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Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Joe Biden accuses Trump and Republicans of 'abuse of power' – live Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Joe Biden accuses Trump and Republicans of 'abuse of power' – live
(about 1 hour later)
Trump promises to nominate woman within a week but mourners at vigil and Democratic leaders vow to hit backTrump promises to nominate woman within a week but mourners at vigil and Democratic leaders vow to hit back
Thousands of documents detailing $2 trillion of potentially corrupt transactions that were washed through the US financial system, including activity linked to former Donald Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, have been leaked to an international group of investigative journalists.
Donald Trump’s motorcade departed Trump National in northern Virginia shortly after 4pm, passing gatherings of supporters and protestors on its way back to the White House.
According to CNN senior congressional correspondent Manu Raju, this marks the 297th day he’s spent at one of his golf clubs in the 1,340 days since he took office.
According to White House pool report:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday reported 6,748,935 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 42,561 cases from its previous count, and said the number of US deaths had risen by 655 to 198,754.The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday reported 6,748,935 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 42,561 cases from its previous count, and said the number of US deaths had risen by 655 to 198,754.The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.
A majority of Americans want the winner of November’s presidential election to name the successor to Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the supreme court, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Sunday.A majority of Americans want the winner of November’s presidential election to name the successor to Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the supreme court, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Sunday.
The national poll, conducted after Ginsburg’s death was announced, suggests that many Americans object to Donald Trump’s plan to “very quickly” confirm another lifetime appointee and cement a 6-3 conservative majority on the court.The national poll, conducted after Ginsburg’s death was announced, suggests that many Americans object to Donald Trump’s plan to “very quickly” confirm another lifetime appointee and cement a 6-3 conservative majority on the court.
More from Reuters:More from Reuters:
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has described Donald Trump’s stated intent to quickly confirm a supreme court justice to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg as “an exercise in raw political power” that he doesn’t believe the American citizenry will stand for.Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has described Donald Trump’s stated intent to quickly confirm a supreme court justice to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg as “an exercise in raw political power” that he doesn’t believe the American citizenry will stand for.
“President Trump has already made clear this is about power: pure and simple power,” Biden said Sunday afternoon in remarks at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. “The voters should make clear on this issue that the power in this nation resides with them, the American people. The voters.”“President Trump has already made clear this is about power: pure and simple power,” Biden said Sunday afternoon in remarks at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. “The voters should make clear on this issue that the power in this nation resides with them, the American people. The voters.”
He added: “To jam this nomination through the Senate is just an exercise in raw political power and I don’t believe the people of this nation will stand for it.”He added: “To jam this nomination through the Senate is just an exercise in raw political power and I don’t believe the people of this nation will stand for it.”
It would represent an “abuse of power”, he said. “This is constitutional abuse.”It would represent an “abuse of power”, he said. “This is constitutional abuse.”
The former vice-president also expressed his belief that Trump’s nominee should be withdrawn if Biden takes the White House on 3 November.The former vice-president also expressed his belief that Trump’s nominee should be withdrawn if Biden takes the White House on 3 November.
“If I win this election, President Trump’s nominee should be withdrawn and, as the new president, I should be the one to nominate Justice Ginsburg’s successor,” he said. “We can’t keep rewriting history, scrambling norms, and ignoring our cherished system of checks and balances.”“If I win this election, President Trump’s nominee should be withdrawn and, as the new president, I should be the one to nominate Justice Ginsburg’s successor,” he said. “We can’t keep rewriting history, scrambling norms, and ignoring our cherished system of checks and balances.”
The Guardian’s video team has cut this explainer breaking down what’s next with the supreme court vacancy.The Guardian’s video team has cut this explainer breaking down what’s next with the supreme court vacancy.
The Wyoming senator John Barrasso had an uncomfortable time on NBC’s Meet the Press, as host Chuck Todd reeled off a lengthy list of comments the Republican made in 2016 when he was arguing for voters to decide the direction of supreme court picks.The Wyoming senator John Barrasso had an uncomfortable time on NBC’s Meet the Press, as host Chuck Todd reeled off a lengthy list of comments the Republican made in 2016 when he was arguing for voters to decide the direction of supreme court picks.
Todd quoted the chair of the Senate Republican conference insisting four years ago as saying “People should be allowed to consider possible supreme court nominees as one factor in deciding who they’ll support for president” and “We have called on the president to spare the country this fight. The best way to avoid the fight is to agree to let the people decide.”Todd quoted the chair of the Senate Republican conference insisting four years ago as saying “People should be allowed to consider possible supreme court nominees as one factor in deciding who they’ll support for president” and “We have called on the president to spare the country this fight. The best way to avoid the fight is to agree to let the people decide.”
Barrasso’s arguments then, as Todd pointed out, came as Republicans blocked Barack Obama’s election-year supreme court pick, Merrick Garland. They were based on the principle of voters being allowed to choose a president who in turn would choose a supreme court nominee.Barrasso’s arguments then, as Todd pointed out, came as Republicans blocked Barack Obama’s election-year supreme court pick, Merrick Garland. They were based on the principle of voters being allowed to choose a president who in turn would choose a supreme court nominee.
Pressing, Todd said: “Not once did you say, ‘Oh, it depends on what party the Senate holds versus the party of the president.’ This just sounds like a power grab, pure and simple.”Pressing, Todd said: “Not once did you say, ‘Oh, it depends on what party the Senate holds versus the party of the president.’ This just sounds like a power grab, pure and simple.”
Without explanation or context, Barasso attempted to blame the Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden.Without explanation or context, Barasso attempted to blame the Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden.
“Well, it’s the Biden rule,” Barrasso said.“Well, it’s the Biden rule,” Barrasso said.
“There is no Biden rule,” Todd said.“There is no Biden rule,” Todd said.
Barrasso offered the explanation that, historically, the Senate had rarely confirmed a nominee in an election year if they were from the opposite political party to the president.Barrasso offered the explanation that, historically, the Senate had rarely confirmed a nominee in an election year if they were from the opposite political party to the president.
“You haven’t had, since 1888 when a party of the Senate and the White House were of different parties, that anyone was confirmed,” Barrasso said, the same talking point wheeled out by the Texas senator Ted Cruz on ABC’s This Week, and referenced in Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell’s statement promising Trump’s pick a vote.“You haven’t had, since 1888 when a party of the Senate and the White House were of different parties, that anyone was confirmed,” Barrasso said, the same talking point wheeled out by the Texas senator Ted Cruz on ABC’s This Week, and referenced in Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell’s statement promising Trump’s pick a vote.
Todd was unimpressed. “You have no regrets that Senate Republicans are going to look like hypocrites 44 days before the election for just a complete flip-flop to the average American?” he asked. “I mean, I know you’re trying to come up with these caveats. Nothing about it makes any sort of sense to the average person.”Todd was unimpressed. “You have no regrets that Senate Republicans are going to look like hypocrites 44 days before the election for just a complete flip-flop to the average American?” he asked. “I mean, I know you’re trying to come up with these caveats. Nothing about it makes any sort of sense to the average person.”
Bryan Armen Graham is about to take the reins of the blog, but before he does, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri has given me a chance to get back on my favourite hobby horse for minute, telling CBS’s Face the Nation “the constitution prevails here in terms of how we do” supreme court nominations, and telling host Margaret Brennan that “there is a Senate majority put there by voters for reasons like this”.Bryan Armen Graham is about to take the reins of the blog, but before he does, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri has given me a chance to get back on my favourite hobby horse for minute, telling CBS’s Face the Nation “the constitution prevails here in terms of how we do” supreme court nominations, and telling host Margaret Brennan that “there is a Senate majority put there by voters for reasons like this”.
In short, yes, the constitution says the Senate considers and confirms or rejects supreme court nominees chosen by the president. In shorter, it’s, uh, woolly on whether election years make any difference. In very short, about the Senate majority being “put there by voters”? Uh-huh.In short, yes, the constitution says the Senate considers and confirms or rejects supreme court nominees chosen by the president. In shorter, it’s, uh, woolly on whether election years make any difference. In very short, about the Senate majority being “put there by voters”? Uh-huh.
