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2020 Election Updates: Democratic Officials Tell Members of Congress and Party Delegates to Skip Convention 2020 Election Updates: Democratic Officials Tell Congress Members and Party Delegates to Skip Convention
(about 1 hour later)
Democratic officials are instructing House and Senate members and party delegates to skip attending their national convention this summer, a sign of the ever-shrinking aspirations for their big campaign event in the face of surging coronavirus cases in the United States. Democratic officials are instructing senators, members of Congress and party delegates to skip attending their national convention this summer, a sign of the ever-shrinking aspirations for their big campaign event in the face of surging coronavirus cases in the United States.
“We have been working closely with state and local public health officials, as well epidemiologists, and have come to the hard decision that members of Congress should not plan to travel to Milwaukee,” Chasseny Lewis, a senior adviser to the convention committee, wrote in an email to congressional aides. “No delegates will travel to Milwaukee and Caucus and Council meetings will take place virtually.”“We have been working closely with state and local public health officials, as well epidemiologists, and have come to the hard decision that members of Congress should not plan to travel to Milwaukee,” Chasseny Lewis, a senior adviser to the convention committee, wrote in an email to congressional aides. “No delegates will travel to Milwaukee and Caucus and Council meetings will take place virtually.”
The directive ensures that little will happen at the physical convention site beyond keynote speeches from former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., his vice-presidential nominee and a handful of other top party leaders. The remainder of the event — state delegation meetings, parties and schmoozing, voting on the party platform and Mr. Biden’s nomination — will happen virtually or not at all.The directive ensures that little will happen at the physical convention site beyond keynote speeches from former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., his vice-presidential nominee and a handful of other top party leaders. The remainder of the event — state delegation meetings, parties and schmoozing, voting on the party platform and Mr. Biden’s nomination — will happen virtually or not at all.
Over the past several months, Democrats have scaled back their plans, moving the convention across downtown Milwaukee from the Fiserv Forum, the city’s professional basketball arena, to the Wisconsin Center, a modest convention center that typically hosts events like the city’s car show. The last national political event to take place there was the 2004 Green Party convention. Party officials have been consulting regularly with doctors and epidemiologists and say they are following the recommendations of the medical establishment.Over the past several months, Democrats have scaled back their plans, moving the convention across downtown Milwaukee from the Fiserv Forum, the city’s professional basketball arena, to the Wisconsin Center, a modest convention center that typically hosts events like the city’s car show. The last national political event to take place there was the 2004 Green Party convention. Party officials have been consulting regularly with doctors and epidemiologists and say they are following the recommendations of the medical establishment.
Mr. Trump, meanwhile, has made clear he wants the Republican convention to go on, moving it to Jacksonville, Fla., from Charlotte after North Carolina state officials told the party it would have to abide by social distancing rules.
But Florida, with its case load spiraling upward, has become the very symbol of the American failure to contain the virus. Many top Republicans are skipping the event.
On Thursday, the Republican National Committee announced new details about the convention, confirming a Times report this week that the party was planning to shift some events to take place outdoors.
Ronna McDaniel, the committee’s chairwoman, said that “a number of indoor and outdoor venues” in Jacksonville would be used, including the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, where the indoor program had been scheduled to take place, as well as several other locations. For the first three days of the convention, attendance will be limited to regular delegates, while a broader group will be allowed on the final day when Mr. Trump accepts the party’s nomination.
Mr. Trump’s personal fame and family fortune are rooted in the urban landscape, but he increasingly sees the suburbs as central to his political survival.Mr. Trump’s personal fame and family fortune are rooted in the urban landscape, but he increasingly sees the suburbs as central to his political survival.
With his support eroding among educated, white suburban voters — especially women — Mr. Trump is pursuing a false line of attack against Mr. Biden for supporting proposals he claims will destroy the prosperous 20th century idyll of American suburbia.With his support eroding among educated, white suburban voters — especially women — Mr. Trump is pursuing a false line of attack against Mr. Biden for supporting proposals he claims will destroy the prosperous 20th century idyll of American suburbia.
“The suburban destruction will end with us,” Mr. Trump declared during an official White House event on government regulatory reform Thursday that doubled as a campaign rally.“The suburban destruction will end with us,” Mr. Trump declared during an official White House event on government regulatory reform Thursday that doubled as a campaign rally.
Mr. Trump’s culture-war point mischaracterizes a Biden policy proposal: The former vice president backs a plan that would require states to develop a strategy to implement “inclusionary zoning” measures to do away with restrictions, such as single-family homeownership requirements, seen as discriminatory against families of color.Mr. Trump’s culture-war point mischaracterizes a Biden policy proposal: The former vice president backs a plan that would require states to develop a strategy to implement “inclusionary zoning” measures to do away with restrictions, such as single-family homeownership requirements, seen as discriminatory against families of color.
“Racial disparities in home ownership contribute to the racial wealth gap,” Mr. Biden’s campaign website says. “It is far past time to put an end to systemic housing discrimination and other contributors to this disparity.”“Racial disparities in home ownership contribute to the racial wealth gap,” Mr. Biden’s campaign website says. “It is far past time to put an end to systemic housing discrimination and other contributors to this disparity.”
On Tuesday, Mr. Trump accused Mr. Biden of trying “to abolish the suburbs,” citing their differences on zoning. He vowed to “protect the suburbs from being obliterated by Washington Democrats, by people on the far left that want to see the suburbs destroyed.”On Tuesday, Mr. Trump accused Mr. Biden of trying “to abolish the suburbs,” citing their differences on zoning. He vowed to “protect the suburbs from being obliterated by Washington Democrats, by people on the far left that want to see the suburbs destroyed.”
This month, Mr. Trump announced, via Twitter, that he was considering the elimination of a 2015 initiative known as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, an Obama-era program that requires localities to address racial segregation outlawed under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 by creating detailed corrective plans. Mr. Trump reiterated that threat this week.This month, Mr. Trump announced, via Twitter, that he was considering the elimination of a 2015 initiative known as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, an Obama-era program that requires localities to address racial segregation outlawed under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 by creating detailed corrective plans. Mr. Trump reiterated that threat this week.
Shaun Donovan, the former housing secretary who created the policy, said Mr. Trump’s proposal was nothing more than an attempt to divide white and Black voters.Shaun Donovan, the former housing secretary who created the policy, said Mr. Trump’s proposal was nothing more than an attempt to divide white and Black voters.
It is “racist and wrong,” he said.It is “racist and wrong,” he said.
Bill Stepien, a longtime political operative and deputy campaign manager for Mr. Trump, was promoted Wednesday night, replacing Brad Parscale as campaign manager nearly a month after the president became angry with him over a sparsely attended rally in Tulsa.Bill Stepien, a longtime political operative and deputy campaign manager for Mr. Trump, was promoted Wednesday night, replacing Brad Parscale as campaign manager nearly a month after the president became angry with him over a sparsely attended rally in Tulsa.
In Mr. Stepien, Mr. Trump gets an operative with a data obsession, having kept a color-coded map of New Jersey on his office walls when he worked for Chris Christie, the state’s former governor. He’s been described as both shrewd and ruthless, a Machiavel guided by vote-share spreadsheets.In Mr. Stepien, Mr. Trump gets an operative with a data obsession, having kept a color-coded map of New Jersey on his office walls when he worked for Chris Christie, the state’s former governor. He’s been described as both shrewd and ruthless, a Machiavel guided by vote-share spreadsheets.
While Mr. Parscale at times seemed to seek the spotlight himself — and even spent campaign funds promoting his own Facebook page — Mr. Stepien prefers to operate behind the scenes.While Mr. Parscale at times seemed to seek the spotlight himself — and even spent campaign funds promoting his own Facebook page — Mr. Stepien prefers to operate behind the scenes.
“He will bring a very low-key style; he’s not looking to be self-promotional,” said Mike DuHaime, a longtime Republican political operative in New Jersey who has known Mr. Stepien since he was a teenager.“He will bring a very low-key style; he’s not looking to be self-promotional,” said Mike DuHaime, a longtime Republican political operative in New Jersey who has known Mr. Stepien since he was a teenager.
Mr. Stepien and Mr. Parscale addressed staff members at the campaign headquarters in Virginia for about 30 minutes on Thursday morning, with a misty-eyed Mr. Parscale reminiscing about how he had built the operation, “from five people to what it is today,” according to a person in the room.Mr. Stepien and Mr. Parscale addressed staff members at the campaign headquarters in Virginia for about 30 minutes on Thursday morning, with a misty-eyed Mr. Parscale reminiscing about how he had built the operation, “from five people to what it is today,” according to a person in the room.
In a statement, Mr. Stepien said that Mr. Trump and Mr. Parscale “have built an unprecedentedly strong campaign based on data and technology and Brad will remain heavily involved.”In a statement, Mr. Stepien said that Mr. Trump and Mr. Parscale “have built an unprecedentedly strong campaign based on data and technology and Brad will remain heavily involved.”
Mr. Stepien is no stranger to rough-and-tumble politics. Mr. Christie fired him over the so-called Bridgegate scandal, which embroiled the governor’s administration after it came to light that officials had closed down access lanes to the George Washington Bridge to punish a political opponent. While Mr. Stepien denied involvement and was never criminally charged, there were indications that his hands weren’t entirely clean.Mr. Stepien is no stranger to rough-and-tumble politics. Mr. Christie fired him over the so-called Bridgegate scandal, which embroiled the governor’s administration after it came to light that officials had closed down access lanes to the George Washington Bridge to punish a political opponent. While Mr. Stepien denied involvement and was never criminally charged, there were indications that his hands weren’t entirely clean.
Mr. Christie ultimately said he had lost trust in Mr. Stepien, citing a “tone and behavior and attitude of callous indifference” in Mr. Stepien’s emails that “made me lose my confidence in Bill’s judgment.”Mr. Christie ultimately said he had lost trust in Mr. Stepien, citing a “tone and behavior and attitude of callous indifference” in Mr. Stepien’s emails that “made me lose my confidence in Bill’s judgment.”
But the two have since reconciled, and Mr. Christie said he spoke to Mr. Stepien multiple times a week.But the two have since reconciled, and Mr. Christie said he spoke to Mr. Stepien multiple times a week.
“With Stepien in charge, nothing will fall through the cracks, he will not miss a detail, and he will clearly make the campaign better,” Mr. Christie said. “But in the end, every campaign is more about the candidate than it’s about anybody else.”“With Stepien in charge, nothing will fall through the cracks, he will not miss a detail, and he will clearly make the campaign better,” Mr. Christie said. “But in the end, every campaign is more about the candidate than it’s about anybody else.”
Brad Parscale’s demotion from his job as Mr. Trump’s campaign manager on Wednesday surprised no one in Mr. Trump’s orbit — not even Mr. Parscale himself.Brad Parscale’s demotion from his job as Mr. Trump’s campaign manager on Wednesday surprised no one in Mr. Trump’s orbit — not even Mr. Parscale himself.
Mr. Parscale, who thought his job was safe for the time being, had nonetheless anticipated the scenario that transpired, according to several people close to him who were not authorized to speak on the record. He knew Mr. Trump would eventually sour on him — the president was annoyed by a 2019 report that Mr. Parscale was making millions off the campaign — and he figured he could always slide back into his old job in the digital operation, they said.Mr. Parscale, who thought his job was safe for the time being, had nonetheless anticipated the scenario that transpired, according to several people close to him who were not authorized to speak on the record. He knew Mr. Trump would eventually sour on him — the president was annoyed by a 2019 report that Mr. Parscale was making millions off the campaign — and he figured he could always slide back into his old job in the digital operation, they said.
While wounded by the demotion, Mr. Parscale is a calculating bureaucratic survivor. The campaign he built is an interlocking network of private shell companies, PACs and partnerships, and Mr. Parscale positioned himself as the person who best knows its intricacies, like a building superintendent who remembers which keys unlock which doors.While wounded by the demotion, Mr. Parscale is a calculating bureaucratic survivor. The campaign he built is an interlocking network of private shell companies, PACs and partnerships, and Mr. Parscale positioned himself as the person who best knows its intricacies, like a building superintendent who remembers which keys unlock which doors.
Mr. Parscale sought an unusually early appointment to the job in February 2018. He would tick off the precise number of days he had held the top job, telling people around him that he was, at least technically, the “longest-serving campaign manager in history.”Mr. Parscale sought an unusually early appointment to the job in February 2018. He would tick off the precise number of days he had held the top job, telling people around him that he was, at least technically, the “longest-serving campaign manager in history.”
Mr. Parscale, who did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday, is close to Mr. Trump’s family, especially Jared Kushner, who plays a key role in the campaign. The two spoke and texted constantly, according to senior campaign officials.Mr. Parscale, who did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday, is close to Mr. Trump’s family, especially Jared Kushner, who plays a key role in the campaign. The two spoke and texted constantly, according to senior campaign officials.
Senate candidates released their latest fund-raising figures to election authorities this week, showing a steady stream in giving even with the increased economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus outbreak.Senate candidates released their latest fund-raising figures to election authorities this week, showing a steady stream in giving even with the increased economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Republican incumbents defending their seats in 10 key Senate races have collectively raised just over $200 million this election cycle — roughly on par with the Democrats who are challenging them, according to a Times review of the filings.Republican incumbents defending their seats in 10 key Senate races have collectively raised just over $200 million this election cycle — roughly on par with the Democrats who are challenging them, according to a Times review of the filings.
The review showed that Democrats had surpassed the Republicans they were seeking to unseat in four states: Arizona, Kentucky, Maine and North Carolina. The Republicans had the fund-raising advantage in Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Montana, South Carolina and Texas.The review showed that Democrats had surpassed the Republicans they were seeking to unseat in four states: Arizona, Kentucky, Maine and North Carolina. The Republicans had the fund-raising advantage in Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Montana, South Carolina and Texas.
Some of the most expensive races include the effort in Kentucky by Amy McGrath, a Democrat, to unseat Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, who is seeking his seventh term. Ms. McGrath has raised $47 million, while Mr. McConnell has brought in $38 million.Some of the most expensive races include the effort in Kentucky by Amy McGrath, a Democrat, to unseat Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, who is seeking his seventh term. Ms. McGrath has raised $47 million, while Mr. McConnell has brought in $38 million.
Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, has raised $44 million in his race against Senator Martha McSally, a staunch supporter of the president. Ms. McSally, who was appointed by the governor to fill the late Senator John McCain’s seat, has raised $29 million toward her first Senate election.Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, has raised $44 million in his race against Senator Martha McSally, a staunch supporter of the president. Ms. McSally, who was appointed by the governor to fill the late Senator John McCain’s seat, has raised $29 million toward her first Senate election.
In Maine, Sara Gideon, a Democrat who won a primary contest this week, has raised $24 million, surpassing the incumbent, Susan Collins, who has raised $17 million. And in South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, has raised $31 million to defend his seat against Jaime Harrison, who has raised $29 million.In Maine, Sara Gideon, a Democrat who won a primary contest this week, has raised $24 million, surpassing the incumbent, Susan Collins, who has raised $17 million. And in South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, has raised $31 million to defend his seat against Jaime Harrison, who has raised $29 million.
The Supreme Court narrowed the prospects for disenfranchised Florida felons to register to vote anytime soon, refusing on Thursday to lift a stay in a high-profile case that would allow them to participate in elections in the nation’s largest presidential battleground state.The Supreme Court narrowed the prospects for disenfranchised Florida felons to register to vote anytime soon, refusing on Thursday to lift a stay in a high-profile case that would allow them to participate in elections in the nation’s largest presidential battleground state.
The decision is a blow to civil rights advocates who had hoped that Floridians with serious criminal convictions could register ahead of the state’s August 18 primary elections. The deadline to register is July 20.The decision is a blow to civil rights advocates who had hoped that Floridians with serious criminal convictions could register ahead of the state’s August 18 primary elections. The deadline to register is July 20.
Florida voters approved a landmark measure in 2018 that restored voting rights for felons, except those convicted of murder or sex offenses. A federal judge ruled in May that a Florida law requiring felons to pay court fines and fees before they can register to vote amounts to an unconstitutional poll tax. More than 774,000 Florida felons owe legal financial obligations, an expert for the American Civil Liberties Union found.Florida voters approved a landmark measure in 2018 that restored voting rights for felons, except those convicted of murder or sex offenses. A federal judge ruled in May that a Florida law requiring felons to pay court fines and fees before they can register to vote amounts to an unconstitutional poll tax. More than 774,000 Florida felons owe legal financial obligations, an expert for the American Civil Liberties Union found.
The administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, appealed that decision in the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta, which is scheduled to hear the case on Aug. 18. In the meantime, the appeals court granted a stay, keeping the lower court’s ruling from taking effect while the appeal is heard.The administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, appealed that decision in the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta, which is scheduled to hear the case on Aug. 18. In the meantime, the appeals court granted a stay, keeping the lower court’s ruling from taking effect while the appeal is heard.
The A.C.L.U. and other organizations asked the Supreme Court to vacate the stay. The court denied that application on Thursday. Three justices — Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan — dissented.The A.C.L.U. and other organizations asked the Supreme Court to vacate the stay. The court denied that application on Thursday. Three justices — Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan — dissented.
“This Court’s order prevents thousands of otherwise eligible voters from participating in Florida’s primary election simply because they are poor,” Justice Sotomayor wrote.“This Court’s order prevents thousands of otherwise eligible voters from participating in Florida’s primary election simply because they are poor,” Justice Sotomayor wrote.
A Wisconsin liberal arts college said it would require Vice President Mike Pence and everyone attending an indoor campaign event there Friday to wear masks and follow social distancing rules, precautions that the Trump campaign has not enforced at other recent campaign events.A Wisconsin liberal arts college said it would require Vice President Mike Pence and everyone attending an indoor campaign event there Friday to wear masks and follow social distancing rules, precautions that the Trump campaign has not enforced at other recent campaign events.
The school, Ripon College, has not hosted any other indoor events since classes went online in response to the coronavirus outbreak this spring, its president, Zach Messitte, said. So far, no cases of the virus have been confirmed on the campus of roughly 800 students, which is set to reopen with reduced in-person classes in one month.The school, Ripon College, has not hosted any other indoor events since classes went online in response to the coronavirus outbreak this spring, its president, Zach Messitte, said. So far, no cases of the virus have been confirmed on the campus of roughly 800 students, which is set to reopen with reduced in-person classes in one month.
Mr. Pence’s campaign staff did not respond to requests for comment on the school’s requirements, but Mr. Messitte said the campaign signed a contract agreeing to the college’s precautions in order to rent the space. After months of not regularly wearing a mask, Mr. Pence began wearing masks in public and promoting their use at the end of June.Mr. Pence’s campaign staff did not respond to requests for comment on the school’s requirements, but Mr. Messitte said the campaign signed a contract agreeing to the college’s precautions in order to rent the space. After months of not regularly wearing a mask, Mr. Pence began wearing masks in public and promoting their use at the end of June.
Only about 50 people will be allowed to attend the campaign event to maintain social distancing rules, Mr. Messitte said.Only about 50 people will be allowed to attend the campaign event to maintain social distancing rules, Mr. Messitte said.
Coronavirus cases have been rising in Wisconsin over the last month, though not as sharply as in some other states. A record 1,056 cases were recorded in the state last Friday, according to a New York Times database.Coronavirus cases have been rising in Wisconsin over the last month, though not as sharply as in some other states. A record 1,056 cases were recorded in the state last Friday, according to a New York Times database.
Health officials linked a recent rise in coronavirus cases in Tulsa, Okla., to Mr. Trump’s large indoor rally on June 20, where social distancing was not practiced and few people wore masks.Health officials linked a recent rise in coronavirus cases in Tulsa, Okla., to Mr. Trump’s large indoor rally on June 20, where social distancing was not practiced and few people wore masks.
Ripon, a town of roughly 9,000 people, is known for being the birthplace of the Republican Party in 1854, but this would be the first time in Ripon College’s history that a sitting vice president has spoken on campus, Mr. Messitte said.Ripon, a town of roughly 9,000 people, is known for being the birthplace of the Republican Party in 1854, but this would be the first time in Ripon College’s history that a sitting vice president has spoken on campus, Mr. Messitte said.
“It’s in the middle of the Fox Valley, which is in the purple heart of a purple state that’s really important, so it’s a good campaign stop for people,” he said.“It’s in the middle of the Fox Valley, which is in the purple heart of a purple state that’s really important, so it’s a good campaign stop for people,” he said.
It’s true: Kanye West, or at least someone purporting to represent him, filed paperwork this week to run for president. He has, one campaign finance expert told us, taken “the normal steps that serious candidates take.”It’s true: Kanye West, or at least someone purporting to represent him, filed paperwork this week to run for president. He has, one campaign finance expert told us, taken “the normal steps that serious candidates take.”
He has also taken the steps that hundreds of not-serious candidates take. Among the 1,144 other candidates listed in the Federal Election Commission’s database as of Thursday afternoon are Tossup C.I. Bot; Big Chungus; Kanye Deez Nutz West, presumably not to be confused with Kanye West; and Your Mom.He has also taken the steps that hundreds of not-serious candidates take. Among the 1,144 other candidates listed in the Federal Election Commission’s database as of Thursday afternoon are Tossup C.I. Bot; Big Chungus; Kanye Deez Nutz West, presumably not to be confused with Kanye West; and Your Mom.
In the absence of actual campaign activity, Mr. West’s filings mean “very little,” said Paul S. Ryan, vice president of policy and litigation at Common Cause.In the absence of actual campaign activity, Mr. West’s filings mean “very little,” said Paul S. Ryan, vice president of policy and litigation at Common Cause.
To put it simply, you have to file these forms to run a serious presidential campaign, but filing them doesn’t mean you actually are running a serious presidential campaign.To put it simply, you have to file these forms to run a serious presidential campaign, but filing them doesn’t mean you actually are running a serious presidential campaign.
If Mr. West wants to run for president — and that is by no means certain, because the F.E.C. doesn’t verify the information in these forms, and we don’t even know if the documents filed in Mr. West’s name are actually from him — the F.E.C. paperwork is the least of his worries. It’s too late to submit signatures to appear on the ballot in some states, and more deadlines are fast approaching.If Mr. West wants to run for president — and that is by no means certain, because the F.E.C. doesn’t verify the information in these forms, and we don’t even know if the documents filed in Mr. West’s name are actually from him — the F.E.C. paperwork is the least of his worries. It’s too late to submit signatures to appear on the ballot in some states, and more deadlines are fast approaching.
Ivanka Trump’s brandishing of a Goya Foods product in her Twitter feed on Tuesday was just the latest in a series of acts by the Trump administration that blur the lines between politics, commerce and governance honored, for the most part, by previous administrations.Ivanka Trump’s brandishing of a Goya Foods product in her Twitter feed on Tuesday was just the latest in a series of acts by the Trump administration that blur the lines between politics, commerce and governance honored, for the most part, by previous administrations.
Mr. Trump’s daughter, a senior White House adviser, posted a photo of herself holding a can of the company’s black beans in support of the Goya’s chief executive who recently praised her father, a move government ethics experts called a violation of federal law.Mr. Trump’s daughter, a senior White House adviser, posted a photo of herself holding a can of the company’s black beans in support of the Goya’s chief executive who recently praised her father, a move government ethics experts called a violation of federal law.
Mr. Trump followed up on Wednesday with his own photo, featuring Goya products arrayed on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.Mr. Trump followed up on Wednesday with his own photo, featuring Goya products arrayed on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
The president and his advisers have long tested — and often crossed — the boundaries between the official and the political, and those norms are increasingly being obliterated as the president finds himself in desperate political straits, writes The Times’s White House Correspondent Michael Crowley.The president and his advisers have long tested — and often crossed — the boundaries between the official and the political, and those norms are increasingly being obliterated as the president finds himself in desperate political straits, writes The Times’s White House Correspondent Michael Crowley.
On Thursday, Mr. Trump staged what amounted to a campaign rally at a White House event that was supposedly devoted to outlining his deregulatory agenda, accusing the presumptive Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden Jr. of “destroying our great suburbs” by supporting inclusionary zoning.On Thursday, Mr. Trump staged what amounted to a campaign rally at a White House event that was supposedly devoted to outlining his deregulatory agenda, accusing the presumptive Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden Jr. of “destroying our great suburbs” by supporting inclusionary zoning.
In recent days, Mr. Trump used a rambling Rose Garden appearance to tout his campaign, denounced his political opponents as “radical-left criminals” during a visit to a NASA hangar and declared “nobody will be safe in a Biden America” at an official White House event on Latin American policy in Miami.In recent days, Mr. Trump used a rambling Rose Garden appearance to tout his campaign, denounced his political opponents as “radical-left criminals” during a visit to a NASA hangar and declared “nobody will be safe in a Biden America” at an official White House event on Latin American policy in Miami.
“What we are seeing now is a complete overturning of these ethical and legal norms,” said Trevor Potter, a Republican and former chairman of the Federal Election Commission.“What we are seeing now is a complete overturning of these ethical and legal norms,” said Trevor Potter, a Republican and former chairman of the Federal Election Commission.
The Office of Special Counsel, an independent government watchdog agency, has found 13 Trump officials in violation of the Hatch Act, the 1939 law limiting the political activities of government employees.The Office of Special Counsel, an independent government watchdog agency, has found 13 Trump officials in violation of the Hatch Act, the 1939 law limiting the political activities of government employees.
On Thursday, Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that the Hatch Act does not, in most instances, apply to the president.On Thursday, Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that the Hatch Act does not, in most instances, apply to the president.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. raised tens of millions of dollars in the last three months from major donors who gave more than $100,000, relying on some of the Democratic Party’s deepest pockets to sharply shrink Mr. Trump’s financial advantage, according to new federal filings.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. raised tens of millions of dollars in the last three months from major donors who gave more than $100,000, relying on some of the Democratic Party’s deepest pockets to sharply shrink Mr. Trump’s financial advantage, according to new federal filings.
Mr. Biden’s campaign announced on Thursday that he entered July with $242 million in the bank, up from less than $60 million at the beginning of April. He still has less money than Mr. Trump, who reported $295 million, but the cash gap is suddenly far less daunting.Mr. Biden’s campaign announced on Thursday that he entered July with $242 million in the bank, up from less than $60 million at the beginning of April. He still has less money than Mr. Trump, who reported $295 million, but the cash gap is suddenly far less daunting.
Mr. Biden’s biggest benefactors in the second quarter of 2020, when he became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, represent a who’s who of billionaires and influencers in Silicon Valley, Hollywood, Wall Street and beyond. Among those who gave at least $500,000 were Laurene Powell Jobs, the philanthropist and widow of Steve Jobs; Meg Whitman, a former Republican candidate for governor of California and now the chief executive of the streaming company Quibi; George Soros, the billionaire progressive financier; Jeffrey Katzenberg, the Hollywood producer; and Dustin Moskovitz, a co-founder of Facebook.Mr. Biden’s biggest benefactors in the second quarter of 2020, when he became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, represent a who’s who of billionaires and influencers in Silicon Valley, Hollywood, Wall Street and beyond. Among those who gave at least $500,000 were Laurene Powell Jobs, the philanthropist and widow of Steve Jobs; Meg Whitman, a former Republican candidate for governor of California and now the chief executive of the streaming company Quibi; George Soros, the billionaire progressive financier; Jeffrey Katzenberg, the Hollywood producer; and Dustin Moskovitz, a co-founder of Facebook.
Ever since Mr. Biden became the presumptive nominee in early April, the financial floodgates have opened, as major donors who once backed his rivals rallied behind him and small contributors surged toward the chance to oust Mr. Trump. James Murdoch, the son of the media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and his wife, Kathryn, each gave $615,000 in June to Mr. Biden’s shared committee with the Democratic Party. During the primary campaign, Mr. Murdoch had donated to Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind.Ever since Mr. Biden became the presumptive nominee in early April, the financial floodgates have opened, as major donors who once backed his rivals rallied behind him and small contributors surged toward the chance to oust Mr. Trump. James Murdoch, the son of the media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and his wife, Kathryn, each gave $615,000 in June to Mr. Biden’s shared committee with the Democratic Party. During the primary campaign, Mr. Murdoch had donated to Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind.
Donation limits during the general election skyrocket because, as the expected nominee, Mr. Biden can raise money simultaneously for his own campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties. Checks can be as large as $620,600.Donation limits during the general election skyrocket because, as the expected nominee, Mr. Biden can raise money simultaneously for his own campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties. Checks can be as large as $620,600.
Donors who gave at least $100,000 accounted for more than $53 million of Mr. Biden’s total haul in April through June, records show. The Biden and Trump campaigns will not file full reports for their spending and fund-raising until next Monday, though Wednesday’s disclosures offered important revelations both about how much cash Mr. Biden has accumulated and whom he and Mr. Trump have raised money from.Donors who gave at least $100,000 accounted for more than $53 million of Mr. Biden’s total haul in April through June, records show. The Biden and Trump campaigns will not file full reports for their spending and fund-raising until next Monday, though Wednesday’s disclosures offered important revelations both about how much cash Mr. Biden has accumulated and whom he and Mr. Trump have raised money from.
With Mr. Biden claiming almost a double-digit lead in national polls, one question still seems to loom over the race: Can we trust the polls after 2016?With Mr. Biden claiming almost a double-digit lead in national polls, one question still seems to loom over the race: Can we trust the polls after 2016?
It’s a good question. But for now, it’s not as important as you might guess. If the election were held today, Mr. Biden would win the presidency, even if the polls were exactly as wrong as they were four years ago, Nate Cohn writes for The Upshot.It’s a good question. But for now, it’s not as important as you might guess. If the election were held today, Mr. Biden would win the presidency, even if the polls were exactly as wrong as they were four years ago, Nate Cohn writes for The Upshot.
The reason is simple: Mr. Biden’s lead is far wider than Hillary Clinton’s was in the final polls, and large enough to withstand another 2016 polling meltdown.The reason is simple: Mr. Biden’s lead is far wider than Hillary Clinton’s was in the final polls, and large enough to withstand another 2016 polling meltdown.
This is not to say that Mr. Trump can’t win. There are still nearly four months to go until the election — more than enough time for the race and the polls to change. The race changed on several occasions over the final months in 2016. And this race has already changed significantly in the last four months. According to FiveThirtyEight, three months ago Mr. Biden held a lead of only about four points.This is not to say that Mr. Trump can’t win. There are still nearly four months to go until the election — more than enough time for the race and the polls to change. The race changed on several occasions over the final months in 2016. And this race has already changed significantly in the last four months. According to FiveThirtyEight, three months ago Mr. Biden held a lead of only about four points.
And while Mr. Biden can currently survive a 2016-like polling error, there is no reason a polling error couldn’t be even larger in 2020.And while Mr. Biden can currently survive a 2016-like polling error, there is no reason a polling error couldn’t be even larger in 2020.
But for now, his lead is large enough to survive a 2016 repeat and just about every general-election polling error in recent memory. He leads by an average of nearly 10 percentage points in national polls since June 1, well ahead of Mrs. Clinton’s four-point lead in the final national polls or her peaks of about seven points in early August and mid-October.But for now, his lead is large enough to survive a 2016 repeat and just about every general-election polling error in recent memory. He leads by an average of nearly 10 percentage points in national polls since June 1, well ahead of Mrs. Clinton’s four-point lead in the final national polls or her peaks of about seven points in early August and mid-October.
As the coronavirus surges across the country, Democrats are taking aim at Mr. Trump with an eye toward a key group of voters: older Americans.As the coronavirus surges across the country, Democrats are taking aim at Mr. Trump with an eye toward a key group of voters: older Americans.
A new television ad from the Democratic National Committee notes that the virus has been “hitting older Americans the hardest” and that tens of thousands of older people have died. The ad shows wilderness scenes and concludes with the declaration that Mr. Trump is “throwing America to the wolves.”A new television ad from the Democratic National Committee notes that the virus has been “hitting older Americans the hardest” and that tens of thousands of older people have died. The ad shows wilderness scenes and concludes with the declaration that Mr. Trump is “throwing America to the wolves.”
Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, pressed that argument on Thursday, telling reporters on a conference call, “Seniors have suffered immensely at the hands of this president.”Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, pressed that argument on Thursday, telling reporters on a conference call, “Seniors have suffered immensely at the hands of this president.”
Representative Donna E. Shalala, Democrat of Florida, said Mr. Biden “would never let one senior in this country die unnecessarily.”Representative Donna E. Shalala, Democrat of Florida, said Mr. Biden “would never let one senior in this country die unnecessarily.”
A spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, Courtney Parella, responded by accusing Mr. Biden of having “done nothing but fear-monger and root against America’s recovery.” She added, “Seniors can trust that their voices will be heard as long as President Trump is in the White House.”A spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, Courtney Parella, responded by accusing Mr. Biden of having “done nothing but fear-monger and root against America’s recovery.” She added, “Seniors can trust that their voices will be heard as long as President Trump is in the White House.”
Older voters have been a critical base of support for Mr. Trump and other Republican candidates, and Mr. Trump won voters 65 and older by seven percentage points in the 2016 election, according to exit polling.Older voters have been a critical base of support for Mr. Trump and other Republican candidates, and Mr. Trump won voters 65 and older by seven percentage points in the 2016 election, according to exit polling.
But his support among seniors has eroded, and dissatisfaction over his handling of the pandemic looms as a significant problem for him as November’s election approaches.But his support among seniors has eroded, and dissatisfaction over his handling of the pandemic looms as a significant problem for him as November’s election approaches.
In a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday, for example, 58 percent of voters who are 65 and older disapproved of how Mr. Trump was handling the response to the virus. In that age group, Mr. Biden led Mr. Trump by 14 percentage points.In a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday, for example, 58 percent of voters who are 65 and older disapproved of how Mr. Trump was handling the response to the virus. In that age group, Mr. Biden led Mr. Trump by 14 percentage points.
In another world, we would have been writing this dispatch from Milwaukee, preparing to hear Mr. Biden deliver his acceptance speech tonight for the presidential nomination. It’s easy to forget, but this was the week when the Democratic National Convention was supposed to take place.
Instead, it is serving as a reminder of just how much the coronavirus has exploded the 2020 campaign. If there are even conventions — and that remains a real question — they will be a far cry from the elaborate, stage-managed presentations that have become a quadrennial ritual.
Democrats are now looking at a hugely scaled down convention next month. At most.
Mr. Trump has made clear he wants the Republican convention to go on, moving it to Jacksonville, Fla., from Charlotte after North Carolina state officials told the party it would have to abide by social distancing rules.
But Florida, with its case load spiraling upward, has become the very symbol of the American failure to contain the virus. Many top Republicans are skipping the event.
On Thursday, the Republican National Committee announced new details about the convention, confirming a Times report this week that the party was planning to shift some events to take place outdoors.
Ronna McDaniel, the committee’s chairwoman, said that “a number of indoor and outdoor venues” in Jacksonville would be used, including the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, where the indoor program had been scheduled to take place, as well as several other locations. For the first three days of the convention, attendance will be limited to regular delegates, while a broader group will be allowed on the final day when Mr. Trump accepts the party’s nomination.
Republicans were reminded of the stakes of this decision on Wednesday, when Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma announced he had the virus. Mr. Stitt had attended Mr. Trump’s rally in Tulsa and did not wear a mask there, but he said Wednesday that given the time that had elapsed, he did not believe he was infected at the event. Still, Tulsa has experienced a surge of cases that health officials say is most likely connected to the rally. That is presumably not a story the Trump campaign would want coming out of Jacksonville.
Tommy Tuberville has wasted no time in pivoting toward his general-election opponent this fall, Senator Doug Jones. In Mr. Jones’s Alabama, he said Tuesday evening, “You don’t work for the United States of America — you spend your first three years trying to impeach the best president we’ve ever had. And he voted to impeach him!”Tommy Tuberville has wasted no time in pivoting toward his general-election opponent this fall, Senator Doug Jones. In Mr. Jones’s Alabama, he said Tuesday evening, “You don’t work for the United States of America — you spend your first three years trying to impeach the best president we’ve ever had. And he voted to impeach him!”
Mr. Tuberville succeeded in his primary campaign against Jeff Sessions in large part by focusing on Mr. Trump. And according to early conversations with his campaign staff, Mr. Tuberville plans to maintain that strategy in the general election.Mr. Tuberville succeeded in his primary campaign against Jeff Sessions in large part by focusing on Mr. Trump. And according to early conversations with his campaign staff, Mr. Tuberville plans to maintain that strategy in the general election.
But Mr. Jones has managed to navigate the in-between realm, both a loyal Democrat and amenable to working with Republicans and the president. In an interview on Wednesday, he pointed to the 17 bills he sponsored that Mr. Trump has signed into law.But Mr. Jones has managed to navigate the in-between realm, both a loyal Democrat and amenable to working with Republicans and the president. In an interview on Wednesday, he pointed to the 17 bills he sponsored that Mr. Trump has signed into law.
“I have the luxury of telling people in Alabama, ‘Look, I’m going to be for President Trump on issues that are good for Alabama, and I’ve done that,’” Mr. Jones said “But on the other hand, I’m going to speak out when he’s doing things that are not good for Alabama.”“I have the luxury of telling people in Alabama, ‘Look, I’m going to be for President Trump on issues that are good for Alabama, and I’ve done that,’” Mr. Jones said “But on the other hand, I’m going to speak out when he’s doing things that are not good for Alabama.”
He said he was betting that voters would appreciate his independence from the president, which is not something they can expect from Mr. Tuberville. Referring to the Republican senators in the South, Mr. Jones said: “They’ve been pretty timid. They wouldn’t speak out. And people take notice of that.”He said he was betting that voters would appreciate his independence from the president, which is not something they can expect from Mr. Tuberville. Referring to the Republican senators in the South, Mr. Jones said: “They’ve been pretty timid. They wouldn’t speak out. And people take notice of that.”
While virtually every Republican in the deeply conservative state of Alabama believes their party will prevail in November, some fear that Mr. Tuberville, a former Auburn University football coach who has never held elected office, is particularly vulnerable to the kind of scrutiny that could make the path more difficult.While virtually every Republican in the deeply conservative state of Alabama believes their party will prevail in November, some fear that Mr. Tuberville, a former Auburn University football coach who has never held elected office, is particularly vulnerable to the kind of scrutiny that could make the path more difficult.
If he receives that sort of attention, “then Doug Jones is going to get back in office,” predicted Cody Phillips, a member of the Republican Executive Committee for Baldwin County, east of Mobile. “Because the Democratic Party is going to attack him on all these issues.”If he receives that sort of attention, “then Doug Jones is going to get back in office,” predicted Cody Phillips, a member of the Republican Executive Committee for Baldwin County, east of Mobile. “Because the Democratic Party is going to attack him on all these issues.”
Mr. Trump traveled on Wednesday to the new political battleground of Georgia to blast away at one of the nation’s cornerstone conservation laws, vowing to speed construction projects by limiting legally mandated environmental reviews of highways, pipelines and power plants.Mr. Trump traveled on Wednesday to the new political battleground of Georgia to blast away at one of the nation’s cornerstone conservation laws, vowing to speed construction projects by limiting legally mandated environmental reviews of highways, pipelines and power plants.
One day earlier, Mr. Biden took a different tack, releasing a $2 trillion plan to confront climate change and overhaul the nation’s infrastructure, claiming he will create millions of jobs by building a clean energy economy.One day earlier, Mr. Biden took a different tack, releasing a $2 trillion plan to confront climate change and overhaul the nation’s infrastructure, claiming he will create millions of jobs by building a clean energy economy.
The events captured the two candidates’ radically different beliefs about the global threat of the planet’s warming, and offered a glimpse of how they would lead a nation confronting a climate crisis over the next four years. For Mr. Trump, tackling global warming is a threat to the economy. For Mr. Biden, it’s an opportunity.The events captured the two candidates’ radically different beliefs about the global threat of the planet’s warming, and offered a glimpse of how they would lead a nation confronting a climate crisis over the next four years. For Mr. Trump, tackling global warming is a threat to the economy. For Mr. Biden, it’s an opportunity.
In some ways, the debate over climate reflects the broader political realignment in both parties that defined the 2016 campaign: Working-class white voters, especially in rural areas, have moved farther from their union Democratic roots to embrace Mr. Trump and his energy policies, while educated, affluent white suburban voters, once staunchly Republican, drift toward the Democrats and appear increasingly open to more ambitious efforts to combat climate change.In some ways, the debate over climate reflects the broader political realignment in both parties that defined the 2016 campaign: Working-class white voters, especially in rural areas, have moved farther from their union Democratic roots to embrace Mr. Trump and his energy policies, while educated, affluent white suburban voters, once staunchly Republican, drift toward the Democrats and appear increasingly open to more ambitious efforts to combat climate change.
“Biden’s pitch may play well with traditionally moderate Republican voters in the suburbs, just as Trump’s policy pronouncements may play well with traditionally more Democratic-leaning voters in other parts of the state, more rural parts of the state,” said former Representative Ryan Costello, a Republican who represented the Philadelphia suburbs.“Biden’s pitch may play well with traditionally moderate Republican voters in the suburbs, just as Trump’s policy pronouncements may play well with traditionally more Democratic-leaning voters in other parts of the state, more rural parts of the state,” said former Representative Ryan Costello, a Republican who represented the Philadelphia suburbs.
But pro-business voters may see the danger of a Biden victory as just as high, said Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist.But pro-business voters may see the danger of a Biden victory as just as high, said Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist.
“A tremendous amount is at stake,” he said. “Drastic overregulation and anti-business regulations could just decimate rural and middle-American economies already reeling.”“A tremendous amount is at stake,” he said. “Drastic overregulation and anti-business regulations could just decimate rural and middle-American economies already reeling.”
Reporting was contributed by Nate Cohn, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Lisa Friedman, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Maggie Haberman, Thomas Kaplan, Lisa Lerer, Patricia Mazzei, Adam Nagourney, Jeremy W. Peters, Elaina Plott, Rebecca R. Ruiz, Stephanie Saul, Rachel Shorey, Glenn Thrush and Lucy Tompkins. Reporting was contributed by Nate Cohn, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Lisa Friedman, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Maggie Haberman, Thomas Kaplan, Patricia Mazzei, Adam Nagourney, Jeremy W. Peters, Elaina Plott, Rebecca R. Ruiz, Stephanie Saul, Rachel Shorey, Glenn Thrush and Lucy Tompkins.