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Presidential debate reaction: Trump condemned over failure to criticise far-right group – live Biden tells white supremacist groups to 'cease and desist' after Trump's debate 'embarrassment' – live
(32 minutes later)
Biden and Trump both campaigning in swing states today in aftermath of bitter and chaotic debate Biden calls Trump’s performance at the first presidential debate a ‘national embarrassment’ and condemns his Proud Boys remark
The Commission on Presidential Debates has issued a statement calling for “additional structure” in the remaining presidential debates.
“Last night’s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues,” the commission said in the statement.
“The CPD will be carefully considering the changes that it will adopt and will announce those measures shortly. The Commission is grateful to Chris Wallace for the professionalism and skill he brought to last night’s debate and intends to ensure that additional tools to maintain order are in place for the remaining debates.”
The statement is a rather remarkable reflection on the chaos of last night’s debate, considering the commission goes to great lengths to appear neutral in elections.
In light of Trump’s consistent interruptions last night, many commentators suggested that moderators should have a kill switch to cut off candidates’ microphones if necessary.
However, the Trump team would almost certainly have to agree to such a change, which seems unlikely.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin is now meeting with House speaker Nancy Pelosi to discuss the next coronavirus relief package.
“I’m going to see the speaker, see if we can make some good progress today,” Mnuchin told a reporter for the Hill.
Negotiations between congressional Democratic leadership and the White House have been stalled since last month, even as millions of Americans remain unemployed because of the pandemic.
Democrats are pushing for a $2.2 trillion package, but Mnuchin previously dismissed that top-line cost as a “non-starter.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden told white supremacist groups to “cease and desist,” after Trump refused to condemn white supremacist violence at last night’s debate. Speaking to reporters during a campaign stop in Ohio moments ago, Biden said, “The president of the United States conducting himself the way he did, I think it was just a national embarrassment.”
Former FBI director James Comey testified before the Senate judiciary committee. Comey pushed back against criticism from attorney general William Barr, who has denounced the Russia investigation as “completely baseless.” Comey said of Barr, “I have no idea on Earth what he’s talking about.”
The attorney general of Kentucky asked for a one-week delay in the release of grand jury records in the Breonna Taylor case. Attorney general Daniel Cameron claimed more time was needed to redact information that could reveal jurors’ identities. The announcement comes one week after a grand jury declined to issue charges in direct connection to the killing of Taylor, who was fatally shot by Louisville police officers in March.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Taking reporters’ questions in Ohio, Biden criticized Trump’s debate performance last night as a “national embarrassment.”Taking reporters’ questions in Ohio, Biden criticized Trump’s debate performance last night as a “national embarrassment.”
Biden said he understood why some Americans would feel disgusted with politics after the president’s performance.Biden said he understood why some Americans would feel disgusted with politics after the president’s performance.
“The president of the United States conducting himself the way he did, I think it was just a national embarrassment,” Biden said.“The president of the United States conducting himself the way he did, I think it was just a national embarrassment,” Biden said.
Specifically addressing the president’s refusal to condemn white supremacist violence last night, Biden sent this message to such extremist groups: “cease and desist.”Specifically addressing the president’s refusal to condemn white supremacist violence last night, Biden sent this message to such extremist groups: “cease and desist.”
“My message to the Proud Boys and every other white supremacist group is cease and desist,” Biden said. “That’s not who we are. This is not who we are as Americans.”“My message to the Proud Boys and every other white supremacist group is cease and desist,” Biden said. “That’s not who we are. This is not who we are as Americans.”
In comparison, when Trump was asked to condemn white supremacist violence last night, the proud boys told the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, to “stand back and stand by.”In comparison, when Trump was asked to condemn white supremacist violence last night, the proud boys told the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, to “stand back and stand by.”
Joe Biden said Trump made the debate all about him, even though so many Americans are struggling right now because of the pandemic and the resulting economic fallout.Joe Biden said Trump made the debate all about him, even though so many Americans are struggling right now because of the pandemic and the resulting economic fallout.
“What I saw last night was all about him. He didn’t speak to you or your concerns, or the American people even once,” Biden said.“What I saw last night was all about him. He didn’t speak to you or your concerns, or the American people even once,” Biden said.
Taking questions from reporters in Alliance, Ohio, Biden emphasized that Trump’s debate performance reminded him why he entered the presidential race.Taking questions from reporters in Alliance, Ohio, Biden emphasized that Trump’s debate performance reminded him why he entered the presidential race.
Biden described Trump’s debate performance, and specifically his refusal to condemn white supremacist violence, as “a wake-up call for all Americans.”Biden described Trump’s debate performance, and specifically his refusal to condemn white supremacist violence, as “a wake-up call for all Americans.”
“For 90 minutes, he tried everything to distract,” Biden said. “And it just didn’t work.”“For 90 minutes, he tried everything to distract,” Biden said. “And it just didn’t work.”
Joe Biden is now speaking in Alliance, Ohio, the second-stop of his Build Back Better train tour to Pennsylvania.Joe Biden is now speaking in Alliance, Ohio, the second-stop of his Build Back Better train tour to Pennsylvania.
Wearing a hat for the Beau Biden Foundation, Biden criticized Trump’s performance in last night’s debate, saying the president failed to address the concerns of many American families amid a global pandemic.Wearing a hat for the Beau Biden Foundation, Biden criticized Trump’s performance in last night’s debate, saying the president failed to address the concerns of many American families amid a global pandemic.
“Donald Trump broke his promise,” Biden said, arguing Trump came to power by promising to prioritize the “forgotten man” but then immediately forgot about the people who voted for him.“Donald Trump broke his promise,” Biden said, arguing Trump came to power by promising to prioritize the “forgotten man” but then immediately forgot about the people who voted for him.
“I will never forget,” Biden said.“I will never forget,” Biden said.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Tom McCarthy.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Tom McCarthy.
Senator Tim Scott, a Republican of South Carolina, suggested Trump “misspoke” when he refused to condemn white supremacist violence during last night’s presidential debate.Senator Tim Scott, a Republican of South Carolina, suggested Trump “misspoke” when he refused to condemn white supremacist violence during last night’s presidential debate.
“I think he misspoke. I think he should correct it. If he doesn’t correct it, I guess he didn’t misspeak,” Scott told a reporter who asked about the president’s remarks.“I think he misspoke. I think he should correct it. If he doesn’t correct it, I guess he didn’t misspeak,” Scott told a reporter who asked about the president’s remarks.
Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate, has previously criticized Trump for using “racially offensive” language.Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate, has previously criticized Trump for using “racially offensive” language.
Last year, Scott weighed in after Trump told four progressive congresswoman of color that they should “go back” to the countries they came from.Last year, Scott weighed in after Trump told four progressive congresswoman of color that they should “go back” to the countries they came from.
“Instead of sharing how the Democratic Party’s far-left, pro-socialist policies — not to mention the hateful language some of their members have used towards law enforcement and Jews — are wrong for the future of our nation, the President interjected with unacceptable personal attacks and racially offensive language,” Scott said in a statement at the time.“Instead of sharing how the Democratic Party’s far-left, pro-socialist policies — not to mention the hateful language some of their members have used towards law enforcement and Jews — are wrong for the future of our nation, the President interjected with unacceptable personal attacks and racially offensive language,” Scott said in a statement at the time.
“No matter our political disagreements, aiming for the lowest common denominator will only divide our nation further.”“No matter our political disagreements, aiming for the lowest common denominator will only divide our nation further.”
Attorney general William Barr has called the FBI investigation of the Trump campaign, which was brimming with employees in secret contact with Russian operatives, “completely baseless”.Attorney general William Barr has called the FBI investigation of the Trump campaign, which was brimming with employees in secret contact with Russian operatives, “completely baseless”.
Comey has just testified: “I have no idea on Earth what he’s talking about.”Comey has just testified: “I have no idea on Earth what he’s talking about.”
Comey points out that dozens of people were indicted in the investigation, and the Senate itself had concluded that “the head of Trump’s campaign was a grave counterintelligence threat.”Comey points out that dozens of people were indicted in the investigation, and the Senate itself had concluded that “the head of Trump’s campaign was a grave counterintelligence threat.”
“The notion that the attorney general believes that was illegitimate endeavor to investigate mystifies me,” Comey says.“The notion that the attorney general believes that was illegitimate endeavor to investigate mystifies me,” Comey says.
Read further on how Barr has bent the justice department in service of Trump’s political needs:Read further on how Barr has bent the justice department in service of Trump’s political needs:
Athletes reacted with bemusement and dismay after Donald Trump refused to condemn white supremacists during the US presidential debate on Tuesday night.Athletes reacted with bemusement and dismay after Donald Trump refused to condemn white supremacists during the US presidential debate on Tuesday night.
Stephen Curry, one of the biggest stars in the NBA, noted Trump appearing to speak to the far-right Proud Boys. “Stand back and stand by??????????? No further questions your honor! #vote,” he wrote on Twitter.Stephen Curry, one of the biggest stars in the NBA, noted Trump appearing to speak to the far-right Proud Boys. “Stand back and stand by??????????? No further questions your honor! #vote,” he wrote on Twitter.
NBA All-Star Kyle Lowry noted Trump refused to condemn white supremacy: “And he still didn’t say it,” wrote the Toronto Raptors guard on Twitter. NFL wide receiver Randall Cobb tweeted: “He was asked about racism and responded about law enforcement...”NBA All-Star Kyle Lowry noted Trump refused to condemn white supremacy: “And he still didn’t say it,” wrote the Toronto Raptors guard on Twitter. NFL wide receiver Randall Cobb tweeted: “He was asked about racism and responded about law enforcement...”
Others highlighted the dismal tenor of a debate between two of the most powerful people on the planet. “This debate is the best sitcom of the year. This is pure comedy and the level of disrespect is off the charts. #Truth #LordHelpus,” wrote NFL hall of famer Deion Sanders.Others highlighted the dismal tenor of a debate between two of the most powerful people on the planet. “This debate is the best sitcom of the year. This is pure comedy and the level of disrespect is off the charts. #Truth #LordHelpus,” wrote NFL hall of famer Deion Sanders.
For many athletes, the takeaway from the evening was that Americans need to ensure they vote in November’s election.For many athletes, the takeaway from the evening was that Americans need to ensure they vote in November’s election.
“After watching the adventurous #2020PresidentialDebate and not really being able to hear anything... if nothing else, make sure you’re heard,” wrote WNBA star Renee Montgomery.“After watching the adventurous #2020PresidentialDebate and not really being able to hear anything... if nothing else, make sure you’re heard,” wrote WNBA star Renee Montgomery.
LeBron James, perhaps the most famous athlete in America, kept his message brief. “PLEASE VOTE!!!!!,” he tweeted.LeBron James, perhaps the most famous athlete in America, kept his message brief. “PLEASE VOTE!!!!!,” he tweeted.
In a bar-room brawl, who wins the fight? The guy swinging his fists or the guy clutching his drink?In a bar-room brawl, who wins the fight? The guy swinging his fists or the guy clutching his drink?
From the very first minute of the first presidential debate, the 45th president behaved as he has for the last four years: as unpresidential as possible.From the very first minute of the first presidential debate, the 45th president behaved as he has for the last four years: as unpresidential as possible.
He heckled. He bullied. He blustered and he lied. He came out swinging and didn’t mind where his fists landed: his opponent, the moderator, the Biden family, the microphones. It didn’t much matter.He heckled. He bullied. He blustered and he lied. He came out swinging and didn’t mind where his fists landed: his opponent, the moderator, the Biden family, the microphones. It didn’t much matter.
“Will you shut up, man? This is so unpresidential,” gasped Joe Biden at the end of a chaotic discussion about the supreme court. “That was a really productive session. Keep yappin’, man.”“Will you shut up, man? This is so unpresidential,” gasped Joe Biden at the end of a chaotic discussion about the supreme court. “That was a really productive session. Keep yappin’, man.”
Biden sounded unsettled by the first round of the Trump onslaught. He lost his train of thought as Trump never ceased to talk over him.Biden sounded unsettled by the first round of the Trump onslaught. He lost his train of thought as Trump never ceased to talk over him.
If Democrats were hoping that Biden would box Trump in, they were surely disappointed. Biden’s most effective response was to laugh at the brawling around him.If Democrats were hoping that Biden would box Trump in, they were surely disappointed. Biden’s most effective response was to laugh at the brawling around him.
But something funny happened on the way to Trump’s next swing of the fists: a pandemic. Covid-19 stopped the presidential yapping, briefly. Then Biden made a statement of the obvious, by questioning whether Trump was smart enough to handle the coronavirus.But something funny happened on the way to Trump’s next swing of the fists: a pandemic. Covid-19 stopped the presidential yapping, briefly. Then Biden made a statement of the obvious, by questioning whether Trump was smart enough to handle the coronavirus.
“Did you use the word smart,” the un-president barked. “Don’t ever use the word smart with me.”“Did you use the word smart,” the un-president barked. “Don’t ever use the word smart with me.”
Read the full piece:Read the full piece:
Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron has asked a judge to delay by one week the release of recordings of the grand jury deliberations in the killing of Breonna Taylor.Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron has asked a judge to delay by one week the release of recordings of the grand jury deliberations in the killing of Breonna Taylor.
Cameron’s office said the judge was expected to rule on the request today.Cameron’s office said the judge was expected to rule on the request today.
There are 20 hours of recordings up for release, according to local reports. The attorney general’s office says more time is needed to redact information that could identify jurors personally.There are 20 hours of recordings up for release, according to local reports. The attorney general’s office says more time is needed to redact information that could identify jurors personally.
A public outcry greeted the grand jury’s decision not to charge two police officers involved in the Louisville killing with homicide - or anything else. A third officer was charged with wanton endangerment.A public outcry greeted the grand jury’s decision not to charge two police officers involved in the Louisville killing with homicide - or anything else. A third officer was charged with wanton endangerment.
The move to release the recordings began when a juror stated in a lawsuit that Cameron had misled the public about the deliberations. Cameron did not seek murder charges in the case, he has admitted.The move to release the recordings began when a juror stated in a lawsuit that Cameron had misled the public about the deliberations. Cameron did not seek murder charges in the case, he has admitted.
Check. Mate?Check. Mate?
When Trump blew the racist dog whistle last night around “law and order” and “suburbs” – attempting by the internal logic of his own world view to scare white voters into supporting him – Biden called him out, saying Trump “wouldn’t know a suburb unless he took a wrong turn.”When Trump blew the racist dog whistle last night around “law and order” and “suburbs” – attempting by the internal logic of his own world view to scare white voters into supporting him – Biden called him out, saying Trump “wouldn’t know a suburb unless he took a wrong turn.”
“I was raised in the suburbs,” Biden said. “This is not 1950. All these dog whistles and racism don’t work any more.”“I was raised in the suburbs,” Biden said. “This is not 1950. All these dog whistles and racism don’t work any more.”
A preponderance of polls indicate that voters don’t buy Trump’s pitch of himself as “your law and order president,” saying Trump made them feel less safe and Biden made them feel more safe.A preponderance of polls indicate that voters don’t buy Trump’s pitch of himself as “your law and order president,” saying Trump made them feel less safe and Biden made them feel more safe.
Trump gets called out by... the dictionary.Trump gets called out by... the dictionary.
As previously covered, Trump last night declined to condemn white supremacists and signaled armed far-right groups to be at the ready as an election approaches whose legitimacy Trump has already denied:As previously covered, Trump last night declined to condemn white supremacists and signaled armed far-right groups to be at the ready as an election approaches whose legitimacy Trump has already denied: