The first U.S. presidential debate between Republican President Donald Trump and Democrat challenger Joe Biden likely attracted a much smaller audience than the record set four years ago, according to preliminary ratings data released on Wednesday.

An estimated 28.7 million people tuned in on broadcast networks ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, below the roughly 45 million viewers million who watched Trump debate former first lady Hillary Clinton on those channels in 2016.

Data from additional networks was due to be released later on Wednesday.

In a chaotic 90-minute faceoff ahead of the Nov. 3 election, Biden and Trump battled fiercely over Trump`s record on the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare and the economy

The early figures suggest the final total television tally will rank well below the record 84 million for the first Trump-Clinton debate in 2016, a rare number in an age of digital streaming.

The TV numbers do not include people who watched via online platforms, which are growing in popularity as traditional TV viewership declines.

The first U.S. presidential debate between Republican President Donald Trump and Democrat challenger Joe Biden likely attracted a much smaller audience than the record set four years ago, according to preliminary ratings data released on Wednesday.

The first U.S. presidential debate between Republican President Donald Trump and Democrat challenger Joe Biden likely attracted a much smaller audience than the record set four years ago, according to preliminary ratings data released on Wednesday. An estimated 28.7 million people tuned in on broadcast networks ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, below the roughly 45 million viewers million who watched Trump debate former first lady Hillary Clinton on those channels in 2016. Data from additional networks was due to be released later on Wednesday. In a chaotic 90-minute faceoff ahead of the Nov. 3 election, Biden and Trump battled fiercely over Trump`s record on the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare and the economy The early figures suggest the final total television tally will rank well below the record 84 million for the first Trump-Clinton debate in 2016, a rare number in an age of digital streaming. The TV numbers do not include people who watched via online platforms, which are growing in popularity as traditional TV viewership declines.

Trump-Biden TV debate audience slumps below 2016 record, early data show

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-how-you-doing-to-will-you-shut-up-us-presidential-debate-as-it-happened-331296">From 'How you doing' to 'Will you shut up’: US Presidential debate — as it happened</a>

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Democratic Presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden and the US President Donald Trump took part in&nbsp;the first presidential debate for the US elections.&nbsp;

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He has been caught on tape admitting that he is launching an attack to take revenge for the caricatures of Prophet Mohammed by the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo.

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Nasrallah during the televised speech invited the media on a Hezbollah-guided tour of the site that Netanyahu earlier, in a video address to the United Nations, accused him of storing weapons in&nbsp;Lebanon.

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SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Resilience capsule will carry NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker to the space station October 31.

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From 'How you doing' to 'Will you shut up’: US Presidential debate — as it happened Democratic Presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden and the US President Donald Trump took part in the first presidential debate for the US elections.

From 'How you doing' to 'Will you shut up’: US Presidential debate — as it happened Democratic Presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden and the US President Donald Trump took part in the first presidential debate for the US elections. Paris attacker charged with 'attempted terrorist killings' He has been caught on tape admitting that he is launching an attack to take revenge for the caricatures of Prophet Mohammed by the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. Hezbollah chief hits back at Netanyahu, Macron for statements on Lebanon Nasrallah during the televised speech invited the media on a Hezbollah-guided tour of the site that Netanyahu earlier, in a video address to the United Nations, accused him of storing weapons in Lebanon. US election 2020: NASA astronauts on SpaceX's Crew Dragon will vote from space SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Resilience capsule will carry NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker to the space station October 31. India-China border tensions: India responds to China's provocation ×

Morning news brief: US presidential debate, Paris attacker charged and more

Whether or not the election result will be revealed soon after the November 03 date is still not clear, but the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihr5ry7o_sAhWawzgGHb0eDLAQFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AfO9799mZXkwQdiR-a7m_">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has already had his share of controversies related to it.

While the Democratic candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ9JHp7o_sAhW9yjgGHfB6D5oQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uWmb1SVt292OTp_JacPPr">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;assured the public he will accept the outcome of the votes cast on November 03,&nbsp;Trump, once again, deflected the question.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319">Also read|&nbsp;Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time</a>

During the first presidential debate for the&nbsp;upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>&nbsp;2020,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;talked about the ballot voting that is taking place in majority states this year due to the ongoing coronavirus oandemic, and assure that he would accept the result, irrespective of who wins the post.&nbsp;"If it's me, if it's not me, I'll support the outcome," the frontrunner said.

Trump, however, deflected the question once again accusing the United STates Postal Services (USPS) of not being competent enough to handle mail-in voting at such a large scale.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

He also hinted that due to the alleged incompetency of the USPS, the results for the US elections may not be known for months.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We might not know for months," Trump said. "This is not going to end well."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-shut-up-man-biden-accuses-trump-of-lying-331313">Also read|&nbsp;US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying</a>

He also alleged the situation in Philadelphia is 'very scary' and accused officials of blocking the people from observing the first day of&nbsp;in-person early voting in the state.

"Today there was a big problem,” Trump said. “In Philadelphia they went in to watch. They’re called poll watchers. A very safe, very nice thing. They were thrown out. They weren’t allowed to watch. You know why? Because bad things happen in Philadelphia, bad things.”

"I'm urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully," he added.

Whether or not the election result will be revealed soon after the November 03 date is still not clear, but the US President Donald Trump has already had his share of controversies related to it.

Whether or not the election result will be revealed soon after the November 03 date is still not clear, but the US President Donald Trump has already had his share of controversies related to it. While the Democratic candidate Joe Biden assured the public he will accept the outcome of the votes cast on November 03, Trump, once again, deflected the question. Also read| Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time During the first presidential debate for the upcoming US elections 2020, Biden talked about the ballot voting that is taking place in majority states this year due to the ongoing coronavirus oandemic, and assure that he would accept the result, irrespective of who wins the post. "If it's me, if it's not me, I'll support the outcome," the frontrunner said. Trump, however, deflected the question once again accusing the United STates Postal Services (USPS) of not being competent enough to handle mail-in voting at such a large scale. Also read| US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate He also hinted that due to the alleged incompetency of the USPS, the results for the US elections may not be known for months. "We might not know for months," Trump said. "This is not going to end well." Also read| US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying He also alleged the situation in Philadelphia is 'very scary' and accused officials of blocking the people from observing the first day of in-person early voting in the state. "Today there was a big problem,” Trump said. “In Philadelphia they went in to watch. They’re called poll watchers. A very safe, very nice thing. They were thrown out. They weren’t allowed to watch. You know why? Because bad things happen in Philadelphia, bad things.” "I'm urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully," he added.

Trump says 'this will end badly' for US elections result

United States President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former vice-president Joe Biden, faced off in their first debate of the campaign in Cleveland, with the former talking over his rival and the moderator as he sought to hold the spotlight.

Trump is used to sparring with reporters, and throughout the 90-minute debate on Tuesday, he repeatedly talked over Biden and moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News.

Trump didn't mince words when Wallace asked him what he paid in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017, after the New York Times reported that his tax returns showed only a $750 payment in each year.

Offering no evidence, Trump said he had paid, "millions of dollars. And you'll get to see it," despite his refusal to release any returns since he became a candidate in 2015, breaking with decades of tradition.

“When?” Biden asked.&nbsp;

The former vice-president then added, “inshallah” -- an Arabic word that translates to “God willing" or “if God wills it.” It generally refers to the Muslim belief that nothing will occur unless God wills it to be done.&nbsp;

To this end, Muslims in US took to Twitter to praise the Democratic nominee after he used the Arabic word.

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a historic moment in America -- inshallah in a presidential debate
— Hamed Aleaziz (@Haleaziz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Haleaziz/status/1311120362873053184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Some criticised Biden’s comical use of the word.

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Biden’s use of inshallah was kinda colonial and derogatory if you ask me.
— Tamer El-Ghobashy (@TamerELG) <a href="https://twitter.com/TamerELG/status/1311138012408025091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Trump attempted to walk a fine line, claiming he owed a hefty tax bill while also defending his efforts to pay as little taxes as possible.

When Wallace turned to Biden, the Democrat quickly pivoted to his economic plan, saying he would repeal Trump’s tax cuts that largely benefited corporations and the wealthy, and the discussion turned to the trillions of dollars those proposals represent.

The debate split-screen regularly showed the two candidates talking simultaneously while Wallace pleaded for order.

"Please let the vice president talk," Wallace admonished Trump during one of his interruptions.

"Will you shut up, man?" Biden said to Trump, one of many times he directed the president to be quiet.

The effect was exhausting, for viewers and, seemingly, for the moderator, who conceded at one point that he was having trouble following.

(with inputs)

United States President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former vice-president Joe Biden, faced off in their first debate of the campaign in Cleveland, with the former talking over his rival and the moderator as he sought to hold the spotlight.

United States President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former vice-president Joe Biden, faced off in their first debate of the campaign in Cleveland, with the former talking over his rival and the moderator as he sought to hold the spotlight. Trump is used to sparring with reporters, and throughout the 90-minute debate on Tuesday, he repeatedly talked over Biden and moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News. Trump didn't mince words when Wallace asked him what he paid in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017, after the New York Times reported that his tax returns showed only a $750 payment in each year. Offering no evidence, Trump said he had paid, "millions of dollars. And you'll get to see it," despite his refusal to release any returns since he became a candidate in 2015, breaking with decades of tradition. “When?” Biden asked. The former vice-president then added, “inshallah” -- an Arabic word that translates to “God willing" or “if God wills it.” It generally refers to the Muslim belief that nothing will occur unless God wills it to be done. To this end, Muslims in US took to Twitter to praise the Democratic nominee after he used the Arabic word. a historic moment in America -- inshallah in a presidential debate — Hamed Aleaziz (@Haleaziz) September 30, 2020 × Some criticised Biden’s comical use of the word. Biden’s use of inshallah was kinda colonial and derogatory if you ask me. — Tamer El-Ghobashy (@TamerELG) September 30, 2020 × Meanwhile, Trump attempted to walk a fine line, claiming he owed a hefty tax bill while also defending his efforts to pay as little taxes as possible. When Wallace turned to Biden, the Democrat quickly pivoted to his economic plan, saying he would repeal Trump’s tax cuts that largely benefited corporations and the wealthy, and the discussion turned to the trillions of dollars those proposals represent. The debate split-screen regularly showed the two candidates talking simultaneously while Wallace pleaded for order. "Please let the vice president talk," Wallace admonished Trump during one of his interruptions. "Will you shut up, man?" Biden said to Trump, one of many times he directed the president to be quiet. The effect was exhausting, for viewers and, seemingly, for the moderator, who conceded at one point that he was having trouble following. (with inputs)

Biden's 'inshallah' in response to Trump during debate lights up Twitter

US President Donald Trump said the country is weeks away from getting a vaccine to fight the coronavirus.

"Now we are weeks away from the vaccine," Trump said during a presidential debate with his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday.

"I don’t trust him at all," Biden replied.

Biden swiped at Trump over the president’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

“He panicked, or just looked at the stock market, one of the two,” Biden said. “Because guess what? A lot of people died and a lot more are going to die unless he gets a lot smarter or a lot quicker.”

Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Joe Biden on Wednesday termed President Donald Trump a "liar" and a "clown" as the pair clashed in a fiery start to their first presidential debate. 
 
Trump fired back, telling Biden, "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing." 
 
During the first of the three presidential debates in Cleveland, Ohio, Trump and Biden clashed over each other's personality, past record, family and their visions. 
 
"The fact is that everything he's (Trump) saying so far is simply a lie. I'm not here to call out his lies. 
Everybody knows he's a liar," Biden said. 
 
Responding to the jibe, Trump said Biden is a liar and graduated last in his class. 
 
Attacking Trump over the handling of the coronavirus, Biden said the president has lied to Americans on the COVID-19 issue.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump said the country is weeks away from getting a vaccine to fight the coronavirus. "Now we are weeks away from the vaccine," Trump said during a presidential debate with his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump said the country is weeks away from getting a vaccine to fight the coronavirus. "Now we are weeks away from the vaccine," Trump said during a presidential debate with his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday. "I don’t trust him at all," Biden replied. Biden swiped at Trump over the president’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic. “He panicked, or just looked at the stock market, one of the two,” Biden said. “Because guess what? A lot of people died and a lot more are going to die unless he gets a lot smarter or a lot quicker.” Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Joe Biden on Wednesday termed President Donald Trump a "liar" and a "clown" as the pair clashed in a fiery start to their first presidential debate. Trump fired back, telling Biden, "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing." During the first of the three presidential debates in Cleveland, Ohio, Trump and Biden clashed over each other's personality, past record, family and their visions. "The fact is that everything he's (Trump) saying so far is simply a lie. I'm not here to call out his lies. Everybody knows he's a liar," Biden said. Responding to the jibe, Trump said Biden is a liar and graduated last in his class. Attacking Trump over the handling of the coronavirus, Biden said the president has lied to Americans on the COVID-19 issue. (With inputs from agencies)

US 'weeks away from vaccine': Trump during debate against Biden

Republican lawmakers are calling for the US to open trade talks with Taiwan in order to counter national security and economic threats from China. According to the Congressman who leads the group, a plan is "very much" on the radar screen of US Government.

Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the China task force launched by Republicans said that negotiations for such a deal would be "an important foreign policy statement to make". He also said that this would help hold China accountable for how it handled the COVID-19 outbreak.

"It is very much on their radar screen," McCaul told Reuters, when asked if the Trump administration and its top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, would pursue a deal. "I don`t think that Lighthizer has 100% approved it, but...it is one of the options on the table for them and I think a recommendation coming from the task force would carry a lot of weight."

The proposal is one of 400 recommendations outlined in a report set to be released later on Wednesday by the task force.

The report will also recommend bolstering U.S. medical supply chains, sanctioning Chinese telecoms companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage, and evaluating whether the Beijing`s repression of its Uigher Muslim minority amounts to genocide.

Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef.

Last month, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1.

Taiwan-U.S. trade last year was worth $85.5 billion, with the United States running a $23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the United States` 14th biggest export market in 2019.

The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near the island.

Republican lawmakers are calling for the US to open trade talks with Taiwan in order to counter national security and economic threats from China. According to the Congressman who leads the group, a plan is "very much" on the radar screen of US Government.

Republican lawmakers are calling for the US to open trade talks with Taiwan in order to counter national security and economic threats from China. According to the Congressman who leads the group, a plan is "very much" on the radar screen of US Government. Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the China task force launched by Republicans said that negotiations for such a deal would be "an important foreign policy statement to make". He also said that this would help hold China accountable for how it handled the COVID-19 outbreak. "It is very much on their radar screen," McCaul told Reuters, when asked if the Trump administration and its top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, would pursue a deal. "I don`t think that Lighthizer has 100% approved it, but...it is one of the options on the table for them and I think a recommendation coming from the task force would carry a lot of weight." The proposal is one of 400 recommendations outlined in a report set to be released later on Wednesday by the task force. The report will also recommend bolstering U.S. medical supply chains, sanctioning Chinese telecoms companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage, and evaluating whether the Beijing`s repression of its Uigher Muslim minority amounts to genocide. Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef. Last month, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1. Taiwan-U.S. trade last year was worth $85.5 billion, with the United States running a $23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the United States` 14th biggest export market in 2019. The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near the island.

Taiwan trade deal on Trump administration's radar, lawmaker says

Donald Trump said during the first US presidential debate against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden that he has paid "millions of dollars" in income tax. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

During the debate moderator Christopher W Wallace, an American television anchor and political commentator, asked Trump, “Is it true that you paid $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017?” 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319">Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time</a>

Offering no evidence, Trump said he had paid, "millions of dollars. And you'll get to see it," despite his refusal to release any returns since he became a candidate in 2015, breaking with decades of tradition. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-shut-up-man-biden-accuses-trump-of-lying-331313">'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying</a>

During the debate calling Trump "totally irresponsible'' on managing Covid-19, Biden said the president is "a fool on this." "He panicked or he looked at the stock market," Biden said of Trump. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-defends-supreme-court-pick-barrett-331308">Trump defends Supreme Court pick Barrett</a>

Biden said that "millionaires" and "billionaires" like Trump have done very well during the pandemic.

Earlier, The New York Times published an article on Sunday claiming that Trump paid $750 each for 2016 as well as 2017 and that he paid no income taxes at all in ten of the previous 15 years. The president dismissed the claims as another piece of "fake news" in a series of tweets, adding that he was entitled to depreciation and tax credits like everyone else.

Biden's tax records showed he and his wife, Jill Biden, collectively earned $517,334 in 2019 and paid $346,204, while receiving a refund of $46,858.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump said during the first US presidential debate against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden that he has paid "millions of dollars" in income tax.

Donald Trump said during the first US presidential debate against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden that he has paid "millions of dollars" in income tax. Also read | Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate During the debate moderator Christopher W Wallace, an American television anchor and political commentator, asked Trump, “Is it true that you paid $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017?” Also read | Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time Offering no evidence, Trump said he had paid, "millions of dollars. And you'll get to see it," despite his refusal to release any returns since he became a candidate in 2015, breaking with decades of tradition. Also read | 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying During the debate calling Trump "totally irresponsible'' on managing Covid-19, Biden said the president is "a fool on this." "He panicked or he looked at the stock market," Biden said of Trump. Also read | Trump defends Supreme Court pick Barrett Biden said that "millionaires" and "billionaires" like Trump have done very well during the pandemic. Earlier, The New York Times published an article on Sunday claiming that Trump paid $750 each for 2016 as well as 2017 and that he paid no income taxes at all in ten of the previous 15 years. The president dismissed the claims as another piece of "fake news" in a series of tweets, adding that he was entitled to depreciation and tax credits like everyone else. Biden's tax records showed he and his wife, Jill Biden, collectively earned $517,334 in 2019 and paid $346,204, while receiving a refund of $46,858. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections 2020: Trump says paid 'millions of dollars' in income tax

During the first Presidential Debate for the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a> 2020, the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> and his opponent Joe Biden took to the stage for a face-off.

While talking about the novel coronavirus,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was seen boasting about the huge turnout at his election campaigns. Talking about how 'Sleepy Joe' was always conducting online campaigns,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;even took a hit at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe&nbsp;Biden</a>&nbsp;laughing "nobody would come".

Trump&nbsp;said he went ahead and conducted the campaigns in open-air, mainly near or at the airports where he says, "thousands of people turn up within 24 hours notice".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

He was seen boasting about how thousands of people turn up at his election campaigns, but failed to address the lack of social distancing and masks.&nbsp;

He also mocked&nbsp;Joe Biden for wearing&nbsp;masks. To this, Biden recalled the incident when a journalist approached&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and he took a step back asking 'Have you been tested?' claiming that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;only cares about himself, and nobody else.&nbsp;

This is not the first time&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has been seen boasting about the huge campaign turnouts. Previously at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-boasts-about-huge-crowd-gathering-at-michigan-rally-326772">Michigan rally</a>, he had said,&nbsp;"This is not the crowd of a person who comes in second place."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319">Also read|&nbsp;Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time</a>

'You graduated lowest of your class'

The two also participated in bitter&nbsp;banter where&nbsp;Biden called&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;to be not that smart, to which the President replied "There's nothing smart about you" because "you graduated the lowest of your class".

"Don't ever use the word smart with me. Don't ever use that word with me. There's nothing smart about you, Joe," Trump said.

&nbsp;The two leaders did not also shake hands at the beginning of the debate. While the primary reason behind the same can be the fear of contracting coronavirus, it also pointed towards the bitterness between the two leaders.

During the first Presidential Debate for the upcoming US elections 2020, the US President Donald Trump and his opponent Joe Biden took to the stage for a face-off.

During the first Presidential Debate for the upcoming US elections 2020, the US President Donald Trump and his opponent Joe Biden took to the stage for a face-off. While talking about the novel coronavirus, Trump was seen boasting about the huge turnout at his election campaigns. Talking about how 'Sleepy Joe' was always conducting online campaigns, Trump even took a hit at Joe Biden laughing "nobody would come". Trump said he went ahead and conducted the campaigns in open-air, mainly near or at the airports where he says, "thousands of people turn up within 24 hours notice". Also read| US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate He was seen boasting about how thousands of people turn up at his election campaigns, but failed to address the lack of social distancing and masks. He also mocked Joe Biden for wearing masks. To this, Biden recalled the incident when a journalist approached Trump and he took a step back asking 'Have you been tested?' claiming that Trump only cares about himself, and nobody else. This is not the first time Trump has been seen boasting about the huge campaign turnouts. Previously at the Michigan rally, he had said, "This is not the crowd of a person who comes in second place." Also read| Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time 'You graduated lowest of your class' The two also participated in bitter banter where Biden called Trump to be not that smart, to which the President replied "There's nothing smart about you" because "you graduated the lowest of your class". "Don't ever use the word smart with me. Don't ever use that word with me. There's nothing smart about you, Joe," Trump said. The two leaders did not also shake hands at the beginning of the debate. While the primary reason behind the same can be the fear of contracting coronavirus, it also pointed towards the bitterness between the two leaders.

US election 2020: Trump boasts about huge crowd at campaigns

The first Presidential Debate&nbsp;that took place in Ohio on September 29 was one of the few times that the country saw such a heated debate between the two candidates.

While the meidator tried to tell the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to let his rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;speak during his 'two minutes of uniterrupted' speech,&nbsp;Biden lost his edge and said, "WIll you shut up, man!"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-boasts-about-huge-crowd-at-campaigns-331309">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Trump boasts about huge crowd at campaigns</a>

Biden&nbsp;continued accusing&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;of lying to everyone, and only caring about himself, and nobody else.

"The fact is that everything he is saying so far is simply a lie. I'm not here to call out his lies. Everybody knows he's a liar," Biden said.

Trump, predictably, denied these accusations claiming to have never lied to the people of the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

The Dmeocratic opponent, while talking about how&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has been lying to the nation, especially related to the novel coronavirus, called&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;to be 'not very smart'.

Trump&nbsp;slammed back at&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;by saying "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing."

When the frontrunner&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;was constantly being interrupted by&nbsp;Trump, Biden snapped and said, "It's hard to get a word in with this clown." This is probably the first time such a remark has been passed in the Presidential debate.

The first Presidential Debate that took place in Ohio on September 29 was one of the few times that the country saw such a heated debate between the two candidates.

The first Presidential Debate that took place in Ohio on September 29 was one of the few times that the country saw such a heated debate between the two candidates. While the meidator tried to tell the US President Donald Trump to let his rival Joe Biden speak during his 'two minutes of uniterrupted' speech, Biden lost his edge and said, "WIll you shut up, man!" Also read| US election 2020: Trump boasts about huge crowd at campaigns Biden continued accusing Trump of lying to everyone, and only caring about himself, and nobody else. "The fact is that everything he is saying so far is simply a lie. I'm not here to call out his lies. Everybody knows he's a liar," Biden said. Trump, predictably, denied these accusations claiming to have never lied to the people of the US. Also read| US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate The Dmeocratic opponent, while talking about how Trump has been lying to the nation, especially related to the novel coronavirus, called Trump to be 'not very smart'. Trump slammed back at Biden by saying "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing." When the frontrunner Biden was constantly being interrupted by Trump, Biden snapped and said, "It's hard to get a word in with this clown." This is probably the first time such a remark has been passed in the Presidential debate.

US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying

While the US President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihr5ry7o_sAhWawzgGHb0eDLAQFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AfO9799mZXkwQdiR-a7m_">Donald Trump</a> and his democratic rival <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ9JHp7o_sAhW9yjgGHfB6D5oQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uWmb1SVt292OTp_JacPPr">Joe Biden</a> engaged in a heated debate, they forgot that they are bound to listen to the commands of the debate moderator&nbsp;Chris Wallace.

The 72-year-old Fox News journalist had to, repeatedly, remind the two leaders about his presence and the rules.

The problem, majorly, was seen in Trump's behaviour. During the 'two minutes uninterrupted' statements allowed to the two leaders, Trump usually got the first chance to make his statement, but he kept interrupting whenever his rival started his two minutes 'uninterrupted' time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

After few repeated incidents, Wallace raised his voice at Trump and asked him to his rival speak. Trump, however, demanded two more minutes after Biden repeatedly claiming that 'he had his time, and now it is mine'.&nbsp;

To this, Wallace snapped at Trump and said, "You had your time, sir".

Wallace is a Fox News journalist who had also moderated a debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton during the US elections 2016.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-shut-up-man-biden-accuses-trump-of-lying-331313">Also read|&nbsp;US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying</a>

Although he belongs to a channel that is hugely considered to be a pro-Trump channel, Wallace is known for his tough interviewing style and not being biased towards anyone in particular during interviews.

Later, when Biden, at one point, had to re-ask the question from Wallace because 'I have lost track of what the exact question was', Wallace laughed out and jibed a mockery of Trump saying "Even I am having trouble keeping up now."

While the US President Donald Trump and his democratic rival Joe Biden engaged in a heated debate, they forgot that they are bound to listen to the commands of the debate moderator Chris Wallace.

While the US President Donald Trump and his democratic rival Joe Biden engaged in a heated debate, they forgot that they are bound to listen to the commands of the debate moderator Chris Wallace. The 72-year-old Fox News journalist had to, repeatedly, remind the two leaders about his presence and the rules. The problem, majorly, was seen in Trump's behaviour. During the 'two minutes uninterrupted' statements allowed to the two leaders, Trump usually got the first chance to make his statement, but he kept interrupting whenever his rival started his two minutes 'uninterrupted' time. Also read| US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate After few repeated incidents, Wallace raised his voice at Trump and asked him to his rival speak. Trump, however, demanded two more minutes after Biden repeatedly claiming that 'he had his time, and now it is mine'. To this, Wallace snapped at Trump and said, "You had your time, sir". Wallace is a Fox News journalist who had also moderated a debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton during the US elections 2016. Also read| US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying Although he belongs to a channel that is hugely considered to be a pro-Trump channel, Wallace is known for his tough interviewing style and not being biased towards anyone in particular during interviews. Later, when Biden, at one point, had to re-ask the question from Wallace because 'I have lost track of what the exact question was', Wallace laughed out and jibed a mockery of Trump saying "Even I am having trouble keeping up now."

Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called US President Donald Trump a ''clown'' during the first presidential debtae in Ohio, Cleveland on Tuesday.

"It's hard to get any word in with this clown...excuse me, this person," said Biden, moments after&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was warned by moderator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319">Chris Wallace</a> not to interrupt.&nbsp;

Earlier, Biden had called Trump a ''liar''&nbsp;and told him to "shut up" as the pair clashed in a bad-tempered start of the debate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-shut-up-man-biden-accuses-trump-of-lying-331313">US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying</a>

In a chaotic first debate marked by repeated interruptions by Trump, Biden said the president was more concerned with the economy and stock market than he was with blunting the spread of the coronavirus.

Trump,&nbsp;predictably, denied these accusations claiming to have never lied to the people of the US.

He fired back hard at Biden, telling him: "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-boasts-about-huge-crowd-at-campaigns-331309">US election 2020: Trump boasts about huge crowd at campaigns</a>

With more than a million Americans already casting early ballots and time running out to change minds or influence the small sliver of undecided voters, the stakes were enormous as the two White House candidates took the stage five weeks before the November&nbsp;3 Election Day.

The two contenders did not shake hands as they entered the debate, adhering to protocols on social distancing because of the coronavirus.

Biden, 77, has held a consistent lead over Trump, 74, in national opinion polls, although surveys in the battleground states that will decide the election show a closer contest.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called US President Donald Trump a ''clown'' during the first presidential debtae in Ohio, Cleveland on Tuesday. "It's hard to get any word in with this clown.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called US President Donald Trump a ''clown'' during the first presidential debtae in Ohio, Cleveland on Tuesday. "It's hard to get any word in with this clown...excuse me, this person," said Biden, moments after Trump was warned by moderator Chris Wallace not to interrupt. Earlier, Biden had called Trump a ''liar'' and told him to "shut up" as the pair clashed in a bad-tempered start of the debate. Also read: US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying In a chaotic first debate marked by repeated interruptions by Trump, Biden said the president was more concerned with the economy and stock market than he was with blunting the spread of the coronavirus. Trump, predictably, denied these accusations claiming to have never lied to the people of the US. He fired back hard at Biden, telling him: "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing." Also read: US election 2020: Trump boasts about huge crowd at campaigns With more than a million Americans already casting early ballots and time running out to change minds or influence the small sliver of undecided voters, the stakes were enormous as the two White House candidates took the stage five weeks before the November 3 Election Day. The two contenders did not shake hands as they entered the debate, adhering to protocols on social distancing because of the coronavirus. Biden, 77, has held a consistent lead over Trump, 74, in national opinion polls, although surveys in the battleground states that will decide the election show a closer contest.

