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'To heal, we must remember': Biden holds memorial for 400,000 US Covid victims – live 'To heal, we must remember': Biden holds memorial for 400,000 US Covid victims – live
(32 minutes later)
Event at the Lincoln Memorial offers ‘national moment of unity’ to honor the lives lost to Covid-19, tweets Jill Biden – follow liveEvent at the Lincoln Memorial offers ‘national moment of unity’ to honor the lives lost to Covid-19, tweets Jill Biden – follow live
National coronavirus remembrance event. While Joe Biden and Kamala Harris memorialized those who died of Covid-19 at the Lincoln Memorial, Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leaders held lights in remembrance at the Capitol.
Immediately after Biden takes office, the House will have to work to pass major coronavirus relief legislation and consider the plan proposed by Biden. With control of the House, Senate and the White House, Democrats are going to have an easier time than they have thus far in the pandemic overcoming deadlock to get a relief package passed.
But with 60 votes in the Senate required to pass major legislation, lawmakers will still have to seek bipartisan agreement or tricky ways of working without it.
The pandemic is now killing one American every 30 seconds – and the Biden/Harris administration has made it a top priority to rein it in as soon as they take office tomorrow.
The incoming administration has presented its plans to ramp up vaccine distribution and support families reeling from both the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.
Biden encouraged Americans today to light candles in their windows in remembrance of those who have died.
National coronavirus remembrance event
The evocative and poignant event the incoming Biden-Harris leadership just held in Washington to commemorate the 400,000 US deaths from coronavirus is the first national event of remembrance that has been organized by national leadership and held in the US since the pandemic began a year ago.The evocative and poignant event the incoming Biden-Harris leadership just held in Washington to commemorate the 400,000 US deaths from coronavirus is the first national event of remembrance that has been organized by national leadership and held in the US since the pandemic began a year ago.
It’s worth remembering that Donald Trump spent 2020 lying and blustering about Covid-19, predicting it would disappear or could be cured by ingesting bleach or unproven drugs, and failing to lead a comprehensive national plan for managing the pandemic.It’s worth remembering that Donald Trump spent 2020 lying and blustering about Covid-19, predicting it would disappear or could be cured by ingesting bleach or unproven drugs, and failing to lead a comprehensive national plan for managing the pandemic.
The coronavirus outbreak has not been under control in the US over the entire pandemic and is going from bad to worse in terms of infections and deaths right now, while the public awaits the administration of the miraculous vaccines. The federal government has fallen behind its own goals for administering shots so far.The coronavirus outbreak has not been under control in the US over the entire pandemic and is going from bad to worse in terms of infections and deaths right now, while the public awaits the administration of the miraculous vaccines. The federal government has fallen behind its own goals for administering shots so far.
In all that time, Trump did not hold any kind of national memorial, as the death toll rose, or visit hospitals or vaccination sites to talk to overwhelmed front line health workers, who themselves have died in shocking numbers from Covid-19. In all that time, Trump did not hold any kind of national memorial, as the death toll rose, or visit hospitals or vaccination sites to talk to overwhelmed frontline health workers, who themselves have died in shocking numbers from Covid-19.
Some weeks ago, the incoming president and vice-president Joe Biden and Kamala Harris announced that on the eve of their inaugurations there would be a national remembrance ceremony to commemorate those killed by the virus.Some weeks ago, the incoming president and vice-president Joe Biden and Kamala Harris announced that on the eve of their inaugurations there would be a national remembrance ceremony to commemorate those killed by the virus.
The main event was at the National Mall, while cities coast to coast were encouraged to illuminate public buildings and ring church bells, to mark the crisis, the dead, the bereaved, the sick and those in hospital either trying to recover from Covid or trying to treat those suffering.The main event was at the National Mall, while cities coast to coast were encouraged to illuminate public buildings and ring church bells, to mark the crisis, the dead, the bereaved, the sick and those in hospital either trying to recover from Covid or trying to treat those suffering.
The memorial service, held as the US weathers the most challenging stretch of pandemic thus far, and counts more than 400,000 deaths, has been welcomed by journalists, politicians, and viewers mourning the loss of loved ones who have died of Covid-19.The memorial service, held as the US weathers the most challenging stretch of pandemic thus far, and counts more than 400,000 deaths, has been welcomed by journalists, politicians, and viewers mourning the loss of loved ones who have died of Covid-19.
On MSNBC, Eddie S. Glaude Jr., a Princeton professor, and African American Studies was emotional as he discussed the event: On MSNBC, Eddie S Glaude Jr, a Princeton professor of African American studies was emotional as he discussed the event:
“To heal, we must remember,” Joe Biden said at the memorial event.“To heal, we must remember,” Joe Biden said at the memorial event.
“It’s hard sometimes, to remember, but that’s how we heal. It’s important to do that as a nation, that’s why we’re here today, between sundown and dusk, to shine lights in the darkness, along the sacred pool of reflection, to remember all whom we lost,” he said.“It’s hard sometimes, to remember, but that’s how we heal. It’s important to do that as a nation, that’s why we’re here today, between sundown and dusk, to shine lights in the darkness, along the sacred pool of reflection, to remember all whom we lost,” he said.
Biden, his wife Jill Biden, vice-president-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, looking down the National Mall to the illuminated Washington Monument, beyond which lay the heavily-guarded US Capitol, where the incoming president and vice-president will be inaugurated tomorrow.Biden, his wife Jill Biden, vice-president-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, looking down the National Mall to the illuminated Washington Monument, beyond which lay the heavily-guarded US Capitol, where the incoming president and vice-president will be inaugurated tomorrow.
More than a dozen civil rights groups are calling for a Republican election official in Georgia to resign after she called on state lawmakers to change voting rules so that Republicans “at least have a shot at winning.”More than a dozen civil rights groups are calling for a Republican election official in Georgia to resign after she called on state lawmakers to change voting rules so that Republicans “at least have a shot at winning.”
The official, Alice O’Lenick, is one of two Republicans on the 5-member board of election and registration in Gwinnett County, which is just outside of Atlanta. O’Lenick, who is currently serving as the board’s chair, said she backs getting rid of no-excuse absentee voting in Georgia, a process Republicans put in place in 2005, and getting rid of ballot drop boxes. Her comments come after Georgia saw record turnout both in the November election and two US senate runoffs, all of which Democrats won in an upset.The official, Alice O’Lenick, is one of two Republicans on the 5-member board of election and registration in Gwinnett County, which is just outside of Atlanta. O’Lenick, who is currently serving as the board’s chair, said she backs getting rid of no-excuse absentee voting in Georgia, a process Republicans put in place in 2005, and getting rid of ballot drop boxes. Her comments come after Georgia saw record turnout both in the November election and two US senate runoffs, all of which Democrats won in an upset.
“I was on a Zoom call the other day and I said, ‘I’m like a dog with a bone. I will not let them end this session without changing some of these laws,’ “ O’Lenick said, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post. “They don’t have to change all of them, but they’ve got to change the major parts of them so that we at least have a shot at winning.”“I was on a Zoom call the other day and I said, ‘I’m like a dog with a bone. I will not let them end this session without changing some of these laws,’ “ O’Lenick said, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post. “They don’t have to change all of them, but they’ve got to change the major parts of them so that we at least have a shot at winning.”
The coalition of civil rights groups said it was clear O’Lenick was pushing partisan interests and that she needed to resign.The coalition of civil rights groups said it was clear O’Lenick was pushing partisan interests and that she needed to resign.
“Alice O’Lenick isn’t even trying to hide her bias against Democratic voters and voters of color in Gwinnett County,” the coalition said in a statement.“Alice O’Lenick isn’t even trying to hide her bias against Democratic voters and voters of color in Gwinnett County,” the coalition said in a statement.
“She has made clear that her only motivation in her position is pure partisanship, engaging openly in rhetoric that is more suited for a political party hack than an elections official. County election board members and chairs should celebrate high voter turnout, regardless of outcome, not advocate laws that will benefit one party over the other.“She has made clear that her only motivation in her position is pure partisanship, engaging openly in rhetoric that is more suited for a political party hack than an elections official. County election board members and chairs should celebrate high voter turnout, regardless of outcome, not advocate laws that will benefit one party over the other.
