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Democrats on the attack after Trump tax return revelations – live Democrats on the attack after Trump tax return revelations – live
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Biden campaign ad compares tax paid by Trump to that paid by nurses, teachers and firefightersBiden campaign ad compares tax paid by Trump to that paid by nurses, teachers and firefighters
Donald Trump’s 2016 US presidential election campaign has been accused of actively seeking to deter 3.5 million black Americans in battleground states from voting by deliberately targeting them with negative Hillary Clinton ads on Facebook.
The secret effort concentrated on 16 swing states, several narrowly won by Trump after the black Democrat vote collapsed.
The claims have come from an investigation by Channel 4 News, which was leaked a copy of a vast election database it says was used by the Trump campaign in 2016.
Comprising the records of 198 million Americans, and containing details about their domestic and economic status acquired from market research firms, the investigation claimed voters were segmented into eight categories.
One was marked “deterrence”. Those placed in the special category – voters thought likely to vote for Clinton or not at all – were disproportionately black.
According to the investigation, the Trump campaign’s goal was to dissuade them from backing the Democrat entirely, by targeting them with “dark adverts” on their Facebook feeds, which heavily attacked Clinton and, in some cases, argued she lacked sympathy with African Americans.
The effort is said to have been devised in part by Cambridge Analytica, the notorious election consultant that ceased trading last year following revelations that it used dirty tricks to help win elections around the world and had gained unauthorised access to tens of millions of Facebook profiles.
The Monmouth poll also found American voters are divided on whether or not Trump should be allowed to fill Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s supreme court seat before the election.
According to the poll, 47% of voters say the Senate should immediately consider a supreme court nominee, and 49% say the nomination should be put on hold until after the election.
In comparison, when Republicans blocked Barack Obama from filling Antonin Scalia’s seat in 2016, 57% of voters said the Senate should consider Obama’s nomination, and 39% said the process should be put on hold.
Monmouth’s numbers are a little bit closer than some other recent polls that have been taken since Ginsburg’s death earlier this month.
According to an average of 12 recent polls, 52% of respondents have said the Senate should wait to advance the nomination, while 39% have said the seat should be filled now.
A new poll shows Joe Biden’s national advantage over Trump has slightly narrowed since earlier this month.
According to the new Monmouth University poll, Biden has a 5-point lead over Trump among US likely voters, 50%-45%. In comparison, Biden had a 7-point lead with likely voters earlier this month, 51%-44%.
Because of how the electoral college votes are distributed, Biden likely needs to win the national popular vote by at least 5 points to guarantee a victory, according to polling expert Nate Silver.
But it should be noted the Monmouth poll shows a narrow national race than other recent polls have indicated. According to the FiveThirtyEight average of national polls, Biden currently leads by 7 points.
In comparison to Trump paying $750 in federal income taxes in 2017, Joe and Jill Biden paid $3.7 million in 2017 taxes, according to the tax returns previously released by the Democratic nominee.In comparison to Trump paying $750 in federal income taxes in 2017, Joe and Jill Biden paid $3.7 million in 2017 taxes, according to the tax returns previously released by the Democratic nominee.
Biden will likely mention that number during tomorrow’s presidential debate, given his campaign message in recent weeks has been that Trump is out of touch with average Americans.Biden will likely mention that number during tomorrow’s presidential debate, given his campaign message in recent weeks has been that Trump is out of touch with average Americans.
A federal judge in Philadelphia today joined others in ordering a halt to recent Postal Service cuts that critics say are causing mail delays and threatening the integrity of the presidential election.A federal judge in Philadelphia today joined others in ordering a halt to recent Postal Service cuts that critics say are causing mail delays and threatening the integrity of the presidential election.
Six states and the District of Columbia presented “compelling evidence” from the US Postal Service itself that shows “a pronounced increase in mail delays across the country” since July, the judge found, and The Associated Press reported.Six states and the District of Columbia presented “compelling evidence” from the US Postal Service itself that shows “a pronounced increase in mail delays across the country” since July, the judge found, and The Associated Press reported.
“In a pandemic, states are even more reliant on the mail, especially when it comes to administering elections,” US district judge Gerald McHugh wrote in granting a preliminary injunction.“In a pandemic, states are even more reliant on the mail, especially when it comes to administering elections,” US district judge Gerald McHugh wrote in granting a preliminary injunction.
Postal Service officials have previously said they would consider their legal options as injunctions were issued.Postal Service officials have previously said they would consider their legal options as injunctions were issued.
Spokesperson David Partenheimer said the agency did not have an immediate response.Postal Service officials say new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy never ordered a slowdown or overtime ban.Spokesperson David Partenheimer said the agency did not have an immediate response.Postal Service officials say new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy never ordered a slowdown or overtime ban.
However, their lawyers conceded in court last week that local managers may have interpreted the guidance from Washington, DC, that way.Because of that lack of clarity, McHugh said, a national injunction that echoes three others issued this month was necessary.However, their lawyers conceded in court last week that local managers may have interpreted the guidance from Washington, DC, that way.Because of that lack of clarity, McHugh said, a national injunction that echoes three others issued this month was necessary.
“This is a major victory and confirms for every senior who has not received their timely shipment of prescription drugs and every voter who needs the reliable delivery of their mail-in ballots that Postmaster General DeJoy was making false promises,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a lead plaintiff, said in a statement today.“This is a major victory and confirms for every senior who has not received their timely shipment of prescription drugs and every voter who needs the reliable delivery of their mail-in ballots that Postmaster General DeJoy was making false promises,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a lead plaintiff, said in a statement today.
While service began rebounding toward the end of summer, no Postal Service region was meeting the agency’s target of delivering more than 95% of first-class mail within five days, according to data obtained this month by The Associated Press through a Freedom of Information Act request.While service began rebounding toward the end of summer, no Postal Service region was meeting the agency’s target of delivering more than 95% of first-class mail within five days, according to data obtained this month by The Associated Press through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Shapiro was joined in the Philadelphia case by attorneys general in California, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina and the District of Columbia. Federal judges in Washington state and New York issued similar orders this month.Shapiro was joined in the Philadelphia case by attorneys general in California, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina and the District of Columbia. Federal judges in Washington state and New York issued similar orders this month.
In the former case, which involved several presidential election battleground states, US district judge Stanley Bastian said the state officials had made a “strong showing” that the Trump administration was using the Postal Service “as a tool in partisan politics.”In the former case, which involved several presidential election battleground states, US district judge Stanley Bastian said the state officials had made a “strong showing” that the Trump administration was using the Postal Service “as a tool in partisan politics.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Democrats attacked Trump over his recent tax returns, some of which were obtained by the New York Times. According to the Times, Trump paid only $750 in federal income taxes the year that he won the presidency, largely because he reported losing more money than he made.Democrats attacked Trump over his recent tax returns, some of which were obtained by the New York Times. According to the Times, Trump paid only $750 in federal income taxes the year that he won the presidency, largely because he reported losing more money than he made.
Nancy Pelosi said Trump’s debt obligations could represent a national security risk. The Democratic speaker argued the American people were entitled to know to whom Trump owes money. “For me, this is a national security question,” Pelosi said. “The public has a right to know.”Nancy Pelosi said Trump’s debt obligations could represent a national security risk. The Democratic speaker argued the American people were entitled to know to whom Trump owes money. “For me, this is a national security question,” Pelosi said. “The public has a right to know.”
The Washington Post editorial board endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential bid. “In order to expel the worst president of modern times, many voters might be willing to vote for almost anybody,” the board wrote. “Fortunately, to oust president Trump in 2020, voters do not have to lower their standards.”The Washington Post editorial board endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential bid. “In order to expel the worst president of modern times, many voters might be willing to vote for almost anybody,” the board wrote. “Fortunately, to oust president Trump in 2020, voters do not have to lower their standards.”
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Tests for Covid-19 that show on-the-spot results in 15 to 30 minutes are about to be rolled out across the world, potentially saving many thousands of lives and slowing the pandemic in both poor and rich countries.Tests for Covid-19 that show on-the-spot results in 15 to 30 minutes are about to be rolled out across the world, potentially saving many thousands of lives and slowing the pandemic in both poor and rich countries.
In a triumph for a global initiative to get vital drugs and vaccines to fight the virus, 120m rapid antigen tests from two companies will be supplied to low- and middle-income countries for $5 (£3.90) each or even less.In a triumph for a global initiative to get vital drugs and vaccines to fight the virus, 120m rapid antigen tests from two companies will be supplied to low- and middle-income countries for $5 (£3.90) each or even less.
The tests, which look like a pregnancy test, with two blue lines displayed for positive, are read by a health worker. One test has received emergency approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the other is expected to get it shortly.The tests, which look like a pregnancy test, with two blue lines displayed for positive, are read by a health worker. One test has received emergency approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the other is expected to get it shortly.
The quick and easy but high-quality tests will allow mass screening of health workers, who are dying in disproportionate numbers in low income countries.The quick and easy but high-quality tests will allow mass screening of health workers, who are dying in disproportionate numbers in low income countries.
In her MSNBC interview, House speaker Nancy Pelosi also criticized Senate Republicans for moving forward with the supreme court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett weeks before the presidential election.In her MSNBC interview, House speaker Nancy Pelosi also criticized Senate Republicans for moving forward with the supreme court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett weeks before the presidential election.
Echoing other Democrats, Pelosi warned Americans that the Affordable Care Act could be on the chopping block if Barrett is confirmed.Echoing other Democrats, Pelosi warned Americans that the Affordable Care Act could be on the chopping block if Barrett is confirmed.
“This is kitchen-table concerns,” Pelosi said. “Whether it’s health or financial health, they’re out to get you.”“This is kitchen-table concerns,” Pelosi said. “Whether it’s health or financial health, they’re out to get you.”
Joe Biden sent a similar warning yesterday, during a speech in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.Joe Biden sent a similar warning yesterday, during a speech in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
“It’s no mystery about what’s happening here. President Trump was trying to throw out the Affordable Care Act. He’s been trying to do it for the last four years,” Biden said.“It’s no mystery about what’s happening here. President Trump was trying to throw out the Affordable Care Act. He’s been trying to do it for the last four years,” Biden said.
“This is about your healthcare. This is about whether or not the ACA will exist. This is about whether or not preexisting conditions will be continued to be covered.”“This is about your healthcare. This is about whether or not the ACA will exist. This is about whether or not preexisting conditions will be continued to be covered.”
House speaker Nancy Pelosi argued Trump’s debts could represent a national security risk, after the New York Times reported on the president’s tax returns.House speaker Nancy Pelosi argued Trump’s debts could represent a national security risk, after the New York Times reported on the president’s tax returns.
Speaking to MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell, Pelosi said it was crucial that the American people know to whom Trump owes money because those parties could have leverage over the US president.Speaking to MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell, Pelosi said it was crucial that the American people know to whom Trump owes money because those parties could have leverage over the US president.
“For me, this is a national security question,” Pelosi said. “The public has a right to know” the details of Trump’s debt obligations, the Democratic speaker added.“For me, this is a national security question,” Pelosi said. “The public has a right to know” the details of Trump’s debt obligations, the Democratic speaker added.
Florida police confiscated 10 guns from the home of Brad Parscale, the president’s former campaign manager who was involuntarily hospitalized last night after his wife said he was suicidal.Florida police confiscated 10 guns from the home of Brad Parscale, the president’s former campaign manager who was involuntarily hospitalized last night after his wife said he was suicidal.
The Miami Herald reports:The Miami Herald reports:
Parscale managed Trump’s reelection campaign until July, when he was demoted as the president struggled to catch up to Joe Biden in the polls.Parscale managed Trump’s reelection campaign until July, when he was demoted as the president struggled to catch up to Joe Biden in the polls.
Morale at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is at an all-time low, according to veterans of the health agency.Morale at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is at an all-time low, according to veterans of the health agency.
The Washington Post reports:The Washington Post reports:
According to the Post, some CDC staffers have doubts that Robert Redfield is the right person to lead the agency amid a global pandemic, but they fear who the Trump administration would replace him with.According to the Post, some CDC staffers have doubts that Robert Redfield is the right person to lead the agency amid a global pandemic, but they fear who the Trump administration would replace him with.
The Post report comes as administration officials have been criticized for attempting to interfere in key CDC reports on coronavirus to paint a rosier picture about the pandemic.The Post report comes as administration officials have been criticized for attempting to interfere in key CDC reports on coronavirus to paint a rosier picture about the pandemic.
Trump called the White House press pool to the South Lawn to watch him inspect the Endurance electric pickup truck, which was constructed at the Lordstown, Ohio, plant that GM sold in 2019.Trump called the White House press pool to the South Lawn to watch him inspect the Endurance electric pickup truck, which was constructed at the Lordstown, Ohio, plant that GM sold in 2019.
Senior trade adviser Peter Navarro and Ohio’s Republican senator, Rob Portman, were also present for the inspection.Senior trade adviser Peter Navarro and Ohio’s Republican senator, Rob Portman, were also present for the inspection.
As the brief event concluded, reporters shouted questions at the president. Trump ignored a question about the New York Times’ tax returns story, but he did respond when a reporter asked whether he was looking forward to tomorrow’s debate.As the brief event concluded, reporters shouted questions at the president. Trump ignored a question about the New York Times’ tax returns story, but he did respond when a reporter asked whether he was looking forward to tomorrow’s debate.
“Yeah I am,” Trump said. “I am looking very forward to the debate.”“Yeah I am,” Trump said. “I am looking very forward to the debate.”
Trump attacked the “Fake News Media” for reporting on his tax returns days before the first presidential debate and weeks before election day.Trump attacked the “Fake News Media” for reporting on his tax returns days before the first presidential debate and weeks before election day.
“The Fake News Media, just like Election time 2016, is bringing up my Taxes & all sorts of other nonsense with illegally obtained information & only bad intent. I paid many millions of dollars in taxes but was entitled, like everyone else, to depreciation & tax credits,” Trump said in a tweet thread.“The Fake News Media, just like Election time 2016, is bringing up my Taxes & all sorts of other nonsense with illegally obtained information & only bad intent. I paid many millions of dollars in taxes but was entitled, like everyone else, to depreciation & tax credits,” Trump said in a tweet thread.
The president also claimed that he has “little debt compared to the value of assets.” But here is what the Times reported about Trump’s financial status:The president also claimed that he has “little debt compared to the value of assets.” But here is what the Times reported about Trump’s financial status:
Joe Biden has called a lid, meaning the Democratic nominee does not plan to make any public appearances for the rest of the day.Joe Biden has called a lid, meaning the Democratic nominee does not plan to make any public appearances for the rest of the day.
The early lid means Americans won’t hear Biden address the New York Times’ story on Trump’s tax returns until tomorrow’s debate.The early lid means Americans won’t hear Biden address the New York Times’ story on Trump’s tax returns until tomorrow’s debate.
In recent weeks, Biden has sought to cast the presidential election as a race between Scranton, where he was born, and Park Avenue.In recent weeks, Biden has sought to cast the presidential election as a race between Scranton, where he was born, and Park Avenue.
Biden will likely use the revelations about Trump paying almost no federal income taxes in recent years to again make the argument that the president is out of touch with average Americans.Biden will likely use the revelations about Trump paying almost no federal income taxes in recent years to again make the argument that the president is out of touch with average Americans.
The main super PAC supporting Democratic Senate candidates has placed a seven-figure ad buy in South Carolina, as polls indicate Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is locked in a close race with Jaime Harrison.The main super PAC supporting Democratic Senate candidates has placed a seven-figure ad buy in South Carolina, as polls indicate Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is locked in a close race with Jaime Harrison.
Senate Majority PAC will spend $6.5 million in South Carolina, marking the first time the group has bought airtime in the state this election cycle.Senate Majority PAC will spend $6.5 million in South Carolina, marking the first time the group has bought airtime in the state this election cycle.
The first ad released by SMP attacks Graham for taking money from special interest groups and blocking efforts to lower drug prices.The first ad released by SMP attacks Graham for taking money from special interest groups and blocking efforts to lower drug prices.
The substantial investment indicates Democrats believe Harrison has a legitimate path to victory in the traditionally Republican state.The substantial investment indicates Democrats believe Harrison has a legitimate path to victory in the traditionally Republican state.
According to a YouGov poll released yesterday, Graham’s advantage in the race has narrowed to just 1 point, 45%-44%, representing a virtual tie.According to a YouGov poll released yesterday, Graham’s advantage in the race has narrowed to just 1 point, 45%-44%, representing a virtual tie.