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In Tennessee, Bill Hagerty Wins Senate Primary In Tennessee, Bill Hagerty Wins Senate Primary
(about 11 hours later)
This briefing has ended. Follow our live election results and read our full analysis of the Tennessee primary race. This briefing has ended. Follow the latest updates in the Biden vs. Trump election here.
The Tennessee Senate Republican primary may have taken a competitive turn in its final weeks, but Bill Hagerty proved that for red-state candidates in the Trump era, there are still few things more valuable than the endorsement of Donald J. Trump himself.The Tennessee Senate Republican primary may have taken a competitive turn in its final weeks, but Bill Hagerty proved that for red-state candidates in the Trump era, there are still few things more valuable than the endorsement of Donald J. Trump himself.
On Thursday, Mr. Hagerty, 60, who served as the president’s first ambassador to Japan, trounced 14 other candidates in the primary to succeed the retiring Senator Lamar Alexander.On Thursday, Mr. Hagerty, 60, who served as the president’s first ambassador to Japan, trounced 14 other candidates in the primary to succeed the retiring Senator Lamar Alexander.
The race had tightened in its homestretch, with an upstart candidate, Manny Sethi, riding a wave of grass-roots enthusiasm as he positioned himself as the field’s true conservative and most committed ally of the president, earning the support of prominent conservatives like Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Mr. Sethi, 42, an orthopedic surgeon, had for months attacked Mr. Hagerty for his background in private equity, longtime friendship with Senator Mitt Romney of Utah and support from the Tennessee Republican establishment.The race had tightened in its homestretch, with an upstart candidate, Manny Sethi, riding a wave of grass-roots enthusiasm as he positioned himself as the field’s true conservative and most committed ally of the president, earning the support of prominent conservatives like Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Mr. Sethi, 42, an orthopedic surgeon, had for months attacked Mr. Hagerty for his background in private equity, longtime friendship with Senator Mitt Romney of Utah and support from the Tennessee Republican establishment.
In the end, it wasn’t enough. Mr. Trump had endorsed Mr. Hagerty before he even entered the race. When skepticism arose about Mr. Hagerty’s commitment to the tenets of Trumpism, Mr. Hagerty squelched it simply by promoting that endorsement even more.In the end, it wasn’t enough. Mr. Trump had endorsed Mr. Hagerty before he even entered the race. When skepticism arose about Mr. Hagerty’s commitment to the tenets of Trumpism, Mr. Hagerty squelched it simply by promoting that endorsement even more.
Kanye West seemed to indicate he was trying to get on presidential ballots in a number of states in the hopes he will damage the candidacy of Mr. Biden. Mr. West made the remarks in an interview over text message with Forbes magazine.Kanye West seemed to indicate he was trying to get on presidential ballots in a number of states in the hopes he will damage the candidacy of Mr. Biden. Mr. West made the remarks in an interview over text message with Forbes magazine.
When asked if he was running to take votes away from Mr. Biden, he said that he was “walking” for president, saying a moment later he was “walking … to win.” When the reporter said that he could merely serve as a spoiler, he said, “I’m not going to argue with you. Jesus is King.” When asked if he was running to take votes away from Mr. Biden, he said that he was “walking” for president, saying a moment later he was “walking … to win.” When the reporter said that he could merely serve as a spoiler, he said, “I’m not going to argue with you. Jesus is King.”
Later, when asked about harming Mr. Biden, he told the interviewer, “I’m not denying it; I just told you.”Later, when asked about harming Mr. Biden, he told the interviewer, “I’m not denying it; I just told you.”
He refused to explain to the magazine his approach to getting on ballots in states like Wisconsin and Ohio, or his reliance on Republicans to help him file petitions with voter signatures to make sure he does.He refused to explain to the magazine his approach to getting on ballots in states like Wisconsin and Ohio, or his reliance on Republicans to help him file petitions with voter signatures to make sure he does.
He noted he was working with members of the Trump administration like Betsy DeVos, the Education Secretary, on the development of a school. And he has long had a relationship with Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser.He noted he was working with members of the Trump administration like Betsy DeVos, the Education Secretary, on the development of a school. And he has long had a relationship with Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser.
Mr. Trump, who is normally angered by challenges to his candidacy, has been notably sanguine about Mr. West, saying that he likes him and expressing no concern about his getting on the ballot.Mr. Trump, who is normally angered by challenges to his candidacy, has been notably sanguine about Mr. West, saying that he likes him and expressing no concern about his getting on the ballot.
Two incumbent Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, are facing tight races against Democratic challengers, and another, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, faces a competitive challenge, according to polls released Thursday.Two incumbent Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, are facing tight races against Democratic challengers, and another, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, faces a competitive challenge, according to polls released Thursday.
The surveys, by Quinnipiac University, are the latest indicator of the potential electoral peril facing Senate Republicans, who are at risk of losing their majority.The surveys, by Quinnipiac University, are the latest indicator of the potential electoral peril facing Senate Republicans, who are at risk of losing their majority.
