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Amy Coney Barrett set for Trump nomination to supreme court – live Amy Coney Barrett set for Trump nomination to supreme court – live
(32 minutes later)
President will name replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg after evangelical leaders visit Oval Office – follow all the latest news livePresident will name replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg after evangelical leaders visit Oval Office – follow all the latest news live
Florida, which was hit hard by Covid-19 this summer and is still seeing more than 100 deaths from the virus on some days, is reopening slowly after governor Ron DeSantis announced the immediate opening of restaurants and other businesses at 100% capacity and the prohibition of fines against people who refuse to wear face masks.
Not all Floridians are happy with the ruling including his fellow Republican Francis Suarez, the mayor of Miami. “I think it’s going to have a huge impact. You know, I just don’t know how many people are actually going to do it now,” he told CNN.
Suarez added: “We’ll see in the next couple of weeks whether he’s right about his perspective. But if he’s wrong about his perspective … it’s going to be very, very, very difficult for him and it’s going to be a very difficult time, because it’s in the middle of flu season.”
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has attracted the ire of Democrats for his attempts to push through a conservative nominee to the supreme court before the election.
Demonstrators went to his house in Washington DC today, painting a mural on his street that reads “Hey Mitch. We Call BS. Let The People Decide.”
Demand Justice, an organization that campaigns to balance the courts and March For Our Lives, which advocates for gun safety, were behind the protest. Donald Trump’s likely pick for the supreme court, Amy Coney Barrett, is a conservative who is a proponent for gun rights. Both organizations oppose nominating a replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg during a time when many Americans have already cast their votes in the presidential election.
“We’re outside of Mitch McConnell‘s house because he has the power to listen to the will of American people and fulfill RBG’s dying wish, just as he has had the power to bring bi-partisan house-passed common sense legislation to a vote. Unfortunately he has proven time and time again that he is beholden to the gun lobby and special interests over the desires of his constituents in KY and the American people,” Eve Levenson, the policy and government affair manager for March For Our Lives told CNN.
The presidential election takes place on 3 November, but there is plenty of time to appoint Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court by then.The presidential election takes place on 3 November, but there is plenty of time to appoint Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court by then.
CNN has reported on the likely timetable for the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing schedule for Barrett. The hearing would open on 12 October with two rounds of questions from members of the Senate on the 13th and 14th, before a closed hearing with outside witnesses on 15 October. That would allow a vote to occur on 29 October, in time for the election.CNN has reported on the likely timetable for the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing schedule for Barrett. The hearing would open on 12 October with two rounds of questions from members of the Senate on the 13th and 14th, before a closed hearing with outside witnesses on 15 October. That would allow a vote to occur on 29 October, in time for the election.
It is likely that the Republican-held Senate would approve Barrett’s nomination, even though a small number of GOP senators are wavering. At the age of 48, Barrett could serve on the court for decades as the US, unlike other countries, does not have a mandatory retirement date for supreme court justices.It is likely that the Republican-held Senate would approve Barrett’s nomination, even though a small number of GOP senators are wavering. At the age of 48, Barrett could serve on the court for decades as the US, unlike other countries, does not have a mandatory retirement date for supreme court justices.
Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who is all but certain to be Donald Trump’s nomination to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was seen leaving her home in South Bend, Indiana a few hours ago. She was accompanied by her children and husband. The family were smartly dressed and carrying suitcases.Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who is all but certain to be Donald Trump’s nomination to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was seen leaving her home in South Bend, Indiana a few hours ago. She was accompanied by her children and husband. The family were smartly dressed and carrying suitcases.
Trump is expected to announce Barrett’s nomination at 5pm ET from the White House, which wouldn’t give the family much time to get to Washington DC, but that’s what private jets are for.Trump is expected to announce Barrett’s nomination at 5pm ET from the White House, which wouldn’t give the family much time to get to Washington DC, but that’s what private jets are for.
Vice president Mike Pence will be in attendance at the White House tonight, and he must be happy with proceedings as he sees a fellow member of the religious right appointed to a high position.Vice president Mike Pence will be in attendance at the White House tonight, and he must be happy with proceedings as he sees a fellow member of the religious right appointed to a high position.
For more on Barrett and why she makes a good pick for Trump and his supporters, read Soo Youn’s profile of the judge:For more on Barrett and why she makes a good pick for Trump and his supporters, read Soo Youn’s profile of the judge:
Edward Helmore has news of a rise in cases of Covid-19 in some neighbourhoods of New York City:Edward Helmore has news of a rise in cases of Covid-19 in some neighbourhoods of New York City:
Senior members of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community are hitting back after city officials attempted to address a rise in coronavirus cases.Senior members of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community are hitting back after city officials attempted to address a rise in coronavirus cases.
