Harris becomes the first Black woman and the first Asian American to compete on a major party's presidential ticket.

Joe Biden picks Kamala Harris as his running mate

US Presidential candidate Joe Biden has named Kamala Harris, a high-profile black senator from California, as his vice presidential choice, capping a months-long search for a Democratic partner to challenge President Donald Trump in November.

2020 US Elections: Search for Biden's running mate ends | Kamala Harris picked up as VP nominee

US 2020 elections: Biden picks Kamala Devi Harris as VP nominee

How top politicians and celebrities are reacting to Kamala Harris' VP candidacy

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has interviewed the finalists to be his running mate and his campaign is readying to announce his choice as soon as this week, a person familiar with the process told Reuters.

Biden and his potential vice president will formally accept the party`s nomination at the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 17-20, and he is expected to announce his pick before it begins.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/professor-who-accurately-predicted-every-us-election-since-1984-says-biden-will-beat-trump-319206">Also read:&nbsp;Professor, who accurately predicted every US election since 1984, says Biden will beat Trump</a>

The New York Times reported earlier on Monday that Biden`s campaign plans to announce a decision as soon as Tuesday, but more likely on Wednesday, citing people briefed on the selection process.

The newspaper said the committee that screened the candidates had "effectively disbanded" after completing its work. It noted that Biden has missed previous deadlines to announce his pick, and that the timeline could "slip again."

A Biden campaign spokesman declined to comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-rival-biden-opposes-god-and-guns-he-responds-318772">Also read:&nbsp;Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds</a>

Biden, the former vice president under Barack Obama, has committed to picking a woman as his running mate and has come under increasing pressure from some Democratic leaders and activists for her to be Black.

They argue Biden otherwise risks dampening enthusiasm among Black voters who are so crucial to the Democratic base and his hopes of unseating Republican President Donald Trump in November`s election, particularly as the country has been gripped with protests against racial injustice.

Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, a group that promotes women of color in politics, told Reuters she thought it would be politically "reckless" if Biden did not choose a woman of color.

"It`s the most important decision the Biden camp can make to set the tone for the last 80 or so days," she said. "Picking a Black woman for the ticket is affirmation that we are included in the vision of governance."

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California and former national security adviser Susan Rice, both Black, are among the top contenders.

According to Democratic officials and Biden allies, U.S. Representative Karen Bass, a Black lawmaker from California, and a half dozen other women were under serious consideration. They include senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative Val Demings, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Biden`s choice, the most weighty of his political career, has drawn an unusual amount of attention given his age. If he defeats Trump, he would be 78 on inauguration day next January, the oldest U.S. president in history, and it is possible he may only seek one four-year term.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has interviewed the finalists to be his running mate and his campaign is readying to announce his choice as soon as this week, a person familiar with the process told Reuters.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has interviewed the finalists to be his running mate and his campaign is readying to announce his choice as soon as this week, a person familiar with the process told Reuters. Biden and his potential vice president will formally accept the party`s nomination at the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 17-20, and he is expected to announce his pick before it begins. Also read: Professor, who accurately predicted every US election since 1984, says Biden will beat Trump The New York Times reported earlier on Monday that Biden`s campaign plans to announce a decision as soon as Tuesday, but more likely on Wednesday, citing people briefed on the selection process. The newspaper said the committee that screened the candidates had "effectively disbanded" after completing its work. It noted that Biden has missed previous deadlines to announce his pick, and that the timeline could "slip again." A Biden campaign spokesman declined to comment. Also read: Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds Biden, the former vice president under Barack Obama, has committed to picking a woman as his running mate and has come under increasing pressure from some Democratic leaders and activists for her to be Black. They argue Biden otherwise risks dampening enthusiasm among Black voters who are so crucial to the Democratic base and his hopes of unseating Republican President Donald Trump in November`s election, particularly as the country has been gripped with protests against racial injustice. Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, a group that promotes women of color in politics, told Reuters she thought it would be politically "reckless" if Biden did not choose a woman of color. "It`s the most important decision the Biden camp can make to set the tone for the last 80 or so days," she said. "Picking a Black woman for the ticket is affirmation that we are included in the vision of governance." U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California and former national security adviser Susan Rice, both Black, are among the top contenders. According to Democratic officials and Biden allies, U.S. Representative Karen Bass, a Black lawmaker from California, and a half dozen other women were under serious consideration. They include senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative Val Demings, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Biden`s choice, the most weighty of his political career, has drawn an unusual amount of attention given his age. If he defeats Trump, he would be 78 on inauguration day next January, the oldest U.S. president in history, and it is possible he may only seek one four-year term.

Biden expected to announce US presidential running mate this week: Source

The historian, who has the knack of accurately predicting the future, has issued his verdict for 2020.

American University Professor Allan Lichtman is famous for accurately predicting the winner of every US presidential election since 1984, and according to him, this year, Joe Biden will defeat the incumbent president, Donald Trump.

Lichtman uses a system, he created of 13 "keys", which decides who will win the White House. In 2016, Lichtman was one of the few forecasters who said Trump would be the next president.&nbsp;

Surprisingly, he also predicted that Trump would be impeached. He now foresees a Biden victory in November.

"The keys predict that Trump will lose the White House," Lichtman says in a New York Times video op-ed released on Wednesday and in an interview with CNN released on Saturday.

The "13 keys" in his system include factors such as the economy, incumbency, social unrest and scandals, as well as the candidates' personal charisma.

Lichtman, however, considers it as a close contest, and notes that there are extraordinary factors that could still alter the outcome. According to his system, seven of the 13 keys favour Biden and six favour Trump.

Lichtman says Biden has the edge, "in light of the coronavirus pandemic and the national movement of protests against police brutality and systematic racism."

Lichtman has used the key system to forecast the winner of each race since Ronald Reagan's reelection victory in 1984.&nbsp;

The only one time there was a lapse in his judgement was back in 2000. He has predicted that Al Gore would win the election. Gore won the popular vote, but lost the presidency to George W Bush after the Supreme Court ruled to stop the recount for Florida's electoral votes. Lichtman still stands by validity of his prediction.

The historian, who has the knack of accurately predicting the future, has issued his verdict for 2020. American University Professor Allan Lichtman is famous for accurately predicting the winner of every US presidential election since 1984, and according to him, this year, Joe Biden will defeat the incumbent president, Donald Trump.

The historian, who has the knack of accurately predicting the future, has issued his verdict for 2020. American University Professor Allan Lichtman is famous for accurately predicting the winner of every US presidential election since 1984, and according to him, this year, Joe Biden will defeat the incumbent president, Donald Trump. Lichtman uses a system, he created of 13 "keys", which decides who will win the White House. In 2016, Lichtman was one of the few forecasters who said Trump would be the next president. Surprisingly, he also predicted that Trump would be impeached. He now foresees a Biden victory in November. "The keys predict that Trump will lose the White House," Lichtman says in a New York Times video op-ed released on Wednesday and in an interview with CNN released on Saturday. The "13 keys" in his system include factors such as the economy, incumbency, social unrest and scandals, as well as the candidates' personal charisma. Lichtman, however, considers it as a close contest, and notes that there are extraordinary factors that could still alter the outcome. According to his system, seven of the 13 keys favour Biden and six favour Trump. Lichtman says Biden has the edge, "in light of the coronavirus pandemic and the national movement of protests against police brutality and systematic racism." Lichtman has used the key system to forecast the winner of each race since Ronald Reagan's reelection victory in 1984. The only one time there was a lapse in his judgement was back in 2000. He has predicted that Al Gore would win the election. Gore won the popular vote, but lost the presidency to George W Bush after the Supreme Court ruled to stop the recount for Florida's electoral votes. Lichtman still stands by validity of his prediction.

Professor, who accurately predicted every US election since 1984, says Biden will beat Trump

The US intelligence has assessed that&nbsp;Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing&nbsp;"preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid.

In an unusual public statement, William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Centre, said the three countries were using online disinformation and other means to try to influence voters, stir up disorder and undermine American voters' confidence in the democratic process.

Evanina said in a statement on Friday: "We assess that China prefers that President Trump -- whom Beijing sees as unpredictable -- does not win reelection."

Evanina's assessment comes two days after the release of a new report from the State Department that accused Russia of conducting a sophisticated disinformation and propaganda campaign, which uses a variety of approaches including Kremlin-aligned news sites to promote their agenda.

In a nutshell, Evanina's statement&nbsp;put two of the biggest American adversaries on opposite sides of the election: Russia for Trump and China for Biden.

"China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China's interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China," Evanina added.

"We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment.' This is consistent with Moscow's public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration's policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia."&nbsp;

According to CNN, Evanina also stated that Iran is seeking to "undermine US democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country."

The statement from the top counterintelligence official is also the clearest the intelligence community has been in suggesting Russia prefers one candidate over the other in the 2020 race.

In response, Trump appeared reluctant to accept the intelligence community findings. He, when asked, said, "It could be. I mean it could be, very much."

"I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody's been tougher on Russia -- ever," Trump said, adding later, "the last thing that Russia wants, and China wants, and Iran wants is for Donald Trump to win."

Evanina used "denigrate" to denote what Russia wanted. It is the word the intelligence community used in its 2017 assessment citing Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" aimed at harming Hillary Clinton.

US intelligence officials presented information to lawmakers and presidential campaigns.

An official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told CNN that there's "no particular rank or order by which the threat actors are listed" in Evanina's statement.

The Biden and Trump campaigns responded to the news of Evanina's warning by volleying attacks at one another.

The Biden campaign's foreign policy adviser, Tony Blinken, accused Trump of having "publically and repeatedly invited, emboldened, and even tried to coerce foreign interference in American elections."

Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the administration has held Moscow accountable and is "tougher on Russia than any administration in history," also attacking Obama's former national security adviser Susan Rice, who is a potential running mate for Biden.

Many officials who oversee US election technology and outside security experts now worry less about hacking in the elections than about misinformation and logistics such as a shortage of poll workers and slowdowns at the US postal service.

The US intelligence has assessed that Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing "preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid.

The US intelligence has assessed that Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing "preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid. In an unusual public statement, William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Centre, said the three countries were using online disinformation and other means to try to influence voters, stir up disorder and undermine American voters' confidence in the democratic process. Evanina said in a statement on Friday: "We assess that China prefers that President Trump -- whom Beijing sees as unpredictable -- does not win reelection." Evanina's assessment comes two days after the release of a new report from the State Department that accused Russia of conducting a sophisticated disinformation and propaganda campaign, which uses a variety of approaches including Kremlin-aligned news sites to promote their agenda. In a nutshell, Evanina's statement put two of the biggest American adversaries on opposite sides of the election: Russia for Trump and China for Biden. "China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China's interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China," Evanina added. "We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment.' This is consistent with Moscow's public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration's policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia." According to CNN, Evanina also stated that Iran is seeking to "undermine US democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country." The statement from the top counterintelligence official is also the clearest the intelligence community has been in suggesting Russia prefers one candidate over the other in the 2020 race. In response, Trump appeared reluctant to accept the intelligence community findings. He, when asked, said, "It could be. I mean it could be, very much." "I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody's been tougher on Russia -- ever," Trump said, adding later, "the last thing that Russia wants, and China wants, and Iran wants is for Donald Trump to win." Evanina used "denigrate" to denote what Russia wanted. It is the word the intelligence community used in its 2017 assessment citing Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" aimed at harming Hillary Clinton. US intelligence officials presented information to lawmakers and presidential campaigns. An official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told CNN that there's "no particular rank or order by which the threat actors are listed" in Evanina's statement. The Biden and Trump campaigns responded to the news of Evanina's warning by volleying attacks at one another. The Biden campaign's foreign policy adviser, Tony Blinken, accused Trump of having "publically and repeatedly invited, emboldened, and even tried to coerce foreign interference in American elections." Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the administration has held Moscow accountable and is "tougher on Russia than any administration in history," also attacking Obama's former national security adviser Susan Rice, who is a potential running mate for Biden. Many officials who oversee US election technology and outside security experts now worry less about hacking in the elections than about misinformation and logistics such as a shortage of poll workers and slowdowns at the US postal service.

China wants Trump to lose election, Russia working to insult Biden, US intel says

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term.

To this end, in a campaign-style speech at a Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio, Trump said: "He's against God."

"He's following the radical-left agenda: take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment, no religion, no anything, hurt the Bible, hurt God," Trump had said about Biden in his Cleveland speech.&nbsp;

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution gives Americans the right to keep and bear arms.

Trump did not explain what he meant. His accusation, though, could solidify support from his party's sizable conservative Christian bloc and also damage voters' view of Biden, the first Catholic Vice President in US history.

John Kennedy was the first and only Catholic elected President when he won in 1960.

In a statement on Thursday night, Biden said Trump's attack was "shameful" and that faith had been the bedrock foundation of his life.

"President Trump’s comments reveal more about him than they do about anyone else. They show us a man willing to stoop to any low for political gain, and someone whose actions are completely at odds with the values and teachings that he professes to believe in," Biden said.

More than three-fourths of Americans practice Christianity or another religion, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump has been hurt politically by his response to the coronavirus pandemic that has recently killed on average more than 1,000 Americans each day.

While he speaks very little about his own Presbyterian faith and rarely attends church, Trump works closely with evangelical Christians and puts their causes of restricting abortion and preserving gun ownership at the top of his policy agenda.

After a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, killed 20 children in 2012, Biden pushed for some restrictions on gun ownership, but he has not called for confiscating firearms.

He has said he would seek to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, let people who own assault weapons sell them back voluntarily, and expand background checks.

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term.

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term. To this end, in a campaign-style speech at a Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio, Trump said: "He's against God." "He's following the radical-left agenda: take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment, no religion, no anything, hurt the Bible, hurt God," Trump had said about Biden in his Cleveland speech. The Second Amendment of the US Constitution gives Americans the right to keep and bear arms. Trump did not explain what he meant. His accusation, though, could solidify support from his party's sizable conservative Christian bloc and also damage voters' view of Biden, the first Catholic Vice President in US history. John Kennedy was the first and only Catholic elected President when he won in 1960. In a statement on Thursday night, Biden said Trump's attack was "shameful" and that faith had been the bedrock foundation of his life. "President Trump’s comments reveal more about him than they do about anyone else. They show us a man willing to stoop to any low for political gain, and someone whose actions are completely at odds with the values and teachings that he professes to believe in," Biden said. More than three-fourths of Americans practice Christianity or another religion, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump has been hurt politically by his response to the coronavirus pandemic that has recently killed on average more than 1,000 Americans each day. While he speaks very little about his own Presbyterian faith and rarely attends church, Trump works closely with evangelical Christians and puts their causes of restricting abortion and preserving gun ownership at the top of his policy agenda. After a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, killed 20 children in 2012, Biden pushed for some restrictions on gun ownership, but he has not called for confiscating firearms. He has said he would seek to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, let people who own assault weapons sell them back voluntarily, and expand background checks.

Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds

In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes.

And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters.

Both Democrats and Republicans are reaching out to Indians and making special promises to win their report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-movement-takes-political-colour-as-us-elections-near-317335">Black Lives Matter movement takes political colour as US elections near</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

Let's understand how Democrats and Republicans are trying to lure these voters.&nbsp;

Democrats in favour of H-1B

The Democrats want to hit US President Donald Trump where it hurts the most and that is why they picked up the issue of H-1B vias.

Trump has put a freeze on them and the Democrats have promised to bring it back.&nbsp;

The Democrats say Trump's visa freeze is illegal, chaotic and reckless and believes that programs like H-1B help the American economy.

Out of 65 thousand such visas allotted each year, almost 70 per cent is given to Indians, making them the largest beneficiaries.&nbsp;

Republicans selling the golden ticket

The Republicans, on the other hand, are selling Indians the golden ticket to America: the green card.&nbsp;

Senator Mike Lee has raised the issue in the US Congress. He was arguing in favour of removing the cap.&nbsp;

Lee said that the limits on the green card punish the Indian immigrants.&nbsp;

"If you are born anywhere else, anywhere else other than China, let's say in Ghana, Sweden, Indonesia, basically any other country other than India, your application will be considered immediately. This sort of discrimination is simply inconsistent with the principles of a merit-based immigration system and with our founding principles," Lee said.

He said that the green card waitlist for Indians runs into 200 years.

This argument is true as for many Indians, the green card queue may last longer than their lifetimes.&nbsp;

Currently, only 140,000 green cards are issued every year. More than 200,000 Indians have filed petitions for permanent residency in the US.

Skilled Indian workers make up 75 per cent of the backlog.

Over 700,000 of them are in the line of march, suggesting it's a broken system.&nbsp;

As of 2016, there were over four million people of Indian origin in the US, out of this, close to 1.8 million are of voting age.&nbsp;

This suggests that Indians is the third-largest block of voters within the Asian community alone.

The issue of visas is dear to this community as well as to the New Delhi-Washington relations.

So it's not a surprise anymore that Indian Americans will get special attention in the elections this year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes. And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters.

In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes. And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters. Both Democrats and Republicans are reaching out to Indians and making special promises to win their report. Also read | Black Lives Matter movement takes political colour as US elections near Let's understand how Democrats and Republicans are trying to lure these voters. Democrats in favour of H-1B The Democrats want to hit US President Donald Trump where it hurts the most and that is why they picked up the issue of H-1B vias. Trump has put a freeze on them and the Democrats have promised to bring it back. The Democrats say Trump's visa freeze is illegal, chaotic and reckless and believes that programs like H-1B help the American economy. Out of 65 thousand such visas allotted each year, almost 70 per cent is given to Indians, making them the largest beneficiaries. Republicans selling the golden ticket The Republicans, on the other hand, are selling Indians the golden ticket to America: the green card. Senator Mike Lee has raised the issue in the US Congress. He was arguing in favour of removing the cap. Lee said that the limits on the green card punish the Indian immigrants. "If you are born anywhere else, anywhere else other than China, let's say in Ghana, Sweden, Indonesia, basically any other country other than India, your application will be considered immediately. This sort of discrimination is simply inconsistent with the principles of a merit-based immigration system and with our founding principles," Lee said. He said that the green card waitlist for Indians runs into 200 years. This argument is true as for many Indians, the green card queue may last longer than their lifetimes. Currently, only 140,000 green cards are issued every year. More than 200,000 Indians have filed petitions for permanent residency in the US. Skilled Indian workers make up 75 per cent of the backlog. Over 700,000 of them are in the line of march, suggesting it's a broken system. As of 2016, there were over four million people of Indian origin in the US, out of this, close to 1.8 million are of voting age. This suggests that Indians is the third-largest block of voters within the Asian community alone. The issue of visas is dear to this community as well as to the New Delhi-Washington relations. So it's not a surprise anymore that Indian Americans will get special attention in the elections this year.

Democrats, Republicans eye support of Indian Americans

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday ratcheted up rhetoric on President Donald Trump’s handling of the United States’ increasingly tense trade relationship with China.

“Trump’s ‘phase one’ trade deal with China is failing - badly,” Biden said in a statement sent to Reuters after Commerce Department data showed the U.S.-China trade deficit widened 5% to $28.4 billion in June from the month prior and confirming Beijing is falling well short of its commitments to buy U.S. goods.

Trump has made closing that imbalance a pillar of his approach to relations with China.

A trade pact between Washington and Beijing that was signed in January is at risk.

Under the Phase 1 deal, China pledged to boost purchases of U.S. goods by some $200 billion over 2017 levels, including agricultural and manufactured products, energy and services. China, battered by the global coronavirus recession, is far behind the pace needed to meet its first-year goal of a $77 billion increase.

Biden said the current trade deal is “unenforceable,” and “full of vague, weak, and recycled commitments from Beijing,” allowing the country to keep “providing harmful subsidies to its state-owned enterprises” and “stealing America’s ideas.”

The statement confirms that a hawkish back-and-forth on China will continue to be the signature foreign policy issue ahead of the Nov. 3 election showdown between Trump and Biden. Trump’s campaign have characterized the former vice president as “Beijing Biden,” and weak in the face of China’s economic rise at the expense of the United States.

Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are set to review the implementation of the Phase 1 trade deal and likely air mutual grievances during an Aug. 15 videoconference, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the plans.

China’s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, said on Tuesday that a meeting between the two sides would “be very positive.”

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday ratcheted up rhetoric on President Donald Trump’s handling of the United States’ increasingly tense trade relationship with China.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday ratcheted up rhetoric on President Donald Trump’s handling of the United States’ increasingly tense trade relationship with China. “Trump’s ‘phase one’ trade deal with China is failing - badly,” Biden said in a statement sent to Reuters after Commerce Department data showed the U.S.-China trade deficit widened 5% to $28.4 billion in June from the month prior and confirming Beijing is falling well short of its commitments to buy U.S. goods. Trump has made closing that imbalance a pillar of his approach to relations with China. A trade pact between Washington and Beijing that was signed in January is at risk. Under the Phase 1 deal, China pledged to boost purchases of U.S. goods by some $200 billion over 2017 levels, including agricultural and manufactured products, energy and services. China, battered by the global coronavirus recession, is far behind the pace needed to meet its first-year goal of a $77 billion increase. Biden said the current trade deal is “unenforceable,” and “full of vague, weak, and recycled commitments from Beijing,” allowing the country to keep “providing harmful subsidies to its state-owned enterprises” and “stealing America’s ideas.” The statement confirms that a hawkish back-and-forth on China will continue to be the signature foreign policy issue ahead of the Nov. 3 election showdown between Trump and Biden. Trump’s campaign have characterized the former vice president as “Beijing Biden,” and weak in the face of China’s economic rise at the expense of the United States. Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are set to review the implementation of the Phase 1 trade deal and likely air mutual grievances during an Aug. 15 videoconference, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the plans. China’s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, said on Tuesday that a meeting between the two sides would “be very positive.”

Biden says Trump's China trade deal is 'failing' badly

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired.

“This was the longest meeting we had and it was more productive than the other meetings,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “There are many issues that are still very much outstanding.”

Schumer made the remarks after he and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded a three-hour meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows at the Capitol on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosi-declines-deal-on-coronavirus-unemployment-aid-talks-to-continue-on-saturday-317378">Also read:&nbsp;Nancy Pelosi declines deal on coronavirus unemployment aid; talks to continue on Saturday</a>

Mnuchin told reporters the talks were constructive but had reached an “impasse” over whether to come to a short-term agreement or a more comprehensive deal.

The officials will meet again on Monday, after their staff meet on Sunday, Schumer said.

Congress for the past several months has been unable to reach an accord for a next round of economic relief from a pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 Americans and triggered the sharpest economic collapse since the Great Depression.

In a meeting late Thursday between top White House officials and congressional Democratic leaders, negotiations focused on an extension of the $600 per week in federal unemployment benefits that Americans who lost jobs due to the pandemic have been receiving in addition to state jobless payments.

Pelosi said on Friday that she rejected an offer by Republican President Donald Trump’s administration to continue the $600 payments for one more week.

Congressional Democrats want to see the weekly payments extended into next year as part of a broader package.

Senate Republicans have said the $600 payments are an incentive to stay home rather than return to work. Their proposal would provide a much-reduced weekly payment of $200 until states create a system to provide a 70% wage replacement for laid-off workers.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Saturday slammed Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for letting the Senate go home for the weekend without a deal to extend the unemployment benefits or protect renters facing eviction.

“Because Donald Trump is abdicating his responsibility to lead us out of the pandemic crisis and the economic crisis, we now face a potential housing crisis across the country,” Biden said in a statement.

Pelosi told House Democrats in a letter late on Saturday that “all parties must understand the gravity of the situation in order to reach an agreement that protects Americans’ lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy.”

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired.

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired. “This was the longest meeting we had and it was more productive than the other meetings,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “There are many issues that are still very much outstanding.” Schumer made the remarks after he and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded a three-hour meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows at the Capitol on Saturday. Also read: Nancy Pelosi declines deal on coronavirus unemployment aid; talks to continue on Saturday Mnuchin told reporters the talks were constructive but had reached an “impasse” over whether to come to a short-term agreement or a more comprehensive deal. The officials will meet again on Monday, after their staff meet on Sunday, Schumer said. Congress for the past several months has been unable to reach an accord for a next round of economic relief from a pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 Americans and triggered the sharpest economic collapse since the Great Depression. In a meeting late Thursday between top White House officials and congressional Democratic leaders, negotiations focused on an extension of the $600 per week in federal unemployment benefits that Americans who lost jobs due to the pandemic have been receiving in addition to state jobless payments. Pelosi said on Friday that she rejected an offer by Republican President Donald Trump’s administration to continue the $600 payments for one more week. Congressional Democrats want to see the weekly payments extended into next year as part of a broader package. Senate Republicans have said the $600 payments are an incentive to stay home rather than return to work. Their proposal would provide a much-reduced weekly payment of $200 until states create a system to provide a 70% wage replacement for laid-off workers. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Saturday slammed Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for letting the Senate go home for the weekend without a deal to extend the unemployment benefits or protect renters facing eviction. “Because Donald Trump is abdicating his responsibility to lead us out of the pandemic crisis and the economic crisis, we now face a potential housing crisis across the country,” Biden said in a statement. Pelosi told House Democrats in a letter late on Saturday that “all parties must understand the gravity of the situation in order to reach an agreement that protects Americans’ lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy.”

Congressional Democrats, White House still at impasse over coronavirus bill

A teenager was arrested for being the “mastermind” behind the Twitter Inc hack, which compromised the profiles of many prominent personalities and organisations.

“The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Justice conducted a complex nationwide investigation, locating and apprehending the suspect in Hillsborough County,” the statement said.

The 17-year-old Florida boy masterminded the hacking of celebrity accounts on Twitter Inc, including those of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, in mid-July.

A 19-year-old British man and a 22-year-old man in Orlando, Florida were also charged under US federal law with aiding the attack.

A Florida prosecutor identified the 17-year-old as Graham Clark of Tampa and charged him as an adult with 30 felony counts of fraud. Clark netted at least $100,000 from the scheme by using the celebrity accounts to solicit investments from unsuspecting Twitter users, state officials said.

Mason Sheppard, a 19-year-old from Bogner Regis, Britain who used the alias Chaewon, was charged with wire fraud and money laundering while Orlando-based Nima Fazeli, 22, nicknamed Rolex, was accused of aiding and abetting the crimes, according to a Justice Department statement.

Twitter said it appreciated the "swift actions of law enforcement."

Clark and one of the other participants were in custody, officials said.

In the hack, fraudulent tweets soliciting investments in the digital currency bitcoin were posted in mid-July by 45 verified Twitter accounts. Twitter said the hackers also likely read some direct messages including to a Dutch elected official.

Authorities provided new details Friday in an affidavit alleging that Clark "used social engineering to convince a Twitter employee that he was a co-worker in the IT department and had the employee provide credentials to access the customer service portal."

A teenager was arrested for being the “mastermind” behind the Twitter Inc hack, which compromised the profiles of many prominent personalities and organisations.

A teenager was arrested for being the “mastermind” behind the Twitter Inc hack, which compromised the profiles of many prominent personalities and organisations. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Justice conducted a complex nationwide investigation, locating and apprehending the suspect in Hillsborough County,” the statement said. The 17-year-old Florida boy masterminded the hacking of celebrity accounts on Twitter Inc, including those of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, in mid-July. A 19-year-old British man and a 22-year-old man in Orlando, Florida were also charged under US federal law with aiding the attack. A Florida prosecutor identified the 17-year-old as Graham Clark of Tampa and charged him as an adult with 30 felony counts of fraud. Clark netted at least $100,000 from the scheme by using the celebrity accounts to solicit investments from unsuspecting Twitter users, state officials said. Mason Sheppard, a 19-year-old from Bogner Regis, Britain who used the alias Chaewon, was charged with wire fraud and money laundering while Orlando-based Nima Fazeli, 22, nicknamed Rolex, was accused of aiding and abetting the crimes, according to a Justice Department statement. Twitter said it appreciated the "swift actions of law enforcement." Clark and one of the other participants were in custody, officials said. In the hack, fraudulent tweets soliciting investments in the digital currency bitcoin were posted in mid-July by 45 verified Twitter accounts. Twitter said the hackers also likely read some direct messages including to a Dutch elected official. Authorities provided new details Friday in an affidavit alleging that Clark "used social engineering to convince a Twitter employee that he was a co-worker in the IT department and had the employee provide credentials to access the customer service portal."

US teenager arrested for masterminding massive Twitter hack

Social media giant Twitter on Friday explained how Bitcoin scammers hijacked celebrity accounts of&nbsp;Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos and Kim Kardashian&nbsp;two weeks ago.

The tech firm revealed that&nbsp;hackers responsible for the&nbsp;recent high-profile breach used&nbsp;a&nbsp;phone to fool the social media company's employees into giving them access.

They used the technique of "spear-phishing" to attack, which&nbsp;is a practice of sending emails ostensibly from a known or trusted sender in order to induce targeted individuals to reveal confidential information.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-unveils-law-forcing-google-facebook-to-pay-for-news-317157" hreflang="en">Australia unveils law forcing Google, Facebook to pay for news</a>

Attackers also targeted specific employees who had access to account support tools,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2020/an-update-on-our-security-incident.html">Twitter</a>&nbsp;said, adding that it restricted access to its internal tools and systems ever since the incident occurred.

Hackers had accessed&nbsp;Twitter's internal systems on July 15 to hijack some of the platform's top voices including US&nbsp;presidential candidate Joe Biden, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama and billionaire Elon Musk and used them to solicit digital currency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-takes-on-spacex-set-to-invest-10-billion-in-satellite-broadband-plan-317163" hreflang="en">Amazon takes on SpaceX, set to invest $10 billion in satellite broadband plan</a>

Publicly available blockchain records show the apparent scammers received more than $100,000 worth of cryptocurrency.

The hackers targeted 130 accounts. They managed to tweet from 45 accounts, access the direct message inboxes of 36, and download the Twitter data from seven. Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders has said his inbox was among those accessed.

Twitter didn't provide any more information about how the attack was carried out, saying it would provide a more detailed report later, given the ongoing law enforcement investigation. The company has previously said the incident was a coordinated social engineering attack&nbsp;that targeted some of its employees with access to internal systems and tools.

Social media giant Twitter on Friday explained how Bitcoin scammers hijacked celebrity accounts of Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos and Kim Kardashian two weeks ago. The tech firm revealed that hackers responsible for the recent high-profile breach used a phone to fool the social media company's employees into giving them access.

Social media giant Twitter on Friday explained how Bitcoin scammers hijacked celebrity accounts of Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos and Kim Kardashian two weeks ago. The tech firm revealed that hackers responsible for the recent high-profile breach used a phone to fool the social media company's employees into giving them access. They used the technique of "spear-phishing" to attack, which is a practice of sending emails ostensibly from a known or trusted sender in order to induce targeted individuals to reveal confidential information. Also read: Australia unveils law forcing Google, Facebook to pay for news Attackers also targeted specific employees who had access to account support tools, Twitter said, adding that it restricted access to its internal tools and systems ever since the incident occurred. Hackers had accessed Twitter's internal systems on July 15 to hijack some of the platform's top voices including US presidential candidate Joe Biden, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, former US President Barack Obama and billionaire Elon Musk and used them to solicit digital currency. Also read: Amazon takes on SpaceX, set to invest $10 billion in satellite broadband plan Publicly available blockchain records show the apparent scammers received more than $100,000 worth of cryptocurrency. The hackers targeted 130 accounts. They managed to tweet from 45 accounts, access the direct message inboxes of 36, and download the Twitter data from seven. Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders has said his inbox was among those accessed. Twitter didn't provide any more information about how the attack was carried out, saying it would provide a more detailed report later, given the ongoing law enforcement investigation. The company has previously said the incident was a coordinated social engineering attack that targeted some of its employees with access to internal systems and tools.

Twitter reveals how Bitcoin scammers hijacked celebrity accounts

With just 97 days away from US elections, American voters now want to know what they're getting. They are done seeing grown-up men attacking each other. They want to see more than name-calling & public quarrels.

With just 97 days away from US elections, American voters now want to know what they're getting. They are done seeing grown-up men attacking each other. They want to see more than name-calling & public quarrels. They want reasons motivating enough to cast their ballot. How seriously are the presidential candidates taking these concerns? Presumptive Democratic nominee Joseph Robinette Biden Junior has outlined an economic agenda to fight racial inequality. He has promising to close the wealth gaps between majority and minority communities. He has announced a series of policies to steer more federal money to black neighbourhoods. He is also promising more tax credits for minority-owned firms and is attempting to show voters that he is committed to ending racial and economic inequality if he wins the white house. × These promises are finding takers and more and more American voters are saying that they expect Biden to win. Opinion polls show you how Donald Trump has been consistently trailing in opinion polls since March while Biden continues to lead the opinion polls. Biden's campaign strategy is quite smart. Not only does he have the former US President Barack Obama backing him. He also has the support of some influential Hollywood stars like George Clooney Who recently joined Obama for a virtual fund-raiser for Biden. Meanwhile, Trump's closest allies even relatives have turned against him. They have written tell-all books. They have called him unfit for the presidency. To add to that there are protests on the streets. People are blaming trump for growing racial inequality and police violence. Trump is drawing criticism from all sides... Trump is down but not out. He is fighting back and has rebooted his efforts to win. The race to the white house is indeed getting serious.

Trump losing support as US election gathers momentum

With just 97 days left, The U.S. Presidential race is heating up. Who is America going to vote for? Joe Biden or Donald Trump? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on who stands where.

Gravitas: Biden or Trump, Who will America vote for?

The US presidential election is in November and there is no frontrunner yet. Joe Biden will secure the nomination from the Democrats while President Donald Trump will run for reelection.&nbsp;

With no clear winner, a group of lawmakers, political operatives, former government and military officials and academicians are preparing for all eventualities.

They are called the Transition Integrity Project and this group is worried about a contested election result. The group undertook a disturbing exercise last month and tried to game out the possible result of the election.

The Transition Integrity Project is reportedly grappling with three questions.

What if Donald Trump refuses to concede a loss? What will he do? How far he’ll go to keep power? And what if, the democrats challenge him? 
&nbsp; 
They gamed out the scenarios and the prediction they have come up with is dire. They fear violence if Trump refused to step down. They feel the US president and his allies will use every apparatus of government to hold on to power and Democrats will move the courts to stop Trump and the streets will erupt in protest.&nbsp;

One of the co-organizers Rosa Brooks is a law professor at Georgetown University has gone public.

“All of our scenarios ended in both street-level violence and political impasse. The law is essential and it’s almost helpless against a president who is willing to ignore it,” she said.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Trump had publicly hinted that he may not accept the election result if it goes against him as he had stated before.

In 2016 Trump had said he will accept the election result if he wins and he won the 2016 election.&nbsp;

Massive protests followed Trump’s oath-taking ceremony. Thousands took to the streets across multiple American cities. Celebrities joined the protest rallies too.&nbsp;

Trump is ending his first term under similar circumstances. America is witnessing violent protests across multiple cities.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus outbreak is yet to be contained. Earlier this month Biden had predicted that the military will escort Trump from the White House if he loses. Trump thrives on his unpredictability and no one knows what will be his next move, neither can anyone predict the result in November.

The US presidential election is in November and there is no frontrunner yet. Joe Biden will secure the nomination from the Democrats while President Donald Trump will run for reelection.

The US presidential election is in November and there is no frontrunner yet. Joe Biden will secure the nomination from the Democrats while President Donald Trump will run for reelection. With no clear winner, a group of lawmakers, political operatives, former government and military officials and academicians are preparing for all eventualities. They are called the Transition Integrity Project and this group is worried about a contested election result. The group undertook a disturbing exercise last month and tried to game out the possible result of the election. The Transition Integrity Project is reportedly grappling with three questions. What if Donald Trump refuses to concede a loss? What will he do? How far he’ll go to keep power? And what if, the democrats challenge him? They gamed out the scenarios and the prediction they have come up with is dire. They fear violence if Trump refused to step down. They feel the US president and his allies will use every apparatus of government to hold on to power and Democrats will move the courts to stop Trump and the streets will erupt in protest. One of the co-organizers Rosa Brooks is a law professor at Georgetown University has gone public. “All of our scenarios ended in both street-level violence and political impasse. The law is essential and it’s almost helpless against a president who is willing to ignore it,” she said. Earlier this month, Trump had publicly hinted that he may not accept the election result if it goes against him as he had stated before. In 2016 Trump had said he will accept the election result if he wins and he won the 2016 election. Massive protests followed Trump’s oath-taking ceremony. Thousands took to the streets across multiple American cities. Celebrities joined the protest rallies too. Trump is ending his first term under similar circumstances. America is witnessing violent protests across multiple cities. Meanwhile, the coronavirus outbreak is yet to be contained. Earlier this month Biden had predicted that the military will escort Trump from the White House if he loses. Trump thrives on his unpredictability and no one knows what will be his next move, neither can anyone predict the result in November.

Unpredictability of Trump keeps US on its toes ahead of November election

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed&nbsp;US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The video is their in-person encounter amid the coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States the most with over 142,000 fatalities and infections nearing 4 million.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-calls-trump-first-racist-president-of-the-united-states-315267">Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States</a>

The full video will be put out on social media on Thursday, but teasers shared by Biden's campaign showed the duo wearing masks and sitting well away from each other to maintain social distancing.&nbsp;

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Every day I hear from folks who tell me how important health care is to their families — well, it's deeply personal for President <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarackObama</a> and me, too. I'll fight to protect and build on Obamacare and make sure everyone gets the care they need. 
 
Watch our conversation: <a href="https://t.co/ZyrBmLrjCJ">pic.twitter.com/ZyrBmLrjCJ</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1286254983961165826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-barack-obama-helps-raise-11-million-for-joe-biden-in-online-fundraiser-308128">Former US President Barack Obama helps raise $11 million for Joe Biden in online fundraiser</a>

In the snippets, Obama and Biden, Democratic nominee for presidential election, discussed the much-talked about health care law and and blamed Trump for creating rifts in the American society and his response to the pandemic.&nbsp;

"Can you imagine standing up when you were president and saying, 'It's not my responsibility, I take no responsibility'", Biden said. &nbsp;

In another excerpt, Biden hit out at Trump launching his 2016 campaign at Trump Tower, saying, "He ran by deliberately dividing people from the moment he came down that escalator, and I think people are now going, 'I don't want my kid growing up that way.'"

The former president responded that he had confidence in Biden's "heart and your character, and the fact that you are going to be able to reassemble the kind of government that cares about people and brings people together."

In another snippet, Biden referred to health insurance issues in the country where he talked about his son Beau's death, adding he was" thinking to myself, what would happen if his insurance company was able to come in, which they could have done before we passed Obamacare and said, 'You have outrun your insurance.'"

"I couldn't be prouder of what we got done... Twenty million people have health insurance that didn't have it because of what we did," Obama responded.&nbsp;

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed US President Donald Trump.

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed US President Donald Trump. The video is their in-person encounter amid the coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States the most with over 142,000 fatalities and infections nearing 4 million. Also read | Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States The full video will be put out on social media on Thursday, but teasers shared by Biden's campaign showed the duo wearing masks and sitting well away from each other to maintain social distancing. Every day I hear from folks who tell me how important health care is to their families — well, it's deeply personal for President @BarackObama and me, too. I'll fight to protect and build on Obamacare and make sure everyone gets the care they need. Watch our conversation: pic.twitter.com/ZyrBmLrjCJ — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 23, 2020 × Also read | Former US President Barack Obama helps raise $11 million for Joe Biden in online fundraiser In the snippets, Obama and Biden, Democratic nominee for presidential election, discussed the much-talked about health care law and and blamed Trump for creating rifts in the American society and his response to the pandemic. "Can you imagine standing up when you were president and saying, 'It's not my responsibility, I take no responsibility'", Biden said. In another excerpt, Biden hit out at Trump launching his 2016 campaign at Trump Tower, saying, "He ran by deliberately dividing people from the moment he came down that escalator, and I think people are now going, 'I don't want my kid growing up that way.'" The former president responded that he had confidence in Biden's "heart and your character, and the fact that you are going to be able to reassemble the kind of government that cares about people and brings people together." In another snippet, Biden referred to health insurance issues in the country where he talked about his son Beau's death, adding he was" thinking to myself, what would happen if his insurance company was able to come in, which they could have done before we passed Obamacare and said, 'You have outrun your insurance.'" "I couldn't be prouder of what we got done... Twenty million people have health insurance that didn't have it because of what we did," Obama responded.

Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration

Donald Trump has divulged details of a cognitive test he "aced" -- including a five-word memory challenge he said proved he had the "mental stamina" to lead the US.

"Person. Woman. Man Camera. TV," the US president recited as he revealed details of the much-discussed test to Fox TV on Wednesday.

"The last questions are much more difficult," he said in an interview on "Tucker Carlson Tonight", in which he repeatedly questioned the mental capacity of his Democratic rival Joe Biden.&nbsp;

"Like a memory question. It's like, you'll go: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV," the president said. "So they say, 'Could you repeat that?' So I said, 'Yeah. It's: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.'"

"Then, ten minutes, 15, 20 minutes later they say, 'Remember that first question... Give us that again."

"And you go: 'Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.'"

"And they say 'that's amazing. How did you do that?'"

"I do it because I have, like, a good memory," Trump continued. "Because I'm cognitively there."&nbsp;

In the interview Trump also called for his Democratic rival Joe Biden -- currently leading Trump in polls ahead of the November presidential election -- to take a similar test, because "something's going on."

"You need physical stamina," he said. "You need mental stamina... we have to be sharp... President Xi is sharp. President Putin is sharp. Erdogan is sharp."

The interview quickly drew ridicule on social media.

"i seriously cannot keep up," tweeted Sarah Cooper, a Trump impersonator who shot to fame with parodies of some of the US leader's greatest hits, including "How to Obamagate" and "How to strong death totals".&nbsp;

Cooper targeted Trump in a previous video "How to cognitive", in which she lampooned a previous interview he gave to Fox, where he professed to have "aced" an unspecified cognitive test.

Donald Trump has divulged details of a cognitive test he "aced" -- including a five-word memory challenge he said proved he had the "mental stamina" to lead the US.

Donald Trump has divulged details of a cognitive test he "aced" -- including a five-word memory challenge he said proved he had the "mental stamina" to lead the US. "Person. Woman. Man Camera. TV," the US president recited as he revealed details of the much-discussed test to Fox TV on Wednesday. "The last questions are much more difficult," he said in an interview on "Tucker Carlson Tonight", in which he repeatedly questioned the mental capacity of his Democratic rival Joe Biden. "Like a memory question. It's like, you'll go: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV," the president said. "So they say, 'Could you repeat that?' So I said, 'Yeah. It's: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.'" "Then, ten minutes, 15, 20 minutes later they say, 'Remember that first question... Give us that again." "And you go: 'Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.'" "And they say 'that's amazing. How did you do that?'" "I do it because I have, like, a good memory," Trump continued. "Because I'm cognitively there." In the interview Trump also called for his Democratic rival Joe Biden -- currently leading Trump in polls ahead of the November presidential election -- to take a similar test, because "something's going on." "You need physical stamina," he said. "You need mental stamina... we have to be sharp... President Xi is sharp. President Putin is sharp. Erdogan is sharp." The interview quickly drew ridicule on social media. "i seriously cannot keep up," tweeted Sarah Cooper, a Trump impersonator who shot to fame with parodies of some of the US leader's greatest hits, including "How to Obamagate" and "How to strong death totals". Cooper targeted Trump in a previous video "How to cognitive", in which she lampooned a previous interview he gave to Fox, where he professed to have "aced" an unspecified cognitive test.

Trump touts five-word memory test as showing he is 'cognitively there'

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union.

At the event, Biden blasted Trump and "his spread of racism" when a questioner complained of racism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and mentioned the president referring to it as the "China virus."

"The way he deals with people based on the colour of their skin, their national origin, where they're from, is absolutely sickening," the former vice president said.&nbsp;

"No sitting president has ever done this. Never, never, never. No Republican president has done this. No Democratic president. We've had racists, and they've existed. They've tried to get elected president. He's the first one that has."&nbsp;

Biden also suggested that Trump is using race "as a wedge" to distract from his mishandling of the pandemic.

At a White House briefing later Wednesday, Trump responded to a question about Biden's comments by pointing to his administration's efforts passing criminal justice reform legislation and expanding opportunity zones, as well as the low unemployment numbers for minority groups before the coronavirus outbreak.

"I've done more for Black Americans than anybody with the possible of exception of Abraham Lincoln," the president said.

"Nobody has even been close."&nbsp;

Biden has vowed that, if elected, he will begin addressing institutional racism within his first 100 days of taking office.

This was not the first time he's suggested Trump's actions were racist. When Trump said last year that four Democratic congresswomen of color should "go back" to their countries, Biden called it a "flat, racist attack."

Biden has built his campaign around the election being a "battle for the soul of the nation" and says he felt compelled to run for president after he saw Trump respond to a deadly 2017 white supremacist attack on counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, by saying there were "some very fine people" on both sides.

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union.

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union. At the event, Biden blasted Trump and "his spread of racism" when a questioner complained of racism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and mentioned the president referring to it as the "China virus." "The way he deals with people based on the colour of their skin, their national origin, where they're from, is absolutely sickening," the former vice president said. "No sitting president has ever done this. Never, never, never. No Republican president has done this. No Democratic president. We've had racists, and they've existed. They've tried to get elected president. He's the first one that has." Biden also suggested that Trump is using race "as a wedge" to distract from his mishandling of the pandemic. At a White House briefing later Wednesday, Trump responded to a question about Biden's comments by pointing to his administration's efforts passing criminal justice reform legislation and expanding opportunity zones, as well as the low unemployment numbers for minority groups before the coronavirus outbreak. "I've done more for Black Americans than anybody with the possible of exception of Abraham Lincoln," the president said. "Nobody has even been close." Biden has vowed that, if elected, he will begin addressing institutional racism within his first 100 days of taking office. This was not the first time he's suggested Trump's actions were racist. When Trump said last year that four Democratic congresswomen of color should "go back" to their countries, Biden called it a "flat, racist attack." Biden has built his campaign around the election being a "battle for the soul of the nation" and says he felt compelled to run for president after he saw Trump respond to a deadly 2017 white supremacist attack on counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, by saying there were "some very fine people" on both sides.

Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is considering four Black women to be the vice-president if he wins the presidential election to be held in November later this year.

Biden has been receiving extensive vetting briefings about each potential candidate.

Biden is considering a broad tier of candidates to be his running mate, after pledging earlier this year to pick a woman for the job. CNN previously reported that Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Rep. Val Demings of Florida, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Obama administration national security adviser Susan Rice and Rep. Karen Bass of California are among the Black women being considered.

"I am not committed to naming any (of the potential candidates), but the people I've named, and among them there are four Black women," Biden told MSNBC's Joy Reid on "The ReidOut."

He said he is getting a "two-hour vetting report" on each of his potential picks, and that he and his team have gone through "about four candidates" so far.

Biden has said he will name his vice presidential pick in early August, before the Democratic National Convention, which is set to take place August 17-20.

Countless factors will go into Biden's pick, but he has said he is looking for someone who is ready to be president at a "moment's notice".

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is considering four Black women to be the vice-president if he wins the presidential election to be held in November later this year.

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is considering four Black women to be the vice-president if he wins the presidential election to be held in November later this year. Biden has been receiving extensive vetting briefings about each potential candidate. Biden is considering a broad tier of candidates to be his running mate, after pledging earlier this year to pick a woman for the job. CNN previously reported that Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Rep. Val Demings of Florida, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Obama administration national security adviser Susan Rice and Rep. Karen Bass of California are among the Black women being considered. "I am not committed to naming any (of the potential candidates), but the people I've named, and among them there are four Black women," Biden told MSNBC's Joy Reid on "The ReidOut." He said he is getting a "two-hour vetting report" on each of his potential picks, and that he and his team have gone through "about four candidates" so far. Biden has said he will name his vice presidential pick in early August, before the Democratic National Convention, which is set to take place August 17-20. Countless factors will go into Biden's pick, but he has said he is looking for someone who is ready to be president at a "moment's notice".

Joe Biden is considering four Black women for vice-president

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration&nbsp;of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country.

In his first public comments on the Portland unrest,&nbsp;Biden said in a statement that Homeland Security agents in Portland, some without any identifying markings, had been "brutally attacking peaceful protesters" and ranging far from federal property to detain people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-virus-crisis-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better-warns-donald-trump-315005">US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump</a>

"We have a president who is determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better,"&nbsp;he added.

Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have defended the efforts of officers in Portland as the city has faced prolonged demonstrations against racial injustice, saying they were trying to protect federal property.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-portland-trump-will-send-unknown-forces-to-liberal-democrat-cities-to-muzzle-protests-314802">After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests</a>

Portland's mayor has protested the federal presence and Oregon's attorney general has filed a lawsuit, saying federal agents had seized and detained people without probable cause.

Congressional Democrats have demanded an internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

On Monday, Trump suggested he would send federal law enforcement agents into other cities, saying without presenting evidence that Democratic mayors in those places had failed to control crime.

Biden said officers had the right to protect federal property but could do it without "resorting to these egregious tactics, and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country."

Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh&nbsp;said Biden's statement showed the former vice president was "siding with the criminals."

"That Biden would accuse law enforcement of 'stoking the fires of division' while the mob is literally setting fires to police buildings is unconscionable. Biden has clearly lost his moral bearings and failed the leadership test."

Biden&nbsp;served as Democratic President Barack Obama's vice president and leads Republican President Donald Trump in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country. In his first public comments on the Portland unrest, Biden said in a statement that Homeland Security agents in Portland, some without any identifying markings, had been "brutally attacking peaceful protesters" and ranging far from federal property to detain people. Also read: US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump "We have a president who is determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better," he added. Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have defended the efforts of officers in Portland as the city has faced prolonged demonstrations against racial injustice, saying they were trying to protect federal property. Also read: After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests Portland's mayor has protested the federal presence and Oregon's attorney general has filed a lawsuit, saying federal agents had seized and detained people without probable cause. Congressional Democrats have demanded an internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. On Monday, Trump suggested he would send federal law enforcement agents into other cities, saying without presenting evidence that Democratic mayors in those places had failed to control crime. Biden said officers had the right to protect federal property but could do it without "resorting to these egregious tactics, and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country." Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said Biden's statement showed the former vice president was "siding with the criminals." "That Biden would accuse law enforcement of 'stoking the fires of division' while the mob is literally setting fires to police buildings is unconscionable. Biden has clearly lost his moral bearings and failed the leadership test." Biden served as Democratic President Barack Obama's vice president and leads Republican President Donald Trump in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election.

Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics'

President Donald Trump assailed likely opponent Joe Biden as "not competent" to lead the country, speaking as polls over the weekend showed deepening voter disenchantment with his own handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-as-us-president-would-help-india-get-seat-on-unsc-former-american-diplomat-314422">Also read|&nbsp;Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat</a>

"He's shot, he's mentally shot," Trump said about Biden in a wide-ranging interview with "Fox News Sunday."

He said that if Biden is elected on November 3, he will "destroy this country."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-losing-donald-trump-refuses-to-commit-to-election-results-if-defeated-314500">Also read: I'm not losing, says&nbsp;Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated</a> 
 
Facing the multiple challenges of a spreading pandemic, racial unrest and a struggling economy, Trump made several unfounded or highly speculative accusations against the former vice president, saying Biden would "triple your taxes" and "defund the police."

He added, "Religion will be gone," referring to Democratic officials banning large church services to stem the virus spread.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-tweet-over-copyright-complaint-314405">Also read|&nbsp;Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint</a>

Asked whether he would accept the election result in November, even if he loses, Trump echoed his position of 2016, saying, "I have to see ... I'm not going to just say yes."

The interview, which was taped in advance, came as new polling results showed support for Biden surging as doubts about Trump's handling of the pandemic grow amid a resurgence in many states.

Interviewer Chris Wallace told the president that a new Fox opinion poll showed Biden with a substantial lead over Trump not only on his ability to manage the pandemic (with a 17-point edge) and to deal with racial unrest (by 21 points), but even -- by a single point -- on handling the economy, long a Trump strong point.

And a new Washington Post-ABC News poll has Biden leading Trump among registered voters nationwide by a resounding 15-point margin, 55-to-40 percent.

Trump dismissed such polling as "fake," saying White House surveys show him winning both nationally and in key swing states.

'Mommy, Mommy...'

He repeatedly pummeled Biden, who has kept a relatively low profile amid the restraints imposed by the pandemic.

Trump claimed that the Democrat wanted to "defund the police" -- a battle cry of some anti-racist protesters -- and insisted that such language was in a Biden policy document, though he was unable to produce it when challenged by Wallace.

As he repeatedly questioned his rival's mental acuity, Wallace asked him directly if thought Biden was senile.

"I don't want to say that," Trump replied. "I say he's not competent to be president."

He questioned whether the Democrat could pass a cognitive ability test that he said he had "aced," and said the former vice president would fall apart under tough questioning.

"Let Biden sit through an interview like this, he'll be on the ground crying for Mommy. He'll say, 'Mommy, Mommy, please take me home.'"

'Envy of the world'

Trump again defended his handling of the pandemic, claiming that "we are the envy of the world" on testing; and, of his early prediction that the virus would someday disappear, said, "I'll be right eventually."

He again opposed any national mandate for mask-wearing, saying, "I want people to have a certain freedom."

Referring to the racial unrest in the country, and a recent spike in violent crime in some cities, the president blamed "Democrat-run cities," which he said were "stupidly run."

Asked about statistics showing American blacks are twice as likely to be shot and killed by police as whites, Trump replied, "Many whites are killed also. You have to say that."

And he equated those who fly the Confederate flag with those saying that "Black Lives Matter," adding, "It's freedom of speech."

'Long overdue'

Trump again stated his opposition to renaming US military bases named after Confederate generals -- even after the military supported the idea.

"I don't care what the military says," the president said.

"We're going to name it after the Reverend Al Sharpton?" he asked rhetorically, referring to a prominent African-American civil rights leader.

There was no immediate response to the interview from Biden or his campaign, though the former vice president did tweet that "Banning the Confederate flag from military installations was long overdue."

On other subjects, Trump said the economy was "doing very well," even as millions remain jobless, with some states reimposing lockdowns. The stock market, he said, was near record highs.

President Donald Trump assailed likely opponent Joe Biden as "not competent" to lead the country, speaking as polls over the weekend showed deepening voter disenchantment with his own handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Donald Trump assailed likely opponent Joe Biden as "not competent" to lead the country, speaking as polls over the weekend showed deepening voter disenchantment with his own handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat "He's shot, he's mentally shot," Trump said about Biden in a wide-ranging interview with "Fox News Sunday." He said that if Biden is elected on November 3, he will "destroy this country." Also read: I'm not losing, says Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated Facing the multiple challenges of a spreading pandemic, racial unrest and a struggling economy, Trump made several unfounded or highly speculative accusations against the former vice president, saying Biden would "triple your taxes" and "defund the police." He added, "Religion will be gone," referring to Democratic officials banning large church services to stem the virus spread. Also read| Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint Asked whether he would accept the election result in November, even if he loses, Trump echoed his position of 2016, saying, "I have to see ... I'm not going to just say yes." The interview, which was taped in advance, came as new polling results showed support for Biden surging as doubts about Trump's handling of the pandemic grow amid a resurgence in many states. Interviewer Chris Wallace told the president that a new Fox opinion poll showed Biden with a substantial lead over Trump not only on his ability to manage the pandemic (with a 17-point edge) and to deal with racial unrest (by 21 points), but even -- by a single point -- on handling the economy, long a Trump strong point. And a new Washington Post-ABC News poll has Biden leading Trump among registered voters nationwide by a resounding 15-point margin, 55-to-40 percent. Trump dismissed such polling as "fake," saying White House surveys show him winning both nationally and in key swing states. 'Mommy, Mommy...' He repeatedly pummeled Biden, who has kept a relatively low profile amid the restraints imposed by the pandemic. Trump claimed that the Democrat wanted to "defund the police" -- a battle cry of some anti-racist protesters -- and insisted that such language was in a Biden policy document, though he was unable to produce it when challenged by Wallace. As he repeatedly questioned his rival's mental acuity, Wallace asked him directly if thought Biden was senile. "I don't want to say that," Trump replied. "I say he's not competent to be president." He questioned whether the Democrat could pass a cognitive ability test that he said he had "aced," and said the former vice president would fall apart under tough questioning. "Let Biden sit through an interview like this, he'll be on the ground crying for Mommy. He'll say, 'Mommy, Mommy, please take me home.'" 'Envy of the world' Trump again defended his handling of the pandemic, claiming that "we are the envy of the world" on testing; and, of his early prediction that the virus would someday disappear, said, "I'll be right eventually." He again opposed any national mandate for mask-wearing, saying, "I want people to have a certain freedom." Referring to the racial unrest in the country, and a recent spike in violent crime in some cities, the president blamed "Democrat-run cities," which he said were "stupidly run." Asked about statistics showing American blacks are twice as likely to be shot and killed by police as whites, Trump replied, "Many whites are killed also. You have to say that." And he equated those who fly the Confederate flag with those saying that "Black Lives Matter," adding, "It's freedom of speech." 'Long overdue' Trump again stated his opposition to renaming US military bases named after Confederate generals -- even after the military supported the idea. "I don't care what the military says," the president said. "We're going to name it after the Reverend Al Sharpton?" he asked rhetorically, referring to a prominent African-American civil rights leader. There was no immediate response to the interview from Biden or his campaign, though the former vice president did tweet that "Banning the Confederate flag from military installations was long overdue." On other subjects, Trump said the economy was "doing very well," even as millions remain jobless, with some states reimposing lockdowns. The stock market, he said, was near record highs.

Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump, who earlier said he would&nbsp;&nbsp;peacefully leave if he is voted out in the upcoming presidential elections, has now taken a U-turn.

Trump is now refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House elections as the polls are showing him lagging behind his opponent Joe Biden.

"I have to see. Look ... I have to see," Trump said in an interview with Fox news.&nbsp;“No, I''m not going to just say yes. I''m not going to say no, and I didn't last time either.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-as-us-president-would-help-india-get-seat-on-unsc-former-american-diplomat-314422">Also read|&nbsp;Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat</a>

Trump, as he has made it clear earlier too, does not trust the initial polls. Calling them "fake polls", he compared the situation to the 2016 Presidential elections and said,&nbsp;“First of all, I'm not losing, because those are fake polls. They were fake in 2016 and now they're even more fake. The polls were much worse in 2016.”

The race for a second-term of Presidency was, reportedly, going better than the present situation till the pandemic and 'Black Lives Matter' protests hit the country. The American citizens&nbsp;have been divided on Trump's response to the pandemic. While some agree with the President on reopening the economy, experts strongly urge the President to come up with better plans to save the country from the widespread of the deadly virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-tweet-over-copyright-complaint-314405">Also read|&nbsp;Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint</a>

Trump has not adhered to the health experts' advices and has continued to hold rallies and large gatherings without following the health and safety protocols and guidelines issued by the health experts of the country.

The protests, too, have added fuel to the fire. President Trump has gone out of his way, this year, to show his support to the minority groups of the country to gain votes after the hate crimes against the African-American community increased massively, and Trump too was spotted passing apparent racist comments towards Asian-American journalists during White House press conference.

US President Donald Trump, who earlier said he would peacefully leave if he is voted out in the upcoming presidential elections, has now taken a U-turn. Trump is now refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House elections as the polls are showing him lagging behind his opponent Joe Biden.

US President Donald Trump, who earlier said he would peacefully leave if he is voted out in the upcoming presidential elections, has now taken a U-turn. Trump is now refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House elections as the polls are showing him lagging behind his opponent Joe Biden. "I have to see. Look ... I have to see," Trump said in an interview with Fox news. “No, I''m not going to just say yes. I''m not going to say no, and I didn't last time either.” Also read| Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat Trump, as he has made it clear earlier too, does not trust the initial polls. Calling them "fake polls", he compared the situation to the 2016 Presidential elections and said, “First of all, I'm not losing, because those are fake polls. They were fake in 2016 and now they're even more fake. The polls were much worse in 2016.” The race for a second-term of Presidency was, reportedly, going better than the present situation till the pandemic and 'Black Lives Matter' protests hit the country. The American citizens have been divided on Trump's response to the pandemic. While some agree with the President on reopening the economy, experts strongly urge the President to come up with better plans to save the country from the widespread of the deadly virus. Also read| Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint Trump has not adhered to the health experts' advices and has continued to hold rallies and large gatherings without following the health and safety protocols and guidelines issued by the health experts of the country. The protests, too, have added fuel to the fire. President Trump has gone out of his way, this year, to show his support to the minority groups of the country to gain votes after the hate crimes against the African-American community increased massively, and Trump too was spotted passing apparent racist comments towards Asian-American journalists during White House press conference.

I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said.

India has been pushing for reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council, stating that its composition doesn't reflect the current realities and is not representative enough.

The UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent members -- the US, the UK, France, Russia and China. China is the only permanent member of the UNSC which is opposed to India's inclusion into the powerful grouping. Half of the 10 non-permanent members are elected every year for a two-year term. India, along with Mexico and Ireland, has been recently elected a non-permanent member for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021.

"There's no question that under his (Biden) leadership, he would help shape international institutions like the UN to give India a (permanent) seat on the Security Council, he would fulfil its (India) status as a major defence partner," former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Saturday.

"He (Biden) would work together with India to keep our citizens collectively safe. That means standing up against cross-border terrorism and standing with India when its neighbours attempt to change the status quo," he added.

Verma, an Indian-American who was US ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017, joined three other prominent Indian-Americans to make a strong pitch for the small but highly influential community to support and vote for Biden in the US presidential elections.

The 77-year-old former US vice president is set to be formally nominated by the Democratic Party in August. He will challenge 74-year-old incumbent President Donald Trump, a Republican in the November 3 presidential elections.

Verma, Biden Unity Task Force Economic Policy advisor Sonal Shah, former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy and Centre for American Progress Action Fund CEO Neera Tanden in their address to a virtual event argued that over the past several decades, Biden has a proven track record of being the best friend of Indians and Indian-Americans, be it as a Senator from Delaware or as a vice president under the Obama administration.

"There's no question president Biden would build a more inclusive, tolerant just and fair administration that would take US-India relations to new heights," Verma said at the event -- 'An Electorate Coming of Age: Indian Americans for Biden Community Town Hall'.

He urged the Indian-American community to make Biden's dream of making India and the US the two closet nations in the world a reality.

"I can confidently say, there would have been no US India Civil Nuclear Deal but for Joe Biden," Verma said.

"In 2006, I remember the remarks he made where he said, 'My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States. If that occurs, the world will be safer.' Think about that for a second. He made those remarks in 2006. And here we are, it's 2020. Let's make Joe Biden's dream a reality. That only becomes a reality if he becomes president," he said.

In her address, Neera Tanden urged Indian-Americans to take steps every day over the next three-and-a-half months to ensure that Biden becomes the president.

Sonal Shah said she will vote for Biden as she wants a country that is open to people like her, to her friends, to her colleagues and to everyone else.

"We are not just immigrants, we are not just people sitting on the side, we are part of that American fabric and welcome us to help create that fabric because we've been lucky enough to be able to do that. But it took people like Joe Biden to allow us and help us participate and give us those chances. We've benefited from that. So now I vote because I believe he is the right person, and we can build that country together with him," she said.

According to Dr Murthy, Biden's recognition and appreciation for immigrants and for communities like Indian-Americans is forming an incredibly important part of the backbone of the United States of America.

"This is a moment for our country when leadership matters, when values matter. When we go to the voting booth, as we think about how to build support for the candidate that will best reflect our vision and our hopes and our dreams. Let's lead with our values. Let's vote for the person who understands us," he said at the event organised jointly by the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for Biden, the AAPI Victory Fund and South Asians for Biden.

Later in a statement, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, who is on National Finance Committee for Biden, said, "Most Indian-Americans would say without hesitation that Biden would be a better president and world leader and better for India on all counts."

"The choice is clear for voting in November 2020. The choice is even clearer for Indo Americans and South Asians. Biden is the best answer for India and Indian-Americans. The Indian community sees him as one of 'our' leaders," he said.

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said.

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said. India has been pushing for reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council, stating that its composition doesn't reflect the current realities and is not representative enough. The UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent members -- the US, the UK, France, Russia and China. China is the only permanent member of the UNSC which is opposed to India's inclusion into the powerful grouping. Half of the 10 non-permanent members are elected every year for a two-year term. India, along with Mexico and Ireland, has been recently elected a non-permanent member for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021. "There's no question that under his (Biden) leadership, he would help shape international institutions like the UN to give India a (permanent) seat on the Security Council, he would fulfil its (India) status as a major defence partner," former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Saturday. "He (Biden) would work together with India to keep our citizens collectively safe. That means standing up against cross-border terrorism and standing with India when its neighbours attempt to change the status quo," he added. Verma, an Indian-American who was US ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017, joined three other prominent Indian-Americans to make a strong pitch for the small but highly influential community to support and vote for Biden in the US presidential elections. The 77-year-old former US vice president is set to be formally nominated by the Democratic Party in August. He will challenge 74-year-old incumbent President Donald Trump, a Republican in the November 3 presidential elections. Verma, Biden Unity Task Force Economic Policy advisor Sonal Shah, former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy and Centre for American Progress Action Fund CEO Neera Tanden in their address to a virtual event argued that over the past several decades, Biden has a proven track record of being the best friend of Indians and Indian-Americans, be it as a Senator from Delaware or as a vice president under the Obama administration. "There's no question president Biden would build a more inclusive, tolerant just and fair administration that would take US-India relations to new heights," Verma said at the event -- 'An Electorate Coming of Age: Indian Americans for Biden Community Town Hall'. He urged the Indian-American community to make Biden's dream of making India and the US the two closet nations in the world a reality. "I can confidently say, there would have been no US India Civil Nuclear Deal but for Joe Biden," Verma said. "In 2006, I remember the remarks he made where he said, 'My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States. If that occurs, the world will be safer.' Think about that for a second. He made those remarks in 2006. And here we are, it's 2020. Let's make Joe Biden's dream a reality. That only becomes a reality if he becomes president," he said. In her address, Neera Tanden urged Indian-Americans to take steps every day over the next three-and-a-half months to ensure that Biden becomes the president. Sonal Shah said she will vote for Biden as she wants a country that is open to people like her, to her friends, to her colleagues and to everyone else. "We are not just immigrants, we are not just people sitting on the side, we are part of that American fabric and welcome us to help create that fabric because we've been lucky enough to be able to do that. But it took people like Joe Biden to allow us and help us participate and give us those chances. We've benefited from that. So now I vote because I believe he is the right person, and we can build that country together with him," she said. According to Dr Murthy, Biden's recognition and appreciation for immigrants and for communities like Indian-Americans is forming an incredibly important part of the backbone of the United States of America. "This is a moment for our country when leadership matters, when values matter. When we go to the voting booth, as we think about how to build support for the candidate that will best reflect our vision and our hopes and our dreams. Let's lead with our values. Let's vote for the person who understands us," he said at the event organised jointly by the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for Biden, the AAPI Victory Fund and South Asians for Biden. Later in a statement, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, who is on National Finance Committee for Biden, said, "Most Indian-Americans would say without hesitation that Biden would be a better president and world leader and better for India on all counts." "The choice is clear for voting in November 2020. The choice is even clearer for Indo Americans and South Asians. Biden is the best answer for India and Indian-Americans. The Indian community sees him as one of 'our' leaders," he said.

Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he is getting intelligence briefings, and is told Russia continues to try to meddle in November's US election.

He also accused China of conducting activities designed for the US to lose confidence in the outcome of the 2020 election. He was addressing his supporters during an online fundraiser for his campaign.

Multiple US intelligence agencies found Russia acted to help Trump in the 2016 election, a charge Russia denies and which Trump has repeatedly labelled a "hoax."

"We know from before, and I guarantee you that I know now, because now I get briefings again. The Russians are still engaged in trying to delegitimize our electoral process. Fact," Biden said.

He warned that if Russia continued to interfere there would be "a real price to pay" if he wins the November election against Republican President Donald Trump.

Biden did not reveal when exactly he began receiving the intelligence briefings.

Biden has time and again criticised Trump over reports he does not read his intelligence briefings.

The former vice president under President Barack Obama said at a June 30 press conference he had not been offered a classified briefing and "may very well" ask for one in the aftermath of reports Trump did not act on intelligence reports that Russia had put bounties on US troops in Afghanistan.

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he is getting intelligence briefings, and is told Russia continues to try to meddle in November's US election.

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he is getting intelligence briefings, and is told Russia continues to try to meddle in November's US election. He also accused China of conducting activities designed for the US to lose confidence in the outcome of the 2020 election. He was addressing his supporters during an online fundraiser for his campaign. Multiple US intelligence agencies found Russia acted to help Trump in the 2016 election, a charge Russia denies and which Trump has repeatedly labelled a "hoax." "We know from before, and I guarantee you that I know now, because now I get briefings again. The Russians are still engaged in trying to delegitimize our electoral process. Fact," Biden said. He warned that if Russia continued to interfere there would be "a real price to pay" if he wins the November election against Republican President Donald Trump. Biden did not reveal when exactly he began receiving the intelligence briefings. Biden has time and again criticised Trump over reports he does not read his intelligence briefings. The former vice president under President Barack Obama said at a June 30 press conference he had not been offered a classified briefing and "may very well" ask for one in the aftermath of reports Trump did not act on intelligence reports that Russia had put bounties on US troops in Afghanistan.

Joe Biden warns of Russian election meddling after receiving intelligence briefings

Trump's behaviour is not exactly presidential. There's a lot to criticise him for&nbsp;but a recent press conference by him will get you thinking&nbsp;that he may also not be the monster the American media has made him out to be and&nbsp;that he may just be a victim of the general unwillingness on either side to acknowledge anything of worth on the opposite side.

Trump doesn't want to hear what his critics say and his critics demonise him for everything he says or does.&nbsp;Trump is not getting many chances to publicly ramble during the&nbsp;pandemic. He has had to cut down on election rallies. So he turned a press conference at Rose Garden into a rally venue.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-the-victim-donald-trump-313547/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US president spoke for a total of 63 minutes. The briefing started with the announcement of an executive order to hold China accountable for its actions in Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong will now be treated as the same as China," said Trump. It may just be Trump's biggest message of intent to Beijing.

According to the White House, the&nbsp;new law will give the Trump administration new and powerful tools to hold responsible the individuals and entities involved in extinguishing Hong Kong's freedom.

Also, the executive order will revoke special treatment for all Hong Kong passport holders. This announcement was just the beginning as Donald Trump came prepared to settle all doubts about his alleged softness towards Beijing.

However, the remarks that followed make us loose&nbsp;hope as within a few minutes&nbsp;Trump turned the press conference into a campaign speech. He began attacking Joe Biden. The jibes ranged from Biden opposing Trump's travel ban on Chinese nationals to Biden never speaking anything bad about China and to how Biden's entire career had been a gift to the Chinese Communist Party.

It was a very well crafted speech to gain political points but it became slightly tough to follow Trump's stream of consciousness.

The US president wandered from one thought to another.&nbsp; Also, he mentioned Biden's name more than 20 times in the press conference. Trump took jabs at Biden's mental capacity and implied that Biden had grown senile.

Trump probably forgot that he was addressing the&nbsp;press conference as the president of the United States and not as somebody looking to secure another term at the White House.&nbsp; It&nbsp;was an event meant to announce new actions against China but Trump turned it into a never-ending monologue of political attacks.

Trump's niece Mary L Trump has the answers and its called, "Too much and never enough: How my family created the world's most dangerous man." The&nbsp;book questions Trump's mental health.

It asserts that pathologies stemming from his childhood are playing out now on a global stage. The&nbsp;book was&nbsp;released on the same day as the&nbsp;press conference which was the most rambling press conference witnessed under Trump's presidency.

However, the question being asked is Donald Trump as bad as he seems?

Well, if one does not take into account his regressive views, his questionable morality, his ridiculous tweets, his half-baked decisions, his poor pandemic response, his unwillingness to listen to others and his lack of interest in foreign relations and his silence when his allies need him, if one does not consider all these things then Donald Trump is not that bad after all.

Trump's behaviour is not exactly presidential. There's a lot to criticise him for but a recent press conference by him will get you thinking that he may also not be the monster the American media has made him out to be and that he may just be a victim of the general unwillingness on either side to acknowledge anything of worth on the opposite side.

Trump's behaviour is not exactly presidential. There's a lot to criticise him for but a recent press conference by him will get you thinking that he may also not be the monster the American media has made him out to be and that he may just be a victim of the general unwillingness on either side to acknowledge anything of worth on the opposite side. Trump doesn't want to hear what his critics say and his critics demonise him for everything he says or does. Trump is not getting many chances to publicly ramble during the pandemic. He has had to cut down on election rallies. So he turned a press conference at Rose Garden into a rally venue. The US president spoke for a total of 63 minutes. The briefing started with the announcement of an executive order to hold China accountable for its actions in Hong Kong. "Hong Kong will now be treated as the same as China," said Trump. It may just be Trump's biggest message of intent to Beijing. According to the White House, the new law will give the Trump administration new and powerful tools to hold responsible the individuals and entities involved in extinguishing Hong Kong's freedom. Also, the executive order will revoke special treatment for all Hong Kong passport holders. This announcement was just the beginning as Donald Trump came prepared to settle all doubts about his alleged softness towards Beijing. However, the remarks that followed make us loose hope as within a few minutes Trump turned the press conference into a campaign speech. He began attacking Joe Biden. The jibes ranged from Biden opposing Trump's travel ban on Chinese nationals to Biden never speaking anything bad about China and to how Biden's entire career had been a gift to the Chinese Communist Party. It was a very well crafted speech to gain political points but it became slightly tough to follow Trump's stream of consciousness. The US president wandered from one thought to another. Also, he mentioned Biden's name more than 20 times in the press conference. Trump took jabs at Biden's mental capacity and implied that Biden had grown senile. Trump probably forgot that he was addressing the press conference as the president of the United States and not as somebody looking to secure another term at the White House. It was an event meant to announce new actions against China but Trump turned it into a never-ending monologue of political attacks. Trump's niece Mary L Trump has the answers and its called, "Too much and never enough: How my family created the world's most dangerous man." The book questions Trump's mental health. It asserts that pathologies stemming from his childhood are playing out now on a global stage. The book was released on the same day as the press conference which was the most rambling press conference witnessed under Trump's presidency. However, the question being asked is Donald Trump as bad as he seems? Well, if one does not take into account his regressive views, his questionable morality, his ridiculous tweets, his half-baked decisions, his poor pandemic response, his unwillingness to listen to others and his lack of interest in foreign relations and his silence when his allies need him, if one does not consider all these things then Donald Trump is not that bad after all.

Dissecting Trump and his behaviour as President of United States

Several high-profile Twitter accounts were simultaneously hacked on July 15 by attackers who used the accounts with millions of followers to spread a cryptocurrency scam. watch report.

Bitcoin scammers hack Twitter | Prominent US personalities hacked

As the United States gears up for presidential, congressional and local elections in November, let's analyse what does Joe Biden bring to the table besides the fact that he's not Donald Trump?.

The US president has failed miserably to deal with a global pandemic and the Trump administration is struggling to manage the worst economic crisis in 100 years. Trump has done little to end police brutality and racism.

Considering all these factors, Biden may seem like the better option. Although his current lead in opinion polls shouldn't be mistaken for evidence that he is the best man to lead America. Biden has an equally controversial past 
&nbsp; 
Joe Biden has been accused of participating in the demonization of the black community. In a 1993 speech, he warned of predators on the streets who were 'beyond the pale' and had to be taken off out of society. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/if-elected-joe-biden-will-clear-path-for-chinas-treacherous-agenda-292289">Also Read: If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda</a>

Biden has been accused of lying about his involvement in the civil rights movement. And he also played a leading role in inspiring congressional support for the invasion of Iraq.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-good-or-bad-for-india-313327/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least, eight women have alleged that Biden either touched them inappropriately or violated their personal space. These questionable acts have earned him the title of 'creepy Joe'.

Furthermore, Biden has been critical of the Indian government's decision like NRC and CAA. "These measures are inconsistent with the country's long tradition of secularism and with sustaining a multi-ethnic and multi-religious democracy," he said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joe-biden-campaign-names-indian-american-as-digital-chief-of-staff-309835">Also Read: Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff</a>

However, Biden has repeatedly stressed that if elected he will move swiftly to lift Trump's suspension of H1b visas. He has also promised to adopt a more nuanced approach on Iran. Biden has repeatedly urged the Trump administration to relax these sanctions for the sake of other allies.

And hence, a Biden presidency may give India more space to deal with Iran.

Bilateral relations are guided by national interest and not personal preference and whatever Joe Biden, the democrat, may have said, Biden, the presidential candidate has made it clear that India will be a priority.

As the United States gears up for presidential, congressional and local elections in November, let's analyse what does Joe Biden bring to the table besides the fact that he's not Donald Trump?

As the United States gears up for presidential, congressional and local elections in November, let's analyse what does Joe Biden bring to the table besides the fact that he's not Donald Trump?. The US president has failed miserably to deal with a global pandemic and the Trump administration is struggling to manage the worst economic crisis in 100 years. Trump has done little to end police brutality and racism. Considering all these factors, Biden may seem like the better option. Although his current lead in opinion polls shouldn't be mistaken for evidence that he is the best man to lead America. Biden has an equally controversial past Joe Biden has been accused of participating in the demonization of the black community. In a 1993 speech, he warned of predators on the streets who were 'beyond the pale' and had to be taken off out of society. Also Read: If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda Biden has been accused of lying about his involvement in the civil rights movement. And he also played a leading role in inspiring congressional support for the invasion of Iraq. At least, eight women have alleged that Biden either touched them inappropriately or violated their personal space. These questionable acts have earned him the title of 'creepy Joe'. Furthermore, Biden has been critical of the Indian government's decision like NRC and CAA. "These measures are inconsistent with the country's long tradition of secularism and with sustaining a multi-ethnic and multi-religious democracy," he said. Also Read: Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff However, Biden has repeatedly stressed that if elected he will move swiftly to lift Trump's suspension of H1b visas. He has also promised to adopt a more nuanced approach on Iran. Biden has repeatedly urged the Trump administration to relax these sanctions for the sake of other allies. And hence, a Biden presidency may give India more space to deal with Iran. Bilateral relations are guided by national interest and not personal preference and whatever Joe Biden, the democrat, may have said, Biden, the presidential candidate has made it clear that India will be a priority.

If elected, what does US presidential candidate Joe Biden bring for India?

United States President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of criticism on his opponent in the presidential election to be held in November -- Joe Biden, turning the press conference into a campaign event.

In a long, disjointed monologue of almost an hour, Trump -- who is trailing Biden in the polls 110 days before the vote -- read out a long list of allegations against his rival, accusing him of drifting to the "radical left" and painting an apocalyptic picture of the US under his presidency.

He accused Biden of "fawning" over China and wanting to "kill" the US energy sector, said his policies would "demolish" the economy, and once again tried to implicate his son Hunter by alluding to his role on the board of a Ukrainian company accused of graft.&nbsp;

"Where is Hunter?" he asked.&nbsp;

Trump alternated his attacks with fulsome praise for what he sees as his own successes.

That included the wall built on part of the border with Mexico, which he claimed had helped to stem the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-unveils-2-trillion-climate-plan-in-new-contrast-with-trump-313335">Also read |&nbsp;Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan in new contrast with Trump</a>

He also praised his own reaction to the global pandemic, claiming his administration's actions have saved "millions" of lives, despite the US remaining by far the most affected country in absolute terms.

When asked if he saw himself as an underdog, he said, "No, I don't."

Then, decrying the results of multiple national polls as "fake," he said "I think we have really good poll numbers."

"I think that the enthusiasm now is greater and maybe far greater than it was in 2016," he continued -- though he admitted that many voters "don't want to talk about it... and I fully understand that."

Even so, he claimed, "I think you have a silent majority the likes of which this country has never seen before. This is a very important election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-more-white-people-than-blacks-are-killed-by-us-police-313331">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says 'more white people' than Blacks are killed by US police</a>

"I think we have a great chance."

(with inputs from AFP)

United States President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of criticism on his opponent in the presidential election to be held in November -- Joe Biden, turning the press conference into a campaign event.

United States President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of criticism on his opponent in the presidential election to be held in November -- Joe Biden, turning the press conference into a campaign event. In a long, disjointed monologue of almost an hour, Trump -- who is trailing Biden in the polls 110 days before the vote -- read out a long list of allegations against his rival, accusing him of drifting to the "radical left" and painting an apocalyptic picture of the US under his presidency. He accused Biden of "fawning" over China and wanting to "kill" the US energy sector, said his policies would "demolish" the economy, and once again tried to implicate his son Hunter by alluding to his role on the board of a Ukrainian company accused of graft. "Where is Hunter?" he asked. Trump alternated his attacks with fulsome praise for what he sees as his own successes. That included the wall built on part of the border with Mexico, which he claimed had helped to stem the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Also read | Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan in new contrast with Trump He also praised his own reaction to the global pandemic, claiming his administration's actions have saved "millions" of lives, despite the US remaining by far the most affected country in absolute terms. When asked if he saw himself as an underdog, he said, "No, I don't." Then, decrying the results of multiple national polls as "fake," he said "I think we have really good poll numbers." "I think that the enthusiasm now is greater and maybe far greater than it was in 2016," he continued -- though he admitted that many voters "don't want to talk about it... and I fully understand that." Even so, he claimed, "I think you have a silent majority the likes of which this country has never seen before. This is a very important election. Also read | Trump says 'more white people' than Blacks are killed by US police "I think we have a great chance." (with inputs from AFP)

Trailing in the polls, Trump targets Biden at White House press event

White House hopeful Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious, $2 trillion climate change plan that would revamp the US energy sector and seek to achieve carbon pollution-free power in just 15 years.

The clean energy proposal was fleshed out in a speech in Wilmington as the veteran Democrat drew a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump ahead of November's election by arguing that fighting climate change would be a massive job creator under a Biden administration.

Insisting that "there's no more consequential challenge" today than climate change, Biden pledged to spend $2 trillion over four years to promote his plan, a dramatic acceleration of the $1.7 trillion he had proposed to spend over 10 years &nbsp;during the primary race.

"Transforming the American electrical sector to produce power without producing carbon pollution... will be the greatest spurring of job creation and economic competitiveness in the 21st century," Biden said.&nbsp;

"That's why we're going to achieve a carbon pollution-free electric sector by the year 2035."

The plan also includes more ambitious goals than the proposal he released months ago when he ran as one of the more moderate Democrats in the party's nomination race.

By embracing some ideas of his progressive ex-rivals, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Biden appears intent on winning over progressive voters who might be wary of the former vice president's more centrist positions.

He reiterated that he would rejoin the Paris climate agreement that Trump quit in 2017, fund the construction of 1.5 million new energy efficient homes, upgrade appliance standards and prioritize renewable energy.

"We're not just going to tinker around the edges," Biden said.

"I know meeting the challenge will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jolt new life into our economy."

Biden said he would reverse some 100 steps by Trump to roll back environmental regulations.&nbsp;

He also recalled parts of his earlier climate proposal that would put the nation on the road to net zero emissions economy-wide no later than 2050.

EXTREME

Trump delivered a rebuttal hours later, accusing Biden of launching a "hard-left crusade against American energy" and pushing a platform "that would demolish the US economy."

"He wants no oil and gas," Trump said as he criticized Biden's plan to reduce carbon emissions.

One week earlier Biden unveiled a unity platform that incorporated positions from leftist Sanders, but Trump attacked it as "the most extreme platform of any major party nominee, by far, in American history."

Biden, who has refrained from campaigning publicly amid coronavirus outbreaks, berated Trump for failing to contain a pandemic which has killed 136,000 Americans, or set the right example by wearing a mask, something Trump finally did on Saturday.

"I'm glad he made the shift," Biden said of Trump appearing in a mask.

"But Mr President, it's not enough. We won't be able to turn the corner and get the American people back to work safely without presidential leadership."

Biden leads Trump on most issues, according to polling, but voters still see the president as stronger on steering the US economy.

White House hopeful Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious, $2 trillion climate change plan that would revamp the US energy sector and seek to achieve carbon pollution-free power in just 15 years.

White House hopeful Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious, $2 trillion climate change plan that would revamp the US energy sector and seek to achieve carbon pollution-free power in just 15 years. The clean energy proposal was fleshed out in a speech in Wilmington as the veteran Democrat drew a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump ahead of November's election by arguing that fighting climate change would be a massive job creator under a Biden administration. Insisting that "there's no more consequential challenge" today than climate change, Biden pledged to spend $2 trillion over four years to promote his plan, a dramatic acceleration of the $1.7 trillion he had proposed to spend over 10 years during the primary race. "Transforming the American electrical sector to produce power without producing carbon pollution... will be the greatest spurring of job creation and economic competitiveness in the 21st century," Biden said. "That's why we're going to achieve a carbon pollution-free electric sector by the year 2035." The plan also includes more ambitious goals than the proposal he released months ago when he ran as one of the more moderate Democrats in the party's nomination race. By embracing some ideas of his progressive ex-rivals, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Biden appears intent on winning over progressive voters who might be wary of the former vice president's more centrist positions. He reiterated that he would rejoin the Paris climate agreement that Trump quit in 2017, fund the construction of 1.5 million new energy efficient homes, upgrade appliance standards and prioritize renewable energy. "We're not just going to tinker around the edges," Biden said. "I know meeting the challenge will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jolt new life into our economy." Biden said he would reverse some 100 steps by Trump to roll back environmental regulations. He also recalled parts of his earlier climate proposal that would put the nation on the road to net zero emissions economy-wide no later than 2050. EXTREME Trump delivered a rebuttal hours later, accusing Biden of launching a "hard-left crusade against American energy" and pushing a platform "that would demolish the US economy." "He wants no oil and gas," Trump said as he criticized Biden's plan to reduce carbon emissions. One week earlier Biden unveiled a unity platform that incorporated positions from leftist Sanders, but Trump attacked it as "the most extreme platform of any major party nominee, by far, in American history." Biden, who has refrained from campaigning publicly amid coronavirus outbreaks, berated Trump for failing to contain a pandemic which has killed 136,000 Americans, or set the right example by wearing a mask, something Trump finally did on Saturday. "I'm glad he made the shift," Biden said of Trump appearing in a mask. "But Mr President, it's not enough. We won't be able to turn the corner and get the American people back to work safely without presidential leadership." Biden leads Trump on most issues, according to polling, but voters still see the president as stronger on steering the US economy.

Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan in new contrast with Trump

Will Joe Biden give India priority if he is elected U.S. President? What does he bring to the table besides the fact that he is not Donald Trump?

Gravitas: Joe Biden: Good or Bad for India?

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