In South Carolina, Mr. Graham was tied with his Democratic challenger, Jaime Harrison, at 44 percent each. That result is a particularly troubling sign for Republicans, as Mr. Graham, who has been a prominent supporter of Mr. Trump, is not generally considered among the most vulnerable of the party’s incumbents.In South Carolina, Mr. Graham was tied with his Democratic challenger, Jaime Harrison, at 44 percent each. That result is a particularly troubling sign for Republicans, as Mr. Graham, who has been a prominent supporter of Mr. Trump, is not generally considered among the most vulnerable of the party’s incumbents.
In Maine, Sara Gideon, the Democratic nominee for Senate, had the support of 47 percent of registered voters, compared with 43 percent for Ms. Collins, a four-term incumbent who is one of the Democratic Party’s top targets.In Maine, Sara Gideon, the Democratic nominee for Senate, had the support of 47 percent of registered voters, compared with 43 percent for Ms. Collins, a four-term incumbent who is one of the Democratic Party’s top targets.
Ms. Collins faces the challenge of running for re-election as a Republican in a state where Mr. Trump is unpopular. The poll found Joseph R. Biden Jr. ahead of Mr. Trump by 15 percentage points in Maine.Ms. Collins faces the challenge of running for re-election as a Republican in a state where Mr. Trump is unpopular. The poll found Joseph R. Biden Jr. ahead of Mr. Trump by 15 percentage points in Maine.
In Kentucky, Mr. McConnell, the majority leader, appeared in less imminent danger than Mr. Graham and Ms. Collins, but his race was still competitive.In Kentucky, Mr. McConnell, the majority leader, appeared in less imminent danger than Mr. Graham and Ms. Collins, but his race was still competitive.
The poll in that state found Mr. McConnell with support from 49 percent of voters, compared with 44 percent for his Democratic challenger, Amy McGrath, who has raised tens of millions of dollars for her campaign against a Republican who is seen as a political villain by many liberal activists.The poll in that state found Mr. McConnell with support from 49 percent of voters, compared with 44 percent for his Democratic challenger, Amy McGrath, who has raised tens of millions of dollars for her campaign against a Republican who is seen as a political villain by many liberal activists.
Members of the Commission on Presidential Debates on Thursday rejected the Trump campaign’s request for changes to the fall debate schedule, declining to shift the debates earlier or add a fourth debate to the calendar.Members of the Commission on Presidential Debates on Thursday rejected the Trump campaign’s request for changes to the fall debate schedule, declining to shift the debates earlier or add a fourth debate to the calendar.
Mr. Trump and his campaign had argued that the current schedule, which calls for three debates between Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden in late September and October, would render them all but useless to the many Americans who will by then already have voted by mail.Mr. Trump and his campaign had argued that the current schedule, which calls for three debates between Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden in late September and October, would render them all but useless to the many Americans who will by then already have voted by mail.
“How can voters be sending in Ballots starting, in some cases, one month before the First Presidential Debate. Move the First Debate up,” Mr. Trump said Thursday morning in a tweet. “A debate, to me, is a Public Service. Joe Biden and I owe it to the American People!”“How can voters be sending in Ballots starting, in some cases, one month before the First Presidential Debate. Move the First Debate up,” Mr. Trump said Thursday morning in a tweet. “A debate, to me, is a Public Service. Joe Biden and I owe it to the American People!”
The president’s urging came one day after Rudolph W. Giuliani, a campaign adviser to Mr. Trump, wrote to the commission to discuss the timing of the debates and sent a list of two dozen journalists “for consideration as moderators.”The president’s urging came one day after Rudolph W. Giuliani, a campaign adviser to Mr. Trump, wrote to the commission to discuss the timing of the debates and sent a list of two dozen journalists “for consideration as moderators.”
In its response to Mr. Giuliani on Thursday, the commission said that people planning to vote by mail could wait until after viewing the debates to send in their ballots if they so choose.In its response to Mr. Giuliani on Thursday, the commission said that people planning to vote by mail could wait until after viewing the debates to send in their ballots if they so choose.
“While more people will likely vote by mail in 2020, the debate schedule has been and will be highly publicized,” the commission, which is nonpartisan, said in the letter. “Any voter who wishes to watch one or more debates before voting will be well aware of that opportunity.”“While more people will likely vote by mail in 2020, the debate schedule has been and will be highly publicized,” the commission, which is nonpartisan, said in the letter. “Any voter who wishes to watch one or more debates before voting will be well aware of that opportunity.”
The commission also sidestepped Mr. Giuliani’s list of preferred moderators, saying simply that it would exercise “great care, as always, to ensure that the selected moderators are qualified and fair.” Mr. Giuliani’s list was heavy on Fox News personalities and conservative talk-show hosts.The commission also sidestepped Mr. Giuliani’s list of preferred moderators, saying simply that it would exercise “great care, as always, to ensure that the selected moderators are qualified and fair.” Mr. Giuliani’s list was heavy on Fox News personalities and conservative talk-show hosts.
The first presidential debate is scheduled to be held on Sept. 29 in Cleveland; the second on Oct. 15 in Miami; and the third on Oct. 22 in Nashville. A vice-presidential debate, scheduled for Oct. 7, will be held in Salt Lake City.The first presidential debate is scheduled to be held on Sept. 29 in Cleveland; the second on Oct. 15 in Miami; and the third on Oct. 22 in Nashville. A vice-presidential debate, scheduled for Oct. 7, will be held in Salt Lake City.
In a letter to debate officials, Mr. Giuliani wrote that “as many as eight million Americans in 16 states will have already started voting” early by the time the first debate takes place.In a letter to debate officials, Mr. Giuliani wrote that “as many as eight million Americans in 16 states will have already started voting” early by the time the first debate takes place.
Mr. Biden’s campaign had mostly dismissed his opponent’s proposals, calling them a “distraction,” while affirming that Mr. Biden would take part in the events as planned.Mr. Biden’s campaign had mostly dismissed his opponent’s proposals, calling them a “distraction,” while affirming that Mr. Biden would take part in the events as planned.
“We’re glad that Donald Trump is now following Joe Biden’s lead from June and — at long last — has accepted the commission’s invitation to debate,” TJ Ducklo, a spokesman for Mr. Biden, said on Thursday.“We’re glad that Donald Trump is now following Joe Biden’s lead from June and — at long last — has accepted the commission’s invitation to debate,” TJ Ducklo, a spokesman for Mr. Biden, said on Thursday.
“As we have said for months, the commission will determine the dates and times of the debates, and Joe Biden will be there,” Mr. Ducklo said. “Now that Donald Trump’s transparent attempt to distract from his disastrous response to the virus is over, maybe now he can focus on saving American lives and getting our economy back on track.”“As we have said for months, the commission will determine the dates and times of the debates, and Joe Biden will be there,” Mr. Ducklo said. “Now that Donald Trump’s transparent attempt to distract from his disastrous response to the virus is over, maybe now he can focus on saving American lives and getting our economy back on track.”
Former President George W. Bush weighed back into the immigration debate on Thursday, implicitly rebuffing Mr. Trump’s hard-line policies as another national campaign heats up with a tribute to the role that those who moved to America have played in building the country.Former President George W. Bush weighed back into the immigration debate on Thursday, implicitly rebuffing Mr. Trump’s hard-line policies as another national campaign heats up with a tribute to the role that those who moved to America have played in building the country.
Mr. Bush’s publisher, Crown, announced that he will publish a book of his own oil portraits of select immigrants next March and simultaneous mount an exhibit of the paintings at his presidential center in Dallas. Mr. Bush, who pressed unsuccessfully to overhaul the immigration system as president, has taken up painting since leaving office and previously published a book of his portraits of combat veterans. Mr. Bush’s publisher, Crown, announced that he will publish a book of his own oil portraits of select immigrants next March and simultaneously mount an exhibit of the paintings at his presidential center in Dallas. Mr. Bush, who pressed unsuccessfully to overhaul the immigration system as president, has taken up painting since leaving office and previously published a book of his portraits of combat veterans.
Mr. Bush makes no mention of Mr. Trump in the announcement of the immigration book, titled “Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants,” but his point coming less than three months before the election was unmistakable.Mr. Bush makes no mention of Mr. Trump in the announcement of the immigration book, titled “Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants,” but his point coming less than three months before the election was unmistakable.
“While I recognize that immigration can be an emotional issue, I reject the premise that it is a partisan issue,” Mr. Bush writes in the book. “It is perhaps the most American of issues, and it should be one that unites us.” He adds: “My hope is that this book will help focus our collective attention on the positive impacts that immigrants are making on our country.”“While I recognize that immigration can be an emotional issue, I reject the premise that it is a partisan issue,” Mr. Bush writes in the book. “It is perhaps the most American of issues, and it should be one that unites us.” He adds: “My hope is that this book will help focus our collective attention on the positive impacts that immigrants are making on our country.”
Mr. Trump on Thursday accused Mr. Biden, who has said his faith helped him endure the tragedies of his wife and daughter dying in a car accident and his son dying from brain cancer, of being “against God.”Mr. Trump on Thursday accused Mr. Biden, who has said his faith helped him endure the tragedies of his wife and daughter dying in a car accident and his son dying from brain cancer, of being “against God.”
Mr. Trump made the remark at an airport in Ohio, where he is spent the day hoping to focus attention on efforts to revitalize the economy amid the coronavirus. Mr. Biden, Mr. Trump said somewhat inexplicably, wants to “hurt the Bible, hurt God. He’s against God, he’s against guns.”Mr. Trump made the remark at an airport in Ohio, where he is spent the day hoping to focus attention on efforts to revitalize the economy amid the coronavirus. Mr. Biden, Mr. Trump said somewhat inexplicably, wants to “hurt the Bible, hurt God. He’s against God, he’s against guns.”
Mr. Biden has repeatedly said his Catholic faith has helped him survive great personal loss.Mr. Biden has repeatedly said his Catholic faith has helped him survive great personal loss.
