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Trump to hold first rally since Covid diagnosis, as Senate opens bitter hearings on court pick – live Trump holds first rally since Covid diagnosis, as Senate opens bitter hearings on court pick – live
(32 minutes later)
The public should not expect courts to make policy decisions, Barrett says in opening statement, as first day of hearings concludesThe public should not expect courts to make policy decisions, Barrett says in opening statement, as first day of hearings concludes
“You better vote for me Puerto Rico. You better vote for me,” Trump said.
Residents of Puerto Rico and other US territories are not entitled to vote for president in federal elections, though Puerto Ricans living in US states can vote for president.
The territory’s Republican governor Wanda Vázquez Garced recently endorsed Trump.
Boasting about his recovery, Trump claimed he is “immune” to the virus now. “I feel powerful,” he said. “I’ll kiss the guys and the beautiful women and everybody – I’ll give a big, fat kiss.”
The president has been eager to appear energetic after a recent hospitalization following his Covid-19 diagnosis, repeatedly boasting that he’s “young” at 74 and even claiming, on Fox News that he is a “perfect physical specimen”.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that those with mild or moderate coronavirus infections can return to being around others after 10 days, the research on whether or not people can get reinfected is still ongoing.
In Cincinnati, earlier today, Biden addressed a socially distanced, sparse group. He took aim at the president’s comments downplaying the severity of the pandemic and emphasized his plans.
“I have a plan to deal with this pandemic responsibly,” Biden said. “Testing, tracing, masking, not politicizing the race for the vaccine. Plan for its safe and equitable distribution. Provide the funding for PPE and other resources for schools and businesses to reopen safely.”
Biden is leading Trump by 12 percentage points nationally, per an average of national polls since 1 October.
“We’re winning by a lot more now than we were four years ago,” Trump said. “We’re going to win four more years in the White House.”
A packed crowd of supporters standing shoulder to shoulder chanted “USA” in response.
If no other GOP senators end up exposed to coronavirus, the party may be on track to vote on Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination by the 22.If no other GOP senators end up exposed to coronavirus, the party may be on track to vote on Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination by the 22.
CNN’s Manu Raju reports that North Carolina’s Thom Tillis, who delivered his opening statement remotely after testing positive for Covid-19 is expected to return to the Senate tomorrow.CNN’s Manu Raju reports that North Carolina’s Thom Tillis, who delivered his opening statement remotely after testing positive for Covid-19 is expected to return to the Senate tomorrow.
Mike Lee, the Republican senator of Utah, showed up and spoke during the first day of hearings without a mask, despite his recent Covid-19 diagnosis.Mike Lee, the Republican senator of Utah, showed up and spoke during the first day of hearings without a mask, despite his recent Covid-19 diagnosis.
Analysis: Amy Coney Barrett’s hearing kicks off with hypocrisy and healthcareAnalysis: Amy Coney Barrett’s hearing kicks off with hypocrisy and healthcare
That was rich. Senate Republicans, otherwise known as Donald Trump’s Praetorian Guard, lined up on Monday to pay pious homage to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the separation of powers and the halcyon days of political bipartisanship.That was rich. Senate Republicans, otherwise known as Donald Trump’s Praetorian Guard, lined up on Monday to pay pious homage to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the separation of powers and the halcyon days of political bipartisanship.
A visitor from outer space might have thought that they were the upholders of civics and civility at the start of Amy Coney Barrett’s supreme court hearing on Capitol Hill. No matter that Trump has played divider-in-chief or that Republicans blocked Barack Obama’s nominee to the court in 2016.A visitor from outer space might have thought that they were the upholders of civics and civility at the start of Amy Coney Barrett’s supreme court hearing on Capitol Hill. No matter that Trump has played divider-in-chief or that Republicans blocked Barack Obama’s nominee to the court in 2016.
It was a morning of hypocrisy and healthcare.It was a morning of hypocrisy and healthcare.
Lindsey Graham, chairman of the Senate judiciary committee and the Trump appreciation society, reminded everyone that both Ginsburg and her ideological opposite, Justice Antonin Scalia, were confirmed almost unanimously.Lindsey Graham, chairman of the Senate judiciary committee and the Trump appreciation society, reminded everyone that both Ginsburg and her ideological opposite, Justice Antonin Scalia, were confirmed almost unanimously.
“I don’t know what happened between then and now,” he said, wistfully. “We can all take some blame but I just want to remind everybody there was a time in this country where someone like Ruth Bader Ginsburg was seen by almost everybody as qualified for the position of being on the supreme court, understanding that she would have a different philosophy than many of the Republicans who voted for her.”“I don’t know what happened between then and now,” he said, wistfully. “We can all take some blame but I just want to remind everybody there was a time in this country where someone like Ruth Bader Ginsburg was seen by almost everybody as qualified for the position of being on the supreme court, understanding that she would have a different philosophy than many of the Republicans who voted for her.”
No justice has been confirmed so close to a presidential election. Graham, who promised not to confirm one in an election year (saying “Use my words against me”, which plenty of Democrats are), acknowledged a point everyone could agree on: “This is going to be a long, contentious week.”No justice has been confirmed so close to a presidential election. Graham, who promised not to confirm one in an election year (saying “Use my words against me”, which plenty of Democrats are), acknowledged a point everyone could agree on: “This is going to be a long, contentious week.”
As senator after senator drew their battle lines, 48-year-old Barrett, sitting silently in a big black face mask, resembled a prisoner in the dock.As senator after senator drew their battle lines, 48-year-old Barrett, sitting silently in a big black face mask, resembled a prisoner in the dock.
Republicans sought to normalise her rushed nomination, arguing the Senate was merely doing its duty while setting up straw men: Democrats want to attack her Catholic faith (none did), Democrats want to play foul as they did with Brett Kavanaugh (hardly), Democrats want to expand the court (objection: relevance), Democrats want to conflate the judiciary with policy (true).Republicans sought to normalise her rushed nomination, arguing the Senate was merely doing its duty while setting up straw men: Democrats want to attack her Catholic faith (none did), Democrats want to play foul as they did with Brett Kavanaugh (hardly), Democrats want to expand the court (objection: relevance), Democrats want to conflate the judiciary with policy (true).
The president is en route to Florida, where a massive crowd of his supporters await. Per the White House press pool, the president was not wearing a mask when he boarded Air Force One, nor are most in the crowd that anticipates him.The president is en route to Florida, where a massive crowd of his supporters await. Per the White House press pool, the president was not wearing a mask when he boarded Air Force One, nor are most in the crowd that anticipates him.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the highest risk events during the pandemic are “large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area” - which more or less describes a rally.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the highest risk events during the pandemic are “large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area” - which more or less describes a rally.
Although the campaign event is held outside, where the virus is less likely to spread – attendees lack of social distancing and masking don’t bode well.Although the campaign event is held outside, where the virus is less likely to spread – attendees lack of social distancing and masking don’t bode well.
Dr Anthony Fauci said holding large rallies is “asking for trouble” as a crowd amasses in Florida, for the Trump rally tonight.Dr Anthony Fauci said holding large rallies is “asking for trouble” as a crowd amasses in Florida, for the Trump rally tonight.
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told CNN that Americans should be vigilant, as coronavirus cases tick up in many parts of the country. “We’ve seen that when you have situations of congregate settings where there are a lot of people without masks, the data speak for themselves,” Fauci told CNN. “It happens. And now is even more so a worse time to do that, because when you look at what’s going on in the United States, it’s really very troublesome.”The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told CNN that Americans should be vigilant, as coronavirus cases tick up in many parts of the country. “We’ve seen that when you have situations of congregate settings where there are a lot of people without masks, the data speak for themselves,” Fauci told CNN. “It happens. And now is even more so a worse time to do that, because when you look at what’s going on in the United States, it’s really very troublesome.”
Trump’s rally crowds have recently flouted masks and social distancing – measures that could slow the spread of the disease. The president has planned to hold rallies in battleground states all weeks, without any new safety precautions.Trump’s rally crowds have recently flouted masks and social distancing – measures that could slow the spread of the disease. The president has planned to hold rallies in battleground states all weeks, without any new safety precautions.
Democrats face a tough fight to win back the White House in November, and with anti-racism protests raging nationwide, the coronavirus pandemic threatens the voting rights and turnout of their most powerful voting block: Black Americans. While they are 14% of the population, African Americans make up a third of all Covid-19 cases.Democrats face a tough fight to win back the White House in November, and with anti-racism protests raging nationwide, the coronavirus pandemic threatens the voting rights and turnout of their most powerful voting block: Black Americans. While they are 14% of the population, African Americans make up a third of all Covid-19 cases.
In Florida, a recent rise threatens turnout as Black people make up 13% of eligible voters. The state already ranks second in the nation in income inequality. But the pandemic, and recession that followed, worsened existing economic and healthcare disparities between white Americans, and Black communities.In Florida, a recent rise threatens turnout as Black people make up 13% of eligible voters. The state already ranks second in the nation in income inequality. But the pandemic, and recession that followed, worsened existing economic and healthcare disparities between white Americans, and Black communities.
With one in 1,000 Black Americans having died of the virus, progressives such as Angie Nixon are rallying voters ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Running uncontested, she’s the next state representative for Florida’s 14th congressional district representing Jacksonville and its outer suburbs.With one in 1,000 Black Americans having died of the virus, progressives such as Angie Nixon are rallying voters ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Running uncontested, she’s the next state representative for Florida’s 14th congressional district representing Jacksonville and its outer suburbs.
“I think it’s really important that we work on legislation that addresses systemic racism and that is not just Band-Aids,” she said. “I’m pregnant. Yes, I have a degree. I have a good-paying job and I have healthcare, but I’m still concerned that if I go into the hospital, will I be listened to?”“I think it’s really important that we work on legislation that addresses systemic racism and that is not just Band-Aids,” she said. “I’m pregnant. Yes, I have a degree. I have a good-paying job and I have healthcare, but I’m still concerned that if I go into the hospital, will I be listened to?”
As cases surged in Jacksonville, Nixon’s canvassing evolved into community wellness checks. Shortly after, she contracted the virus while pregnant before transmitting it to her mother. She said her “most mentally taxing experience” is a wake-up call for Democrats to get aggressive in facing the issues affecting their most loyal voting bloc.As cases surged in Jacksonville, Nixon’s canvassing evolved into community wellness checks. Shortly after, she contracted the virus while pregnant before transmitting it to her mother. She said her “most mentally taxing experience” is a wake-up call for Democrats to get aggressive in facing the issues affecting their most loyal voting bloc.
The president’s physician has released yet another update on the president’s health.The president’s physician has released yet another update on the president’s health.
Sen Conley says Trump tested negative “on consecutive days” on the Abbott rapid tests. These tests are less accurate than the gold standard of Covid-19 testing – PCR tests.Sen Conley says Trump tested negative “on consecutive days” on the Abbott rapid tests. These tests are less accurate than the gold standard of Covid-19 testing – PCR tests.
Conley also did not specify which and how many consecutive days. He added that the rapid rests were not used “in isolation for the determination of the president’s negative status” and cited “additional clinical and laboratory data” including PCR tests – while still leaving many details about Trump’s condition vague.Conley also did not specify which and how many consecutive days. He added that the rapid rests were not used “in isolation for the determination of the president’s negative status” and cited “additional clinical and laboratory data” including PCR tests – while still leaving many details about Trump’s condition vague.
Although CDC guidelines indicate that an individual with a mild or moderate case of Covid-19 can be around others after 10 days, it recommends that those with more severe cases isolate for 20.Although CDC guidelines indicate that an individual with a mild or moderate case of Covid-19 can be around others after 10 days, it recommends that those with more severe cases isolate for 20.
Senator Gary Peters of Michigan shared his family’s personal abortion story, with Amy Coney Barrett hearings under way.Senator Gary Peters of Michigan shared his family’s personal abortion story, with Amy Coney Barrett hearings under way.
Peters, a moderate Democrat locked in a tight re-election race, shared with Elle Magazine that in the 1980s, his first wife Heidi had her water break when she was only four months pregnant, leaving the fetus without amniotic fluid.Peters, a moderate Democrat locked in a tight re-election race, shared with Elle Magazine that in the 1980s, his first wife Heidi had her water break when she was only four months pregnant, leaving the fetus without amniotic fluid.
When a miscarriage did not naturally occur, a doctor recommended an abortion – as the fetus had no chance of survival. But the hospital had banned the procedure. “The mental anguish someone goes through is intense, trying to have a miscarriage for a child that was wanted,” Peters told the magazine.When a miscarriage did not naturally occur, a doctor recommended an abortion – as the fetus had no chance of survival. But the hospital had banned the procedure. “The mental anguish someone goes through is intense, trying to have a miscarriage for a child that was wanted,” Peters told the magazine.
“It’s a story of how gut-wrenching and complicated decisions can be related to reproductive health,” he told Elle.“It’s a story of how gut-wrenching and complicated decisions can be related to reproductive health,” he told Elle.
Heidi’s heath deteriorated, and her doctor told the couple that without an abortion she might lose her uterus. Still the hospital refused to make an exception to its anti-abortion policy.Heidi’s heath deteriorated, and her doctor told the couple that without an abortion she might lose her uterus. Still the hospital refused to make an exception to its anti-abortion policy.
Ultimately, the couple was able to find another hospital that would take Heidi in right away, as they were friends with the chief administrator – and Heidi received an abortion. The experience was “painful and traumatic”, Heidi told Elle. “If it weren’t for urgent and critical medical care, I could have lost my life.”Ultimately, the couple was able to find another hospital that would take Heidi in right away, as they were friends with the chief administrator – and Heidi received an abortion. The experience was “painful and traumatic”, Heidi told Elle. “If it weren’t for urgent and critical medical care, I could have lost my life.”
“It’s important for folks to understand that these things happen to folks every day,” he explains. “I’ve always considered myself pro-choice and believe women should be able to make these decisions themselves, but when you live it in real life, you realize the significant impact it can have on a family.”“It’s important for folks to understand that these things happen to folks every day,” he explains. “I’ve always considered myself pro-choice and believe women should be able to make these decisions themselves, but when you live it in real life, you realize the significant impact it can have on a family.”
1) What’s the significance of the likely Barrett confirmation?1) What’s the significance of the likely Barrett confirmation?
The significance is hard to overstate. Barrett represents the culmination of a decades-long project by conservatives to control the high court. Her confirmation would extend the conservative reach into every corner of American life, well beyond the size of their shrinking electorate.The significance is hard to overstate. Barrett represents the culmination of a decades-long project by conservatives to control the high court. Her confirmation would extend the conservative reach into every corner of American life, well beyond the size of their shrinking electorate.
Barrett’s confirmation would give conservatives a bulletproof, six-justice majority on the nine-member court, which decides cases by a simple majority.Barrett’s confirmation would give conservatives a bulletproof, six-justice majority on the nine-member court, which decides cases by a simple majority.
With that majority, the court could walk back rights and weaken protections on every issue of importance to progressives: healthcare, voting rights, the climate emergency, abortion, same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination measures, immigration, checks on the presidency … it’s all on the table.With that majority, the court could walk back rights and weaken protections on every issue of importance to progressives: healthcare, voting rights, the climate emergency, abortion, same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination measures, immigration, checks on the presidency … it’s all on the table.
2) Are the stakes really so high?2) Are the stakes really so high?
Yes. For example, a week after the election, the court is scheduled to hear a new challenge to Barack Obama’s healthcare law. Barrett has found fault with an earlier court decision that upheld the law. If Barrett ruled against the law in the new case – in a decision expected to be handed down in summer 2021 – tens of millions of Americans could lose health insurance, including people with pre-existing health conditions.Yes. For example, a week after the election, the court is scheduled to hear a new challenge to Barack Obama’s healthcare law. Barrett has found fault with an earlier court decision that upheld the law. If Barrett ruled against the law in the new case – in a decision expected to be handed down in summer 2021 – tens of millions of Americans could lose health insurance, including people with pre-existing health conditions.
Or Barrett, a conservative Catholic who has lent her name to anti-abortion initiatives, could prevent the supreme court from striking down future state laws that place undue restrictions on abortion. Just last summer, the court struck down such a law by a narrow 5-4 majority, with chief justice John Roberts joining the court’s liberal bloc.Or Barrett, a conservative Catholic who has lent her name to anti-abortion initiatives, could prevent the supreme court from striking down future state laws that place undue restrictions on abortion. Just last summer, the court struck down such a law by a narrow 5-4 majority, with chief justice John Roberts joining the court’s liberal bloc.
With Barrett on the court – while it is impossible to predict how any judge will rule – it potentially does not matter whether Roberts joins the liberal bloc; the conservatives still win.With Barrett on the court – while it is impossible to predict how any judge will rule – it potentially does not matter whether Roberts joins the liberal bloc; the conservatives still win.
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:
The Senate judiciary committee held the first day of Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination hearings. The supreme court nominee and every member of the committee delivered an opening statement. Questioning of Barrett begins tomorrow.The Senate judiciary committee held the first day of Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination hearings. The supreme court nominee and every member of the committee delivered an opening statement. Questioning of Barrett begins tomorrow.
Barrett emphasized judges should not try to legislate from the bench in her opening statement. “Courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life,” Barrett said. “The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the people.”Barrett emphasized judges should not try to legislate from the bench in her opening statement. “Courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life,” Barrett said. “The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the people.”
Senate Republicans accused their Democratic colleagues of attacking Barrett’s Catholic faith, even though Democrats did not mention her faith. Instead, Democrats used their opening statements to warn that Barrett’s confirmation to the supreme court could jeopardize the Affordable Care Act.Senate Republicans accused their Democratic colleagues of attacking Barrett’s Catholic faith, even though Democrats did not mention her faith. Instead, Democrats used their opening statements to warn that Barrett’s confirmation to the supreme court could jeopardize the Affordable Care Act.
Kamala Harris argued the Senate should postpone Barrett’s hearings and focus on passing another coronavirus relief bill. Delivering an opening statement virtually from her Senate office, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee said, “Senate Republicans have made it crystal clear that rushing a supreme court nomination is more important than helping and supporting the American people who are suffering from a deadly pandemic and economic crisis.”Kamala Harris argued the Senate should postpone Barrett’s hearings and focus on passing another coronavirus relief bill. Delivering an opening statement virtually from her Senate office, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee said, “Senate Republicans have made it crystal clear that rushing a supreme court nomination is more important than helping and supporting the American people who are suffering from a deadly pandemic and economic crisis.”
Roberta McCain, the mother of John McCain, died at 108. Her death comes two years after her son, a Republican senator and former presidential nominee, died of brain cancer.Roberta McCain, the mother of John McCain, died at 108. Her death comes two years after her son, a Republican senator and former presidential nominee, died of brain cancer.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Dr Anthony Fauci said it was “unfortunate” that some of his comments had been used in a Trump campaign ad.Dr Anthony Fauci said it was “unfortunate” that some of his comments had been used in a Trump campaign ad.
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said he believed the ad should be taken down because he is clearly not a “political person.”The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said he believed the ad should be taken down because he is clearly not a “political person.”
“I think it’s really unfortunate and really disappointing that they did that,” Fauci said of the ad. “I have never either directly or indirectly endorsed a political candidate.”“I think it’s really unfortunate and really disappointing that they did that,” Fauci said of the ad. “I have never either directly or indirectly endorsed a political candidate.”
Echoing a previous statement, Fauci said his comments about the the government’s coronavirus pandemic response had been taken out of context.Echoing a previous statement, Fauci said his comments about the the government’s coronavirus pandemic response had been taken out of context.
CNN host Jake Tapper asked what Fauci would say if he learned the Trump campaign was planning to do another add featuring his words.CNN host Jake Tapper asked what Fauci would say if he learned the Trump campaign was planning to do another add featuring his words.
“That would be terrible,” Fauci said. “That would be outrageous if they do that. In fact, that might actually come back to backfire on them. I hope they don’t do that.”“That would be terrible,” Fauci said. “That would be outrageous if they do that. In fact, that might actually come back to backfire on them. I hope they don’t do that.”
Trump is trying to raise baseless suspicions about Joe Biden’s health, less than two weeks after he himself tested positive for coronavirus.Trump is trying to raise baseless suspicions about Joe Biden’s health, less than two weeks after he himself tested positive for coronavirus.
“So Biden is coughing and hacking and playing ‘fingers’ with his mask, all over the place, and the Fake News doesn’t want to even think about discussing it,” Trump said in a tweet.“So Biden is coughing and hacking and playing ‘fingers’ with his mask, all over the place, and the Fake News doesn’t want to even think about discussing it,” Trump said in a tweet.
Biden has been taking daily coronavirus tests and releasing the results to the press. Biden’s most recent test was today, and his campaign said he tested negative.Biden has been taking daily coronavirus tests and releasing the results to the press. Biden’s most recent test was today, and his campaign said he tested negative.
In contrast, Trump was hospitalized with coronavirus for four days and has still refused to tell reporters when he last tested negative for the virus.In contrast, Trump was hospitalized with coronavirus for four days and has still refused to tell reporters when he last tested negative for the virus.
A new pair of polls show Joe Biden leading in Wisconsin and Michigan, both of which Trump narrowly won in 2016.A new pair of polls show Joe Biden leading in Wisconsin and Michigan, both of which Trump narrowly won in 2016.
According to the New York Times/Siena College surveys, Biden leads Trump by 8 points among Michigan’s likely voters, 48%-40%.According to the New York Times/Siena College surveys, Biden leads Trump by 8 points among Michigan’s likely voters, 48%-40%.
The Democratic nominee has an even larger 10-point lead among Wisconsin’s likely voters, 51%-41%.The Democratic nominee has an even larger 10-point lead among Wisconsin’s likely voters, 51%-41%.
Trump won both Michigan and Wisconsin by less than 1 point in 2016. Even if the president loses both states on November 3, he can still secure a second term if he holds onto every other state he won in 2016.Trump won both Michigan and Wisconsin by less than 1 point in 2016. Even if the president loses both states on November 3, he can still secure a second term if he holds onto every other state he won in 2016.
However, polls of other key battleground states -- such as Pennsylvania, Arizona and Florida -- indicate Trump is trailing there as well, leaving him an increasingly narrow path to reelection.However, polls of other key battleground states -- such as Pennsylvania, Arizona and Florida -- indicate Trump is trailing there as well, leaving him an increasingly narrow path to reelection.
Cindy McCain, the widow of John McCain, the late senator from Arizona who was the Republican nominee for president in 2008, has announced the death of Roberta McCain, her husband’s mother.Cindy McCain, the widow of John McCain, the late senator from Arizona who was the Republican nominee for president in 2008, has announced the death of Roberta McCain, her husband’s mother.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my wonderful mother-in-law, Roberta McCain,” Cindy McCain wrote on Twitter. “I couldn’t have asked for a better role model or a better friend. She joins her husband Jack, her son John and daughter Sandy.”“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my wonderful mother-in-law, Roberta McCain,” Cindy McCain wrote on Twitter. “I couldn’t have asked for a better role model or a better friend. She joins her husband Jack, her son John and daughter Sandy.”
Roberta McCain was 108. She was 106 when her son the senator died, aged 81, in August 2018.Roberta McCain was 108. She was 106 when her son the senator died, aged 81, in August 2018.