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Senate judiciary committee approves Amy Coney Barrett as Democrats boycott – live Senate judiciary committee approves Amy Coney Barrett as Democrats boycott – live
(32 minutes later)
Committee has voted to report the nomination of Barrett to the full Senate while Democrats boycotted the hearingCommittee has voted to report the nomination of Barrett to the full Senate while Democrats boycotted the hearing
A new poll shows Trump with only a small advantage in the traditionally conservative state of Kansas, which the president won by 20 points in 2016.
According to the New York Times/Siena College poll, Trump leads Joe Biden by 7 points among likely voters in Kansas, 48%-41%.
Republican Roger Marshall’s advantage in the Kansas Senate race is even smaller. The poll found Marshall leading Democrat Barbara Bollier by just 4 points, 46%-42%.
Trump will still likely win Kansas, but the fact that he has only a single-digit advantage in what should be a very safe state for him demonstrates how narrow the president’s path to victory has become.
And if Bollier can pull off a victory in the Senate race, it would substantially bolster Democrats’ hopes of seizing control of the chamber.
Trump has arrived in Nashville, Tennessee, to participate in the final presidential debate tonight.
The president and the first lady walked off Air Force One without wearing masks and briefly greeted supporters waiting on the tarmac.
Chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters that Trump received a coronavirus test during the flight to Nashville.
“We tested him on the way here, and he tested negative,” Meadows told the White House press pool.
Trump announced he had tested positive for coronavirus just two days after the first presidential debate.
The Biden campaign has just announced that Lizzo will make a trip to Michigan tomorrow to campaign for the Democratic nominee.
“On Friday, October 23, Lizzo will travel to Detroit, Michigan to campaign for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” the Biden team said in a press release.
“In Detroit, Lizzo will speak at a volunteer canvass and encourage Michiganders to vote early. In Harper Woods, Lizzo will have a conversation with young people about early voting.”
The Grammy-winning artist has recently been using her social media and her public appearances to urge Americans to vote and make their voices heard.
Joe Biden is en route to Nashville, Tennessee, for the final presidential debate tonight.Joe Biden is en route to Nashville, Tennessee, for the final presidential debate tonight.
Before boarding his campaign plane, the Democratic nominee said of the president, “Hopefully he’s gonna play by the rules. Hopefully everybody’s been tested. Hopefully it’s all worked out.”Before boarding his campaign plane, the Democratic nominee said of the president, “Hopefully he’s gonna play by the rules. Hopefully everybody’s been tested. Hopefully it’s all worked out.”
Trump announced he and the first lady had tested positive for coronavirus just two days after the first presidential debate.Trump announced he and the first lady had tested positive for coronavirus just two days after the first presidential debate.
It is rather extraordinary Trump chose to preemptively release an interview in which he makes clear that he hopes the supreme court dismantles the Affordable Care Act.It is rather extraordinary Trump chose to preemptively release an interview in which he makes clear that he hopes the supreme court dismantles the Affordable Care Act.
The president has avoided directly saying how he hopes the court will rule in the case, even though his administration has sided with states calling for the law to be scrapped in the lawsuit. Trump has also spent years attacking Obamacare and promising to repeal it.The president has avoided directly saying how he hopes the court will rule in the case, even though his administration has sided with states calling for the law to be scrapped in the lawsuit. Trump has also spent years attacking Obamacare and promising to repeal it.
But Trump’s decision to release his “60 Minutes” interview early will allow Joe Biden to criticize him over his comments at tonight’s debate, which would not have been possible if the president had waited for CBS News to air the interview on Sunday, as planned.But Trump’s decision to release his “60 Minutes” interview early will allow Joe Biden to criticize him over his comments at tonight’s debate, which would not have been possible if the president had waited for CBS News to air the interview on Sunday, as planned.
Trump is really not doing himself any favors with just 12 days to go until the election.Trump is really not doing himself any favors with just 12 days to go until the election.
In his “60 Minutes” interview, Trump told correspondent Leslie Stahl that he hopes the supreme court dismantles the Affordable Care Act.In his “60 Minutes” interview, Trump told correspondent Leslie Stahl that he hopes the supreme court dismantles the Affordable Care Act.
The supreme court is set to hear oral arguments in a case involving the ACA (also known as Obamacare) a week after the presidential election.The supreme court is set to hear oral arguments in a case involving the ACA (also known as Obamacare) a week after the presidential election.
In the interview, released by the president before its planned Sunday broadcast, Stahl pressed Trump on his unrealized promises to release his healthcare plan.In the interview, released by the president before its planned Sunday broadcast, Stahl pressed Trump on his unrealized promises to release his healthcare plan.
“It is developed. It’s fully developed,” Trump said of his healthcare plan. “It’s going to be announced very soon.”“It is developed. It’s fully developed,” Trump said of his healthcare plan. “It’s going to be announced very soon.”
“When?” Stahl asked. “You say that over and over.”“When?” Stahl asked. “You say that over and over.”
“When we see what happens with Obamacare, which is not good,” Trump replied.“When we see what happens with Obamacare, which is not good,” Trump replied.
At the risk of stating the obvious, there is nothing preventing Trump from releasing his plan now. In spite of Republicans’ promises, Congress has failed to repeal and replace the ACA since Trump took office.At the risk of stating the obvious, there is nothing preventing Trump from releasing his plan now. In spite of Republicans’ promises, Congress has failed to repeal and replace the ACA since Trump took office.
“I mean, we’ll see what happens,” Trump said of the supreme court case in his interview. “I hope that they end it. It’ll be so good if they end it.” He explained that it would be good if the law was dismantled because “we will come up with a plan.”“I mean, we’ll see what happens,” Trump said of the supreme court case in his interview. “I hope that they end it. It’ll be so good if they end it.” He explained that it would be good if the law was dismantled because “we will come up with a plan.”
As Stahl pointed out, that conflicted with Trump’s claim moments earlier that the plan was already developed.As Stahl pointed out, that conflicted with Trump’s claim moments earlier that the plan was already developed.
“We have large sections of it already done,” Trump said. “And we’ve already come up with plans.”“We have large sections of it already done,” Trump said. “And we’ve already come up with plans.”
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Adam Gabbatt.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Adam Gabbatt.
CBS News criticized the White House for releasing Trump’s “60 Minutes” interview before its broadcast, but the network made clear that it would still release the president’s interview on Sunday with the program’s “full, fair and contextual reporting.”CBS News criticized the White House for releasing Trump’s “60 Minutes” interview before its broadcast, but the network made clear that it would still release the president’s interview on Sunday with the program’s “full, fair and contextual reporting.”
“The White House’s unprecedented decision to disregard their agreement with CBS News and release their footage will not deter 60 Minutes from providing its full, fair and contextual reporting which presidents have participated in for decades,” CBS said in a statement.“The White House’s unprecedented decision to disregard their agreement with CBS News and release their footage will not deter 60 Minutes from providing its full, fair and contextual reporting which presidents have participated in for decades,” CBS said in a statement.
The network also applauded “60 Minutes” correspondent Leslie Stahl, who interviewed the president and Vice President Mike Pence.The network also applauded “60 Minutes” correspondent Leslie Stahl, who interviewed the president and Vice President Mike Pence.
“Few journalists have the presidential interview experience Lesley Stahl has delivered over her decades as one of the premier correspondents in America, and we look forward to audiences seeing her third interview with President Trump and subsequent interview with Vice President Pence this weekend,” CBS said.“Few journalists have the presidential interview experience Lesley Stahl has delivered over her decades as one of the premier correspondents in America, and we look forward to audiences seeing her third interview with President Trump and subsequent interview with Vice President Pence this weekend,” CBS said.
More than 5.8m people have already voted in Texas, according to the secretary of state – 65% of the total number of votes cast in the state in 2016.More than 5.8m people have already voted in Texas, according to the secretary of state – 65% of the total number of votes cast in the state in 2016.
About 8.97m people voted in Texas in the last presidential election, suggesting early voting is proving to be a success in the state.About 8.97m people voted in Texas in the last presidential election, suggesting early voting is proving to be a success in the state.
The 5.8m figure includes both in-person and mail-in votes cast through October 21.The 5.8m figure includes both in-person and mail-in votes cast through October 21.
Texas has three weeks of early voting this election, compared to two weeks in 2016.Texas has three weeks of early voting this election, compared to two weeks in 2016.
It’s been a busy day so far and there’s a lot more US politics news to come this afternoon, before the final presidential debate, so stay tuned.It’s been a busy day so far and there’s a lot more US politics news to come this afternoon, before the final presidential debate, so stay tuned.
Here’s how the morning went:Here’s how the morning went:
In some sort of an attempt at a pre-emptive strike, Donald Trump moments ago posted on Facebook his interview with CBS 60 Minutes, which is due to broadcast this Sunday. The president’s action appears to be a tantrum in a thimble, however.In some sort of an attempt at a pre-emptive strike, Donald Trump moments ago posted on Facebook his interview with CBS 60 Minutes, which is due to broadcast this Sunday. The president’s action appears to be a tantrum in a thimble, however.
This is bigger news: the president’s Twitter account was hacked by a Dutch security researcher, who correctly guessed Trump’s password was maga2020!This is bigger news: the president’s Twitter account was hacked by a Dutch security researcher, who correctly guessed Trump’s password was maga2020!
Democratic vice-presidential nominee and California Senator Kamala Harris called the Senate hearings galloping along to a pre-election confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the US supreme court are a “sham”.Democratic vice-presidential nominee and California Senator Kamala Harris called the Senate hearings galloping along to a pre-election confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the US supreme court are a “sham”.
In short order this morning the Senate judiciary committee voted to advance Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the supreme court. The full Senate takes up her case tomorrow and she could be confirmed as early as Monday.In short order this morning the Senate judiciary committee voted to advance Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the supreme court. The full Senate takes up her case tomorrow and she could be confirmed as early as Monday.
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefit has fallen to its lowest level since the Covid-19 crisis began, the weekly statistics showed.The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefit has fallen to its lowest level since the Covid-19 crisis began, the weekly statistics showed.
Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Oregon are at the highest risk of seeing increased activity by right-wing militia groups during and after the election, according to a new report from a nonprofit monitoring political violence in the United States.Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Oregon are at the highest risk of seeing increased activity by right-wing militia groups during and after the election, according to a new report from a nonprofit monitoring political violence in the United States.
The report also identifies the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo Bois as the right-wing groups at “highest risk” of violence during and after the election, and the Three Percenters at “high” risk of violence.The report also identifies the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo Bois as the right-wing groups at “highest risk” of violence during and after the election, and the Three Percenters at “high” risk of violence.
The new analysis, from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED) and Militia Watch, is based on research monitoring the activities of more than 80 militias across the United States in recent months.The new analysis, from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED) and Militia Watch, is based on research monitoring the activities of more than 80 militias across the United States in recent months.
North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, California, and New Mexico are also at “moderate risk” of seeing heightened militia activity around the election, the analysts concluded.North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, California, and New Mexico are also at “moderate risk” of seeing heightened militia activity around the election, the analysts concluded.
While militia groups have been active in dozens states this year, the analysts concluded that the areas at heightened risk of militia activity would be places that:While militia groups have been active in dozens states this year, the analysts concluded that the areas at heightened risk of militia activity would be places that:
-have seen substantial engagement in anti-coronavirus lockdown protests-have seen substantial engagement in anti-coronavirus lockdown protests
-have seen militias active in organizing trainings or holding recruitment drives-have seen militias active in organizing trainings or holding recruitment drives
-where militia members have cultivated personal relationships with police or where there has been a friendly attitude by law enforcement towards militia activity-where militia members have cultivated personal relationships with police or where there has been a friendly attitude by law enforcement towards militia activity
-are places were militias might make claims about a ‘leftist coup’ during or after the election-are places were militias might make claims about a ‘leftist coup’ during or after the election
-and, of course, are swing states-and, of course, are swing states
Donald Trump has posted a video of his interview with CBS journalist Leslie Stahl, recorded for the news show 60 Minutes.Donald Trump has posted a video of his interview with CBS journalist Leslie Stahl, recorded for the news show 60 Minutes.
The president had threatened to post the video this week, after it was reported he had abruptly ended the 60 Minutes interview “because he was frustrated with Stahl’s line of questioning”.The president had threatened to post the video this week, after it was reported he had abruptly ended the 60 Minutes interview “because he was frustrated with Stahl’s line of questioning”.
The video was posted to Trump’s Facebook page at 11.20am, under the line: “Look at the bias, hatred and rudeness on behalf of 60 Minutes and CBS.”The video was posted to Trump’s Facebook page at 11.20am, under the line: “Look at the bias, hatred and rudeness on behalf of 60 Minutes and CBS.”
Trump added: “Tonight’s [presidential debate] anchor, Kristen Welker, is far worse!”Trump added: “Tonight’s [presidential debate] anchor, Kristen Welker, is far worse!”
Trump had apparently been upset by the tone of the interview. The start of the video shows Trump asking Stahl for “fairness”.Trump had apparently been upset by the tone of the interview. The start of the video shows Trump asking Stahl for “fairness”.
Stahl tells Trump he will get fairness. She asks: “You’re ok with some tough questions?”Stahl tells Trump he will get fairness. She asks: “You’re ok with some tough questions?”
Trump replies: “No I’m not.”Trump replies: “No I’m not.”
“You’re not ok with tough questions?” a laughing Stahl asks.“You’re not ok with tough questions?” a laughing Stahl asks.
Trump says: “I want it to be fair. You don’t ask Biden tough questions.”Trump says: “I want it to be fair. You don’t ask Biden tough questions.”
Joe Biden has tested negative for Covid-19 ahead of the presidential debate, CNN’s Sarah Mucha reported.Joe Biden has tested negative for Covid-19 ahead of the presidential debate, CNN’s Sarah Mucha reported.
“Vice President Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected,” Biden’s campaign said.“Vice President Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected,” Biden’s campaign said.
Biden and Trump face each other in Nashville, Tennessee tonight, in the final debate.Biden and Trump face each other in Nashville, Tennessee tonight, in the final debate.
Donald Trump’s Twitter account was hacked last week, after a Dutch researcher correctly guessed the president’s password: “maga2020!”.Donald Trump’s Twitter account was hacked last week, after a Dutch researcher correctly guessed the president’s password: “maga2020!”.
Victor Gevers, a security expert, had access to Trump’s direct messages, could post tweets in his name and change his profile, de Volkskrant reported.Victor Gevers, a security expert, had access to Trump’s direct messages, could post tweets in his name and change his profile, de Volkskrant reported.
Gevers – who previously managed to log into Trump’s account in 2016 – gained access by guessing Trump’s password. Maga2020, a popular tag for Trump’s re-election campaign, was Gevers’ fifth attempt – and it worked.Gevers – who previously managed to log into Trump’s account in 2016 – gained access by guessing Trump’s password. Maga2020, a popular tag for Trump’s re-election campaign, was Gevers’ fifth attempt – and it worked.
“I expected to be blocked after four failed attempts. Or at least would be asked to provide additional information,” Gevers told de Volkskrant.“I expected to be blocked after four failed attempts. Or at least would be asked to provide additional information,” Gevers told de Volkskrant.
Twitter said it had “seen no evidence to corroborate” Gevers’ claim.Twitter said it had “seen no evidence to corroborate” Gevers’ claim.
Gevers said the ease with which he accessed Trump’s account suggested the president was not using basic security measures like two-step verification.Gevers said the ease with which he accessed Trump’s account suggested the president was not using basic security measures like two-step verification.
Gaining access to Trump’s Twitter, meant Gevers was suddenly able to connect with 87m people – the number of Trump’s followers – and according to de Volkskrant’s story, it sent him into a bit of a panic:Gaining access to Trump’s Twitter, meant Gevers was suddenly able to connect with 87m people – the number of Trump’s followers – and according to de Volkskrant’s story, it sent him into a bit of a panic:
A day after he gained access, Gevers noticed that two-step verification had been activated on Trump’s account. Two days later, the Secret Service got in touch. According to de Volkskrant, they thanked him for bringing the security problem to their attention.A day after he gained access, Gevers noticed that two-step verification had been activated on Trump’s account. Two days later, the Secret Service got in touch. According to de Volkskrant, they thanked him for bringing the security problem to their attention.
Remarkably, it wasn’t the first time Gevers has gained access to the president’s Twitter account. In 2016 he and two others guessed Trump’s password, and got into his account.Remarkably, it wasn’t the first time Gevers has gained access to the president’s Twitter account. In 2016 he and two others guessed Trump’s password, and got into his account.
Back then Trump’s password was “yourefired”, according to Vrij Nederland.Back then Trump’s password was “yourefired”, according to Vrij Nederland.
A spokesman for Twitter said: “We’ve seen no evidence to corroborate this claim, including from the article published in the Netherlands today. We proactively implemented account security measures for a designated group of high-profile, election-related Twitter accounts in the United States, including federal branches of government.”A spokesman for Twitter said: “We’ve seen no evidence to corroborate this claim, including from the article published in the Netherlands today. We proactively implemented account security measures for a designated group of high-profile, election-related Twitter accounts in the United States, including federal branches of government.”
Donald Trump has lashed out at one of his favorite broadcasters, claiming Fox News’ polls are “FAKE”.Donald Trump has lashed out at one of his favorite broadcasters, claiming Fox News’ polls are “FAKE”.
Trump is probably (he didn’t include a link) referring to a new Fox News poll which shows him behind Biden in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin – although Trump does have a narrow lead in Ohio.Trump is probably (he didn’t include a link) referring to a new Fox News poll which shows him behind Biden in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin – although Trump does have a narrow lead in Ohio.
Unfortunately for Trump, it’s not just the Fox News poll that has him struggling. RealClearPolitics polling average shows Trump significantly behind Biden in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Trump is also trailing – but much more narrowly – in Florida, North Carolina and Arizona.Unfortunately for Trump, it’s not just the Fox News poll that has him struggling. RealClearPolitics polling average shows Trump significantly behind Biden in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Trump is also trailing – but much more narrowly – in Florida, North Carolina and Arizona.
Vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris has responded to the approval of Amy Coney Barrett – calling the process a “sham” and warning it could have a devastating impact on healthcare:Vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris has responded to the approval of Amy Coney Barrett – calling the process a “sham” and warning it could have a devastating impact on healthcare:
Barrett will now face a vote in the Republican-controlled Senate, and Harris is not the only one aggrieved.Barrett will now face a vote in the Republican-controlled Senate, and Harris is not the only one aggrieved.
“We did it. We did it,” Lindsey Graham announces of the Amy Coney Barrett vote.“We did it. We did it,” Lindsey Graham announces of the Amy Coney Barrett vote.
“Judge Barrett is going to the floor.”“Judge Barrett is going to the floor.”
Graham hands over some time to his fellow Republican senators – Democrats having abstained from the hearing. Mike Lee, from Utah, is first up and emits some hot air about values or similar.Graham hands over some time to his fellow Republican senators – Democrats having abstained from the hearing. Mike Lee, from Utah, is first up and emits some hot air about values or similar.
Here’s Lee in March 2019 using a photo of Ronald Reagan to argue against the climate change-combatting Green New Deal.Here’s Lee in March 2019 using a photo of Ronald Reagan to argue against the climate change-combatting Green New Deal.
The Senate judiciary committee has voted to report the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the full Senate.The Senate judiciary committee has voted to report the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the full Senate.
Democrats boycotted the hearing, meaning it was an unusual scene as the committee clerk collected verbal votes from the committee.Democrats boycotted the hearing, meaning it was an unusual scene as the committee clerk collected verbal votes from the committee.
Large, poster-sized photos of Americans who could lose healthcare at the whim of a Supreme Court vote had been placed in each of the Democrats seats, but as their names were called, there was silence.Large, poster-sized photos of Americans who could lose healthcare at the whim of a Supreme Court vote had been placed in each of the Democrats seats, but as their names were called, there was silence.
The Republicans present chirped out their “yay” votes, however, and the clerk announced:The Republicans present chirped out their “yay” votes, however, and the clerk announced:
“Mr Chairman, the votes are 12 yays, 10 no votes.”“Mr Chairman, the votes are 12 yays, 10 no votes.”
That means there will be a full vote in the Senate on whether to confirm Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.That means there will be a full vote in the Senate on whether to confirm Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Lindsey Graham has kicked off the Senate judiciary committee vote on nominating Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.Lindsey Graham has kicked off the Senate judiciary committee vote on nominating Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Democrats have boycotted the vote, which will decide whether Coney Barrett moves to the next stage of the process.Democrats have boycotted the vote, which will decide whether Coney Barrett moves to the next stage of the process.
Graham, chair of judiciary committee, only briefly commented on the absence of Democrats, who are outraged that a judge could be voted onto the Supreme Court in the middle of an election.Graham, chair of judiciary committee, only briefly commented on the absence of Democrats, who are outraged that a judge could be voted onto the Supreme Court in the middle of an election.
“They [Democrats] made a choice not to participate,” Graham said. The South Carolina senator added that he thought Democrats had not gone “too far” in their questioning of Coney Barrett last week.“They [Democrats] made a choice not to participate,” Graham said. The South Carolina senator added that he thought Democrats had not gone “too far” in their questioning of Coney Barrett last week.
“It’s moments like this you can tell young conservative women there is a place at the table for you,” Graham said.“It’s moments like this you can tell young conservative women there is a place at the table for you,” Graham said.
He said conservative women in America are “marginalized”.He said conservative women in America are “marginalized”.
“It’s ok to be a complete person and be on the Supreme Court it’s ok to be pro-life.”“It’s ok to be a complete person and be on the Supreme Court it’s ok to be pro-life.”
This is Adam Gabbatt taking over from Martin Belam.This is Adam Gabbatt taking over from Martin Belam.
That’s it from me today, I’m handing over to Adam Gabbatt who will be with you shortly to take you through this morning’s committee vote over Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the US supreme court. You’ll be able to watch that right here – you may need to refresh the page for the video to appear. I’ll see you tomorrow…That’s it from me today, I’m handing over to Adam Gabbatt who will be with you shortly to take you through this morning’s committee vote over Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the US supreme court. You’ll be able to watch that right here – you may need to refresh the page for the video to appear. I’ll see you tomorrow…