Republicans in the Georgia legislature have pledged to reexamine the state’s voting laws this year. In addition to weighing whether to get rid of no-excuse absentee voting, they are also reportedly weighing implementing a new requirement to have voters provide a copy of their ID when they submit an absentee ballot. Voting rights groups say this would be an unnecessary hurdle - there was no evidence of fraud in 2020, and voters may not be easily able to submit a copy of their ID.Republicans in the Georgia legislature have pledged to reexamine the state’s voting laws this year. In addition to weighing whether to get rid of no-excuse absentee voting, they are also reportedly weighing implementing a new requirement to have voters provide a copy of their ID when they submit an absentee ballot. Voting rights groups say this would be an unnecessary hurdle - there was no evidence of fraud in 2020, and voters may not be easily able to submit a copy of their ID.
O’Lenick also said she wants to examine the voter rolls in Gwinnett county to make sure only eligible voters are on them. Georgia has faced criticism in recent years for moving aggressively to remove voters from the rolls.O’Lenick also said she wants to examine the voter rolls in Gwinnett county to make sure only eligible voters are on them. Georgia has faced criticism in recent years for moving aggressively to remove voters from the rolls.
The memorial included a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Lori Marie Key, a nurse who works at the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Michigan.The memorial included a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Lori Marie Key, a nurse who works at the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Michigan.
A video of Key, 29, singing at the hospital where she works became an online sensation last year. “When I’m at work, I sing – it gives me strength during difficult times and. I believe it helps heal,” she said at the memorial event.A video of Key, 29, singing at the hospital where she works became an online sensation last year. “When I’m at work, I sing – it gives me strength during difficult times and. I believe it helps heal,” she said at the memorial event.
Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and their spouses Jill Biden and Douglas Emhoff have gathered at the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial. “To honor the nearly 400,000 lives lost in the United States to this pandemic”, the memorial will “include illuminating 400 lights around the reflection pool”, the inauguration team said.Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and their spouses Jill Biden and Douglas Emhoff have gathered at the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial. “To honor the nearly 400,000 lives lost in the United States to this pandemic”, the memorial will “include illuminating 400 lights around the reflection pool”, the inauguration team said.
In an email to Republican colleagues, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell indicated that he will fight to keep the legislative filibuster in the Senate. Under Senate rules, at least 60 votes are needed in order to bring a bill to a vote, giving the minority party power in indefinitely delaying bills it opposes.In an email to Republican colleagues, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell indicated that he will fight to keep the legislative filibuster in the Senate. Under Senate rules, at least 60 votes are needed in order to bring a bill to a vote, giving the minority party power in indefinitely delaying bills it opposes.
Democrats have a very slim advantage over Republicans in the Senate with 50 Senate seats and vice-president-elect Kamala Harris to be the tie-breaking vote as Senate president, so it’s no surprise that McConnell wants to preserve the filibuster as a check on Democrats.Democrats have a very slim advantage over Republicans in the Senate with 50 Senate seats and vice-president-elect Kamala Harris to be the tie-breaking vote as Senate president, so it’s no surprise that McConnell wants to preserve the filibuster as a check on Democrats.
“Having an equally divided Senate means that we have to work together to get anything done and the spirit of true bipartisan compromise is possible only when each side realizes they must come to the table together,” McConnell wrote in his email, which was obtained by the National Review.“Having an equally divided Senate means that we have to work together to get anything done and the spirit of true bipartisan compromise is possible only when each side realizes they must come to the table together,” McConnell wrote in his email, which was obtained by the National Review.
Of course McConnell happily did away with the filibuster to get Donald Trump’s supreme court nominee confirmed without a supermajority, but it’s clear McConnell is hoping to maintain as much influence in the Senate as possible.Of course McConnell happily did away with the filibuster to get Donald Trump’s supreme court nominee confirmed without a supermajority, but it’s clear McConnell is hoping to maintain as much influence in the Senate as possible.
While some Democrats like Elizabeth Warren have been vocal advocates of eliminating the filibuster, some Democrats, including Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who is considered the most conservative Democrat, oppose the move.While some Democrats like Elizabeth Warren have been vocal advocates of eliminating the filibuster, some Democrats, including Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who is considered the most conservative Democrat, oppose the move.
McConnell and incoming Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer met this afternoon to discuss, among other things, how they plan to divide power in the Senate. After the meeting, Schumer declined to comment on how the meeting went, telling reporters “we discussed a whole lot of issues”.McConnell and incoming Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer met this afternoon to discuss, among other things, how they plan to divide power in the Senate. After the meeting, Schumer declined to comment on how the meeting went, telling reporters “we discussed a whole lot of issues”.
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 US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000, representing the highest death toll of any country in the world. Joe Biden will soon participate in a service at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the 400,000 Americans lost in the pandemic.The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000, representing the highest death toll of any country in the world. Joe Biden will soon participate in a service at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the 400,000 Americans lost in the pandemic.
Donald Trump shared his farewell address to the nation. The president, who is leaving Washington before Biden’s inauguration tomorrow, wished the new administration success but did not utter the name of his successor.Donald Trump shared his farewell address to the nation. The president, who is leaving Washington before Biden’s inauguration tomorrow, wished the new administration success but did not utter the name of his successor.
Mike Pence confirmed he will not attend the president’s farewell event tomorrow. The vice-president’s office released his schedule for tomorrow, and it includes only one event: the inauguration of Biden and Kamala Harris.Mike Pence confirmed he will not attend the president’s farewell event tomorrow. The vice-president’s office released his schedule for tomorrow, and it includes only one event: the inauguration of Biden and Kamala Harris.
Mitch McConnell acknowledged the violent mob that attacked the Capitol earlier this month was “provoked by the president”. The Senate Republican leader said in a floor speech this afternoon, “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people.”Mitch McConnell acknowledged the violent mob that attacked the Capitol earlier this month was “provoked by the president”. The Senate Republican leader said in a floor speech this afternoon, “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people.”
Two National Guard troops were removed from inauguration duty due to ties to far-right militia groups, according to the AP. The FBI has been vetting the thousands of National Guard troops sent to provide security for Biden’s inauguration.Two National Guard troops were removed from inauguration duty due to ties to far-right militia groups, according to the AP. The FBI has been vetting the thousands of National Guard troops sent to provide security for Biden’s inauguration.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Joe Biden and his family arrived at Joint Base Andrews, just outside of Washington, moments ago after a short flight from Delaware.Joe Biden and his family arrived at Joint Base Andrews, just outside of Washington, moments ago after a short flight from Delaware.
The president-elect, who will be sworn in tomorrow, will soon participate in a service at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the Americans who have died of coronavirus.The president-elect, who will be sworn in tomorrow, will soon participate in a service at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the Americans who have died of coronavirus.
The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier today, representing the highest death toll of any country in the world.The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier today, representing the highest death toll of any country in the world.
Donald Trump concluded his farewell address by nodding at his possible political future, even as he awaits the start of his second Senate impeachment trial.Donald Trump concluded his farewell address by nodding at his possible political future, even as he awaits the start of his second Senate impeachment trial.
“Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning,” Trump said, again avoiding saying Joe Biden’s name. “There’s never been anything like it.”“Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning,” Trump said, again avoiding saying Joe Biden’s name. “There’s never been anything like it.”
If the Senate votes to convict Trump, the chamber can block him from seeking federal office again. However, it’s unclear whether two-thirds of the Senate, which will soon be split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, would support conviction.If the Senate votes to convict Trump, the chamber can block him from seeking federal office again. However, it’s unclear whether two-thirds of the Senate, which will soon be split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, would support conviction.
Trump ended his address by saying, “I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come. Thank you, and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.”Trump ended his address by saying, “I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come. Thank you, and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.”
Trump is set to leave Washington tomorrow morning, before Biden takes the oath of office. He has less than a day left in his presidency.Trump is set to leave Washington tomorrow morning, before Biden takes the oath of office. He has less than a day left in his presidency.
Donald Trump celebrated his controversy-laden presidency in his farewell address to the American people.Donald Trump celebrated his controversy-laden presidency in his farewell address to the American people.
“I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism,” Trump said of his lone term as president.“I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism,” Trump said of his lone term as president.
“I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices – because that’s what you elected me to do.”“I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices – because that’s what you elected me to do.”
The result of that leadership style is that Trump is leaving office with his lowest approval rating since becoming president.The result of that leadership style is that Trump is leaving office with his lowest approval rating since becoming president.
Donald Trump used his farewell address to tout the success of his administration, saying, “We did what we came here to do – and so much more.”Donald Trump used his farewell address to tout the success of his administration, saying, “We did what we came here to do – and so much more.”
According to PolitiFact, the president has broken more than half of the promises that he made to the American people.According to PolitiFact, the president has broken more than half of the promises that he made to the American people.
The president also celebrated his administration for overseeing the production of coronavirus vaccines, even as the US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier today.The president also celebrated his administration for overseeing the production of coronavirus vaccines, even as the US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier today.
In his farewell address, Donald Trump thanked the American people for the “extraordinary privilege” of having been elected president.In his farewell address, Donald Trump thanked the American people for the “extraordinary privilege” of having been elected president.
The outgoing president also offered a message of encouragement to his successor, but Trump avoided saying Joe Biden’s name.The outgoing president also offered a message of encouragement to his successor, but Trump avoided saying Joe Biden’s name.
“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous,” Trump said.“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous,” Trump said.
“We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck – a very important word.”“We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck – a very important word.”
The White House has released Donald Trump’s farewell address, a 20-minute pre-recorded video of the president touting his accomplishments in office.The White House has released Donald Trump’s farewell address, a 20-minute pre-recorded video of the president touting his accomplishments in office.
The release of the video comes one day before the inauguration of Joe Biden, which Trump does not plan to attend.The release of the video comes one day before the inauguration of Joe Biden, which Trump does not plan to attend.
“My fellow Americans, four years ago, we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens,” Trump said in the video.“My fellow Americans, four years ago, we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens,” Trump said in the video.
“In short, we embarked on a mission to make America great again for all Americans.”“In short, we embarked on a mission to make America great again for all Americans.”
Mike Pence will not attend Donald Trump’s farewell event tomorrow, the vice-president’s office just confirmed.Mike Pence will not attend Donald Trump’s farewell event tomorrow, the vice-president’s office just confirmed.
Pence’s office released his schedule for tomorrow, and it includes only one event: the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. (Trump intends to leave Washington before the inauguration.)Pence’s office released his schedule for tomorrow, and it includes only one event: the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. (Trump intends to leave Washington before the inauguration.)
Pence also offered a farewell message to the country, sending a tweet that thanked Americans for “the privilege of serving as your Vice President these past four years”.Pence also offered a farewell message to the country, sending a tweet that thanked Americans for “the privilege of serving as your Vice President these past four years”.
The tweet included several photos from Pence’s time as vice-president. Trump appeared in none of them.The tweet included several photos from Pence’s time as vice-president. Trump appeared in none of them.
Senator Josh Hawley is blocking Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the department of homeland security from quick consideration, over concerns about the incoming administration’s immigration agenda.Senator Josh Hawley is blocking Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the department of homeland security from quick consideration, over concerns about the incoming administration’s immigration agenda.
Hawley released a statement about his plans after the homeland security secretary nominee, Alejandro Mayorkas, testified at a Senate confirmation hearing.Hawley released a statement about his plans after the homeland security secretary nominee, Alejandro Mayorkas, testified at a Senate confirmation hearing.
“Mr. Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Biden’s promise to roll back major enforcement and security measures,” Hawley said in a statement.“Mr. Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Biden’s promise to roll back major enforcement and security measures,” Hawley said in a statement.
Biden’s team has indicated he plans to release an immigration bill tomorrow, shortly after taking the oath of office.Biden’s team has indicated he plans to release an immigration bill tomorrow, shortly after taking the oath of office.
Hawley said, “Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered.”Hawley said, “Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered.”
Democrats have called on the Senate to rapidly confirm some of Biden’s cabinet nominees, and while Hawley’s maneuver will slightly delay Mayorkas’ confirmation, Democrats will still be able to confirm him after tomorrow, when they take control of the chamber.Democrats have called on the Senate to rapidly confirm some of Biden’s cabinet nominees, and while Hawley’s maneuver will slightly delay Mayorkas’ confirmation, Democrats will still be able to confirm him after tomorrow, when they take control of the chamber.
Since the violent riot at the Capitol, Hawley has come under intense criticism for objecting to the certification of Biden’s victory in the presidential election, and some of his Democratic colleagues have called for his resignation.Since the violent riot at the Capitol, Hawley has come under intense criticism for objecting to the certification of Biden’s victory in the presidential election, and some of his Democratic colleagues have called for his resignation.