Last week, the New York City Health Department threatened to shutter non-essential businesses in neighborhoods with large Orthodox communities in south Brooklyn that have been identified as leading a surge in Covid-19 cases called the “Ocean Parkway Cluster”.Last week, the New York City Health Department threatened to shutter non-essential businesses in neighborhoods with large Orthodox communities in south Brooklyn that have been identified as leading a surge in Covid-19 cases called the “Ocean Parkway Cluster”.
In recent weeks, 4.71% of tests performed in the neighborhoods of Midwood, Borough Park and Bensonhurst have come back positive for Covid-19. The city’s overall positivity rate has hovered around 1% for more than two months.In recent weeks, 4.71% of tests performed in the neighborhoods of Midwood, Borough Park and Bensonhurst have come back positive for Covid-19. The city’s overall positivity rate has hovered around 1% for more than two months.
On Friday, radio host and community activist Heshy Tischler disrupted a Covid-19 awareness meeting being held by New York city health commissioner David Chokshi, calling officials liars and comparing them to Nazis.On Friday, radio host and community activist Heshy Tischler disrupted a Covid-19 awareness meeting being held by New York city health commissioner David Chokshi, calling officials liars and comparing them to Nazis.
“He’s lying! When a man lies, he has to be interrupted! You are a liar,” Tischler yelled, while refusing to wear a mask or keep six feet away from attendees. “Your reports are lies. You are lying and I won’t allow lies to be given out.”“He’s lying! When a man lies, he has to be interrupted! You are a liar,” Tischler yelled, while refusing to wear a mask or keep six feet away from attendees. “Your reports are lies. You are lying and I won’t allow lies to be given out.”
A day earlier, the city’s health department issued a warning that it would close non-essential businesses if infection rates did not start to fall. Officials have pleaded with members of the Orthodox community to observe social distancing guidelines, and said the city will distribute masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.A day earlier, the city’s health department issued a warning that it would close non-essential businesses if infection rates did not start to fall. Officials have pleaded with members of the Orthodox community to observe social distancing guidelines, and said the city will distribute masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.
New York mayor Bill de Blasio also noted the increase of cases in those neighborhoods. “It’s something we have to address with a very aggressive public health effort right away,” he said.New York mayor Bill de Blasio also noted the increase of cases in those neighborhoods. “It’s something we have to address with a very aggressive public health effort right away,” he said.
The issue is not new. At the start of the pandemic, state officials called on Orthodox Jewish leaders in New York City and suburban neighborhoods, including Spring Valley and Monsey, which is 35% Orthodox, to take the safety measures seriously.The issue is not new. At the start of the pandemic, state officials called on Orthodox Jewish leaders in New York City and suburban neighborhoods, including Spring Valley and Monsey, which is 35% Orthodox, to take the safety measures seriously.
The city does not break cases down by religion, but the area has a significant Orthodox Jewish population. Officials have previously criticized the community for holding funerals and religious events without apparent regard for social distancing measures.The city does not break cases down by religion, but the area has a significant Orthodox Jewish population. Officials have previously criticized the community for holding funerals and religious events without apparent regard for social distancing measures.
Last month, De Blasio attributed 16 new cases in Borough Park to a large wedding. The mayor, along with other political leaders, has stopped short from explicitly mentioning Orthodox communities after De Blasio singled them out during a large funeral gathering in Williamsburg and received pushback from rabbinical leaders.Last month, De Blasio attributed 16 new cases in Borough Park to a large wedding. The mayor, along with other political leaders, has stopped short from explicitly mentioning Orthodox communities after De Blasio singled them out during a large funeral gathering in Williamsburg and received pushback from rabbinical leaders.
Vox is out with a fascinating and very worthwhile piece about reports which have mistakenly said People of Praise, the Catholic group to which probable supreme court pick Amy Coney Barrett belongs, helped inspire Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale.Vox is out with a fascinating and very worthwhile piece about reports which have mistakenly said People of Praise, the Catholic group to which probable supreme court pick Amy Coney Barrett belongs, helped inspire Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale.
Stephanie Kirchgaessner’s story for the Guardian on People of Praise does not make the erroneous link. It’s here:Stephanie Kirchgaessner’s story for the Guardian on People of Praise does not make the erroneous link. It’s here:
Health officials in Florida reported at least 2,795 new cases of Covid-19 and at least 107 deaths on Saturday, according to the state’s department of health.Health officials in Florida reported at least 2,795 new cases of Covid-19 and at least 107 deaths on Saturday, according to the state’s department of health.
The state has reported at least 698,682 coronavirus cases and 14,022 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the department.The state has reported at least 698,682 coronavirus cases and 14,022 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the department.
Authorities said Florida’s overall positivity rate for all tests was 13.35% on Friday, which is above the 10% threshold that health officials say is necessary before scaling back local precautions. The World Health Organization advises societies can reopen when they can keep their overall positivity rate at 5% or below.Authorities said Florida’s overall positivity rate for all tests was 13.35% on Friday, which is above the 10% threshold that health officials say is necessary before scaling back local precautions. The World Health Organization advises societies can reopen when they can keep their overall positivity rate at 5% or below.
On Friday, Florida governor Ron DeSantis announced the state would move to phase three of reopening, which includes the immediate opening restaurants and other businesses at 100% capacity and the prohibition of local fines against people who refuse to wear face masks.On Friday, Florida governor Ron DeSantis announced the state would move to phase three of reopening, which includes the immediate opening restaurants and other businesses at 100% capacity and the prohibition of local fines against people who refuse to wear face masks.
A photo essay by Lexey Swall captures the scenes of mourning in Washington this week following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.A photo essay by Lexey Swall captures the scenes of mourning in Washington this week following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
New Jersey senator Bob Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate foreign relations committee, said the US state department “owes an apology” to a Finnish journalist who saw the International Women of Courage Award, bestowed in part for her work on Russia, taken away because she criticized Donald Trump on social media.New Jersey senator Bob Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate foreign relations committee, said the US state department “owes an apology” to a Finnish journalist who saw the International Women of Courage Award, bestowed in part for her work on Russia, taken away because she criticized Donald Trump on social media.
Jessikka Aro, an investigative reporter for Finland’s public service broadcaster Ylewas, was due to receive the award in March 2019. Rescinding it, the state department insisted she had not been a finalist and blamed the confusion on a “regrettable error”.Jessikka Aro, an investigative reporter for Finland’s public service broadcaster Ylewas, was due to receive the award in March 2019. Rescinding it, the state department insisted she had not been a finalist and blamed the confusion on a “regrettable error”.
“Secretary [of state Mike] Pompeo should have honored a courageous journalist willing to stand up to Kremlin propaganda,” Menendez said. “Instead, his department sought to stifle dissent to avoid upsetting a president who, day after day, tries to take pages out of [Vladimir] Putin’s playbook. The state department owes Ms Aro an apology.”“Secretary [of state Mike] Pompeo should have honored a courageous journalist willing to stand up to Kremlin propaganda,” Menendez said. “Instead, his department sought to stifle dissent to avoid upsetting a president who, day after day, tries to take pages out of [Vladimir] Putin’s playbook. The state department owes Ms Aro an apology.”
But Foreign Policy magazine reported that Aro was punished “after US officials went through [her] social media posts and found she had also frequently criticized President Donald Trump”.But Foreign Policy magazine reported that Aro was punished “after US officials went through [her] social media posts and found she had also frequently criticized President Donald Trump”.
There were 55,054 new coronavirus cases and 952 more deaths reported across the United States on Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University’s tally.There were 55,054 new coronavirus cases and 952 more deaths reported across the United States on Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University’s tally.
The highest single-day reporting of new cases since 14 August lifts the overall totals to at least 7,032,712 infections and 203,750 deaths.The highest single-day reporting of new cases since 14 August lifts the overall totals to at least 7,032,712 infections and 203,750 deaths.
The totals include cases from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and other US territories, as well as repatriated cases.The totals include cases from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and other US territories, as well as repatriated cases.
More than 1,000 New Yorkers tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday – the first time since 5 June the state has seen a daily caseload that high, the Associated Press reports.More than 1,000 New Yorkers tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday – the first time since 5 June the state has seen a daily caseload that high, the Associated Press reports.
The number of positive tests reported daily in the state has been steadily inching up in recent weeks, a trend possibly related to increasing numbers of businesses reopening, college campuses reopening and children returning to school.The number of positive tests reported daily in the state has been steadily inching up in recent weeks, a trend possibly related to increasing numbers of businesses reopening, college campuses reopening and children returning to school.
The governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday there were 1,005 positive cases tallied on the previous day out of 99,953 tests, for a 1% positive rate.The governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday there were 1,005 positive cases tallied on the previous day out of 99,953 tests, for a 1% positive rate.
From late July through the start of September the state was seeing an average of around 660 people test positive per day. In the seven-day period that ended Friday, the state had averaged 817 positive tests per day.From late July through the start of September the state was seeing an average of around 660 people test positive per day. In the seven-day period that ended Friday, the state had averaged 817 positive tests per day.
Cuomo didn’t comment on the 1,000-case threshold in his daily Covid-19 update, but reiterated his call for vigilance.Cuomo didn’t comment on the 1,000-case threshold in his daily Covid-19 update, but reiterated his call for vigilance.
Its vital that New Yorkers continue to practice the basic behaviours that drive our ability to fight Covid-19 as we move into the fall and flu season,” Cuomo said in a prepared release.Its vital that New Yorkers continue to practice the basic behaviours that drive our ability to fight Covid-19 as we move into the fall and flu season,” Cuomo said in a prepared release.
That number of daily positive tests in a state of more than 19 million people still puts New York in a much better position than many other states. And it is worlds better than the situation in the state in April, when the number of positive tests per day routinely topped 9,000, even though tests then were hard to get and people were being encouraged not to seek one unless they were gravely ill.That number of daily positive tests in a state of more than 19 million people still puts New York in a much better position than many other states. And it is worlds better than the situation in the state in April, when the number of positive tests per day routinely topped 9,000, even though tests then were hard to get and people were being encouraged not to seek one unless they were gravely ill.
The higher number of positive tests lately could be related to more people seeking tests or being required to take them with the start of the academic year.The higher number of positive tests lately could be related to more people seeking tests or being required to take them with the start of the academic year.
Still, the uptick has been a cause for concern. In New York City, health officials have sounded alarms about a rising number of cases in certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens where many private religious schools opened for in-person instruction in early September, warning that those communities could see severe restrictions on public gatherings reinstated if current trends continue.Still, the uptick has been a cause for concern. In New York City, health officials have sounded alarms about a rising number of cases in certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens where many private religious schools opened for in-person instruction in early September, warning that those communities could see severe restrictions on public gatherings reinstated if current trends continue.
Public school students in New York City’s elementary, middle and high schools are set to resume in-person instruction next week 29 September and 1October.Public school students in New York City’s elementary, middle and high schools are set to resume in-person instruction next week 29 September and 1October.
Massachusetts’ top law enforcement official has brought criminal charges against former leaders of a nursing home for military veterans, for allegedly making a fatal decision that led to the deaths of many dozens of elderly residents and staff.Massachusetts’ top law enforcement official has brought criminal charges against former leaders of a nursing home for military veterans, for allegedly making a fatal decision that led to the deaths of many dozens of elderly residents and staff.
Former superintendent Bennett Walsh, 50, and Dr David Clinton, 71, were indicted last week on 10 criminal neglect charges each, according to state attorney general Maura Healey. The two have not been taken into custody and will be arraigned at a later date.Former superintendent Bennett Walsh, 50, and Dr David Clinton, 71, were indicted last week on 10 criminal neglect charges each, according to state attorney general Maura Healey. The two have not been taken into custody and will be arraigned at a later date.
“We began this investigation on behalf of the families who lost loved ones under tragic circumstances and to honor these men who bravely served our country,” Healey said Friday. “We allege that the actions of these defendants during the Covid-19 outbreak at the facility put veterans at higher risk of infection and death and warrant criminal charges.”“We began this investigation on behalf of the families who lost loved ones under tragic circumstances and to honor these men who bravely served our country,” Healey said Friday. “We allege that the actions of these defendants during the Covid-19 outbreak at the facility put veterans at higher risk of infection and death and warrant criminal charges.”
Rightwing talk show host Mark Levin said Friday he was consulted on who should be appointed to the US supreme court by the White House.Rightwing talk show host Mark Levin said Friday he was consulted on who should be appointed to the US supreme court by the White House.
“This is why I have said I would be very cautious about [Barbara Lagoa],” Levin said Friday on BlazeTV’s LevinTV. “And honestly, I’ve put that on my posts, and I was asked by the White House what I thought and I said exactly the same thing. It’s not that I’m hostile toward her, it’s that she’s pretty much a blank slate. You don’t put blank slates on the Supreme Court.”“This is why I have said I would be very cautious about [Barbara Lagoa],” Levin said Friday on BlazeTV’s LevinTV. “And honestly, I’ve put that on my posts, and I was asked by the White House what I thought and I said exactly the same thing. It’s not that I’m hostile toward her, it’s that she’s pretty much a blank slate. You don’t put blank slates on the Supreme Court.”
Levin, once one of Trump’s more vocal conservative critics, has become one of his more prominent media supporters over the past several years.Levin, once one of Trump’s more vocal conservative critics, has become one of his more prominent media supporters over the past several years.
Several thousand members of the far-right Proud Boys plan are expected to descend on Portland today, amid simmering tensions nationwide following the decision not to charge Louisville police officers in the killing of Breonna Taylor.Several thousand members of the far-right Proud Boys plan are expected to descend on Portland today, amid simmering tensions nationwide following the decision not to charge Louisville police officers in the killing of Breonna Taylor.
The Associated Press reports:The Associated Press reports:
In the words of the White House pool report, at last night’s rally in Newport News, Trump “called out to Virginia Republican chairman Rich Anderson he asked ‘How are we doing? I don’t want to be wasting my time’ by campaigning in the state. Anderson, just behind POTUS and to his left behind the barrier, and wearing a mask, flashed a right thumb up.”In the words of the White House pool report, at last night’s rally in Newport News, Trump “called out to Virginia Republican chairman Rich Anderson he asked ‘How are we doing? I don’t want to be wasting my time’ by campaigning in the state. Anderson, just behind POTUS and to his left behind the barrier, and wearing a mask, flashed a right thumb up.”
To mangle CLR James on cricket, what do they know of polling that only polling know?To mangle CLR James on cricket, what do they know of polling that only polling know?
Fivethirtyeight.com puts Joe Biden 9.9 points up, 51% to 41.1%, in Virginia, although its last registered poll gives the Democrat a five-point lead, down from 14 previously. Realclearpolitics.com says similar.Fivethirtyeight.com puts Joe Biden 9.9 points up, 51% to 41.1%, in Virginia, although its last registered poll gives the Democrat a five-point lead, down from 14 previously. Realclearpolitics.com says similar.
Virginia was once a red Republican state but it has been changing demographically and it hasn’t gone to the GOP since 2004.Virginia was once a red Republican state but it has been changing demographically and it hasn’t gone to the GOP since 2004.
A personal point I’ve made before – Trump is using his presidential plane as a prop at his rallies, when they are held at airports, as in Virginia last night. Charles Lindbergh, in real life someone who also proclaimed “America first”, used his plane as a prop in his quasi-fascist rallies in Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America.A personal point I’ve made before – Trump is using his presidential plane as a prop at his rallies, when they are held at airports, as in Virginia last night. Charles Lindbergh, in real life someone who also proclaimed “America first”, used his plane as a prop in his quasi-fascist rallies in Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America.
I wonder how many times I can quote from and link to the op ed former Obama speechwriter David Litt wrote for us this week, about the supreme court, Mitch McConnell, “constitutional hardball” and what the Democrats can do to fight back – after the court switches to a 6-3 conservative majority, which it is going to do.I wonder how many times I can quote from and link to the op ed former Obama speechwriter David Litt wrote for us this week, about the supreme court, Mitch McConnell, “constitutional hardball” and what the Democrats can do to fight back – after the court switches to a 6-3 conservative majority, which it is going to do.
Here’s the piece:Here’s the piece:
And here’s another quote from David which I find fascinating, on the origins of all this unpleasantness:And here’s another quote from David which I find fascinating, on the origins of all this unpleasantness:
That’s heading for Rick Perlstein territory. His theory, which he has expounded through four huge books on the rise of American right, is that it all started with Senator Barry Goldwater, and his quixotic 1964 campaign against Lyndon B Johnson. Here’s an interview with Rick:That’s heading for Rick Perlstein territory. His theory, which he has expounded through four huge books on the rise of American right, is that it all started with Senator Barry Goldwater, and his quixotic 1964 campaign against Lyndon B Johnson. Here’s an interview with Rick:
Donald Trump’s expected nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court, to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is drawing attention to a secretive Catholic “covenant community” called People of Praise that counts Barrett as a member and faces claims of adhering to a “highly authoritarian” structure.Donald Trump’s expected nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court, to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is drawing attention to a secretive Catholic “covenant community” called People of Praise that counts Barrett as a member and faces claims of adhering to a “highly authoritarian” structure.
The 48-year-old appellate court judge has said she is a “faithful Catholic” but that her religious beliefs would not “bear in the discharge of my duties as a judge”.The 48-year-old appellate court judge has said she is a “faithful Catholic” but that her religious beliefs would not “bear in the discharge of my duties as a judge”.
At the same time, the Louisiana native and Notre Dame Law graduate, a favorite among Trump’s evangelical Christian base, has said legal careers ought not to be seen as means of gaining satisfaction, prestige or money, but rather “as a means to the end of serving God”.At the same time, the Louisiana native and Notre Dame Law graduate, a favorite among Trump’s evangelical Christian base, has said legal careers ought not to be seen as means of gaining satisfaction, prestige or money, but rather “as a means to the end of serving God”.
Interviews with experts who have studied charismatic Christian groups such as People of Praise, and with former members of the group, plus a review of the group’s own literature, reveal an organization that appears to dominate some members’ everyday lives, in which so-called “heads” – or spiritual advisers – make big life decisions, and in which members are expected to financially support one another.Interviews with experts who have studied charismatic Christian groups such as People of Praise, and with former members of the group, plus a review of the group’s own literature, reveal an organization that appears to dominate some members’ everyday lives, in which so-called “heads” – or spiritual advisers – make big life decisions, and in which members are expected to financially support one another.
Married women – such as Barrett – count their husbands as their “heads” and all members are expected to donate 5% of their income to the organization.Married women – such as Barrett – count their husbands as their “heads” and all members are expected to donate 5% of their income to the organization.
Full story:Full story:
On the White House schedule today, in case you wondered about which key blocks of support Donald Trump might be looking to reassure with his supreme court pick:On the White House schedule today, in case you wondered about which key blocks of support Donald Trump might be looking to reassure with his supreme court pick:
Bad form to quote self, and all that, but this is from a Guardian live blog back in June, when Trump had peaceful protesters gassed and attacked so he could waive a Bible about in front of St John’s church:Bad form to quote self, and all that, but this is from a Guardian live blog back in June, when Trump had peaceful protesters gassed and attacked so he could waive a Bible about in front of St John’s church:
As for why evangelical Christians support Trump so fervently, here’s John S Gardner’s review of Ralph Reed’s book, For God and Country: The Christian Case for Trump. Safe to say, John isn’t buying:As for why evangelical Christians support Trump so fervently, here’s John S Gardner’s review of Ralph Reed’s book, For God and Country: The Christian Case for Trump. Safe to say, John isn’t buying:
… and welcome to our coverage of a day in US politics due to end, at 5pm, with Donald Trump’s announcement of Amy Coney Barrett as his choice to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the supreme court.… and welcome to our coverage of a day in US politics due to end, at 5pm, with Donald Trump’s announcement of Amy Coney Barrett as his choice to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the supreme court.
It’s not definitely Barrett. The choice was reported by numerous outlets last night, though Trump underscored the validity of CNN’s warning – “All sources cautioned that until it is announced by the president, there is always the possibility that Trump makes a last-minute change” – by telling reporters it “could be any one” of five women and insisting: “I haven’t said it is her.”It’s not definitely Barrett. The choice was reported by numerous outlets last night, though Trump underscored the validity of CNN’s warning – “All sources cautioned that until it is announced by the president, there is always the possibility that Trump makes a last-minute change” – by telling reporters it “could be any one” of five women and insisting: “I haven’t said it is her.”
But he did reportedly say in 2018: “I’m saving her for Ginsburg.”But he did reportedly say in 2018: “I’m saving her for Ginsburg.”
Barrett is a strict conservative and devout Catholic who by replacing a liberal lion would tilt the court firmly right, 6-3. Which is why Republicans in the Senate are ready to ram the nomination through, even though only 38 days remain until election day.Barrett is a strict conservative and devout Catholic who by replacing a liberal lion would tilt the court firmly right, 6-3. Which is why Republicans in the Senate are ready to ram the nomination through, even though only 38 days remain until election day.
Public polling suggests a majority think so momentous a choice should be made by the winner of that election, Trump or Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee who still has a relatively healthy lead in the polls. No matter.Public polling suggests a majority think so momentous a choice should be made by the winner of that election, Trump or Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee who still has a relatively healthy lead in the polls. No matter.
We’ll have coverage through the day, of course. In the meantime, for some further reading, here’s our chief reporter, Ed Pilkington, on the role of the Senate in all this:We’ll have coverage through the day, of course. In the meantime, for some further reading, here’s our chief reporter, Ed Pilkington, on the role of the Senate in all this: