peace talks with the group were “dead.”
The AP reports:The AP reports:
Russian state news agency Tass cited the Taliban’s Qatar-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as saying the delegation had held consultations with Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin’s envoy for Afghanistan.Russian state news agency Tass cited the Taliban’s Qatar-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as saying the delegation had held consultations with Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin’s envoy for Afghanistan.
The visit also was confirmed to The Associated Press by a Taliban official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.The visit also was confirmed to The Associated Press by a Taliban official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.
It was the Taliban’s first international visit following the collapse of talks with Washington. The team was being led by Mullah Sher Mohammad Stanikzai.It was the Taliban’s first international visit following the collapse of talks with Washington. The team was being led by Mullah Sher Mohammad Stanikzai.
This may well be the most terrifying thing you read on this Friday the 13th. Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and senior adviser, told a group of donors last month that she got her moral compass from her father.This may well be the most terrifying thing you read on this Friday the 13th. Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and senior adviser, told a group of donors last month that she got her moral compass from her father.
Politico has more:Politico has more:
At a mid-August fundraiser in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Ivanka Trump was asked to name the personality traits she inherited most from her parents.At a mid-August fundraiser in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Ivanka Trump was asked to name the personality traits she inherited most from her parents.
Without much of a pause, Trump told the crowd of roughly 120 high-end donors that her mother gave her an example of how to be a powerful, successful woman.Without much of a pause, Trump told the crowd of roughly 120 high-end donors that her mother gave her an example of how to be a powerful, successful woman.
And her father? He passed onto her his moral compass, she said, according to two event attendees.And her father? He passed onto her his moral compass, she said, according to two event attendees.
The exchange was part of a broader conversation about Ivanka Trump’s life in Washington and the White House during a swanky retreat organized by Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in the Wyoming mountains. Her appearance signaled an informal effort by the Trump campaign, family and top aides to woo donors this election cycle by sharing intimate, colorful details about this atypical White House.The exchange was part of a broader conversation about Ivanka Trump’s life in Washington and the White House during a swanky retreat organized by Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in the Wyoming mountains. Her appearance signaled an informal effort by the Trump campaign, family and top aides to woo donors this election cycle by sharing intimate, colorful details about this atypical White House.
The New York Times and CNN, who will host the next Democratic debate, announced it will take place on October 15 (with the possibility for a second night) in Westerville, Ohio.The New York Times and CNN, who will host the next Democratic debate, announced it will take place on October 15 (with the possibility for a second night) in Westerville, Ohio.
JUST ANNOUNCED: @nytimes and @CNN will co-host the next Democratic presidential debate in Westerville, Ohio on October 15.Read more on the debate here. https://t.co/8g7kSaoiPDJUST ANNOUNCED: @nytimes and @CNN will co-host the next Democratic presidential debate in Westerville, Ohio on October 15.Read more on the debate here. https://t.co/8g7kSaoiPD
Westerville is just outside of Columbus, and the host outlets said the debate would occur on the campus of Otterbein University, a private liberal arts college.Westerville is just outside of Columbus, and the host outlets said the debate would occur on the campus of Otterbein University, a private liberal arts college.
The Democratic National Committee did not initially confirm the debate would be two nights, but that seems likely now that 11 candidates appear to have qualified. Other candidates have until Oct. 1 to qualify.The Democratic National Committee did not initially confirm the debate would be two nights, but that seems likely now that 11 candidates appear to have qualified. Other candidates have until Oct. 1 to qualify.
The moderators will be CNN anchors Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett as well as the Times’ national editor, Marc Lacey. The Times noted it will be the first debate the newspaper has planned and hosted in more than a decade.The moderators will be CNN anchors Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett as well as the Times’ national editor, Marc Lacey. The Times noted it will be the first debate the newspaper has planned and hosted in more than a decade.
Bianca Pattison and Claire MacQueen, both 14, left in the middle of art class with paint still on their hands to attend the Greta Thunberg’s climate rally at the White House.Bianca Pattison and Claire MacQueen, both 14, left in the middle of art class with paint still on their hands to attend the Greta Thunberg’s climate rally at the White House.
Bianca Pattison and Claire MacQueen, both 14, left in the middle of art class with paint still on their hands to strike for #climate pic.twitter.com/1GYnt4cFzTBianca Pattison and Claire MacQueen, both 14, left in the middle of art class with paint still on their hands to strike for #climate pic.twitter.com/1GYnt4cFzT
“I think a lot of the people I’m friends with are quite worried we’re not going to get to experience things our parents got to experience with their kids when we were growing up,” Pattison said, noting trips she’s taken with her family to islands and colder climates.“I think a lot of the people I’m friends with are quite worried we’re not going to get to experience things our parents got to experience with their kids when we were growing up,” Pattison said, noting trips she’s taken with her family to islands and colder climates.
“For me, it’s not necessarily what will happen to humans but so many animals and ecosystems that are affected by what we’ve done,” MacQueen added.“For me, it’s not necessarily what will happen to humans but so many animals and ecosystems that are affected by what we’ve done,” MacQueen added.
It turns out there are millions of Americans who want to spend more than two hours hearing 10 Democratic candidates discus their campaign platforms, which ... kind of surprises this blogger.It turns out there are millions of Americans who want to spend more than two hours hearing 10 Democratic candidates discus their campaign platforms, which ... kind of surprises this blogger.
The early ratings are in for last night’s Democratic debate, and ABC executives are likely quite happy with them. CNN reports:The early ratings are in for last night’s Democratic debate, and ABC executives are likely quite happy with them. CNN reports:
Thursday night’s debate featuring ten presidential candidates averaged 14 million viewers across ABC and Univision. The debate ratings were head and shoulders above everything else on TV Thursday night. ...Thursday night’s debate featuring ten presidential candidates averaged 14 million viewers across ABC and Univision. The debate ratings were head and shoulders above everything else on TV Thursday night. ...
With 14 million people watching on TV, the debate ranked behind the record-setting NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo debate in June, but ahead of most other Democratic primary debates in TV history.With 14 million people watching on TV, the debate ranked behind the record-setting NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo debate in June, but ahead of most other Democratic primary debates in TV history.
For comparison’s sake, the third Democratic debate of the 2016 cycle, which also took place on ABC, averaged 8 million total viewers. But it was held on a Saturday night, traditionally a low-rated night for TV viewing, and there is more interest in the primary this time around.For comparison’s sake, the third Democratic debate of the 2016 cycle, which also took place on ABC, averaged 8 million total viewers. But it was held on a Saturday night, traditionally a low-rated night for TV viewing, and there is more interest in the primary this time around.
As CNN notes, it seems that the switch to a one-night-only event came as a relief to viewers, but that will likely be a short-lived reprieve. With Tom Steyer saying he has qualified for the fourth debate, the next match will almost certainly be spread across two nights.As CNN notes, it seems that the switch to a one-night-only event came as a relief to viewers, but that will likely be a short-lived reprieve. With Tom Steyer saying he has qualified for the fourth debate, the next match will almost certainly be spread across two nights.