This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/us/elections/biden-vs-trump.html

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 18 Version 19
2020 Election Live Updates: Attacking Mail-In Voting, Trump Suggests Rerunning a New York Race 2020 Election Live Updates: Attacking Mail-In Voting, Trump Suggests Rerunning a New York Race
(about 1 hour later)
In his latest assault on voting by mail, President Trump said Monday he thought the Democratic primary in New York’s 12th Congressional District should be rerun because of lengthy delays counting mail-in ballots in the race.In his latest assault on voting by mail, President Trump said Monday he thought the Democratic primary in New York’s 12th Congressional District should be rerun because of lengthy delays counting mail-in ballots in the race.
Prompted by a question at an afternoon news conference, Mr. Trump also claimed that he has the right to take executive action to stop the broad use of mail-in ballots nationwide, but said “we haven’t gotten there yet.” He offered no details on what authority he would cite to override state laws that allow mail-in voting.Prompted by a question at an afternoon news conference, Mr. Trump also claimed that he has the right to take executive action to stop the broad use of mail-in ballots nationwide, but said “we haven’t gotten there yet.” He offered no details on what authority he would cite to override state laws that allow mail-in voting.
Mr. Trump has been raging against voting by mail for months, claiming without evidence that the process is plagued by fraud and insisting that expanding the use of mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic will corrupt the 2020 presidential elections. “Universal mail-in ballots is going to be a great embarrassment to our country,” he said.Mr. Trump has been raging against voting by mail for months, claiming without evidence that the process is plagued by fraud and insisting that expanding the use of mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic will corrupt the 2020 presidential elections. “Universal mail-in ballots is going to be a great embarrassment to our country,” he said.
Hours earlier, Mr. Trump had tweeted “See you in Court!” to officials in Nevada, where the governor is expected to sign a bill passed by the state’s Legislature over the weekend that would allow universal mail-in balloting in the state.Hours earlier, Mr. Trump had tweeted “See you in Court!” to officials in Nevada, where the governor is expected to sign a bill passed by the state’s Legislature over the weekend that would allow universal mail-in balloting in the state.
On Monday evening, Mr. Trump focused his attention on the New York Democratic primary, where large numbers of voters mailed in their ballots to avoid standing in lines at crowded polling places for the June 23 primary where Representative Carolyn B. Maloney is facing Suraj Patel, a challenger. Nearly six weeks later, all the ballots have yet to be counted, a fact that Mr. Trump said Monday proves that his critique about mail-in balloting is correct.On Monday evening, Mr. Trump focused his attention on the New York Democratic primary, where large numbers of voters mailed in their ballots to avoid standing in lines at crowded polling places for the June 23 primary where Representative Carolyn B. Maloney is facing Suraj Patel, a challenger. Nearly six weeks later, all the ballots have yet to be counted, a fact that Mr. Trump said Monday proves that his critique about mail-in balloting is correct.
“If you look at the New York congressional race, which is a disaster,” Mr. Trump said, adding: “They’re six weeks into it now. They have no clue what’s going on. And I mean, I think I can say right here and now I think you have to rerun that race because it’s a mess. Nobody knows what’s happening with the ballots and the lost ballots and the fraudulent ballots, I guess.”“If you look at the New York congressional race, which is a disaster,” Mr. Trump said, adding: “They’re six weeks into it now. They have no clue what’s going on. And I mean, I think I can say right here and now I think you have to rerun that race because it’s a mess. Nobody knows what’s happening with the ballots and the lost ballots and the fraudulent ballots, I guess.”
There is no evidence that the New York primary results were tainted by criminal malfeasance, according to a wide array of election officials and campaign representatives. Still, candidates and political analysts are warning that government officials at all levels need to take urgent action to avoid a nightmare in November.There is no evidence that the New York primary results were tainted by criminal malfeasance, according to a wide array of election officials and campaign representatives. Still, candidates and political analysts are warning that government officials at all levels need to take urgent action to avoid a nightmare in November.
“This election is a canary in the coal mine,” said Suraj Patel, a Democrat who ran against Ms. Maloney. Results show him trailing him by some 3,700 votes in a race where about 12,000 votes were disqualified. Mr. Patel has filed a federal lawsuit over the primary.“This election is a canary in the coal mine,” said Suraj Patel, a Democrat who ran against Ms. Maloney. Results show him trailing him by some 3,700 votes in a race where about 12,000 votes were disqualified. Mr. Patel has filed a federal lawsuit over the primary.
Other states and localities held recent vote-by-mail primaries, with some scattered reports of problems — though nothing on the scale of New York City’s weekslong process. With mail-in voting expected to surge around the country in the general election because of the pandemic, New York’s delays soon could be mirrored elsewhere.Other states and localities held recent vote-by-mail primaries, with some scattered reports of problems — though nothing on the scale of New York City’s weekslong process. With mail-in voting expected to surge around the country in the general election because of the pandemic, New York’s delays soon could be mirrored elsewhere.
Mr. Trump’s critics have pointed out that he is taking steps to undermine the Postal Service, potentially making worse the very problems that he cites with mail-in ballots.Mr. Trump’s critics have pointed out that he is taking steps to undermine the Postal Service, potentially making worse the very problems that he cites with mail-in ballots.
Former President Barack Obama issued his first slate of 2020 endorsements on Monday, backing 118 candidates in 17 states with the aim of helping Democrats maintain their majority in the House, win back control of the Senate and flip key state legislative chambers ahead of the 2020 redistricting.Former President Barack Obama issued his first slate of 2020 endorsements on Monday, backing 118 candidates in 17 states with the aim of helping Democrats maintain their majority in the House, win back control of the Senate and flip key state legislative chambers ahead of the 2020 redistricting.
Mr. Obama, who remains one of the most popular and unifying figures in the Democratic Party, has taken on a growing profile in the 2020 campaign, aggressively raising money for his former vice president, Joseph R. Biden Jr., and delivering a sweeping call for changes to voting laws last week in a speech at the funeral of Representative John Lewis.Mr. Obama, who remains one of the most popular and unifying figures in the Democratic Party, has taken on a growing profile in the 2020 campaign, aggressively raising money for his former vice president, Joseph R. Biden Jr., and delivering a sweeping call for changes to voting laws last week in a speech at the funeral of Representative John Lewis.
His new endorsements — including 52 for the House of Representatives and five for the Senate — come in key battlegrounds for control of Capitol Hill, according to a list provided to The Times’s Shane Goldmacher and posted on Medium. A second set of endorsements is planned for states whose primaries have yet to be held.His new endorsements — including 52 for the House of Representatives and five for the Senate — come in key battlegrounds for control of Capitol Hill, according to a list provided to The Times’s Shane Goldmacher and posted on Medium. A second set of endorsements is planned for states whose primaries have yet to be held.
“Our country’s future hangs on this election,” Mr. Obama said in a statement.“Our country’s future hangs on this election,” Mr. Obama said in a statement.
Initially, he is backing Democratic challengers running for the Senate against Republican incumbents in five states: Colorado, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina.Initially, he is backing Democratic challengers running for the Senate against Republican incumbents in five states: Colorado, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Mr. Obama, whom the Republican Party found great success vilifying in down-ballot races during his presidency, is not so far endorsing Senate candidates in some more conservative states, including Montana, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas, where it is less clear his support would help statewide.Mr. Obama, whom the Republican Party found great success vilifying in down-ballot races during his presidency, is not so far endorsing Senate candidates in some more conservative states, including Montana, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas, where it is less clear his support would help statewide.
But he is endorsing a full 27 candidates in Texas, including 19 for the state House, where the Democrats need to win nine seats to take control of the lower chamber, giving the party a political foothold before districts are redrawn after the 2020 census.But he is endorsing a full 27 candidates in Texas, including 19 for the state House, where the Democrats need to win nine seats to take control of the lower chamber, giving the party a political foothold before districts are redrawn after the 2020 census.
That has been a top priority for Mr. Obama, who has consistently backed candidates whom the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, led by his former attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr., has labeled important to the redistricting process.That has been a top priority for Mr. Obama, who has consistently backed candidates whom the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, led by his former attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr., has labeled important to the redistricting process.
Mr. Obama’s endorsements include five candidates for the State Senate in Pennsylvania and nine for the State House; six for the State House in Ohio; and 10 for the State House in North Carolina and five for the State Senate. The only governor in Mr. Obama’s initial endorsement list is Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a top presidential battleground where Mr. Obama is also supporting three other statewide officials.Mr. Obama’s endorsements include five candidates for the State Senate in Pennsylvania and nine for the State House; six for the State House in Ohio; and 10 for the State House in North Carolina and five for the State Senate. The only governor in Mr. Obama’s initial endorsement list is Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a top presidential battleground where Mr. Obama is also supporting three other statewide officials.
For the House, Mr. Obama is supporting an ideological range of new Democratic candidates and incumbents, including many who first won their seats in 2018, such as Representatives Katie Porter of California, Lauren Underwood of Illinois, Abby Finkenauer of Iowa, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Antonio Delgado of New York and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia.For the House, Mr. Obama is supporting an ideological range of new Democratic candidates and incumbents, including many who first won their seats in 2018, such as Representatives Katie Porter of California, Lauren Underwood of Illinois, Abby Finkenauer of Iowa, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Antonio Delgado of New York and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia.
Among candidates seeking Republican-held seats, Mr. Obama is supporting Amy Kennedy in New Jersey, who is seeking to unseat Representative Jeff Van Drew, who flipped parties to become a Republican; Jackie Gordon of New York, who is vying to replace the retiring Representative Peter King; and Wendy Davis, the Texas Democrat who previously ran for governor and is running against Representative Chip Roy this year.Among candidates seeking Republican-held seats, Mr. Obama is supporting Amy Kennedy in New Jersey, who is seeking to unseat Representative Jeff Van Drew, who flipped parties to become a Republican; Jackie Gordon of New York, who is vying to replace the retiring Representative Peter King; and Wendy Davis, the Texas Democrat who previously ran for governor and is running against Representative Chip Roy this year.
Mr. Obama also endorsed 10 alumni of his administration.Mr. Obama also endorsed 10 alumni of his administration.
“I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic and highly qualified Democrats,” Mr. Obama said.“I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic and highly qualified Democrats,” Mr. Obama said.
A presidential endorsement is coveted because it can help drive local news coverage and be featured in mailers, digital ads and fund-raising appeals.A presidential endorsement is coveted because it can help drive local news coverage and be featured in mailers, digital ads and fund-raising appeals.
Mr. Trump’s latest campaign email to his supporters takes a significantly different approach than in previous ones: While conceding he doesn’t “love” wearing masks, he encourages people to wear them to hasten the end of the pandemic.
It’s the rare time that Mr. Trump’s campaign has acknowledged the gravity of the situation facing the country in one of its emails, and it speaks to what seems to be an acknowledgment that Mr. Trump can’t will away the pandemic.
“I know how difficult the past few months have been. Your unwavering support during this time has not gone unnoticed,” the email, which went out on Monday night, begins.
In a tone that more resembles Vice President Mike Pence’s, Mr. Trump continues in the email, “I am writing to you now, not to ask for a contribution, but to ask for your help. We are all in this together, and while I know there has been some confusion surrounding the usage of face masks, I think it’s something we should all try to do when we are not able to be socially distanced from others.”
“I don’t love wearing them either,” Mr. Trump went on. “Masks may be good, they may be just okay, or they may be great. They can possibly help us get back to our American way of life that so many of us rightfully cherished before we were so terribly impacted by the China Virus.”
“My feeling is, we have nothing to lose, and possibly everything to gain, including the next chapter to our country, and to keep things open whether it be schools or businesses,” he added. “I recently tweeted that many view wearing a mask as a patriotic act, and there is no one more patriotic than me and you. Why not give it a shot!”
The email concludes with a link to information about mask-wearing or how to get a mask. Mr. Trump has rarely worn a mask in public, and for weeks, disparaged the way they looked and accused people who wore them of trying to make a political statement. But as polling has shown, a majority of people favor mask-wearing, and Mr. Trump’s aides appeared to have convinced him to be more supportive.
In Missouri, a progressive activist is challenging a 10-term Democratic incumbent. In Kansas, Republican control of the Senate could hinge on a candidate who has already lost a bid for governor. And in Michigan, a first-term Democrat who rocketed to national attention as a vocal critic of President Trump is fighting for her political life.In Missouri, a progressive activist is challenging a 10-term Democratic incumbent. In Kansas, Republican control of the Senate could hinge on a candidate who has already lost a bid for governor. And in Michigan, a first-term Democrat who rocketed to national attention as a vocal critic of President Trump is fighting for her political life.
Five states — Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington — are holding primary elections on Tuesday. But the results could offer important clues for national party leaders as they inch closer to the general election. Here are the key races we are watching:Five states — Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington — are holding primary elections on Tuesday. But the results could offer important clues for national party leaders as they inch closer to the general election. Here are the key races we are watching:
In Missouri, Representative William Lacy Clay, a 10-term Democrat, has called his opponent, Cori Bush, “a prop” for the Justice Democrats, a national progressive group.In Missouri, Representative William Lacy Clay, a 10-term Democrat, has called his opponent, Cori Bush, “a prop” for the Justice Democrats, a national progressive group.
Ms. Bush, an activist who jumped into the political arena after the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., six years ago, pushed right back. She noted that she has been maced, shot at with rubber bullets and cloaked in tear gas at so many protests against police brutality that they have blurred together. “He doesn’t understand that,” she said of Mr. Clay, “because he doesn’t understand fighting for people.”Ms. Bush, an activist who jumped into the political arena after the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., six years ago, pushed right back. She noted that she has been maced, shot at with rubber bullets and cloaked in tear gas at so many protests against police brutality that they have blurred together. “He doesn’t understand that,” she said of Mr. Clay, “because he doesn’t understand fighting for people.”
Democratic leaders in Washington see Ms. Bush’s candidacy as a test of whether the national protest movement can translate into hard electoral power on the national level.Democratic leaders in Washington see Ms. Bush’s candidacy as a test of whether the national protest movement can translate into hard electoral power on the national level.
In Kansas, Republican anxieties about control of the Senate are reaching new heights as the Kansas Senate primary hurdles to a close, amid fears in Washington that Kris Kobach, the firebrand candidate and staunch Trump supporter, could win the nomination but lose a longtime red seat in November.In Kansas, Republican anxieties about control of the Senate are reaching new heights as the Kansas Senate primary hurdles to a close, amid fears in Washington that Kris Kobach, the firebrand candidate and staunch Trump supporter, could win the nomination but lose a longtime red seat in November.
“A Kobach candidacy could put Schumer one step closer to becoming the leader,” said Scott W. Reed, the senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, referring to the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer. Mr. Reed’s group is supporting Mr. Kobach’s opponent, Representative Roger Marshall.“A Kobach candidacy could put Schumer one step closer to becoming the leader,” said Scott W. Reed, the senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, referring to the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer. Mr. Reed’s group is supporting Mr. Kobach’s opponent, Representative Roger Marshall.
In Michigan, one of the first Muslim women elected to the House of Representatives, Rashida Tlaib, faces a rematch against Brenda Jones, the Detroit City Council president whom Ms. Tlaib narrowly defeated in 2018.In Michigan, one of the first Muslim women elected to the House of Representatives, Rashida Tlaib, faces a rematch against Brenda Jones, the Detroit City Council president whom Ms. Tlaib narrowly defeated in 2018.
It is a sequel that many will be watching. Ms. Tlaib’s prominent role in Washington, as part of a progressive group of Congresswomen known as “the squad,” has translated to more resources for her district, her supporters say, enabling her to significantly outspend her opponent on advertising.It is a sequel that many will be watching. Ms. Tlaib’s prominent role in Washington, as part of a progressive group of Congresswomen known as “the squad,” has translated to more resources for her district, her supporters say, enabling her to significantly outspend her opponent on advertising.
But Ms. Tlaib’s prominence, particularly her criticisms of Mr. Trump, also gives Ms. Jones an argument against her: that she lacks the ability to compromise and work across party lines. And with the contest taking place amid national protests against racial injustice, voters in this majority-Black district are asking themselves whether they must be represented by Black politicians to really be heard.But Ms. Tlaib’s prominence, particularly her criticisms of Mr. Trump, also gives Ms. Jones an argument against her: that she lacks the ability to compromise and work across party lines. And with the contest taking place amid national protests against racial injustice, voters in this majority-Black district are asking themselves whether they must be represented by Black politicians to really be heard.
It will be one of the most attention-grabbing moments of the campaign: Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has said he expects to announce his choice for a running mate early this month.It will be one of the most attention-grabbing moments of the campaign: Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has said he expects to announce his choice for a running mate early this month.
Like everything else in this presidential campaign, the whole process has been odd.Like everything else in this presidential campaign, the whole process has been odd.
It may be harder, if not impossible, for Mr. Biden to do in-person interviews with the person he wants as his running mate. News organizations will be unable to use their best sleuthing techniques — like tracking down the tail number of private planes to figure out who is flying into town for the big reveal (since no one is likely to be flying anywhere for the announcement). And the announcement is likely to be as scaled back as this year’s conventions: no crowds, no hugs or hands hoisted in the air, no final shots of the families gathered around at the front of a stage.It may be harder, if not impossible, for Mr. Biden to do in-person interviews with the person he wants as his running mate. News organizations will be unable to use their best sleuthing techniques — like tracking down the tail number of private planes to figure out who is flying into town for the big reveal (since no one is likely to be flying anywhere for the announcement). And the announcement is likely to be as scaled back as this year’s conventions: no crowds, no hugs or hands hoisted in the air, no final shots of the families gathered around at the front of a stage.
Coronavirus aside, it’s already been an unusual vice-presidential nomination process. In a break from tradition, which dictated that the candidates laid low as the selection unfolded behind the scenes, many of the prospective choices have been freely giving interviews, talking policy or going on television. There has even been the rebuttal — in real time — of revelations that might have derailed a contender’s candidacy. (Some of those revelations may even have been dug up by supporters of rivals in the vice-presidential race.)Coronavirus aside, it’s already been an unusual vice-presidential nomination process. In a break from tradition, which dictated that the candidates laid low as the selection unfolded behind the scenes, many of the prospective choices have been freely giving interviews, talking policy or going on television. There has even been the rebuttal — in real time — of revelations that might have derailed a contender’s candidacy. (Some of those revelations may even have been dug up by supporters of rivals in the vice-presidential race.)
Over the weekend, one possible Biden running mate, Representative Karen Bass, Democrat of California, posted a tweet in response to the disclosure that she had offered warm praise for the Church of Scientology when she spoke at a groundbreaking of its headquarters in her Hollywood district 10 years ago. She explained why she had attended (it was a big project in her district) and added: “Just so you all know, I proudly worship at First New Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in South LA.”Over the weekend, one possible Biden running mate, Representative Karen Bass, Democrat of California, posted a tweet in response to the disclosure that she had offered warm praise for the Church of Scientology when she spoke at a groundbreaking of its headquarters in her Hollywood district 10 years ago. She explained why she had attended (it was a big project in her district) and added: “Just so you all know, I proudly worship at First New Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in South LA.”
Stacey Abrams, who ran for governor in Georgia, started the trend of potential Biden running mates talking about being potential Biden running- mates, leaving no doubt about her interest. Susan E. Rice, the former national security adviser, spoke at length about her résumé and interest in electoral politics the other day.Stacey Abrams, who ran for governor in Georgia, started the trend of potential Biden running mates talking about being potential Biden running- mates, leaving no doubt about her interest. Susan E. Rice, the former national security adviser, spoke at length about her résumé and interest in electoral politics the other day.
This is another sign of how politics are changing; old rules around the process now seem quaint in this era of Twitter and 24/7 maneuvering. For another, should Mr. Biden win, the No. 2 slot is probably a more valuable job than in the past: Mr. Biden is 77 and many Democrats don’t expect him to seek a second term.This is another sign of how politics are changing; old rules around the process now seem quaint in this era of Twitter and 24/7 maneuvering. For another, should Mr. Biden win, the No. 2 slot is probably a more valuable job than in the past: Mr. Biden is 77 and many Democrats don’t expect him to seek a second term.
Nevada is moving forward with a plan to send ballots to all eligible voters for the November general election after the state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature approved the emergency measure over the weekend in a party-line vote.Nevada is moving forward with a plan to send ballots to all eligible voters for the November general election after the state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature approved the emergency measure over the weekend in a party-line vote.
Not a single Republican voted for the bill, which passed in the Senate on Sunday and in the Assembly on Friday. It now heads to Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, who is expected to sign it into law.Not a single Republican voted for the bill, which passed in the Senate on Sunday and in the Assembly on Friday. It now heads to Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, who is expected to sign it into law.
Mr. Trump, who has opposed any efforts to expand vote-by-mail systems ahead of the November election, threatened to take the state to court over the bill.Mr. Trump, who has opposed any efforts to expand vote-by-mail systems ahead of the November election, threatened to take the state to court over the bill.
“In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state,” Mr. Trump tweeted on Monday. “Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!”“In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state,” Mr. Trump tweeted on Monday. “Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!”
Mr. Trump has previously threatened to withhold federal funding from states that expanded vote-by-mail programs.Mr. Trump has previously threatened to withhold federal funding from states that expanded vote-by-mail programs.
In California, Republicans sued Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, in May over his executive order calling for ballots to be sent to all registered voters for the November election. The litigation was withdrawn in July after the Legislature approved the vote-by-mail plan.In California, Republicans sued Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, in May over his executive order calling for ballots to be sent to all registered voters for the November election. The litigation was withdrawn in July after the Legislature approved the vote-by-mail plan.
Five states, including the Republican stronghold of Utah, now conduct all elections almost entirely by mail. They report very little fraud. Mr. Trump has acknowledged that in March he voted absentee by mail in his adopted home state of Florida. In the 2018 midterm elections, Mr. Trump voted absentee by mail from New York.Five states, including the Republican stronghold of Utah, now conduct all elections almost entirely by mail. They report very little fraud. Mr. Trump has acknowledged that in March he voted absentee by mail in his adopted home state of Florida. In the 2018 midterm elections, Mr. Trump voted absentee by mail from New York.
Mr. Trump hurled insults at Democratic leaders who were huddling with his top advisers in search of a compromise economic recovery package, threatening to act on his own to ban evictions as he again undercut negotiations to reach a broader stimulus deal.Mr. Trump hurled insults at Democratic leaders who were huddling with his top advisers in search of a compromise economic recovery package, threatening to act on his own to ban evictions as he again undercut negotiations to reach a broader stimulus deal.
Mr. Trump floated the possibility of using an executive order to address an expired federal moratorium on evictions, even though a $1 trillion Republican aid proposal did not include such a pause. He said he remained “totally involved” in stimulus talks, even though he wasn’t “over there with Crazy Nancy,” a reference to Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.Mr. Trump floated the possibility of using an executive order to address an expired federal moratorium on evictions, even though a $1 trillion Republican aid proposal did not include such a pause. He said he remained “totally involved” in stimulus talks, even though he wasn’t “over there with Crazy Nancy,” a reference to Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.
But the president has been notably absent from the negotiations on a sweeping economic stabilization package, even as tens of millions of Americans have been cut off from enhanced jobless benefits they have depended on for months during the coronavirus pandemic.But the president has been notably absent from the negotiations on a sweeping economic stabilization package, even as tens of millions of Americans have been cut off from enhanced jobless benefits they have depended on for months during the coronavirus pandemic.
At the same moment that Mr. Trump was blasting her, Ms. Pelosi met on Capitol Hill with Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, and Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, in search of a compromise. It was the fifth such meeting in eight days, following a staff policy call on Sunday and a rare Saturday session with the four negotiators.At the same moment that Mr. Trump was blasting her, Ms. Pelosi met on Capitol Hill with Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, and Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, in search of a compromise. It was the fifth such meeting in eight days, following a staff policy call on Sunday and a rare Saturday session with the four negotiators.
At the White House, Mr. Trump accused Democrats of being single-mindedly focused on getting “bailout money” for states controlled by Democrats, and unconcerned with extending unemployment benefits.At the White House, Mr. Trump accused Democrats of being single-mindedly focused on getting “bailout money” for states controlled by Democrats, and unconcerned with extending unemployment benefits.
“All they’re really interested in is bailout money to bail out radical left governors and radical left mayors like in Portland and places that are so badly run — Chicago, New York City,” Mr. Trump said.“All they’re really interested in is bailout money to bail out radical left governors and radical left mayors like in Portland and places that are so badly run — Chicago, New York City,” Mr. Trump said.
Democrats have proposed providing more than $900 billion to cash-strapped states and cities whose budgets have been devastated in the recession, but it is Republicans who have proposed slashing the jobless aid. Democrats have refused to do so, feeding the stalemate.Democrats have proposed providing more than $900 billion to cash-strapped states and cities whose budgets have been devastated in the recession, but it is Republicans who have proposed slashing the jobless aid. Democrats have refused to do so, feeding the stalemate.
After retreating from the television airwaves nationwide last week to reassess its strategy, President Trump’s campaign announced a return in four states on Monday with two new ads and a national cable buy.After retreating from the television airwaves nationwide last week to reassess its strategy, President Trump’s campaign announced a return in four states on Monday with two new ads and a national cable buy.
The Trump campaign is pressing a similar message as before, arguing that Mr. Biden is pushing policies of the “radical left” and his agenda would make the country less safe.The Trump campaign is pressing a similar message as before, arguing that Mr. Biden is pushing policies of the “radical left” and his agenda would make the country less safe.
One ad features images of three liberal boogeymen that Republicans have had more success demonizing than Mr. Biden himself: Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Ilhan Omar.One ad features images of three liberal boogeymen that Republicans have had more success demonizing than Mr. Biden himself: Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Ilhan Omar.
The second ad features a woman, identified as a mother of four, silently flipping through cards warning about things Mr. Biden would do as president, including raising taxes and granting “amnesty.” It ends with, “I won’t risk my children’s future with Biden.”The second ad features a woman, identified as a mother of four, silently flipping through cards warning about things Mr. Biden would do as president, including raising taxes and granting “amnesty.” It ends with, “I won’t risk my children’s future with Biden.”
The campaign says it is appealing to the “silent majority,” the group of voters who helped Mr. Trump win in 2016 and that the campaign claims “remains undercounted today” in a race that polls show Mr. Trump losing.The campaign says it is appealing to the “silent majority,” the group of voters who helped Mr. Trump win in 2016 and that the campaign claims “remains undercounted today” in a race that polls show Mr. Trump losing.
Bill Stepien, Mr. Trump’s new campaign manager, said the ads were focused on states that will begin voting earlier in the process. “In many states, more than half of voters will cast their votes well before Election Day, and we have adjusted our strategy to reflect that,” he said. “Joe Biden is continuing to spend millions of dollars a week in states that won’t come online for two months, and we encourage him to keep at it.”Bill Stepien, Mr. Trump’s new campaign manager, said the ads were focused on states that will begin voting earlier in the process. “In many states, more than half of voters will cast their votes well before Election Day, and we have adjusted our strategy to reflect that,” he said. “Joe Biden is continuing to spend millions of dollars a week in states that won’t come online for two months, and we encourage him to keep at it.”
The new ad buy leaves off some notable battlegrounds, especially Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan — all states that Mr. Trump won four years ago.The new ad buy leaves off some notable battlegrounds, especially Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan — all states that Mr. Trump won four years ago.
Mr. Stepien on Monday also renewed the campaign’s call for more and earlier debates.Mr. Stepien on Monday also renewed the campaign’s call for more and earlier debates.
Appearing on “Fox and Friends,” one of Mr. Trump’s favorite programs, in his first television interview since becoming campaign manager, Mr. Stepien noted that by the time of the first debate, on Sept. 29, voting will have already begun in 16 states. The Trump campaign has accused Mr. Biden of avoiding scrutiny by mostly remaining in his Delaware home during the pandemic.Appearing on “Fox and Friends,” one of Mr. Trump’s favorite programs, in his first television interview since becoming campaign manager, Mr. Stepien noted that by the time of the first debate, on Sept. 29, voting will have already begun in 16 states. The Trump campaign has accused Mr. Biden of avoiding scrutiny by mostly remaining in his Delaware home during the pandemic.
“We want more debates,” Mr. Stepien said. “We want debates starting sooner.”“We want more debates,” Mr. Stepien said. “We want debates starting sooner.”
In a three-minute video posted by his campaign, Mr. Biden on Monday recognized the first anniversary of the mass shooting in El Paso in which 23 people were killed by a white gunman who targeted Latinos. The gunman posted a manifesto online saying the attack was in response to “the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”In a three-minute video posted by his campaign, Mr. Biden on Monday recognized the first anniversary of the mass shooting in El Paso in which 23 people were killed by a white gunman who targeted Latinos. The gunman posted a manifesto online saying the attack was in response to “the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”
“He chose El Paso because it is a city defined by its diversity,” Mr. Biden said in the video.“He chose El Paso because it is a city defined by its diversity,” Mr. Biden said in the video.
Mr. Biden has made restoring the “soul of the nation” a centerpiece of his campaign since he entered the race and, without naming President Trump directly, he said the anniversary of the massacre was a moment “to recommit to the battle for the soul of this nation.”Mr. Biden has made restoring the “soul of the nation” a centerpiece of his campaign since he entered the race and, without naming President Trump directly, he said the anniversary of the massacre was a moment “to recommit to the battle for the soul of this nation.”
“A battle against the forces of white supremacy that are part of the very foundations of our nation — but which this president has encouraged and emboldened,” he said. “A battle against the spread of hatred’s poisonous ideas in every form.”“A battle against the forces of white supremacy that are part of the very foundations of our nation — but which this president has encouraged and emboldened,” he said. “A battle against the spread of hatred’s poisonous ideas in every form.”
Latinos are viewed as a key voting bloc for Mr. Biden, particularly as his campaign tries not merely to turn Arizona into a swing state but also to win its electoral votes. His campaign has said it also hopes to compete in Texas, and it named six staff members there on Monday, including his state director. But the state is typically seen as prohibitively expensive given that winning there would almost certainly mean that Mr. Biden had already won enough electoral votes to become president.Latinos are viewed as a key voting bloc for Mr. Biden, particularly as his campaign tries not merely to turn Arizona into a swing state but also to win its electoral votes. His campaign has said it also hopes to compete in Texas, and it named six staff members there on Monday, including his state director. But the state is typically seen as prohibitively expensive given that winning there would almost certainly mean that Mr. Biden had already won enough electoral votes to become president.
Mr. Trump is almost certain to lose the Latino vote, but his campaign hopes to keep the vote margin down among the demographic.Mr. Trump is almost certain to lose the Latino vote, but his campaign hopes to keep the vote margin down among the demographic.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office suggested on Monday that it has been investigating Mr. Trump and his company for possible bank and insurance fraud, a significantly broader inquiry than the prosecutors have acknowledged in the past.The Manhattan district attorney’s office suggested on Monday that it has been investigating Mr. Trump and his company for possible bank and insurance fraud, a significantly broader inquiry than the prosecutors have acknowledged in the past.
The office of the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., made the disclosure in a new federal court filing arguing that Mr. Trump’s accountants must comply with its subpoena seeking eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns. Mr. Trump has asked a judge to declare the subpoena invalid and said during a White House briefing on Monday that it was a “continuation of the worst witch hunt in American history.”The office of the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., made the disclosure in a new federal court filing arguing that Mr. Trump’s accountants must comply with its subpoena seeking eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns. Mr. Trump has asked a judge to declare the subpoena invalid and said during a White House briefing on Monday that it was a “continuation of the worst witch hunt in American history.”
The prosecutors did not directly identify the focus of their inquiry but said that “undisputed” news reports last year about Mr. Trump’s business practices — including investigations showing that the president may have illegally inflated his net worth and the value of his properties to lenders and insurers — made it clear that the office had a legal basis for the subpoena.The prosecutors did not directly identify the focus of their inquiry but said that “undisputed” news reports last year about Mr. Trump’s business practices — including investigations showing that the president may have illegally inflated his net worth and the value of his properties to lenders and insurers — made it clear that the office had a legal basis for the subpoena.
Lawyers for Mr. Trump have said he did nothing wrong.Lawyers for Mr. Trump have said he did nothing wrong.
The clash over the subpoena comes less than a month after the Supreme Court, in a major ruling on the limits of presidential power, cleared the way for Mr. Vance’s prosecutors to seek Mr. Trump’s financial records.The clash over the subpoena comes less than a month after the Supreme Court, in a major ruling on the limits of presidential power, cleared the way for Mr. Vance’s prosecutors to seek Mr. Trump’s financial records.
Mr. Vance, a Democrat, had subpoenaed Mr. Trump’s accounting firm last August for eight years of his personal tax returns and those of his family business as part of an investigation into hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult-film actress who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump.Mr. Vance, a Democrat, had subpoenaed Mr. Trump’s accounting firm last August for eight years of his personal tax returns and those of his family business as part of an investigation into hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult-film actress who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump.
Reporting was contributed by Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Fandos, Shane Goldmacher, Kathleen Gray, Adam Nagourney, Jeremy W. Peters, William K. Rashbaum, Stephanie Saul, Michael D. Shear, Ben Smith, Hank Stephenson, Neil Vigdor, Benjamin Weiser. Reporting was contributed by Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Fandos, Shane Goldmacher, Kathleen Gray,Maggie Haberman, Adam Nagourney, Jeremy W. Peters, William K. Rashbaum, Stephanie Saul, Michael D. Shear, Ben Smith, Hank Stephenson, Neil Vigdor, Benjamin Weiser.