Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania.

The Democratic challenger presented his sweeping "Build Back Better" proposal, a contrast to Trump's "America first" agenda, during a speech at a metalworks plant in a swing state critical to either candidate's victory in November.

Vice President Mike Pence was simultaneously barnstorming Pennsylvania, defending his boss's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and assuring voters that Trump was best qualified to revive the sputtering economy.

Biden's manufacturing and innovation plan aims to bring back positions lost during the coronavirus pandemic, and create more than five million new jobs by investing in domestic production and research and shrinking foreign supply chains.&nbsp;

The multi-pronged approach also tightens "Buy America" guidelines, promotes new tax rules including hiking the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, and expands union access to empower American workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-says-he-will-revoke-h-1b-visa-suspension-if-elected-us-president-310285">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden says he will revoke H-1B visa suspension, if elected US president</a>

"That's what my plan is, to build back better," Biden told ironworkers after touring their 101-year-old factory near Scranton, the blue-collar city where the former vice president grew up.

The goal, he said, is "to sharpen America's competitive edge" in new industries like battery technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and clean energy. "That's the future."

Biden said he rejects the "defeatist view" that automation and globalization will sap well-paid US jobs.

"American manufacturing was the functioning arsenal of democracy in World War II, and has to be part of the engine of new prosperity in America now," he said.

Biden's plan to protect American workers underscores a recognition that, despite Trump's poor job approval numbers, voters still see him as stronger than Biden on handling the economy.

But Biden drew a sharp contrast with his billionaire rival, highlighting his working-class upbringing and even making a side-trip to his old Scranton neighbourhood.

Trump won in 2016 largely on the promise of bringing back lost manufacturing jobs.

Biden accused him of turning his back on the working class.

"Trump has simply given up," Biden said, adding that American families are "paying the price for this administration's incompetence."

While the president repeatedly invokes American business as a leading force in economic revival, Biden's plan relies on the federal government to "bolster American industrial and technological strength."&nbsp;

It proposes a $400 billion investment in domestic product procurement, and $300 billion for research and development as well as breakthrough technologies including reusable energy and electric vehicles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-natural-partners-boosting-ties-will-be-high-priority-if-voted-to-power-joe-biden-310125">Also read |&nbsp;India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden</a>

"This will be a mobilisation of R&amp;D and procurement investment in ways not seen since the Great Depression and World War II," Biden said.

ADMINISTRATION INCOMPETENCE

Pence's arrival in state signaled the White House's all-out fight for Pennsylvania, which flipped to Trump in 2016 but now leans towards Biden.

"I know, not far from here Joe Biden is at another company, talking about his plans for the economy going forward.&nbsp;And I think the choice has never been clearer for the American people," Pence told a roundtable in the town of Malvern.

Later in Philadelphia at a Fraternal Order of Police rally, he attacked "radical" leftists for "trying to smear police officers."

The remark reflected the intense debates over racial injustice and policing that have marked coast-to-coast protests following the police killing of African-American man George Floyd.

Trump's team also accused Biden of aligning with his progressive former campaign rival Bernie Sanders to unveil joint policy proposals Wednesday, including ambitious climate change mandates, that would plunge the country "into economic catastrophe."

Biden, meanwhile, savaged Trump for being woefully unprepared to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 133,000 Americans, and ignoring the plight of working-class families.

"He's exactly the wrong person to lead in this moment," Biden said.&nbsp;

Biden holds a sizeable 8.8 percent lead over Trump nationally, according to a RealClearPolitics poll aggregate.

The Democrat also leads in swing states that Trump won in 2016, including Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 
&nbsp;

Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania.

Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania. The Democratic challenger presented his sweeping "Build Back Better" proposal, a contrast to Trump's "America first" agenda, during a speech at a metalworks plant in a swing state critical to either candidate's victory in November. Vice President Mike Pence was simultaneously barnstorming Pennsylvania, defending his boss's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and assuring voters that Trump was best qualified to revive the sputtering economy. Biden's manufacturing and innovation plan aims to bring back positions lost during the coronavirus pandemic, and create more than five million new jobs by investing in domestic production and research and shrinking foreign supply chains. The multi-pronged approach also tightens "Buy America" guidelines, promotes new tax rules including hiking the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, and expands union access to empower American workers. Also read | Joe Biden says he will revoke H-1B visa suspension, if elected US president "That's what my plan is, to build back better," Biden told ironworkers after touring their 101-year-old factory near Scranton, the blue-collar city where the former vice president grew up. The goal, he said, is "to sharpen America's competitive edge" in new industries like battery technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and clean energy. "That's the future." Biden said he rejects the "defeatist view" that automation and globalization will sap well-paid US jobs. "American manufacturing was the functioning arsenal of democracy in World War II, and has to be part of the engine of new prosperity in America now," he said. Biden's plan to protect American workers underscores a recognition that, despite Trump's poor job approval numbers, voters still see him as stronger than Biden on handling the economy. But Biden drew a sharp contrast with his billionaire rival, highlighting his working-class upbringing and even making a side-trip to his old Scranton neighbourhood. Trump won in 2016 largely on the promise of bringing back lost manufacturing jobs. Biden accused him of turning his back on the working class. "Trump has simply given up," Biden said, adding that American families are "paying the price for this administration's incompetence." While the president repeatedly invokes American business as a leading force in economic revival, Biden's plan relies on the federal government to "bolster American industrial and technological strength." It proposes a $400 billion investment in domestic product procurement, and $300 billion for research and development as well as breakthrough technologies including reusable energy and electric vehicles. Also read | India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden "This will be a mobilisation of R&D and procurement investment in ways not seen since the Great Depression and World War II," Biden said. ADMINISTRATION INCOMPETENCE Pence's arrival in state signaled the White House's all-out fight for Pennsylvania, which flipped to Trump in 2016 but now leans towards Biden. "I know, not far from here Joe Biden is at another company, talking about his plans for the economy going forward. And I think the choice has never been clearer for the American people," Pence told a roundtable in the town of Malvern. Later in Philadelphia at a Fraternal Order of Police rally, he attacked "radical" leftists for "trying to smear police officers." The remark reflected the intense debates over racial injustice and policing that have marked coast-to-coast protests following the police killing of African-American man George Floyd. Trump's team also accused Biden of aligning with his progressive former campaign rival Bernie Sanders to unveil joint policy proposals Wednesday, including ambitious climate change mandates, that would plunge the country "into economic catastrophe." Biden, meanwhile, savaged Trump for being woefully unprepared to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 133,000 Americans, and ignoring the plight of working-class families. "He's exactly the wrong person to lead in this moment," Biden said. Biden holds a sizeable 8.8 percent lead over Trump nationally, according to a RealClearPolitics poll aggregate. The Democrat also leads in swing states that Trump won in 2016, including Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Challenging Trump on economy, Biden unveils $700 bn recovery plan

The US notched over 57,800 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours. The cases are surging even as many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the virus while making extensive alterations to work and social life that could last for a year or more until a vaccine is available.

Four major US states witness record surge in COVID-19 cases

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner".&nbsp;

"India needs to be a partner in the region for our safety's sake and quite frankly for theirs," Biden said when asked about the relations between both countries during a virtual fundraiser event, reported PTI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-george-w-bush-administration-officials-to-back-biden-says-report-309882">Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report</a>

Calling India and US "natural partners", the former vice president also said that their strategic partnership was "high priority in the Obama-Biden administration and will be a high priority if I''m elected president". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joe-biden-campaign-names-indian-american-as-digital-chief-of-staff-309835">Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff</a>

On the US elections, Biden added that it would be the most important poll of a lifetime, saying that country's character is at stake.

Biden also slammed US President Donald Trump for his response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he ignored warnings when the outbreak started and failed to protect the country.&nbsp;

He said that Trump, throughout his tenure, undermined the "very core pillars of ours, what I would argue, moral and economic strength".

"I really do believe that our country is crying out for leadership and maybe even more important, some healing. Today, we have an enormous opportunity not only to rebuild but to build back better than before. To build a better future. That's what America does," Biden added.&nbsp;

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner".

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner". "India needs to be a partner in the region for our safety's sake and quite frankly for theirs," Biden said when asked about the relations between both countries during a virtual fundraiser event, reported PTI. Also read | Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report Calling India and US "natural partners", the former vice president also said that their strategic partnership was "high priority in the Obama-Biden administration and will be a high priority if I''m elected president". Also read | Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff On the US elections, Biden added that it would be the most important poll of a lifetime, saying that country's character is at stake. Biden also slammed US President Donald Trump for his response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he ignored warnings when the outbreak started and failed to protect the country. He said that Trump, throughout his tenure, undermined the "very core pillars of ours, what I would argue, moral and economic strength". "I really do believe that our country is crying out for leadership and maybe even more important, some healing. Today, we have an enormous opportunity not only to rebuild but to build back better than before. To build a better future. That's what America does," Biden added.

India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden

Democratic presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden has said he would lift the temporary suspension on H-1B visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT professionals, if he wins the November presidential elections.

The Trump administration suspended the H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year, on June 23, in a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market.

Biden, in a digital town hall meeting on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) issues organised by NBC News, praised the contribution of H-1B visa holders, PTI reports.

"He (US President Donald Trump) just ended H-1B visas the rest of this year. That will not be in my administration," Joe Biden said responding to a question during the town hall. He was referring to the temporary suspension of the H-1B visas and other foreign work visas by Trump for the rest of the year.

"The people on the company visa have built this country," Biden said when asked what his administration will do in the first 100 days of his presidency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-natural-partners-boosting-ties-will-be-high-priority-if-voted-to-power-joe-biden-310125">Also read |&nbsp;India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden</a>

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

"On day one, I''m going to send the legislative immigration reform bill to Congress to provide a roadmap to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants who contribute so much to this country, including 1.7 million from the AAPI community.

"My immigration policy is built around keeping families together, modernising an immigration system by keeping families, unification and diversity as pillars of our immigration system, which it used to be," Biden said.

He alleged that Donald Trump's immigration policies are cruel.

Biden said that he would take immediate action to protect dreamers, including more than 100,000 eligible dreamers from East and South Asia.

The former US Vice President also said that he would rescind Muslim travel ban and immediately restore refugee admission in line with the values and historic leadership of the United States.

Biden also told town hall participants that he will "make it easier for qualified Green Card holders to move through this backlog."

Donald Trump, in April, gave an executive order to suspend green cards for 90 days. In June, he issued a proclamation which extended the suspension till December 31, 2020.

The US every year allocates only 1,40,000 green cards for all employment-preference immigrants, including accompanying family members.

Currently, there is a backlog of almost 10 lakh foreign nationals and accompanying family members lawfully residing in the United States. These applicants have been approved but are yet to receive employment green cards.

In his policy paper on immigration, Biden says that his high skilled temporary visas should not be used to disincentive recruiting workers already in the US for in-demand occupations.

"An immigration system that crowds out high-skilled workers in favour of only entry level wages and skills threatens American innovation and competitiveness," the policy paper said.

Joe Biden will work with Congress to first reform temporary visas to establish a wage-based allocation process and establish enforcement mechanisms to ensure they are aligned with the labour market and not used to undermine wages, it said.

Then, Mr Biden will support expanding the number of high-skilled visas and eliminating the limits on employment-based visas by country, which create unacceptably long backlogs, it added.

The immigration policy paper also talks about increasing the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration based on macroeconomic conditions. Currently, the number of employment-based visas or Green Card is capped at 140,000 each year, without the ability to be responsive to the state of the labour market or demands from domestic employers, it said.

As President, Joe Biden will work with Congress to increase the number of visas awarded for permanent, employment-based immigration - and promote mechanisms to temporarily reduce the number of visas during times of high US unemployment, it said.

He will also exempt from any cap recent graduates of PhD programmes in Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the US who are poised to make some of the most important contributions to the world economy.

Biden believes that foreign graduates of a US doctoral programme should be given a Green Card with their degree and that losing these highly trained workers to foreign economies is a disservice to our own economic competitiveness, the policy paper said.

Joe Biden is challenging the 74-year-old Republican incumbent President Donald Trump in the November 3 presidential elections where Trump is seeking his re-election for his second four-year term.

Democratic presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden has said he would lift the temporary suspension on H-1B visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT professionals, if he wins the November presidential elections.

Democratic presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden has said he would lift the temporary suspension on H-1B visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT professionals, if he wins the November presidential elections. The Trump administration suspended the H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year, on June 23, in a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market. Biden, in a digital town hall meeting on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) issues organised by NBC News, praised the contribution of H-1B visa holders, PTI reports. "He (US President Donald Trump) just ended H-1B visas the rest of this year. That will not be in my administration," Joe Biden said responding to a question during the town hall. He was referring to the temporary suspension of the H-1B visas and other foreign work visas by Trump for the rest of the year. "The people on the company visa have built this country," Biden said when asked what his administration will do in the first 100 days of his presidency. Also read | India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "On day one, I''m going to send the legislative immigration reform bill to Congress to provide a roadmap to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants who contribute so much to this country, including 1.7 million from the AAPI community. "My immigration policy is built around keeping families together, modernising an immigration system by keeping families, unification and diversity as pillars of our immigration system, which it used to be," Biden said. He alleged that Donald Trump's immigration policies are cruel. Biden said that he would take immediate action to protect dreamers, including more than 100,000 eligible dreamers from East and South Asia. The former US Vice President also said that he would rescind Muslim travel ban and immediately restore refugee admission in line with the values and historic leadership of the United States. Biden also told town hall participants that he will "make it easier for qualified Green Card holders to move through this backlog." Donald Trump, in April, gave an executive order to suspend green cards for 90 days. In June, he issued a proclamation which extended the suspension till December 31, 2020. The US every year allocates only 1,40,000 green cards for all employment-preference immigrants, including accompanying family members. Currently, there is a backlog of almost 10 lakh foreign nationals and accompanying family members lawfully residing in the United States. These applicants have been approved but are yet to receive employment green cards. In his policy paper on immigration, Biden says that his high skilled temporary visas should not be used to disincentive recruiting workers already in the US for in-demand occupations. "An immigration system that crowds out high-skilled workers in favour of only entry level wages and skills threatens American innovation and competitiveness," the policy paper said. Joe Biden will work with Congress to first reform temporary visas to establish a wage-based allocation process and establish enforcement mechanisms to ensure they are aligned with the labour market and not used to undermine wages, it said. Then, Mr Biden will support expanding the number of high-skilled visas and eliminating the limits on employment-based visas by country, which create unacceptably long backlogs, it added. The immigration policy paper also talks about increasing the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration based on macroeconomic conditions. Currently, the number of employment-based visas or Green Card is capped at 140,000 each year, without the ability to be responsive to the state of the labour market or demands from domestic employers, it said. As President, Joe Biden will work with Congress to increase the number of visas awarded for permanent, employment-based immigration - and promote mechanisms to temporarily reduce the number of visas during times of high US unemployment, it said. He will also exempt from any cap recent graduates of PhD programmes in Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the US who are poised to make some of the most important contributions to the world economy. Biden believes that foreign graduates of a US doctoral programme should be given a Green Card with their degree and that losing these highly trained workers to foreign economies is a disservice to our own economic competitiveness, the policy paper said. Joe Biden is challenging the 74-year-old Republican incumbent President Donald Trump in the November 3 presidential elections where Trump is seeking his re-election for his second four-year term.

Joe Biden says he will revoke H-1B visa suspension, if elected US president

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday&nbsp;criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty."

The White House has said Trump did not receive a personal briefing on intelligence about the alleged Russian program.&nbsp;

White House press&nbsp;secretary&nbsp;Kayleigh&nbsp;McEnany&nbsp;defended Trump during a press briefing by saying&nbsp;"he is constantly being informed and briefed on intelligence matters.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-press-secretary-mocked-after-saying-trump-is-most-informed-person-309771" hreflang="en">White House press secretary mocked after calling Trump 'most informed person'</a>

Biden spoke at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware, where he took questions from reporters for the first time in months after delivering a speech attacking Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

"He doesn't seem to be cognitively aware of what's going on," Biden said, throwing one of Trump's criticisms of the Democrat back at him and previewing the sparring that could take place at their debates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-wasnt-briefed-on-russia-taliban-bounty-intelligence-309193">Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence</a>

He also launched a fresh attack on President Donald Trump's "historic mismanagement" of the coronavirus pandemic as the number of confirmed cases in many states rises.

Biden argued that earlier action by Trump would have reduced the number who fell ill and the economic impact of the virus.

He released an updated plan to tackle the pandemic, which would include more COVID-19 testing and hiring at least 100,000 contract tracers.

He predicted that the coronavirus outbreak would likely worsen with the onset of the flu season, and said preparations should include more flu vaccines.

Biden&nbsp;said that, if elected, he would ask the federal government's top disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to serve another term.

The Republican president trails Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November&nbsp;3 election amid the pandemic's health and economic crises, and nationwide protests against police brutality.

Answering a reporter's question on whether he had been tested for cognitive decline, Biden said he was looking forward to comparing his "cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I'm running against."

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty." The White House has said Trump did not receive a personal briefing on intelligence about the alleged Russian program. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended Trump during a press briefing by saying "he is constantly being informed and briefed on intelligence matters.'' Also read: White House press secretary mocked after calling Trump 'most informed person' Biden spoke at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware, where he took questions from reporters for the first time in months after delivering a speech attacking Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. "He doesn't seem to be cognitively aware of what's going on," Biden said, throwing one of Trump's criticisms of the Democrat back at him and previewing the sparring that could take place at their debates. Also read: Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence He also launched a fresh attack on President Donald Trump's "historic mismanagement" of the coronavirus pandemic as the number of confirmed cases in many states rises. Biden argued that earlier action by Trump would have reduced the number who fell ill and the economic impact of the virus. He released an updated plan to tackle the pandemic, which would include more COVID-19 testing and hiring at least 100,000 contract tracers. He predicted that the coronavirus outbreak would likely worsen with the onset of the flu season, and said preparations should include more flu vaccines. Biden said that, if elected, he would ask the federal government's top disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to serve another term. The Republican president trails Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election amid the pandemic's health and economic crises, and nationwide protests against police brutality. Answering a reporter's question on whether he had been tested for cognitive decline, Biden said he was looking forward to comparing his "cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I'm running against."

Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden.

Bush was the country’s 43rd president.

According to Reuters, the officials, including Cabinet secretaries and other senior people in the Bush administration, have formed a political action committee - 43 Alumni for Biden - to support the former vice president in his November 3 race -- the latest Republican-led group coming out to oppose the re-election of Donald Trump.

It is often said Trump has alienated some in his own party, most recently with his response to the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans.

The Super PAC will launch on Wednesday with a website and Facebook page. It plans to release “testimonial videos” praising Biden from high-profile Republicans and will hold get-out-the-vote efforts in the most competitive states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-slams-trumps-cognitive-capability-over-russian-bounty-intelligence-309774">Also read |&nbsp;Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence</a>

Bush’s office has been informed about the group, but the former president is not involved and has not indicated if he approves of its aims.

Freddy Ford, a spokesman for Bush, said Bush had retired “and won’t be wading into this election.”

Bush, who is still admired by many moderate Republicans, won praise for saying the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, in police custody reflected a “shocking failure”, and urged that protesters be heard.

Earlier, he released a video calling for Americans to unite in the face of the pandemic.

Despite policy differences with Biden, “hundreds” of former Bush officials believe the Democrat has the integrity to meet America’s challenges, the 43 Alumni members said.

As a Super PAC, the group’s members are forbidden by law from working with or communicating with the Biden campaign, but can raise unlimited amounts of money and run ads or hold events to support the candidate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-press-secretary-mocked-after-saying-trump-is-most-informed-person-309771">Also read |&nbsp;White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person'</a>

Dozens of Republican former national security officials are set to back Biden, claiming that Trump is a threat to US security, people involved in the effort told Reuters.

Other Republican groups opposing his re-election include the Lincoln Project, co-founded by George Conway, husband of Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway.

Trump has also drawn sharp criticism from retired military leaders over his apparent attempts to involve the armed forces in efforts to quell the anti-racism protests.

Trump has expressed contempt for Republican and conservative figures who oppose him, saying on Twitter that “Never Trumper” Republicans are “human scum.”

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden. Bush was the country’s 43rd president.

