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2020 Election Live Updates: Trump Returns to Denying Reality on the Coronavirus 2020 Election Live Updates: Trump Returns to Denying Reality on the Coronavirus
(about 1 hour later)
Last week, President Trump raised Republican hopes for a major course correction on the coronavirus when he canceled the G.O.P. convention in Jacksonville, Fla., and urged Americans more clearly than in the past to wear masks in public. No matter how many times Mr. Trump proves himself incapable of changing political stripes, the notion that he might seems to persist.Last week, President Trump raised Republican hopes for a major course correction on the coronavirus when he canceled the G.O.P. convention in Jacksonville, Fla., and urged Americans more clearly than in the past to wear masks in public. No matter how many times Mr. Trump proves himself incapable of changing political stripes, the notion that he might seems to persist.
Not so amazingly, his sober posture did not last.Not so amazingly, his sober posture did not last.
On Monday, Mr. Trump began the week with an emphatic reassertion of his core instincts, heralding a speedy economic comeback underway (a description not rooted in reality), insisting his polling shows him well ahead of Joseph R. Biden Jr. in swing-state battlegrounds (it does not), and again pressuring governors to speed up a return to normal business in their states. It was a performance that underscored once more that when it comes to the defining issue of the election, Mr. Trump is mostly choosing to inhabit an alternate reality in which recovery is right around the corner.On Monday, Mr. Trump began the week with an emphatic reassertion of his core instincts, heralding a speedy economic comeback underway (a description not rooted in reality), insisting his polling shows him well ahead of Joseph R. Biden Jr. in swing-state battlegrounds (it does not), and again pressuring governors to speed up a return to normal business in their states. It was a performance that underscored once more that when it comes to the defining issue of the election, Mr. Trump is mostly choosing to inhabit an alternate reality in which recovery is right around the corner.
“I really do believe a lot of the governors should be opening up states that they’re not opening,” Mr. Trump told reporters. Late Monday, tweeting that “markets would crash and cities would burn” if Mr. Biden were elected, he said that “we will beat the Virus, soon, and go on to the Golden Age.” He also retweeted a series of misleading claims about the coronavirus, including a Breitbart video that contained misinformation about the pandemic and has since been removed by social platforms.“I really do believe a lot of the governors should be opening up states that they’re not opening,” Mr. Trump told reporters. Late Monday, tweeting that “markets would crash and cities would burn” if Mr. Biden were elected, he said that “we will beat the Virus, soon, and go on to the Golden Age.” He also retweeted a series of misleading claims about the coronavirus, including a Breitbart video that contained misinformation about the pandemic and has since been removed by social platforms.
(The president’s son Donald Trump Jr. posted the same video on Twitter and was logged off his account for 12 hours in response for violating the company’s Covid-19 misinformation policy, according to a company spokesman, who said the pause was not a suspension. Andrew Surabian, a spokesman for the younger Mr. Trump, responded by saying, “Big Tech is the biggest threat to free expression in America today.”)(The president’s son Donald Trump Jr. posted the same video on Twitter and was logged off his account for 12 hours in response for violating the company’s Covid-19 misinformation policy, according to a company spokesman, who said the pause was not a suspension. Andrew Surabian, a spokesman for the younger Mr. Trump, responded by saying, “Big Tech is the biggest threat to free expression in America today.”)
By declining to grapple with the real conditions of the virus and the economy, President Trump is not only cleaving himself apart from most voters and their anxieties and needs — a serious enough problem in an election year. He is also effectively ceding the debate over managing and rebuilding from the pandemic to Mr. Biden, who has been gradually rolling out a series of public health and economic aid plans more or less unchallenged by the president.By declining to grapple with the real conditions of the virus and the economy, President Trump is not only cleaving himself apart from most voters and their anxieties and needs — a serious enough problem in an election year. He is also effectively ceding the debate over managing and rebuilding from the pandemic to Mr. Biden, who has been gradually rolling out a series of public health and economic aid plans more or less unchallenged by the president.
Mr. Biden will announce the latest component of those plans in a speech on Tuesday addressing structural racism in the economy, a subject on which Mr. Trump has had nothing to say.Mr. Biden will announce the latest component of those plans in a speech on Tuesday addressing structural racism in the economy, a subject on which Mr. Trump has had nothing to say.
Mr. Biden on Tuesday plans to unveil the capstone to his sweeping economic recovery plan with a speech that outlines his vision to “advance racial economic equity in America,” according to his campaign.Mr. Biden on Tuesday plans to unveil the capstone to his sweeping economic recovery plan with a speech that outlines his vision to “advance racial economic equity in America,” according to his campaign.