US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;accused his Democratic rival Joe Biden&nbsp;of taking advantage of ''electronic earpiece''&nbsp;to gain advantage during their hotly anticipated presidential debate.&nbsp;

Biden hit back and&nbsp;offered a snappy retort to the&nbsp;accusations made by Trump before the US elections 2020 on November 3.

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It’s debate night, so I’ve got my earpiece and performance enhancers ready. <a href="https://t.co/EhOiWdjh1b">pic.twitter.com/EhOiWdjh1b</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1311084592338735104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Within an hour, Biden's shade-throwing post gained 200,000 likes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-shut-up-man-biden-accuses-trump-of-lying-331313">US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man': Biden accuses Trump of lying</a>

"I bet you do, Sleepy!" White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany responded, employing&nbsp;Trump's oft-used nickname for Biden, "Sleepy Joe."

The two sides exchanged bitter barbs just hours ahead of the showdown in Cleveland, with the Republican theory that Biden would use the device to get coached during the debate gaining traction on social media despite no actual evidence.

The&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;team claimed the Biden campaign had reneged on an agreement to conduct a pre-debate inspection for electronic earpieces and had asked for multiple breaks during their faceoff.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day Biden's aides pushed back fiercely on the notion that Biden would find a way to get surreptitious help during the showdown, or that he wanted breaks during the event.

"Of course he's not wearing an earpiece, and we never asked for breaks," The Washington Post quoted Biden's deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield as saying in a conference call.

Bedingfield fired back with a jab of her own.

"If we're playing that game, then you know, the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;team asked (moderator) Chris Wallace not to mention the number of deaths from Covid once during the debate," she said.

"You can consider that confirmed from the Biden campaign," Bedingfield said. "See how easy that was to try to throw up a distraction?"

Trump&nbsp;campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh denied any such request had been made to the Fox News host who will moderate the debate Tuesday night at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio.

"This is a lie and it never happened," Murtaugh said in a statement. "This is the height of playing politics with a public health crisis.

"Biden is trying to distract from the facts that he won't submit to an inspection for earpieces, won't take a drug test, and needs multiple breaks during the 90-minute debate."

For months&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has painted Biden as senile, recently suggesting he takes performance enhancing drugs and demanding he be tested -- a demand Biden has laughed off.

US President Donald Trump accused his Democratic rival Joe Biden of taking advantage of ''electronic earpiece'' to gain advantage during their hotly anticipated presidential debate.

US President Donald Trump accused his Democratic rival Joe Biden of taking advantage of ''electronic earpiece'' to gain advantage during their hotly anticipated presidential debate. Biden hit back and offered a snappy retort to the accusations made by Trump before the US elections 2020 on November 3. It’s debate night, so I’ve got my earpiece and performance enhancers ready. pic.twitter.com/EhOiWdjh1b — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 29, 2020 × Within an hour, Biden's shade-throwing post gained 200,000 likes. Also read: US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man': Biden accuses Trump of lying "I bet you do, Sleepy!" White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany responded, employing Trump's oft-used nickname for Biden, "Sleepy Joe." The two sides exchanged bitter barbs just hours ahead of the showdown in Cleveland, with the Republican theory that Biden would use the device to get coached during the debate gaining traction on social media despite no actual evidence. The Trump team claimed the Biden campaign had reneged on an agreement to conduct a pre-debate inspection for electronic earpieces and had asked for multiple breaks during their faceoff. Earlier in the day Biden's aides pushed back fiercely on the notion that Biden would find a way to get surreptitious help during the showdown, or that he wanted breaks during the event. "Of course he's not wearing an earpiece, and we never asked for breaks," The Washington Post quoted Biden's deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield as saying in a conference call. Bedingfield fired back with a jab of her own. "If we're playing that game, then you know, the Trump team asked (moderator) Chris Wallace not to mention the number of deaths from Covid once during the debate," she said. "You can consider that confirmed from the Biden campaign," Bedingfield said. "See how easy that was to try to throw up a distraction?" Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh denied any such request had been made to the Fox News host who will moderate the debate Tuesday night at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio. "This is a lie and it never happened," Murtaugh said in a statement. "This is the height of playing politics with a public health crisis. "Biden is trying to distract from the facts that he won't submit to an inspection for earpieces, won't take a drug test, and needs multiple breaks during the 90-minute debate." For months Trump has painted Biden as senile, recently suggesting he takes performance enhancing drugs and demanding he be tested -- a demand Biden has laughed off.

US election 2020: Trump accuses Biden of taking advantage of an 'electronic earpiece'

Which candidate is a better bet for India? Will Trump benefit from his close ties with PM Modi? How far is US willing to go to Make China pay? John Bolton answers all these questions in this exclusive interview with WION's Palki Sharma.

John Bolton: Close ties with Modi will help Trump | Gravitas

In a few hours from now, US President Donald Trump will go up against Democratic Nominee Joe Biden in the first Presidential Debate. WION's Palki Sharma tells you all that you need to know.

Trump vs Biden: What to expect from the First Presidential Debate | Gravitas

A group of Republican lawmakers seeking to counter national security and economic threats from China is calling for the United States to open trade talks with Taiwan, a plan which is "very much" on the radar screen of the Trump administration, according to the congressman who leads the group.

Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the China task force launched by House of Representatives Republicans earlier this year, said such negotiations would be "an important foreign policy statement to make," and help hold China accountable for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which has drawn fire from President Donald Trump.

"It is very much on their radar screen," McCaul told Reuters, when asked if the Trump administration and its top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, would pursue a deal. "I don`t think that Lighthizer has 100% approved it, but...it is one of the options on the table for them and I think a recommendation coming from the task force would carry a lot of weight."

The proposal is one of 400 recommendations outlined in a report set to be released later on Wednesday by the task force.

The report will also recommend bolstering U.S. medical supply chains, sanctioning Chinese telecoms companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage, and evaluating whether the Beijing`s repression of its Uigher Muslim minority amounts to genocide.

Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef.

Last month, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1.

Taiwan-U.S. trade last year was worth $85.5 billion, with the United States running a $23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the United States` 14th biggest export market in 2019.

The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near the island. 
&nbsp;

A group of Republican lawmakers seeking to counter national security and economic threats from China is calling for the United States to open trade talks with Taiwan, a plan which is "very much" on the radar screen of the Trump administration, according to the congressman who leads the group.

A group of Republican lawmakers seeking to counter national security and economic threats from China is calling for the United States to open trade talks with Taiwan, a plan which is "very much" on the radar screen of the Trump administration, according to the congressman who leads the group. Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the China task force launched by House of Representatives Republicans earlier this year, said such negotiations would be "an important foreign policy statement to make," and help hold China accountable for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which has drawn fire from President Donald Trump. "It is very much on their radar screen," McCaul told Reuters, when asked if the Trump administration and its top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, would pursue a deal. "I don`t think that Lighthizer has 100% approved it, but...it is one of the options on the table for them and I think a recommendation coming from the task force would carry a lot of weight." The proposal is one of 400 recommendations outlined in a report set to be released later on Wednesday by the task force. The report will also recommend bolstering U.S. medical supply chains, sanctioning Chinese telecoms companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage, and evaluating whether the Beijing`s repression of its Uigher Muslim minority amounts to genocide. Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef. Last month, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1. Taiwan-U.S. trade last year was worth $85.5 billion, with the United States running a $23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the United States` 14th biggest export market in 2019. The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near the island.

Republican President Donald Trump defended his quick push to try to fill a US&nbsp;Supreme Court seat at the start of his first presidential debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday, saying "elections have consequences" and he had the right despite Democratic objections.

"I will tell you very simply we won the election, elections have consequences. We have the Senate and we have the White House and we have a phenomenal nominee respected by all," Trump said in defense of his nominee, conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/conservative-win-donald-trump-nominates-amy-coney-barrett-for-supreme-court-330413">Conservative win: Donald Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court</a>

Biden, talking over frequent interruptions from Trump, said the seat of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be filled after the November&nbsp;3 election, when it was clear who the president would be.

"We should wait, we should wait and see what the outcome of this election is," Biden said, adding a more conservative Supreme Court would endanger the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare.

Trump is moving quickly to fill Ginsburg’s seat in hopes of cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the court, a key priority for social conservatives.

Democrats have argued Republicans are being hypocritical for moving quickly to fill the seat given they blocked then-President Barack Obama's nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016, arguing it should wait until after that November election.

Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden as he attempted to answer questions, prompting Biden at one point to interject: "Will you shut up, man?"

With more than a million Americans already casting early ballots and time running out to change minds or influence the small sliver of undecided voters, the stakes were enormous as the two White House candidates took the stage five weeks before Election Day.

The two contenders did not shake hands as they entered the debate, adhering to protocols on social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden, 77, has held a consistent lead over Trump, 74, in national opinion polls, although surveys in the battleground states that will decide the election show a closer contest.

The 90-minute debate, with a limited and socially distanced in-person audience because of the pandemic, was held at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, with Chris Wallace of Fox News serving as the moderator. It is the first of three scheduled presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.

Organizers said there were about 80 people in the audience, including the candidates’ family members, campaign staff, hosts, health and security officials and journalists.

The combustible Trump and more low-key Biden were debating an array of urgent political challenges, including the pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States and thrown millions out of work, protests for racial justice, as well as the battle over the Supreme Court.

Hours before the debate, Biden released his 2019 tax returns and his campaign called on Trump, who has come under fire for not releasing his returns, to do the same.

Biden took the step two days after the New York Times reported Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017 - and none in 10 of the previous 15 years - following years of reporting steep losses from business enterprises.

Trump had long sought to keep his personal financial records secret.

Biden's taxes showed that he and his wife Jill paid more than $346,000 in federal taxes and other payments for 2019 on an income of nearly $985,000 before seeking a refund of nearly $47,000 they said they had overpaid the government.

Republican President Donald Trump defended his quick push to try to fill a US Supreme Court seat at the start of his first presidential debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday, saying "elections have consequences" and he had the right despite Democratic objections.

Republican President Donald Trump defended his quick push to try to fill a US Supreme Court seat at the start of his first presidential debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday, saying "elections have consequences" and he had the right despite Democratic objections. "I will tell you very simply we won the election, elections have consequences. We have the Senate and we have the White House and we have a phenomenal nominee respected by all," Trump said in defense of his nominee, conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Also see: Conservative win: Donald Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court Biden, talking over frequent interruptions from Trump, said the seat of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be filled after the November 3 election, when it was clear who the president would be. "We should wait, we should wait and see what the outcome of this election is," Biden said, adding a more conservative Supreme Court would endanger the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare. Trump is moving quickly to fill Ginsburg’s seat in hopes of cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the court, a key priority for social conservatives. Democrats have argued Republicans are being hypocritical for moving quickly to fill the seat given they blocked then-President Barack Obama's nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016, arguing it should wait until after that November election. Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden as he attempted to answer questions, prompting Biden at one point to interject: "Will you shut up, man?" With more than a million Americans already casting early ballots and time running out to change minds or influence the small sliver of undecided voters, the stakes were enormous as the two White House candidates took the stage five weeks before Election Day. The two contenders did not shake hands as they entered the debate, adhering to protocols on social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Biden, 77, has held a consistent lead over Trump, 74, in national opinion polls, although surveys in the battleground states that will decide the election show a closer contest. The 90-minute debate, with a limited and socially distanced in-person audience because of the pandemic, was held at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, with Chris Wallace of Fox News serving as the moderator. It is the first of three scheduled presidential debates and one vice presidential debate. Organizers said there were about 80 people in the audience, including the candidates’ family members, campaign staff, hosts, health and security officials and journalists. The combustible Trump and more low-key Biden were debating an array of urgent political challenges, including the pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States and thrown millions out of work, protests for racial justice, as well as the battle over the Supreme Court. Hours before the debate, Biden released his 2019 tax returns and his campaign called on Trump, who has come under fire for not releasing his returns, to do the same. Biden took the step two days after the New York Times reported Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017 - and none in 10 of the previous 15 years - following years of reporting steep losses from business enterprises. Trump had long sought to keep his personal financial records secret. Biden's taxes showed that he and his wife Jill paid more than $346,000 in federal taxes and other payments for 2019 on an income of nearly $985,000 before seeking a refund of nearly $47,000 they said they had overpaid the government.

US election 2020: Trump defends Supreme Court pick Barrett

Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden battled fiercely over the integrity of November's election in a chaotic first debate marked by personal insults, name calling and Trump's repeated interruptions.

US Election 2020 | First Presidential Debate: Trump vs Biden on economy, COVID-19, race and violence

US Election 2020 | First Presidential Debate: Segment 1: Supreme Court Row

US Election 2020 | First Presidential Debate: Segment 6: Election Integrity

The reopening of the U.S. economy in the wake of the COVID pandemic dominated much of the discussion about the overall economy during the first U.S. presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.

US Election 2020 | First Presidential Debate: Segment 2: Coronavirus Pandemic

Donald Trump defies friendship with PM Modi - During the first presidential debate for the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, the&nbsp;US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihr5ry7o_sAhWawzgGHb0eDLAQFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AfO9799mZXkwQdiR-a7m_">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;backtracked on his friendship with India and accused the Asian country of misquoting the data related to novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Trump&nbsp;has always claimed to be a dear friend of the India Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>. However, that has not stopped him from accusing the Modi-led government of hiding the coronavirus-related data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-this-will-end-badly-for-us-elections-result-331339">Also read|&nbsp;Trump says 'this will end badly' for US elections result</a>

While hoping to woo the voters watching the heated debate and to put his Democratic rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ9JHp7o_sAhW9yjgGHfB6D5oQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uWmb1SVt292OTp_JacPPr">Joe Biden</a>, he launched an attack on China, Russia and India, and alleged the governments of not revealing the actual numbers of people who have lost their lives to the novel coronavirus.

"When you talk about numbers you don't know how many people died in China, you don't know how many people died in Russia, you don't know how many people died in India," Trump said.

"They don't exactly give you a straight count," he continued the allegation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-weeks-away-from-vaccine-trump-during-debate-against-biden-331333">Also read|&nbsp;US 'weeks away from vaccine': Trump during debate against Biden</a>

The accusation was made when the moderator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319">Chris Wallace</a>&nbsp;asked the two leaders about the 'serious' matter of coronavirus, highlighting that millions of people have been affected and nearly 200,000 people have lost their lives.

While&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;blamed the US President for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-admits-downplaying-seriousness-of-covid-19-326412">careless approach</a> and mishandling the pandemic,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;blamed China for spreading the virus and claimed that "millions" could have lost their lives to the virus if he had not acted the way he did.

While the comment on China was expected by&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;as he has often called 'coronavirus' as 'China virus' and 'Wuhan virus', the attack on India was a surprise for many, especially a month&nbsp;after Trump's election campaign had released a video message claiming "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/america-loves-india-trump-campaign-releases-commercial-for-indian-americans-322504">America loves India</a>".

Donald Trump defies friendship with PM Modi - During the first presidential debate for the upcoming US elections, the US President Donald Trump backtracked on his friendship with India and accused the Asian country of misquoting the data related to novel coronavirus.

Donald Trump defies friendship with PM Modi - During the first presidential debate for the upcoming US elections, the US President Donald Trump backtracked on his friendship with India and accused the Asian country of misquoting the data related to novel coronavirus. Trump has always claimed to be a dear friend of the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, that has not stopped him from accusing the Modi-led government of hiding the coronavirus-related data. Also read| Trump says 'this will end badly' for US elections result While hoping to woo the voters watching the heated debate and to put his Democratic rival Joe Biden, he launched an attack on China, Russia and India, and alleged the governments of not revealing the actual numbers of people who have lost their lives to the novel coronavirus. "When you talk about numbers you don't know how many people died in China, you don't know how many people died in Russia, you don't know how many people died in India," Trump said. "They don't exactly give you a straight count," he continued the allegation. Also read| US 'weeks away from vaccine': Trump during debate against Biden The accusation was made when the moderator Chris Wallace asked the two leaders about the 'serious' matter of coronavirus, highlighting that millions of people have been affected and nearly 200,000 people have lost their lives. While Biden blamed the US President for a careless approach and mishandling the pandemic, Trump blamed China for spreading the virus and claimed that "millions" could have lost their lives to the virus if he had not acted the way he did. While the comment on China was expected by Trump as he has often called 'coronavirus' as 'China virus' and 'Wuhan virus', the attack on India was a surprise for many, especially a month after Trump's election campaign had released a video message claiming "America loves India".

US Elections 2020: Trump defies friendship with PM Modi; questions India's COVID data

US President Donald&nbsp;Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden will meet in Cleveland, Ohio on Tuesday for first debate with presidency on the line.

The highly anticipated matchup comes&nbsp;five weeks before&nbsp;the US election 2020.&nbsp;It is the first of three televised debates that could shake up an already volatile race for the White House.

Fox News star Chris Wallace will&nbsp;moderate the&nbsp;debate. He is a veteran newsman who has a reputation for playing it straight at a network where the opinion hosts skew to the right.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-things-to-watch-in-the-first-trump-biden-debate-330979" hreflang="en">Five things to watch in the first Trump-Biden debate</a>

"I am looking very forward to the debate," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday.

The 90-minute televised debate is likely to focus in part on Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 Americans, and his push to fill the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat on the high court.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/conservative-win-donald-trump-nominates-amy-coney-barrett-for-supreme-court-330413">Conservative win: Donald Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court</a>

The re-emergence of Trump's tax history as an election issue, in 2016 he broke a decades-old tradition of presidential nominees releasing their tax returns when seeking the White House, offers&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;another avenue of attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/donald-trump-faces-fresh-controversy-as-bombshell-report-claims-president-avoided-tax-for-years-330801" hreflang="en">Donald Trump faces fresh controversy as bombshell report claims president avoided tax for years</a>

The former vice president is trying to turn the tables on Trump, who ran successfully as an economic populist four years ago and is regarded by some observers as having an edge among voters on the issue of who would best manage the economy.

In recent days,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;has characterised the race as a clash between Scranton, the working-class Pennsylvania city where he spent part of his childhood, and Park Avenue. Trump Tower, which serves as headquarters for the Trump Organization, is located near that tony boulevard in Manhattan.

Trump has painted his economic record in glowing terms, saying his policies were responsible for boosting growth and reducing U.S. unemployment to near 50-year lows prior to the outbreak of the pandemic.

His message, however, has been badly dented by the virus-triggered recession, which has put millions of Americans out of work. Democrats say Trump has mishandled the US&nbsp;response and embraced policies that favored corporations and the rich.

Biden&nbsp;is proposing to hike the corporate income tax and raise taxes on people making more than $400,000 if elected.

Trump, who signed a $1.5 trillion Republican-sponsored package of tax cuts in late 2017, accuses his opponent of pushing a far-left agenda that will destroy the economy.

Trump has said since the 2016 campaign that his refusal to release his federal income tax returns is because he is under audit by the Internal Revenue Service, but the agency has said there is no reason he cannot release his taxes while under audit.

US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden will meet in Cleveland, Ohio on Tuesday for first debate with presidency on the line. The highly anticipated matchup comes five weeks before the US election 2020.

US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden will meet in Cleveland, Ohio on Tuesday for first debate with presidency on the line. The highly anticipated matchup comes five weeks before the US election 2020. It is the first of three televised debates that could shake up an already volatile race for the White House. Fox News star Chris Wallace will moderate the debate. He is a veteran newsman who has a reputation for playing it straight at a network where the opinion hosts skew to the right. Also read: Five things to watch in the first Trump-Biden debate "I am looking very forward to the debate," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. The 90-minute televised debate is likely to focus in part on Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 Americans, and his push to fill the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat on the high court. Also see: Conservative win: Donald Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court The re-emergence of Trump's tax history as an election issue, in 2016 he broke a decades-old tradition of presidential nominees releasing their tax returns when seeking the White House, offers Biden another avenue of attack. Also read: Donald Trump faces fresh controversy as bombshell report claims president avoided tax for years The former vice president is trying to turn the tables on Trump, who ran successfully as an economic populist four years ago and is regarded by some observers as having an edge among voters on the issue of who would best manage the economy. In recent days, Biden has characterised the race as a clash between Scranton, the working-class Pennsylvania city where he spent part of his childhood, and Park Avenue. Trump Tower, which serves as headquarters for the Trump Organization, is located near that tony boulevard in Manhattan. Trump has painted his economic record in glowing terms, saying his policies were responsible for boosting growth and reducing U.S. unemployment to near 50-year lows prior to the outbreak of the pandemic. His message, however, has been badly dented by the virus-triggered recession, which has put millions of Americans out of work. Democrats say Trump has mishandled the US response and embraced policies that favored corporations and the rich. Biden is proposing to hike the corporate income tax and raise taxes on people making more than $400,000 if elected. Trump, who signed a $1.5 trillion Republican-sponsored package of tax cuts in late 2017, accuses his opponent of pushing a far-left agenda that will destroy the economy. Trump has said since the 2016 campaign that his refusal to release his federal income tax returns is because he is under audit by the Internal Revenue Service, but the agency has said there is no reason he cannot release his taxes while under audit.

US election 2020: Trump and Biden meet in Ohio for first presidential debate

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-targeted-black-americans-with-ads-to-deter-them-from-voting-in-2016-report-331072">Trump campaign tried to stop Black voters from voting in 2016: Report</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/02/157674-untitled-design-61.jpg?itok=j0yvloIi" />

Britain's Channel 4 News alleges that 3.5 million Black American voters were targeted with several TV and social media advertisements by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to deter them from going to the polls.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-announces-plan-to-distribute-150-million-rapid-coronavirus-tests-331050">Trump announces plan to distribute 150 million rapid coronavirus test kits</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/29/162201-trump.jpeg?itok=vFB7I-uH" />

US President Trump on Monday informed that the American government will distribute 150 million rapid, point-of-care coronavirus tests to states over the next few weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/enzyme-eats-plastic-6-times-faster-significant-leap-forward-in-pollution-crisis-331058">Enzyme eats plastic 6 times faster: Significant leap forward in pollution crisis</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/07/143706-waste-plastic-bottles-reuters.jpg?itok=frdt0cTi" />

The super-enzyme that eats plastic could be “a significant leap forward” in finding solutions to tackle the pollution crisis, scientists hope. 
&nbsp;

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Trump campaign tried to stop Black voters from voting in 2016: Report Britain's Channel 4 News alleges that 3.5 million Black American voters were targeted with several TV and social media advertisements by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to deter them from going to the polls.

Trump campaign tried to stop Black voters from voting in 2016: Report Britain's Channel 4 News alleges that 3.5 million Black American voters were targeted with several TV and social media advertisements by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to deter them from going to the polls. Trump announces plan to distribute 150 million rapid coronavirus test kits US President Trump on Monday informed that the American government will distribute 150 million rapid, point-of-care coronavirus tests to states over the next few weeks. Enzyme eats plastic 6 times faster: Significant leap forward in pollution crisis The super-enzyme that eats plastic could be “a significant leap forward” in finding solutions to tackle the pollution crisis, scientists hope.

Morning news brief: US elections, Armenia-Azerbaijan war and more

In less than 10 hours from now, the biggest event in the election calendar will take place with the US presidential debates set to kick off.

US President Donald Trump will come face-to-face with Democratic nominee and former vice-president Joe Biden in Cleveland, Ohio. There will be six segments of approximately 15 minutes each and the moderator will open each segment with a question.

Trump and Biden will have two minutes each to respond. They will also be allowed to rebut each other.

The six segments include Trump and Biden's records, the Supreme Court, Wuhan virus pandemic, US economy, race and violence in US cities and the integrity of the US presidential elections. The segments may change in case of a big news development.

Fox News host Chris Wallace will be the moderator of the first presidential debate. Wallace has said that he won't fact-check Trump or Biden given the president's love for alternative facts it will be interesting to see if Biden spends his time fact-checking the president or whether he will use it to put forward his argument.

Another thing to look out for will be the impact of Trump's tax report. Reports claim that the US president has not been paying his taxes for years.

The presidential debates are an old tradition in the US and have been happening for decades.

A Google search will tell you that the first televised presidential debate was held in 1960 between Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy and Republican vice president Richard Nixon. However, the first televised debate was held four years earlier in 1956 as Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson challenged incumbent Republican president Dwight Eisenhower but the men did not appear for debates, their representatives did!

Former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt represented the Democrats, she was taken on by Republican Senator Margaret Chase Smith. So technically, the first televised "presidential" debate featured two women. What happened over the next four years was very interesting as the candidates were new to television camera, Kennedy knew how to use the camera to engage his voters. He looked straight into the lens, Nixon, on the other hand, kept looking from one side to another as he addressed the reporters in the studio instead of addressing the voters.

So, Kennedy ended up looking confident and Nixon seemed disinterested. It did not help that Nixon also looked shifty and sweaty, the vice president was recovering from a hospital visit and had reportedly refused to wear make-up to the debate. The result was Nixon looked very sick on-air and went on to lose the election. The debates went on to become a case study on the importance of body language - television dos and don ts and the role of charisma in the US elections.

However, there's no proof that these debates influence election results. Former President Barack Obama did not have a great debate season against Mitt Romney in 2012, but Obama sealed his re-election anyway as personal insults dominated Hillary Clinton and Trump's 2016 debates, Clinton spoke about Trump's sexually aggressive remarks on women but that did not stop Trump from winning the election.

This year's debates mark the 60th anniversary of the Kennedy-Nixon debates but 2020 is a little different, courtesy the Wuhan virus. A large portion of the US electorate is voting early either in-person or in mail. Many of them would have voted before the third debate. So, if at all, the debates have the potential of swinging votes, the first and the second one will be the game-changers.

In less than 10 hours from now, the biggest event in the election calendar will take place with the US presidential debates set to kick off. US President Donald Trump will come face-to-face with Democratic nominee and former vice-president Joe Biden in Cleveland, Ohio.

In less than 10 hours from now, the biggest event in the election calendar will take place with the US presidential debates set to kick off. US President Donald Trump will come face-to-face with Democratic nominee and former vice-president Joe Biden in Cleveland, Ohio. There will be six segments of approximately 15 minutes each and the moderator will open each segment with a question. Trump and Biden will have two minutes each to respond. They will also be allowed to rebut each other. The six segments include Trump and Biden's records, the Supreme Court, Wuhan virus pandemic, US economy, race and violence in US cities and the integrity of the US presidential elections. The segments may change in case of a big news development. Fox News host Chris Wallace will be the moderator of the first presidential debate. Wallace has said that he won't fact-check Trump or Biden given the president's love for alternative facts it will be interesting to see if Biden spends his time fact-checking the president or whether he will use it to put forward his argument. Another thing to look out for will be the impact of Trump's tax report. Reports claim that the US president has not been paying his taxes for years. The presidential debates are an old tradition in the US and have been happening for decades. A Google search will tell you that the first televised presidential debate was held in 1960 between Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy and Republican vice president Richard Nixon. However, the first televised debate was held four years earlier in 1956 as Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson challenged incumbent Republican president Dwight Eisenhower but the men did not appear for debates, their representatives did! Former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt represented the Democrats, she was taken on by Republican Senator Margaret Chase Smith. So technically, the first televised "presidential" debate featured two women. What happened over the next four years was very interesting as the candidates were new to television camera, Kennedy knew how to use the camera to engage his voters. He looked straight into the lens, Nixon, on the other hand, kept looking from one side to another as he addressed the reporters in the studio instead of addressing the voters. So, Kennedy ended up looking confident and Nixon seemed disinterested. It did not help that Nixon also looked shifty and sweaty, the vice president was recovering from a hospital visit and had reportedly refused to wear make-up to the debate. The result was Nixon looked very sick on-air and went on to lose the election. The debates went on to become a case study on the importance of body language - television dos and don ts and the role of charisma in the US elections. However, there's no proof that these debates influence election results. Former President Barack Obama did not have a great debate season against Mitt Romney in 2012, but Obama sealed his re-election anyway as personal insults dominated Hillary Clinton and Trump's 2016 debates, Clinton spoke about Trump's sexually aggressive remarks on women but that did not stop Trump from winning the election. This year's debates mark the 60th anniversary of the Kennedy-Nixon debates but 2020 is a little different, courtesy the Wuhan virus. A large portion of the US electorate is voting early either in-person or in mail. Many of them would have voted before the third debate. So, if at all, the debates have the potential of swinging votes, the first and the second one will be the game-changers.

Trump-Biden first TV debate may prove to be a gamechanger in US elections

A 'tax bomb' has struck Donald Trump's campaign. The President of the world's largest economy is being accused of consistently failing to pay his dues to the Income tax department. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: Will Trump release his tax returns?

President Donald Trump's campaign is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on lawyers to litigate voting by mail, including in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Federal Election Commission (FEC) data showed.

The campaign paid more than $250,000 to Porter Wright Morris &amp; Arthur, the law firm representing it in lawsuits over the use of drop boxes and other changes to Pennsylvania's mail-balloting procedures, according to the data.

In the Nov. 3 elections, more voters are expected to cast their ballots by mail instead of in person because of the novel coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;but Republican Trump has repeatedly linked mail-in voting to voter fraud without providing evidence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/US-elections-USA-Trump-Biden-Donald-Trump-Joe-Biden-handshakes-drug-tests-what-to-expect-from-the-first-round-of-us-presidential-debates-331162" hreflang="en">Handshakes? Drug tests? What to expect from the first round of US presidential debates</a>

More than 200 election-related lawsuits have been filed, many of them focusing on mail-in ballots, which Democrats are more likely to use, according to some opinion polls.

Porter Wright did not respond to requests for comment. Trump campaign spokeswoman Thea McDonald declined to comment.

The Trump campaign in August paid out over $980,000 for legal services that month compared to about $332,000 in July, FEC data showed. It has spent over $3.9 million on legal services between March, when Biden began to emerge as the leading Democratic presidential contender, and August, according to the data.

Democratic candidate Joe Biden's campaign by comparison spent about $660,000 on legal services during that period, the data showed. Nearly $472,000, went to the campaign's outside general counsel firm Covington &amp; Burling, home to former Obama administration Attorney General Eric Holder.

Biden spokesman Michael Gwin said in an email Tuesday that the campaign has "built a top notch legal team to support our campaign in critical ways, including through an unprecedentedly large voter protection effort focused on ensuring access to the ballot box."

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled on Sept. 17 that state officials could accept mail-in ballots up to three days after Nov. 3, as long as they were mailed by Election Day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-create-china-problem-to-create-drama-warns-china-daily-ahead-of-trump-biden-us-election-debate-331146">Trump-Biden: Don't create China problem to create drama, warns China daily</a>

Pennsylvania Republicans indicated in court filings this week that they would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.

Porter Wright represents state Republicans in that lawsuit, which was filed against Pennsylvania by the state Democratic party, and in a separate lawsuit brought by the Trump campaign in Pittsburgh federal court over mail-in voting.

Porter Wright - which has most of its offices in election battleground states Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio - was in August the Trump campaign's second-highest paid firm. The top paid firm was Jones Day, the campaign's outside general counsel.

Jones Day, which also has attorneys working on the Pennsylvania litigation, court records show, got nearly $350,000 in August - its biggest monthly payment from the Trump campaign this year, according to FEC data.

Jones Day did not respond to request for comment.

Reuters analyzed the campaign's spending on lawyers using reports submitted to the FEC on Sept. 20, which cover spending up to Aug. 31. Those reports do not include spending by political action committees.

The legal services funding data isn't broken down to show what litigation money was spent on, but it can be parsed by which law firm was paid, how much a firm received and when.

Porter Wright began receiving payments from the Trump campaign in June 2020, when it filed the Pittsburgh federal lawsuit. The Trump campaign paid the firm $25,000 in June and about $37,000 in July, FEC data shows.

Trump has declined to commit&nbsp;to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the election to Biden and has said he expects the election battle&nbsp;to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Biden campaign has added top lawyers to its staff and established a "special litigation" team as it braces for potential legal fights. Those additions include former Obama administration attorneys and Marc Elias, a top elections lawyer at Perkins Coie, the Democratic Party's go-to law firm.

Covington spokesman David Schaefer confirmed the firm is serving as the Biden campaign's outside counsel but declined further comment.

President Donald Trump's campaign is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on lawyers to litigate voting by mail, including in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Federal Election Commission (FEC) data showed.

President Donald Trump's campaign is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on lawyers to litigate voting by mail, including in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Federal Election Commission (FEC) data showed. The campaign paid more than $250,000 to Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, the law firm representing it in lawsuits over the use of drop boxes and other changes to Pennsylvania's mail-balloting procedures, according to the data. In the Nov. 3 elections, more voters are expected to cast their ballots by mail instead of in person because of the novel coronavirus pandemic but Republican Trump has repeatedly linked mail-in voting to voter fraud without providing evidence. Also read: Handshakes? Drug tests? What to expect from the first round of US presidential debates More than 200 election-related lawsuits have been filed, many of them focusing on mail-in ballots, which Democrats are more likely to use, according to some opinion polls. Porter Wright did not respond to requests for comment. Trump campaign spokeswoman Thea McDonald declined to comment. The Trump campaign in August paid out over $980,000 for legal services that month compared to about $332,000 in July, FEC data showed. It has spent over $3.9 million on legal services between March, when Biden began to emerge as the leading Democratic presidential contender, and August, according to the data. Democratic candidate Joe Biden's campaign by comparison spent about $660,000 on legal services during that period, the data showed. Nearly $472,000, went to the campaign's outside general counsel firm Covington & Burling, home to former Obama administration Attorney General Eric Holder. Biden spokesman Michael Gwin said in an email Tuesday that the campaign has "built a top notch legal team to support our campaign in critical ways, including through an unprecedentedly large voter protection effort focused on ensuring access to the ballot box." The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled on Sept. 17 that state officials could accept mail-in ballots up to three days after Nov. 3, as long as they were mailed by Election Day. Also read: Trump-Biden: Don't create China problem to create drama, warns China daily Pennsylvania Republicans indicated in court filings this week that they would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. Porter Wright represents state Republicans in that lawsuit, which was filed against Pennsylvania by the state Democratic party, and in a separate lawsuit brought by the Trump campaign in Pittsburgh federal court over mail-in voting. Porter Wright - which has most of its offices in election battleground states Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio - was in August the Trump campaign's second-highest paid firm. The top paid firm was Jones Day, the campaign's outside general counsel. Jones Day, which also has attorneys working on the Pennsylvania litigation, court records show, got nearly $350,000 in August - its biggest monthly payment from the Trump campaign this year, according to FEC data. Jones Day did not respond to request for comment. Reuters analyzed the campaign's spending on lawyers using reports submitted to the FEC on Sept. 20, which cover spending up to Aug. 31. Those reports do not include spending by political action committees. The legal services funding data isn't broken down to show what litigation money was spent on, but it can be parsed by which law firm was paid, how much a firm received and when. Porter Wright began receiving payments from the Trump campaign in June 2020, when it filed the Pittsburgh federal lawsuit. The Trump campaign paid the firm $25,000 in June and about $37,000 in July, FEC data shows. Trump has declined to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the election to Biden and has said he expects the election battle to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Biden campaign has added top lawyers to its staff and established a "special litigation" team as it braces for potential legal fights. Those additions include former Obama administration attorneys and Marc Elias, a top elections lawyer at Perkins Coie, the Democratic Party's go-to law firm. Covington spokesman David Schaefer confirmed the firm is serving as the Biden campaign's outside counsel but declined further comment.

Trump ups spending on lawyers as US election legal battles heat up

A Paris fashion week show apparently called for the end to the "tyranny" of US President Donald Trump, when an American artist Sterling Ruby compared him to the racist Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

Trump has long been accused of encouraging the rise of white supremacists in recent years. The Black Lives Matter also overtook the US amid the coronavirus pandemic, with little or no reaction from him.

Sterling Ruby made the comparison in his women's Paris show called "Veil Flag", in which a black model was draped in a distressed denim version of the Stars and Stripes.

Ruby's streetwear brand, S.R. Studio. LA. CA., made its fashion week debut in the French capital late Monday with a film featuring the flag and a spoken word poem.

"Where are we, and what has happened?" the poem began.

"No sovereignty, no empathy. A flag worn down, covered in hardship marching against leaderless leadership.

"Tread on me... Light me on fire... End the tyranny of the President Grand Dragon," it added.

The Grand Dragon is one of the most senior members of the KKK, which despite its long history of racist violence is still legal and thought to be active in 41 US states.

With coronavirus infections rocketing in France, Paris women's fashion week has followed Milan and London in going mostly digital, with labels presenting their new looks in short films.

Trump faces Joe Biden in the November 3 presidential election.

A recent report suggests Trump, a self-proclaimed billionaire who is seeking reelection in the Nov. 3 vote, paid only $750 in federal income taxes in both 2016 and 2017, after years of reporting heavy losses from his businesses to offset hundreds of millions of dollars in income.

The New York Times reported on Sunday, citing tax-return data, also reported that Trump paid no federal income tax in 10 of the previous 15 years through 2017, despite receiving $427.4 million through 2018 from his reality television program and other endorsement and licensing deals.

Joe Biden’s campaign has seized on this fresh line of attack on the eve of the Democratic presidential nominee’s first debate with Trump, accusing the Republican incumbent of gaming the system to avoid paying his fair share of taxes.

(with inputs from agencies)

A Paris fashion week show apparently called for the end to the "tyranny" of US President Donald Trump, when an American artist Sterling Ruby compared him to the racist Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

A Paris fashion week show apparently called for the end to the "tyranny" of US President Donald Trump, when an American artist Sterling Ruby compared him to the racist Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Trump has long been accused of encouraging the rise of white supremacists in recent years. The Black Lives Matter also overtook the US amid the coronavirus pandemic, with little or no reaction from him. Sterling Ruby made the comparison in his women's Paris show called "Veil Flag", in which a black model was draped in a distressed denim version of the Stars and Stripes. Ruby's streetwear brand, S.R. Studio. LA. CA., made its fashion week debut in the French capital late Monday with a film featuring the flag and a spoken word poem. "Where are we, and what has happened?" the poem began. "No sovereignty, no empathy. A flag worn down, covered in hardship marching against leaderless leadership. "Tread on me... Light me on fire... End the tyranny of the President Grand Dragon," it added. The Grand Dragon is one of the most senior members of the KKK, which despite its long history of racist violence is still legal and thought to be active in 41 US states. With coronavirus infections rocketing in France, Paris women's fashion week has followed Milan and London in going mostly digital, with labels presenting their new looks in short films. Trump faces Joe Biden in the November 3 presidential election. A recent report suggests Trump, a self-proclaimed billionaire who is seeking reelection in the Nov. 3 vote, paid only $750 in federal income taxes in both 2016 and 2017, after years of reporting heavy losses from his businesses to offset hundreds of millions of dollars in income. The New York Times reported on Sunday, citing tax-return data, also reported that Trump paid no federal income tax in 10 of the previous 15 years through 2017, despite receiving $427.4 million through 2018 from his reality television program and other endorsement and licensing deals. Joe Biden’s campaign has seized on this fresh line of attack on the eve of the Democratic presidential nominee’s first debate with Trump, accusing the Republican incumbent of gaming the system to avoid paying his fair share of taxes. (with inputs from agencies)

US designer brands Donald Trump a 'Ku Klux Klan tyrant'

As US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden get ready to face each other in the TV debate ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-things-to-watch-in-the-first-trump-biden-debate-330979">US elections</a>, China's People’s Daily said that it will be about the "China threat", warning that the two politicians should not make "China problem to create drama".&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/2-decades-of-trumps-tax-returns-zero-income-taxes-in-10-of-last-15-years-330931/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Some US politicians in office have shockingly expressed their hopes for clashes. They have put up a show to shift the focus and make conflicts that the country faces look like an external issue,” it said.

China's state-run daily added: “This is not only unhelpful in solving the systemic risks that the US society is facing, but also creates destruction in the arena of international relations.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-and-biden-meet-in-ohio-for-first-presidential-debate-331092">Also Read:&nbsp;US election 2020: Trump and Biden meet in Ohio for first presidential debate</a>

Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden are set to meet in Cleveland, Ohio on Tuesday for a TV&nbsp;debate with the US elections set to held on November 3.&nbsp;

“China will not give up its own benefits to play the game of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>; US politicians should stop dragging China in their domestic issues,” China's state-run daily said.

It will be the first of the three televised debate between the two heavyweights with all eyes set on the match-up amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the country.&nbsp;

The debate will be hosted by Chris Wallace, 72, from Fox News who is known to be a straight talker who recently fact-checked a false Trump claim about mortality rates from the COVID-19 with the statement, "it's not true, sir."

Trump already started a debate of sorts even before the opening round, saying: "Willing to bet that he won't ask Biden tough questions."&nbsp;

"He'll ask me tough questions, and it'll show, it'll be unfair," Trump said, adding, "He'll be controlled by the radical left."

As US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden get ready to face each other in the TV debate ahead of the US elections, China's People’s Daily said that it will be about the "China threat", warning that the two politicians should not make "China problem to create drama".

As US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden get ready to face each other in the TV debate ahead of the US elections, China's People’s Daily said that it will be about the "China threat", warning that the two politicians should not make "China problem to create drama". Watch: "Some US politicians in office have shockingly expressed their hopes for clashes. They have put up a show to shift the focus and make conflicts that the country faces look like an external issue,” it said. China's state-run daily added: “This is not only unhelpful in solving the systemic risks that the US society is facing, but also creates destruction in the arena of international relations.” Also Read: US election 2020: Trump and Biden meet in Ohio for first presidential debate Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden are set to meet in Cleveland, Ohio on Tuesday for a TV debate with the US elections set to held on November 3. “China will not give up its own benefits to play the game of the US elections; US politicians should stop dragging China in their domestic issues,” China's state-run daily said. It will be the first of the three televised debate between the two heavyweights with all eyes set on the match-up amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the country. The debate will be hosted by Chris Wallace, 72, from Fox News who is known to be a straight talker who recently fact-checked a false Trump claim about mortality rates from the COVID-19 with the statement, "it's not true, sir." Trump already started a debate of sorts even before the opening round, saying: "Willing to bet that he won't ask Biden tough questions." "He'll ask me tough questions, and it'll show, it'll be unfair," Trump said, adding, "He'll be controlled by the radical left."

Don't create China problem to create drama, warns China daily ahead of Trump-Biden US election debate

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden square off on Tuesday in their first presidential debate. With five weeks to go until the November 3 general election, the stakes are high.

US Election 2020: Less than 24 hours to first presidential debate

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he paid “many millions of dollars in taxes" after a bombshell report came out earlier suggesting Trump had evaded taxes.&nbsp;

Trump added that he was entitled to depreciation, and tax credits, while also claiming he was under-leveraged. The US president said that he has more assets than debt.

A New York Times report released on Sunday said that Trump had paid just $750 in federal income taxes in both 2016 and 2017. Before this, he had reported heavy losses from his business undertakings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-one-liners-rehearsed-performances-and-mammoth-audiences-expected-as-biden-trump-gear-up-for-debates-330793">US: One-liners, rehearsed performances and mammoth audiences expected as Biden, Trump gear up for debates</a>

"I paid many millions of dollars in taxes but was entitled, like everyone else, to depreciation &amp; tax credits," he wrote on Twitter. "I am extremely under leveraged - I have very little debt compared to the value of assets."

Trump called the allegations "totally fake news" and said he "he paid a lot of state income taxes", adding everything will be "revealed".&nbsp;

"First of all, I paid a lot and I paid a lot of state income taxes too... It'll all be revealed," Trump said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/2-decades-of-trumps-tax-returns-zero-income-taxes-in-10-of-last-15-years-330931/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The report said the US president reduced his taxes through a $72.9 million refund that gets audited by Internal Revenue audit.&nbsp; 
 
It added that Trump used deductions on aircraft, residences, including $70,000 in hairstyling for TV appearances.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/donald-trump-faces-fresh-controversy-as-bombshell-report-claims-president-avoided-tax-for-years-330801" hreflang="en">Donald Trump faces fresh controversy as bombshell report claims president avoided tax for years</a>

The report said his golf courses showed a loss of large amounts of money, and hundreds of millions of dollars in loans he took on personal guarantee will soon be due for repayment.&nbsp;

Democrats have sharpened their attacks on the US president with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi describing the findings as "Trump's disdain for America's working families."

Massachusetts representative Richard Neal, the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee who earlier has unsuccessfully attempted knowing Trump's tax records, said now it is more essential for his committee to access the documents.

"It appears that the President has gamed the tax code to his advantage and used legal fights to delay or avoid paying what he owes," he said.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he paid “many millions of dollars in taxes" after a bombshell report came out earlier suggesting Trump had evaded taxes.

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he paid “many millions of dollars in taxes" after a bombshell report came out earlier suggesting Trump had evaded taxes. Trump added that he was entitled to depreciation, and tax credits, while also claiming he was under-leveraged. The US president said that he has more assets than debt. A New York Times report released on Sunday said that Trump had paid just $750 in federal income taxes in both 2016 and 2017. Before this, he had reported heavy losses from his business undertakings. Also read | US: One-liners, rehearsed performances and mammoth audiences expected as Biden, Trump gear up for debates "I paid many millions of dollars in taxes but was entitled, like everyone else, to depreciation & tax credits," he wrote on Twitter. "I am extremely under leveraged - I have very little debt compared to the value of assets." Trump called the allegations "totally fake news" and said he "he paid a lot of state income taxes", adding everything will be "revealed". "First of all, I paid a lot and I paid a lot of state income taxes too... It'll all be revealed," Trump said. The report said the US president reduced his taxes through a $72.9 million refund that gets audited by Internal Revenue audit. It added that Trump used deductions on aircraft, residences, including $70,000 in hairstyling for TV appearances. Also read: Donald Trump faces fresh controversy as bombshell report claims president avoided tax for years The report said his golf courses showed a loss of large amounts of money, and hundreds of millions of dollars in loans he took on personal guarantee will soon be due for repayment. Democrats have sharpened their attacks on the US president with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi describing the findings as "Trump's disdain for America's working families." Massachusetts representative Richard Neal, the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee who earlier has unsuccessfully attempted knowing Trump's tax records, said now it is more essential for his committee to access the documents. "It appears that the President has gamed the tax code to his advantage and used legal fights to delay or avoid paying what he owes," he said.

US President Trump claims he paid 'millions' in taxes after bombshell report

US President Donald Trump paid just USD 750 in federal income taxes in the year he was elected US president and also in his first year in the White House, according to a media report.

2 decades of Trump's tax returns: 'Zero income taxes in 10 of last 15 years'

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