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Democrats on the attack after Trump tax return revelations – live Trump again claims US 'rounding the corner' on Covid as Pence warns of cases rising – live
(32 minutes later)
Biden campaign ad compares tax paid by Trump to that paid by nurses, teachers and firefighters Trump reels from bombshell tax report as he gets set for debate with Biden
Hello, Kari Paul here in California, sharing the most important news of the next few hours with you. Stay tuned for updates.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Kari Paul, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Vice President Mike Pence warned Americans to expect a rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the coming weeks, during Trump’s event on coronavirus testing today. Echoing many health experts, Pence said, “The American people should anticipate that cases will rise in the days ahead.” Moments later, the president insisted the country is “rounding the corner” in its coronavirus crisis, even though the US death toll surpassed 200,000 last week.
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.”
Trump’s 2016 campaign targeted 3.5 million African Americans to deter them from voting, according to a new investigation from Channel 4 News. Voters targeted for “deterrence” were disproportionately black, according to a Trump campaign database reviewed by Channel 4.
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.”
Kari will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
After the vice president spoke, Dr Scott Atlas, a senior adviser to the president who has reportedly been criticized by other members of the White House coronavirus task force, delivered brief remarks.After the vice president spoke, Dr Scott Atlas, a senior adviser to the president who has reportedly been criticized by other members of the White House coronavirus task force, delivered brief remarks.
Atlas insisted the country has a handle on the virus, even though the country’s death toll surpassed 200,000 last week.Atlas insisted the country has a handle on the virus, even though the country’s death toll surpassed 200,000 last week.
Trump similarly insisted the US is “rounding the corner” in the coronavirus crisis, moments after Vice President Mike Pence said Americans should expect the number of cases to rise in the weeks ahead.Trump similarly insisted the US is “rounding the corner” in the coronavirus crisis, moments after Vice President Mike Pence said Americans should expect the number of cases to rise in the weeks ahead.
The president briefly thanked Abbott for its work developing rapid coronavirus tests. He then left the Rose Garden without taking questions.The president briefly thanked Abbott for its work developing rapid coronavirus tests. He then left the Rose Garden without taking questions.
Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the Rose Garden event, claiming the country has “passed through a challenging time” with its coronavirus crisis.Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the Rose Garden event, claiming the country has “passed through a challenging time” with its coronavirus crisis.
But Pence added, “The American people should anticipate that cases will rise in the days ahead.”But Pence added, “The American people should anticipate that cases will rise in the days ahead.”
A number of health experts have warned that the country could see another surge in coronavirus cases as the weather gets colder.A number of health experts have warned that the country could see another surge in coronavirus cases as the weather gets colder.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves praised the distribution of 150 million rapid coronavirus tests as a “game-changer” in the country’s pandemic response.Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves praised the distribution of 150 million rapid coronavirus tests as a “game-changer” in the country’s pandemic response.
Speaking in the Rose Garden, the Republican governor praised Trump for distributing the tests to states.Speaking in the Rose Garden, the Republican governor praised Trump for distributing the tests to states.
The department of health and human services announced last month that it had awarded a $760 million contract to Abbott to produce 150 million rapid tests.The department of health and human services announced last month that it had awarded a $760 million contract to Abbott to produce 150 million rapid tests.
Trump laid out plans for how his administration would distribute the 150 million rapid coronavirus tests that the government purchased earlier this year.Trump laid out plans for how his administration would distribute the 150 million rapid coronavirus tests that the government purchased earlier this year.
The president said 50 million tests would specifically be deployed to protect nursing home residents and vulnerable populations.The president said 50 million tests would specifically be deployed to protect nursing home residents and vulnerable populations.
Admiral Brett Giroir, an assistant health secretary, demonstrated how the Abbott tests work by doing a self-swab.Admiral Brett Giroir, an assistant health secretary, demonstrated how the Abbott tests work by doing a self-swab.
Giroir announced 6.5 million rapid tests would be distributed to governors this week.Giroir announced 6.5 million rapid tests would be distributed to governors this week.
Trump is now holding a Rose Garden event to deliver an update on the country’s coronavirus testing strategy.Trump is now holding a Rose Garden event to deliver an update on the country’s coronavirus testing strategy.
According to the list of attendees released by the White House, Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, and Dr Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are not expected to attend the event.According to the list of attendees released by the White House, Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, and Dr Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are not expected to attend the event.
But Dr Scott Atlas, one of the president’s senior advisers who has reportedly been criticized by Redfield for providing Trump with false information on the pandemic, is expected to attend.But Dr Scott Atlas, one of the president’s senior advisers who has reportedly been criticized by Redfield for providing Trump with false information on the pandemic, is expected to attend.
Senator Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the Senate finance committee, said he was concerned about how long it is taking the IRS to audit Trump’s taxes.Senator Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the Senate finance committee, said he was concerned about how long it is taking the IRS to audit Trump’s taxes.
