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Biden tells white supremacist groups to 'cease and desist' after Trump's debate 'embarrassment' – live Biden tells white supremacist groups to 'cease and desist' after Trump's debate 'embarrassment' – live
(30 minutes later)
Democratic contender describes Trump’s display as ‘national embarrassment’, while Trump denies knowledge of Proud Boys after telling them to ‘stand by’Democratic contender describes Trump’s display as ‘national embarrassment’, while Trump denies knowledge of Proud Boys after telling them to ‘stand by’
Congress no longer plans to vote tonight on a $2.2 trillion stimulus package, so they can take more time to work out a deal with the White House, per multiple reports.
After meeting earlier with treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, House speaker Nancy Pelosi initially seemed to indicate that the House would modify and move forward with voting on the Heroes Act, the latest coronavirus relief package. “Today, Secretary Mnuchin and I had an extensive conversation and we found areas where we are seeking further clarification. Our conversations will continue,” the Democratic speaker had said.
While the bill, as is, is sure to pass the Democrat-controlled House, it’s future in the Republican-led Senate is uncertain. Efforts to pass a stimulus bill had been stalled for nearly two months - with Republicans and Democrats divided over the price tag.
This latest legislation has been slimmed down though it contains many of the components of the $3.4 trillion package Democrats approved in May. Lawmakers cut aid to the Post Office from $25bn to o$15bn and cut in half a proposed $1tn for state and local governments.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far: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.”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.”
Trump denied knowing who the Pride Boys were, a day after telling the extremist far-right group to “stand back and stand by.” “I don’t know who the Proud Boys are. I mean, you’ll have to give me a definition because I really don’t know who they are,” Trump told reporters. “I can only say they have to stand down, let law enforcement do their work.”Trump denied knowing who the Pride Boys were, a day after telling the extremist far-right group to “stand back and stand by.” “I don’t know who the Proud Boys are. I mean, you’ll have to give me a definition because I really don’t know who they are,” Trump told reporters. “I can only say they have to stand down, let law enforcement do their work.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates said “additional structure” would be needed for the remaining presidential debates. According to CBS News, the CPD will soon announce rules changes to the debates, including allowing moderators to cut candidates’ microphones when they ignore the agreed-upon structure of the debates.The Commission on Presidential Debates said “additional structure” would be needed for the remaining presidential debates. According to CBS News, the CPD will soon announce rules changes to the debates, including allowing moderators to cut candidates’ microphones when they ignore the agreed-upon structure of the debates.
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.”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.”
A judge granted the attorney general of Kentucky a two-day delay in releasing the grand jury records in the Breonna Taylor case, which were supposed to be made public today. 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.A judge granted the attorney general of Kentucky a two-day delay in releasing the grand jury records in the Breonna Taylor case, which were supposed to be made public today. 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.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
CNN host Jake Tapper cut short an interview with a senior Trump campaign official as he dodged questions about the president’s refusal to condemn white supremacist violence.CNN host Jake Tapper cut short an interview with a senior Trump campaign official as he dodged questions about the president’s refusal to condemn white supremacist violence.
Communications director Tim Murtaugh deflected Tapper’s questions by repeatedly trying to redirect the conversation toward Biden’s work with segregationist senators in the 1970’s.Communications director Tim Murtaugh deflected Tapper’s questions by repeatedly trying to redirect the conversation toward Biden’s work with segregationist senators in the 1970’s.
As Murtaugh kept talking over Tapper’s questions, the CNN host eventually said, “You know what, I’m not Chris Wallace. Thank you, Tim, appreciate it.”As Murtaugh kept talking over Tapper’s questions, the CNN host eventually said, “You know what, I’m not Chris Wallace. Thank you, Tim, appreciate it.”
With that, the interview was over.With that, the interview was over.
Debate moderator Chris Wallace said he was “sad with the way last night turned out,” after the Fox News anchor was widely criticized for failing to rein in Trump as the president repeatedly interrupted Biden and ignored the format of the debate.Debate moderator Chris Wallace said he was “sad with the way last night turned out,” after the Fox News anchor was widely criticized for failing to rein in Trump as the president repeatedly interrupted Biden and ignored the format of the debate.
“I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did,” Wallace told the New York Times, in his first interview since last night’s debate.“I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did,” Wallace told the New York Times, in his first interview since last night’s debate.
“I guess I didn’t realize — and there was no way you could, hindsight being 20/20 — that this was going to be the president’s strategy, not just for the beginning of the debate but the entire debate.”“I guess I didn’t realize — and there was no way you could, hindsight being 20/20 — that this was going to be the president’s strategy, not just for the beginning of the debate but the entire debate.”
When asked if Trump was responsible for derailing the debate, Wallace said, “Well, he certainly didn’t help.”When asked if Trump was responsible for derailing the debate, Wallace said, “Well, he certainly didn’t help.”
But Wallace declined to elaborate on that answer. “To quote the president, ‘It is what it is,’” Wallace said.But Wallace declined to elaborate on that answer. “To quote the president, ‘It is what it is,’” Wallace said.
The Commission on Presidential Debates reportedly intends to issue strict new rules for the remaining presidential debates.The Commission on Presidential Debates reportedly intends to issue strict new rules for the remaining presidential debates.
According to CBS News, the CPD’s new rules will include cutting off a candidate’s microphone if they ignore the agreed-upon format of the debate.According to CBS News, the CPD’s new rules will include cutting off a candidate’s microphone if they ignore the agreed-upon format of the debate.
The news comes shortly after the CPD issued a statement saying last night’s debate showed “additional structure” would be required for the remaining debates.The news comes shortly after the CPD issued a statement saying last night’s debate showed “additional structure” would be required for the remaining debates.
“The CPD will be carefully considering the changes that it will adopt and will announce those measures shortly,” the statement said.“The CPD will be carefully considering the changes that it will adopt and will announce those measures shortly,” the statement said.
Trump mocked Joe Biden and Chris Wallace after the Commission on Presidential Debates called for “additional structure” in future debates.Trump mocked Joe Biden and Chris Wallace after the Commission on Presidential Debates called for “additional structure” in future debates.
“Try getting a new Anchor and a smarter Democrat candidate!” Trump said in a tweet reacting to the CPD’s statement today.“Try getting a new Anchor and a smarter Democrat candidate!” Trump said in a tweet reacting to the CPD’s statement today.
The president’s reelection campaign more specifically targeted the CPD in its own statement on the matter.The president’s reelection campaign more specifically targeted the CPD in its own statement on the matter.
“They’re only doing this because their guy got pummeled last night,” said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh.“They’re only doing this because their guy got pummeled last night,” said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh.
“President Trump was the dominant force and now Joe Biden is trying to work the refs. They shouldn’t be moving the goalposts and changing the rules in the middle of the game.”“President Trump was the dominant force and now Joe Biden is trying to work the refs. They shouldn’t be moving the goalposts and changing the rules in the middle of the game.”
The CPD said the chaos of last night’s debate “made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates,” but the Trump campaign seems unlikely to agree to such rule changes.The CPD said the chaos of last night’s debate “made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates,” but the Trump campaign seems unlikely to agree to such rule changes.
After a meeting with treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, House speaker Nancy Pelosi said the chamber would move forward with a vote on Democrats’ trimmed-down coronavirus relief bill tonight.After a meeting with treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, House speaker Nancy Pelosi said the chamber would move forward with a vote on Democrats’ trimmed-down coronavirus relief bill tonight.
“Today, Secretary Mnuchin and I had an extensive conversation and we found areas where we are seeking further clarification. Our conversations will continue,” the Democratic speaker said.“Today, Secretary Mnuchin and I had an extensive conversation and we found areas where we are seeking further clarification. Our conversations will continue,” the Democratic speaker said.
“We will be proceeding with our vote tonight on the updated Heroes Act in order to formalize our proffer to Republicans in the negotiations to address the health and economic catastrophe in our country.”“We will be proceeding with our vote tonight on the updated Heroes Act in order to formalize our proffer to Republicans in the negotiations to address the health and economic catastrophe in our country.”
Mnuchin similarly told a Capitol Hill reporter that he and Pelosi had “made a lot of progress in a lot of areas.”Mnuchin similarly told a Capitol Hill reporter that he and Pelosi had “made a lot of progress in a lot of areas.”
“We made a lot of progress over the last few days,” Mnuchin said. “We still don’t have an agreement, but we have more work to do, and we’re going to see where we end up.”“We made a lot of progress over the last few days,” Mnuchin said. “We still don’t have an agreement, but we have more work to do, and we’re going to see where we end up.”
The $2.2 trillion relief package will likely pass the Democratic-controlled House tonight, but the bill faces a very uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate.The $2.2 trillion relief package will likely pass the Democratic-controlled House tonight, but the bill faces a very uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate.
When a reporter asked Trump about his comments on the Proud Boys last night, the president asked for a “definition” of the extremist far-right group.When a reporter asked Trump about his comments on the Proud Boys last night, the president asked for a “definition” of the extremist far-right group.
“I don’t know who the Proud Boys are. I mean, you’ll have to give me a definition because I really don’t know who they are,” Trump said.“I don’t know who the Proud Boys are. I mean, you’ll have to give me a definition because I really don’t know who they are,” Trump said.
“I can only say they have to stand down, let law enforcement do their work.”“I can only say they have to stand down, let law enforcement do their work.”
But the extremist group has consistently been in the news since last night’s debate, so it seems unlikely the president is not aware of who the Proud Boys are.But the extremist group has consistently been in the news since last night’s debate, so it seems unlikely the president is not aware of who the Proud Boys are.
The claim of ignorance was reminiscent of Trump’s comments about infamous white supremacist David Duke during the 2016 campaign.The claim of ignorance was reminiscent of Trump’s comments about infamous white supremacist David Duke during the 2016 campaign.
After Duke endorsed Trump’s campaign, the then-presidential candidate was asked to condemn the white supremacist.After Duke endorsed Trump’s campaign, the then-presidential candidate was asked to condemn the white supremacist.
Instead, Trump told CNN host Jake Tapper, “Well, just so you understand, I don’t know anything about David Duke. Okay? I don’t know anything about what you’re even talking about with white supremacy or white supremacists. So, I don’t know.”Instead, Trump told CNN host Jake Tapper, “Well, just so you understand, I don’t know anything about David Duke. Okay? I don’t know anything about what you’re even talking about with white supremacy or white supremacists. So, I don’t know.”
Trump just spoke to reporters on the South Lawn before leaving for Minnesota, where he will hold campaign events this evening.Trump just spoke to reporters on the South Lawn before leaving for Minnesota, where he will hold campaign events this evening.
Addressing his comments last night on the Proud Boys, Trump claimed he did not know who the extremist far-right group was.Addressing his comments last night on the Proud Boys, Trump claimed he did not know who the extremist far-right group was.
“I don’t know who the Proud Boys are,” Trump said, per the White House press pool. “Whoever they are, they need to stand down.”“I don’t know who the Proud Boys are,” Trump said, per the White House press pool. “Whoever they are, they need to stand down.”
That was quite a reversal from last night, when the president told the extremist group to “stand back and stand by.”That was quite a reversal from last night, when the president told the extremist group to “stand back and stand by.”
After refusing to denounce white supremacist violence during the debate, Trump said, “I’ve always denounced any form of any of that.”After refusing to denounce white supremacist violence during the debate, Trump said, “I’ve always denounced any form of any of that.”
In fact, after the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Trump claimed there were “very fine people on both sides”.In fact, after the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Trump claimed there were “very fine people on both sides”.
Trump once again tried to redirect the focus to his Democratic opponent, saying, “Joe Biden has to say something about Antifa. It’s not a philosophy.”Trump once again tried to redirect the focus to his Democratic opponent, saying, “Joe Biden has to say something about Antifa. It’s not a philosophy.”
But the director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, told the House earlier this month that Antifa is “not a group or an organization,” but “a movement or an ideology.”But the director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, told the House earlier this month that Antifa is “not a group or an organization,” but “a movement or an ideology.”
Kentucky’s attorney general has been given until noon on Friday to release the secret grand jury proceedings in the Breonna Taylor case, after a delay was sought by the official on Wednesday just as audio recordings were set to be released to the public.Kentucky’s attorney general has been given until noon on Friday to release the secret grand jury proceedings in the Breonna Taylor case, after a delay was sought by the official on Wednesday just as audio recordings were set to be released to the public.
The office of the attorney general, Daniel Cameron, had filed a motion on Wednesday morning asking for a week’s delay to enable the redaction of names and personal information.The office of the attorney general, Daniel Cameron, had filed a motion on Wednesday morning asking for a week’s delay to enable the redaction of names and personal information.
A court in Louisville had been expected to release the audio recordings on Wednesday by noon but, after the request, a judge gave Cameron two more days.A court in Louisville had been expected to release the audio recordings on Wednesday by noon but, after the request, a judge gave Cameron two more days.
The attorney general’s filing said the delay was necessary “in the interest of protection of witnesses, and in particular private citizens named in the recordings”.The attorney general’s filing said the delay was necessary “in the interest of protection of witnesses, and in particular private citizens named in the recordings”.
Cameron acknowledged this week that his recommendation to the grand jury was that only one of the officers involved be indicted, and only for the wanton endangerment of Taylor’s neighbors.Cameron acknowledged this week that his recommendation to the grand jury was that only one of the officers involved be indicted, and only for the wanton endangerment of Taylor’s neighbors.
He did not recommend anyone be charged directly in the death of Taylor, a Black 26-year-old emergency medical worker who died in a hail of police bullets fired by three white officers during a botched raid on her apartment in March, fueling nationwide protests against police brutality and structural racism in America.He did not recommend anyone be charged directly in the death of Taylor, a Black 26-year-old emergency medical worker who died in a hail of police bullets fired by three white officers during a botched raid on her apartment in March, fueling nationwide protests against police brutality and structural racism in America.
And the grand jury seated to examine the case concluded likewise, leading to just one officer being charged with wanton endangerment for shooting wildly from outside Taylor’s apartment, leading to bullets entering neighbors’ homes.And the grand jury seated to examine the case concluded likewise, leading to just one officer being charged with wanton endangerment for shooting wildly from outside Taylor’s apartment, leading to bullets entering neighbors’ homes.
Cameron, a Republican protege of the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, and the state’s first African American attorney general, has been criticized since announcing the grand jury’s indictment for not seeking charges against the officers for killing Taylor.Cameron, a Republican protege of the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, and the state’s first African American attorney general, has been criticized since announcing the grand jury’s indictment for not seeking charges against the officers for killing Taylor.
Protesters took to the streets in Louisville and around the country to demand more accountability in the case, as frustrations spilled over after months of waiting for Cameron’s announcement. Activists and Taylor’s family called for the grand jury file to be released.Protesters took to the streets in Louisville and around the country to demand more accountability in the case, as frustrations spilled over after months of waiting for Cameron’s announcement. Activists and Taylor’s family called for the grand jury file to be released.
An adviser for Trump’s reelection campaign defended the president’s refusal to condemn white supremacist violence during last night’s debate.An adviser for Trump’s reelection campaign defended the president’s refusal to condemn white supremacist violence during last night’s debate.
In an interview with MSNBC, Jason Miller claimed Trump was telling the Proud Boys to “stand by the wayside and get out of the way” of law enforcement when the president told the far-right extremist group to “stand back and stand by.”In an interview with MSNBC, Jason Miller claimed Trump was telling the Proud Boys to “stand by the wayside and get out of the way” of law enforcement when the president told the far-right extremist group to “stand back and stand by.”
But if that were the case, Trump could easily send a tweet to correct the record. It’s been about 15 hours since the debate concluded, and the president has not yet done so.But if that were the case, Trump could easily send a tweet to correct the record. It’s been about 15 hours since the debate concluded, and the president has not yet done so.
Before the Commission on Presidential Debates released its statement on the structure of the debates, Joe Biden said the commission should find a way to allow candidates to provide full answers without interruption.Before the Commission on Presidential Debates released its statement on the structure of the debates, Joe Biden said the commission should find a way to allow candidates to provide full answers without interruption.
“I just hope there’s a way in which the debate commission can control the ability of us to answer the question without interruption,” Biden told reporters in Alliance, Ohio.“I just hope there’s a way in which the debate commission can control the ability of us to answer the question without interruption,” Biden told reporters in Alliance, Ohio.
During last night’s debate, Trump consistently interrupted Biden and moderator Chris Wallace, in violation of the debate rules that the president’s reelection campaign agreed to.During last night’s debate, Trump consistently interrupted Biden and moderator Chris Wallace, in violation of the debate rules that the president’s reelection campaign agreed to.
The Commission on Presidential Debates has issued a statement calling for “additional structure” in the remaining presidential debates.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.“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 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.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.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.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.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.“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.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.”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: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.”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.”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 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.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.