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Trump Floats Gettysburg as Site for Nomination Speech Trump Floats Gettysburg as Site for Nomination Speech
(7 days later)
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President Trump tweeted on Monday that his campaign had narrowed down the list of venues for his acceptance speech to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania — a possibility first reported by Annie Karni of The Times last week — or the White House.President Trump tweeted on Monday that his campaign had narrowed down the list of venues for his acceptance speech to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania — a possibility first reported by Annie Karni of The Times last week — or the White House.
Both choices could be fraught with legal and political complications for Mr. Trump, who last month scrapped plans to accept the Republican nomination at a party convention in Jacksonville, Fla., because of an outbreak of infections in the state.Both choices could be fraught with legal and political complications for Mr. Trump, who last month scrapped plans to accept the Republican nomination at a party convention in Jacksonville, Fla., because of an outbreak of infections in the state.
On Sunday, the president’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, expressed disapproval for the idea of using the White House as the site of such an openly political event, a concept that was also widely panned by ethics experts.On Sunday, the president’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, expressed disapproval for the idea of using the White House as the site of such an openly political event, a concept that was also widely panned by ethics experts.
“Those decisions are still in flux, but I can tell you what I’m advocating for is miles and miles away from here,” Mr. Meadows said in an interview with Greta Van Susteren that aired Sunday morning.“Those decisions are still in flux, but I can tell you what I’m advocating for is miles and miles away from here,” Mr. Meadows said in an interview with Greta Van Susteren that aired Sunday morning.
Mr. Meadows, a former North Carolina congressman who frequently accused President Barack Obama of abusing his executive authority, appeared to backtrack in a later interview with CNN on Sunday, saying that the ceremonial East Wing of the White House would be an appropriate venue.Mr. Meadows, a former North Carolina congressman who frequently accused President Barack Obama of abusing his executive authority, appeared to backtrack in a later interview with CNN on Sunday, saying that the ceremonial East Wing of the White House would be an appropriate venue.
The Republican National Committee chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, said on Monday that Mr. Trump had “every right” to give his acceptance speech from the South Lawn of the White House.The Republican National Committee chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, said on Monday that Mr. Trump had “every right” to give his acceptance speech from the South Lawn of the White House.
“If Joe Biden can live in his basement,” Ms. McDaniel said, repeating a regular Republican dig at Mr. Trump’s presumptive opponent, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., “the president has every right to talk in front of his house, which is the White House.” Ms. McDaniel made her comments on “Fox & Friends” — a show Mr. Trump watches regularly.“If Joe Biden can live in his basement,” Ms. McDaniel said, repeating a regular Republican dig at Mr. Trump’s presumptive opponent, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., “the president has every right to talk in front of his house, which is the White House.” Ms. McDaniel made her comments on “Fox & Friends” — a show Mr. Trump watches regularly.
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, in which thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers were killed over several days of fighting in July 1863. The battlefield is among the most popular Civil War sites in the United States, and is operated by the National Park Service.The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, in which thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers were killed over several days of fighting in July 1863. The battlefield is among the most popular Civil War sites in the United States, and is operated by the National Park Service.
By choosing Gettysburg or the White House for a campaign speech, Mr. Trump would face scrutiny of his use of government property for political activities, a potential violation of the Hatch Act. The law prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities while they are on the job. While the president and the vice president are exempt from the act’s restrictions, other federal employees — including White House staff members — are not.By choosing Gettysburg or the White House for a campaign speech, Mr. Trump would face scrutiny of his use of government property for political activities, a potential violation of the Hatch Act. The law prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities while they are on the job. While the president and the vice president are exempt from the act’s restrictions, other federal employees — including White House staff members — are not.
An acceptance speech on government property would not be the first time that the Trump administration has been accused of violating the Hatch Act. Last year, the United States Office of Special Counsel issued a report recommending that Kellyanne Conway, a top aide to Mr. Trump, be fired for flouting the act.An acceptance speech on government property would not be the first time that the Trump administration has been accused of violating the Hatch Act. Last year, the United States Office of Special Counsel issued a report recommending that Kellyanne Conway, a top aide to Mr. Trump, be fired for flouting the act.