“The thought that comes to my mind is, how come it’s taking the IRS so long to get the audits done?” Grassley told a Capitol Hill reporter. “I am concerned that the IRS is not getting their work done.”“The thought that comes to my mind is, how come it’s taking the IRS so long to get the audits done?” Grassley told a Capitol Hill reporter. “I am concerned that the IRS is not getting their work done.”
The president faces an IRS audit over a nearly $73 million tax refund he claimed in 2010. If the IRS does not find in his favor, Trump may owe the government more than $100 million, the New York Times reported.The president faces an IRS audit over a nearly $73 million tax refund he claimed in 2010. If the IRS does not find in his favor, Trump may owe the government more than $100 million, the New York Times reported.
Trump said back in 2011 that even low-income Americans should have to pay some taxes and that he pays “a lot of tax,” a new CNN report reveals.Trump said back in 2011 that even low-income Americans should have to pay some taxes and that he pays “a lot of tax,” a new CNN report reveals.
The tax information obtained by the New York Times indicates Trump paid only $750 in federal income taxes the year that he won the presidency.The tax information obtained by the New York Times indicates Trump paid only $750 in federal income taxes the year that he won the presidency.
Conservative host Sean Hannity asked Trump in a 2011 radio interview, “Now everybody keeps saying down at Occupy Wall Street, the 1% -- which I’m sure you’re a part of -- doesn’t pay any taxes. Do you not pay any taxes? I didn’t know that.”Conservative host Sean Hannity asked Trump in a 2011 radio interview, “Now everybody keeps saying down at Occupy Wall Street, the 1% -- which I’m sure you’re a part of -- doesn’t pay any taxes. Do you not pay any taxes? I didn’t know that.”
Trump replied, “No, I pay tax. I pay a lot of tax. I just signed a big fat check recently for a lot of tax. I paid literally, I paid a lot of tax and you know, look, I don’t mind. I’m proud to pay it up. If I owe it, I pay it.”Trump replied, “No, I pay tax. I pay a lot of tax. I just signed a big fat check recently for a lot of tax. I paid literally, I paid a lot of tax and you know, look, I don’t mind. I’m proud to pay it up. If I owe it, I pay it.”
The future president went on to say, “The amazing thing is that half of the country is paying nothing. Zero. And even if you don’t make a lot, you should have to pay something. Just something to be a part of the game. Half of the country’s paying nothing.”The future president went on to say, “The amazing thing is that half of the country is paying nothing. Zero. And even if you don’t make a lot, you should have to pay something. Just something to be a part of the game. Half of the country’s paying nothing.”
The information obtained by the Times shoed Trump paid no federal income taxes in 10 out of 15 years beginning in 2000.The information obtained by the Times shoed Trump paid no federal income taxes in 10 out of 15 years beginning in 2000.
Florida police have released body camera footage from officers’ interaction with Brad Parscale, the president’s former campaign manager who was involuntarily hospitalized yesterday.Florida police have released body camera footage from officers’ interaction with Brad Parscale, the president’s former campaign manager who was involuntarily hospitalized yesterday.
In the video, Parscale’s wife, Candice, can be heard saying he brandished a gun and has multiple firearms in the home.In the video, Parscale’s wife, Candice, can be heard saying he brandished a gun and has multiple firearms in the home.
One police officer speaks to Parscale on the phone and attempts to convince him to come out of the house without any weapons, but Parscale refuses to do so.One police officer speaks to Parscale on the phone and attempts to convince him to come out of the house without any weapons, but Parscale refuses to do so.
The video then cuts to Parscale walking out of the house shirtless and holding a beer. As Parscale starts speaking to one officer, others yell at him to get on the ground. When he doesn’t, an officer tackles him.The video then cuts to Parscale walking out of the house shirtless and holding a beer. As Parscale starts speaking to one officer, others yell at him to get on the ground. When he doesn’t, an officer tackles him.
As Parscale is handcuffed on the ground, he repeatedly tells the officers, “I didn’t do anything!”As Parscale is handcuffed on the ground, he repeatedly tells the officers, “I didn’t do anything!”
According to police reports released today, officers confiscated 10 guns from Parscale’s home after his wife said he was suicidal and has been physically abusive.According to police reports released today, officers confiscated 10 guns from Parscale’s home after his wife said he was suicidal and has been physically abusive.
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.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 Democratic vote collapsed.The secret effort concentrated on 16 swing states, several narrowly won by Trump after the black Democratic 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.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.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.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.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 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.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.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.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.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.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.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%.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.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 narrower national race than other recent polls have indicated. According to the FiveThirtyEight average of national polls, Biden currently leads by 7 points.But it should be noted the Monmouth poll shows a narrower 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.”