Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who has been shortlisted by US President Donald Trump as one of the candidate for the nine member Supreme Court bench, has been generating a lot of curiosity for reasons not related to her work. 
 
According to reports, Barrett has been a part of a ultraconservative Christian community called People Of Praise which has freakish similarities to the male-dominated socity of Margaret Atwood's novel 'The Handmaid's Tale'. 
 
Set in a dystopian world, 'The Handmaid's Tale' explores themes of subjugated women in a patriarchal society and the various means by which these women resist and attempt to gain individuality and independence. 
 
Many term the group as an unusual mix of Roman Catholic and and Pentecostal traditions. In factm until 2018, it used the term ‘handmaid’ for its female leaders. 
 
There has been a renewed interest in the group ever since Trump named Barrett as one of his shortlisted candidates for the elevation to the Supreme Court. 
 
So far, the conservative group has not confirmed or deniyed whether Barrett was a member. &nbsp; 
 
The group’s spokesman, Sean Connolly, told Reuters that women were not considered subservient in People of Praise and that many hold leadership roles, such as directing schools and ministries. 
 
Barrett did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment about her membership in People of Praise made through a clerk at the Chicago-based 7th Circuit. 
 
Sharon Loftus, a judicial assistant to Barrett, said in an email the judge`s policy was not to give interviews or comments to the media. 
 
Trump has said he plans to nominate a Supreme Court justice this week to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died last Friday. He said he is considering Barrett as well as Barbara Lagoa of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. 
 
People of Praise has about 1,700 members in 22 cities in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, according to its website, and was founded in 1971 in South Bend, Indiana, also the home of the Catholic-led University of Notre Dame. 
 
"We admire the first Christians who were led by the Holy Spirit to form a community," the website says, tracing its origins to the late 1960s when students and faculty at Notre Dame experienced "a renewal of Christian enthusiasm and fervor, together with charismatic gifts such as speaking in tongues and physical healing." 
 
Its most devoted members make a lifelong commitment to the group, known as a covenant. 
 
From 1970, women with leadership roles in the organization were called handmaids, but that changed following the popular 2017-to-present Hulu television series "The Handmaid`s Tale," based on a 1985 book by Margaret Atwood. The dystopian story is set in a future United States where the rules of the male-dominated society are based on the leaders` twisted interpretation of Old Testament scriptures. 
 
"Recognizing that the meaning of this term has shifted dramatically in our culture in recent years, we no longer use the term handmaid," the group said in 2018, without specifically attributing the change to the show. 
 
Coral Anika Theill, a former People of Praise member, has been strongly critical of the group, calling it a "cult" and saying in an interview women are expected to be completely obedient to men and independent thinkers are "humiliated, interrogated, shamed and shunned." 
 
Theill, who last year wrote a blog post entitled "I lived the Handmaid`s Tale," said she planned to call every US senator to oppose Barrett should she become Trump`s nominee. 
 
Reuters could not independently verify her account. When asked about Theill`s allegations, People of Praise spokesman Connolly said the group followed Christian teachings that "men and women share a fundamental equality as bearers of God`s image." 
 
"We value independent thinking," Connolly said. 
 
Thomas Csordas, a scholar of comparative religion at the University of California, San Diego, said People of Praise was "very conservative" but that he would not consider it a cult, adding that some of the charismatic Christian communities he has researched were more authoritarian than People of Praise. 
 
In popular culture, the word cult can connote brainwashing and authoritarianism, he said. 
 
"My position to the press was that People of Praise is best described not as a cult but as a religiously-based `intentional community,`" Csordas said in an email. 
 
"When I first encountered Atwood`s book, I was frankly jolted by the similarity of terminology to that prevalent in some of the Catholic charismatic `covenant communities` I had been studying," Csordas wrote in a 1996 paper called `A Handmaid`s Tale,` without specifically referencing People of Praise.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who has been shortlisted by US President Donald Trump as one of the candidate for the nine member Supreme Court bench, has been generating a lot of curiosity for reasons not related to her work.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who has been shortlisted by US President Donald Trump as one of the candidate for the nine member Supreme Court bench, has been generating a lot of curiosity for reasons not related to her work. According to reports, Barrett has been a part of a ultraconservative Christian community called People Of Praise which has freakish similarities to the male-dominated socity of Margaret Atwood's novel 'The Handmaid's Tale'. Set in a dystopian world, 'The Handmaid's Tale' explores themes of subjugated women in a patriarchal society and the various means by which these women resist and attempt to gain individuality and independence. Many term the group as an unusual mix of Roman Catholic and and Pentecostal traditions. In factm until 2018, it used the term ‘handmaid’ for its female leaders. There has been a renewed interest in the group ever since Trump named Barrett as one of his shortlisted candidates for the elevation to the Supreme Court. So far, the conservative group has not confirmed or deniyed whether Barrett was a member. The group’s spokesman, Sean Connolly, told Reuters that women were not considered subservient in People of Praise and that many hold leadership roles, such as directing schools and ministries. Barrett did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment about her membership in People of Praise made through a clerk at the Chicago-based 7th Circuit. Sharon Loftus, a judicial assistant to Barrett, said in an email the judge`s policy was not to give interviews or comments to the media. Trump has said he plans to nominate a Supreme Court justice this week to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died last Friday. He said he is considering Barrett as well as Barbara Lagoa of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. People of Praise has about 1,700 members in 22 cities in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, according to its website, and was founded in 1971 in South Bend, Indiana, also the home of the Catholic-led University of Notre Dame. "We admire the first Christians who were led by the Holy Spirit to form a community," the website says, tracing its origins to the late 1960s when students and faculty at Notre Dame experienced "a renewal of Christian enthusiasm and fervor, together with charismatic gifts such as speaking in tongues and physical healing." Its most devoted members make a lifelong commitment to the group, known as a covenant. From 1970, women with leadership roles in the organization were called handmaids, but that changed following the popular 2017-to-present Hulu television series "The Handmaid`s Tale," based on a 1985 book by Margaret Atwood. The dystopian story is set in a future United States where the rules of the male-dominated society are based on the leaders` twisted interpretation of Old Testament scriptures. "Recognizing that the meaning of this term has shifted dramatically in our culture in recent years, we no longer use the term handmaid," the group said in 2018, without specifically attributing the change to the show. Coral Anika Theill, a former People of Praise member, has been strongly critical of the group, calling it a "cult" and saying in an interview women are expected to be completely obedient to men and independent thinkers are "humiliated, interrogated, shamed and shunned." Theill, who last year wrote a blog post entitled "I lived the Handmaid`s Tale," said she planned to call every US senator to oppose Barrett should she become Trump`s nominee. Reuters could not independently verify her account. When asked about Theill`s allegations, People of Praise spokesman Connolly said the group followed Christian teachings that "men and women share a fundamental equality as bearers of God`s image." "We value independent thinking," Connolly said. Thomas Csordas, a scholar of comparative religion at the University of California, San Diego, said People of Praise was "very conservative" but that he would not consider it a cult, adding that some of the charismatic Christian communities he has researched were more authoritarian than People of Praise. In popular culture, the word cult can connote brainwashing and authoritarianism, he said. "My position to the press was that People of Praise is best described not as a cult but as a religiously-based `intentional community,`" Csordas said in an email. "When I first encountered Atwood`s book, I was frankly jolted by the similarity of terminology to that prevalent in some of the Catholic charismatic `covenant communities` I had been studying," Csordas wrote in a 1996 paper called `A Handmaid`s Tale,` without specifically referencing People of Praise. (With inputs from Reuters)

Is there a link between Trump's Supreme Court candidate and 'The Handmaid's Tale'?

A week before the U.S. Presidential debates, Donald Trump has sarcastically stated that Joe Biden could beat him due to his experience. What do American voters think?

Gravitas: Who will win the 2020 Presidential debates?

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, US President Donald Trump has slammed China for the Coronavirus pandemic and the millions of lives that it has affected globally. Watch report.

US slams China over COVID-19 pandemic at UNGA

The US Presidential elections are still a month away but polling has begun in seven states in the form of mail-in ballots and absentee voting. Watch report.

US Election 2020: States begin early and absentee voting

US President Donald Trump has termed Senator Kamala Harris as "grossly incompetent," saying he was surprised when his Democratic rival Joe Biden picked her as his running mate in the November 3 presidential election.

Ms Harris, 55, is the first-ever Black, African-American and Indian-American woman to be the vice-presidential candidate of a major political party.

"I was surprised to learn when Joe Biden selected (Kamala) Harris as his running mate. Believe it or not, it's true she is rated the most liberal person in Congress. I think she's grossly incompetent I'll be honest with you," Donald Trump said during a rally in Pennsylvania.

Donald Trump, a Republican, said during the Democratic primaries no one treated Joe Biden as badly as Ms Harris.

"Also, Harris was dropped out of the Democratic Party's presidential race as her popularity ratings dipped low," he said.

Former vice president Biden has defended Ms Harris, saying she is smart, tested and prepared. "She (Kamala Harris) is smart. She is tested. She is prepared," Mr Biden said during a virtual fundraiser event with Ms Harris.

"The way she talks about her mom, her immigrant story that started Indian. It's one of the things that really stood out to me. We both talked about our moms. My mom was all about sacrifice and community and how much they sacrificed for both of us, my mom and hers. And I know the pride you feel in her nomination," Mr Biden said.

Ms Harris, who is busy campaigning in various parts of America, on Tuesday distributed yard signs to supporters who drive by parade-style and spoke at a voter mobilisation event in Detroit.

She also launched Michigan's "Shop Talk" programme at Headliners Barbershop in Detroit. "Everything's at stake," Ms Harris told a woman as she made a brief stop at a woman-owned cold pressed juice company in Michigan.

US President Donald Trump has termed Senator Kamala Harris as "grossly incompetent," saying he was surprised when his Democratic rival Joe Biden picked her as his running mate in the November 3 presidential election.

US President Donald Trump has termed Senator Kamala Harris as "grossly incompetent," saying he was surprised when his Democratic rival Joe Biden picked her as his running mate in the November 3 presidential election. Ms Harris, 55, is the first-ever Black, African-American and Indian-American woman to be the vice-presidential candidate of a major political party. "I was surprised to learn when Joe Biden selected (Kamala) Harris as his running mate. Believe it or not, it's true she is rated the most liberal person in Congress. I think she's grossly incompetent I'll be honest with you," Donald Trump said during a rally in Pennsylvania. Donald Trump, a Republican, said during the Democratic primaries no one treated Joe Biden as badly as Ms Harris. "Also, Harris was dropped out of the Democratic Party's presidential race as her popularity ratings dipped low," he said. Former vice president Biden has defended Ms Harris, saying she is smart, tested and prepared. "She (Kamala Harris) is smart. She is tested. She is prepared," Mr Biden said during a virtual fundraiser event with Ms Harris. "The way she talks about her mom, her immigrant story that started Indian. It's one of the things that really stood out to me. We both talked about our moms. My mom was all about sacrifice and community and how much they sacrificed for both of us, my mom and hers. And I know the pride you feel in her nomination," Mr Biden said. Ms Harris, who is busy campaigning in various parts of America, on Tuesday distributed yard signs to supporters who drive by parade-style and spoke at a voter mobilisation event in Detroit. She also launched Michigan's "Shop Talk" programme at Headliners Barbershop in Detroit. "Everything's at stake," Ms Harris told a woman as she made a brief stop at a woman-owned cold pressed juice company in Michigan.

US Elections 2020: Kamala Harris 'grossly incompetent', surprised after she was chosen vice president nominee, says Trump

Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's&nbsp;US election.

In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver&nbsp;of&nbsp;accounts'',&nbsp;posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-spying-on-millions-around-the-world-by-harvesting-personal-details-from-the-dark-web-327896">China spying on millions around the world by harvesting personal details from the dark web</a>

According to Facebook,&nbsp;the people behind the network tried to conceal their identity and location via virtual private networks and other methods.

The social networking company said it suspended 155 accounts on its main platform along with six Instagram accounts.&nbsp;

Facebook cybersecurity policy chief Nathaniel Gleicher said that the takedown was the company's first of Chinese-based accounts on foreign-interference grounds with any engagement in US&nbsp;politics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-and-biden-battle-for-an-advantage-in-brewing-fight-329526" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Trump and Biden battle for an advantage in brewing fight</a>

Concerns about foreign efforts to interfere in the election were underscored by a warning Tuesday from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency that foreign actors and cybercriminals were likely to try to spread disinformation regarding the results of the election, including by creating fake websites or social media content aimed at discrediting the process.

US&nbsp;Intelligence officials warned last month about ongoing or potential efforts by China, Russia and Iran to interfere in November's election. In an August public assessment, the country's chief counterintelligence official, William Evanina, said officials had determined that Beijing regards Trump as unpredictable and wants to see him lose to Biden.

The statement said that China had been expanding its influence operations ahead of the election to ''shape the policy environment in the United States''&nbsp;and had been weighing the pros and cons of taking more aggressive action.

Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's US election. In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver of accounts'', posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's US election. In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver of accounts'', posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden. Also read: China spying on millions around the world by harvesting personal details from the dark web According to Facebook, the people behind the network tried to conceal their identity and location via virtual private networks and other methods. The social networking company said it suspended 155 accounts on its main platform along with six Instagram accounts. Facebook cybersecurity policy chief Nathaniel Gleicher said that the takedown was the company's first of Chinese-based accounts on foreign-interference grounds with any engagement in US politics. Also read: US election 2020: Trump and Biden battle for an advantage in brewing fight Concerns about foreign efforts to interfere in the election were underscored by a warning Tuesday from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency that foreign actors and cybercriminals were likely to try to spread disinformation regarding the results of the election, including by creating fake websites or social media content aimed at discrediting the process. US Intelligence officials warned last month about ongoing or potential efforts by China, Russia and Iran to interfere in November's election. In an August public assessment, the country's chief counterintelligence official, William Evanina, said officials had determined that Beijing regards Trump as unpredictable and wants to see him lose to Biden. The statement said that China had been expanding its influence operations ahead of the election to ''shape the policy environment in the United States'' and had been weighing the pros and cons of taking more aggressive action.

US election 2020: Facebook removes fake pages created in China targeting Trump, Biden

A woman was arrested by the US authorities on suspicion of sending a ricin-filled envelope to the White House. Watch report.

Woman who mailed deadly poison to Trump is in custody | World News

Taiwan refused to be intimated by China's aggressive posturing in the South China sea. Taiwan military says that it reserves right to self defence and counter attack.

Taiwan refused to be intimated by China's aggressive posturing in the South China sea

President Donald Trump will make a stop in Pennsylvania and Democratic rival Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will attend two virtual fundraisers on Tuesday as the White House contenders battle for an advantage in the brewing fight over a new US&nbsp;Supreme Court justice.

Trump said he planned to reveal his pick to succeed liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Saturday and hoped to have a Senate confirmation vote before the Nov. 3 election, sparking fierce criticism from&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and congressional Democrats.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-tries-to-woo-hindu-american-community-329381">US election 2020: Biden tries to woo Hindu American community</a>

The death of Ginsburg last Friday and the prospect of a brutal political struggle to replace her as Republicans look to cement a 6-3 conservative majority on the court, injected a new air of uncertainty into a White House campaign that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;has led steadily in opinion polls.

On the campaign trail on Monday, both candidates returned to themes that dominated the race before Ginsburg's death.&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;in Wisconsin slammed Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Republican president touted his economic record and fired back with criticism of&nbsp;Biden's past support of free-trade deals, which he said cost the state jobs.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/potential-trump-supreme-court-pick-barrett-known-for-conservative-religious-views-329359" hreflang="en">Potential Trump Supreme Court pick Barrett known for conservative religious views</a>

Trump will return to the trail on Tuesday with an airport rally outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, another key battleground state, along with Wisconsin and Michigan,&nbsp;that Trump narrowly won in 2016 but&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is hoping to recapture for Democrats in the November election.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Monday showed&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;leading Trump among likely voters in Wisconsin, while the two were about even in Pennsylvania.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reutersipsos-poll-shows-biden-ahead-in-wisconsin-a-close-race-in-pennsylvania-329385" hreflang="en">Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Biden ahead in Wisconsin, a close race in Pennsylvania</a>

Biden&nbsp;is expected to participate in two fundraisers, one will feature speakers including Jim Chanos, the famed Wall Street short seller, and Robert Wolf, a former chief executive at UBS Americas and an economic adviser to former President Barack Obama.

The other fundraiser will be a conversation with Vivek Murthy, a former US&nbsp;surgeon general and one of&nbsp;Biden's top advisers on the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-biden-wins-china-wins-trump-at-election-rally-329313" hreflang="en">If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally</a>

Biden&nbsp;has built a major financial advantage for the campaign's final stretch after a big fundraising haul in August. The campaign and its party allies will report having $466 million in cash at the end of August, while Trump's war chest stood at $325 million, according to officials from both sides.

That has allowed&nbsp;Biden's campaign to push into new states it had not been spending heavily in before. On Monday,&nbsp;Biden's campaign said it would add Republican-leaning Georgia and Iowa, both won easily by Trump in 2016 but also home to competitive US&nbsp;Senate races, to a list of 10 other states where it is running paid advertisements.

Voters in about a half-dozen states have already begun casting early in-person ballots, and election experts expect a surge of early and mail-in voting this year as people try to reduce their risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

President Donald Trump will make a stop in Pennsylvania and Democratic rival Joe Biden will attend two virtual fundraisers on Tuesday as the White House contenders battle for an advantage in the brewing fight over a new US Supreme Court justice.

President Donald Trump will make a stop in Pennsylvania and Democratic rival Joe Biden will attend two virtual fundraisers on Tuesday as the White House contenders battle for an advantage in the brewing fight over a new US Supreme Court justice. Trump said he planned to reveal his pick to succeed liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Saturday and hoped to have a Senate confirmation vote before the Nov. 3 election, sparking fierce criticism from Biden and congressional Democrats. Also read| US election 2020: Biden tries to woo Hindu American community The death of Ginsburg last Friday and the prospect of a brutal political struggle to replace her as Republicans look to cement a 6-3 conservative majority on the court, injected a new air of uncertainty into a White House campaign that Biden has led steadily in opinion polls. On the campaign trail on Monday, both candidates returned to themes that dominated the race before Ginsburg's death. Biden in Wisconsin slammed Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Republican president touted his economic record and fired back with criticism of Biden's past support of free-trade deals, which he said cost the state jobs. Also read| Potential Trump Supreme Court pick Barrett known for conservative religious views Trump will return to the trail on Tuesday with an airport rally outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, another key battleground state, along with Wisconsin and Michigan, that Trump narrowly won in 2016 but Biden is hoping to recapture for Democrats in the November election. A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Monday showed Biden leading Trump among likely voters in Wisconsin, while the two were about even in Pennsylvania. Also read| Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Biden ahead in Wisconsin, a close race in Pennsylvania Biden is expected to participate in two fundraisers, one will feature speakers including Jim Chanos, the famed Wall Street short seller, and Robert Wolf, a former chief executive at UBS Americas and an economic adviser to former President Barack Obama. The other fundraiser will be a conversation with Vivek Murthy, a former US surgeon general and one of Biden's top advisers on the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally Biden has built a major financial advantage for the campaign's final stretch after a big fundraising haul in August. The campaign and its party allies will report having $466 million in cash at the end of August, while Trump's war chest stood at $325 million, according to officials from both sides. That has allowed Biden's campaign to push into new states it had not been spending heavily in before. On Monday, Biden's campaign said it would add Republican-leaning Georgia and Iowa, both won easily by Trump in 2016 but also home to competitive US Senate races, to a list of 10 other states where it is running paid advertisements. Voters in about a half-dozen states have already begun casting early in-person ballots, and election experts expect a surge of early and mail-in voting this year as people try to reduce their risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

US election 2020: Trump and Biden battle for an advantage in brewing fight

The incumbent president of the United States, Donald Trump, and former vice-president Joe Biden have hit the campaign trail ahead of the November 3 presidential election. And with the trail comes a series of accusations and claims.

The latest salvo&nbsp;has been fired by Trump who says if Biden wins the polls, it would be a win for China.

He explains it too.

"Joe Biden spent the last 47 years shipping your jobs to China and foreign countries. You know that. I've spent the last four years bringing the jobs back to our country and back to Ohio," Trump said at a rally in Dayton, Ohio on Monday.

Biden, 77, and his running mate Kamala Harris are challenging incumbents President Trump, 74, and Vice President Mike Pence in the presidential election.

The Republican leader described the November 3 polls as the most important in recent memory. "On November 3rd, Americans will decide whether we lift our nation to soaring new heights of prosperity or whether we will allow Joe Biden --Sleepy Joe -- to shut down our economy, impose a USD 4 trillion tax hike, abolish Ohio clean coal, oil, natural gas, and ship your jobs in factories overseas to China and countries that you never even heard of," he said.

The democratic tax plans for the 2020 election lists a gradual increase in proposed taxes by USD 4 trillion in the next decade, placing a greater burden on the super-rich category.

"Put simply: If Biden wins, China wins. If we win, Ohio wins and most importantly, in all fairness, America wins. Because you finally have the president who puts America first, and I do put America first," Trump said to applause from the audience.

Trump has held election rallies in the last two weeks, notwithstanding the risks posed by the coronavirus. Thousands attend the events without masks and breaking social-distancing norms. Trump has called the rallies "protest against stupidity".

"You know this is really not a rally. This has to do with workers, programmes, all the things we love. And this is really what we call 'a friendly protest'. You know what we're protesting. We're protesting stupidity, okay, because so many stupid things you see," Trump said.

Trump said the people know the terrible damage that Biden has inflicted on the economy in his near-50 years in politics.

"Can you believe it? For 47 years Joe Biden shook the hands of American workers and then stabbed them in the back. He said 'Washington vultures' I mean, think of it," he said.

"He's been doing it for 47 years. I've been doing it for three and a half years so he should be able to beat me I would think. He's much more experienced. Oh! he's great. Oh! he's a beauty. But he betrayed you. He lied to you. He abused you. Which is why it's time to retire Joe Biden. This is serious talk," Trump said.

Biden championed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and China's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Trump said, adding that the NAFTA had many adverse affects on the US economy and China's entry into the WTO led them to go up like a rocket.

The World Trade Organisation considers China as a developing nation, Trump said. "No. They're not a developing nation. By being a developing nation they get all sorts of advantages over us so we've been protesting it," he said.

As vice president, Biden did nothing even as China stole intellectual property, flooded the market with dumped goods, unfairly subsidised its industries, manipulated its currency, Trump alleged.

"They poison our communities with fentanyl. You know that? Instead, Biden allowed China to ravage our towns, raid our factories, and rip apart our communities. That's what they did," he said.

The US had last month sanctioned several Chinese citizens for trafficking fentanyl, a banned opioid.

(with inputs)

The incumbent president of the United States, Donald Trump, and former vice-president Joe Biden have hit the campaign trail ahead of the November 3 presidential election.

The incumbent president of the United States, Donald Trump, and former vice-president Joe Biden have hit the campaign trail ahead of the November 3 presidential election. And with the trail comes a series of accusations and claims. The latest salvo has been fired by Trump who says if Biden wins the polls, it would be a win for China. He explains it too. "Joe Biden spent the last 47 years shipping your jobs to China and foreign countries. You know that. I've spent the last four years bringing the jobs back to our country and back to Ohio," Trump said at a rally in Dayton, Ohio on Monday. Biden, 77, and his running mate Kamala Harris are challenging incumbents President Trump, 74, and Vice President Mike Pence in the presidential election. The Republican leader described the November 3 polls as the most important in recent memory. "On November 3rd, Americans will decide whether we lift our nation to soaring new heights of prosperity or whether we will allow Joe Biden --Sleepy Joe -- to shut down our economy, impose a USD 4 trillion tax hike, abolish Ohio clean coal, oil, natural gas, and ship your jobs in factories overseas to China and countries that you never even heard of," he said. The democratic tax plans for the 2020 election lists a gradual increase in proposed taxes by USD 4 trillion in the next decade, placing a greater burden on the super-rich category. "Put simply: If Biden wins, China wins. If we win, Ohio wins and most importantly, in all fairness, America wins. Because you finally have the president who puts America first, and I do put America first," Trump said to applause from the audience. Trump has held election rallies in the last two weeks, notwithstanding the risks posed by the coronavirus. Thousands attend the events without masks and breaking social-distancing norms. Trump has called the rallies "protest against stupidity". "You know this is really not a rally. This has to do with workers, programmes, all the things we love. And this is really what we call 'a friendly protest'. You know what we're protesting. We're protesting stupidity, okay, because so many stupid things you see," Trump said. Trump said the people know the terrible damage that Biden has inflicted on the economy in his near-50 years in politics. "Can you believe it? For 47 years Joe Biden shook the hands of American workers and then stabbed them in the back. He said 'Washington vultures' I mean, think of it," he said. "He's been doing it for 47 years. I've been doing it for three and a half years so he should be able to beat me I would think. He's much more experienced. Oh! he's great. Oh! he's a beauty. But he betrayed you. He lied to you. He abused you. Which is why it's time to retire Joe Biden. This is serious talk," Trump said. Biden championed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and China's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Trump said, adding that the NAFTA had many adverse affects on the US economy and China's entry into the WTO led them to go up like a rocket. The World Trade Organisation considers China as a developing nation, Trump said. "No. They're not a developing nation. By being a developing nation they get all sorts of advantages over us so we've been protesting it," he said. As vice president, Biden did nothing even as China stole intellectual property, flooded the market with dumped goods, unfairly subsidised its industries, manipulated its currency, Trump alleged. "They poison our communities with fentanyl. You know that? Instead, Biden allowed China to ravage our towns, raid our factories, and rip apart our communities. That's what they did," he said. The US had last month sanctioned several Chinese citizens for trafficking fentanyl, a banned opioid. (with inputs)

If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally

As America starts voting in early polls, watch WION's special broadcast on US Election 2020

U.S. Election 2020 New York Direct | Trump and Biden head to swing states

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against the perils of a "clash of civilisations" in a speech defending his country's diplomatic direction delivered to the UN on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"China has no intention of entering a Cold War," he said in a speech framed by the coronavirus and tensions with the US, urging the world to avoid "falling into the trap of a clash of civilisations."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-chinese-virologist-beijing-tried-to-cover-up-wuhan-virus-and-who-is-very-much-part-of-it-chinese-virologist-dr-li-meng-yan-329467" hreflang="en">WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan</a>

Jinping also hit back at US President Donald Trump by saying that the ''world must not 'politicise' fight against coronavirus'' after Trump&nbsp;accused Beijing of allowing the COVID-19 to "infect the world."

Tensions have soared between the United States and China in recent months, with President Donald Trump blaming Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed some 950,000 lives around the world and cast a shadow over his re-election bid.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-must-hold-china-accountable-for-coronavirus-says-donald-trump-329472" hreflang="en">UN must 'hold China accountable' for coronavirus, says Donald Trump</a>

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres&nbsp;kicked off the six-day General Debate, and urged the world to prevent a Cold War between the United States and China and halt conflicts so it can focus on the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against the perils of a "clash of civilisations" in a speech defending his country's diplomatic direction delivered to the UN on Tuesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against the perils of a "clash of civilisations" in a speech defending his country's diplomatic direction delivered to the UN on Tuesday. "China has no intention of entering a Cold War," he said in a speech framed by the coronavirus and tensions with the US, urging the world to avoid "falling into the trap of a clash of civilisations." Also read| WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan Jinping also hit back at US President Donald Trump by saying that the ''world must not 'politicise' fight against coronavirus'' after Trump accused Beijing of allowing the COVID-19 to "infect the world." Tensions have soared between the United States and China in recent months, with President Donald Trump blaming Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed some 950,000 lives around the world and cast a shadow over his re-election bid. Also read: UN must 'hold China accountable' for coronavirus, says Donald Trump Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres kicked off the six-day General Debate, and urged the world to prevent a Cold War between the United States and China and halt conflicts so it can focus on the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Xi Jinping warns against 'clash of civilisations'

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that China must be held accountable by the world for its actions over the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic.

In a recorded message played to the annual meeting of the UN, Trump accused Beijing of allowing the coronavirus to "leave China and infect the world."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-china-relationship-took-a-turn-for-the-worse-314882">How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse</a>

Tensions have soared between the United States and China in recent months, with President Donald Trump blaming Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed some 950,000 lives around the world and cast a shadow over his re-election bid.&nbsp;

"The United Nations must hold China accountable for their actions," he said.

''In the earliest days of the virus, the Chinese government, and the World Health Organization,&nbsp;which is virtually controlled by China, falsely declared that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission,'' he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-war-of-words-escalates-over-covid-19-origin-296648">US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin</a>

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres&nbsp;kicked off the six-day General Debate, and urged the world to prevent a Cold War between the United States and China and halt conflicts so it can focus on the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that China must be held accountable by the world for its actions over the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that China must be held accountable by the world for its actions over the coronavirus pandemic. In a recorded message played to the annual meeting of the UN, Trump accused Beijing of allowing the coronavirus to "leave China and infect the world." Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse Tensions have soared between the United States and China in recent months, with President Donald Trump blaming Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed some 950,000 lives around the world and cast a shadow over his re-election bid. "The United Nations must hold China accountable for their actions," he said. ''In the earliest days of the virus, the Chinese government, and the World Health Organization, which is virtually controlled by China, falsely declared that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission,'' he added. Also read: US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres kicked off the six-day General Debate, and urged the world to prevent a Cold War between the United States and China and halt conflicts so it can focus on the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Trump urges world body to 'hold China accountable' for coronavirus

Trump is not popular at the United Nations and his speech this year comes at a time when U.N. members are pushing back against Washington.

'America will always be a leader in human rights', says Donald Trump while addressing UNGA

TikTok's takeover deal in the US now hit yet another road block. TikTok's parent company ByteDance and prospective buyer Oracle has now issued conflicting statements regarding the deal.

TikTok's takeover deal in the US now hit yet another road block

The President of United States of America has announced the new sanctions on Iranians for violating the United Nations' arms embargo. President Donald Trump demanded the enforcement by US allies who have disputed the fact that he has any such authority to reimpose the sanctions.

US President announces new sanctions on Iranians for violating UN arms embargo

US President Donald Trump is racing to cement a conservative majority on the Supreme Court before the November 3 election, telling reporters he planned by Saturday to reveal his pick to succeed liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Democrats' hope of keeping the seat empty faded when two Republican senators, Chuck Grassley and Cory Gardner, signalled their support for moving forward quickly.

Trump on Monday said he was zeroing in on one or two candidates among five who are under consideration. He called on the Senate, controlled by his fellow Republicans, to vote on confirmation before the election in which he is seeking a second term.

"I'd much rather have a vote before the election," he said. "We have plenty of time to do it." 
Two federal appeals court judges appointed by Trump are clear front-runners: Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Trump met with Barrett at the White House on Monday, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Ginsburg died on Friday of complications from pancreatic cancer at age 87.

Trump's announcement would come before Ginsburg is due to be buried privately at Arlington National Cemetery next week.

Officials have arranged for a public viewing of her body outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday and Thursday and inside the U.S. Capitol on Friday.

Ginsburg's death gives Trump and his party an opportunity to establish a 6-3 conservative majority on a court whose decisions influence many spheres of American life including abortion, healthcare, gun rights, voting access, presidential powers and the death penalty.

With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, it would require at least four of them to break ranks to stop the nomination from going through. Two Republican senators - Maine's Susan Collins and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski - said over the weekend that the chamber should not move forward with a Trump nominee before the election.

Democrats had hoped to get similar support from Gardner, who faces a tough re-election race in Colorado, and Grassley. But both men said on Monday they would vote to confirm a qualified Trump pick.

Republican Senator Mitt Romney, who has clashed with Trump and is seen by Democrats as a potential holdout, avoided questions about the Supreme Court seat on Monday.

“Before I have any comment, I’m going to meet with my colleagues, which I'll be doing tomorrow," Romney, the party's 2012 presidential nominee, told reporters.

Democrats have accused Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of hypocrisy for being eager to bring a Trump nominee to a confirmation vote. In 2016, he refused even to consider Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee to fill a vacancy on the court left by the death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, saying it would be inappropriate to do so during an election year.

McConnell, who has prioritized confirming Trump's judicial appointments, said he would usher through a vote this year, although he did not say exactly when.

"The Senate has more than sufficient time to process a nomination. History and precedent make that perfectly clear," McConnell said on the Senate floor.

A new Congress will not be sworn in until Jan. 3. Democrats are hoping to win control of the Senate in the election.

Trump has already named two conservative justices to the high court, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said any vote should take place next year. 
"That was Justice Ginsburg's dying wish. And it may be the Senate's only, last hope," Schumer said.

Trump said without evidence that he did not believe the National Public Radio report that Ginsburg had told her granddaughter she did not want the Senate to consider a successor until next year, when either Trump will begin a second term or Democratic rival Joe Biden, who leads in opinion polls, will take office.

"It was just too convenient," Trump said.

Speaking of the possible candidates, Trump said: "They're all outstanding but I have one or two that I have in mind." He called Barrett "very respected."

He said he might meet with Lagoa in Miami later this week, adding: "I don't know her but I hear she's outstanding."

Obstacles loom for either candidate in the bitterly divided Senate.

Barrett could face opposition from Collins and Murkowski over concerns that she would roll back abortion rights, said a source familiar with the confirmation process who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Lagoa, a Cuban American from the battleground state of Florida, is not as well known, which could slow down the confirmation process.

White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, Vice President Mike Pence, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Trump's son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, are leading the selection process, the source said. Outside of White House officials, Leonard Leo, the former executive vice president of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group, is playing a central advisory role.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is racing to cement a conservative majority on the Supreme Court before the November 3 election, telling reporters he planned by Saturday to reveal his pick to succeed liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

US President Donald Trump is racing to cement a conservative majority on the Supreme Court before the November 3 election, telling reporters he planned by Saturday to reveal his pick to succeed liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Democrats' hope of keeping the seat empty faded when two Republican senators, Chuck Grassley and Cory Gardner, signalled their support for moving forward quickly. Trump on Monday said he was zeroing in on one or two candidates among five who are under consideration. He called on the Senate, controlled by his fellow Republicans, to vote on confirmation before the election in which he is seeking a second term. "I'd much rather have a vote before the election," he said. "We have plenty of time to do it." Two federal appeals court judges appointed by Trump are clear front-runners: Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Trump met with Barrett at the White House on Monday, according to a source familiar with the situation. Ginsburg died on Friday of complications from pancreatic cancer at age 87. Trump's announcement would come before Ginsburg is due to be buried privately at Arlington National Cemetery next week. Officials have arranged for a public viewing of her body outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday and Thursday and inside the U.S. Capitol on Friday. Ginsburg's death gives Trump and his party an opportunity to establish a 6-3 conservative majority on a court whose decisions influence many spheres of American life including abortion, healthcare, gun rights, voting access, presidential powers and the death penalty. With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, it would require at least four of them to break ranks to stop the nomination from going through. Two Republican senators - Maine's Susan Collins and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski - said over the weekend that the chamber should not move forward with a Trump nominee before the election. Democrats had hoped to get similar support from Gardner, who faces a tough re-election race in Colorado, and Grassley. But both men said on Monday they would vote to confirm a qualified Trump pick. Republican Senator Mitt Romney, who has clashed with Trump and is seen by Democrats as a potential holdout, avoided questions about the Supreme Court seat on Monday. “Before I have any comment, I’m going to meet with my colleagues, which I'll be doing tomorrow," Romney, the party's 2012 presidential nominee, told reporters. Democrats have accused Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of hypocrisy for being eager to bring a Trump nominee to a confirmation vote. In 2016, he refused even to consider Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee to fill a vacancy on the court left by the death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, saying it would be inappropriate to do so during an election year. McConnell, who has prioritized confirming Trump's judicial appointments, said he would usher through a vote this year, although he did not say exactly when. "The Senate has more than sufficient time to process a nomination. History and precedent make that perfectly clear," McConnell said on the Senate floor. A new Congress will not be sworn in until Jan. 3. Democrats are hoping to win control of the Senate in the election. Trump has already named two conservative justices to the high court, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said any vote should take place next year. "That was Justice Ginsburg's dying wish. And it may be the Senate's only, last hope," Schumer said. Trump said without evidence that he did not believe the National Public Radio report that Ginsburg had told her granddaughter she did not want the Senate to consider a successor until next year, when either Trump will begin a second term or Democratic rival Joe Biden, who leads in opinion polls, will take office. "It was just too convenient," Trump said. Speaking of the possible candidates, Trump said: "They're all outstanding but I have one or two that I have in mind." He called Barrett "very respected." He said he might meet with Lagoa in Miami later this week, adding: "I don't know her but I hear she's outstanding." Obstacles loom for either candidate in the bitterly divided Senate. Barrett could face opposition from Collins and Murkowski over concerns that she would roll back abortion rights, said a source familiar with the confirmation process who spoke on condition of anonymity. Lagoa, a Cuban American from the battleground state of Florida, is not as well known, which could slow down the confirmation process. White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, Vice President Mike Pence, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Trump's son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, are leading the selection process, the source said. Outside of White House officials, Leonard Leo, the former executive vice president of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group, is playing a central advisory role.

Trump to name US Supreme Court pick by September 26

The United States and the United Arab Emirates hope to have an initial agreement on the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Gulf state in place by December, as the Trump administration studies how to structure a deal without running afoul of Israel.

Sources close to the negotiations said the goal is to have a letter of agreement in place in time for UAE National Day celebrated on December&nbsp;2.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-clears-way-for-new-arms-sale-to-uae-despite-evidence-it-violated-previous-deal-300634">US clears way for new arms sale to UAE despite evidence it violated previous deal</a>

Any deal must satisfy decades of agreement with Israel that states any US&nbsp;weapons sold to the region must not impair Israel's "qualitative military edge," guaranteeing US&nbsp;weapons furnished to Israel are "superior in capability" to those sold to its neighbors.

With that in mind Washington is studying ways to make the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 more visible to Israeli radar systems, two sources said. Reuters could not determine if this would be done by changing the jet or providing Israel with better radar, among other possibilities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-and-us-officials-to-fly-to-uae-to-cement-normalisation-deal-324228">Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal</a>

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz was due to meet his US&nbsp;counterpart Mark Esper in Washington on Tuesday.

The UAE embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House declined to comment.

A Pentagon spokeswoman told Reuters, "as a matter of policy, the United States does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress."

Once a letter of agreement is signed, a fine may be levied against any party that terminates the deal. Several political and regulatory hurdles must be cleared before the sale may be completed and Capitol Hill aides cautioned a deal may not be possible this year.

Ellen Lord, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, told reporters in August that in general, the United States aims to complete a letter of agreement for new F-35 sales in about six months.

Because of the qualitative military edge restriction, the Lockheed Martin-made F-35 has been denied to Arab states, while Israel has about 24 jets.

The United Arab Emirates, one of Washington's closest Middle East allies, has long expressed interest in acquiring the stealthy jets and was promised a chance to buy them in a side deal made when they agreed to normalize relations with Israel.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said a working idea was for Israeli air defenses to be able to detect the UAE F-35s with technology that effectively defeats the stealth capabilities of the jets.

F-35 fighter jets sold to the United Arab Emirates could also be built in a way that ensures the same planes owned by Israel outperform any others sold in the region, defense experts say.

Washington already demands that any F-35 sold to foreign governments cannot match the performance of U.S. jets, said both a congressional staffer and a source familiar with past sales.

The F-35's technical sophistication is tied to its mission systems and processing power and "it's the computing power that allows you to sell a higher tech jet to Israel than to the UAE," said Doug Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies in Washington.

"When foreign pilots are in training in the US&nbsp;they type a code into a user interface as they board the jet, the code will pull a different jet for each pilot based on legal permissions," Birkey said.

Either way, actual delivery of new jets is years away. Poland, the most recent F-35 customer, purchased 32 of the jets in January, but will not receive its first delivery until 2024.

The United States and the United Arab Emirates hope to have an initial agreement on the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Gulf state in place by December, as the Trump administration studies how to structure a deal without running afoul of Israel.

The United States and the United Arab Emirates hope to have an initial agreement on the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Gulf state in place by December, as the Trump administration studies how to structure a deal without running afoul of Israel. Sources close to the negotiations said the goal is to have a letter of agreement in place in time for UAE National Day celebrated on December 2. Also read: US clears way for new arms sale to UAE despite evidence it violated previous deal Any deal must satisfy decades of agreement with Israel that states any US weapons sold to the region must not impair Israel's "qualitative military edge," guaranteeing US weapons furnished to Israel are "superior in capability" to those sold to its neighbors. With that in mind Washington is studying ways to make the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 more visible to Israeli radar systems, two sources said. Reuters could not determine if this would be done by changing the jet or providing Israel with better radar, among other possibilities. Also read: Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz was due to meet his US counterpart Mark Esper in Washington on Tuesday. The UAE embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House declined to comment. A Pentagon spokeswoman told Reuters, "as a matter of policy, the United States does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress." Once a letter of agreement is signed, a fine may be levied against any party that terminates the deal. Several political and regulatory hurdles must be cleared before the sale may be completed and Capitol Hill aides cautioned a deal may not be possible this year. Ellen Lord, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, told reporters in August that in general, the United States aims to complete a letter of agreement for new F-35 sales in about six months. Because of the qualitative military edge restriction, the Lockheed Martin-made F-35 has been denied to Arab states, while Israel has about 24 jets. The United Arab Emirates, one of Washington's closest Middle East allies, has long expressed interest in acquiring the stealthy jets and was promised a chance to buy them in a side deal made when they agreed to normalize relations with Israel. Sources familiar with the negotiations said a working idea was for Israeli air defenses to be able to detect the UAE F-35s with technology that effectively defeats the stealth capabilities of the jets. F-35 fighter jets sold to the United Arab Emirates could also be built in a way that ensures the same planes owned by Israel outperform any others sold in the region, defense experts say. Washington already demands that any F-35 sold to foreign governments cannot match the performance of U.S. jets, said both a congressional staffer and a source familiar with past sales. The F-35's technical sophistication is tied to its mission systems and processing power and "it's the computing power that allows you to sell a higher tech jet to Israel than to the UAE," said Doug Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies in Washington. "When foreign pilots are in training in the US they type a code into a user interface as they board the jet, the code will pull a different jet for each pilot based on legal permissions," Birkey said. Either way, actual delivery of new jets is years away. Poland, the most recent F-35 customer, purchased 32 of the jets in January, but will not receive its first delivery until 2024.

US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal: Sources

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden appears to be leading President Donald Trump among likely voters in Wisconsin, while the two are about even in Pennsylvania, according to Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls released on Monday.

Reuters/Ipsos is polling likely voters in six states - Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Florida and Arizona - that will play critical roles in deciding whether Trump wins a second term in office or if Biden ousts him in the November election.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Below is a state-by-state look at Reuters/Ipsos findings, based on the online responses of likely voters, which includes responses from some who cast ballots ahead of the formal Nov. 3 Election Day, a practice expected to increase due to the coronavirus health crisis:

WISCONSIN: 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * Voting for Biden: 48% 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * Voting for Trump: 43% 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * 48% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 40% said Trump would be better. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * 48% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 42% said Biden would be better. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * 1% said they already had voted.

PENNSYLVANIA: 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * Voting for Biden: 49% 
&nbsp; &nbsp; * Voting for Trump: 46% 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * 48% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 44% said Trump would be better. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 45% said Biden would be better. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * 2% said they already had voted. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MICHIGAN: 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll expected on Sept. 22. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NORTH CAROLINA: 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll expected on Sept. 22. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FLORIDA: 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll expected on Sept. 23. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ARIZONA: 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll expected on Sept. 23. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOTES 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls are conducted online in all six states in English, as well as in Spanish in Arizona and Florida.

* In Wisconsin, from Sept 11-16, it gathered responses from 1005 adults, including 609 likely voters and has a credibility interval of 5 percentage points.

* In Pennsylvania, from Sept 11-16, it gathered responses from 1005 adults, including 611 likely voters and has a credibility interval of 5 percentage points.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden appears to be leading President Donald Trump among likely voters in Wisconsin, while the two are about even in Pennsylvania, according to Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls released on Monday.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden appears to be leading President Donald Trump among likely voters in Wisconsin, while the two are about even in Pennsylvania, according to Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls released on Monday. Reuters/Ipsos is polling likely voters in six states - Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Florida and Arizona - that will play critical roles in deciding whether Trump wins a second term in office or if Biden ousts him in the November election. Below is a state-by-state look at Reuters/Ipsos findings, based on the online responses of likely voters, which includes responses from some who cast ballots ahead of the formal Nov. 3 Election Day, a practice expected to increase due to the coronavirus health crisis: WISCONSIN: * Voting for Biden: 48% * Voting for Trump: 43% * 48% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 40% said Trump would be better. * 48% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 42% said Biden would be better. * 1% said they already had voted. PENNSYLVANIA: * Voting for Biden: 49% * Voting for Trump: 46% * 48% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 44% said Trump would be better. * 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 45% said Biden would be better. * 2% said they already had voted. MICHIGAN: * Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll expected on Sept. 22. NORTH CAROLINA: * Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll expected on Sept. 22. FLORIDA: * Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll expected on Sept. 23. ARIZONA: * Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll expected on Sept. 23. NOTES The Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls are conducted online in all six states in English, as well as in Spanish in Arizona and Florida. * In Wisconsin, from Sept 11-16, it gathered responses from 1005 adults, including 609 likely voters and has a credibility interval of 5 percentage points. * In Pennsylvania, from Sept 11-16, it gathered responses from 1005 adults, including 611 likely voters and has a credibility interval of 5 percentage points.

Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Biden ahead in Wisconsin, a close race in Pennsylvania

Democratic Presidential candidate&nbsp;Joe Biden said on Monday that&nbsp;the vote of Hindu Americans will be an essential part of Democrats' electoral success.

Both&nbsp;US President Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been trying to woo the Hindu American community to garner votes&nbsp;in the November 3 presidential election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-biden-wins-china-wins-trump-at-election-rally-329313" hreflang="en">If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally</a>

Biden has chosen Indian origin California Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate.&nbsp;If Joe Biden is elected in November, Harris will be the first female, the first non-white candidate and first Asian-American vice-president.

Hindu Americans who support&nbsp;Biden's campaign&nbsp;organised an event called&nbsp;'Dharma of Voting' to emphasize that his administration will always work to have a constructive and positive relationship with India based on trust and conversation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indian-origin-us-senator-kamala-harris-is-making-history-319837">How Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris is making history</a>

''Conversations will happen with a sense of regard and respect,''&nbsp;Biswal said during the virtual event that featured high-ranking Obama-Biden administration alumni including Arun Kumar, former assistant secretary of commerce and Nishit Acharya, former director of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The panel also included Anu Natarajan, former vice mayor of Fremont, California, the first Hindu American elected to the Fremont city council and Aminta Kilawan-Naraine, a nationally recognised Caribbean Hindu leader and activist who founded the South Queens Women's March in New York.

During the event, the speakers touched on the centrality of their Hindu identity, and how following their dharma, the quest for righteousness through selfless duty, led them to public service.

They also made impassioned pitches to fellow Hindu Americans to support the Biden-Harris ticket.

''Hindus participate in a quest for truth. The Biden administration will be committed to that quest,''&nbsp;said Kumar, now chairman and CEO of KPMG India.

Natarajan discussed the Hindu American and Indian American communities' impact on election results. Kilawan-Narine noted that Biden's connection to his faith resonates with many Hindu Americans.

Dr Murali Balaji, co-chair of Hindu Americans for Biden, noted that the Trump administration's actions against Hindu Americans contradicted his boasts of being a ''big fan of Hindus,''&nbsp;as he once claimed in 2016.

''This administration has conducted raids against our Caribbean Hindu brothers and sisters, limited refugee opportunities for Hindus escaping religious persecution, capped immigration for Hindus coming from abroad, and revoked temporary protected status for nearly 10,000 Nepali Hindus displaced by the 2015 Nepal earthquake,''&nbsp;he alleged.

Hindu Americans are absolutely one of the most critical voting blocs in this year's election, said Neha Dewan, national director for South Asians for Biden.

''As highlighted at the event, the Biden-Harris ticket has a deep and long-standing relationship with the Hindu American community, and is actively listening to their voices and working to earn their votes,''&nbsp;she said.

Indian-American Congressman from Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi had previously organised an event called&nbsp;"Hindus for Biden" in the beginning of this month.

Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden said on Monday that the vote of Hindu Americans will be an essential part of Democrats' electoral success. Both US President Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been trying to woo the Hindu American community to garner votes in the November 3 presidential election.

Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden said on Monday that the vote of Hindu Americans will be an essential part of Democrats' electoral success. Both US President Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been trying to woo the Hindu American community to garner votes in the November 3 presidential election. Also read: If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally Biden has chosen Indian origin California Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate. If Joe Biden is elected in November, Harris will be the first female, the first non-white candidate and first Asian-American vice-president. Hindu Americans who support Biden's campaign organised an event called 'Dharma of Voting' to emphasize that his administration will always work to have a constructive and positive relationship with India based on trust and conversation. Also read: How Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris is making history ''Conversations will happen with a sense of regard and respect,'' Biswal said during the virtual event that featured high-ranking Obama-Biden administration alumni including Arun Kumar, former assistant secretary of commerce and Nishit Acharya, former director of innovation and entrepreneurship. The panel also included Anu Natarajan, former vice mayor of Fremont, California, the first Hindu American elected to the Fremont city council and Aminta Kilawan-Naraine, a nationally recognised Caribbean Hindu leader and activist who founded the South Queens Women's March in New York. During the event, the speakers touched on the centrality of their Hindu identity, and how following their dharma, the quest for righteousness through selfless duty, led them to public service. They also made impassioned pitches to fellow Hindu Americans to support the Biden-Harris ticket. ''Hindus participate in a quest for truth. The Biden administration will be committed to that quest,'' said Kumar, now chairman and CEO of KPMG India. Natarajan discussed the Hindu American and Indian American communities' impact on election results. Kilawan-Narine noted that Biden's connection to his faith resonates with many Hindu Americans. Dr Murali Balaji, co-chair of Hindu Americans for Biden, noted that the Trump administration's actions against Hindu Americans contradicted his boasts of being a ''big fan of Hindus,'' as he once claimed in 2016. ''This administration has conducted raids against our Caribbean Hindu brothers and sisters, limited refugee opportunities for Hindus escaping religious persecution, capped immigration for Hindus coming from abroad, and revoked temporary protected status for nearly 10,000 Nepali Hindus displaced by the 2015 Nepal earthquake,'' he alleged. Hindu Americans are absolutely one of the most critical voting blocs in this year's election, said Neha Dewan, national director for South Asians for Biden. ''As highlighted at the event, the Biden-Harris ticket has a deep and long-standing relationship with the Hindu American community, and is actively listening to their voices and working to earn their votes,'' she said. Indian-American Congressman from Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi had previously organised an event called "Hindus for Biden" in the beginning of this month.

US election 2020: Biden tries to woo Hindu American community

China's aggressive posturing in the South China sea continues, But Taiwan not intimidated

In considering Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court, President Donald Trump has turned to a federal appellate judge known for conservative religious views who liberals worry could become instrumental in rolling back abortion rights.

Barrett, if nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate for a lifetime post on the Supreme Court, would replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died at age 87 on Friday. Barrett, 48, would give conservatives a 6-3 majority.

A devout Roman Catholic, Barrett is a favorite among religious conservatives. Trump in 2017 appointed Barrett to the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the regional appeals courts that are one step below the Supreme Court. On the 7th Circuit, she has voted in favor of one of Trump`s hardline immigration policies and shown support for expansive gun rights.

During her 2017 confirmation hearing for her current post, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein told Barrett, "The dogma lives loudly within you." Barrett told the senators that her religious faith would not affect her decisions as a judge.

Abortion rights groups have expressed concern that on the Supreme Court she could help overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Although she has not yet ruled directly on abortion as a judge, Barrett on the 7th Circuit twice signaled opposition to rulings that struck down abortion-related restrictions, voting to have those decisions reconsidered.

In 2018, Barrett was among the 7th Circuit judges who sought reconsideration of a decision that invalidated a Republican-backed Indiana law requiring that fetal remains be buried or cremated after an abortion. The Supreme Court in 2019 reinstated the law.

In 2019, Barrett also voted for rehearing of a three-judge panel`s ruling that upheld a challenge to another Republican-backed Indiana abortion law before it went into effect. The measure would require that parents be notified when a girl under 18 is seeking an abortion even in situations in which she has asked a court to provide consent instead of her parents, as was allowed under existing law. The Supreme Court in July tossed out the ruling and ordered the matter to be reconsidered.

In June, Barrett dissented when a three-judge panel ruled in favor of a challenge to Trump`s policy to deny legal permanent residency to certain immigrants deemed likely to require government assistance in the future. In January, the Supreme Court, powered by its conservative majority, allowed the policy to take effect.

Barrett indicated support for gun rights in a 2019 dissent when she objected to the court ruling that a nonviolent felon could be permanently prohibited from possessing a firearm.

"Founding-era legislatures did not strip felons of the right to bear arms simply because of their status as felons," Barrett wrote.

CONSERVATIVE RECORD

Barrett, born in New Orleans, received her law degree from Notre Dame Law School, a Catholic institution in Indiana.

Barrett`s extensive prior writings about religion, the role of judges and how courts should treat important legal precedents made her a favorite among social conservatives and conservative Christian leaders even before she became a judge.

After serving as a Supreme Court clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia, a stalwart conservative who died in 2016, and working at a couple of law firms, Barrett returned to Notre Dame as a professor until joining the bench.

Through her past writings, some critics have suggested she would be guided by her religious beliefs rather than the law.

In a 1998 law journal article she and another author said that Catholic judges who are faithful to their church`s teachings are morally precluded from enforcing the death penalty and should recuse themselves in certain cases.

Abortion rights groups, worried about preserving the 1973 ruling that a woman has a constitutional right to have an abortion, point to a 2003 law journal article in which Barrett argued that courts could be more flexible in overturning prior "errors" in precedent.

Barrett has also spoken publicly about her conviction that life begins at conception, according to a 2013 article in Notre Dame Magazine.

She is married to Jesse Barrett, a lawyer in private practice and a former federal prosecutor in Indiana. They have seven children, two of whom were adopted from Haiti.

Barrett and her family have been members of a Christian religious group called People of Praise, according to other members.

Craig Lent, the group`s overall coordinator, said in 2018 that the organization, which is officially ecumenical but whose membership is mostly Catholic, centers on close Christian bonds and looking out for one another. They also share a preference for charismatic worship, which can involve speaking in tongues.

Certain leadership positions are reserved for men. And while married men receive spiritual and other advice from other male group members, married women depend on their husbands for the same advice, Lent said.

In considering Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court, President Donald Trump has turned to a federal appellate judge known for conservative religious views who liberals worry could become instrumental in rolling back abortion rights.

In considering Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court, President Donald Trump has turned to a federal appellate judge known for conservative religious views who liberals worry could become instrumental in rolling back abortion rights. Barrett, if nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate for a lifetime post on the Supreme Court, would replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died at age 87 on Friday. Barrett, 48, would give conservatives a 6-3 majority. A devout Roman Catholic, Barrett is a favorite among religious conservatives. Trump in 2017 appointed Barrett to the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the regional appeals courts that are one step below the Supreme Court. On the 7th Circuit, she has voted in favor of one of Trump`s hardline immigration policies and shown support for expansive gun rights. During her 2017 confirmation hearing for her current post, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein told Barrett, "The dogma lives loudly within you." Barrett told the senators that her religious faith would not affect her decisions as a judge. Abortion rights groups have expressed concern that on the Supreme Court she could help overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Although she has not yet ruled directly on abortion as a judge, Barrett on the 7th Circuit twice signaled opposition to rulings that struck down abortion-related restrictions, voting to have those decisions reconsidered. In 2018, Barrett was among the 7th Circuit judges who sought reconsideration of a decision that invalidated a Republican-backed Indiana law requiring that fetal remains be buried or cremated after an abortion. The Supreme Court in 2019 reinstated the law. In 2019, Barrett also voted for rehearing of a three-judge panel`s ruling that upheld a challenge to another Republican-backed Indiana abortion law before it went into effect. The measure would require that parents be notified when a girl under 18 is seeking an abortion even in situations in which she has asked a court to provide consent instead of her parents, as was allowed under existing law. The Supreme Court in July tossed out the ruling and ordered the matter to be reconsidered. In June, Barrett dissented when a three-judge panel ruled in favor of a challenge to Trump`s policy to deny legal permanent residency to certain immigrants deemed likely to require government assistance in the future. In January, the Supreme Court, powered by its conservative majority, allowed the policy to take effect. Barrett indicated support for gun rights in a 2019 dissent when she objected to the court ruling that a nonviolent felon could be permanently prohibited from possessing a firearm. "Founding-era legislatures did not strip felons of the right to bear arms simply because of their status as felons," Barrett wrote. CONSERVATIVE RECORD Barrett, born in New Orleans, received her law degree from Notre Dame Law School, a Catholic institution in Indiana. Barrett`s extensive prior writings about religion, the role of judges and how courts should treat important legal precedents made her a favorite among social conservatives and conservative Christian leaders even before she became a judge. After serving as a Supreme Court clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia, a stalwart conservative who died in 2016, and working at a couple of law firms, Barrett returned to Notre Dame as a professor until joining the bench. Through her past writings, some critics have suggested she would be guided by her religious beliefs rather than the law. In a 1998 law journal article she and another author said that Catholic judges who are faithful to their church`s teachings are morally precluded from enforcing the death penalty and should recuse themselves in certain cases. Abortion rights groups, worried about preserving the 1973 ruling that a woman has a constitutional right to have an abortion, point to a 2003 law journal article in which Barrett argued that courts could be more flexible in overturning prior "errors" in precedent. Barrett has also spoken publicly about her conviction that life begins at conception, according to a 2013 article in Notre Dame Magazine. She is married to Jesse Barrett, a lawyer in private practice and a former federal prosecutor in Indiana. They have seven children, two of whom were adopted from Haiti. Barrett and her family have been members of a Christian religious group called People of Praise, according to other members. Craig Lent, the group`s overall coordinator, said in 2018 that the organization, which is officially ecumenical but whose membership is mostly Catholic, centers on close Christian bonds and looking out for one another. They also share a preference for charismatic worship, which can involve speaking in tongues. Certain leadership positions are reserved for men. And while married men receive spiritual and other advice from other male group members, married women depend on their husbands for the same advice, Lent said.

Potential Trump Supreme Court pick Barrett known for conservative religious views

Lisa Murkowski, Republican Party Senator from Alaska said on Sunday that she will not support US President Donald Trump's efforts to appoint a Supreme Court judge before US Presidential Elections due on November 3. Murkowski became second Senator to oppose the efforts after Susan Collins of Maine.

“For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to the election. Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed,” Murkowski said in a statement.

The position at the Supreme Court is vacant after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday. The liberal justice was 87 years old.

Lisa Murkowski said in her statement that she had opposed such a move even in 2016 when a nomination to fill a vacancy was taken up 8 months before Presidential Elections. She said that the window was even smaller this time around.

“I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia,” she added. “We are now even closer to the 2020 election – less than two months out – and I believe the same standard must apply. ”

Murkowski's stand has brought Donald Trump's plans in jeopardy. Trump and Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are trying to fill the position in Supreme Court but the plan may get derailed if more than 3 senators oppose the move. Currently, Republican Party has a majority of 53 in the Senate.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-slap-sanctions-on-over-two-dozen-targets-tied-to-iran-arms-328984">US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms</a>

All eyes are now on Mitt Romney, the Senator who is opposed to Donald Trump. Romney was Republican Party's presidential candidate in the year 2012.

He and Donald Trump are not considered to share good equation and Romney had even voted in support of impeachment against Trump.

Lisa Murkowski, Republican Party Senator from Alaska said on Sunday that she will not support US President Donald Trump's efforts to appoint a Supreme Court judge before US Presidential Elections due on November 3.

Lisa Murkowski, Republican Party Senator from Alaska said on Sunday that she will not support US President Donald Trump's efforts to appoint a Supreme Court judge before US Presidential Elections due on November 3. Murkowski became second Senator to oppose the efforts after Susan Collins of Maine. “For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to the election. Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed,” Murkowski said in a statement. The position at the Supreme Court is vacant after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday. The liberal justice was 87 years old. Lisa Murkowski said in her statement that she had opposed such a move even in 2016 when a nomination to fill a vacancy was taken up 8 months before Presidential Elections. She said that the window was even smaller this time around. “I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia,” she added. “We are now even closer to the 2020 election – less than two months out – and I believe the same standard must apply. ” Murkowski's stand has brought Donald Trump's plans in jeopardy. Trump and Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are trying to fill the position in Supreme Court but the plan may get derailed if more than 3 senators oppose the move. Currently, Republican Party has a majority of 53 in the Senate. Also Read | US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms All eyes are now on Mitt Romney, the Senator who is opposed to Donald Trump. Romney was Republican Party's presidential candidate in the year 2012. He and Donald Trump are not considered to share good equation and Romney had even voted in support of impeachment against Trump.

Lisa Murkowski 2nd GOP Senator against Trump's efforts to appoint judge before elections

Donald Trump and his rival for the US&nbsp;presidency, Joe Biden, will campaign in two election battlegrounds on Monday as they spar over the president's plan to fill a vacant&nbsp;Supreme&nbsp;Court&nbsp;seat with only weeks before voters choose between them.

Trump, the Republican seeking re-election on November&nbsp;3, will hold campaign events in Ohio, a state some Democrats once saw as a lock for Trump, while the Democratic former vice president makes his second trip of the month to Wisconsin.

Both Trump and Biden are reckoning with a presidential contest that was upended by Friday's death of the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rest-in-power-americans-mourn-the-death-of-ruth-bader-ginsburg-328786">'Rest in power': Americans mourn the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>

Trump's intention to appoint a replacement before the election, which would cement a 6-3 conservative majority, has angered Democrats and shifted the election's focus away from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 200,000 Americans and thrown millions more out of work.

Biden said the winner of the election should pick the person who fills Ginsburg's seat in a speech on Sunday. He called Trump's planned appointment an "exercise of raw political power" after Republican senators refused to consider Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee in 2016, citing that year's presidential election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-blasts-trumps-push-for-selecting-a-supreme-court-nominee-before-election-329013">Biden blasts Trump's push for selecting a Supreme Court nominee before election</a>

In an&nbsp;interview on Monday, Trump said he will name his choice to replace Ginsburg by Friday or Saturday.

Biden is headed to Wisconsin for the second time this month in a sign of the state's importance to the upcoming election. In his last visit, Biden went to Kenosha and spoke with Jacob Blake, the Black man whose shooting by police prompted widespread unrest.

This time, Biden will visit largely white Manitowoc County, which supported the former vice president and President Barack Obama when they ran as the Democratic ticket in 2008. The county backed Trump in 2016, helping deliver the state to a Republican presidential candidate for the first time since 1984.

Biden's campaign has made targeting such "flip" voters a priority, and it also hopes Biden will deliver a larger share of white voters than Democrat Hillary Clinton did in 2016.

Trump's campaign has made holding the state a prime concern after his 2016 victory by less than 1 per cent&nbsp;of the vote. Trump visited Wisconsin last week, announcing a new round of coronavirus pandemic assistance to farmers of about $13 billion.

State polling averages show Biden with a lead of several points in Wisconsin but trailing Trump slightly in Ohio, where the president was scheduled to campaign on Monday.

Trump is expected to speak about "fighting for the American worker," with a focus on the economic themes that dominated his re-election pitch prior to Ginsburg's death, before attending a rally.

Earlier in the race, many Democrats had privately written off a win in Ohio, seeing it as firmly in Trump's grasp. But Biden's campaign is now pursuing wins in an expanded set of states.

On Monday, Biden's campaign said it would add Georgia and Iowa to a list of 10 other states where it is running paid advertisements. Meanwhile, campaign finance filings on Sunday showed the national Republican Party transferred $1.3 million in August to the coffers of the state party in Texas, a long-time Republican stronghold that Democrats also hope to make competitive.

Donald Trump and his rival for the US presidency, Joe Biden, will campaign in two election battlegrounds on Monday as they spar over the president's plan to fill a vacant Supreme Court seat with only weeks before voters choose between them.

Donald Trump and his rival for the US presidency, Joe Biden, will campaign in two election battlegrounds on Monday as they spar over the president's plan to fill a vacant Supreme Court seat with only weeks before voters choose between them. Trump, the Republican seeking re-election on November 3, will hold campaign events in Ohio, a state some Democrats once saw as a lock for Trump, while the Democratic former vice president makes his second trip of the month to Wisconsin. Both Trump and Biden are reckoning with a presidential contest that was upended by Friday's death of the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Also see: 'Rest in power': Americans mourn the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Trump's intention to appoint a replacement before the election, which would cement a 6-3 conservative majority, has angered Democrats and shifted the election's focus away from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 200,000 Americans and thrown millions more out of work. Biden said the winner of the election should pick the person who fills Ginsburg's seat in a speech on Sunday. He called Trump's planned appointment an "exercise of raw political power" after Republican senators refused to consider Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee in 2016, citing that year's presidential election. Also read: Biden blasts Trump's push for selecting a Supreme Court nominee before election In an interview on Monday, Trump said he will name his choice to replace Ginsburg by Friday or Saturday. Biden is headed to Wisconsin for the second time this month in a sign of the state's importance to the upcoming election. In his last visit, Biden went to Kenosha and spoke with Jacob Blake, the Black man whose shooting by police prompted widespread unrest. This time, Biden will visit largely white Manitowoc County, which supported the former vice president and President Barack Obama when they ran as the Democratic ticket in 2008. The county backed Trump in 2016, helping deliver the state to a Republican presidential candidate for the first time since 1984. Biden's campaign has made targeting such "flip" voters a priority, and it also hopes Biden will deliver a larger share of white voters than Democrat Hillary Clinton did in 2016. Trump's campaign has made holding the state a prime concern after his 2016 victory by less than 1 per cent of the vote. Trump visited Wisconsin last week, announcing a new round of coronavirus pandemic assistance to farmers of about $13 billion. State polling averages show Biden with a lead of several points in Wisconsin but trailing Trump slightly in Ohio, where the president was scheduled to campaign on Monday. Trump is expected to speak about "fighting for the American worker," with a focus on the economic themes that dominated his re-election pitch prior to Ginsburg's death, before attending a rally. Earlier in the race, many Democrats had privately written off a win in Ohio, seeing it as firmly in Trump's grasp. But Biden's campaign is now pursuing wins in an expanded set of states. On Monday, Biden's campaign said it would add Georgia and Iowa to a list of 10 other states where it is running paid advertisements. Meanwhile, campaign finance filings on Sunday showed the national Republican Party transferred $1.3 million in August to the coffers of the state party in Texas, a long-time Republican stronghold that Democrats also hope to make competitive.

US election 2020: Trump and Biden hit the campaign trail as Supreme Court battle looms

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council.&nbsp;

Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a 30-day process that will reimpose sanctions on Iran, a move rejected by 13 of the UNSC members saying that the mechanism is void as Washington left the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-slap-sanctions-on-over-two-dozen-targets-tied-to-iran-arms-328984">US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms</a>

The secretary-general in a letter addressed to the council president said the "Security Council has taken no action subsequent to the receipt of the letter of the US Secretary of state, neither have any of its members or its president".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-faces-maximum-isolation-as-world-powers-dismiss-sanctions-328980">Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions</a>

He added the UNSC presidents for August and Septembers have indicated that they couldn't take any action in this matter.

Therefore, "it is not for the secretary-general to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he added.&nbsp;

Pompeo on Saturday warned of "consequences" to countries that "fail to fulfil their obligations to implement" the sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Major US allies the UK, France and Germany on Friday told the council that UN sanctions relief on Iran would continue and any move to reimpose these measures would be incapable of legal effect."

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council. Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a 30-day process that will reimpose sanctions on Iran, a move rejected by 13 of the UNSC members saying that the mechanism is void as Washington left the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018. Also read | US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms The secretary-general in a letter addressed to the council president said the "Security Council has taken no action subsequent to the receipt of the letter of the US Secretary of state, neither have any of its members or its president". Also read | Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions He added the UNSC presidents for August and Septembers have indicated that they couldn't take any action in this matter. Therefore, "it is not for the secretary-general to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he added. Pompeo on Saturday warned of "consequences" to countries that "fail to fulfil their obligations to implement" the sanctions on Iran. Major US allies the UK, France and Germany on Friday told the council that UN sanctions relief on Iran would continue and any move to reimpose these measures would be incapable of legal effect."

UN to not reimpose sanctions on Iran until nod given by Security Council: Guterres

Ahead of the US Election 2020, the President of United States of America Donald Trump is all set to announce nominee for the vacant seat of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, after the sad demise of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

US President all set to announce nominee for vacant seat of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

The Trump administration of United States has threatened to take new measures against Iran. US has accused Iran of breaching 2015 nuclear deal. US has broken up with the UNSC members.

United States threatens to take new measures against Iran

As the US braces for a showdown over the vacant Supreme Court seat, watch WION's special broadcast on #USElections with Susan Tehrani.

US Election 2020: A Tribute to Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg |

China`s ByteDance said on Monday that TikTok`s global business will become its subsidiary, even as Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc said over the weekend that they and U.S. investors would own the majority of the video app following a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump`s administration.

Trump signed an executive order on Aug. 14 giving ByteDance 90 days to sell TikTok, amid concerns that the personal data of as many as 100 million Americans that use the app could be passed on to China`s Communist Party government. On Saturday, he said he supported a deal in principle that would allow TikTok to continue to operate in the United States.

Accounts of the deal differ. ByteDance said on Monday that it will own 80% of TikTok Global, a newly created U.S. company that will own most of the app`s operations worldwide. Oracle and Walmart, which have agreed to take stakes in TikTok Global of 12.5% and 7.5% respectively, had said on Saturday that majority ownership of TikTok would be in American hands.

ByteDance said in its statement on Monday that it was a "rumor" that U.S. investors would be TikTok Global`s majority owners. Oracle declined to comment on ByteDance`s statement, while Walmart did not respond to a request for comment.

Some sources close to the deal have sought to reconcile the discrepancy by pointing out that 41% of ByteDance is owned by U.S. investors, so by counting this indirect ownership TikTok Global would be majority owned by U.S. parties.

One of the sources said the deal with Oracle and Walmart values TikTok Global at more than $50 billion.

TikTok also confirmed plans for an initial public offering of TikTok Global. The Beijing-based firm said TikTok Global`s board of directors will include ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming as well as Walmart`s chief executive Doug McMillon and current directors of ByteDance.

The current plan for TikTok Global does not involve any transfer of algorithms or technologies, and Oracle will be able to inspect TikTok U.S.`s source code, ByteDance said. This is akin to U.S. companies such as Microsoft Corp sharing their source code with Chinese technology experts, ByteDance added.

ByteDance also said a $5 billion payment reportedly to be made to the U.S. Treasury by TikTok Global is based on estimated income and other taxes the company will need to pay over the next few years and has nothing to do with the deal reached with Oracle and Walmart. Trump last week had said there would be a $5 billion U.S. education fund as part of the deal.

China`s ByteDance said on Monday that TikTok`s global business will become its subsidiary, even as Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc said over the weekend that they and U.

China`s ByteDance said on Monday that TikTok`s global business will become its subsidiary, even as Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc said over the weekend that they and U.S. investors would own the majority of the video app following a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump`s administration. Trump signed an executive order on Aug. 14 giving ByteDance 90 days to sell TikTok, amid concerns that the personal data of as many as 100 million Americans that use the app could be passed on to China`s Communist Party government. On Saturday, he said he supported a deal in principle that would allow TikTok to continue to operate in the United States. Accounts of the deal differ. ByteDance said on Monday that it will own 80% of TikTok Global, a newly created U.S. company that will own most of the app`s operations worldwide. Oracle and Walmart, which have agreed to take stakes in TikTok Global of 12.5% and 7.5% respectively, had said on Saturday that majority ownership of TikTok would be in American hands. ByteDance said in its statement on Monday that it was a "rumor" that U.S. investors would be TikTok Global`s majority owners. Oracle declined to comment on ByteDance`s statement, while Walmart did not respond to a request for comment. Some sources close to the deal have sought to reconcile the discrepancy by pointing out that 41% of ByteDance is owned by U.S. investors, so by counting this indirect ownership TikTok Global would be majority owned by U.S. parties. One of the sources said the deal with Oracle and Walmart values TikTok Global at more than $50 billion. TikTok also confirmed plans for an initial public offering of TikTok Global. The Beijing-based firm said TikTok Global`s board of directors will include ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming as well as Walmart`s chief executive Doug McMillon and current directors of ByteDance. The current plan for TikTok Global does not involve any transfer of algorithms or technologies, and Oracle will be able to inspect TikTok U.S.`s source code, ByteDance said. This is akin to U.S. companies such as Microsoft Corp sharing their source code with Chinese technology experts, ByteDance added. ByteDance also said a $5 billion payment reportedly to be made to the U.S. Treasury by TikTok Global is based on estimated income and other taxes the company will need to pay over the next few years and has nothing to do with the deal reached with Oracle and Walmart. Trump last week had said there would be a $5 billion U.S. education fund as part of the deal.

China's ByteDance says TikTok will be its subsidiary under deal with Trump

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration would not approve the sale of TikTok to Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc if TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance retained any control.

Asked in an interview whether ByteDance would still have any involvement, he said that "they will have nothing to do with it and if they do, then we just won't make the deal."

He added Oracle and Walmart "are going to have total control over it. They're going to own the controling interest... If we find they don't have total control, then we're not going to approve the deal."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-bytedance-says-tiktok-will-be-its-subsidiary-under-deal-with-trump-329041" hreflang="en">China's ByteDance says TikTok will be its subsidiary under deal with Trump</a>

TikTok,&nbsp;which became a global phenomenon with its brand of short, addictive phone videos,&nbsp;has come under fire in recent months as tensions escalate between China and the west.

Trump has claimed&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;is collecting user data for China's Communist Party, and&nbsp;signed an executive order&nbsp;on August&nbsp;14 giving ByteDance until September 20&nbsp;to hand over&nbsp;TikTok's US operations to an American company.

ByteDance, under pressure in China not to give in to US demands, set out to clarify "rumours" on Monday after details of the deal were announced. It said the current plan "does not involve the transfer of any algorithms and technologies".

While Oracle has the authority to check the source code of&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;in the US, ByteDance said displaying the source code is a way for multinationals to allay local data security concerns.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration would not approve the sale of TikTok to Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc if TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance retained any control.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration would not approve the sale of TikTok to Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc if TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance retained any control. Asked in an interview whether ByteDance would still have any involvement, he said that "they will have nothing to do with it and if they do, then we just won't make the deal." He added Oracle and Walmart "are going to have total control over it. They're going to own the controling interest... If we find they don't have total control, then we're not going to approve the deal." Also read: China's ByteDance says TikTok will be its subsidiary under deal with Trump TikTok, which became a global phenomenon with its brand of short, addictive phone videos, has come under fire in recent months as tensions escalate between China and the west. Trump has claimed TikTok is collecting user data for China's Communist Party, and signed an executive order on August 14 giving ByteDance until September 20 to hand over TikTok's US operations to an American company. ByteDance, under pressure in China not to give in to US demands, set out to clarify "rumours" on Monday after details of the deal were announced. It said the current plan "does not involve the transfer of any algorithms and technologies". While Oracle has the authority to check the source code of TikTok in the US, ByteDance said displaying the source code is a way for multinationals to allay local data security concerns.

No TikTok deal if China's ByteDance maintains control, says Trump

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ramped up pressure on the incumbent US president, Donald Trump, to not push for a Supreme Court nominee before the presidential election in November.

Biden was speaking on Sunday, the day a second Senate Republican voiced objections to Trump's plan for a quick vote on a replacement to liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday.

Biden urged Senate Republicans to not vote on any candidate nominated to the US Supreme Court as the election nears, calling Trump's plan an "exercise of raw political power."

Such an appointment by the president, if approved by the Senate, would cement a 6-3 conservative majority that could influence American law and life for decades.

"Voters of this country should be heard ... they're the ones who this Constitution envisions should decide who has the power to make this appointment," Biden, who leads Trump in national opinion polls, said in Philadelphia. "To jam this nomination through the Senate is just an exercise of raw political power."

Biden said that if he wins the November 3 election, he should have the chance to nominate the next Supreme Court justice.

The former vice president rejected the idea of releasing the names of potential nominees, saying that doing so, as Trump did, could improperly influence those candidates' decisions in their current court roles as well as subject them to "unrelenting political attacks."

He reiterated his pledge to nominate an African-American woman to the court, which would be a historic first, if he has the opportunity.

Earlier on Sunday, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she did not support Trump's plan to move fast on filling the seat, becoming the second of the 53 Republicans in the 100-seat chamber to object publicly following Ginsburg's death.

On Saturday, Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said the presidential election winner should pick the nominee. She is locked in a tight re-election battle, while Murkowski's current term extends two more years.

Senator Lamar Alexander, another moderate Republican, said in a statement he did not object to a vote, adding: "No one should be surprised that a Republican Senate majority would vote on a Republican president’s Supreme Court nomination, even during a presidential election year."

Democrats noted that in 2016 Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked a vote on a Democratic appointee on the grounds that the vacancy should be filled by the next president.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer did not rule out that his party might move in future to end the filibuster, a procedural tactic under which the support of 60 members is required to move to a vote on legislation, if the Republicans went ahead with the nomination.

Trump said on Saturday he would make his nomination this week and named Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit as possible candidates to fill the vacancy created by Ginsburg, a revered figure among liberals.

Ginsburg's death upended the November election campaign, energizing both Trump's conservative base - eager to see the court overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalised abortion nationwide - and presenting new complications in the battle for control of the US Senate.

Trump has already appointed two justices: Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018. Kavanaugh was narrowly confirmed after a heated confirmation process in which he angrily denied accusations by a California university professor, Christine Blasey Ford, that he had sexually assaulted her in 1982 when the two were high school students in Maryland.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ramped up pressure on the incumbent US president, Donald Trump, to not push for a Supreme Court nominee before the presidential election in November.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ramped up pressure on the incumbent US president, Donald Trump, to not push for a Supreme Court nominee before the presidential election in November. Biden was speaking on Sunday, the day a second Senate Republican voiced objections to Trump's plan for a quick vote on a replacement to liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday. Biden urged Senate Republicans to not vote on any candidate nominated to the US Supreme Court as the election nears, calling Trump's plan an "exercise of raw political power." Such an appointment by the president, if approved by the Senate, would cement a 6-3 conservative majority that could influence American law and life for decades. "Voters of this country should be heard ... they're the ones who this Constitution envisions should decide who has the power to make this appointment," Biden, who leads Trump in national opinion polls, said in Philadelphia. "To jam this nomination through the Senate is just an exercise of raw political power." Biden said that if he wins the November 3 election, he should have the chance to nominate the next Supreme Court justice. The former vice president rejected the idea of releasing the names of potential nominees, saying that doing so, as Trump did, could improperly influence those candidates' decisions in their current court roles as well as subject them to "unrelenting political attacks." He reiterated his pledge to nominate an African-American woman to the court, which would be a historic first, if he has the opportunity. Earlier on Sunday, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she did not support Trump's plan to move fast on filling the seat, becoming the second of the 53 Republicans in the 100-seat chamber to object publicly following Ginsburg's death. On Saturday, Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said the presidential election winner should pick the nominee. She is locked in a tight re-election battle, while Murkowski's current term extends two more years. Senator Lamar Alexander, another moderate Republican, said in a statement he did not object to a vote, adding: "No one should be surprised that a Republican Senate majority would vote on a Republican president’s Supreme Court nomination, even during a presidential election year." Democrats noted that in 2016 Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked a vote on a Democratic appointee on the grounds that the vacancy should be filled by the next president. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer did not rule out that his party might move in future to end the filibuster, a procedural tactic under which the support of 60 members is required to move to a vote on legislation, if the Republicans went ahead with the nomination. Trump said on Saturday he would make his nomination this week and named Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit as possible candidates to fill the vacancy created by Ginsburg, a revered figure among liberals. Ginsburg's death upended the November election campaign, energizing both Trump's conservative base - eager to see the court overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalised abortion nationwide - and presenting new complications in the battle for control of the US Senate. Trump has already appointed two justices: Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018. Kavanaugh was narrowly confirmed after a heated confirmation process in which he angrily denied accusations by a California university professor, Christine Blasey Ford, that he had sexually assaulted her in 1982 when the two were high school students in Maryland.

Biden blasts Trump's push for selecting a Supreme Court nominee before election

donald-trump

Donald Trump, News on Donald Trump, stories on Donald Trump, articles on Donald Trump, Donald Trump stories at Wion, Donald Trump news, Donald Trump latest news

donald trump