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden. Bush was the country’s 43rd president. According to Reuters, the officials, including Cabinet secretaries and other senior people in the Bush administration, have formed a political action committee - 43 Alumni for Biden - to support the former vice president in his November 3 race -- the latest Republican-led group coming out to oppose the re-election of Donald Trump. It is often said Trump has alienated some in his own party, most recently with his response to the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans. The Super PAC will launch on Wednesday with a website and Facebook page. It plans to release “testimonial videos” praising Biden from high-profile Republicans and will hold get-out-the-vote efforts in the most competitive states. Also read | Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence Bush’s office has been informed about the group, but the former president is not involved and has not indicated if he approves of its aims. Freddy Ford, a spokesman for Bush, said Bush had retired “and won’t be wading into this election.” Bush, who is still admired by many moderate Republicans, won praise for saying the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, in police custody reflected a “shocking failure”, and urged that protesters be heard. Earlier, he released a video calling for Americans to unite in the face of the pandemic. Despite policy differences with Biden, “hundreds” of former Bush officials believe the Democrat has the integrity to meet America’s challenges, the 43 Alumni members said. As a Super PAC, the group’s members are forbidden by law from working with or communicating with the Biden campaign, but can raise unlimited amounts of money and run ads or hold events to support the candidate. Also read | White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person' Dozens of Republican former national security officials are set to back Biden, claiming that Trump is a threat to US security, people involved in the effort told Reuters. Other Republican groups opposing his re-election include the Lincoln Project, co-founded by George Conway, husband of Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway. Trump has also drawn sharp criticism from retired military leaders over his apparent attempts to involve the armed forces in efforts to quell the anti-racism protests. Trump has expressed contempt for Republican and conservative figures who oppose him, saying on Twitter that “Never Trumper” Republicans are “human scum.”

Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report

Joe Biden trashed President Trump on Saturday for failing to respond to intelligence reports that Russia put a bounty on the heads of American troops in Afghanistan.

Biden accuses trump for ignoring intel over Russian bounty reports

Former US Vice President and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden has appointed Indian-American Medha Raj as his digital chief of staff, it was reported.

In addition to Raj, Biden announced several new names for his almost entirely virtual campaign trail, IndiaWest news reported on Monday citing CNN.

Raj was joined by Clarke Humphrey as the new deputy digital director for grassroots fundraising; Jose Nunez as the digital organizing director; and Christian Tom as the new director of digital partnerships.

The four new additions, whose collective experience includes digital work on the Democratic presidential campaigns of California Senator Kamala Harris, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and online expertise from companies like Twitter and NowThis, will be devoted to online organizing, content and grassroots fundraising.

Raj will work across all facets of the digital department to streamline and coordinate how to maximize the impact of its digital outputs. She comes from former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg`s campaign, said India-West.

"Excited to share that I`ve joined Joe Biden`s campaign as the Digital Chief of Staff. 130 days to the election and we`re not going to waste a minute," she wrote on her LinkedIn profile.

Raj is based out of the Los Angeles area in Southern California. She worked for eight months on the Buttigieg campaign, from August 2019 to March 2020.

A graduate of Georgetown University and Stanford, Raj was a research assistant for Real Institute Elcano in Spain; a consultant at Deloitte; on the strategy team for Flippable.org; and the investment team at Higher Ground Labs.

She also served in the office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and on California Governor Gavin Newsom`s campaign in 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former US Vice President and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden has appointed Indian-American Medha Raj as his digital chief of staff, it was reported.

Former US Vice President and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden has appointed Indian-American Medha Raj as his digital chief of staff, it was reported. In addition to Raj, Biden announced several new names for his almost entirely virtual campaign trail, IndiaWest news reported on Monday citing CNN. Raj was joined by Clarke Humphrey as the new deputy digital director for grassroots fundraising; Jose Nunez as the digital organizing director; and Christian Tom as the new director of digital partnerships. The four new additions, whose collective experience includes digital work on the Democratic presidential campaigns of California Senator Kamala Harris, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and online expertise from companies like Twitter and NowThis, will be devoted to online organizing, content and grassroots fundraising. Raj will work across all facets of the digital department to streamline and coordinate how to maximize the impact of its digital outputs. She comes from former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg`s campaign, said India-West. "Excited to share that I`ve joined Joe Biden`s campaign as the Digital Chief of Staff. 130 days to the election and we`re not going to waste a minute," she wrote on her LinkedIn profile. Raj is based out of the Los Angeles area in Southern California. She worked for eight months on the Buttigieg campaign, from August 2019 to March 2020. A graduate of Georgetown University and Stanford, Raj was a research assistant for Real Institute Elcano in Spain; a consultant at Deloitte; on the strategy team for Flippable.org; and the investment team at Higher Ground Labs. She also served in the office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and on California Governor Gavin Newsom`s campaign in 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff

Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate set to challenge Trump in the November 3 election, criticised US President Donald Trump for not acting against reports of Russian spies offering bounties to Taliban-linked militants t kill US troops in Afghanistan.

Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate set to challenge Trump in the November 3 election, criticised US President Donald Trump for not acting against reports of Russian spies offering bounties to Taliban-linked militants t kill US troops in Afghanistan. During a virtual town hall on Saturday, Biden said Times report, if true, represents a "truly shocking revelation," noting in particular Trump's reported failure to retaliate. "Not only has he failed to sanction or impose any kind of consequences on Russia for this egregious violation of international law, Donald Trump has continued his embarrassing campaign of deference and debasing himself before Vladimir Putin," Biden said, referring to the Russian president. Biden pledged retaliation if he becomes president. Also read - Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report "If I'm elected president, make no mistake about it, Vladimir Putin will be confronted and we'll impose serious costs on Russia," Biden said. Meanwhile, the White House on Saturday denied that Trump was briefed on reported US intelligence that Russia's military offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement that "neither the president nor the vice president (Mike Pence) were briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence." The statement, McEnany said, did not address the "merit of the alleged intelligence" reported on Friday by the New York Times. A Russian military intelligence unit linked to assassination attempts in Europe offered rewards for successful attacks last year on American and coalition troops, the Times reported. The newspaper reported that Islamist militants, or armed criminal elements closely associated with them, were believed to have collected some bounty money. Trump was told about the intelligence but had not authorized steps to retaliate, the Times reported. (With inputs from Reuters)

Joe Biden criticizes Trump for not acting against reported Russian bounties

Donald Trump's bungled coronavirus response and crackdowns on protesters have thrust Joe Biden into the driver's seat of the US presidential election, but the Democratic challenger must decide when to start campaigning in earnest and battle his opponent head on.

Polls show American voters have little faith in Trump's ability to defeat the pandemic, and 130 days out from November's election Biden has surged into a commanding lead despite holding few in-person events since mid-March.

But with campaign inflection points fast approaching -- notably his pick of a running mate, expected in early August, and the Democratic National Convention later that month -- Biden must consider how to balance adhering to coronavirus safety measures and appearing as more than just a virtual candidate.

Hurling criticism at the president from his Delaware home is not a viable long-term strategy for Biden, common sense and experts dictate.

"I don't see how that's sustainable through the fall election," professor&nbsp;Barry Burden, director of the Election Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told AFP.

"There will come a point where Biden will need to be a physical presence on the campaign trail, if only to reassure voters he is a real person, in good health and ready to serve."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-attacks-trump-health-policy-as-cruel-in-election-battleground-state-308752">Also read |&nbsp;Biden attacks Trump health policy as 'cruel' in election battleground state</a>

That coming out should occur in July, Burden said, so Biden can start honing his public messaging before sharing a stage with his new vice presidential pick.&nbsp;

Biden must be wary of appearing contradictory if he were to hold crowded rallies after warning such gatherings are dangerous.

Mocked by Team Trump for repeatedly broadcasting from his basement studio, Biden appears to be making a gradual shift toward in-person events.

On Thursday he travelled to Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he wore a mask and sat with families in a brick-lined garden to discuss health care.

In a speech minutes later, he savaged Trump for seeking to dismantle Obamacare.

"We've seen that same callousness in his handling of the coronavirus," Biden said, evoking Trump's refusal to heed the advice of his own scientists and wear a mask, calling the disease the "kung flu," and saying he would like to&nbsp; "slow" down virus testing.&nbsp;

"He's like a child who can't believe this has happened to him," Biden said.

"His job isn't to whine about it, his job is to do something about it."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-asks-supreme-court-to-invalidate-affordable-care-act-308713">Also read |&nbsp;Trump administration asks Supreme Court to invalidate Affordable Care Act</a>

IMPORTANT CONTRAST

Trump is adrift in troubling waters.&nbsp;Scientists say his coronavirus strategy has largely failed, and his former national security advisor John Bolton just accused him of being unfit for office.

The president was rebuked twice last week by a conservative-leaning Supreme Court on closely watched cases regarding immigration and gay rights.

And criticism has poured in over his handling of coast-to-coast protests against racial injustice, and how his toxic rhetoric served to stoke divisions.

He has scorned Biden as a "puppet of the radical left" and said China wants Biden to win so they can manipulate a pliant Democrat.

The attacks have fallen flat, largely because Biden is not out on the stump engaging in campaign combat.

Trump is increasingly turning to the economy as a potential re-election saviour.

A mild turnaround before the election could help the president and complicate Biden's message, according to Burden.

"Even if the economy is not doing well, if it's improved, then he will be able to tell a story about bringing America back," the professor said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lashes-out-at-new-york-mayor-black-lives-matter-leader-308850">Also read |&nbsp;Trump lashes out at New York mayor, Black Lives Matter leader</a>

Meanwhile the parties' official nominating conventions near. While Trump is demanding a massive crowd at the Republican event, Biden is opting for safety, as the Democratic Party said this week it will hold a largely virtual convention.

Biden can no longer count on a traditional overgrown spectacle, but opportunity exists, insists Amy Dacey, a Democratic strategist.

The Biden campaign is "reaching people where they are and not always asking them to come to where he is," Dacey said. "That's a really important contrast."

Another is Biden's human touch, but the pandemic may erase that advantage. He can still be a consoling presence, however, a distinction from Trump who is often seen as insensitive to people's concerns.

Trump is not widely popular, but if anything he has proven resilient.

Suffering in the sharp media glare, he is annoyed that his opponent avoids it.

Trump's campaign has taken to ridiculing Biden for remaining in the shadows, Kyle Kondik of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics wrote in a recent newsletter.

"They need to draw Biden out and hope he makes mistakes, so Trump can make himself look better by comparison."

Donald Trump's bungled coronavirus response and crackdowns on protesters have thrust Joe Biden into the driver's seat of the US presidential election, but the Democratic challenger must decide when to start campaigning in earnest and battle his opponent head on.

Donald Trump's bungled coronavirus response and crackdowns on protesters have thrust Joe Biden into the driver's seat of the US presidential election, but the Democratic challenger must decide when to start campaigning in earnest and battle his opponent head on. Polls show American voters have little faith in Trump's ability to defeat the pandemic, and 130 days out from November's election Biden has surged into a commanding lead despite holding few in-person events since mid-March. But with campaign inflection points fast approaching -- notably his pick of a running mate, expected in early August, and the Democratic National Convention later that month -- Biden must consider how to balance adhering to coronavirus safety measures and appearing as more than just a virtual candidate. Hurling criticism at the president from his Delaware home is not a viable long-term strategy for Biden, common sense and experts dictate. "I don't see how that's sustainable through the fall election," professor Barry Burden, director of the Election Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told AFP. "There will come a point where Biden will need to be a physical presence on the campaign trail, if only to reassure voters he is a real person, in good health and ready to serve." Also read | Biden attacks Trump health policy as 'cruel' in election battleground state That coming out should occur in July, Burden said, so Biden can start honing his public messaging before sharing a stage with his new vice presidential pick. Biden must be wary of appearing contradictory if he were to hold crowded rallies after warning such gatherings are dangerous. Mocked by Team Trump for repeatedly broadcasting from his basement studio, Biden appears to be making a gradual shift toward in-person events. On Thursday he travelled to Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he wore a mask and sat with families in a brick-lined garden to discuss health care. In a speech minutes later, he savaged Trump for seeking to dismantle Obamacare. "We've seen that same callousness in his handling of the coronavirus," Biden said, evoking Trump's refusal to heed the advice of his own scientists and wear a mask, calling the disease the "kung flu," and saying he would like to "slow" down virus testing. "He's like a child who can't believe this has happened to him," Biden said. "His job isn't to whine about it, his job is to do something about it." Also read | Trump administration asks Supreme Court to invalidate Affordable Care Act IMPORTANT CONTRAST Trump is adrift in troubling waters. Scientists say his coronavirus strategy has largely failed, and his former national security advisor John Bolton just accused him of being unfit for office. The president was rebuked twice last week by a conservative-leaning Supreme Court on closely watched cases regarding immigration and gay rights. And criticism has poured in over his handling of coast-to-coast protests against racial injustice, and how his toxic rhetoric served to stoke divisions. He has scorned Biden as a "puppet of the radical left" and said China wants Biden to win so they can manipulate a pliant Democrat. The attacks have fallen flat, largely because Biden is not out on the stump engaging in campaign combat. Trump is increasingly turning to the economy as a potential re-election saviour. A mild turnaround before the election could help the president and complicate Biden's message, according to Burden. "Even if the economy is not doing well, if it's improved, then he will be able to tell a story about bringing America back," the professor said. Also read | Trump lashes out at New York mayor, Black Lives Matter leader Meanwhile the parties' official nominating conventions near. While Trump is demanding a massive crowd at the Republican event, Biden is opting for safety, as the Democratic Party said this week it will hold a largely virtual convention. Biden can no longer count on a traditional overgrown spectacle, but opportunity exists, insists Amy Dacey, a Democratic strategist. The Biden campaign is "reaching people where they are and not always asking them to come to where he is," Dacey said. "That's a really important contrast." Another is Biden's human touch, but the pandemic may erase that advantage. He can still be a consoling presence, however, a distinction from Trump who is often seen as insensitive to people's concerns. Trump is not widely popular, but if anything he has proven resilient. Suffering in the sharp media glare, he is annoyed that his opponent avoids it. Trump's campaign has taken to ridiculing Biden for remaining in the shadows, Kyle Kondik of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics wrote in a recent newsletter. "They need to draw Biden out and hope he makes mistakes, so Trump can make himself look better by comparison."

Biden's low-key strategy vexes Trump, but in-person campaigning beckons

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Thursday condemned President Donald Trump for fighting to gut Obamacare, accusing the Republican of threatening healthcare protections for millions of Americans in the midst of a raging pandemic.

In a speech in the must-win election battleground of Pennsylvania, Biden blasted the Trump administration for its expected filing on Thursday asking the U.S. Supreme Court to declare the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, illegal. The law was the signature legislative achievement of Biden`s time as Barack Obama`s vice president.

"It`s cruel, it`s heartless, it`s callous," Biden said, and would force families to "live their lives caught in a vise between Donald Trump`s twin legacies: his failure to protect the American people from the coronavirus and his heartless crusade to take healthcare protections away."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poll-shows-record-lowest-ratings-for-trumps-coronavirus-response-americans-want-bolton-to-testify-308296">Also read:&nbsp;Poll shows record-lowest ratings for Trump's coronavirus response, Americans want Bolton to testify</a>

Biden, who has mostly stayed in his Delaware home since March amid coronavirus concerns, is slowly resuming some campaigning.

Trump, his opponent in the Nov. 3 election, traveled on Thursday to Wisconsin, another swing state, where he visited a shipbuilding facility in a bid to tout his record on manufacturing.

Recent polls show Trump trailing Biden in both states. On Wednesday the number of new coronavirus cases around the country climbed to a near-record high. In a later statement, Biden also criticized the Trump administration for ending direct funding of some coronavirus testing sites.

The president has said his decisions to restrict travel and encourage social distancing helped curtail the virus, but the United States has by far the most coronavirus cases and deaths in the world.

Trump has criticized the cost and coverage under Obamacare and has been promising since his 2016 campaign to replace it with a better plan.

"The president will always support coverage for people with pre-existing conditions," said Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh.

It was the ACA that prohibited health insurers from denying coverage to Americans with pre-existing health conditions.

Democrats expect to make their promise to defend Obamacare a marquee election-year issue after they used a similar strategy in 2018 to win control of the House of Representatives.

House Democrats unveiled a bill on Wednesday to provide more tax credits for low-income people`s insurance and more healthcare funding for states. Republicans are unlikely to support the bill.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Thursday condemned President Donald Trump for fighting to gut Obamacare, accusing the Republican of threatening healthcare protections for millions of Americans in the midst of a raging pandemic.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Thursday condemned President Donald Trump for fighting to gut Obamacare, accusing the Republican of threatening healthcare protections for millions of Americans in the midst of a raging pandemic. In a speech in the must-win election battleground of Pennsylvania, Biden blasted the Trump administration for its expected filing on Thursday asking the U.S. Supreme Court to declare the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, illegal. The law was the signature legislative achievement of Biden`s time as Barack Obama`s vice president. "It`s cruel, it`s heartless, it`s callous," Biden said, and would force families to "live their lives caught in a vise between Donald Trump`s twin legacies: his failure to protect the American people from the coronavirus and his heartless crusade to take healthcare protections away." Also read: Poll shows record-lowest ratings for Trump's coronavirus response, Americans want Bolton to testify Biden, who has mostly stayed in his Delaware home since March amid coronavirus concerns, is slowly resuming some campaigning. Trump, his opponent in the Nov. 3 election, traveled on Thursday to Wisconsin, another swing state, where he visited a shipbuilding facility in a bid to tout his record on manufacturing. Recent polls show Trump trailing Biden in both states. On Wednesday the number of new coronavirus cases around the country climbed to a near-record high. In a later statement, Biden also criticized the Trump administration for ending direct funding of some coronavirus testing sites. The president has said his decisions to restrict travel and encourage social distancing helped curtail the virus, but the United States has by far the most coronavirus cases and deaths in the world. Trump has criticized the cost and coverage under Obamacare and has been promising since his 2016 campaign to replace it with a better plan. "The president will always support coverage for people with pre-existing conditions," said Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh. It was the ACA that prohibited health insurers from denying coverage to Americans with pre-existing health conditions. Democrats expect to make their promise to defend Obamacare a marquee election-year issue after they used a similar strategy in 2018 to win control of the House of Representatives. House Democrats unveiled a bill on Wednesday to provide more tax credits for low-income people`s insurance and more healthcare funding for states. Republicans are unlikely to support the bill.

Biden attacks Trump health policy as 'cruel' in election battleground state

Former US President Barack Obama has raised $11 million for Democrat's presidential candidate Joe Biden where he said a "great awakening" among the Americans could help defeat Donald Trump in November's election.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-obama-fundraiser-has-amassed-4-million-ahead-of-joint-appearance-308071" hreflang="en">Biden-Obama fundraiser has amassed $4 million ahead of joint appearance</a>

According to Biden's press secretary TJ Ducklo, Obama's fund-raiser event has drawn out a major audience and has raised the most successful finance event of the entire campaign.&nbsp;

Dukclo to Twitter and said that some $7.6 million of that came from 175,000 grassroots donors "who continue to power this campaign every single day."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-obama-of-treason-for-spying-offers-no-evidence-308078" hreflang="en">Trump accuses Obama of 'treason' for 'spying', offers no evidence</a>

Obama made a split-screen appearance with Biden for the first time since mid-April when he endorsed his former vice-president.&nbsp;

"I am here to say the help is on the way if we do the work because there's nobody I trust more to be able to heal this country and get back on track than my dear friend Joe Biden," said Obama.

"What makes me optimistic is the fact that there is a great awakening going on around the country, particularly among younger people" who are "fed up with the shambolic, disorganized, mean-spirited approach to governance that we've seen over the last couple of years," he added.

Biden agreed with Obama's point about political change and has said that global leaders have grown weary of Trump and " desperately, desperately waiting for American leadership."

Biden has not campaigned in-person due to the coronavirus outbreak, whereas, Trump has disregarded his own government's guidelines and held several in-person events, including a weekend rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In May, Biden and the Democratic Party raised nearly $81 million, 10 per cent more than Trump, although the president has more overall campaign cash.

Former US President Barack Obama has raised $11 million for Democrat's presidential candidate Joe Biden where he said a "great awakening" among the Americans could help defeat Donald Trump in November's election.

Former US President Barack Obama has raised $11 million for Democrat's presidential candidate Joe Biden where he said a "great awakening" among the Americans could help defeat Donald Trump in November's election. Also read: Biden-Obama fundraiser has amassed $4 million ahead of joint appearance According to Biden's press secretary TJ Ducklo, Obama's fund-raiser event has drawn out a major audience and has raised the most successful finance event of the entire campaign. Dukclo to Twitter and said that some $7.6 million of that came from 175,000 grassroots donors "who continue to power this campaign every single day." Also read: Trump accuses Obama of 'treason' for 'spying', offers no evidence Obama made a split-screen appearance with Biden for the first time since mid-April when he endorsed his former vice-president. "I am here to say the help is on the way if we do the work because there's nobody I trust more to be able to heal this country and get back on track than my dear friend Joe Biden," said Obama. "What makes me optimistic is the fact that there is a great awakening going on around the country, particularly among younger people" who are "fed up with the shambolic, disorganized, mean-spirited approach to governance that we've seen over the last couple of years," he added. Biden agreed with Obama's point about political change and has said that global leaders have grown weary of Trump and " desperately, desperately waiting for American leadership." Biden has not campaigned in-person due to the coronavirus outbreak, whereas, Trump has disregarded his own government's guidelines and held several in-person events, including a weekend rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In May, Biden and the Democratic Party raised nearly $81 million, 10 per cent more than Trump, although the president has more overall campaign cash.

Former US President Barack Obama helps raise $11 million for Joe Biden in online fundraiser

United States President Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for his reelection to White House in the upcoming 2020 Presidential polls has hit out at former US President Barack Obama.

On Monday, Trump said Obama had committed treason by spying on his campaign along with his Democratic rival Joe Biden. He, however, offered no evidence for the same.

This isn’t the first time Trump has hit out at Obama. Since the beginning of his term, he has called Obama an outsider and falsely claimed that he was born outside of the US.

Currently, polls show Trump trailing behind his rival Biden by 13 per cent in the bid for US presidency. Both Biden and Obama are set to hold a fundraiser which has already amassed $4 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-obama-fundraiser-has-amassed-4-million-ahead-of-joint-appearance-308071" hreflang="en">Biden-Obama fundraiser has amassed $4 million ahead of joint appearance</a>

Obama is the first Black American president ever. Ironically, the US Justice Department is currently reviewing Trump’s election as president in 2016, suspecting foreign interference in the elections. Earlier, Trump had claimed that Obama was spying on his campaign, but had not accused him of treason until now.

Trump recently told a local TV network, “It's treason. Look, when I came out a long time ago, I said they've been spying on our campaign ... Let's see what happens to them now."

"(William) Barr is doing a great job as attorney general, let's see what they come up with," he added.

However, Barr has claimed that he does not expect any charges against either Obama or Biden.

Recently, US intelligence agencies claimed that Russia played some role in Trump’s race to the White House in 2016. Robert Mueller, former Special Counsel discovered that Russia had peddled propaganda to harm the reputation of his rival Hillary Clinton. During his 21-month long investigation, he also found that both the parties had reached out to each other on multiple occasions.

You might also like:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-likened-his-relationship-with-north-koreas-kim-to-dating-wanted-to-be-the-one-to-break-up-308053" hreflang="en">Trump likened his relationship with North Korea's Kim to 'dating', 'wanted to be the one to break-up'</a>

Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps.

Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected.&nbsp;Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

(With inputs from Reuters)

United States President Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for his reelection to White House in the upcoming 2020 Presidential polls has hit out at former US President Barack Obama.

United States President Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for his reelection to White House in the upcoming 2020 Presidential polls has hit out at former US President Barack Obama. On Monday, Trump said Obama had committed treason by spying on his campaign along with his Democratic rival Joe Biden. He, however, offered no evidence for the same. This isn’t the first time Trump has hit out at Obama. Since the beginning of his term, he has called Obama an outsider and falsely claimed that he was born outside of the US. Currently, polls show Trump trailing behind his rival Biden by 13 per cent in the bid for US presidency. Both Biden and Obama are set to hold a fundraiser which has already amassed $4 million. Also read: Biden-Obama fundraiser has amassed $4 million ahead of joint appearance Obama is the first Black American president ever. Ironically, the US Justice Department is currently reviewing Trump’s election as president in 2016, suspecting foreign interference in the elections. Earlier, Trump had claimed that Obama was spying on his campaign, but had not accused him of treason until now. Trump recently told a local TV network, “It's treason. Look, when I came out a long time ago, I said they've been spying on our campaign ... Let's see what happens to them now." "(William) Barr is doing a great job as attorney general, let's see what they come up with," he added. However, Barr has claimed that he does not expect any charges against either Obama or Biden. Recently, US intelligence agencies claimed that Russia played some role in Trump’s race to the White House in 2016. Robert Mueller, former Special Counsel discovered that Russia had peddled propaganda to harm the reputation of his rival Hillary Clinton. During his 21-month long investigation, he also found that both the parties had reached out to each other on multiple occasions. You might also like: Trump likened his relationship with North Korea's Kim to 'dating', 'wanted to be the one to break-up' Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps. Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump accuses Obama of 'treason' for 'spying', offers no evidence

United States Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s first fundraiser with former President Barack Obama&nbsp;in view of the upcoming elections&nbsp;has raised over $4 million from 120,000 people.

Biden’s campaign announced the same ahead of Obama and Biden’s joint appearance on Tuesday.

This may be Biden’s largest haul from small donors in the country. For the first time ever in May, Biden’s collection had amassed more money than his rival Trump - $80 million vs $74 million.

You might also like:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-likened-his-relationship-with-north-koreas-kim-to-dating-wanted-to-be-the-one-to-break-up-308053" hreflang="en">Trump likened his relationship with North Korea's Kim to 'dating', 'wanted to be the one to break-up'</a>

Donald Trump announced plans to stand for elections again in 2017. He has a lot of edge over Biden in terms of fudnds. Throughout the course of his presidency, he has collected $265 million in cash by the end of May. On the other hand, Biden and the Democrats have $122 million.

Way before the campaigning kick-started, Biden had weak fundraising numbers, which stirred trouble among the Democrats, who were worried about his nomination. However, over the last few weeks, given emerging dialogue about racial injustice and the delayed response to coronavirus which Trump is accused of, Biden’s support has grown tremendously. Most polls show Biden leading the charts, with Trump falling to second place.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/its-time-for-racial-justice-says-joe-biden-via-video-message-at-george-floyds-funeral-304730/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Former US president Obama’s endorsement of Biden may also have fuelled this response, as the former Prez enjoys a lot of a support among the American masses. Obama had planned to campaign for Biden more formally but all plans were halted owing to COVID-19, which has killed more people in the US than it has anywhere else in the world.

You might also like:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-google-amazon-take-aim-at-trump-visa-ban-308029" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban</a>

With the lesser amount in reserve for campaign, Biden’s campaigning may not be able to allot more money to advertising and other operations that promote coming out to vote, especially given the paranoia around COVID-19.

Just last week, a fundraiser hosted by Elizabeth Warren, a senator was able to amass $6 million, the highest for Biden’s campaign.

Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected.&nbsp;Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps.

United States Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s first fundraiser with former President Barack Obama in view of the upcoming elections has raised over $4 million from 120,000 people.

United States Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s first fundraiser with former President Barack Obama in view of the upcoming elections has raised over $4 million from 120,000 people. Biden’s campaign announced the same ahead of Obama and Biden’s joint appearance on Tuesday. This may be Biden’s largest haul from small donors in the country. For the first time ever in May, Biden’s collection had amassed more money than his rival Trump - $80 million vs $74 million. You might also like: Trump likened his relationship with North Korea's Kim to 'dating', 'wanted to be the one to break-up' Donald Trump announced plans to stand for elections again in 2017. He has a lot of edge over Biden in terms of fudnds. Throughout the course of his presidency, he has collected $265 million in cash by the end of May. On the other hand, Biden and the Democrats have $122 million. Way before the campaigning kick-started, Biden had weak fundraising numbers, which stirred trouble among the Democrats, who were worried about his nomination. However, over the last few weeks, given emerging dialogue about racial injustice and the delayed response to coronavirus which Trump is accused of, Biden’s support has grown tremendously. Most polls show Biden leading the charts, with Trump falling to second place. Former US president Obama’s endorsement of Biden may also have fuelled this response, as the former Prez enjoys a lot of a support among the American masses. Obama had planned to campaign for Biden more formally but all plans were halted owing to COVID-19, which has killed more people in the US than it has anywhere else in the world. You might also like: Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban With the lesser amount in reserve for campaign, Biden’s campaigning may not be able to allot more money to advertising and other operations that promote coming out to vote, especially given the paranoia around COVID-19. Just last week, a fundraiser hosted by Elizabeth Warren, a senator was able to amass $6 million, the highest for Biden’s campaign. Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally. Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps.

Biden-Obama fundraiser has amassed $4 million ahead of joint appearance

Tulsa rally: Trump defends coronavirus response, militaristic action against protesters

Former United States presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar says she is dropping out of the running to be vice president and urging Democrat Joe Biden to select a woman of colour instead.

The white Minnesota senator, who had seen her prospects fall as racial tensions swept the nation, said on Thursday that she called the presumptive presidential nominee on Wednesday night and&nbsp;made the suggestion. Biden had already committed to choosing a woman as his running mate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-may-select-black-woman-candidate-for-post-of-vice-president-305074">Biden may select black woman candidate for post of vice president</a>

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Biden praised Klobuchar in a tweet on Thursday, citing her "grit and determination" and saying, "With your help, we're going to beat Donald Trump."

Klobuchar's chances at getting the vice president&nbsp;nod diminished after the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Klobuchar was a prosecutor years ago in the county that includes Minneapolis, and during that period, more than two dozen people, mostly minorities, died during encounters with police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-appoint-a-woman-as-vice-president-if-elected-president-biden-286568">I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden</a>

Floyd's death last month set off days of protests across the country and criticism that as the Minnesota county's top prosecutor, Klobuchar did not charge any of the officers involved in citizen deaths. Officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with Floyd's murder, had been involved in one of those cases, the fatal 2006 shooting of a man accused of stabbing people and aiming a shotgun at police.

Chauvin's case went to a grand jury, as was customary practice for the office at the time, after Klobuchar was elected to the Senate and had left the county attorney's office. Mike Freeman, Klobuchar's successor as prosecutor, has said he made "all prosecutorial decisions" about Chauvin. But critics have pointed to the lack of prosecution as a reason Klobuchar should not be Biden's pick.

Klobuchar, 60, was among a large field of Democrats who had sought the 2020 presidential nomination, running as a pragmatic Midwesterner who has passed more than 100 bills. She dropped out and threw her support behind Biden before the crucial March 3 "Super Tuesday" contests after struggling to win support from Black voters, who are crucial to Democratic victories. Her best finish of the primary was in overwhelmingly white New Hampshire, where she came in third.

The third-term senator had to cancel one of the final rallies of her campaign after Black Lives Matter and other activists took the stage in Minnesota to protest against her handling of a murder case when she was the prosecutor that sent a Black teen&nbsp;to prison for life.

US Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, a close Biden ally and Congress's highest-ranking Black lawmaker, said in the days after Floyd's death that he believed it made Klobuchar a less likely pick for vice president, though he said she is "absolutely" qualified for the job.

"This is very tough timing for her," Clyburn said.

Even before Floyd's death, activists were pushing Biden to consider a woman of colour, saying it would help build a multiracial coalition behind the Democratic ticket and motivate people - particularly younger voters - who may be underwhelmed by the 77-year-old former vice president's bid. The founder of She the People, a network of women of colour, called the news that Biden had asked Klobuchar&nbsp;to undergo formal vetting "a dangerous and reckless choice".

"To choose Klobuchar as vice president risks losing the very base the Democrats need to win, most centrally women of colour, and could be a fatal blow to the Democrats' chance to win the White House," Aimee Allison said in May.

Others wanted Biden to choose a more progressive candidate, who could bring in support from voters who backed Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in the primary. Like Biden, Klobuchar disagreed with Sanders and Warren during the campaign on major issues such as healthcare, calling "Medicare for All" unachievable and pushing instead for changes to the Affordable Care Act.

Democrats with knowledge of the process told The Associated Press news agency last week that Biden's search committee had narrowed the choices to as few as six serious contenders after initial interviews. Among the group still in contention: Warren, California Senator Kamala Harris and Susan Rice, who served as President Barack Obama's national security adviser. Warren is white; both Harris and Rice are Black.

Biden has said he will announce his vice president&nbsp;decision by August 1.
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Former United States presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar says she is dropping out of the running to be vice president and urging Democrat Joe Biden to select a woman of colour instead.

Former United States presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar says she is dropping out of the running to be vice president and urging Democrat Joe Biden to select a woman of colour instead. The white Minnesota senator, who had seen her prospects fall as racial tensions swept the nation, said on Thursday that she called the presumptive presidential nominee on Wednesday night and made the suggestion. Biden had already committed to choosing a woman as his running mate. Also read: Biden may select black woman candidate for post of vice president Biden praised Klobuchar in a tweet on Thursday, citing her "grit and determination" and saying, "With your help, we're going to beat Donald Trump." Klobuchar's chances at getting the vice president nod diminished after the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Klobuchar was a prosecutor years ago in the county that includes Minneapolis, and during that period, more than two dozen people, mostly minorities, died during encounters with police. Also read: I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden Floyd's death last month set off days of protests across the country and criticism that as the Minnesota county's top prosecutor, Klobuchar did not charge any of the officers involved in citizen deaths. Officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with Floyd's murder, had been involved in one of those cases, the fatal 2006 shooting of a man accused of stabbing people and aiming a shotgun at police. Chauvin's case went to a grand jury, as was customary practice for the office at the time, after Klobuchar was elected to the Senate and had left the county attorney's office. Mike Freeman, Klobuchar's successor as prosecutor, has said he made "all prosecutorial decisions" about Chauvin. But critics have pointed to the lack of prosecution as a reason Klobuchar should not be Biden's pick. Klobuchar, 60, was among a large field of Democrats who had sought the 2020 presidential nomination, running as a pragmatic Midwesterner who has passed more than 100 bills. She dropped out and threw her support behind Biden before the crucial March 3 "Super Tuesday" contests after struggling to win support from Black voters, who are crucial to Democratic victories. Her best finish of the primary was in overwhelmingly white New Hampshire, where she came in third. The third-term senator had to cancel one of the final rallies of her campaign after Black Lives Matter and other activists took the stage in Minnesota to protest against her handling of a murder case when she was the prosecutor that sent a Black teen to prison for life. US Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, a close Biden ally and Congress's highest-ranking Black lawmaker, said in the days after Floyd's death that he believed it made Klobuchar a less likely pick for vice president, though he said she is "absolutely" qualified for the job. "This is very tough timing for her," Clyburn said. Even before Floyd's death, activists were pushing Biden to consider a woman of colour, saying it would help build a multiracial coalition behind the Democratic ticket and motivate people - particularly younger voters - who may be underwhelmed by the 77-year-old former vice president's bid. The founder of She the People, a network of women of colour, called the news that Biden had asked Klobuchar to undergo formal vetting "a dangerous and reckless choice". "To choose Klobuchar as vice president risks losing the very base the Democrats need to win, most centrally women of colour, and could be a fatal blow to the Democrats' chance to win the White House," Aimee Allison said in May. Others wanted Biden to choose a more progressive candidate, who could bring in support from voters who backed Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in the primary. Like Biden, Klobuchar disagreed with Sanders and Warren during the campaign on major issues such as healthcare, calling "Medicare for All" unachievable and pushing instead for changes to the Affordable Care Act. Democrats with knowledge of the process told The Associated Press news agency last week that Biden's search committee had narrowed the choices to as few as six serious contenders after initial interviews. Among the group still in contention: Warren, California Senator Kamala Harris and Susan Rice, who served as President Barack Obama's national security adviser. Warren is white; both Harris and Rice are Black. Biden has said he will announce his vice president decision by August 1.

Amy Klobuchar bows out of vice president race, urges Biden choose woman of colour instead

After a successful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/barbra-streisand-calls-trump-dangerous-to-our-health-at-joe-bidens-fundraiser-rally-305452">first leg of fundraiser </a>for US Presidential candidate Joe Biden that included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others, there is one scheduled for June 30.&nbsp;

This one will be headlined by ‘Star Wars’ actor Mark Hamill.&nbsp;

He shared the news on Twitter and wrote, "Help us Joe-bi Wan, you're our only hope!"

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Help us Joe-bi Wan, you're our only hope!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PleaseJoinUs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PleaseJoinUs</a> <a href="https://t.co/p3aZivZe2y">https://t.co/p3aZivZe2y</a>
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) <a href="https://twitter.com/HamillHimself/status/1273385203948417024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to an invite as reported by Hollywood Reporter, Mark Hamill will moderate a “virtual conversation about hope and democracy.” Tickets will start at $500 per person, and rise to $100,000 for those who want to be listed as co-chairs.&nbsp;

The proceeds of this virtual fundraiser will go to the Joe Biden campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties.

Next week, he will also be raising money with former President Barack Obama, in what is described as a “grassroots” fundraiser with tickets starting at a much lower price point, $15 per person.

After a successful first leg of fundraiser for US Presidential candidate Joe Biden that included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others, there is one scheduled for June 30.

After a successful first leg of fundraiser for US Presidential candidate Joe Biden that included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others, there is one scheduled for June 30. This one will be headlined by ‘Star Wars’ actor Mark Hamill. He shared the news on Twitter and wrote, "Help us Joe-bi Wan, you're our only hope!" Help us Joe-bi Wan, you're our only hope!#PleaseJoinUs https://t.co/p3aZivZe2y — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) June 17, 2020 × According to an invite as reported by Hollywood Reporter, Mark Hamill will moderate a “virtual conversation about hope and democracy.” Tickets will start at $500 per person, and rise to $100,000 for those who want to be listed as co-chairs. The proceeds of this virtual fundraiser will go to the Joe Biden campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties. Next week, he will also be raising money with former President Barack Obama, in what is described as a “grassroots” fundraiser with tickets starting at a much lower price point, $15 per person.

'Star Wars' actor Mark Hamill to headline virtual fundraiser for Joe Biden

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has opened up a 13-point lead over President Donald Trump - the widest margin this year - according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll as Americans grow more critical of Trump over the coronavirus pandemic and protests against police brutality.

In the June 10-16 poll, 48% of registered voters said they would back Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 3 election, while 35% said they would support Trump.

Biden's advantage is the biggest recorded by the Reuters/Ipsos poll since Democrats began their state nominating contests this year to pick their party's nominee to challenge Trump in November. A similar CNN poll from earlier this month showed Biden with a 14-point lead over Trump among registered voters.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed that 57% of US adults disapproved of Trump's performance in office, while just 38% approved, marking Trump's lowest approval rating since November, when Congress was conducting its impeachment inquiry into the Republican president.

In a clear warning sign for Trump, his own support base appears to be eroding. Republicans' net approval of Trump is down 13 points from March to June, declining every month in that span.

The shift in opinion comes as Americans are whipsawed by the coronavirus pandemic, the ensuing economic collapse and the outpouring of anger and frustration following numerous deadly confrontations between police and African Americans, including the death last month of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody.

Trump, who dismissed the threat of the coronavirus early on, sparred with state governors as they tried to slow its spread and has pushed authorities to allow businesses to reopen despite warnings from health experts about increasing risks of transmission.

More than 116,000 people in the United States have died from the virus and more than 2.1 million people have been infected, by far the most in the world. Some states that have reopened such as Florida, Arizona and Texas are seeing a jump in cases.

Altogether, 55% of Americans said they disapproved of Trump's handling of the coronavirus, while 40% approved, which is the lowest net approval for the president on the subject since Reuters/Ipsos started tracking the question in early March.

TRUMP EDGE ON ECONOMY

The president also has been criticised for the way he has responded to the protests that were sparked by Floyd's killing.

While nearly two thirds of respondents sympathised with the protesters, according to the poll, Trump has openly flirted with deploying the military to "dominate" them. Earlier this month, police in Washington forcibly removed peaceful protesters so that Trump could pose for photographs in front of a church near the White House.

As businesses shuttered across the country because of coronavirus lockdowns, Americans have increasingly turned their focus to the economy and jobs as a top concern.

In that area, Trump still has the upper hand over Biden. Forty-three percent of registered voters said they thought Trump would be a better steward of the economy than Biden, while 38% said Biden would be better.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the United States. The poll gathered responses from 4,426 American adults, including 2,047 Democrats and 1,593 Republicans. The poll had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has opened up a 13-point lead over President Donald Trump - the widest margin this year - according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll as Americans grow more critical of Trump over the coronavirus pandemic and protests against police brutality.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has opened up a 13-point lead over President Donald Trump - the widest margin this year - according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll as Americans grow more critical of Trump over the coronavirus pandemic and protests against police brutality. In the June 10-16 poll, 48% of registered voters said they would back Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 3 election, while 35% said they would support Trump. Biden's advantage is the biggest recorded by the Reuters/Ipsos poll since Democrats began their state nominating contests this year to pick their party's nominee to challenge Trump in November. A similar CNN poll from earlier this month showed Biden with a 14-point lead over Trump among registered voters. The Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed that 57% of US adults disapproved of Trump's performance in office, while just 38% approved, marking Trump's lowest approval rating since November, when Congress was conducting its impeachment inquiry into the Republican president. In a clear warning sign for Trump, his own support base appears to be eroding. Republicans' net approval of Trump is down 13 points from March to June, declining every month in that span. The shift in opinion comes as Americans are whipsawed by the coronavirus pandemic, the ensuing economic collapse and the outpouring of anger and frustration following numerous deadly confrontations between police and African Americans, including the death last month of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody. Trump, who dismissed the threat of the coronavirus early on, sparred with state governors as they tried to slow its spread and has pushed authorities to allow businesses to reopen despite warnings from health experts about increasing risks of transmission. More than 116,000 people in the United States have died from the virus and more than 2.1 million people have been infected, by far the most in the world. Some states that have reopened such as Florida, Arizona and Texas are seeing a jump in cases. Altogether, 55% of Americans said they disapproved of Trump's handling of the coronavirus, while 40% approved, which is the lowest net approval for the president on the subject since Reuters/Ipsos started tracking the question in early March. TRUMP EDGE ON ECONOMY The president also has been criticised for the way he has responded to the protests that were sparked by Floyd's killing. While nearly two thirds of respondents sympathised with the protesters, according to the poll, Trump has openly flirted with deploying the military to "dominate" them. Earlier this month, police in Washington forcibly removed peaceful protesters so that Trump could pose for photographs in front of a church near the White House. As businesses shuttered across the country because of coronavirus lockdowns, Americans have increasingly turned their focus to the economy and jobs as a top concern. In that area, Trump still has the upper hand over Biden. Forty-three percent of registered voters said they thought Trump would be a better steward of the economy than Biden, while 38% said Biden would be better. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the United States. The poll gathered responses from 4,426 American adults, including 2,047 Democrats and 1,593 Republicans. The poll had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Trump popularity drops to seven-month low; Biden opens 13-point advantage

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate.

Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women&nbsp;he may pick to be on the ticket.

The letter is the latest sign of the public pressure Biden and his campaign are facing to select a woman of color to be on the Democratic ticket in November.

The letter reads, "We urge you to seize this historic opportunity to choose a Black woman running mate who will fight for the issues that matter most to the American people and help deliver a decisive victory and a successful Biden presidency."

It adds the women listed "have the experience, qualifications and principled core values of a true leader that would make for the right partner to help catapult the Democrats to victory in November."

The letter, signed by black women working in both the public and private sectors, lists several potential candidates: former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, California Rep. Karen Bass, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former national security adviser Susan Rice.

Signers include actors Vanessa Williams, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Pauletta Washington, the former chairman and president of the US Tennis Association, Katrina Adams, the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan Taylor, and the first female African American president of Spelman College, Johnnetta Cole.

Abrams has said she would be honoured to accept the position and that she would make an "excellent running mate".

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan have also all been mentioned in conversations by the former vice president as potential candidates.

Biden said earlier this month that he expects the group that will vet the potential candidates for vice president will be formed by May 1 and that the list of contenders will be narrowed down sometime in July.

Only two women have been vice presidential nominees for a major party in the US: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008 and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate. Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women he may pick to be on the ticket.

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate. Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women he may pick to be on the ticket. The letter is the latest sign of the public pressure Biden and his campaign are facing to select a woman of color to be on the Democratic ticket in November. The letter reads, "We urge you to seize this historic opportunity to choose a Black woman running mate who will fight for the issues that matter most to the American people and help deliver a decisive victory and a successful Biden presidency." It adds the women listed "have the experience, qualifications and principled core values of a true leader that would make for the right partner to help catapult the Democrats to victory in November." The letter, signed by black women working in both the public and private sectors, lists several potential candidates: former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, California Rep. Karen Bass, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former national security adviser Susan Rice. Signers include actors Vanessa Williams, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Pauletta Washington, the former chairman and president of the US Tennis Association, Katrina Adams, the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan Taylor, and the first female African American president of Spelman College, Johnnetta Cole. Abrams has said she would be honoured to accept the position and that she would make an "excellent running mate". Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan have also all been mentioned in conversations by the former vice president as potential candidates. Biden said earlier this month that he expects the group that will vet the potential candidates for vice president will be formed by May 1 and that the list of contenders will be narrowed down sometime in July. Only two women have been vice presidential nominees for a major party in the US: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008 and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Joe Biden urged to pick a black woman as running mate

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country. His comments aired on Friday appear to be the first time he has publically committed to doing so. "Certainly, if I don't win, I don't win," Trump told Fox News in an interview that was aired on Friday. If he does not win the election scheduled for November 3, Trump continued, "you go on, do other things."

Donald Trump says he'll leave peacefully if he loses election in November

Ukrainian officials on Saturday said they were offered $5 million in bribes to end a probe into energy company Burisma's founder, adding there was no connection to former board member Hunter Biden.

Hunter's father, Joe Biden, is running for the US presidency.

The Ukrainian company was thrust into the global spotlight last year in the impeachment inquiry into whether US President Donald Trump improperly pressured Kiev into opening a case against his rival for the November election race.

Trump wants an investigation into the Democrats' 2020 candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, and his son.

Three people had been detained, including one current and former tax official, over the bribe offer. The money was the largest cash bribe ever seized in the country.

Burisma said in a statement it had nothing to do with the matter.

The bribe related to a case of embezzling state money given to a bank, officials said. Some $5 million was offered to anti-corruption officials and a further $1 million was intended for an official acting as a middleman.

The suspects were in a hurry to pay the bribe because they wanted to end the case against Zlochevsky in time for his birthday on Sunday.

The country's former prosecutor general told Reuters in June that an audit he commissioned while in office of thousands of old case files had found no evidence of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden while he worked for Burisma.

Hunter Biden joined Burisma in 2014, one of several high-profile names to join what the private company said was an attempt to strengthen corporate governance. His role has been attacked as corrupt without evidence by Trump and congressional Republicans in Washington. The Bidens deny any wrongdoing and Democrats said Trump was trying to help his re-election prospects.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Ukrainian officials on Saturday said they were offered $5 million in bribes to end a probe into energy company Burisma's founder, adding there was no connection to former board member Hunter Biden.

Ukrainian officials on Saturday said they were offered $5 million in bribes to end a probe into energy company Burisma's founder, adding there was no connection to former board member Hunter Biden. Hunter's father, Joe Biden, is running for the US presidency. The Ukrainian company was thrust into the global spotlight last year in the impeachment inquiry into whether US President Donald Trump improperly pressured Kiev into opening a case against his rival for the November election race. Trump wants an investigation into the Democrats' 2020 candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, and his son. Three people had been detained, including one current and former tax official, over the bribe offer. The money was the largest cash bribe ever seized in the country. Burisma said in a statement it had nothing to do with the matter. The bribe related to a case of embezzling state money given to a bank, officials said. Some $5 million was offered to anti-corruption officials and a further $1 million was intended for an official acting as a middleman. The suspects were in a hurry to pay the bribe because they wanted to end the case against Zlochevsky in time for his birthday on Sunday. The country's former prosecutor general told Reuters in June that an audit he commissioned while in office of thousands of old case files had found no evidence of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden while he worked for Burisma. Hunter Biden joined Burisma in 2014, one of several high-profile names to join what the private company said was an attempt to strengthen corporate governance. His role has been attacked as corrupt without evidence by Trump and congressional Republicans in Washington. The Bidens deny any wrongdoing and Democrats said Trump was trying to help his re-election prospects. (with inputs from Reuters)

Ukraine alleges $5 million bribe over Burisma, claims there's no Biden link

As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate.

The widescale uprisings have reshaped the national dialogue around Biden’s&nbsp;search&nbsp;for a running mate and made the issue of an African American vice presidential nominee a top consideration for the campaign.

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Biden’s list of contenders includes Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Florida Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

All three have seen their public profiles rise in recent weeks. Harris, the lone VP contender to have run against Biden in the primary, also saw her favorability among Democrats rise in the poll. Meantime, public attention on Bottoms has grown since her well-reviewed speech after massive protests and looting descended on her city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298">Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey</a>

With the focus turning to police reform, Demings, a former metropolitan police chief, and Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney general, have leaned on their personal experiences despite the potential for backlash.

Both argue that their careers, which became a burden for Harris in the primary, are an asset in their efforts to overhaul law enforcement.

Other African American women under consideration include former national security adviser Susan Rice and Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic state House leader in Georgia who narrowly lost a race for governor in 2018.

Amid nationwide protests sweeping the nation calling for systemic change following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, former vice president and presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden is aware of the increased calls for him to choose a woman of color as his running mate, according to Biden’s senior adviser, Symone Sanders.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-appoint-a-woman-as-vice-president-if-elected-president-biden-286568">&nbsp;I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden</a>

"He absolutely is. He hears the concerns of folks across this country who have asked for an African American woman vice president running mate, but also folks from the Latino community have said he should pick a Latina. There are folks that believe he should pick someone that represents the LGBTQ+ community," Sanders said in an appearance on ABC’s "The View" on Wednesday.

“Your points are well taken, and I will have to tell you that if you were to ask Joe Biden today, he would say he doesn't know who he's going to pick, but he can promise you that the person he will pick will be ready to govern on day one, will mirror the relationship he and President Obama had, and it could be a black woman but we just don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see,” Sanders added.

The campaign is also seeking to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump as calls for tangible police reform grow, and Sanders argued Wednesday that the president had “abdicated” leadership on the issue and is instead “hiding in a bunker,” a reference to reports that Trump was taken to a secure location in the White House due to growing protests in the vicinity of the complex earlier this month.

"We believe that Donald Trump has abdicated his position of leadership. When Vice President Biden was out touring the unrest that happened in his own city just a couple miles from where he lived in Wilmington, Delaware last week, where was Donald Trump? He was in a bunker...hiding in a bunker," Sanders said.

Sanders also pointed to criticism of Trump from former top defense officials like former Defense Secretary James Mattis as evidence that there is a growing attitude even among Republicans that the president must be defeated in November.
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As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate.

