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Biden Warns Trump Not to ‘Hype’ Vaccines Biden Warns Trump Not to ‘Hype’ Vaccines
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This briefing has ended. Follow our latest coverage of the 2020 Election. This briefing has ended. Follow our latest coverage of the Biden vs. Trump 2020 election here.
Democrats on Monday laid out plans to limit prime-time programming and increase testing for the coronavirus at their national convention next month, and the University of Notre Dame withdrew from hosting the first presidential debate in September, underscoring how the pandemic is upending some of the highest-profile events still to come on the 2020 campaign calendar.Democrats on Monday laid out plans to limit prime-time programming and increase testing for the coronavirus at their national convention next month, and the University of Notre Dame withdrew from hosting the first presidential debate in September, underscoring how the pandemic is upending some of the highest-profile events still to come on the 2020 campaign calendar.
Anyone who attends next month’s Democratic National Convention, a roster that is expected to be narrowed to about 300 people, must test negative for the coronavirus when arriving in Milwaukee and agree to be tested daily for the virus, convention planners said Monday.Anyone who attends next month’s Democratic National Convention, a roster that is expected to be narrowed to about 300 people, must test negative for the coronavirus when arriving in Milwaukee and agree to be tested daily for the virus, convention planners said Monday.
The new health protocols illustrate the extraordinary nature of hosting a national political convention amid a public health pandemic that continues to spread across the country. In addition to submitting to daily testing, convention attendees will be required to self-isolate for 72 hours before traveling to Milwaukee, wear a mask “at all times” in Milwaukee and “avoid bars, restaurants and other locations where social distancing is not possible or not practiced.”The new health protocols illustrate the extraordinary nature of hosting a national political convention amid a public health pandemic that continues to spread across the country. In addition to submitting to daily testing, convention attendees will be required to self-isolate for 72 hours before traveling to Milwaukee, wear a mask “at all times” in Milwaukee and “avoid bars, restaurants and other locations where social distancing is not possible or not practiced.”
“All attendees must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times until departing unless their job function specifically requires temporary removal of the P.P.E.,” the protocols said. “In addition, eye protection such as goggles or a face shield are strongly recommended.”“All attendees must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times until departing unless their job function specifically requires temporary removal of the P.P.E.,” the protocols said. “In addition, eye protection such as goggles or a face shield are strongly recommended.”
Convention planners did not indicate how they would build the capacity to test every convention attendee every day.Convention planners did not indicate how they would build the capacity to test every convention attendee every day.
Democratic planners will establish a “health and safety” perimeter outside the Wisconsin Center, the Milwaukee convention center where the scaled-down event has been moved. It had originally been scheduled for the city’s professional basketball arena, which can hold thousands of visitors.Democratic planners will establish a “health and safety” perimeter outside the Wisconsin Center, the Milwaukee convention center where the scaled-down event has been moved. It had originally been scheduled for the city’s professional basketball arena, which can hold thousands of visitors.
The Democratic convention, which in almost any other year would be an hourslong event for each of its four days, now will be limited to two hours a night, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., and be arranged to serve a television and online audience. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. “intends” to accept the party’s nomination in Milwaukee, according to convention organizers, but other party surrogates most likely will participate remotely from other locations.The Democratic convention, which in almost any other year would be an hourslong event for each of its four days, now will be limited to two hours a night, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., and be arranged to serve a television and online audience. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. “intends” to accept the party’s nomination in Milwaukee, according to convention organizers, but other party surrogates most likely will participate remotely from other locations.
The University of Notre Dame said Monday that it had withdrawn as the host of the first presidential debate in September, citing concerns about bringing campaign officials and volunteers to the campus outside South Bend, Ind., amid the coronavirus pandemic.The University of Notre Dame said Monday that it had withdrawn as the host of the first presidential debate in September, citing concerns about bringing campaign officials and volunteers to the campus outside South Bend, Ind., amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The first presidential debate instead will be held in Cleveland and be co-hosted by Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic, an academic medical center, according to the Commission on Presidential Debates, which oversees debates in a presidential general-election race.The first presidential debate instead will be held in Cleveland and be co-hosted by Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic, an academic medical center, according to the Commission on Presidential Debates, which oversees debates in a presidential general-election race.
“I am grateful to the many members of the University community who put in countless hours planning for this event, and to the Commission on Presidential Debates leadership for their professionalism and understanding,” the Rev. John I. Jenkins, the president of the university, said in a statement. “But in the end, the constraints the coronavirus pandemic put on the event — as understandable and necessary as they are — have led us to withdraw.”“I am grateful to the many members of the University community who put in countless hours planning for this event, and to the Commission on Presidential Debates leadership for their professionalism and understanding,” the Rev. John I. Jenkins, the president of the university, said in a statement. “But in the end, the constraints the coronavirus pandemic put on the event — as understandable and necessary as they are — have led us to withdraw.”
This would have been the university’s first presidential debate, though it has hosted six presidents at commencement ceremonies.This would have been the university’s first presidential debate, though it has hosted six presidents at commencement ceremonies.
Notre Dame’s decision followed a similar announcement from the University of Michigan, which said last month that it was withdrawing from hosting the second presidential debate. That debate, scheduled for Oct. 15, was moved to Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, according to the commission.Notre Dame’s decision followed a similar announcement from the University of Michigan, which said last month that it was withdrawing from hosting the second presidential debate. That debate, scheduled for Oct. 15, was moved to Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, according to the commission.
The third presidential debate is still scheduled for Oct. 22 at Belmont University in Nashville, and the lone vice-presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 7 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.The third presidential debate is still scheduled for Oct. 22 at Belmont University in Nashville, and the lone vice-presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 7 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Mr. Biden on Monday urged Mr. Trump to allow the development of a coronavirus vaccine to proceed without political interference from the White House.Mr. Biden on Monday urged Mr. Trump to allow the development of a coronavirus vaccine to proceed without political interference from the White House.
In a statement, Mr. Biden said progress by scientists was “great news,” but he warned that “the development of a new vaccine requires a dedication to science, coordination, transparency, truth and fairness to all — and we have a president who stands for none of these things.”In a statement, Mr. Biden said progress by scientists was “great news,” but he warned that “the development of a new vaccine requires a dedication to science, coordination, transparency, truth and fairness to all — and we have a president who stands for none of these things.”
Through a program called Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration is trying to make potential vaccines available as quickly as possible, and Mr. Trump’s re-election campaign has sought to promote those efforts.Through a program called Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration is trying to make potential vaccines available as quickly as possible, and Mr. Trump’s re-election campaign has sought to promote those efforts.
At a news conference on Monday, Mr. Trump said that “exciting progress” had been made under the initiative, pointing to a Phase 3 clinical trial now underway for a vaccine developed by the biotech company Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.At a news conference on Monday, Mr. Trump said that “exciting progress” had been made under the initiative, pointing to a Phase 3 clinical trial now underway for a vaccine developed by the biotech company Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.
“We will achieve a victory over the virus by unleashing America’s scientific genius,” Mr. Trump said. “We’ve shaved years off of the time that it takes to develop a vaccine — in some cases many years — and we’ve done it while maintaining the F.D.A. gold standard for safety,” he added, referring to the Food and Drug Administration.“We will achieve a victory over the virus by unleashing America’s scientific genius,” Mr. Trump said. “We’ve shaved years off of the time that it takes to develop a vaccine — in some cases many years — and we’ve done it while maintaining the F.D.A. gold standard for safety,” he added, referring to the Food and Drug Administration.
The process of developing a safe, effective vaccine can take years. And while Mr. Trump has promised speedy efforts to combat the pandemic, polls have found that significant numbers of Americans would be wary of getting the vaccine, mostly because of worries about safety.The process of developing a safe, effective vaccine can take years. And while Mr. Trump has promised speedy efforts to combat the pandemic, polls have found that significant numbers of Americans would be wary of getting the vaccine, mostly because of worries about safety.
In his statement Monday, Mr. Biden called on Mr. Trump to commit to three “principles of integrity” for vaccine development, including that “scientists and public health experts decide on safety and efficacy.”In his statement Monday, Mr. Biden called on Mr. Trump to commit to three “principles of integrity” for vaccine development, including that “scientists and public health experts decide on safety and efficacy.”
“The White House should not weigh in on these matters or push the F.D.A. to provide emergency authorizations prematurely, as they did for hydroxychloroquine,” Mr. Biden said. “The president should not ‘hype’ treatments or vaccines, overstate their results or undermine confidence in scientific findings.”“The White House should not weigh in on these matters or push the F.D.A. to provide emergency authorizations prematurely, as they did for hydroxychloroquine,” Mr. Biden said. “The president should not ‘hype’ treatments or vaccines, overstate their results or undermine confidence in scientific findings.”
Mr. Trump had promoted hydroxychloroquine as a “game changer” and said he took it himself, but the F.D.A. revoked its emergency approval last month, saying the drug was “unlikely to be effective” as a treatment for Covid-19 and warning of risks like heart problems.Mr. Trump had promoted hydroxychloroquine as a “game changer” and said he took it himself, but the F.D.A. revoked its emergency approval last month, saying the drug was “unlikely to be effective” as a treatment for Covid-19 and warning of risks like heart problems.
Mr. Biden also said that clinical data for any vaccine approved by the F.D.A. “should be made available to the public for independent expert review,” and that “there must be full transparency on recommendations by career staff.”Mr. Biden also said that clinical data for any vaccine approved by the F.D.A. “should be made available to the public for independent expert review,” and that “there must be full transparency on recommendations by career staff.”
When polls come out showing good news for President Trump, he tends to crow about them. When surveys paint a darker picture for him, he usually ignores them — or questions their validity.When polls come out showing good news for President Trump, he tends to crow about them. When surveys paint a darker picture for him, he usually ignores them — or questions their validity.
But what to make of it when Mr. Trump says he’s looking at favorable polls that the rest of us simply don’t have access to?But what to make of it when Mr. Trump says he’s looking at favorable polls that the rest of us simply don’t have access to?
At a stop in North Carolina to tour Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, a plant that is developing a coronavirus vaccine candidate, Mr. Trump responded to a reporter’s question about his standing against Mr. Biden in the polls.At a stop in North Carolina to tour Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, a plant that is developing a coronavirus vaccine candidate, Mr. Trump responded to a reporter’s question about his standing against Mr. Biden in the polls.
“We’re leading in North Carolina. We’re leading in Pennsylvania. We’re leading in Arizona — our numbers,” Mr. Trump said. “We’re leading nicely in Florida. I think our poll numbers are very good. We’re leading substantially in Georgia.”“We’re leading in North Carolina. We’re leading in Pennsylvania. We’re leading in Arizona — our numbers,” Mr. Trump said. “We’re leading nicely in Florida. I think our poll numbers are very good. We’re leading substantially in Georgia.”
It was unclear which polls Mr. Trump was referencing — considering the fact that most public polls of those states show him either trailing Mr. Biden or roughly tied — but aides have a tendency to show him internal data that paints a rosier picture than what is reported in outside polling.It was unclear which polls Mr. Trump was referencing — considering the fact that most public polls of those states show him either trailing Mr. Biden or roughly tied — but aides have a tendency to show him internal data that paints a rosier picture than what is reported in outside polling.
In several recent polls, Mr. Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has been listed as a negative influence on voter opinions.In several recent polls, Mr. Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has been listed as a negative influence on voter opinions.
A Quinnipiac University poll released last week showed Mr. Biden with a double-digit lead over Mr. Trump in Florida, with 51 percent of voters preferring Mr. Biden, and 38 percent preferring Mr. Trump.A Quinnipiac University poll released last week showed Mr. Biden with a double-digit lead over Mr. Trump in Florida, with 51 percent of voters preferring Mr. Biden, and 38 percent preferring Mr. Trump.
A Fox News poll published last week found that Mr. Biden had a double-digit lead over Mr. Trump in Pennsylvania: 50 percent of voters indicated that they’d pick Mr. Biden if they had to vote now, with 39 percent saying the same of Mr. Trump.A Fox News poll published last week found that Mr. Biden had a double-digit lead over Mr. Trump in Pennsylvania: 50 percent of voters indicated that they’d pick Mr. Biden if they had to vote now, with 39 percent saying the same of Mr. Trump.
A CNN poll published Sunday showed Mr. Biden with a slim lead — 49 percent to 45 percent — in Arizona, although that difference was within the survey’s margin of error.A CNN poll published Sunday showed Mr. Biden with a slim lead — 49 percent to 45 percent — in Arizona, although that difference was within the survey’s margin of error.
An NBC News/Marist College poll of North Carolina released Monday gave Mr. Biden a seven-point lead over Mr. Trump.An NBC News/Marist College poll of North Carolina released Monday gave Mr. Biden a seven-point lead over Mr. Trump.
And Georgia could be a tossup, according to polling data compiled by the website FiveThirtyEight.And Georgia could be a tossup, according to polling data compiled by the website FiveThirtyEight.
Before he left North Carolina, Mr. Trump dismissed the public polling, saying that he had heard the same story in 2016 before he defeated Hillary Clinton to win the presidency.Before he left North Carolina, Mr. Trump dismissed the public polling, saying that he had heard the same story in 2016 before he defeated Hillary Clinton to win the presidency.
The two prominent progressives running in the hotly contested Democratic Senate primary in Massachusetts did their best to butt heads at a debate on Sunday — despite running on very similar platforms.The two prominent progressives running in the hotly contested Democratic Senate primary in Massachusetts did their best to butt heads at a debate on Sunday — despite running on very similar platforms.
Senator Edward J. Markey, the incumbent, and Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III, the challenger, pitted youth against experience during the televised debate, which was the first of three scheduled in the lead-up to the Sept. 1 primary.Senator Edward J. Markey, the incumbent, and Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III, the challenger, pitted youth against experience during the televised debate, which was the first of three scheduled in the lead-up to the Sept. 1 primary.
“I’m running on my record of who I am, and my record of leadership,” Mr. Markey said.“I’m running on my record of who I am, and my record of leadership,” Mr. Markey said.
“There is so much more that is needed at this moment than just somebody that files the right bill and says that that’s enough,” Mr. Kennedy said.“There is so much more that is needed at this moment than just somebody that files the right bill and says that that’s enough,” Mr. Kennedy said.
Mr. Kennedy, 39, a fourth-term congressman representing a large area of southeastern Massachusetts, has made his youth a selling point since he announced his Senate bid in September. But he is also the scion of an American political dynasty; his father was a congressman, his grandfather was Robert F. Kennedy and his great-uncles were President John F. Kennedy and Senator Edward M. Kennedy.Mr. Kennedy, 39, a fourth-term congressman representing a large area of southeastern Massachusetts, has made his youth a selling point since he announced his Senate bid in September. But he is also the scion of an American political dynasty; his father was a congressman, his grandfather was Robert F. Kennedy and his great-uncles were President John F. Kennedy and Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Mr. Markey, 74, is a veteran lawmaker who was first elected to the House in 1976. He has a staunchly liberal record and has served in Congress for longer than Mr. Kennedy has been alive.Mr. Markey, 74, is a veteran lawmaker who was first elected to the House in 1976. He has a staunchly liberal record and has served in Congress for longer than Mr. Kennedy has been alive.
The candidates have plenty in common. Both have supported “Medicare for all.” Both have supported the Green New Deal. Both have supported direct cash payments to help Americans struggling with the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.The candidates have plenty in common. Both have supported “Medicare for all.” Both have supported the Green New Deal. Both have supported direct cash payments to help Americans struggling with the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
And during the televised debate on Sunday, both agreed that face masks should be mandatory in the state (“and nationally,” Mr. Kennedy added).And during the televised debate on Sunday, both agreed that face masks should be mandatory in the state (“and nationally,” Mr. Kennedy added).
The men clashed over a 2016 law that created an independent entity to restructure Puerto Rico’s debt; Mr. Markey voted against it in the Senate, while Mr. Kennedy supported the House version.The men clashed over a 2016 law that created an independent entity to restructure Puerto Rico’s debt; Mr. Markey voted against it in the Senate, while Mr. Kennedy supported the House version.
Mr. Kennedy also fell back on an old talking point against Mr. Markey, accusing him of being disconnected from Massachusetts voters because he has a home in Chevy Chase, Md., a Washington suburb. And the candidates disagreed over the importance of endorsements after Mr. Markey pointed to the support he had received from many state officials, including in Mr. Kennedy’s own district.Mr. Kennedy also fell back on an old talking point against Mr. Markey, accusing him of being disconnected from Massachusetts voters because he has a home in Chevy Chase, Md., a Washington suburb. And the candidates disagreed over the importance of endorsements after Mr. Markey pointed to the support he had received from many state officials, including in Mr. Kennedy’s own district.
“This is why we need change,” Mr. Kennedy responded. “It is a Washington thing to think that endorsements of elected officials means credibility.”“This is why we need change,” Mr. Kennedy responded. “It is a Washington thing to think that endorsements of elected officials means credibility.”
Representative John Lewis, Democrat of Georgia and a civil rights icon, on Monday became the first Black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda, one of the highest American honors.Representative John Lewis, Democrat of Georgia and a civil rights icon, on Monday became the first Black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda, one of the highest American honors.
Mr. Lewis, a 17-term congressman from Georgia and the senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died July 17 after battling pancreatic cancer.Mr. Lewis, a 17-term congressman from Georgia and the senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died July 17 after battling pancreatic cancer.
With the Capitol closed to the public amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Lewis was to spend only a few hours lying in state under the Capitol dome after an invitation-only ceremony on Monday afternoon.With the Capitol closed to the public amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Lewis was to spend only a few hours lying in state under the Capitol dome after an invitation-only ceremony on Monday afternoon.
Mr. Biden arrived at the Rotunda on Monday evening, patting his hand on Mr. Lewis’s coffin. Vice President Mike Pence also visited the Capitol to pay his respects, but Mr. Trump told reporters on Monday that he “won’t be going.”Mr. Biden arrived at the Rotunda on Monday evening, patting his hand on Mr. Lewis’s coffin. Vice President Mike Pence also visited the Capitol to pay his respects, but Mr. Trump told reporters on Monday that he “won’t be going.”
The ceremony on Monday included remarks from Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, and Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader.The ceremony on Monday included remarks from Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, and Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader.
“John firmly focused on the future — on how to inspire the next generation to join the fight for justice,” Ms. Pelosi said.“John firmly focused on the future — on how to inspire the next generation to join the fight for justice,” Ms. Pelosi said.
“John Lewis lived and worked with urgency because the task was urgent,” Mr. McConnell said. “But even though the world around him gave him every cause for bitterness, he stubbornly treated everyone with respect and love.”“John Lewis lived and worked with urgency because the task was urgent,” Mr. McConnell said. “But even though the world around him gave him every cause for bitterness, he stubbornly treated everyone with respect and love.”
The most memorable remarks, though, came from Mr. Lewis himself, through a recording of a speech that was introduced by Ms. Pelosi. His deep voice booming in the silent rotunda, Mr. Lewis recounted his upbringing and his work during the civil rights movement, and he exhorted citizens to vote and to pursue social justice. When the recording ended, some of those seated nearby wiped away tears, and Ms. Pelosi led the assembled lawmakers — representing both parties — in a standing ovation.The most memorable remarks, though, came from Mr. Lewis himself, through a recording of a speech that was introduced by Ms. Pelosi. His deep voice booming in the silent rotunda, Mr. Lewis recounted his upbringing and his work during the civil rights movement, and he exhorted citizens to vote and to pursue social justice. When the recording ended, some of those seated nearby wiped away tears, and Ms. Pelosi led the assembled lawmakers — representing both parties — in a standing ovation.
Mr. Lewis’s coffin was later moved outside to the Capitol steps, where members of the public were being allowed to line up — with masks required and social distancing enforced — to view it from the plaza below on Monday evening and all day Tuesday.Mr. Lewis’s coffin was later moved outside to the Capitol steps, where members of the public were being allowed to line up — with masks required and social distancing enforced — to view it from the plaza below on Monday evening and all day Tuesday.
Last year, Representative Elijah E. Cummings became the first Black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol, though he was honored in Statuary Hall, not in the Rotunda, where presidents and other statesmen have lain. Rosa Parks, the civil rights pioneer, lay in honor there in 2005, receiving the highest honor afforded to a private citizen.Last year, Representative Elijah E. Cummings became the first Black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol, though he was honored in Statuary Hall, not in the Rotunda, where presidents and other statesmen have lain. Rosa Parks, the civil rights pioneer, lay in honor there in 2005, receiving the highest honor afforded to a private citizen.
Susan E. Rice, 55, is now among a handful of women under consideration to become Mr. Biden’s running mate. It is the latest stage in a path to power that has seen Ms. Rice chosen to be a Rhodes scholar at 21, an assistant secretary of state at 32 and ambassador to the United Nations little more than a decade later.Susan E. Rice, 55, is now among a handful of women under consideration to become Mr. Biden’s running mate. It is the latest stage in a path to power that has seen Ms. Rice chosen to be a Rhodes scholar at 21, an assistant secretary of state at 32 and ambassador to the United Nations little more than a decade later.
If picked, Ms. Rice would be on a ballot for the first time. But it would not be the first time she has thought about running. In 2018, she publicly considered a bid for the Senate from Maine, a state where she had family roots but did not live.If picked, Ms. Rice would be on a ballot for the first time. But it would not be the first time she has thought about running. In 2018, she publicly considered a bid for the Senate from Maine, a state where she had family roots but did not live.
The questions that faced Ms. Rice in 2018 presaged, in some respects, those that now surround her as a vice-presidential contender: How much do voters prize government experience, or care about the international stage? Is the country ready, four years after seeming to reject elite expertise with the election of Mr. Trump, to embrace a candidate defined chiefly as an analytical policy mind?The questions that faced Ms. Rice in 2018 presaged, in some respects, those that now surround her as a vice-presidential contender: How much do voters prize government experience, or care about the international stage? Is the country ready, four years after seeming to reject elite expertise with the election of Mr. Trump, to embrace a candidate defined chiefly as an analytical policy mind?
Ms. Rice is up against multiple candidates who have run for president themselves, including Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, and others, like Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, who have endured grueling statewide campaigns.Ms. Rice is up against multiple candidates who have run for president themselves, including Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, and others, like Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, who have endured grueling statewide campaigns.
Allies of Ms. Rice have argued privately to Biden advisers that the learning curve for a first-time candidate might be smoother than normal given the strictures of a pandemic-era campaign. If a town-hall meeting or rally might be a relatively new setting for Ms. Rice, a television studio or webinar surely would not. They point, too, to the electoral inexperience on the opposing ticket: Ms. Rice, after all, has won exactly as many elections as Mr. Trump did before he defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016.Allies of Ms. Rice have argued privately to Biden advisers that the learning curve for a first-time candidate might be smoother than normal given the strictures of a pandemic-era campaign. If a town-hall meeting or rally might be a relatively new setting for Ms. Rice, a television studio or webinar surely would not. They point, too, to the electoral inexperience on the opposing ticket: Ms. Rice, after all, has won exactly as many elections as Mr. Trump did before he defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016.
With less than 100 days until the election, the Biden campaign is intensifying its efforts to cast the contest as a choice about character and leadership “in times of extreme peril and struggle,” according to a campaign memo circulated over the weekend, arguing that Mr. Trump has failed the nation at a critical juncture.With less than 100 days until the election, the Biden campaign is intensifying its efforts to cast the contest as a choice about character and leadership “in times of extreme peril and struggle,” according to a campaign memo circulated over the weekend, arguing that Mr. Trump has failed the nation at a critical juncture.
The memo, sent by Kate Bedingfield, a deputy campaign manager, and obtained by The New York Times, lacerated Mr. Trump’s stewardship of the coronavirus crisis, the economic challenges facing the country and the national outcry over systemic racism, and noted his struggles to negatively define Mr. Biden.The memo, sent by Kate Bedingfield, a deputy campaign manager, and obtained by The New York Times, lacerated Mr. Trump’s stewardship of the coronavirus crisis, the economic challenges facing the country and the national outcry over systemic racism, and noted his struggles to negatively define Mr. Biden.
“The conclusion voters continue to draw is straightforward and clear: Joe Biden cares about you and your family, and Donald Trump only cares about himself, the super-wealthy, and corporations — and he doesn’t care who he hurts,” the memo said.“The conclusion voters continue to draw is straightforward and clear: Joe Biden cares about you and your family, and Donald Trump only cares about himself, the super-wealthy, and corporations — and he doesn’t care who he hurts,” the memo said.
The campaign announced a new one-minute ad on Monday that featured a Wisconsin woman lamenting the death of her grandmother from Covid-19. “I felt like our elderly have not been a priority for this administration. That they don’t matter. And I feel like my grandmother didn’t matter,” she said, holding back tears over the fact that her grandmother died alone.The campaign announced a new one-minute ad on Monday that featured a Wisconsin woman lamenting the death of her grandmother from Covid-19. “I felt like our elderly have not been a priority for this administration. That they don’t matter. And I feel like my grandmother didn’t matter,” she said, holding back tears over the fact that her grandmother died alone.
The ad was part of what the memo described as “a new $14.5 million ad buy in Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania — six states Donald Trump won in 2016.”The ad was part of what the memo described as “a new $14.5 million ad buy in Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania — six states Donald Trump won in 2016.”
The Biden campaign has made it a priority to solidify its incursions into Mr. Trump’s base of older voters.The Biden campaign has made it a priority to solidify its incursions into Mr. Trump’s base of older voters.
In the memo, the campaign highlighted several tactical steps it is taking to reach them and other key elements of Mr. Biden’s coalition: “voters in the suburbs, seniors, African Americans, and independent voters.”In the memo, the campaign highlighted several tactical steps it is taking to reach them and other key elements of Mr. Biden’s coalition: “voters in the suburbs, seniors, African Americans, and independent voters.”
Mr. Trump is hoping to cut into those constituencies by seeking to paint Mr. Biden — who does not support defunding the police — as radical on matters of law enforcement, and by arguing that he remains the best leader on the economy.Mr. Trump is hoping to cut into those constituencies by seeking to paint Mr. Biden — who does not support defunding the police — as radical on matters of law enforcement, and by arguing that he remains the best leader on the economy.
The Democratic coordinated campaign will “have well over 2,000 staff on board in August and tens of thousands of additional volunteers across the country,” according to the memo.The Democratic coordinated campaign will “have well over 2,000 staff on board in August and tens of thousands of additional volunteers across the country,” according to the memo.
And the Biden campaign, which began organizing in the battleground states later than Mr. Trump and the coordinated Republican effort did — an advantage of incumbency — now “has staff in 17 battleground states and recently added Texas as the seventh state Donald Trump won in 2016 where we are running ads on television and across digital platforms,” the memo noted.And the Biden campaign, which began organizing in the battleground states later than Mr. Trump and the coordinated Republican effort did — an advantage of incumbency — now “has staff in 17 battleground states and recently added Texas as the seventh state Donald Trump won in 2016 where we are running ads on television and across digital platforms,” the memo noted.
The memo was first reported by NBC News.The memo was first reported by NBC News.
A congressional candidate in Texas who was backed by Mr. Trump has declared victory nearly two weeks after a nail-biting Republican runoff against an underdog who got help from Senator Ted Cruz.A congressional candidate in Texas who was backed by Mr. Trump has declared victory nearly two weeks after a nail-biting Republican runoff against an underdog who got help from Senator Ted Cruz.
A mere seven votes separated the candidates — the Trump-endorsed Tony Gonzales and his opponent, Raul Reyes — on July 14, the day of the runoff for the seat representing Texas’s 23rd Congressional District. But after all absentee and overseas ballots were counted, Mr. Gonzales said Monday that he was ahead by 46 votes, 12,342 to 12,296.A mere seven votes separated the candidates — the Trump-endorsed Tony Gonzales and his opponent, Raul Reyes — on July 14, the day of the runoff for the seat representing Texas’s 23rd Congressional District. But after all absentee and overseas ballots were counted, Mr. Gonzales said Monday that he was ahead by 46 votes, 12,342 to 12,296.
In a last-ditch effort to prevail, Mr. Reyes, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, appealed to supporters on Monday via Facebook, asking them to help finance a recount.In a last-ditch effort to prevail, Mr. Reyes, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, appealed to supporters on Monday via Facebook, asking them to help finance a recount.
“Democracy is an expensive proposition,” Mr. Reyes wrote, acknowledging that he remains behind. “By mid-week, we will likely have to have a $35,000 deposit to get a recount in TX-23’s 29 counties.”“Democracy is an expensive proposition,” Mr. Reyes wrote, acknowledging that he remains behind. “By mid-week, we will likely have to have a $35,000 deposit to get a recount in TX-23’s 29 counties.”
Republicans worry that an extended fight over the vote totals could further divide their party in the Southwest Texas district, and jeopardize their chances of retaining a House seat held since 2015 by Will Hurd. Mr. Hurd, the only Black Republican in the House of Representatives, announced last year that he would not seek another term.Republicans worry that an extended fight over the vote totals could further divide their party in the Southwest Texas district, and jeopardize their chances of retaining a House seat held since 2015 by Will Hurd. Mr. Hurd, the only Black Republican in the House of Representatives, announced last year that he would not seek another term.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Matt Mackowiak, Mr. Gonzales, a former Navy cryptologist, urged Mr. Reyes to forgo the recount. “We must unify the party to win this race in November,” the statement said.In a statement issued by his spokesman, Matt Mackowiak, Mr. Gonzales, a former Navy cryptologist, urged Mr. Reyes to forgo the recount. “We must unify the party to win this race in November,” the statement said.
As the Republicans battle over every vote, a well-funded Democratic nominee, Gina Ortiz Jones, a former Air Force intelligence officer, has emerged as a strong general election opponent in a majority Mexican-American district where she ran a strong race against Mr. Hurd in 2018.As the Republicans battle over every vote, a well-funded Democratic nominee, Gina Ortiz Jones, a former Air Force intelligence officer, has emerged as a strong general election opponent in a majority Mexican-American district where she ran a strong race against Mr. Hurd in 2018.
Mr. Trump seems insistent on making the protests in the streets of America’s cities — including those in response to the deployment of federal agents in Portland, Ore. — a key focus of his re-election campaign: in remarks from the White House briefing room, in his television ads and across his Twitter account.Mr. Trump seems insistent on making the protests in the streets of America’s cities — including those in response to the deployment of federal agents in Portland, Ore. — a key focus of his re-election campaign: in remarks from the White House briefing room, in his television ads and across his Twitter account.
But while Democrats have expressed dismay at the use of federal law enforcement in Portland, Ore., advisers to Mr. Biden and his Democratic allies seem mostly unconcerned about the impact of Mr. Trump’s tactics politically, even as protests escalated and spread over the weekend.But while Democrats have expressed dismay at the use of federal law enforcement in Portland, Ore., advisers to Mr. Biden and his Democratic allies seem mostly unconcerned about the impact of Mr. Trump’s tactics politically, even as protests escalated and spread over the weekend.
For one thing, the president’s dire warnings of a dark Democratic-run future is in dissonance with the reality that the current unrest is happening during his own Republican tenure.For one thing, the president’s dire warnings of a dark Democratic-run future is in dissonance with the reality that the current unrest is happening during his own Republican tenure.
“The sense of disorder that Trump is promoting as a national threat actually works against him because it reinforces a sense that America under Donald Trump is a country in disorder and disarray,” said Geoff Garin, a pollster who works for a leading Democratic super PAC, Priorities USA.“The sense of disorder that Trump is promoting as a national threat actually works against him because it reinforces a sense that America under Donald Trump is a country in disorder and disarray,” said Geoff Garin, a pollster who works for a leading Democratic super PAC, Priorities USA.
For another, Democrats believe the issue of violence at protests is being perceived by many voters as a distraction by Mr. Trump from his faltering pandemic response and the economic downturn.For another, Democrats believe the issue of violence at protests is being perceived by many voters as a distraction by Mr. Trump from his faltering pandemic response and the economic downturn.
“It’s not geared toward quelling the violence,” Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist, said of Mr. Trump’s response to unrest in the streets. “It’s geared toward creating clashes that create the imagery he can use in the election.”“It’s not geared toward quelling the violence,” Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist, said of Mr. Trump’s response to unrest in the streets. “It’s geared toward creating clashes that create the imagery he can use in the election.”
One particular challenge for Mr. Trump is that his “law and order” focus is not necessarily the current obsession of the voting public. As Jared Leopold, another Democratic strategist, put it, “It’s very hard to take an issue that’s not on people’s top five issues on their plate and turn it into something they give a damn about.”One particular challenge for Mr. Trump is that his “law and order” focus is not necessarily the current obsession of the voting public. As Jared Leopold, another Democratic strategist, put it, “It’s very hard to take an issue that’s not on people’s top five issues on their plate and turn it into something they give a damn about.”
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, is seeking to block federal funding for the military to recruit in middle and high schools and request data about students.Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, is seeking to block federal funding for the military to recruit in middle and high schools and request data about students.
Her proposal, which would be added to the annual military spending bill, comes days after she introduced a related amendment that would block funding for “the Armed Forces to maintain a presence on Twitch.tv or any video game, esports, or livestreaming platform.”Her proposal, which would be added to the annual military spending bill, comes days after she introduced a related amendment that would block funding for “the Armed Forces to maintain a presence on Twitch.tv or any video game, esports, or livestreaming platform.”
Struggling to hit recruiting goals, the Army has begun expanding its recruitment techniques, including seeking to enlist gamers. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez argues the military is using the novel tactics to recruit too heavily from low-income communities.Struggling to hit recruiting goals, the Army has begun expanding its recruitment techniques, including seeking to enlist gamers. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez argues the military is using the novel tactics to recruit too heavily from low-income communities.
“Whether through recruitment stations in their lunchrooms, or now through e-sports teams, children in low-income communities are persistently targeted for enlistment,” she said in a statement.“Whether through recruitment stations in their lunchrooms, or now through e-sports teams, children in low-income communities are persistently targeted for enlistment,” she said in a statement.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said that the military “can for some provide a rewarding career,” but added that “low-income Americans are not being given anywhere near the same information or access to trade schools, college or other post graduate opportunities.”Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said that the military “can for some provide a rewarding career,” but added that “low-income Americans are not being given anywhere near the same information or access to trade schools, college or other post graduate opportunities.”
“In many public high schools where military recruiters have a daily presence, there is not even a counselor,” she said. “As a result, the military stops feeling like a ‘choice’ and starts feeling like the only option for many young, low-income Americans.”“In many public high schools where military recruiters have a daily presence, there is not even a counselor,” she said. “As a result, the military stops feeling like a ‘choice’ and starts feeling like the only option for many young, low-income Americans.”
It is not clear whether Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s proposals will receive a vote. The House Rules Committee will consider them on Tuesday, ahead of action on the military spending measure later this week.It is not clear whether Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s proposals will receive a vote. The House Rules Committee will consider them on Tuesday, ahead of action on the military spending measure later this week.
Millions of Americans relying on enhanced unemployment benefits are set to see their $600-a-week unemployment insurance expansion expire at the end of this week.Millions of Americans relying on enhanced unemployment benefits are set to see their $600-a-week unemployment insurance expansion expire at the end of this week.
Republicans are now seeking to slash that jobless benefit by two-thirds, to $200, in a new $1 trillion economic stimulus proposal, according to officials familiar with the talks.Republicans are now seeking to slash that jobless benefit by two-thirds, to $200, in a new $1 trillion economic stimulus proposal, according to officials familiar with the talks.
Democrats, congressional Republicans and the White House remain far apart in their efforts to craft and agree upon a new round of pandemic-inspired stimulus. Democrats are proposing to spend three times as much to stabilize the economy.Democrats, congressional Republicans and the White House remain far apart in their efforts to craft and agree upon a new round of pandemic-inspired stimulus. Democrats are proposing to spend three times as much to stabilize the economy.
“This is an emergency,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” as she and other Democrats accused Republicans of foot-dragging.“This is an emergency,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” as she and other Democrats accused Republicans of foot-dragging.
The stimulus is now both a critical relief package for millions of Americans and a political football with less than 100 days until the election.The stimulus is now both a critical relief package for millions of Americans and a political football with less than 100 days until the election.
Democrats want the program extended, while Republicans have complained that the initial $600-a-week benefits “went too far,” as Larry Kudlow, a Trump economic adviser put it on Sunday, arguing that they incentivized people to stay away from work.Democrats want the program extended, while Republicans have complained that the initial $600-a-week benefits “went too far,” as Larry Kudlow, a Trump economic adviser put it on Sunday, arguing that they incentivized people to stay away from work.
But rolling back an economic stimulus program less than four months before the election would hurt whatever fragile economic recovery is underway, meaning the White House itself is incentivized to strike some kind of deal.But rolling back an economic stimulus program less than four months before the election would hurt whatever fragile economic recovery is underway, meaning the White House itself is incentivized to strike some kind of deal.
Mr. Trump on Monday mounted his most forceful and detailed legal attack yet on the subpoena for his tax returns by the Manhattan district attorney, arguing the request was “wildly overbroad” and “issued in bad faith,” a new court filing shows.Mr. Trump on Monday mounted his most forceful and detailed legal attack yet on the subpoena for his tax returns by the Manhattan district attorney, arguing the request was “wildly overbroad” and “issued in bad faith,” a new court filing shows.
Mr. Trump’s lawyers asked a federal judge in Manhattan to declare that the subpoena from the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., a Democrat, was “invalid and unenforceable.”Mr. Trump’s lawyers asked a federal judge in Manhattan to declare that the subpoena from the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., a Democrat, was “invalid and unenforceable.”
They also asked that the judge issue an order barring Mr. Vance from “taking any action to enforce” the subpoena — which sought years of tax and other financial records from Mr. Trump’s accountants — and that he block Mr. Trump’s accounting firm from turning over any of the information.They also asked that the judge issue an order barring Mr. Vance from “taking any action to enforce” the subpoena — which sought years of tax and other financial records from Mr. Trump’s accountants — and that he block Mr. Trump’s accounting firm from turning over any of the information.
Mr. Trump’s arguments came just weeks after the Supreme Court cleared the way for Manhattan prosecutors to seek his financial records, in a decision that was seen as a major defeat for Mr. Trump and a statement on the limits of presidential power.Mr. Trump’s arguments came just weeks after the Supreme Court cleared the way for Manhattan prosecutors to seek his financial records, in a decision that was seen as a major defeat for Mr. Trump and a statement on the limits of presidential power.
Mr. Vance’s office, which is scheduled to respond to Mr. Trump’s latest filing next week, has accused Mr. Trump of intentionally dragging out the subpoena fight to effectively shield himself from criminal investigation, and obtain the kind of immunity to which the Supreme Court said he was not entitled.Mr. Vance’s office, which is scheduled to respond to Mr. Trump’s latest filing next week, has accused Mr. Trump of intentionally dragging out the subpoena fight to effectively shield himself from criminal investigation, and obtain the kind of immunity to which the Supreme Court said he was not entitled.
Reporting was contributed by Alexander Burns, Luke Broadwater, Emily Cochrane, Reid J. Epstein, Jacey Fortin, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Thomas Kaplan, Jonathan Martin, William K. Rashbaum, Katie Rogers, Giovanni Russonello, Stephanie Saul, James Wagner and Benjamin Weiser.Reporting was contributed by Alexander Burns, Luke Broadwater, Emily Cochrane, Reid J. Epstein, Jacey Fortin, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Thomas Kaplan, Jonathan Martin, William K. Rashbaum, Katie Rogers, Giovanni Russonello, Stephanie Saul, James Wagner and Benjamin Weiser.