President Trump was abruptly pulled out of the White House briefing room in midsentence during a televised news conference on Monday after what was reported to be a shooting incident not far from the Executive Mansion.President Trump was abruptly pulled out of the White House briefing room in midsentence during a televised news conference on Monday after what was reported to be a shooting incident not far from the Executive Mansion.
A Secret Service agent approached the president as he was discussing the coronavirus and the economy and told him he had to step aside. Mr. Trump and his aides then calmly left the room without immediate explanation.A Secret Service agent approached the president as he was discussing the coronavirus and the economy and told him he had to step aside. Mr. Trump and his aides then calmly left the room without immediate explanation.
The president returned a few minutes later to report that there had been a shooting outside the grounds.The president returned a few minutes later to report that there had been a shooting outside the grounds.
“There was a shooting,” Mr. Trump said. “It was law enforcement, shot someone, seems to be the suspect and the suspect is now on the way to the hospital.” He said he did not know the condition of the person who was shot. “There was nobody else injured,” he said.“There was a shooting,” Mr. Trump said. “It was law enforcement, shot someone, seems to be the suspect and the suspect is now on the way to the hospital.” He said he did not know the condition of the person who was shot. “There was nobody else injured,” he said.
Mr. Trump said he was not shaken by the incident. “Do I seem rattled?” he said. “It’s unfortunate that this is a world — but the world’s always been a dangerous place. It’s not something that’s unique.”Mr. Trump said he was not shaken by the incident. “Do I seem rattled?” he said. “It’s unfortunate that this is a world — but the world’s always been a dangerous place. It’s not something that’s unique.”
The president then proceeded with his news conference to discuss the economic situation.The president then proceeded with his news conference to discuss the economic situation.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a rising star of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, will deliver a brief speech during the Democratic National Convention next week, according to three people with direct knowledge of the planning.Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a rising star of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, will deliver a brief speech during the Democratic National Convention next week, according to three people with direct knowledge of the planning.
The inclusion of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, who supported Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary, is emblematic of the party’s larger effort to unite the party’s left wing behind Joseph R. Biden Jr., a candidate whom many progressives see as too closely aligned with lobbyists and Wall Street.The inclusion of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, who supported Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary, is emblematic of the party’s larger effort to unite the party’s left wing behind Joseph R. Biden Jr., a candidate whom many progressives see as too closely aligned with lobbyists and Wall Street.
It is not clear when Ms. Ocasio-Cortez will speak. Mr. Sanders, who is expected to deliver a major address on the first night of the mostly-virtual convention, will have a far larger role, party officials said.It is not clear when Ms. Ocasio-Cortez will speak. Mr. Sanders, who is expected to deliver a major address on the first night of the mostly-virtual convention, will have a far larger role, party officials said.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, who threw her support behind Mr. Biden after Mr. Sanders dropped out of the race, complained this year that the Democratic Party had too “big of a tent,” in its attempt to bind moderates with democratic socialists like herself.Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, who threw her support behind Mr. Biden after Mr. Sanders dropped out of the race, complained this year that the Democratic Party had too “big of a tent,” in its attempt to bind moderates with democratic socialists like herself.
In January, when a reporter asked her how she would cope if Mr. Biden won the Democratic nomination, Ocasio-Cortez, a first-term Queens Democrat, groaned.In January, when a reporter asked her how she would cope if Mr. Biden won the Democratic nomination, Ocasio-Cortez, a first-term Queens Democrat, groaned.
“In any other country, Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party, but in America, we are,” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said.“In any other country, Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party, but in America, we are,” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said.
Hillary Clinton will deliver a prime-time speech next Wednesday for the Democratic National Convention, part of a preliminary lineup of speakers for the truncated, mostly virtual four-night event, three Democratic officials with knowledge of the schedule said Monday.Hillary Clinton will deliver a prime-time speech next Wednesday for the Democratic National Convention, part of a preliminary lineup of speakers for the truncated, mostly virtual four-night event, three Democratic officials with knowledge of the schedule said Monday.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive presidential nominee, has said he will not travel to Milwaukee, where the convention is nominally being held but has been scaled back to just a few hundred attendees. He will speak from Delaware on Thursday, the final night of the convention, in a form and fashion yet to be announced.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive presidential nominee, has said he will not travel to Milwaukee, where the convention is nominally being held but has been scaled back to just a few hundred attendees. He will speak from Delaware on Thursday, the final night of the convention, in a form and fashion yet to be announced.
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts will join Mrs. Clinton, the 2016 nominee, on the Wednesday night program if she is not selected as Mr. Biden’s running mate, according to the officials. Former President Bill Clinton will speak as well, one of the officials said.Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts will join Mrs. Clinton, the 2016 nominee, on the Wednesday night program if she is not selected as Mr. Biden’s running mate, according to the officials. Former President Bill Clinton will speak as well, one of the officials said.
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, a Republican who is a harsh critic of President Trump, will deliver addresses Monday night, the officials said.Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, a Republican who is a harsh critic of President Trump, will deliver addresses Monday night, the officials said.
Former President Barack Obama’s time slot has not been announced (or leaked), but he could be included on a crammed Wednesday night program, or possibly introduce Mr. Biden on Thursday — to deliver a nationally televised rendition of the-Joe-I-know speech he has been giving during online Biden fund-raisers and round tables.Former President Barack Obama’s time slot has not been announced (or leaked), but he could be included on a crammed Wednesday night program, or possibly introduce Mr. Biden on Thursday — to deliver a nationally televised rendition of the-Joe-I-know speech he has been giving during online Biden fund-raisers and round tables.
It is not clear when Michelle Obama, who delivered what was widely regarded as the best speech at the 2012 convention, will speak. But planners have privately said they believe her address could attract the widest viewership outside of Mr. Biden’s.It is not clear when Michelle Obama, who delivered what was widely regarded as the best speech at the 2012 convention, will speak. But planners have privately said they believe her address could attract the widest viewership outside of Mr. Biden’s.
Mrs. Obama has been spending much of her time in recent days working on her speech at her family’s mansion on Martha’s Vineyard, and has told friends that she views it as her major contribution to the 2020 race, according to two people with knowledge of her planning.Mrs. Obama has been spending much of her time in recent days working on her speech at her family’s mansion on Martha’s Vineyard, and has told friends that she views it as her major contribution to the 2020 race, according to two people with knowledge of her planning.
The big names will be augmented by testimonials from “voters of all kinds — delegates, parents, teachers, small-business owners, essential workers, activists and elected leaders,” culled from “1,000 crowdsourced videos,” officials with the convention’s organizing committee announced on Monday.The big names will be augmented by testimonials from “voters of all kinds — delegates, parents, teachers, small-business owners, essential workers, activists and elected leaders,” culled from “1,000 crowdsourced videos,” officials with the convention’s organizing committee announced on Monday.
The “Big Three” broadcast networks — ABC, CBS and NBC — plan to air an hour of the convention live each night, from 10 to 11 p.m. Eastern, according to network officials. Cable channels like CNN, Fox News and MSNBC will cover the full length of the nightly proceedings.The “Big Three” broadcast networks — ABC, CBS and NBC — plan to air an hour of the convention live each night, from 10 to 11 p.m. Eastern, according to network officials. Cable channels like CNN, Fox News and MSNBC will cover the full length of the nightly proceedings.
A group of more than 100 prominent Black men — including the radio host Charlamagne Tha God, the civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump, the political commentator Van Jones, the music producer Sean Combs and the N.B.A. star Chris Paul — delivered a pointed closing argument Monday urging the presumptive Democratic nominee, Joseph R. Biden Jr., to select a Black woman as his running mate.A group of more than 100 prominent Black men — including the radio host Charlamagne Tha God, the civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump, the political commentator Van Jones, the music producer Sean Combs and the N.B.A. star Chris Paul — delivered a pointed closing argument Monday urging the presumptive Democratic nominee, Joseph R. Biden Jr., to select a Black woman as his running mate.
“Failing to select a Black woman in 2020 means YOU WILL lose the election,” the group wrote in a letter to Mr. Biden that was signed by more than 100 Black male leaders.“Failing to select a Black woman in 2020 means YOU WILL lose the election,” the group wrote in a letter to Mr. Biden that was signed by more than 100 Black male leaders.
The letter conveyed a rather dim view of Mr. Biden’s candidacy on its own merits.The letter conveyed a rather dim view of Mr. Biden’s candidacy on its own merits.
“We don’t want to choose between the lesser of two evils, we don’t want to vote the devil we know vs. the devil we don’t because we are tired of voting for devils period,” the letter said. “Vice President Biden: don’t take that risk. Black women are defining the future of politics, so it’s time you let one define the future of your campaign.”“We don’t want to choose between the lesser of two evils, we don’t want to vote the devil we know vs. the devil we don’t because we are tired of voting for devils period,” the letter said. “Vice President Biden: don’t take that risk. Black women are defining the future of politics, so it’s time you let one define the future of your campaign.”
Mr. Biden apologized after an interview in May with Charlamagne, a host on “The Breakfast Club,” a nationally syndicated morning show popular with Black millennials, where he said Black voters who were torn between voting for him and President Trump “ain’t Black.”Mr. Biden apologized after an interview in May with Charlamagne, a host on “The Breakfast Club,” a nationally syndicated morning show popular with Black millennials, where he said Black voters who were torn between voting for him and President Trump “ain’t Black.”
Mr. Crump, one of the most prominent civil rights lawyers in the country, has represented the families of the victims in some of the most highly publicized killings of African-Americans in recent years. They have included the families of George Floyd and Trayvon Martin.Mr. Crump, one of the most prominent civil rights lawyers in the country, has represented the families of the victims in some of the most highly publicized killings of African-Americans in recent years. They have included the families of George Floyd and Trayvon Martin.
There are traditionally three hinge-point moments for presidential challengers: the selection of a running mate, the convention and the debates.There are traditionally three hinge-point moments for presidential challengers: the selection of a running mate, the convention and the debates.
Of course, this is no traditional campaign.Of course, this is no traditional campaign.
But with the pandemic transforming the conventions from balloon-and-bunting extravaganzas to online events, and President Trump’s demands for additional debates and specific moderators, Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s announcement this week of his running mate could be as close as the campaign gets to normal.But with the pandemic transforming the conventions from balloon-and-bunting extravaganzas to online events, and President Trump’s demands for additional debates and specific moderators, Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s announcement this week of his running mate could be as close as the campaign gets to normal.
Mr. Biden’s advisers say he has spoken with several of the leading candidates in recent days, and it has been confirmed that he met in person Aug. 2 with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. We do not know how many face-to-face interviews Mr. Biden has conducted with potential running mates. A small number of women remain under serious consideration.Mr. Biden’s advisers say he has spoken with several of the leading candidates in recent days, and it has been confirmed that he met in person Aug. 2 with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. We do not know how many face-to-face interviews Mr. Biden has conducted with potential running mates. A small number of women remain under serious consideration.
Mr. Biden’s vice-presidential rollout won’t look much like past unveilings. With him and his campaign strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines, the former vice president is expected to appear publicly with his running mate by the end of the week — just not before the usual crowd of cheering supporters.Mr. Biden’s vice-presidential rollout won’t look much like past unveilings. With him and his campaign strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines, the former vice president is expected to appear publicly with his running mate by the end of the week — just not before the usual crowd of cheering supporters.
For a candidate who’s leading but not enjoying a groundswell of enthusiasm, that means an event that looks much like his appearances since he claimed the nomination: carefully staged, produced for television and online consumption, and decaffeinated.For a candidate who’s leading but not enjoying a groundswell of enthusiasm, that means an event that looks much like his appearances since he claimed the nomination: carefully staged, produced for television and online consumption, and decaffeinated.
Democrats, of course, will take it, preferring a scripted and front-running Biden in these sober times to the alternative. But the vice-presidential reveal is just a trial run for next week. That’s when the party will have to recreate an entire convention across four nights of prime-time with no live audience — to say nothing of balloons or bunting.Democrats, of course, will take it, preferring a scripted and front-running Biden in these sober times to the alternative. But the vice-presidential reveal is just a trial run for next week. That’s when the party will have to recreate an entire convention across four nights of prime-time with no live audience — to say nothing of balloons or bunting.
President Trump entered the roiling debate about canceling the college football season on Monday after reports emerged that the Big Ten Conference, one of the country’s most prominent leagues, was debating calling off its games this fall.President Trump entered the roiling debate about canceling the college football season on Monday after reports emerged that the Big Ten Conference, one of the country’s most prominent leagues, was debating calling off its games this fall.
