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White House chief of staff says 'we're not going to control pandemic', after Pence staffers test positive – live White House chief of staff says 'we're not going to control pandemic', after Pence staffers test positive – live
(32 minutes later)
President and challenger seek late boosts as election day looms while VP refuses to change schedule amid staff outbreakPresident and challenger seek late boosts as election day looms while VP refuses to change schedule amid staff outbreak
The Senate just made a 51-48 vote to move forward with the final vote for Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Republicans overrode a Democratic filibuster with today’s vote, and the final vote for her confirmation will take place tomorrow night.
With the Republican majority in the Senate, Barrett’s nomination is pretty much a guarantee, despite weeks of criticism from Democrats about a Supreme Court nomination weeks before the presidential election.
The NFL has fined the Tennessee Titans $350,000 for violating protocols leading to the league’s first Covid-19 outbreak during the season, multiple outlets are reporting.The NFL has fined the Tennessee Titans $350,000 for violating protocols leading to the league’s first Covid-19 outbreak during the season, multiple outlets are reporting.
The Titans had 24 people, including 13 players, test positive for the coronavirus between 24 September and 11 October. The outbreak led the NFL to postpone two Tennessee games and the rescheduling of a game against Pittsburgh from 4 October to today and the second against Buffalo from 11 October to 13 October.The Titans had 24 people, including 13 players, test positive for the coronavirus between 24 September and 11 October. The outbreak led the NFL to postpone two Tennessee games and the rescheduling of a game against Pittsburgh from 4 October to today and the second against Buffalo from 11 October to 13 October.
The league and its players association sent officials, including infectious disease experts, to Nashville where they reviewed video and interviewed players, coaches and other personnel.The league and its players association sent officials, including infectious disease experts, to Nashville where they reviewed video and interviewed players, coaches and other personnel.
ESPN reports the NFL informed the Titans last week that their review had concluded and the organization would face a potential fine. Individuals would not be disciplined and there was no discussion of forfeiture of draft picks.ESPN reports the NFL informed the Titans last week that their review had concluded and the organization would face a potential fine. Individuals would not be disciplined and there was no discussion of forfeiture of draft picks.
One of the more surprising headlines of the day comes from the Wall Street Journal in: Health Agency Halts Coronavirus Ad Campaign, Leaving Santa Claus in the Cold.One of the more surprising headlines of the day comes from the Wall Street Journal in: Health Agency Halts Coronavirus Ad Campaign, Leaving Santa Claus in the Cold.
The WSJ reports that the Trump administration offered Santa Claus performers a deal: if they agreed to promote a Covid-19 vaccine, they would get early access to it. The story says that performers playing Mrs Claus or elves would also have been included. But the plan has now been called off.The WSJ reports that the Trump administration offered Santa Claus performers a deal: if they agreed to promote a Covid-19 vaccine, they would get early access to it. The story says that performers playing Mrs Claus or elves would also have been included. But the plan has now been called off.
The article continues:The article continues:
You can read more of this belter at the Wall Street Journal (although it’s behind a paywall).You can read more of this belter at the Wall Street Journal (although it’s behind a paywall).
The US Senate has started day two of a rare weekend session to continue debate over the confirmation of federal appeals court judge Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court.The US Senate has started day two of a rare weekend session to continue debate over the confirmation of federal appeals court judge Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court.
Democrats have expressed outrage at the vacancy being filled so close to the election – in fact boycotting Thursday’s vote to advance her nomination to the full Senate – but the Republicans’ 53-37 majority in the upper chamber ensures they have the votes they need to approve her nomination and cement a 6-3 conservative majority on the high court for years to come.Democrats have expressed outrage at the vacancy being filled so close to the election – in fact boycotting Thursday’s vote to advance her nomination to the full Senate – but the Republicans’ 53-37 majority in the upper chamber ensures they have the votes they need to approve her nomination and cement a 6-3 conservative majority on the high court for years to come.
No supreme court nominee has ever been installed so close to a presidential election and, just four years ago, the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, and senator Lindsey Graham, who now chairs the judiciary committee, said that installing a nominee in an election year would be a shameful defiance of the will of voters.No supreme court nominee has ever been installed so close to a presidential election and, just four years ago, the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, and senator Lindsey Graham, who now chairs the judiciary committee, said that installing a nominee in an election year would be a shameful defiance of the will of voters.
Barrett, 48, is expected to be confirmed Monday and quickly join the court.Barrett, 48, is expected to be confirmed Monday and quickly join the court.
More from Richard Luscombe…More from Richard Luscombe…
Joe Biden’s deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, was grilled on NBC’s Meet the Press about the Democrat nominee’s “light physical footprint”.Joe Biden’s deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, was grilled on NBC’s Meet the Press about the Democrat nominee’s “light physical footprint”.
To the backdrop of a graphic comparing Biden’s appearances since September in four key battleground states – North Carolina, Arizona, Florida and Pennsylvania – to Trump’s (the president leads 19-14), host Chuck Todd wanted to know why Biden was concentrating heavily on Georgia instead of more northerly swing states.To the backdrop of a graphic comparing Biden’s appearances since September in four key battleground states – North Carolina, Arizona, Florida and Pennsylvania – to Trump’s (the president leads 19-14), host Chuck Todd wanted to know why Biden was concentrating heavily on Georgia instead of more northerly swing states.
The answer: Biden is “focused on maintaining as many paths to 270 electoral votes as we possibly can.” Bedingfield also pointed out that at a scheduled appearance in Warm Springs, Georgia, on Tuesday, Biden would deliver his closing arguments at a place “which obviously has historical significance in this country”.The answer: Biden is “focused on maintaining as many paths to 270 electoral votes as we possibly can.” Bedingfield also pointed out that at a scheduled appearance in Warm Springs, Georgia, on Tuesday, Biden would deliver his closing arguments at a place “which obviously has historical significance in this country”.
Warm Springs is the resort town where the 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, built his Little White House, a cottage he used while suffering from polio in the 1930s.Warm Springs is the resort town where the 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, built his Little White House, a cottage he used while suffering from polio in the 1930s.
“Vice-President Biden has visited all of these battleground states multiple times,” Bedingfield said. “He was in Pennsylvania yesterday, doing two events, along with Dr [Jill] Biden. So no, we have been very aggressively campaigning.“Vice-President Biden has visited all of these battleground states multiple times,” Bedingfield said. “He was in Pennsylvania yesterday, doing two events, along with Dr [Jill] Biden. So no, we have been very aggressively campaigning.
“Here’s the difference between what we’re doing and what Donald Trump is doing, we’re doing it safely.”“Here’s the difference between what we’re doing and what Donald Trump is doing, we’re doing it safely.”
Bedingfield noted that the president’s rallies feature large, mostly maskless crowds with no social distancing.Bedingfield noted that the president’s rallies feature large, mostly maskless crowds with no social distancing.
A new CBS poll, meanwhile, showed Biden tied with Trump in Georgia and holding narrow leads in other southern battlegrounds, including Florida and North Carolina.A new CBS poll, meanwhile, showed Biden tied with Trump in Georgia and holding narrow leads in other southern battlegrounds, including Florida and North Carolina.
Todd also pressed Bedingfield on Biden’s comments at last week’s final debate about the oil industry. Why, he wondered, would oil workers in Texas or elsewhere support a candidate who supports a transition away from the industry at a risk to their jobs?Todd also pressed Bedingfield on Biden’s comments at last week’s final debate about the oil industry. Why, he wondered, would oil workers in Texas or elsewhere support a candidate who supports a transition away from the industry at a risk to their jobs?
“There is only one person in this country who Joe Biden thinks should lose his job and it’s Donald Trump,” she said.“There is only one person in this country who Joe Biden thinks should lose his job and it’s Donald Trump,” she said.
“Joe Biden … is not going to end the fossil fuel industry, he’s going to end subsidies for the oil industry. He believes your taxpayer dollars should go to education. Donald Trump believes they should go to Exxon. That’s a conversation we’re willing to have any day.”“Joe Biden … is not going to end the fossil fuel industry, he’s going to end subsidies for the oil industry. He believes your taxpayer dollars should go to education. Donald Trump believes they should go to Exxon. That’s a conversation we’re willing to have any day.”
A CBS News/YouGov poll of three southern battleground states finds Joe Biden in a dead heat with Donald Trump in Georgia with slight edges in Florida (by two points) and North Carolina (by four).A CBS News/YouGov poll of three southern battleground states finds Joe Biden in a dead heat with Donald Trump in Georgia with slight edges in Florida (by two points) and North Carolina (by four).
Some other key findings from CBS News:Some other key findings from CBS News:
Last week Trump was forced to play defense when he staged a prime-time rally in Georgia, which no Republican presidential candidate has lost since George HW Bush in 1992 – a far cry from his original designs on expanding the map into Democratic-leaning states.Last week Trump was forced to play defense when he staged a prime-time rally in Georgia, which no Republican presidential candidate has lost since George HW Bush in 1992 – a far cry from his original designs on expanding the map into Democratic-leaning states.
After Donald Trump reportedly told donors it would be “tough” for Republicans to hold the Senate, and said there were some senators he could not and did not want to help, party chair Ronna McDaniel insisted: “I don’t see these senators distancing themselves from the president.”After Donald Trump reportedly told donors it would be “tough” for Republicans to hold the Senate, and said there were some senators he could not and did not want to help, party chair Ronna McDaniel insisted: “I don’t see these senators distancing themselves from the president.”
Trump’s comments, to donors in Nashville, Tennessee before this week’s debate with Joe Biden, were reported by the Washington Post.Trump’s comments, to donors in Nashville, Tennessee before this week’s debate with Joe Biden, were reported by the Washington Post.
In fact senators including Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Martha McSally of Arizona and John Cornyn of Texas have recently sought to put daylight between themselves and the unpopular president as the party faces strong headwinds at the polls.In fact senators including Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Martha McSally of Arizona and John Cornyn of Texas have recently sought to put daylight between themselves and the unpopular president as the party faces strong headwinds at the polls.
Sasse predicted a “Senate bloodbath” and criticised Trump’s views and behaviour; McSally dodged attempts to make her express support for Trump during a campaign debate; and Cornyn sought to portray himself as an independent thinker on key policy issues.Sasse predicted a “Senate bloodbath” and criticised Trump’s views and behaviour; McSally dodged attempts to make her express support for Trump during a campaign debate; and Cornyn sought to portray himself as an independent thinker on key policy issues.
Sasse is a shoo-in for re-election in Nebraska but McSally faces defeat in Arizona and Cornyn is in an unexpectedly tight race in Texas.Sasse is a shoo-in for re-election in Nebraska but McSally faces defeat in Arizona and Cornyn is in an unexpectedly tight race in Texas.
“You know I don’t see these senators distancing themselves from the president,” McDaniel insisted on Fox News Sunday. “I mean Ben Sasse is an exception, obviously.”“You know I don’t see these senators distancing themselves from the president,” McDaniel insisted on Fox News Sunday. “I mean Ben Sasse is an exception, obviously.”
Asked about McSally’s answers to the question “Are you proud of your support for President Trump?” – repeated statements that she was “proud to be fighting for Arizona every single day” – McDaniel said: “She’s going to rallies with him and she’s all over the state with him. Martha McSally supports the president.”Asked about McSally’s answers to the question “Are you proud of your support for President Trump?” – repeated statements that she was “proud to be fighting for Arizona every single day” – McDaniel said: “She’s going to rallies with him and she’s all over the state with him. Martha McSally supports the president.”
McDaniel also said Trump “has done more for the senators with what he’s done with helping the Win Red platform, with small-dollar online fundraising, with the ground game the RNC has put in place and all of these states. We want to keep the Senate.”McDaniel also said Trump “has done more for the senators with what he’s done with helping the Win Red platform, with small-dollar online fundraising, with the ground game the RNC has put in place and all of these states. We want to keep the Senate.”
Calmer seas returned to CNN’s State of the Union studio following the tempest of the Mark Meadows interview. House speaker Nancy Pelosi told host Jake Tapper she remains “hopeful” of a coronavirus relief bill perhaps this week, despite Republicans “moving the goalposts”.Calmer seas returned to CNN’s State of the Union studio following the tempest of the Mark Meadows interview. House speaker Nancy Pelosi told host Jake Tapper she remains “hopeful” of a coronavirus relief bill perhaps this week, despite Republicans “moving the goalposts”.
A week ago, Pelosi insisted only 48 hours remained for Democrats and Republicans to strike an agreement that would bring relief before election day. That didn’t happen, but Pelosi said they are still open to talking.A week ago, Pelosi insisted only 48 hours remained for Democrats and Republicans to strike an agreement that would bring relief before election day. That didn’t happen, but Pelosi said they are still open to talking.
“We’re ready. We can change some words in the bill, should they come back with some modifications,” Pelosi said, claiming her side was still waiting for answers over some of the differences.“We’re ready. We can change some words in the bill, should they come back with some modifications,” Pelosi said, claiming her side was still waiting for answers over some of the differences.
“Why would we even be talking to each other if we didn’t believe that we could reach an agreement? So again, it could happen this week, but that’s up to Mitch [McConnell, the Senate majority leader] as to whether it would happen in the Senate and go to the president’s desk.”“Why would we even be talking to each other if we didn’t believe that we could reach an agreement? So again, it could happen this week, but that’s up to Mitch [McConnell, the Senate majority leader] as to whether it would happen in the Senate and go to the president’s desk.”
Republicans in Congress have been trying to negotiate downwards the $2.2tn Democrats are proposing, and saw their $500bn bill blocked this week. Donald Trump, meanwhile, has said he’s open to more.Republicans in Congress have been trying to negotiate downwards the $2.2tn Democrats are proposing, and saw their $500bn bill blocked this week. Donald Trump, meanwhile, has said he’s open to more.
“It only takes more money,” Pelosi said, referring to a key aim of the relief bill, namely the safe reopening of schools.“It only takes more money,” Pelosi said, referring to a key aim of the relief bill, namely the safe reopening of schools.
“That is for separation, for ventilation, for technology, for more teachers and the rest. Children learning, parents earning. Education is another policy piece where we have some disagreement, otherwise we can negotiate.“That is for separation, for ventilation, for technology, for more teachers and the rest. Children learning, parents earning. Education is another policy piece where we have some disagreement, otherwise we can negotiate.
“We’re waiting. Every time they say we move the goalposts, that means they’re projecting what they did, but let’s just be hopeful. We’re nine days before an election. We’re trying to unify the country and one way to do it is to come together to crush the virus, so that we can open our economy, open our schools and feed 17 million children who are food insecure in our country.”“We’re waiting. Every time they say we move the goalposts, that means they’re projecting what they did, but let’s just be hopeful. We’re nine days before an election. We’re trying to unify the country and one way to do it is to come together to crush the virus, so that we can open our economy, open our schools and feed 17 million children who are food insecure in our country.”
The speaker said she sent questions to McConnell on Friday, and is expecting answers Monday.The speaker said she sent questions to McConnell on Friday, and is expecting answers Monday.
“In our bill, science dictates what we do,” she said. “We can lower the incidence of the virus in certain areas, open schools, open businesses and the rest. If we don’t, we’re just giving money to the president to spend any way he wants, and that has not been in furtherance of crushing the virus.”“In our bill, science dictates what we do,” she said. “We can lower the incidence of the virus in certain areas, open schools, open businesses and the rest. If we don’t, we’re just giving money to the president to spend any way he wants, and that has not been in furtherance of crushing the virus.”
Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has given an interview to the BBC’s Andrew Marr. He tempers Donald Trump’s claims that there will be a vaccine by the end of the year, calling the statement correct but noting that a wide rollout will take “several months into 2021” and early use will focus on vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has given an interview to the BBC’s Andrew Marr. He tempers Donald Trump’s claims that there will be a vaccine by the end of the year, calling the statement correct but noting that a wide rollout will take “several months into 2021” and early use will focus on vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.
“We will know whether a vaccine is safe and effective by the end of November, the beginning of December,” Fauci said. “When you talk about vaccinating a substantial proportion of the population, so that you can have a significant impact on the dynamics of the outbreak, that very likely will not be until the second or third quarter of the year.”“We will know whether a vaccine is safe and effective by the end of November, the beginning of December,” Fauci said. “When you talk about vaccinating a substantial proportion of the population, so that you can have a significant impact on the dynamics of the outbreak, that very likely will not be until the second or third quarter of the year.”
He also says it’s “very important” for politicians and public figures to follow the science. “You can positively or negatively influence behavior,” he says. “It would really be a shame if we have a safe and effective vaccine but a substantial portion of the people don’t want to take the vaccine because they don’t trust authority.”He also says it’s “very important” for politicians and public figures to follow the science. “You can positively or negatively influence behavior,” he says. “It would really be a shame if we have a safe and effective vaccine but a substantial portion of the people don’t want to take the vaccine because they don’t trust authority.”
He also says it’s “obvious” that the idea of injecting bleach, notoriously raised by Trump earlier this year, is not following the science. When asked whether Trump’s suggestion that he is now immune and could “come down and start kissing everybody” is following the science, he says “you know the answer to that, no it isn’t.”He also says it’s “obvious” that the idea of injecting bleach, notoriously raised by Trump earlier this year, is not following the science. When asked whether Trump’s suggestion that he is now immune and could “come down and start kissing everybody” is following the science, he says “you know the answer to that, no it isn’t.”
He says that Trump is also not right that listening to scientists would lead to a massive depression, adding that he believes that “if we did things in a prudent way… you could follow the science and public health measures without shutting down the economy.” And he denies saying, as Trump recently suggested, that the virus “is going to go away soon”, explaining that remarks he made in January before person-to-person transmission began have been taken out of context.He says that Trump is also not right that listening to scientists would lead to a massive depression, adding that he believes that “if we did things in a prudent way… you could follow the science and public health measures without shutting down the economy.” And he denies saying, as Trump recently suggested, that the virus “is going to go away soon”, explaining that remarks he made in January before person-to-person transmission began have been taken out of context.
When asked about Joe Biden’s claim that wearing masks could save 100,000 lives by January he says “I’m not sure about the number” but that it is true that wearing masks can save a lot of lives.When asked about Joe Biden’s claim that wearing masks could save 100,000 lives by January he says “I’m not sure about the number” but that it is true that wearing masks can save a lot of lives.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has just made one of the most revealing comments to emerge from Trump’s inner circle about the president’s historic mishandling of the coronavirus crisis. On a Sunday political talk show, Meadows admitted that the federal government was not focusing on trying to control the pandemic.White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has just made one of the most revealing comments to emerge from Trump’s inner circle about the president’s historic mishandling of the coronavirus crisis. On a Sunday political talk show, Meadows admitted that the federal government was not focusing on trying to control the pandemic.
“We’re not going to control the pandemic,” he told Jake Tapper on CNN’s State of the Union. “We are going to control the fact that we get a vaccine, therapeutics and other mitigation.”“We’re not going to control the pandemic,” he told Jake Tapper on CNN’s State of the Union. “We are going to control the fact that we get a vaccine, therapeutics and other mitigation.”
Tapper pressed Meadows to explain why the administration was not going to control Covid-19, given the massive surge that is pummeling the Midwest and mountain states. He replied: “Because it is a contagious virus.”Tapper pressed Meadows to explain why the administration was not going to control Covid-19, given the massive surge that is pummeling the Midwest and mountain states. He replied: “Because it is a contagious virus.”
Meadows’ statement would be astonishing at any time during the pandemic. It gives an unusually candid insight into the mindset of a White House that from the outset has played down its role in marshalling a federal effort to bring the virus under control.Meadows’ statement would be astonishing at any time during the pandemic. It gives an unusually candid insight into the mindset of a White House that from the outset has played down its role in marshalling a federal effort to bring the virus under control.
The remark was all the more astounding given it’s timing. Marc Short, chief of staff to vice president Mike Pence, has just tested positive for coronavirus, as have three other VP staff and an adviser.The remark was all the more astounding given it’s timing. Marc Short, chief of staff to vice president Mike Pence, has just tested positive for coronavirus, as have three other VP staff and an adviser.
Yet Pence continues to travel the US, unmasked, holding campaign events, the White House avoiding the recommendation to quarantine set out by the administration’s own public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by calling the vice-president an “essential worker”.Yet Pence continues to travel the US, unmasked, holding campaign events, the White House avoiding the recommendation to quarantine set out by the administration’s own public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by calling the vice-president an “essential worker”.
Pence is in charge of the White House coronavirus task force, which a key member, Anthony Fauci, said on Friday has seen its meetings “diminish” while President Trump has not attended in “several months”.Pence is in charge of the White House coronavirus task force, which a key member, Anthony Fauci, said on Friday has seen its meetings “diminish” while President Trump has not attended in “several months”.
Around the country, confirmed cases are on a steep upward curve, with Friday and Saturday recording the highest levels since the pandemic began. Hospitalisations and deaths have also begun to rise.Around the country, confirmed cases are on a steep upward curve, with Friday and Saturday recording the highest levels since the pandemic began. Hospitalisations and deaths have also begun to rise.
In a heated exchange with Tapper, Meadows repeatedly sidestepped the administration’s responsibility for this surge in numbers just nine days before the presidential election. He kept on stressing the role of therapeutics and a future vaccine in “mitigating” the number of deaths, while implying the federal government had no responsibility for the rampant spread of the virus.In a heated exchange with Tapper, Meadows repeatedly sidestepped the administration’s responsibility for this surge in numbers just nine days before the presidential election. He kept on stressing the role of therapeutics and a future vaccine in “mitigating” the number of deaths, while implying the federal government had no responsibility for the rampant spread of the virus.
Tapper asked why the vice-president continued to travel to campaign events without wearing a mask, despite having been exposed via his closest staff. Meadows tried to redirect the blame to China as the source of the virus, but Tapper continued to challenge him.Tapper asked why the vice-president continued to travel to campaign events without wearing a mask, despite having been exposed via his closest staff. Meadows tried to redirect the blame to China as the source of the virus, but Tapper continued to challenge him.
“Would you agree this is very serious, people need to take precautions?” Tapper asked.“Would you agree this is very serious, people need to take precautions?” Tapper asked.
“I agree it is very serious, but we continue to test more and more so the cases will go up,” Meadows replied.“I agree it is very serious, but we continue to test more and more so the cases will go up,” Meadows replied.
In fact, the number of new confirmed cases is rising significantly faster than the quantity of testing.In fact, the number of new confirmed cases is rising significantly faster than the quantity of testing.
Jamal Collins took the trouble to vote four years ago even though, like a lot of people in Cleveland, he didn’t imagine it would change very much.Jamal Collins took the trouble to vote four years ago even though, like a lot of people in Cleveland, he didn’t imagine it would change very much.
Eight years of deflated hopes for Barack Obama had left the African American teacher wondering if any president could really make that much difference to the lives and livelihoods Collins saw around him. He even thought there might be an upside to the election of Donald Trump.Eight years of deflated hopes for Barack Obama had left the African American teacher wondering if any president could really make that much difference to the lives and livelihoods Collins saw around him. He even thought there might be an upside to the election of Donald Trump.
“I’m kinda glad it happened,” Collins said a few weeks after the new president moved into the White House. “It really is an eye-opener on what’s really going on. The real truth about America. The real truth that there’s still a lot of racism. People voted for this sort of stuff.”“I’m kinda glad it happened,” Collins said a few weeks after the new president moved into the White House. “It really is an eye-opener on what’s really going on. The real truth about America. The real truth that there’s still a lot of racism. People voted for this sort of stuff.”
A lot of people in Cleveland chose not to vote. Driven by disillusionment with Obama and dislike for Hillary Clinton, turnout fell in the overwhelmingly Democratic city where nearly half the population is black, as it did in others across the midwest, helping to usher Trump to victory.A lot of people in Cleveland chose not to vote. Driven by disillusionment with Obama and dislike for Hillary Clinton, turnout fell in the overwhelmingly Democratic city where nearly half the population is black, as it did in others across the midwest, helping to usher Trump to victory.
This year, Collins sees it differently.This year, Collins sees it differently.
Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, is currently conducting a fiery interview with Jake Tapper of CNN, voices raised about the White House’s attitude to coronavirus mitigation measures and campaigning instead of steering efforts to combat the pandemic. It’s not going well. More soon. In the meantime, here’s the White House pool report:Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, is currently conducting a fiery interview with Jake Tapper of CNN, voices raised about the White House’s attitude to coronavirus mitigation measures and campaigning instead of steering efforts to combat the pandemic. It’s not going well. More soon. In the meantime, here’s the White House pool report:
The Lincoln Project “will not be intimidated by empty bluster”, a lawyer for the group wrote late on Saturday, in response to a threat from an attorney for Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner over two billboards the group put up in Times Square.The Lincoln Project “will not be intimidated by empty bluster”, a lawyer for the group wrote late on Saturday, in response to a threat from an attorney for Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner over two billboards the group put up in Times Square.
The billboards show the president’s daughter and her husband, both senior White House advisers, showing apparent indifference to public suffering under Covid-19. Kushner is shown next to the quote “[New Yorkers] are going to suffer and that’s their problem”, above a line of body bags. Trump is shown gesturing, with a smile, to statistics for how many New Yorkers and Americans as a whole have died.The billboards show the president’s daughter and her husband, both senior White House advisers, showing apparent indifference to public suffering under Covid-19. Kushner is shown next to the quote “[New Yorkers] are going to suffer and that’s their problem”, above a line of body bags. Trump is shown gesturing, with a smile, to statistics for how many New Yorkers and Americans as a whole have died.
The Lincoln Project is a group of former Republican consultants who have made it their mission to attack Donald Trump and support Joe Biden.The Lincoln Project is a group of former Republican consultants who have made it their mission to attack Donald Trump and support Joe Biden.
On Friday Marc Kasowitz, an attorney who has represented the president in cases involving allegations of fraud and sexual assault, wrote to the Lincoln Project, demanding the “false, malicious and defamatory” ads be removed, or “we will sue you for what will doubtless be enormous compensatory and punitive damages”.On Friday Marc Kasowitz, an attorney who has represented the president in cases involving allegations of fraud and sexual assault, wrote to the Lincoln Project, demanding the “false, malicious and defamatory” ads be removed, or “we will sue you for what will doubtless be enormous compensatory and punitive damages”.
The Lincoln Project responded that they would not remove the billboards, citing among other things their first amendment rights of free speech.The Lincoln Project responded that they would not remove the billboards, citing among other things their first amendment rights of free speech.
In a legal response released on Saturday night, attorney Matthew Sanderson wrote: “Please peddle your scare tactics elsewhere. The Lincoln Project will not be intimidated by such empty bluster … your clients are no longer Upper East Side socialites, able to sue at the slightest offense to their personal sensitivities.”In a legal response released on Saturday night, attorney Matthew Sanderson wrote: “Please peddle your scare tactics elsewhere. The Lincoln Project will not be intimidated by such empty bluster … your clients are no longer Upper East Side socialites, able to sue at the slightest offense to their personal sensitivities.”
Due to a “gross act of nepotism”, Sanderson wrote, Trump and Kushner have become public officials whom Americans “have the right to discuss and criticize freely”. Sanderson cited supreme court precedent and “substantial constitutional protections for those who speak out”.Due to a “gross act of nepotism”, Sanderson wrote, Trump and Kushner have become public officials whom Americans “have the right to discuss and criticize freely”. Sanderson cited supreme court precedent and “substantial constitutional protections for those who speak out”.
Kasowitz claimed Kushner “never said” the words attributed to him on the billboards, and Trump “never made the gesture” she is shown to make.Kasowitz claimed Kushner “never said” the words attributed to him on the billboards, and Trump “never made the gesture” she is shown to make.
Vanity Fair reported the Kushner quote, from a meeting on 20 March, as the pandemic gathered terrible speed, New York reeled and Kushner attacked Governor Andrew Cuomo. Trump tweeted the pose used by the Lincoln Project in July, controversially promoting Goya foods.Vanity Fair reported the Kushner quote, from a meeting on 20 March, as the pandemic gathered terrible speed, New York reeled and Kushner attacked Governor Andrew Cuomo. Trump tweeted the pose used by the Lincoln Project in July, controversially promoting Goya foods.
The “bruised self-image” of the president’s daughter “does not change the fact that this billboard accurately depicts her support of a federal response that has utterly failed to prevent an unmitigated tragedy for the United States”, Sanderson wrote.The “bruised self-image” of the president’s daughter “does not change the fact that this billboard accurately depicts her support of a federal response that has utterly failed to prevent an unmitigated tragedy for the United States”, Sanderson wrote.
“May I suggest,” he added, “that if Mr Kushner and Ms Trump are genuinely concerned about salvaging their reputations, they would do well to stop suppressing truthful criticism and instead turn their attention to the Covid-19 crisis that is still unfolding under their inept watch.“May I suggest,” he added, “that if Mr Kushner and Ms Trump are genuinely concerned about salvaging their reputations, they would do well to stop suppressing truthful criticism and instead turn their attention to the Covid-19 crisis that is still unfolding under their inept watch.
“These billboards are not causing [their] standing with the public to plummet. Their incompetence is.”“These billboards are not causing [their] standing with the public to plummet. Their incompetence is.”
Sanderson also said “This isn’t over” and added: “Sue if you must.”Sanderson also said “This isn’t over” and added: “Sue if you must.”
As University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias told the Guardian, that seems unlikely.As University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias told the Guardian, that seems unlikely.
Ivanka Trump’s “father has honed litigation abuse, as a business person and president, to an art form,” Tobias said. But “if they did sue, the litigation might take years to resolve, be expensive and lead to embarrassing revelations … suits like this by people who have thrust themselves into the public eye are notoriously difficult to win.Ivanka Trump’s “father has honed litigation abuse, as a business person and president, to an art form,” Tobias said. But “if they did sue, the litigation might take years to resolve, be expensive and lead to embarrassing revelations … suits like this by people who have thrust themselves into the public eye are notoriously difficult to win.
“In short, this appears to be the usual Trump family bluster.”“In short, this appears to be the usual Trump family bluster.”
Barring a miracle, Amy Coney Barrett will be confirmed on Monday as the ninth justice on the US supreme court.Barring a miracle, Amy Coney Barrett will be confirmed on Monday as the ninth justice on the US supreme court.
This is a travesty of democracy.This is a travesty of democracy.
Barrett’s confirmation is the culmination of years in which a shrinking and increasingly conservative, rural and white segment of the US population has been imposing its will on the rest of America. They’ve been bankrolled by big business, seeking lower taxes and fewer regulations.Barrett’s confirmation is the culmination of years in which a shrinking and increasingly conservative, rural and white segment of the US population has been imposing its will on the rest of America. They’ve been bankrolled by big business, seeking lower taxes and fewer regulations.
In the event Joe Biden becomes president on 20 January and both houses of Congress come under control of the Democrats, they can reverse this trend. It may be the last chance – both for the Democrats and, more importantly, for American democracy.In the event Joe Biden becomes president on 20 January and both houses of Congress come under control of the Democrats, they can reverse this trend. It may be the last chance – both for the Democrats and, more importantly, for American democracy.
How?How?
More from the Associated Press:More from the Associated Press:
“A day after the US set a daily record for new confirmed coronavirus infections, it came very close to doing it again.“A day after the US set a daily record for new confirmed coronavirus infections, it came very close to doing it again.
Data published by Johns Hopkins University showed that 83,718 new cases were reported on Saturday, nearly matching the 83,757 infections reported on Friday. Before that, the most cases reported in the US on a single day had been 77,362 on 16 July.Data published by Johns Hopkins University showed that 83,718 new cases were reported on Saturday, nearly matching the 83,757 infections reported on Friday. Before that, the most cases reported in the US on a single day had been 77,362 on 16 July.
Close to 8.6m Americans have contracted the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and about 225,000 have died. Both statistics are the world’s highest. India has more than 7.8m infections but its daily numbers have been declining.Close to 8.6m Americans have contracted the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and about 225,000 have died. Both statistics are the world’s highest. India has more than 7.8m infections but its daily numbers have been declining.
US health officials have feared the surge of infections to come with colder weather and people spending more time indoors, especially as many flout guidelines to protect themselves and others such as mask-wearing and social distancing.US health officials have feared the surge of infections to come with colder weather and people spending more time indoors, especially as many flout guidelines to protect themselves and others such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington currently forecasts that the country’s death toll could exceed 318,000 by 1 January.”The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington currently forecasts that the country’s death toll could exceed 318,000 by 1 January.”
…and welcome to another day on the campaign trail, nine days out from election day now, with Joe Biden holding his polling leads, Donald Trump campaigning hard at rallies which do not adhere to Covid-19 mitigation measures and Mike Pence… seeing multiple members of his team, including chief of staff Marc Short, test positive for the coronavirus. The VP is not altering his schedule:…and welcome to another day on the campaign trail, nine days out from election day now, with Joe Biden holding his polling leads, Donald Trump campaigning hard at rallies which do not adhere to Covid-19 mitigation measures and Mike Pence… seeing multiple members of his team, including chief of staff Marc Short, test positive for the coronavirus. The VP is not altering his schedule:
This while Covid case numbers are shooting to record levels nationally and in many states, and as one study predicts a death toll of 500,000 by February.This while Covid case numbers are shooting to record levels nationally and in many states, and as one study predicts a death toll of 500,000 by February.
As the AP reports, “Oklahoma, Illinois, New Mexico and Michigan were among states announcing new record highs in daily confirmed cases on Saturday, a day after a nationwide daily record of more than 83,000 reported infections, according to Johns Hopkins University.As the AP reports, “Oklahoma, Illinois, New Mexico and Michigan were among states announcing new record highs in daily confirmed cases on Saturday, a day after a nationwide daily record of more than 83,000 reported infections, according to Johns Hopkins University.
“Dr Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said it’s ‘now more important than ever that people take this seriously.’ The 3,338 new Covid-19 cases in her state topped the old record by more than 1,300. Michigan is of course a swing state, fought over by Trump and Biden – who is more than seven points up there. Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate, will be in the state today.“Dr Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said it’s ‘now more important than ever that people take this seriously.’ The 3,338 new Covid-19 cases in her state topped the old record by more than 1,300. Michigan is of course a swing state, fought over by Trump and Biden – who is more than seven points up there. Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate, will be in the state today.
The same Johns Hopkins count now puts the caseload at 8.5m and the death toll at more than 224,000.The same Johns Hopkins count now puts the caseload at 8.5m and the death toll at more than 224,000.
Trump had a four-state campaign day on Saturday, voting in Florida before staging rallies in North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin. Today he’s speaking in New Hampshire – where the fivethirtyeight.com average puts Biden more than 11 points ahead. Trump has a habit of speaking in places where it might not seem worth the bother – he is also having to campaign in states, such as Georgia, where no Republican president would usually have to tread.Trump had a four-state campaign day on Saturday, voting in Florida before staging rallies in North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin. Today he’s speaking in New Hampshire – where the fivethirtyeight.com average puts Biden more than 11 points ahead. Trump has a habit of speaking in places where it might not seem worth the bother – he is also having to campaign in states, such as Georgia, where no Republican president would usually have to tread.
More to come, of course. In the meantime, here’s David Smith with hopeful news for Democrats:More to come, of course. In the meantime, here’s David Smith with hopeful news for Democrats: