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Biden to campaign in North Carolina as Trump draws more ire over Covid response – US politics live Biden to campaign in North Carolina as Trump draws more ire over Covid response – US politics live
(32 minutes later)
Joe Biden will appear in key battleground state 24 hours before president campaigns thereJoe Biden will appear in key battleground state 24 hours before president campaigns there
Ahead of the memorial service for justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the supreme court today, Jill Filipovic has written for us today on how much Ginsburg’s work has meant to generations of women.
Read it here: Jill Filipovic – Ruth Bader Ginsburg didn’t solve sexism in America. But she died trying
There’s a lot in the diary for the next couple of hours coming up in DC.
At 10am, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Robert Redfield and other members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force will be updating Congress on the federal response to the pandemic at 10am.Federal reserve chair Jerome Powell will also be testifying this morning, on the coronavirus’ impact on the economy. That’s up before the select subcommittee on the coronavirus crisis at 10am.As well as that, the Senate homeland security committee will be considering Chad Wolf for secretary of homeland security via videoconference, also at 10am.
Before those start, there will be the Ruth Bader Ginsburg memorial service at the supreme court at 9.30am, which is followed by the late supreme court justice lying in repose for public viewing.
Here’s the Politico verdict on that newly released Republican Senators’ interim report into Hunter Biden. They describe it as “largely a compilation of previously public information — some of it rehashed anew by witnesses who already testified during the House’s impeachment inquiry last year — as well as news articles and strongly worded insinuations with little evidence to back them up.”
Andrew Desiderio and Kyle Cheney write:
Read it here: Politico – GOP senators’ anti-Biden report repackages old claims
Daniel Strauss in Washington has been looking for us about what lies in store for the transition team working for Joe Biden, who not only face the prospect of a contested election and an unpredictable incumbent, but are also attempting to plan during an unprecedented pandemic.
Read more here: ‘This is a transition like no other’: Biden team prepared for all possibilities
Donald Trump has started his day by sending out a tweet attacking Cindy McCain. The widow of John McCain came out yesterday to endorse Joe Biden.
The president was clearly not enthralled, repeating that he was never a fan of her husband.
The president has also retweeted an appeal to sign a petition from Judicial Watch which is attempting to organise an investigation into Minnesota congressional rep Ilhan Omar for “perjury, immigration fraud, marriage fraud, state and federal tax fraud, and federal student loan fraud.”
There’s a very long analysis on the Economist website this morning in which they predict that the Democrats are narrow favourites to win the Senate. They say “The Economist’s new statistical model gives them a 67% chance of flipping the upper house of Congress. That would open a world of possibilities.”There’s a very long analysis on the Economist website this morning in which they predict that the Democrats are narrow favourites to win the Senate. They say “The Economist’s new statistical model gives them a 67% chance of flipping the upper house of Congress. That would open a world of possibilities.”
There’s a lot of caveats around the model, for example, there’s never been an election in a coronavirus pandemic before, and there’s no way of knowing how this is going to affect the number of mail-in votes, for example. They also caution that “There are no nationwide Senate polls. Some races are polled often; others not at all.”There’s a lot of caveats around the model, for example, there’s never been an election in a coronavirus pandemic before, and there’s no way of knowing how this is going to affect the number of mail-in votes, for example. They also caution that “There are no nationwide Senate polls. Some races are polled often; others not at all.”
They say overall that:They say overall that:
Where do they see the best chances for gains?Where do they see the best chances for gains?
Mark Kelly in Arizona – “a former astronaut who is married to Gabrielle Giffords and leads in the polls by around eight percentage points”Mark Kelly in Arizona – “a former astronaut who is married to Gabrielle Giffords and leads in the polls by around eight percentage points”
John Hickenlooper in Colorado – the “centrist former governor” leads incumbent, Cory Gardner, by seven points.John Hickenlooper in Colorado – the “centrist former governor” leads incumbent, Cory Gardner, by seven points.
Cal Cunningham in North Carolina – leads “rather unloved Republican incumbent” Thom Tillis by six points.Cal Cunningham in North Carolina – leads “rather unloved Republican incumbent” Thom Tillis by six points.
Sara Gideon in Maine – incumbent Susan Collins is “the Senate’s most moderate Republican”, but the Economist suggest recent supreme court battles “have alerted Maine’s somewhat Democratic-leaning electorate to the fact that even a centrist Republican is still a Republican.”Sara Gideon in Maine – incumbent Susan Collins is “the Senate’s most moderate Republican”, but the Economist suggest recent supreme court battles “have alerted Maine’s somewhat Democratic-leaning electorate to the fact that even a centrist Republican is still a Republican.”
They lay out just how important it might be for Biden to reach that goal:They lay out just how important it might be for Biden to reach that goal:
Read more here: The Economist – Why the Democrats are our narrow favourites to win the SenateRead more here: The Economist – Why the Democrats are our narrow favourites to win the Senate
And here we are: “Hunter Biden, Burisma, and corruption: The impact on US government policy and related concerns” has dropped. It is 87 pages long, and you can read it here:And here we are: “Hunter Biden, Burisma, and corruption: The impact on US government policy and related concerns” has dropped. It is 87 pages long, and you can read it here:
It look like this is happening this morning then…It look like this is happening this morning then…
Black Lives Matters supporters have repeatedly pointed out that while changes to racial stereotypes on food packaging may be an advance, they aren’t the kind of true structural change that will rectify racial disparity in the US.Black Lives Matters supporters have repeatedly pointed out that while changes to racial stereotypes on food packaging may be an advance, they aren’t the kind of true structural change that will rectify racial disparity in the US.
Seattle, however, has made a more concrete move in that direction. The Seattle city council voted last night to reduce the police department’s budget and reallocate some money to community programs. This overrides Mayor Jenny Durkan’s vetoes of adjustments to this year’s budget.Seattle, however, has made a more concrete move in that direction. The Seattle city council voted last night to reduce the police department’s budget and reallocate some money to community programs. This overrides Mayor Jenny Durkan’s vetoes of adjustments to this year’s budget.
The council’s proposals approved last month were supported by demonstrators who have marched in the city for months following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but were strongly opposed by the mayor and former police Chief Carmen Best.The council’s proposals approved last month were supported by demonstrators who have marched in the city for months following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but were strongly opposed by the mayor and former police Chief Carmen Best.
“Divestment from a broken policing model is not only the right thing to do . I believe it is the needed course of action,” Council President M. Lorena Gonzalez said, the Associated Press report.“Divestment from a broken policing model is not only the right thing to do . I believe it is the needed course of action,” Council President M. Lorena Gonzalez said, the Associated Press report.
“We cannot look away from this and we can no longer accept the status quo if we truly believe that Black lives matter.”“We cannot look away from this and we can no longer accept the status quo if we truly believe that Black lives matter.”
In vetoing the council’s actions, the mayor has said she did not agree with losing officers as well as a plan to take officers off a team that removes camps of people experiencing homelessness. She had also complained that the council had not discussed their plans with her or the police chief before taking action although at least one council member said that the police chief had been consulted.In vetoing the council’s actions, the mayor has said she did not agree with losing officers as well as a plan to take officers off a team that removes camps of people experiencing homelessness. She had also complained that the council had not discussed their plans with her or the police chief before taking action although at least one council member said that the police chief had been consulted.
Best, the city’s first Black female police chief, officially retired earlier this month amid the controversy over proposed police cuts and the department’s response to protests.Best, the city’s first Black female police chief, officially retired earlier this month amid the controversy over proposed police cuts and the department’s response to protests.
Measures passed by the council will cut less than $4 million of the department’s $400 million annual budget this year. The exact number of officers to be cut wasn’t clear but council members suggested it would amount to several dozen.Measures passed by the council will cut less than $4 million of the department’s $400 million annual budget this year. The exact number of officers to be cut wasn’t clear but council members suggested it would amount to several dozen.
Seattle now has about 1,400 police officers, and the proposed reductions fell far short of calls from many Black Lives Matter protesters for a 50% cut to the department. Some members of the council had described the cuts as a “down payment” on future reductions.Seattle now has about 1,400 police officers, and the proposed reductions fell far short of calls from many Black Lives Matter protesters for a 50% cut to the department. Some members of the council had described the cuts as a “down payment” on future reductions.
Councilmember Dan Strauss said “excessive and indiscriminate use of force” by police against Seattle residents exercising their First Amendment rights led the council to make the budget adjustments.Councilmember Dan Strauss said “excessive and indiscriminate use of force” by police against Seattle residents exercising their First Amendment rights led the council to make the budget adjustments.
“The changes proposed in the 2020 rebalanced budget are not radical or earth shattering,” Strauss said. “They are reasonable and responsible first steps in a long process to re-envision the way we handle public safety.”“The changes proposed in the 2020 rebalanced budget are not radical or earth shattering,” Strauss said. “They are reasonable and responsible first steps in a long process to re-envision the way we handle public safety.”
Uncle Ben’s rice is joining Aunt Jemima on the list of food brands that are changing after being criticized as depicting a racial stereotype following a summer where the US has seen a widespread focus on the Black Lives Matter movement.Uncle Ben’s rice is joining Aunt Jemima on the list of food brands that are changing after being criticized as depicting a racial stereotype following a summer where the US has seen a widespread focus on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Associated Press report that parent firm Mars Inc. will change the name to Ben’s Original, and packaging with the new name will hit stores next year.Associated Press report that parent firm Mars Inc. will change the name to Ben’s Original, and packaging with the new name will hit stores next year.
“We listened to our associates and our customers and the time is right to make meaningful changes across society,” said Fiona Dawson, global president for Mars Food, multisales and global customers. “When you are making these changes, you are not going to please everyone. But it’s about doing the right thing, not the easy thing.”“We listened to our associates and our customers and the time is right to make meaningful changes across society,” said Fiona Dawson, global president for Mars Food, multisales and global customers. “When you are making these changes, you are not going to please everyone. But it’s about doing the right thing, not the easy thing.”
Perhaps more importantly than a cosmetic branding change, Mars also announced several other initiatives, including a $2 million investment in culinary scholarships for aspiring Black chefs in partnership with the National Urban League. It also is planning a $2.5 million investment in nutritional and education programs for students in Greenville, Mississippi, the majority African-American city where the rice brand has been produced for more than 40 years.Perhaps more importantly than a cosmetic branding change, Mars also announced several other initiatives, including a $2 million investment in culinary scholarships for aspiring Black chefs in partnership with the National Urban League. It also is planning a $2.5 million investment in nutritional and education programs for students in Greenville, Mississippi, the majority African-American city where the rice brand has been produced for more than 40 years.
Mars said it has set a goal of increasing the ranks of racial minorities in US management positions from 20% to 40%. The company did not give a timeframe for reaching that number.Mars said it has set a goal of increasing the ranks of racial minorities in US management positions from 20% to 40%. The company did not give a timeframe for reaching that number.
Mars had announced in the summer that the Uncle Ben’s brand would “evolve”. Since the 1940s, the rice boxes have featured a white-haired Black man, sometimes with a bow tie, an image critics say evokes servitude. The company is still to decide on an image to accompany the new name.Mars had announced in the summer that the Uncle Ben’s brand would “evolve”. Since the 1940s, the rice boxes have featured a white-haired Black man, sometimes with a bow tie, an image critics say evokes servitude. The company is still to decide on an image to accompany the new name.
Back to Donald Trump’s predictably combative performance at the United Nations yesterday for a moment. Stephen Collinson and Caitlin Hu for CNN’s Meanwhile in America newsletter this morning write scathingly on what it revealed about US foreign policy under Trump:Back to Donald Trump’s predictably combative performance at the United Nations yesterday for a moment. Stephen Collinson and Caitlin Hu for CNN’s Meanwhile in America newsletter this morning write scathingly on what it revealed about US foreign policy under Trump:
They conclude that “if Joe Biden takes Trump’s place at the UN next year, he’ll face a world grown skeptical of America’s staying power – and foes who made hay in its absence.”They conclude that “if Joe Biden takes Trump’s place at the UN next year, he’ll face a world grown skeptical of America’s staying power – and foes who made hay in its absence.”
Lauren Witzke, at the same event where she defended both QAnon and the Ruth Bader Ginsburg meme published on her Facebook campaign page, also pledged support for Republicans filling Ginsburg’s seat as soon as is possible. Author David Litt has written for us this morning, to say that while the Republicans look set to get their wish and swiftly replace Ginsburg, it is actually Democrats who hold the trump cards.Lauren Witzke, at the same event where she defended both QAnon and the Ruth Bader Ginsburg meme published on her Facebook campaign page, also pledged support for Republicans filling Ginsburg’s seat as soon as is possible. Author David Litt has written for us this morning, to say that while the Republicans look set to get their wish and swiftly replace Ginsburg, it is actually Democrats who hold the trump cards.
Read it here: David Litt – Republicans will replace RBG but Democrats hold the trump cards – no, reallyRead it here: David Litt – Republicans will replace RBG but Democrats hold the trump cards – no, really
Speaking of QAnon, which we seem to be doing more and more, Cecilia Saixue Watt writes for us on the topic this morning, suggesting that while for some Republicans, the antisemitic conspiracy theory is seen as an opportunity to garner support, for those who have lost loved ones to it, QAnon is a destroyer of families and relationships.Speaking of QAnon, which we seem to be doing more and more, Cecilia Saixue Watt writes for us on the topic this morning, suggesting that while for some Republicans, the antisemitic conspiracy theory is seen as an opportunity to garner support, for those who have lost loved ones to it, QAnon is a destroyer of families and relationships.
Read it here: The QAnon orphans: people who have lost loved ones to conspiracy theoriesRead it here: The QAnon orphans: people who have lost loved ones to conspiracy theories
QAnon-associated Republican Senate candidate Lauren Witzke on has defended a controversial meme about supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg which was posted to Witzke’s campaign Facebook page in the wake of Ginsburg’s death.QAnon-associated Republican Senate candidate Lauren Witzke on has defended a controversial meme about supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg which was posted to Witzke’s campaign Facebook page in the wake of Ginsburg’s death.
Randall Chase reports for the Associated Press that Witzke said “Yes, my campaign posted a meme and I stand by it,” during an online candidate forum Tuesday night.Randall Chase reports for the Associated Press that Witzke said “Yes, my campaign posted a meme and I stand by it,” during an online candidate forum Tuesday night.
Witzke added that the meme was removed because she had received death threats “from far-left radicals threatening to come and kill my family and doxing my address.”Witzke added that the meme was removed because she had received death threats “from far-left radicals threatening to come and kill my family and doxing my address.”
Witzke, who describes herself as “extremely pro-life” said in a post just hours after Ginsburg’s death that the jurist’s “obsession with abortion overtly singled out blacks and minorities for extermination.”Witzke, who describes herself as “extremely pro-life” said in a post just hours after Ginsburg’s death that the jurist’s “obsession with abortion overtly singled out blacks and minorities for extermination.”
“Her own words from the 1970s tell us she didn’t want too many blacks or poor folks procreating. Tens of millions of black and brown babies never got a chance at life because of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (sic),” the post added.“Her own words from the 1970s tell us she didn’t want too many blacks or poor folks procreating. Tens of millions of black and brown babies never got a chance at life because of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (sic),” the post added.
The post was accompanied by a photo that appears to show a small group of half-naked children in a developing country smiling and dancing. The photo caption reads: “Black babies when Ruth Vader Ginsburg dies.”The post was accompanied by a photo that appears to show a small group of half-naked children in a developing country smiling and dancing. The photo caption reads: “Black babies when Ruth Vader Ginsburg dies.”
The post drew widespread criticism. Witzke has refused to apologize, but said in a subsequent post that she was “taking back full control of my Facebook page, in order to ensure that our message comes across as intended.”The post drew widespread criticism. Witzke has refused to apologize, but said in a subsequent post that she was “taking back full control of my Facebook page, in order to ensure that our message comes across as intended.”
Questioned again at the event on Tuesday night for her public support of the antisemitic conspiracy theory QAnon, she said “From what I understand about QAnon, that’s just a bunch of people who want pedophiles held accountable.”Questioned again at the event on Tuesday night for her public support of the antisemitic conspiracy theory QAnon, she said “From what I understand about QAnon, that’s just a bunch of people who want pedophiles held accountable.”
“From what I understand, it’s absolutely harmless,” she added. The FBI has determined QAnon to be a potential source of domestic terrorism.“From what I understand, it’s absolutely harmless,” she added. The FBI has determined QAnon to be a potential source of domestic terrorism.
Reuters have this on Britain’s Prince Harry and his American wife Meghan calling on Americans to register to vote in the upcoming US presidential election. It sees them entering into partisan political territory where British royals traditionally do not tread.Reuters have this on Britain’s Prince Harry and his American wife Meghan calling on Americans to register to vote in the upcoming US presidential election. It sees them entering into partisan political territory where British royals traditionally do not tread.
In a video for 2020 Time 100, the US magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people, the couple said people who were able to cast their vote, should do so.In a video for 2020 Time 100, the US magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people, the couple said people who were able to cast their vote, should do so.
Harry and Meghan now live in California, having stepped down from their senior royal roles in March.Harry and Meghan now live in California, having stepped down from their senior royal roles in March.
“Every four years we are told the same thing that this is the most important election of our lifetime,” Meghan said.“Every four years we are told the same thing that this is the most important election of our lifetime,” Meghan said.
“But this one is. When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard, your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do, and you deserve to be heard.”“But this one is. When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard, your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do, and you deserve to be heard.”
Meghan, who married Queen Elizabeth’s grandson in 2018, criticized Donald Trump during his 2016 election campaign as being misogynistic and divisive.Meghan, who married Queen Elizabeth’s grandson in 2018, criticized Donald Trump during his 2016 election campaign as being misogynistic and divisive.
Last year, Trump, on being told of Meghan’s criticism, used one of his favourite slurs against women, saying: “I didn’t know that. What can I say? I didn’t know that she was nasty.”Last year, Trump, on being told of Meghan’s criticism, used one of his favourite slurs against women, saying: “I didn’t know that. What can I say? I didn’t know that she was nasty.”
Britain’s royal family are expected to remain politically neutral.Britain’s royal family are expected to remain politically neutral.
“This election, I’m not going to be able to vote in the US, but many of you may not know that I haven’t been able to vote in the UK my entire life,” Harry said in the video. “As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity.”“This election, I’m not going to be able to vote in the US, but many of you may not know that I haven’t been able to vote in the UK my entire life,” Harry said in the video. “As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity.”
You can read more here: Time – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle discuss voting and the importance of combating misinformationYou can read more here: Time – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle discuss voting and the importance of combating misinformation
Overnight House speaker Nancy Pelosi and treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin reached an agreement which takes the threat of a government shutdown at the end of the month off of the table.Overnight House speaker Nancy Pelosi and treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin reached an agreement which takes the threat of a government shutdown at the end of the month off of the table.
The agreement includes tens of billions in funds for the Commodity Credit Corporation. This crucial aid to farmers was a sticking point for Republicans, who would not accept an agreement without it. Democrats have raised concerns about how the Trump administration is distributing the money.The agreement includes tens of billions in funds for the Commodity Credit Corporation. This crucial aid to farmers was a sticking point for Republicans, who would not accept an agreement without it. Democrats have raised concerns about how the Trump administration is distributing the money.
Pelosi said in a statement: ““We have reached an agreement with Republicans on the (continuing resolution) to add nearly $8 billion in desperately needed nutrition assistance for hungry schoolchildren and families. We also increase accountability in the Commodity Credit Corporation, preventing funds for farmers from being misused for a Big Oil bailout.”Pelosi said in a statement: ““We have reached an agreement with Republicans on the (continuing resolution) to add nearly $8 billion in desperately needed nutrition assistance for hungry schoolchildren and families. We also increase accountability in the Commodity Credit Corporation, preventing funds for farmers from being misused for a Big Oil bailout.”
The new agreement will keep government running through to 11 December. Intriguingly, that date puts trying to get the next agreement slap bang in the middle of either the dying embers of the Trump presidency, or during the transition period to a Biden administration. Throw in the prospect that the electoral college hasn’t cast its votes by then, but that the Senate might have approved a replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and you imagine it could certainly get quite testy to cut a deal next time around.The new agreement will keep government running through to 11 December. Intriguingly, that date puts trying to get the next agreement slap bang in the middle of either the dying embers of the Trump presidency, or during the transition period to a Biden administration. Throw in the prospect that the electoral college hasn’t cast its votes by then, but that the Senate might have approved a replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and you imagine it could certainly get quite testy to cut a deal next time around.
Here’s a reminder of how the US president Donald Trump used his appearance at the UN yesterday to attack China over the spread of the coronavirus – and the strong Chinese response to his words.Here’s a reminder of how the US president Donald Trump used his appearance at the UN yesterday to attack China over the spread of the coronavirus – and the strong Chinese response to his words.
Good morning, and welcome to our live coverage of US politics for Wednesday. Here’s a catch-up on where we are, and what we might expect to see today.Good morning, and welcome to our live coverage of US politics for Wednesday. Here’s a catch-up on where we are, and what we might expect to see today.
Yesterday the US hit the unwanted milestone of over 200,000 coronavirus deaths. There were 942 new deaths and 37,237 new cases recorded. Donald Trump described the death toll as “a shame”.Yesterday the US hit the unwanted milestone of over 200,000 coronavirus deaths. There were 942 new deaths and 37,237 new cases recorded. Donald Trump described the death toll as “a shame”.
Trump used his United Nations appearance to denounce China, the UN and World Health Organisation.Trump used his United Nations appearance to denounce China, the UN and World Health Organisation.
The president yesterday again spread misinformation about Covid at his Pennsylvania rally.The president yesterday again spread misinformation about Covid at his Pennsylvania rally.
Trump said his nomination to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be made at 5pm on Saturday.Trump said his nomination to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be made at 5pm on Saturday.
Mitt Romney announced his support for considering the president’s supreme court nominee, guaranteeing that Republicans have the votes whoever Trump nominates.Mitt Romney announced his support for considering the president’s supreme court nominee, guaranteeing that Republicans have the votes whoever Trump nominates.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s body will lie in repose at the supreme court today and tomorrow so that members of the public can pay their respects.Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s body will lie in repose at the supreme court today and tomorrow so that members of the public can pay their respects.
The president has two engagements in his diary today, delivering remarks in honor of Bay of Pigs Veterans, and taking part in a discussion with state attorneys general on “Protecting consumers from social media abuses”.The president has two engagements in his diary today, delivering remarks in honor of Bay of Pigs Veterans, and taking part in a discussion with state attorneys general on “Protecting consumers from social media abuses”.
Joe Biden will be campaigning in Charlotte, North Carolina.Joe Biden will be campaigning in Charlotte, North Carolina.
I’m Martin Belam and you can drop me a mail here: martin.belam@theguardian.comI’m Martin Belam and you can drop me a mail here: martin.belam@theguardian.com