“Joe Biden’s faith is at the core of who he is; he’s lived it with dignity his entire life, and it’s been a source of strength and comfort in times of extreme hardship,” said Andrew Bates, a spokesman for Mr. Biden. “Donald Trump is the only president in our history to have tear-gassed peaceful Americans and thrown a priest out of his church just so he could profane it — and a Bible — for his own cynical optics as he sought to tear our nation apart at a moment of crisis and pain.”“Joe Biden’s faith is at the core of who he is; he’s lived it with dignity his entire life, and it’s been a source of strength and comfort in times of extreme hardship,” said Andrew Bates, a spokesman for Mr. Biden. “Donald Trump is the only president in our history to have tear-gassed peaceful Americans and thrown a priest out of his church just so he could profane it — and a Bible — for his own cynical optics as he sought to tear our nation apart at a moment of crisis and pain.”
Vice President Mike Pence assailed Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. on Wednesday as a “disappointment to conservatives,” criticizing him for siding with liberals in several major decisions during his Supreme Court tenure and arguing that re-electing Mr. Trump was critical to ensuring a strong conservative majority on the court.Vice President Mike Pence assailed Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. on Wednesday as a “disappointment to conservatives,” criticizing him for siding with liberals in several major decisions during his Supreme Court tenure and arguing that re-electing Mr. Trump was critical to ensuring a strong conservative majority on the court.
With Mr. Trump trailing in the polls amid his administration’s mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic and its dire economic consequences, his team appears especially likely to place the courts, an area of unambiguous conservative triumph, at the center of his case for re-election.With Mr. Trump trailing in the polls amid his administration’s mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic and its dire economic consequences, his team appears especially likely to place the courts, an area of unambiguous conservative triumph, at the center of his case for re-election.
In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Mr. Pence said the record of the Roberts court served as “a reminder of just how important this election is for the future of the Supreme Court,” citing the chief justice’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act in 2012, as well as more recent rulings this year on abortion and church services in which he was also the swing vote.In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Mr. Pence said the record of the Roberts court served as “a reminder of just how important this election is for the future of the Supreme Court,” citing the chief justice’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act in 2012, as well as more recent rulings this year on abortion and church services in which he was also the swing vote.
The abortion case specifically, in which Chief Justice Roberts joined the court’s four more-liberal members to strike down a Louisiana law that could have left the state with just one abortion clinic, had been “a wake-up call for pro-life voters around the country who understand, in a very real sense, the destiny of the Supreme Court is on the ballot in 2020,” Mr. Pence said.The abortion case specifically, in which Chief Justice Roberts joined the court’s four more-liberal members to strike down a Louisiana law that could have left the state with just one abortion clinic, had been “a wake-up call for pro-life voters around the country who understand, in a very real sense, the destiny of the Supreme Court is on the ballot in 2020,” Mr. Pence said.
If this pitch rings familiar to conservative voters, that is precisely the point. Four years ago, a Supreme Court vacancy — made possible when Senate Republicans refused to consider President Barack Obama’s nominee, Judge Merrick B. Garland, to replace Justice Antonin Scalia — helped lift Mr. Trump to victory, according to exit polls and top Trump allies.If this pitch rings familiar to conservative voters, that is precisely the point. Four years ago, a Supreme Court vacancy — made possible when Senate Republicans refused to consider President Barack Obama’s nominee, Judge Merrick B. Garland, to replace Justice Antonin Scalia — helped lift Mr. Trump to victory, according to exit polls and top Trump allies.
“It’s an issue that looms every bit as large in 2020 as it did in 2016,” Carrie Severino, president of the conservative Judicial Crisis Network, said in an interview on Thursday.“It’s an issue that looms every bit as large in 2020 as it did in 2016,” Carrie Severino, president of the conservative Judicial Crisis Network, said in an interview on Thursday.
Mr. Trump has long highlighted the confirmation of his two conservative Supreme Court nominees, Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh, as among his greatest accomplishments in office — an argument that has sometimes been persuasive among Republicans weary of his tweets and temperament but eager to see a conservative-leaning judiciary.Mr. Trump has long highlighted the confirmation of his two conservative Supreme Court nominees, Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh, as among his greatest accomplishments in office — an argument that has sometimes been persuasive among Republicans weary of his tweets and temperament but eager to see a conservative-leaning judiciary.
In June, Mr. Trump celebrated the confirmation of his 200th lifetime appointment to the federal bench. “He’s already made a huge impact,” Ms. Severino said. “And that life tenure works in your favor once you get these great people on the bench.”In June, Mr. Trump celebrated the confirmation of his 200th lifetime appointment to the federal bench. “He’s already made a huge impact,” Ms. Severino said. “And that life tenure works in your favor once you get these great people on the bench.”
Mr. Trump released a list of potential Supreme Court nominees in 2016 when he was campaigning for president and has pledged to produce another such list before the election.Mr. Trump released a list of potential Supreme Court nominees in 2016 when he was campaigning for president and has pledged to produce another such list before the election.
“He did that in 2016. He kept his word. He’s going to do that in the fall of 2020,” Mr. Pence said. “And in the next four years, he’ll keep his word and appoint more principled conservatives to our courts.”“He did that in 2016. He kept his word. He’s going to do that in the fall of 2020,” Mr. Pence said. “And in the next four years, he’ll keep his word and appoint more principled conservatives to our courts.”
Ohio’s Republican governor, Mike DeWine, tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday as he prepared to greet Mr. Trump on the airport tarmac in Cleveland during the president’s arrival to the state, his office said.Ohio’s Republican governor, Mike DeWine, tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday as he prepared to greet Mr. Trump on the airport tarmac in Cleveland during the president’s arrival to the state, his office said.
“Governor DeWine has no symptoms at the present time,” Mr. DeWine’s aides said in a statement. They said that he and his wife would be tested again in Columbus later today, but that the governor would quarantine at his home for the next two weeks.“Governor DeWine has no symptoms at the present time,” Mr. DeWine’s aides said in a statement. They said that he and his wife would be tested again in Columbus later today, but that the governor would quarantine at his home for the next two weeks.
Mr. DeWine is one of the highest-ranking officials to test positive as part of routine screening conducted for people coming in close contact with Mr. Trump. He did not meet with the president.Mr. DeWine is one of the highest-ranking officials to test positive as part of routine screening conducted for people coming in close contact with Mr. Trump. He did not meet with the president.
Others close to Mr. Trump who have tested positive include the national security adviser, Robert O’Brien.Others close to Mr. Trump who have tested positive include the national security adviser, Robert O’Brien.
Mr. DeWine, who has drawn bipartisan praise for his response to the virus, is the second governor known to have tested positive. Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma received a positive test result last month.Mr. DeWine, who has drawn bipartisan praise for his response to the virus, is the second governor known to have tested positive. Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma received a positive test result last month.
After Air Force One landed in Ohio, where Mr. Trump was set to give remarks on the economy, the president wished Mr. DeWine well.After Air Force One landed in Ohio, where Mr. Trump was set to give remarks on the economy, the president wished Mr. DeWine well.
“A very good friend of mine just tested positive,” Mr. Trump said, adding, “We want to wish him the best. He’ll be fine.”“A very good friend of mine just tested positive,” Mr. Trump said, adding, “We want to wish him the best. He’ll be fine.”
Mr. Biden twice suggested in appearances that aired Thursday that the African-American community lacked the diversity of the Latino community in the United States, a statement that failed to acknowledge the varying backgrounds of Black people in America.Mr. Biden twice suggested in appearances that aired Thursday that the African-American community lacked the diversity of the Latino community in the United States, a statement that failed to acknowledge the varying backgrounds of Black people in America.
“We can build a new administration that reflects the full diversity of our nation and the full diversity of the Latino communities,” Mr. Biden said in a Thursday afternoon virtual appearance before NALEO, a major organization that promotes Latino political participation. “Now what I mean, full diversity, unlike African-American community and many other communities, you’re from everywhere. From Europe, from the tip of South America, all the way to our border, Mexico, and in the Caribbean. And different backgrounds, different ethnicities, but all Latinos.”“We can build a new administration that reflects the full diversity of our nation and the full diversity of the Latino communities,” Mr. Biden said in a Thursday afternoon virtual appearance before NALEO, a major organization that promotes Latino political participation. “Now what I mean, full diversity, unlike African-American community and many other communities, you’re from everywhere. From Europe, from the tip of South America, all the way to our border, Mexico, and in the Caribbean. And different backgrounds, different ethnicities, but all Latinos.”
Mr. Biden also broached the subject during an interview with members of the National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists that aired earlier Thursday. Responding to a question about his approach toward Cuba, he spoke of the diversity of the Latino community — and suggested the African-American community lacked such diversity.Mr. Biden also broached the subject during an interview with members of the National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists that aired earlier Thursday. Responding to a question about his approach toward Cuba, he spoke of the diversity of the Latino community — and suggested the African-American community lacked such diversity.
“And by the way, what you all know but most people don’t know, unlike the African-American community, with notable exceptions, the Latino community is an incredibly diverse community with incredibly different attitudes about different things,” Mr. Biden said. “You go to Florida, you find a very different attitude about immigration in certain places than you do when you’re in Arizona. So it’s a very different, a very diverse community.”“And by the way, what you all know but most people don’t know, unlike the African-American community, with notable exceptions, the Latino community is an incredibly diverse community with incredibly different attitudes about different things,” Mr. Biden said. “You go to Florida, you find a very different attitude about immigration in certain places than you do when you’re in Arizona. So it’s a very different, a very diverse community.”
Mr. Trump’s campaign has been eager to draw attention to verbal missteps by Mr. Biden. The president, who has a long history of making racist statements and trails Mr. Biden by an overwhelming margin among Black voters, quickly weighed in after Mr. Biden’s first set of comments.Mr. Trump’s campaign has been eager to draw attention to verbal missteps by Mr. Biden. The president, who has a long history of making racist statements and trails Mr. Biden by an overwhelming margin among Black voters, quickly weighed in after Mr. Biden’s first set of comments.
“Wow!” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “Joe Biden just lost the entire African American community. What a ‘dumb’ thing to say!”“Wow!” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “Joe Biden just lost the entire African American community. What a ‘dumb’ thing to say!”
On Thursday night, Mr. Biden offered a clarification in a series of tweets, saying, “In no way did I mean to suggest the African American community is a monolith—not by identity, not on issues, not at all.”On Thursday night, Mr. Biden offered a clarification in a series of tweets, saying, “In no way did I mean to suggest the African American community is a monolith—not by identity, not on issues, not at all.”
He added: “Throughout my career I’ve witnessed the diversity of thought, background, and sentiment within the African American community. It’s this diversity that makes our workplaces, communities, and country a better place.”He added: “Throughout my career I’ve witnessed the diversity of thought, background, and sentiment within the African American community. It’s this diversity that makes our workplaces, communities, and country a better place.”
New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, filed suit Thursday seeking to dissolve the National Rifle Association, alleging that years of corruption and misspending had irreparably undermined its ability to operate as a nonprofit.New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, filed suit Thursday seeking to dissolve the National Rifle Association, alleging that years of corruption and misspending had irreparably undermined its ability to operate as a nonprofit.
The lawsuit sets up a legal confrontation that could take years to play out and could leave the 148-year-old N.R.A. — long the nation’s most influential gun-rights lobby but recently hobbled by financial woes and infighting — fighting for survival.The lawsuit sets up a legal confrontation that could take years to play out and could leave the 148-year-old N.R.A. — long the nation’s most influential gun-rights lobby but recently hobbled by financial woes and infighting — fighting for survival.
The N.R.A. is a stalwart ally of Mr. Trump and has long wielded immense power in the nation’s politics. But it has kept an unusually low profile this election season amid deepening legal and fund-raising troubles.The N.R.A. is a stalwart ally of Mr. Trump and has long wielded immense power in the nation’s politics. But it has kept an unusually low profile this election season amid deepening legal and fund-raising troubles.
The suit by Ms. James, a Democrat, poses further challenges to the organization less than three months before Election Day, but could also rally conservatives to its side.The suit by Ms. James, a Democrat, poses further challenges to the organization less than three months before Election Day, but could also rally conservatives to its side.
Ms. James’s office previously presided over the dissolution of Mr. Trump’s scandal-marred charitable foundation, but the N.R.A., with more than five million members, is a far larger organization and is expected to put up a prolonged fight.Ms. James’s office previously presided over the dissolution of Mr. Trump’s scandal-marred charitable foundation, but the N.R.A., with more than five million members, is a far larger organization and is expected to put up a prolonged fight.
Ms. James also sued four current or former top N.R.A. leaders, seeking tens of millions of dollars in restitution, including Wayne LaPierre, the longtime chief executive.Ms. James also sued four current or former top N.R.A. leaders, seeking tens of millions of dollars in restitution, including Wayne LaPierre, the longtime chief executive.
The civil suit, filed in state court in Manhattan, accuses the N.R.A. and the executives of “violating numerous state and federal laws” by enriching themselves, as well as their friends, families and allies, and taking improper actions that cost the organization $64 million over three years.The civil suit, filed in state court in Manhattan, accuses the N.R.A. and the executives of “violating numerous state and federal laws” by enriching themselves, as well as their friends, families and allies, and taking improper actions that cost the organization $64 million over three years.
The attorney general has regulatory authority over the N.R.A. because it is chartered as a nonprofit in New York.The attorney general has regulatory authority over the N.R.A. because it is chartered as a nonprofit in New York.
The lawsuit was swiftly followed by two others: The N.R.A. filed a suit against Ms. James’s office in federal court in Albany, claiming her action was politically motivated and violated the organization’s First Amendment rights. In addition, Karl Racine, the attorney general of Washington, D.C., filed suit against the N.R.A. and its charitable foundation, which is based in the city. Mr. Racine is seeking changes to the foundation and alleges that the N.R.A. misused millions of dollars of the foundation’s funds.The lawsuit was swiftly followed by two others: The N.R.A. filed a suit against Ms. James’s office in federal court in Albany, claiming her action was politically motivated and violated the organization’s First Amendment rights. In addition, Karl Racine, the attorney general of Washington, D.C., filed suit against the N.R.A. and its charitable foundation, which is based in the city. Mr. Racine is seeking changes to the foundation and alleges that the N.R.A. misused millions of dollars of the foundation’s funds.
After months of increasingly vocal protestations that social media companies are letting Mr. Trump play by a different set of rules, two warning shots were fired this week.After months of increasingly vocal protestations that social media companies are letting Mr. Trump play by a different set of rules, two warning shots were fired this week.
First, Facebook announced on Wednesday that it was removing a post from the president’s page featuring a clip of an interview he had given earlier in the day to Fox News, in which he falsely said that children were “almost immune” to the coronavirus. It was the first time that Facebook had taken such a move against Mr. Trump, despite repeated entreaties.First, Facebook announced on Wednesday that it was removing a post from the president’s page featuring a clip of an interview he had given earlier in the day to Fox News, in which he falsely said that children were “almost immune” to the coronavirus. It was the first time that Facebook had taken such a move against Mr. Trump, despite repeated entreaties.
Several hours later, Twitter announced that it had frozen the president’s campaign account, @TeamTrump, for a post linking to the video. The campaign was, a spokesman said, in “violation of the Twitter Rules on Covid-19 misinformation.” At issue was the statement made by Mr. Trump denying established scientific facts about the virus.Several hours later, Twitter announced that it had frozen the president’s campaign account, @TeamTrump, for a post linking to the video. The campaign was, a spokesman said, in “violation of the Twitter Rules on Covid-19 misinformation.” At issue was the statement made by Mr. Trump denying established scientific facts about the virus.
The post was removed a short time later and the account was unlocked.The post was removed a short time later and the account was unlocked.
But both measures represented a turning point in the relationship that major social media companies have with Mr. Trump, who has used their platforms to advance his political aims and to harness energy from supporters, but who has never felt compelled to adhere to their rules.But both measures represented a turning point in the relationship that major social media companies have with Mr. Trump, who has used their platforms to advance his political aims and to harness energy from supporters, but who has never felt compelled to adhere to their rules.
Mr. Trump’s conservative allies have repeatedly complained that such rules are arbitrarily enforced. But in the pandemic era, in which misinformation about the virus has been hard to stamp out, tech companies have gotten somewhat more serious about enforcement.Mr. Trump’s conservative allies have repeatedly complained that such rules are arbitrarily enforced. But in the pandemic era, in which misinformation about the virus has been hard to stamp out, tech companies have gotten somewhat more serious about enforcement.
To be sure, freezing the campaign Twitter account is nowhere near the wound to Mr. Trump that taking action against his personal feed would be. But after months of stasis, social media firms appear to be showing the president, the White House and his political aides that their pliability goes only so far.To be sure, freezing the campaign Twitter account is nowhere near the wound to Mr. Trump that taking action against his personal feed would be. But after months of stasis, social media firms appear to be showing the president, the White House and his political aides that their pliability goes only so far.
In another move, Facebook said on Thursday that it was banning ads from a pro-Trump group, the Committee to Defend the President, for an unspecified time period.In another move, Facebook said on Thursday that it was banning ads from a pro-Trump group, the Committee to Defend the President, for an unspecified time period.
“As a result of the Committee to Defend the President’s repeated sharing of content determined by third-party fact checkers to be false, they will not be permitted to advertise for a period of time on our platform,” Andy Stone, a spokesman for Facebook, said.“As a result of the Committee to Defend the President’s repeated sharing of content determined by third-party fact checkers to be false, they will not be permitted to advertise for a period of time on our platform,” Andy Stone, a spokesman for Facebook, said.
The pro-Trump group has spent over $300,000 on Facebook ads since 2018. Its chairman, Ted Harvey, responded on Thursday by saying that Facebook was “determined to restrict free speech and attack those who dare to support President Trump.”The pro-Trump group has spent over $300,000 on Facebook ads since 2018. Its chairman, Ted Harvey, responded on Thursday by saying that Facebook was “determined to restrict free speech and attack those who dare to support President Trump.”
“The committee will not be silenced by ‘woke’ Silicon Valley elites, as we expose the real Joe Biden,” Mr. Harvey said. “We have reallocated our entire Facebook budget to other online platforms, so Americans can see the whole truth — not just Facebook’s truth.”“The committee will not be silenced by ‘woke’ Silicon Valley elites, as we expose the real Joe Biden,” Mr. Harvey said. “We have reallocated our entire Facebook budget to other online platforms, so Americans can see the whole truth — not just Facebook’s truth.”
Snap, the company behind the popular social media app Snapchat, is planning a major push to register first-time voters within its app and guide them through the ballot process ahead of the election on Nov. 3.Snap, the company behind the popular social media app Snapchat, is planning a major push to register first-time voters within its app and guide them through the ballot process ahead of the election on Nov. 3.
Beginning in early September, the social media app, which is popular with young smartphone users, will introduce a new tool in partnership with TurboVote that allows users to register from within their Snap account with a streamlined set of prompts. The process is intended to eliminate the more complex process of having to go to the website of TurboVote and other registration sites.Beginning in early September, the social media app, which is popular with young smartphone users, will introduce a new tool in partnership with TurboVote that allows users to register from within their Snap account with a streamlined set of prompts. The process is intended to eliminate the more complex process of having to go to the website of TurboVote and other registration sites.
The company will also promote a voter guide for users searching for terms associated with voting and the election. The guide will contain content from partners like the N.A.A.C.P., the American Civil Liberties Union and the Latino Community Foundation. Also starting in September, the N.A.A.C.P. and other partners will begin to flood Snap with short videos, postcards and pithy guides to information around policies promoted by candidates.The company will also promote a voter guide for users searching for terms associated with voting and the election. The guide will contain content from partners like the N.A.A.C.P., the American Civil Liberties Union and the Latino Community Foundation. Also starting in September, the N.A.A.C.P. and other partners will begin to flood Snap with short videos, postcards and pithy guides to information around policies promoted by candidates.
In 2018, Snap conducted a similar voter campaign and helped direct more than 400,000 young voters to register for the first time. An estimated 15 million Americans have turned 18 since the last presidential election.In 2018, Snap conducted a similar voter campaign and helped direct more than 400,000 young voters to register for the first time. An estimated 15 million Americans have turned 18 since the last presidential election.
“That voting bloc has as much to gain and much to lose if the election doesn’t turn out to their advantage,” said Jamal Watkins, a vice president of civic engagement for the N.A.A.C.P.“That voting bloc has as much to gain and much to lose if the election doesn’t turn out to their advantage,” said Jamal Watkins, a vice president of civic engagement for the N.A.A.C.P.
When Bernie Sanders lost to Mr. Biden, the left mourned what could have been, worried that it had faltered at a once-in-a-generation crossroads for the Democratic Party.When Bernie Sanders lost to Mr. Biden, the left mourned what could have been, worried that it had faltered at a once-in-a-generation crossroads for the Democratic Party.
But in the time since Mr. Sanders dropped out of the 2020 presidential race in early April, progressives have had a number of victories to celebrate, in Missouri, New York, Michigan and Illinois — congressional primary triumphs that demonstrate a new path for building political power and grass-roots momentum that threatens the position of longtime Democratic leadership.But in the time since Mr. Sanders dropped out of the 2020 presidential race in early April, progressives have had a number of victories to celebrate, in Missouri, New York, Michigan and Illinois — congressional primary triumphs that demonstrate a new path for building political power and grass-roots momentum that threatens the position of longtime Democratic leadership.
This week, the progressive activist Cori Bush defeated Representative William Lacy Clay Jr. of Missouri, a 10-term incumbent and member of a political dynasty that had represented the St. Louis area for more than 50 years. Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan also cruised in her primary against the more moderate Detroit City Council president, proving the staying power of the group of progressive congresswomen known as the “Squad.”This week, the progressive activist Cori Bush defeated Representative William Lacy Clay Jr. of Missouri, a 10-term incumbent and member of a political dynasty that had represented the St. Louis area for more than 50 years. Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan also cruised in her primary against the more moderate Detroit City Council president, proving the staying power of the group of progressive congresswomen known as the “Squad.”
Earlier primary contests led to other victories for the left: Jamaal Bowman, a former middle school principal, ousted the longtime incumbent Representative Eliot L. Engel in the Bronx and Westchester, the progressive lawyer Mondaire Jones won a House primary for an open seat in New York’s Rockland County, and Marie Newman defeated an anti-abortion Democrat in Illinois. And so what began for the party’s left wing as a year of “what could’ve been” is turning into a promise of “what can be,” as the successes provide a new road map of political possibilities.Earlier primary contests led to other victories for the left: Jamaal Bowman, a former middle school principal, ousted the longtime incumbent Representative Eliot L. Engel in the Bronx and Westchester, the progressive lawyer Mondaire Jones won a House primary for an open seat in New York’s Rockland County, and Marie Newman defeated an anti-abortion Democrat in Illinois. And so what began for the party’s left wing as a year of “what could’ve been” is turning into a promise of “what can be,” as the successes provide a new road map of political possibilities.
“People are ready to elect people who they see actually doing the work,” Ms. Bush said in an interview.“People are ready to elect people who they see actually doing the work,” Ms. Bush said in an interview.
Mr. Sanders hosted Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Bush, and Mr. Bowman in a livestreamed conversation Wednesday night, an event that drew nearly 100,000 viewers.Mr. Sanders hosted Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Bush, and Mr. Bowman in a livestreamed conversation Wednesday night, an event that drew nearly 100,000 viewers.
Mr. Sanders said the trio would “take the progressive banner” and bring it into “conflict with the establishment politicians and the corporate elite” who hold the reins of power in Congress.Mr. Sanders said the trio would “take the progressive banner” and bring it into “conflict with the establishment politicians and the corporate elite” who hold the reins of power in Congress.
As they recounted their resounding victories, the trio heaped praise on Mr. Sanders for continuing to provide leadership for them and progressives even after he lost his presidential bid.As they recounted their resounding victories, the trio heaped praise on Mr. Sanders for continuing to provide leadership for them and progressives even after he lost his presidential bid.
“You didn’t become the Democratic nominee, but you didn’t give up on this movement,” Ms. Tlaib told Mr. Sanders.“You didn’t become the Democratic nominee, but you didn’t give up on this movement,” Ms. Tlaib told Mr. Sanders.
Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Luke Broadwater, Reid J. Epstein, Matt Flegenheimer, Sheera Frenkel, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Maggie Haberman, Danny Hakim, Astead W. Herndon, Cecilia Kang, Thomas Kaplan, Sarah Mervosh, Elaina Plott and Matt Stevens.Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Luke Broadwater, Reid J. Epstein, Matt Flegenheimer, Sheera Frenkel, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Maggie Haberman, Danny Hakim, Astead W. Herndon, Cecilia Kang, Thomas Kaplan, Sarah Mervosh, Elaina Plott and Matt Stevens.