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Democratic 2020 candidates address LGBTQ forum – live Democratic 2020 candidates address LGBTQ forum – live
(32 minutes later)
There was just an emotional moment at the CNN LGBT town hall where Blossom, a black trans woman who was not scheduled to ask a question, took the mic and expressed her anger at the erasure of black trans people from the evening:
Blossom C. Brown, a black trans woman, interrupts Beto to say "not one black trans woman has taken the mic tonight, no black trans man has taken the mic...that's how anti-blackness works. That's how erasure works." #EqualityTownHall
Blossom Brown is an incredible advocate, and she absolutely deserves to have her voice heard tonight.#EqualityTownHall
And by the way, Blossom Brown had a great point: have we heard enough from Black trans and non-binary people tonight? The community impacted most by violence and discrimination? I think not. She's right.#EqualityTownHall
Blossom Brown is right. Black trans lives are under attack in America. We all must do more. #EqualityTownHall
Earlier in the night, there was a brief protest with people shouting “black trans lives matter”.
Back at the campaign rally in Minnesota, Trump defended his decision to pull US troops out of Syria, a move that enabled a Turkey’s offensive in Syria against US-backed Kurdish groups there.
“Remember they’ve been fighting for hundreds of years,” Trump said. “The single biggest mistake our country made in its history is going into the quicksand of the Middle East.”
Trump: “We were supposed to be in Syria for 30 days. We’ve now been there for 10 years.” (Man shouts: “Bring them home!” Crowd chants: “Bring them home!”)
Beto O’Rourke is now speaking at the LGBT forum. He was asked about laws criminalizing HIV. He responded that it was wrong for asylum seekers to face discrimination because they have HIV: “We have singled out a population.”
He emphasized that his priority was making HIV prevention medicine more accessible. CNN’s Don Lemon followed up and specifically asked about laws that lead to people spending many years in prison for not disclosing that they have HIV and whether he thinks those policies should be overturned. O’Rourke said yes, but pivoted back to his talking points about prevention.
When asked about violence against black trans women, O’Rourke responded, “I’m going to listen to trans women of color. They will be the guide.” Some more:
“You have racism, intolerance and hatred, and it is more armed today than it ever was before.”@BetoORourke addresses the epidemic of gun violence in America at the #EqualityTownHall. pic.twitter.com/gz9VeC78NG
Here’s Kamala Harris on HIV/AIDS:Here’s Kamala Harris on HIV/AIDS:
Within a generation, we will end HIV/AIDS. That must be our timeline. We have to accelerate... I know it is within our capacity to do it.Within a generation, we will end HIV/AIDS. That must be our timeline. We have to accelerate... I know it is within our capacity to do it.
The senator was also asked about anti-trans hate crimes. When she said 19 black trans women were killed this year, someone in the audience had to correct her, since there was another recent murder:The senator was also asked about anti-trans hate crimes. When she said 19 black trans women were killed this year, someone in the audience had to correct her, since there was another recent murder:
Kamala Harris thought it was 19 Black trans women killed this year because the 20th murder was only recently reported. Her name was Itali Marlowe.More here: https://t.co/74VKh33k7P21 total trans people have been killed in 2019.#EqualityTownHallKamala Harris thought it was 19 Black trans women killed this year because the 20th murder was only recently reported. Her name was Itali Marlowe.More here: https://t.co/74VKh33k7P21 total trans people have been killed in 2019.#EqualityTownHall
Harris presented herself as a longtime defender of trans rights in numerous ans. Some background here on her controversial record as California attorney general:Harris presented herself as a longtime defender of trans rights in numerous ans. Some background here on her controversial record as California attorney general:
Kamala Harris: can a 'top cop' win over progressives in 2020?Kamala Harris: can a 'top cop' win over progressives in 2020?
Senator Kamala Harris is up now at the forum. She starts by saying her pronouns are “she/her/hers”. CNN’s Chris Cuomo responded: “Mine too.” There were audible groans in the press room.Senator Kamala Harris is up now at the forum. She starts by saying her pronouns are “she/her/hers”. CNN’s Chris Cuomo responded: “Mine too.” There were audible groans in the press room.
Here’s her LGBTQ policy plan from earlier:Here’s her LGBTQ policy plan from earlier:
Today, I introduced a plan to ensure everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is able to live proudly and openly, without fear of discrimination. We can restore equality and dignity in the White House. https://t.co/tS2YM46az7Today, I introduced a plan to ensure everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is able to live proudly and openly, without fear of discrimination. We can restore equality and dignity in the White House. https://t.co/tS2YM46az7
Some other notable Warren moments from the LGBT forum:Some other notable Warren moments from the LGBT forum:
Interesting response re: does Warren support classifying anti-trans violence as a hate crime. "I'm open to it," she says, but also says that's if it's the best way to address violence, and what is also needed is a Justice department that takes such violence seriously.Interesting response re: does Warren support classifying anti-trans violence as a hate crime. "I'm open to it," she says, but also says that's if it's the best way to address violence, and what is also needed is a Justice department that takes such violence seriously.
Listening to @ewarren come for Betsy DeVos brings me such joy! #EqualityTownHall #YayJacob pic.twitter.com/gRO5izhfRhListening to @ewarren come for Betsy DeVos brings me such joy! #EqualityTownHall #YayJacob pic.twitter.com/gRO5izhfRh
This Elizabeth Warren answer was quite a moment at CNN #EqualityTownHall pic.twitter.com/ThpI7YSO8MThis Elizabeth Warren answer was quite a moment at CNN #EqualityTownHall pic.twitter.com/ThpI7YSO8M
Senator Elizabeth Warren is now up at the LGBT forum. She was asked if she regretted opposing gender-affirming surgery for an incarcerated trans person. She responded:Senator Elizabeth Warren is now up at the LGBT forum. She was asked if she regretted opposing gender-affirming surgery for an incarcerated trans person. She responded:
Yep. It was a bad answer. I believe that everyone is entitled to medical care ... and that includes people who are transgender and it is the time for them to have gender-affirming surgery.Yep. It was a bad answer. I believe that everyone is entitled to medical care ... and that includes people who are transgender and it is the time for them to have gender-affirming surgery.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg⁩ was asked about decriminalizing sex work. He said:Mayor Pete Buttigieg⁩ was asked about decriminalizing sex work. He said:
I don’t think it’s going to be an easy conversation ... but I think we need to have the debate.”I don’t think it’s going to be an easy conversation ... but I think we need to have the debate.”
⁦After the #EqualityTownHall @PeteButtigieg⁩ was asked about decriminalizing sex work. Declined to directly say if he supports it. pic.twitter.com/q9t9uf06fW⁦After the #EqualityTownHall @PeteButtigieg⁩ was asked about decriminalizing sex work. Declined to directly say if he supports it. pic.twitter.com/q9t9uf06fW
Back at the LGBT forum, Buttigieg was asked about the ban on gay men donating blood. He responded:Back at the LGBT forum, Buttigieg was asked about the ban on gay men donating blood. He responded:
My blood is not welcome in this country. It’s not based on science it’s based on prejudice.My blood is not welcome in this country. It’s not based on science it’s based on prejudice.
He said he would direct the FDA to make rules that conform with science.He said he would direct the FDA to make rules that conform with science.
Buttigieg also talked about how people living with HIV can be undetectable, which means untransmittable, giving the rare national platform to the slogan “U equals U”:Buttigieg also talked about how people living with HIV can be undetectable, which means untransmittable, giving the rare national platform to the slogan “U equals U”:
For instance: It is extraordinarily powerful to hear Buttigieg day, "My blood is not welcome in this country" (in ref. to antiquated restrictions on gay men donating blood) and to say "U equals U" (undetectable equals untransmittable).For instance: It is extraordinarily powerful to hear Buttigieg day, "My blood is not welcome in this country" (in ref. to antiquated restrictions on gay men donating blood) and to say "U equals U" (undetectable equals untransmittable).
Anderson Cooper also asked the South Bend mayor, “Do you believe God made you gay?”Anderson Cooper also asked the South Bend mayor, “Do you believe God made you gay?”
He responded: “The decision was made way above my pay grade.”He responded: “The decision was made way above my pay grade.”
Speaking at the Trump rally ahead of the president’s appearance, Eric Trump repeated false claims that Joe Biden’s son Hunter “embezzled” funds.Speaking at the Trump rally ahead of the president’s appearance, Eric Trump repeated false claims that Joe Biden’s son Hunter “embezzled” funds.
The crowd responded by chanting “Lock him up! Lock him up!,” echoing chants against Hillary Clinton at Trump campaign rallies in 2016.The crowd responded by chanting “Lock him up! Lock him up!,” echoing chants against Hillary Clinton at Trump campaign rallies in 2016.
Eric Trump makes false claim about Joe Biden’s son “embezzling” funds. Crowd chants: “Lock him up! Lock him up!” Eric Trump says: “We don’t need to lock him up, we just need to beat the hell out of all of them.”Eric Trump makes false claim about Joe Biden’s son “embezzling” funds. Crowd chants: “Lock him up! Lock him up!” Eric Trump says: “We don’t need to lock him up, we just need to beat the hell out of all of them.”
Meanwhile, the Guardian’s chief political correspondent David Smith is in Minneapolis, where Trump is holding a campaign rally.Meanwhile, the Guardian’s chief political correspondent David Smith is in Minneapolis, where Trump is holding a campaign rally.
Eric Trump: “Minneapolis! Are you guys tired of winning yet?” pic.twitter.com/Ucd0jzGfuyEric Trump: “Minneapolis! Are you guys tired of winning yet?” pic.twitter.com/Ucd0jzGfuy
Pete Buttigieg has just taken the stage at the LGBT forum to a standing ovation. But before he got the first question, he was immediately interrupted by protesters, who appeared to be shouting “trans lives matter” and “black trans lives matter”.
At the #EqualityTownHall, Pete Buttigieg's segment is interrupted with a #TransLivesMatter protest. @Andersoncooper smoothly credits the importance of their protest. pic.twitter.com/70LNZdF1yK
The South Bend mayor acknowledged the demonstrators, saying, “My experience as a white cisgender gay man” is not the same as black trans women, and that people should speak out against the “epidemic of violence against black trans women in this country”.
Anderson Cooper asked the mayor a personal question about coming out. Buttigieg said, “It was like was a civil war. I knew I was different long before I was able to say I was gay.”
Joe Biden, speaking at the LGBT forum, just started a sentence, “When I came out...” sparking laughter in the audience. CNN’s Anderson Cooper responded, “Now that would be news.”
“I got something to tell you!” Biden joked.
Some other Biden moments:
Shannon Scott, a proud veteran and trans woman and member of @HRC’s Board of Governors, asks @JoeBiden about what he will do to support transgender military service members.#EqualityTownHall #PowerOfOurPride pic.twitter.com/NVoLOLsZgl
Asked about Saudi Arabia, Biden gets in Cooper’s face and says, “They have very little redeeming social value.”
When asked about HIV health disparities, Biden said:
We have to make sure there is no ability for hospitals or healthcare providers to discriminate... It’s really important we begin to educate people about what’s going on.”
He went on a tangent about stereotypes about gay people, ending on this:
“San Francisco! Gay bathhouses! Round the clock sex!” - Biden, somehow
Here’s Cory Booker backstage at the forum talking about violence against incarcerated LGBTQ people:
Cory Booker talks about violence against LGBTQ migrants in detention at #EqualityTownHall pic.twitter.com/dJnWAk1oeJ
Hello - Sam Levin here in Los Angeles, taking over the blog for the rest of the day. I’m at the LGBT 2020 forum at the Novo in downtown LA, where Cory Booker is first up.
The New Jersey senator said he supported California’s move this week to make HIV prevention medication available to patients without a doctor’s prescription.
“We’re going to fight to make sure health insurance companies actually cover this,” he said, adding, “We need to do more sex education in this country that is science-based.”
Booker also said he was sick of seeing politicians declare their support of LGBT people only after they discover they have an LGBT family member.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "spoke to this...[he] says I cannot pass a law to make someone love me, but I can stop them from lynching me," says @CoryBooker on his fight for inclusion. "You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. All the people." #EqualityTownHall pic.twitter.com/hrhVWokjk8
Several 2020 candidates released LGBTQ policy plans today in advance of the forum, hosted by CNN and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC):
LGBTQ+ activists and organizers have made enormous strides toward equality—but that hard-won progress is already under attack. We need a president who is ready to fight back. I've got a plan to secure LGBTQ+ rights and equality. https://t.co/j8pelUdSmS
Today, I introduced a plan to ensure everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is able to live proudly and openly, without fear of discrimination. We can restore equality and dignity in the White House. https://t.co/tS2YM46az7
With his candidacy, @PeteButtigieg is shining a light on the LGBTQ+ community, and as president he would work to ensure people like Rob and Leif feel safe and seen: https://t.co/QqTeDy6er2 pic.twitter.com/HPrDJoh3sW
Donald Trump’s former Russia adviser Fiona Hill will testify to Congress that the president’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and EU ambassador Gordon Sondland circumvented the National Security Council, according to NBC reporters.
Hill’s planned testimony has stoked fear among people close to Trump, per a former senior White House official. Also a key test for whether House can get testimony from *former* officials despite threat White House may assert executive privilege.W/ @carolelee @kwelkernbc https://t.co/TvkXOPx4Ue
The officials reportedly raised concerns both before and immediately after Donald Trump’s July call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy. It’s unclear whether any of the same officials later spoke with the whistleblower who filed the complaint now central to the Democrat’s impeachment inquiry.
One official who had listened on the call immediately went to White House lawyer Eisenberg, and at least two others did so by the end of the day, according to the Post.
It’s unclear whether or how Eisenberg acted on the complaints, or if he informed White House counsel Pat Cipollone of what he had heard.
At least four national security officials raised concerns over the Trump administrations’ efforts to pressure Ukraine with a White House lawyer, the Washington Post reports:
The nature and timing of the previously undisclosed discussions with National Security Council legal adviser John Eisenberg indicate that officials were delivering warnings through official White House channels earlier than previously understood — including before the call that precipitated a whistleblower complaint and the impeachment inquiry of the president.
At the time, the officials were unnerved by the removal in May of the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine; subsequent efforts by Trump’s lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani to promote Ukraine-related conspiracies; as well as signals in meetings at the White House that Trump wanted the new government in Kiev to deliver material that might be politically damaging to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
Republican lawmakers pledge to return donations from arrested Giuliani associates
House republican leader Kevin McCarthy and Florida governor Ron DeSantis have both pledged to return thousands in campaign donations made by Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, who were arrested and charged with campaign finance violations.
McCarthy, who received $2,700 directly from the Parnas and Furman and plans to donate the money to charity, according to Vice news. DeSantis, who was given $50,000 last year by the two Florida businessmen will return the money, according to the Miami Herald.
Attorney general William Barr met privately with Rupert Murdoch at the media giant’s New York home, according to the New York Times.
Murdoch’s Fox News channel has drawn the president’s ire after the outlet published a poll saying that the majority of Americans favor impeachment. But Murdoch is a frequent confidant of Trump.
It is unclear what Barr and Murdoch discussed during their meeting, the Times reported.
Republican senate leader Lindsay Graham reportedly described the “YPG Kurds” as a “threat” during an August phone call with a man he believed to be Turkey’s defense minister, Politico reports.
“Thank you so much for calling me, Mr. Minister,” Graham said. “I want to make this a win-win, if we can.”
But it wasn’t the Turkish defense minister at all. Instead, it was Alexey Stolyarov and Vladimir Kuznetsov, Russian pranksters with suspected ties to the country’s intelligence services who go by “Lexus and Vovan.” ...
Kevin Bishop, a spokesman for Graham, confirmed the call’s authenticity to POLITICO. “We have been successful in stopping many efforts to prank Senator Graham and the office, but this one slipped through the cracks,” he said. “They got him.”
The substance of Graham’s conversation with Stolyarov, who was posing as Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, is newly relevant in light of the South Carolina senator’s push for sanctions on Turkey as punishment for their offensive against the Kurds in northern Syria. Graham labeled the Kurds a “threat” to Turkey in the call, seemingly contradicting what he has said publicly in recent days.