Yes, the Republicans hold the chamber 53-47 by fair electoral means as the rules of the Senate stand. But given each state gets two senators regardless of population, whether that state is a Wyoming or a Montana or a Dakota – Why are there two? Why? – or a California, a New York or a Texas, many say the rules as they stand are not particularly fair. And in 2018, Democrats got nearly 18m more votes than Republicans in Senate elections.Yes, the Republicans hold the chamber 53-47 by fair electoral means as the rules of the Senate stand. But given each state gets two senators regardless of population, whether that state is a Wyoming or a Montana or a Dakota – Why are there two? Why? – or a California, a New York or a Texas, many say the rules as they stand are not particularly fair. And in 2018, Democrats got nearly 18m more votes than Republicans in Senate elections.
And in 2016 Trump got nearly 3m fewer votes than Hillary Clinton. This we know to be true.And in 2016 Trump got nearly 3m fewer votes than Hillary Clinton. This we know to be true.
We also know that rules is rules. So it goes.We also know that rules is rules. So it goes.
Jahana Hayes, a Democratic US representative from Connecticut, has tested positive for coronavirus and will quarantine for 14 days, she announced Sunday on Twitter.Jahana Hayes, a Democratic US representative from Connecticut, has tested positive for coronavirus and will quarantine for 14 days, she announced Sunday on Twitter.
“After going to 2 urgent care centers yesterday, I finally got an appointment at a 3rd site and was tested this morning,” the freshman lawmaker said, adding that she has no symptoms “except for breathing issues which are being monitored”.“After going to 2 urgent care centers yesterday, I finally got an appointment at a 3rd site and was tested this morning,” the freshman lawmaker said, adding that she has no symptoms “except for breathing issues which are being monitored”.
Hayes sought testing after one of her staff members tested positive on Saturday. The 47-year-old said she contracted the virus despite taking “every possible precaution”, and said her experience underscores the need for a national testing strategy “with a coherent way to receive speedy, accurate results”.Hayes sought testing after one of her staff members tested positive on Saturday. The 47-year-old said she contracted the virus despite taking “every possible precaution”, and said her experience underscores the need for a national testing strategy “with a coherent way to receive speedy, accurate results”.
“This level of anxiety and uncertainty is untenable,” she said.“This level of anxiety and uncertainty is untenable,” she said.
Hayes’s test was one of a one-day record total, according to Reuters, which reports that more than 1 million were performed.Hayes’s test was one of a one-day record total, according to Reuters, which reports that more than 1 million were performed.
Reuters also points out that the US needs 6 million to 10 million tests a day to bring outbreaks under control, according to various experts. The US tested on average 650,000 people a day in the week ended 13 September, down from a peak in late July of more than 800,000 a day.Reuters also points out that the US needs 6 million to 10 million tests a day to bring outbreaks under control, according to various experts. The US tested on average 650,000 people a day in the week ended 13 September, down from a peak in late July of more than 800,000 a day.
Since the start of the pandemic, testing shortages have hampered efforts to curb the spread of the virus.Since the start of the pandemic, testing shortages have hampered efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
According to figures from Johns Hopkins University, early on Sunday afternoon the US stood on the brink of recording 200,000 deaths from Covid-19:According to figures from Johns Hopkins University, early on Sunday afternoon the US stood on the brink of recording 200,000 deaths from Covid-19:
Reuters reports on a huge boost for Democratic causes, as donors flock to put their money where their mouths are over the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the looming fight to fill her supreme court seat:Reuters reports on a huge boost for Democratic causes, as donors flock to put their money where their mouths are over the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the looming fight to fill her supreme court seat:
Here’s the Associated Press on one of those key races, in which Democrat Mark Kelly is doing well in Arizona. And below is Lauren Gambino’s report on what Democrats and activists might do with all that money:Here’s the Associated Press on one of those key races, in which Democrat Mark Kelly is doing well in Arizona. And below is Lauren Gambino’s report on what Democrats and activists might do with all that money:
The New Jersey senator and former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination Cory Booker thinks appeals to Republicans’ sense of morality might yet stop them pushing through a replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg before the election on 3 November, or even after it in the lame duck session.The New Jersey senator and former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination Cory Booker thinks appeals to Republicans’ sense of morality might yet stop them pushing through a replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg before the election on 3 November, or even after it in the lame duck session.
“We’ve seen moments like this before, where healthcare was in the balance,” Booker told CBS’s Face the Nation. “And the American public, speaking out, got people like John McCain and a couple of my other colleagues to change their vote and do the right thing. So we’ll see how this plays out.”“We’ve seen moments like this before, where healthcare was in the balance,” Booker told CBS’s Face the Nation. “And the American public, speaking out, got people like John McCain and a couple of my other colleagues to change their vote and do the right thing. So we’ll see how this plays out.”
That was a reference to McCain’s dramatic return to the chamber and thumb-down gesture which killed an attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, in July 2017.That was a reference to McCain’s dramatic return to the chamber and thumb-down gesture which killed an attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, in July 2017.
But McCain died in August 2018 and Obamacare is just one progressive priority at risk should the court switch to a 6-3 conservative majority. Asked what tactics Democrats might use if appeals to the better angels of Republican natures somehow did not come off, and whether an impending government funding deadline might be leveraged, working on fears of a shutdown, Booker … dodged the question.But McCain died in August 2018 and Obamacare is just one progressive priority at risk should the court switch to a 6-3 conservative majority. Asked what tactics Democrats might use if appeals to the better angels of Republican natures somehow did not come off, and whether an impending government funding deadline might be leveraged, working on fears of a shutdown, Booker … dodged the question.
“For them to go against their word is pretty significant in the public space in terms of their own honor and legitimacy,” he said. “So we’ll see how that plays out. And in addition to that, the election has already begun. If there’s any more convincing that the public needs about what’s at stake, we see some of the most fundamental ideals of our nation that have been settled in many ways – the right for a woman to control her body, the basic understanding of civil rights law – all of that now is in the balance. And I think that this should motivate people significantly to speak up, let their voices be heard and be involved in this process.”“For them to go against their word is pretty significant in the public space in terms of their own honor and legitimacy,” he said. “So we’ll see how that plays out. And in addition to that, the election has already begun. If there’s any more convincing that the public needs about what’s at stake, we see some of the most fundamental ideals of our nation that have been settled in many ways – the right for a woman to control her body, the basic understanding of civil rights law – all of that now is in the balance. And I think that this should motivate people significantly to speak up, let their voices be heard and be involved in this process.”
Booker also skipped a question about whether he supported packing the court should the Democrats take the Senate, meaning increasing the number of justices beyond nine, a step which is theoretically possible and which many progressives support.Booker also skipped a question about whether he supported packing the court should the Democrats take the Senate, meaning increasing the number of justices beyond nine, a step which is theoretically possible and which many progressives support.
He wished, he said, “we would step back and take a beat and understand what we’re doing and the consequences and how they could radiate throughout time”.He wished, he said, “we would step back and take a beat and understand what we’re doing and the consequences and how they could radiate throughout time”.
Alaska Republican senator Lisa Murkowski says she will not support appointing a nominee to fill the supreme court vacancy following Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death.Alaska Republican senator Lisa Murkowski says she will not support appointing a nominee to fill the supreme court vacancy following Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death.
“For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to the election. Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed. I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia. We are now even closer to the 2020 election – less than two months out – and I believe the same standard must apply,” Murkowski said in a statement.“For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to the election. Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed. I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia. We are now even closer to the 2020 election – less than two months out – and I believe the same standard must apply,” Murkowski said in a statement.
The news is a blow for the Republicans’ drive to fill the vacancy before November’s election. However, even without Murkowski’s support they would still have the numbers in the Republican-held Senate to fill the vacancy, if the Alaska senator remains the only dissenting voice among them. Susan Collins is the other Republican senator to echo Murkowski’s views: two more would be needed to foil GOP plans.The news is a blow for the Republicans’ drive to fill the vacancy before November’s election. However, even without Murkowski’s support they would still have the numbers in the Republican-held Senate to fill the vacancy, if the Alaska senator remains the only dissenting voice among them. Susan Collins is the other Republican senator to echo Murkowski’s views: two more would be needed to foil GOP plans.