“Play College Football!” Mr. Trump tweeted, about an hour after he wrote that student-athletes had been “working too hard for their season to be cancelled.”“Play College Football!” Mr. Trump tweeted, about an hour after he wrote that student-athletes had been “working too hard for their season to be cancelled.”
Mr. Trump’s tweets came amid reports that the Big Ten Conference is considering a plan to scrap its fall football season over coronavirus concerns. That placed him in the center of a debate that already included several high-profile Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who floated the idea of poaching players from the Midwest to beef up college rosters in his state.Mr. Trump’s tweets came amid reports that the Big Ten Conference is considering a plan to scrap its fall football season over coronavirus concerns. That placed him in the center of a debate that already included several high-profile Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who floated the idea of poaching players from the Midwest to beef up college rosters in his state.
The presidents of the Big Ten’s 14 universities have been meeting in recent days to discuss the season, but a conference official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private deliberations, said that “no votes have been taken at this time.”The presidents of the Big Ten’s 14 universities have been meeting in recent days to discuss the season, but a conference official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private deliberations, said that “no votes have been taken at this time.”
Once a largely Midwestern conference, the Big Ten’s expanded membership now cuts across states vital to Mr. Trump’s re-election hopes: from Rutgers and Penn State in the East through Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa. But he was not alone in pressing college football to play.Once a largely Midwestern conference, the Big Ten’s expanded membership now cuts across states vital to Mr. Trump’s re-election hopes: from Rutgers and Penn State in the East through Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa. But he was not alone in pressing college football to play.
Congressman Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio, wrote on Twitter, “America needs college football,” moments after the Detroit Free Press reported a decision to cancel the season had been reached. Senator Ben Sasse, Republican from Nebraska and a former president of a small, private college, wrote an open letter to Big Ten leaders on Monday.Congressman Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio, wrote on Twitter, “America needs college football,” moments after the Detroit Free Press reported a decision to cancel the season had been reached. Senator Ben Sasse, Republican from Nebraska and a former president of a small, private college, wrote an open letter to Big Ten leaders on Monday.
“Here’s the reality: Many of you think that football is safer than no football, but you also know that you will be blamed if there is football, whereas you can duck any blame if you cancel football,” he wrote. “This is a moment for leadership. These young men need a season. Please don’t cancel college football.”“Here’s the reality: Many of you think that football is safer than no football, but you also know that you will be blamed if there is football, whereas you can duck any blame if you cancel football,” he wrote. “This is a moment for leadership. These young men need a season. Please don’t cancel college football.”
Mr. DeSantis, a Trump ally, went further, telling Fox Sports Radio that the conferences that include the University of Florida and Florida State University should not only play out the season but take advantage of any potential cancellation by the Big Ten.Mr. DeSantis, a Trump ally, went further, telling Fox Sports Radio that the conferences that include the University of Florida and Florida State University should not only play out the season but take advantage of any potential cancellation by the Big Ten.
“What they should do is they should reach out to all the Big Ten athletes and say, ‘Hey, we’re playing,’” he said. “At the end of the day, I think you’re going to see if there’s parts of the country that won’t allow the opportunity in other parts.”“What they should do is they should reach out to all the Big Ten athletes and say, ‘Hey, we’re playing,’” he said. “At the end of the day, I think you’re going to see if there’s parts of the country that won’t allow the opportunity in other parts.”
President Trump is considering new immigration regulations that would allow border officials to temporarily block an American citizen or legal permanent resident from returning to the United States from abroad if authorities have reason to believe the person may be infected with the coronavirus.President Trump is considering new immigration regulations that would allow border officials to temporarily block an American citizen or legal permanent resident from returning to the United States from abroad if authorities have reason to believe the person may be infected with the coronavirus.
In recent months, Mr. Trump has imposed sweeping rules that ban entry by foreigners into the United States, citing the risk of allowing the virus to spread from hot spots abroad. But those rules have exempted two categories of people attempting to return: American citizens and foreigners who have already established legal residence.In recent months, Mr. Trump has imposed sweeping rules that ban entry by foreigners into the United States, citing the risk of allowing the virus to spread from hot spots abroad. But those rules have exempted two categories of people attempting to return: American citizens and foreigners who have already established legal residence.
Now, three months before Election Day, the administration is proposing a draft regulation that would expand the government’s power to prevent entry by citizens and legal residents in individual, limited circumstances. Federal agencies have been asked to submit feedback on the proposal to the White House by Tuesday, though it is unclear when the new rule might be approved or announced.Now, three months before Election Day, the administration is proposing a draft regulation that would expand the government’s power to prevent entry by citizens and legal residents in individual, limited circumstances. Federal agencies have been asked to submit feedback on the proposal to the White House by Tuesday, though it is unclear when the new rule might be approved or announced.
With Joseph R. Biden Jr. expected to announce his choice of running mate in the coming days, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has suddenly joined the pack of leading contenders in the homestretch — a turn that has some Democrats in the state excited, but has left others concerned about how they, and Michigan, might fare without her.With Joseph R. Biden Jr. expected to announce his choice of running mate in the coming days, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has suddenly joined the pack of leading contenders in the homestretch — a turn that has some Democrats in the state excited, but has left others concerned about how they, and Michigan, might fare without her.
During the pandemic, Ms. Whitmer became a frequent guest on cable and network news shows and a vocal critic of President Trump’s response to the crisis. In a half-dozen polls taken since the virus shut down Michigan in March, she has received consistently high approval ratings, ranging from 57 percent to 63 percent, compared with Mr. Trump, whose ratings in Michigan have been stuck in the low 40s.During the pandemic, Ms. Whitmer became a frequent guest on cable and network news shows and a vocal critic of President Trump’s response to the crisis. In a half-dozen polls taken since the virus shut down Michigan in March, she has received consistently high approval ratings, ranging from 57 percent to 63 percent, compared with Mr. Trump, whose ratings in Michigan have been stuck in the low 40s.
Still, many Michigan Democrats don’t want Ms. Whitmer to leave the state while she is still grappling with the outbreak, which has hit Michigan particularly hard, with more than 96,000 cases and 6,500 deaths as of Monday. And it has devastated the state economy, driving the unemployment rate to 14.8 percent, one of the highest in the country, as of June, the latest data available.Still, many Michigan Democrats don’t want Ms. Whitmer to leave the state while she is still grappling with the outbreak, which has hit Michigan particularly hard, with more than 96,000 cases and 6,500 deaths as of Monday. And it has devastated the state economy, driving the unemployment rate to 14.8 percent, one of the highest in the country, as of June, the latest data available.
And while Michigan was among the first states to be severely affected by the virus, it has also had a recent uptick in cases, leading Ms. Whitmer last month to reinstate restrictions on public gatherings and some businesses, and to require all residents to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.And while Michigan was among the first states to be severely affected by the virus, it has also had a recent uptick in cases, leading Ms. Whitmer last month to reinstate restrictions on public gatherings and some businesses, and to require all residents to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
Those actions have spurred a backlash against the governor, included multiple recall campaigns — but it has also caused some of her supporters to question whether the state can afford to lose her at such a critical time.Those actions have spurred a backlash against the governor, included multiple recall campaigns — but it has also caused some of her supporters to question whether the state can afford to lose her at such a critical time.
“In talking to some of my friends who work in infectious disease, they think she’s done an incredible job, as do I,” said Julie Campbell-Bode, a Democratic activist from Royal Oak, a Detroit suburb. “Selfishly, we need her here. There is plenty of time for her to climb those mountains and I’m sure she will.”“In talking to some of my friends who work in infectious disease, they think she’s done an incredible job, as do I,” said Julie Campbell-Bode, a Democratic activist from Royal Oak, a Detroit suburb. “Selfishly, we need her here. There is plenty of time for her to climb those mountains and I’m sure she will.”
President Trump, seeking to block a subpoena for his tax returns, plans to ask a federal judge to order the Manhattan district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., to disclose details about his investigation into the president’s business practices, according to a letter filed on Monday.President Trump, seeking to block a subpoena for his tax returns, plans to ask a federal judge to order the Manhattan district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., to disclose details about his investigation into the president’s business practices, according to a letter filed on Monday.
The letter, which Mr. Trump’s lawyers wrote to the federal judge in Manhattan, was in response to a filing from prosecutors in Mr. Vance’s office, who argued last week that they had wide legal basis to subpoena eight years of the president’s tax records and other financial documents.The letter, which Mr. Trump’s lawyers wrote to the federal judge in Manhattan, was in response to a filing from prosecutors in Mr. Vance’s office, who argued last week that they had wide legal basis to subpoena eight years of the president’s tax records and other financial documents.
The office suggested it was investigating the president and his company for possible bank and insurance fraud, a significantly broader inquiry than prosecutors had acknowledged in the past.The office suggested it was investigating the president and his company for possible bank and insurance fraud, a significantly broader inquiry than prosecutors had acknowledged in the past.
In their letter, Mr. Trump’s lawyers asked for a hearing to discuss whether Mr. Vance’s office should be forced to disclose the justifications for the subpoena. The president’s lawyers, who have called the subpoena “wildly overbroad” and the investigation politically motivated, said the prosecutors should be required to show that each item requested in the subpoena is relevant to their investigation and within their jurisdiction.In their letter, Mr. Trump’s lawyers asked for a hearing to discuss whether Mr. Vance’s office should be forced to disclose the justifications for the subpoena. The president’s lawyers, who have called the subpoena “wildly overbroad” and the investigation politically motivated, said the prosecutors should be required to show that each item requested in the subpoena is relevant to their investigation and within their jurisdiction.
Attorney General William P. Barr, embracing dual roles of partisan warrior and the nation’s top law enforcement official, on Sunday described demonstrators against police brutality as “fascistic” standard-bearers of a Democratic Party veering dangerously to the left.Attorney General William P. Barr, embracing dual roles of partisan warrior and the nation’s top law enforcement official, on Sunday described demonstrators against police brutality as “fascistic” standard-bearers of a Democratic Party veering dangerously to the left.
Mr. Barr, who was present when federal officers tear-gassed peaceful demonstrators near the White House in June, vowed to use the Justice Department to combat what he called “urban guerrilla warfare” waged by protesters in Portland, Ore., and other cities, during an interview with the right-wing radio personality Mark Levin.Mr. Barr, who was present when federal officers tear-gassed peaceful demonstrators near the White House in June, vowed to use the Justice Department to combat what he called “urban guerrilla warfare” waged by protesters in Portland, Ore., and other cities, during an interview with the right-wing radio personality Mark Levin.
“They are a revolutionary group that is interested in some form of socialism, communism. They’re essentially Bolsheviks. Their tactics are fascistic,” Mr. Barr said when asked by Mr. Levin about Black Lives Matter protesters and demonstrators Mr. Levin described as “antifa.”“They are a revolutionary group that is interested in some form of socialism, communism. They’re essentially Bolsheviks. Their tactics are fascistic,” Mr. Barr said when asked by Mr. Levin about Black Lives Matter protesters and demonstrators Mr. Levin described as “antifa.”
Mr. Barr has been a fierce defender of President Trump throughout his tenure. But his comments to Mr. Levin were among his most pointed verbal attacks to date, blurring the distinction between mainstream Democratic leaders — who have expressed support for peaceful protest — and the violent minority of demonstrators in Oregon and elsewhere.Mr. Barr has been a fierce defender of President Trump throughout his tenure. But his comments to Mr. Levin were among his most pointed verbal attacks to date, blurring the distinction between mainstream Democratic leaders — who have expressed support for peaceful protest — and the violent minority of demonstrators in Oregon and elsewhere.
Mr. Trump has seized on scenes of national unrest to build a law-and-order message for his re-election campaign, and on Monday he again called for the National Guard to be sent to Portland. But the Trump administration’s decision to dispatch militarized federal agents to the city last month drew criticism from state and city officials, who said the agents exceeded their authority and harmed peaceful protesters.Mr. Trump has seized on scenes of national unrest to build a law-and-order message for his re-election campaign, and on Monday he again called for the National Guard to be sent to Portland. But the Trump administration’s decision to dispatch militarized federal agents to the city last month drew criticism from state and city officials, who said the agents exceeded their authority and harmed peaceful protesters.
Mr. Biden said last month that the deployment of federal agents to an already volatile situation showed that Mr. Trump was “determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better.”Mr. Biden said last month that the deployment of federal agents to an already volatile situation showed that Mr. Trump was “determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better.”
Mr. Barr on Sunday portrayed the protests, which erupted after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, as part of a long-term strategy to defeat Mr. Trump.Mr. Barr on Sunday portrayed the protests, which erupted after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, as part of a long-term strategy to defeat Mr. Trump.
“They were trying to impeach him from Day 1,” he said. “It’s the lust for power. And they weren’t expecting Trump’s victory. And it outrages them.”“They were trying to impeach him from Day 1,” he said. “It’s the lust for power. And they weren’t expecting Trump’s victory. And it outrages them.”
Alex Morse, the Democratic mayor of Holyoke, Mass., who is seeking to unseat the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, Richard E. Neal, is remaining in the race despite allegations he misused his teaching position at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to have sex with students.Alex Morse, the Democratic mayor of Holyoke, Mass., who is seeking to unseat the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, Richard E. Neal, is remaining in the race despite allegations he misused his teaching position at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to have sex with students.
Mr. Morse, 31, admitted in a statement on Sunday that he had engaged in “consensual relationships with other men, including students enrolled at local universities that I’ve met using dating apps,” but denied he had done anything inappropriate or unethical.Mr. Morse, 31, admitted in a statement on Sunday that he had engaged in “consensual relationships with other men, including students enrolled at local universities that I’ve met using dating apps,” but denied he had done anything inappropriate or unethical.
“While I am confident that a full investigation into these matters will clear my name completely of any unethical conduct, I also recognize that some students felt uncomfortable with interactions they had with me,” he wrote. “I am sorry for that. This is unacceptable behavior for anyone with institutional power.”“While I am confident that a full investigation into these matters will clear my name completely of any unethical conduct, I also recognize that some students felt uncomfortable with interactions they had with me,” he wrote. “I am sorry for that. This is unacceptable behavior for anyone with institutional power.”
Mr. Morse, whose candidacy has been supported by progressive groups like Justice Democrats, faces Mr. Neal in a Sept. 1 primary.Mr. Morse, whose candidacy has been supported by progressive groups like Justice Democrats, faces Mr. Neal in a Sept. 1 primary.
His statement came after the school’s student newspaper, The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, reported that the university was investigating claims, made in a letter from the College Democrats of Massachusetts, that Mr. Morse had abused “his position of power for romantic or sexual gain.”His statement came after the school’s student newspaper, The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, reported that the university was investigating claims, made in a letter from the College Democrats of Massachusetts, that Mr. Morse had abused “his position of power for romantic or sexual gain.”
Mr. Morse was hired as a political science lecturer in 2014 and last taught as an adjunct professor in an urban politics course last fall. He is not currently employed at the school, university officials have said.Mr. Morse was hired as a political science lecturer in 2014 and last taught as an adjunct professor in an urban politics course last fall. He is not currently employed at the school, university officials have said.
The allegations present a major challenge for a man widely seen as a rising star in local Democratic politics. Mr. Morse was elected mayor of Holyoke, a city of 40,000 near Springfield, nine years ago at the age of 22, becoming the city’s first openly gay and youngest mayor.The allegations present a major challenge for a man widely seen as a rising star in local Democratic politics. Mr. Morse was elected mayor of Holyoke, a city of 40,000 near Springfield, nine years ago at the age of 22, becoming the city’s first openly gay and youngest mayor.
Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Alexander Burns, Jessica Bennett, Shane Goldmacher, Michael M. Grynbaum, Nicole Hong, Thomas Kaplan, Kate Kelly, Jonathan Martin, David McCabe, William K. Rashbaum, Ben Smith, Glenn Thrush, Marc Tracy, Neil Vigdor, Kenneth P. Vogel and Benjamin Weiser.Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Alexander Burns, Jessica Bennett, Shane Goldmacher, Michael M. Grynbaum, Nicole Hong, Thomas Kaplan, Kate Kelly, Jonathan Martin, David McCabe, William K. Rashbaum, Ben Smith, Glenn Thrush, Marc Tracy, Neil Vigdor, Kenneth P. Vogel and Benjamin Weiser.