Mr. Biden will deliver his address in Wilmington, Del., on Tuesday afternoon, where he is expected to sketch out how fighting systemic racism is integral to a range of his economic proposals, from housing to infrastructure to supporting small businesses, senior campaign officials said during a morning briefing with the news media.Mr. Biden will deliver his address in Wilmington, Del., on Tuesday afternoon, where he is expected to sketch out how fighting systemic racism is integral to a range of his economic proposals, from housing to infrastructure to supporting small businesses, senior campaign officials said during a morning briefing with the news media.
The moment offers Mr. Biden a chance to detail a clear, positive message on racial justice, and to cut another sharp contrast with his opponent, Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly taken incendiary actions on that issue at a moment of national crisis over racism and police violence.The moment offers Mr. Biden a chance to detail a clear, positive message on racial justice, and to cut another sharp contrast with his opponent, Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly taken incendiary actions on that issue at a moment of national crisis over racism and police violence.
In recent months, as the country has grappled with devastating public health and economic problems and a growing outcry over racial injustice, Mr. Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has increasingly called for ambitious measures to address the nation’s towering challenges, going far beyond the instincts toward relatively incremental change that guided him in the primary, at least compared to many of his Democratic opponents. As he seeks to unite his party around his candidacy, he has sought input from a broader range of experts and officials, including from a series of task forces assembled with Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, his progressive primary rival.In recent months, as the country has grappled with devastating public health and economic problems and a growing outcry over racial injustice, Mr. Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has increasingly called for ambitious measures to address the nation’s towering challenges, going far beyond the instincts toward relatively incremental change that guided him in the primary, at least compared to many of his Democratic opponents. As he seeks to unite his party around his candidacy, he has sought input from a broader range of experts and officials, including from a series of task forces assembled with Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, his progressive primary rival.
Ahead of the speech, the Biden campaign released a policy plan on racial equity that touches on a variety of issues. The plan emphasizes support for small business owners of color, promising that Mr. Biden will “leverage more than $150 billion in new capital and opportunities for small businesses that have been structurally excluded for generations,” including by increasing access to venture capital and low-interest business loans.Ahead of the speech, the Biden campaign released a policy plan on racial equity that touches on a variety of issues. The plan emphasizes support for small business owners of color, promising that Mr. Biden will “leverage more than $150 billion in new capital and opportunities for small businesses that have been structurally excluded for generations,” including by increasing access to venture capital and low-interest business loans.
Mr. Biden’s plan sets a goal of increasing federal contracting with small disadvantaged businesses, and it says he will seek to improve the opportunity zone program that was enacted as part of the 2017 tax overhaul. Mr. Biden, who has long faced skepticism from some voters over his leading role in the 1994 crime bill, which many experts link to mass incarceration, also addresses criminal justice matters in the plan. His proposal would aim to help states improve their criminal justice data infrastructure so they can automatically seal criminal records for certain nonviolent offenders.Mr. Biden’s plan sets a goal of increasing federal contracting with small disadvantaged businesses, and it says he will seek to improve the opportunity zone program that was enacted as part of the 2017 tax overhaul. Mr. Biden, who has long faced skepticism from some voters over his leading role in the 1994 crime bill, which many experts link to mass incarceration, also addresses criminal justice matters in the plan. His proposal would aim to help states improve their criminal justice data infrastructure so they can automatically seal criminal records for certain nonviolent offenders.
On the call with reporters, which was conducted on the condition of anonymity, a senior campaign official said in response to a question that Mr. Biden did not object to a study of reparations, but that he was focused on more immediate actions. Another official said that Mr. Biden was not ruling out support for a “baby bonds” program — a government-run savings program for children championed during the primary by Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey — but favored a pilot first.On the call with reporters, which was conducted on the condition of anonymity, a senior campaign official said in response to a question that Mr. Biden did not object to a study of reparations, but that he was focused on more immediate actions. Another official said that Mr. Biden was not ruling out support for a “baby bonds” program — a government-run savings program for children championed during the primary by Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey — but favored a pilot first.
Mr. Biden’s plan is the fourth plank of his “Build Back Better” proposal, an economic agenda that also encompasses manufacturing, climate and infrastructure, and caregiving plans, and takes aim at Mr. Trump’s stewardship of the economy and his impact on working families.Mr. Biden’s plan is the fourth plank of his “Build Back Better” proposal, an economic agenda that also encompasses manufacturing, climate and infrastructure, and caregiving plans, and takes aim at Mr. Trump’s stewardship of the economy and his impact on working families.
In contrast to the plans Mr. Biden outlined in recent weeks, which focused on major changes to certain sectors of the American economy, the proposal he is set to unveil on Tuesday is a broader effort that aims to emphasize the idea that racial justice is core to his overall policy vision.In contrast to the plans Mr. Biden outlined in recent weeks, which focused on major changes to certain sectors of the American economy, the proposal he is set to unveil on Tuesday is a broader effort that aims to emphasize the idea that racial justice is core to his overall policy vision.
A number of the policies highlighted in his proposal were already announced as part of other plans, like a housing proposal that would provide a tax credit of up to $15,000 for first-time home buyers, or a goal that disadvantaged communities receive 40 percent of the benefits of spending on clean energy infrastructure.A number of the policies highlighted in his proposal were already announced as part of other plans, like a housing proposal that would provide a tax credit of up to $15,000 for first-time home buyers, or a goal that disadvantaged communities receive 40 percent of the benefits of spending on clean energy infrastructure.
Mr. Trump’s campaign has routed nearly $170 million in spending through various firms headed or created by its former campaign manager, Brad Parscale, and other campaign officials, and a campaign watchdog said in a formal complaint on Tuesday that the payments were a “laundering” effort to hide the ultimate destination of the funds.Mr. Trump’s campaign has routed nearly $170 million in spending through various firms headed or created by its former campaign manager, Brad Parscale, and other campaign officials, and a campaign watchdog said in a formal complaint on Tuesday that the payments were a “laundering” effort to hide the ultimate destination of the funds.
The accusation, made by the Campaign Legal Center to the Federal Election Commission, said that by using the Parscale-linked firm American Made Media Consultants, the Trump campaign has kept hidden the names of some vendors and advisers being paid by the campaign, including the president’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr.The accusation, made by the Campaign Legal Center to the Federal Election Commission, said that by using the Parscale-linked firm American Made Media Consultants, the Trump campaign has kept hidden the names of some vendors and advisers being paid by the campaign, including the president’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr.
“This scheme flies in the face of transparency requirements mandated by federal law, and it leaves voters and donors in the dark about where the campaign’s funds are actually going,” said Trevor Potter, the president of the Campaign Legal Center and a former F.E.C. chairman. “This secrecy could also disguise other campaign finance violations, but we don’t know, because the campaign isn’t disclosing these routed payments.”“This scheme flies in the face of transparency requirements mandated by federal law, and it leaves voters and donors in the dark about where the campaign’s funds are actually going,” said Trevor Potter, the president of the Campaign Legal Center and a former F.E.C. chairman. “This secrecy could also disguise other campaign finance violations, but we don’t know, because the campaign isn’t disclosing these routed payments.”
The complaint cites several companies that do business with the Trump campaign and its shared committees with the Republican National Committee, which do not appear on F.E.C. disclosures.The complaint cites several companies that do business with the Trump campaign and its shared committees with the Republican National Committee, which do not appear on F.E.C. disclosures.
For instance, Federal Communications Commission records show that the media-buying firm Harris Sikes Media has executed some of Mr. Trump’s ad purchases, but the campaign has reported no payments to that firm in 2019 and 2020, the complaint says.For instance, Federal Communications Commission records show that the media-buying firm Harris Sikes Media has executed some of Mr. Trump’s ad purchases, but the campaign has reported no payments to that firm in 2019 and 2020, the complaint says.
F.E.C. complaints typically take years to resolve but could set important precedents for disclosure in the future.F.E.C. complaints typically take years to resolve but could set important precedents for disclosure in the future.
Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for Mr. Trump’s campaign, said that A.M.M.C. “builds efficiencies and saves the campaign money by providing these in-house services that otherwise would be done by outside vendors.” He said that the firm “does not earn any commissions or fees” and that the campaign “complies with all campaign finance laws and FEC regulations.”Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for Mr. Trump’s campaign, said that A.M.M.C. “builds efficiencies and saves the campaign money by providing these in-house services that otherwise would be done by outside vendors.” He said that the firm “does not earn any commissions or fees” and that the campaign “complies with all campaign finance laws and FEC regulations.”
Vice News was first to report on the complaint.Vice News was first to report on the complaint.
Attorney General William P. Barr is testifying on Capitol Hill for the first time in more than a year, defending the federal response to nationwide protests and forcefully asserting that federal agents were fighting violent crime in cities and at protests before the House Judiciary Committee.Attorney General William P. Barr is testifying on Capitol Hill for the first time in more than a year, defending the federal response to nationwide protests and forcefully asserting that federal agents were fighting violent crime in cities and at protests before the House Judiciary Committee.
In his prepared statement submitted to the committee, which he did not fully read aloud, Mr. Barr said: “We should all be able to agree that there is no place in this country for armed mobs that seek to establish autonomous zones beyond government control, or tear down statues and monuments that law-abiding communities chose to erect, or to destroy the property and livelihoods of innocent business owners.”In his prepared statement submitted to the committee, which he did not fully read aloud, Mr. Barr said: “We should all be able to agree that there is no place in this country for armed mobs that seek to establish autonomous zones beyond government control, or tear down statues and monuments that law-abiding communities chose to erect, or to destroy the property and livelihoods of innocent business owners.”
His comments were the latest attempt by federal officials to draw more attention to vandals’ nightly bids to damage federal buildings in Portland, Ore., accusing local police of doing little to stop them. City officials have accused federal agents of being heavy-handed and said their presence reinvigorated tensions that had been subsiding.His comments were the latest attempt by federal officials to draw more attention to vandals’ nightly bids to damage federal buildings in Portland, Ore., accusing local police of doing little to stop them. City officials have accused federal agents of being heavy-handed and said their presence reinvigorated tensions that had been subsiding.
Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the panel, played a five-minute video montage that appeared to show protesters or people infiltrating their ranks across the country turning to violence.Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the panel, played a five-minute video montage that appeared to show protesters or people infiltrating their ranks across the country turning to violence.
The video that Mr. Jordan played omitted instances where federal agents, who arrived in the city on July 4, had responded aggressively and sometimes with disproportionate force through the use of tear gas, and flash bangs and pepper balls.The video that Mr. Jordan played omitted instances where federal agents, who arrived in the city on July 4, had responded aggressively and sometimes with disproportionate force through the use of tear gas, and flash bangs and pepper balls.
While some protesters in Portland, have been violent, many others have been peaceful and have included high school students, military veterans, off-duty lawyers and lines of mothers who call themselves the “Wall of Moms.”While some protesters in Portland, have been violent, many others have been peaceful and have included high school students, military veterans, off-duty lawyers and lines of mothers who call themselves the “Wall of Moms.”
In addition to the federal response to protests, Democratic lawmakers on the committee will ask Mr. Barr about his approach to the Mueller investigation, recommendation of a shorter prison sentence for Roger J. Stone Jr. and other issues.In addition to the federal response to protests, Democratic lawmakers on the committee will ask Mr. Barr about his approach to the Mueller investigation, recommendation of a shorter prison sentence for Roger J. Stone Jr. and other issues.
Mr. Biden will pick up an endorsement on Wednesday from UnidosUS, the largest Latino nonprofit advocacy organization in the country, and address the group during its annual conference.Mr. Biden will pick up an endorsement on Wednesday from UnidosUS, the largest Latino nonprofit advocacy organization in the country, and address the group during its annual conference.
It is the second time the political arm of the national organization has backed a presidential candidate, after endorsing Hillary Clinton in 2016, and another indication of how focused national Latino groups are on defeating Mr. Trump. Several other national Latino organizations that have typically stayed out of partisan politics are considering officially backing Mr. Biden this year.It is the second time the political arm of the national organization has backed a presidential candidate, after endorsing Hillary Clinton in 2016, and another indication of how focused national Latino groups are on defeating Mr. Trump. Several other national Latino organizations that have typically stayed out of partisan politics are considering officially backing Mr. Biden this year.
“Joe Biden will work for us, not against us,” Janet Murguía, the president of UnidosUS Action Fund, said in a statement. “He will work tirelessly to unite us and to heal our nation. And he will do this because he shares our values of faith, family, hard work, and a belief in the promise of America not just for some, but for all of us.”“Joe Biden will work for us, not against us,” Janet Murguía, the president of UnidosUS Action Fund, said in a statement. “He will work tirelessly to unite us and to heal our nation. And he will do this because he shares our values of faith, family, hard work, and a belief in the promise of America not just for some, but for all of us.”
The endorsement comes as some Democrats have worried about enthusiasm among Latino voters for Mr. Biden’s candidacy, and that the Biden campaign is not doing enough to reach out to Latinos, who are projected to be the largest non-white voting bloc this year. While polls have consistently shown that Mr. Trump is deeply unpopular with the vast majority of Hispanic voters, he has held on to the support of roughly 25 percent of them.The endorsement comes as some Democrats have worried about enthusiasm among Latino voters for Mr. Biden’s candidacy, and that the Biden campaign is not doing enough to reach out to Latinos, who are projected to be the largest non-white voting bloc this year. While polls have consistently shown that Mr. Trump is deeply unpopular with the vast majority of Hispanic voters, he has held on to the support of roughly 25 percent of them.
Julie Chávez Rodriguez, a senior adviser for the Biden campaign, said that Latinos were a “huge part of the pathway to victory” in battleground states including Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona and Texas. “In places like Michigan where Hilary lost by these very narrow margins, Latinos can make up that difference,” she said.Julie Chávez Rodriguez, a senior adviser for the Biden campaign, said that Latinos were a “huge part of the pathway to victory” in battleground states including Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona and Texas. “In places like Michigan where Hilary lost by these very narrow margins, Latinos can make up that difference,” she said.
Unidos will work with local organizations in Florida, Texas, Arizona and Pennsylvania to increase voter turnout and register new voters, officials said.Unidos will work with local organizations in Florida, Texas, Arizona and Pennsylvania to increase voter turnout and register new voters, officials said.
As the 2020 census struggles to find its footing amid the coronavirus outbreak and public reluctance to give the government personal data, officials have a new worry: The Trump administration and Senate Republicans appear to be signaling that they want the census finished well ahead of schedule, pandemic or not.As the 2020 census struggles to find its footing amid the coronavirus outbreak and public reluctance to give the government personal data, officials have a new worry: The Trump administration and Senate Republicans appear to be signaling that they want the census finished well ahead of schedule, pandemic or not.
With almost 40 percent of the nation’s households still uncounted, including the hardest-to-reach populations that are disproportionately poor, people of color and young, the Trump administration took the Census Bureau by surprise last week. It asked the Senate Appropriations Committee to set aside $448 million in the next coronavirus relief package for a “timely” completion of the census.With almost 40 percent of the nation’s households still uncounted, including the hardest-to-reach populations that are disproportionately poor, people of color and young, the Trump administration took the Census Bureau by surprise last week. It asked the Senate Appropriations Committee to set aside $448 million in the next coronavirus relief package for a “timely” completion of the census.
The administration has yet to announce a compressed schedule and may not find a way to do so. But the prospect already has alarmed an array of experts, who warned in recent days that an expedited census risks a deeply flawed count of the nation’s population. The census is constitutionally required to count all residents of the country every 10 years.The administration has yet to announce a compressed schedule and may not find a way to do so. But the prospect already has alarmed an array of experts, who warned in recent days that an expedited census risks a deeply flawed count of the nation’s population. The census is constitutionally required to count all residents of the country every 10 years.
The numbers are enormously important. They are used to reapportion all 435 House seats and thousands of state and local districts, as well as divvy up trillions of dollars in federal grants and aid.The numbers are enormously important. They are used to reapportion all 435 House seats and thousands of state and local districts, as well as divvy up trillions of dollars in federal grants and aid.
The new concerns come atop a growing record of political interference in census decisions by the Trump administration.The new concerns come atop a growing record of political interference in census decisions by the Trump administration.
Some critics say Mr. Trump’s order last week to exclude undocumented immigrants from state-by-state population totals used for reapportionment explains the administration’s apparent desire to speed up census work.Some critics say Mr. Trump’s order last week to exclude undocumented immigrants from state-by-state population totals used for reapportionment explains the administration’s apparent desire to speed up census work.
“I think it’s entirely about that,” Thomas A. Saenz, the president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said. “He wants to exclude undocumented immigrants because he believes it will shift representation away from blue states to red states. In the end, it’s entirely about trying to stem Latino political power.”“I think it’s entirely about that,” Thomas A. Saenz, the president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said. “He wants to exclude undocumented immigrants because he believes it will shift representation away from blue states to red states. In the end, it’s entirely about trying to stem Latino political power.”
With a close Republican Senate primary election in Kansas one week away, the top spender isn’t either of the two leading contenders; it is a Democratic-allied super PAC trying to push voters toward the more polarizing candidate, Kris Kobach.With a close Republican Senate primary election in Kansas one week away, the top spender isn’t either of the two leading contenders; it is a Democratic-allied super PAC trying to push voters toward the more polarizing candidate, Kris Kobach.
The group, Sunflower State, is spending $2.4 million to boost Mr. Kobach on TV and radio in the final days of the primary cycle, far more than the approximately $1 million being spent in support of his chief rival, Representative Roger Marshall, according to Advertising Analytics.The group, Sunflower State, is spending $2.4 million to boost Mr. Kobach on TV and radio in the final days of the primary cycle, far more than the approximately $1 million being spent in support of his chief rival, Representative Roger Marshall, according to Advertising Analytics.
Mr. Kobach, a former Kansas Secretary of State known for hard-line positions on immigration, lost the race for governor in 2018. Republican leaders in Washington, who back Mr. Marshall, are worried that nominating Mr. Kobach would put the open seat in play. Kansas hasn’t sent a Democratic senator to Washington in 88 years.Mr. Kobach, a former Kansas Secretary of State known for hard-line positions on immigration, lost the race for governor in 2018. Republican leaders in Washington, who back Mr. Marshall, are worried that nominating Mr. Kobach would put the open seat in play. Kansas hasn’t sent a Democratic senator to Washington in 88 years.
A super PAC tied to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, is running ads supporting Mr. Marshall. A second outside group tied to Mr. McConnell, Plains PAC, is more aggressive, warning Republicans not to choose Mr. Kobach because he lost the governor’s race to Laura Kelly, a Democrat, and has ties to white nationalists.A super PAC tied to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, is running ads supporting Mr. Marshall. A second outside group tied to Mr. McConnell, Plains PAC, is more aggressive, warning Republicans not to choose Mr. Kobach because he lost the governor’s race to Laura Kelly, a Democrat, and has ties to white nationalists.
The winner of the 11-person Republican primary will likely face State Senator Barbara Bollier, a Democrat who has raised an impressive sum of money. The winner of the 11-person Republican primary will most likely face State Senator Barbara Bollier, a Democrat who has raised an impressive sum of money.
Meddling by one party in another party’s primary is nothing new. The treasurer of Sunflower State, which was created this month, has worked for a former Kansas Democratic governor. An email sent to the address it provided on a recent filing was not returned. A spokeswoman for the Senate Majority PAC, which supports Democrats across the country, declined to comment when asked if it was funding Sunflower State.Meddling by one party in another party’s primary is nothing new. The treasurer of Sunflower State, which was created this month, has worked for a former Kansas Democratic governor. An email sent to the address it provided on a recent filing was not returned. A spokeswoman for the Senate Majority PAC, which supports Democrats across the country, declined to comment when asked if it was funding Sunflower State.
One person who is still publicly on the sidelines and likely to remain there: Mr. Trump. In 2018 he campaigned for Mr. Kobach. But to endorse him now would infuriate Mr. McConnell, who is reportedly working behind the scenes for Mr. Marshall. If Mr. McConnell were to openly offer his blessing for Mr. Marshall, meanwhile, it would anger the most conservative voters in the president’s base. One person who is still publicly on the sidelines and likely to remain there: Mr. Trump. In 2018 he campaigned for Mr. Kobach. But to endorse him now would infuriate Mr. McConnell, who is reportedly working behind the scenes for Mr. Marshall. If Mr. McConnell were to openly offer his blessing for Mr. Marshall, it would anger the most conservative voters in the president’s base.
On March 18, Mr. Trump declared himself a wartime president against “the invisible enemy” of the coronavirus and invoked the Defense Production Act. Now he’s facing a downside of presiding over a war: American casualties.On March 18, Mr. Trump declared himself a wartime president against “the invisible enemy” of the coronavirus and invoked the Defense Production Act. Now he’s facing a downside of presiding over a war: American casualties.
Covid-19 has taken the lives of almost 150,000 Americans, many more than have died in recent wars combined. Data from over 328,692 interviews in 3,025 counties across the nation suggests that coronavirus-related deaths, like casualties of war, are hurting the president’s approval rating and may cost him and his party votes.Covid-19 has taken the lives of almost 150,000 Americans, many more than have died in recent wars combined. Data from over 328,692 interviews in 3,025 counties across the nation suggests that coronavirus-related deaths, like casualties of war, are hurting the president’s approval rating and may cost him and his party votes.
The gap between stated voting support for Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden grows by about 2.5 percentage points in Mr. Biden’s favor when a county has extremely high levels of coronavirus-related deaths relative to when it has low levels.The gap between stated voting support for Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden grows by about 2.5 percentage points in Mr. Biden’s favor when a county has extremely high levels of coronavirus-related deaths relative to when it has low levels.
Republicans running for the House and the Senate lose just as much support as Mr. Trump does when deaths rise locally.Republicans running for the House and the Senate lose just as much support as Mr. Trump does when deaths rise locally.
Research shows that when people are killed in action during wartime, residents of the place the victims are from tend to hold elected leaders in Congress and the White House accountable. Political scientists have found this to be true for midterm and presidential elections during the Civil War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coronavirus-related deaths seem to be having a similar effect.Research shows that when people are killed in action during wartime, residents of the place the victims are from tend to hold elected leaders in Congress and the White House accountable. Political scientists have found this to be true for midterm and presidential elections during the Civil War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coronavirus-related deaths seem to be having a similar effect.
At this time in 2016, Representative Ami Bera of California was the only Indian-American in Congress. That November, four more were elected to join him.At this time in 2016, Representative Ami Bera of California was the only Indian-American in Congress. That November, four more were elected to join him.
Now, one of those four — Senator Kamala Harris of California — is a leading contender to be former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s running mate, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is running an ad in Hindi, and an advocacy group for Indian-American candidates is announcing that it will spend $10 million in this year’s elections.Now, one of those four — Senator Kamala Harris of California — is a leading contender to be former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s running mate, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is running an ad in Hindi, and an advocacy group for Indian-American candidates is announcing that it will spend $10 million in this year’s elections.
That group, IMPACT, will announce its plans on Tuesday along with a new executive director, the public interest lawyer Neil Makhija, who called 2020 a “pivotal moment” for Indian-Americans.That group, IMPACT, will announce its plans on Tuesday along with a new executive director, the public interest lawyer Neil Makhija, who called 2020 a “pivotal moment” for Indian-Americans.
Indian-Americans are the second largest immigrant group in the United States, after Mexicans, but they account for only five members of Congress: Ms. Harris, Mr. Bera and Representatives Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Ro Khanna of California and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, all Democrats. IMPACT’s investment is an effort to increase that number, and also to elect Indian-American candidates to offices as far down-ballot as local school boards.Indian-Americans are the second largest immigrant group in the United States, after Mexicans, but they account for only five members of Congress: Ms. Harris, Mr. Bera and Representatives Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Ro Khanna of California and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, all Democrats. IMPACT’s investment is an effort to increase that number, and also to elect Indian-American candidates to offices as far down-ballot as local school boards.
Mr. Makhija said in an interview Tuesday that the group’s efforts would be focused on recruiting, training and supporting candidates, and that it would work “shoulder to shoulder” with members of other underrepresented communities, like Black, Latino and L.G.B.T.Q. voters.Mr. Makhija said in an interview Tuesday that the group’s efforts would be focused on recruiting, training and supporting candidates, and that it would work “shoulder to shoulder” with members of other underrepresented communities, like Black, Latino and L.G.B.T.Q. voters.
According to the research firm CRW Strategy, more than three-quarters of Indian-American voters supported Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Mr. Makhija said they were also likely to support Mr. Biden.According to the research firm CRW Strategy, more than three-quarters of Indian-American voters supported Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Mr. Makhija said they were also likely to support Mr. Biden.
“Our values are broadly reflected, currently, in what the Democratic Party is espousing in terms of access to health care and education, addressing global climate change in an equitable fashion, and having an inclusive immigration system where we live up to the ideals on the Statue of Liberty that our parents and grandparents all looked to,” he said.“Our values are broadly reflected, currently, in what the Democratic Party is espousing in terms of access to health care and education, addressing global climate change in an equitable fashion, and having an inclusive immigration system where we live up to the ideals on the Statue of Liberty that our parents and grandparents all looked to,” he said.
IMPACT is not explicitly aligned with Democrats, Mr. Makhija added, but “our values certainly lean that way, and the Indian-American electorate is certainly voting that way.”IMPACT is not explicitly aligned with Democrats, Mr. Makhija added, but “our values certainly lean that way, and the Indian-American electorate is certainly voting that way.”
The Democratic National Convention next month in Milwaukee will be mostly virtual, and for the extremely small number of people who attend — about 300 — it will require daily tests for the coronavirus.The Democratic National Convention next month in Milwaukee will be mostly virtual, and for the extremely small number of people who attend — about 300 — it will require daily tests for the coronavirus.
But that isn’t stopping Mr. Biden’s campaign from asking donors to contribute big bucks.But that isn’t stopping Mr. Biden’s campaign from asking donors to contribute big bucks.
In a private briefing last week for some of the Biden campaign’s top bundlers of campaign contributions, donors were pitched on the various offerings for top contributors to the convention.In a private briefing last week for some of the Biden campaign’s top bundlers of campaign contributions, donors were pitched on the various offerings for top contributors to the convention.
The Biden campaign laid out three tiers: “Senatorial” for those who gave at least $50,000 or raised $100,000 from others; “Vice Presidential” for those who contributed $100,000 or raised $250,000; and “Presidential” for $250,000 givers and $500,000 raisers.The Biden campaign laid out three tiers: “Senatorial” for those who gave at least $50,000 or raised $100,000 from others; “Vice Presidential” for those who contributed $100,000 or raised $250,000; and “Presidential” for $250,000 givers and $500,000 raisers.
Each tier comes with its own set of goodies and exclusive access, with all levels receiving “afternoon briefings” and other “daytime content,” as well as access to a “post-gavel celebration.” But it will take a quarter-million dollars or more for a “premium convention welcome kit” as well as the “taste of the trail” package, though it is not clear exactly what those contain.Each tier comes with its own set of goodies and exclusive access, with all levels receiving “afternoon briefings” and other “daytime content,” as well as access to a “post-gavel celebration.” But it will take a quarter-million dollars or more for a “premium convention welcome kit” as well as the “taste of the trail” package, though it is not clear exactly what those contain.
The Republicans had been furiously raising money to host a convention celebration in Jacksonville, Fla., until last week, when Mr. Trump reversed course after growing concerns about safety and the coronavirus. The party had asked couples to give up to nearly $1.2 million, though that package was intended for a in-person convention that has since been scrapped.The Republicans had been furiously raising money to host a convention celebration in Jacksonville, Fla., until last week, when Mr. Trump reversed course after growing concerns about safety and the coronavirus. The party had asked couples to give up to nearly $1.2 million, though that package was intended for a in-person convention that has since been scrapped.
Mr. Trump almost never shows empathy in public, whether he is dealing with the loss of a family member, the deaths of nearly 150,000 Americans, more than 30 million people out of work or the racial unrest brought on by the killings of unarmed African-Americans by white police officers.Mr. Trump almost never shows empathy in public, whether he is dealing with the loss of a family member, the deaths of nearly 150,000 Americans, more than 30 million people out of work or the racial unrest brought on by the killings of unarmed African-Americans by white police officers.
Mr. Trump has exhibited this behavior all his life, friends and family members say. He learned it, they say, at home, particularly from his father, Fred Trump, a disciplinarian who spent hundreds of millions of dollars financing his son’s career and taught him to either dominate or submit. In Fred Trump’s world, showing sadness or hurt was a sign of weakness.Mr. Trump has exhibited this behavior all his life, friends and family members say. He learned it, they say, at home, particularly from his father, Fred Trump, a disciplinarian who spent hundreds of millions of dollars financing his son’s career and taught him to either dominate or submit. In Fred Trump’s world, showing sadness or hurt was a sign of weakness.
“The only thing that Trump ever cared about was he had this thing: ‘I’ve got to win. Teach me how to win,’” George White, a former classmate of Mr. Trump’s at the New York Military Academy who spent years around both father and son, said in an interview.“The only thing that Trump ever cared about was he had this thing: ‘I’ve got to win. Teach me how to win,’” George White, a former classmate of Mr. Trump’s at the New York Military Academy who spent years around both father and son, said in an interview.
Recalling Fred’s hard-driving influence, Mr. White said that Mr. Trump’s former school mentor, a World War II combat veteran named Theodore Dobias, once told him that “he had never seen a cadet whose father was harder on him than his father was on Donald Trump.”Recalling Fred’s hard-driving influence, Mr. White said that Mr. Trump’s former school mentor, a World War II combat veteran named Theodore Dobias, once told him that “he had never seen a cadet whose father was harder on him than his father was on Donald Trump.”
Mr. Trump’s father is still part of his life, said Andrew Stein, a former Manhattan borough president who has known the president for decades and has met regularly with him at the White House. Mr. Trump, he said, has often pointed up to the ceiling and referred to his father when they have been alone in the Oval Office. “He’ll look up to heaven, and say, ‘Fred, can you believe this?’” Mr. Stein said.Mr. Trump’s father is still part of his life, said Andrew Stein, a former Manhattan borough president who has known the president for decades and has met regularly with him at the White House. Mr. Trump, he said, has often pointed up to the ceiling and referred to his father when they have been alone in the Oval Office. “He’ll look up to heaven, and say, ‘Fred, can you believe this?’” Mr. Stein said.
Reporting was contributed by Davey Alba, Maggie Astor, Alexander Burns, Nicholas Fandos, Trip Gabriel, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Annie Karni, Thomas Kaplan, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Charlie Savage, Lynn Vavreck, Christopher Warshaw and Michael Wines.Reporting was contributed by Davey Alba, Maggie Astor, Alexander Burns, Nicholas Fandos, Trip Gabriel, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Annie Karni, Thomas Kaplan, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Charlie Savage, Lynn Vavreck, Christopher Warshaw and Michael Wines.