As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate. The widescale uprisings have reshaped the national dialogue around Biden’s search for a running mate and made the issue of an African American vice presidential nominee a top consideration for the campaign. Biden’s list of contenders includes Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Florida Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. All three have seen their public profiles rise in recent weeks. Harris, the lone VP contender to have run against Biden in the primary, also saw her favorability among Democrats rise in the poll. Meantime, public attention on Bottoms has grown since her well-reviewed speech after massive protests and looting descended on her city. Also read: Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey With the focus turning to police reform, Demings, a former metropolitan police chief, and Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney general, have leaned on their personal experiences despite the potential for backlash. Both argue that their careers, which became a burden for Harris in the primary, are an asset in their efforts to overhaul law enforcement. Other African American women under consideration include former national security adviser Susan Rice and Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic state House leader in Georgia who narrowly lost a race for governor in 2018. Amid nationwide protests sweeping the nation calling for systemic change following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, former vice president and presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden is aware of the increased calls for him to choose a woman of color as his running mate, according to Biden’s senior adviser, Symone Sanders. Also read: I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden "He absolutely is. He hears the concerns of folks across this country who have asked for an African American woman vice president running mate, but also folks from the Latino community have said he should pick a Latina. There are folks that believe he should pick someone that represents the LGBTQ+ community," Sanders said in an appearance on ABC’s "The View" on Wednesday. “Your points are well taken, and I will have to tell you that if you were to ask Joe Biden today, he would say he doesn't know who he's going to pick, but he can promise you that the person he will pick will be ready to govern on day one, will mirror the relationship he and President Obama had, and it could be a black woman but we just don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see,” Sanders added. The campaign is also seeking to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump as calls for tangible police reform grow, and Sanders argued Wednesday that the president had “abdicated” leadership on the issue and is instead “hiding in a bunker,” a reference to reports that Trump was taken to a secure location in the White House due to growing protests in the vicinity of the complex earlier this month. "We believe that Donald Trump has abdicated his position of leadership. When Vice President Biden was out touring the unrest that happened in his own city just a couple miles from where he lived in Wilmington, Delaware last week, where was Donald Trump? He was in a bunker...hiding in a bunker," Sanders said. Sanders also pointed to criticism of Trump from former top defense officials like former Defense Secretary James Mattis as evidence that there is a growing attitude even among Republicans that the president must be defeated in November.

Biden may select black woman candidate for post of vice president

As the race for US elections has&nbsp;tightened, Joe Biden raised money at a star-filled virtual fundraiser. It included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others.

Barbra Streisand took a dig at the Donald Trump at the virtual fundraiser as she said, “Think of how many lives could have been saved if he had paid attention to the warnings and acted earlier,” on coronavirus outbreak in the US.&nbsp;

She added, “In other words, Donald Trump is dangerous to our health. We cannot afford four more years of malice, division and lies, and neither can our planet. We don’t need a bully as a president who picks fights and rules by retaliation. Let’s face it: Trump is unfit mentally and morally to hold this office.”

The virtual fundraiser was joined by 600 people who raised money for the Biden Victory Fund, a joint committee of the campaign and the Democratic National Committee, with tickets priced at $2,800 per person.

Streisand also said of Trump, “He calls himself the law and order president, but he doesn’t obey the law, and he can’t keep the order. This reckless man doesn’t have the wisdom or the character to lead the nation.”

Barbra Streisand is a longtime Democratic donor having appeared at fundraising events for past nominees including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Streisand also took note of the current situation in the US and said, “Black lives mattered then, and they matter now. The nation has never reckoned with the racism that brought human beings here in chains. No one should die with a knee on their neck.” 
&nbsp;

As the race for US elections has tightened, Joe Biden raised money at a star-filled virtual fundraiser. It included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others.

As the race for US elections has tightened, Joe Biden raised money at a star-filled virtual fundraiser. It included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others. Barbra Streisand took a dig at the Donald Trump at the virtual fundraiser as she said, “Think of how many lives could have been saved if he had paid attention to the warnings and acted earlier,” on coronavirus outbreak in the US. She added, “In other words, Donald Trump is dangerous to our health. We cannot afford four more years of malice, division and lies, and neither can our planet. We don’t need a bully as a president who picks fights and rules by retaliation. Let’s face it: Trump is unfit mentally and morally to hold this office.” The virtual fundraiser was joined by 600 people who raised money for the Biden Victory Fund, a joint committee of the campaign and the Democratic National Committee, with tickets priced at $2,800 per person. Streisand also said of Trump, “He calls himself the law and order president, but he doesn’t obey the law, and he can’t keep the order. This reckless man doesn’t have the wisdom or the character to lead the nation.” Barbra Streisand is a longtime Democratic donor having appeared at fundraising events for past nominees including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Streisand also took note of the current situation in the US and said, “Black lives mattered then, and they matter now. The nation has never reckoned with the racism that brought human beings here in chains. No one should die with a knee on their neck.”

Barbra Streisand calls Trump 'dangerous to our health' at Joe Biden's fundraiser rally

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's campaign published an open letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, calling for the company to fact-check politicians' ads in the two weeks ahead of the US presidential election in November.

The letter's other demands included that Facebook promptly remove false, viral information and that there be clear rules "applied to everyone, including Donald Trump — that prohibit threatening behavior and lies about how to participate in the election."

The move adds to pressure faced by Facebook, which exempts politicians' content from its third-party fact-checking program, to alter its policies on political ads and speech.

Zuckerberg last week promised a review of its content policies after the company faced backlash over taking no action on a post by Republican President Trump that were labeled by Twitter Inc for violating the smaller rival's rules. Twitter also for the first time last month used a fact-checking label on a tweet by Trump about mail-in ballots.

The Biden campaign also emailed supporters asking them to sign a petition for Facebook to crack down on misinformation in ads. Materials on its website used the hashtag #MOVEFASTFIXIT, a play on Facebook's early "move fast and break things" motto.

In a blog post, Facebook said it would continue to protect political speech.

"We live in a democracy, where the elected officials decide the rules around campaigns," the company said.

"Two weeks ago the President of the United States issued an executive order directing Federal agencies to prevent social media sites from engaging in activities like fact-checking political statements. This week, the Democratic candidate for President started a petition calling on us to do the exact opposite," it said, referring to an executive order signed by Trump.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's campaign published an open letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, calling for the company to fact-check politicians' ads in the two weeks ahead of the US presidential election in November.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's campaign published an open letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, calling for the company to fact-check politicians' ads in the two weeks ahead of the US presidential election in November. The letter's other demands included that Facebook promptly remove false, viral information and that there be clear rules "applied to everyone, including Donald Trump — that prohibit threatening behavior and lies about how to participate in the election." The move adds to pressure faced by Facebook, which exempts politicians' content from its third-party fact-checking program, to alter its policies on political ads and speech. Zuckerberg last week promised a review of its content policies after the company faced backlash over taking no action on a post by Republican President Trump that were labeled by Twitter Inc for violating the smaller rival's rules. Twitter also for the first time last month used a fact-checking label on a tweet by Trump about mail-in ballots. The Biden campaign also emailed supporters asking them to sign a petition for Facebook to crack down on misinformation in ads. Materials on its website used the hashtag #MOVEFASTFIXIT, a play on Facebook's early "move fast and break things" motto. In a blog post, Facebook said it would continue to protect political speech. "We live in a democracy, where the elected officials decide the rules around campaigns," the company said. "Two weeks ago the President of the United States issued an executive order directing Federal agencies to prevent social media sites from engaging in activities like fact-checking political statements. This week, the Democratic candidate for President started a petition calling on us to do the exact opposite," it said, referring to an executive order signed by Trump. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

US Democratic candidate Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said he worries President Donald Trump will try to "steal" the November election but he is confident soldiers would escort Trump from the White House if he loses and doesn't recognise the result.

"It's my greatest concern, my single greatest concern: This president is going to try to steal this election," Biden said in an interview broadcast late on Wednesday on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."

Biden did not specify how he thought Trump, a Republican, might cheat. But the former vice president cited Trump's opposition to mail-in voting and said Democrats would have lawyers present at voting locations across the country to look out for Republican efforts to suppress the vote.

Trump has repeatedly attacked voting by mail, proclaiming without evidence that the expected increase in mail-in voting would lead to widespread fraud in the Nov. 3 contest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-to-unite-country-trump-reopens-re-election-campaign-305215">Also read |&nbsp;Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign</a>

Biden said recent comments by former senior military officials criticizing Trump's response to nationwide protests over police brutality made him confident the US military would intervene if Trump refused to accept the election results.

"I'm absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch," Biden said.

Biden has often said publically he worries Trump would try to cheat. But his rhetoric has escalated recently as most national polls show the former vice president leading the president, while Trump has stepped up criticism of voting by mail.

Trump's re-election campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump and his Republican allies say mail voting is prone to fraud and favors Democrats, even as numerous independent studies have found little evidence of either claim.

During the 2016 presidential election campaign, Trump refused to say during a final debate with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton that he would concede if Clinton won.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-administration-will-not-even-consider-renaming-military-installations-trump-304959">Also read |&nbsp;My administration will not even consider renaming military installations: Trump</a>

Election experts and officials expect a surge in mail-in voting this November due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, and warn the process could be marred by chaos of the type already seen in primary elections held in states during the viral outbreak.

Large number of mail ballots not delivered in time to be cast or counted could lead to legal challenges over election results. Counting mail ballots also take more time because a voter's identity must first be validated, raising the prospect that the election outcome won't be known well past Election Day, experts say.

A growing number of former senior military leaders have criticised the president over his handling of the civil unrest following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, a black man whose death in custody of the Minneapolis police set off protests for police reform and racial justice.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused the president earlier this month of trying to divide America and roundly denounced a militarization of the US response to civil unrest.

The current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Mark Milley, issued a message to the armed forces reminding them of their oath to uphold the US Constitution, which gives Americans the right to “freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-hold-first-campaign-rally-since-covid-19-outbreak-in-us-304970">Also read |&nbsp;Trump to hold first campaign rally since COVID-19 outbreak in US</a>

Milley on Thursday said he made a mistake by joining Trump as he walked to a church for a photo opportunity last week after authorities dispersed protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets near the White House.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said he worries President Donald Trump will try to "steal" the November election but he is confident soldiers would escort Trump from the White House if he loses and doesn't recognise the result.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said he worries President Donald Trump will try to "steal" the November election but he is confident soldiers would escort Trump from the White House if he loses and doesn't recognise the result. "It's my greatest concern, my single greatest concern: This president is going to try to steal this election," Biden said in an interview broadcast late on Wednesday on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show." Biden did not specify how he thought Trump, a Republican, might cheat. But the former vice president cited Trump's opposition to mail-in voting and said Democrats would have lawyers present at voting locations across the country to look out for Republican efforts to suppress the vote. Trump has repeatedly attacked voting by mail, proclaiming without evidence that the expected increase in mail-in voting would lead to widespread fraud in the Nov. 3 contest. Also read | Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign Biden said recent comments by former senior military officials criticizing Trump's response to nationwide protests over police brutality made him confident the US military would intervene if Trump refused to accept the election results. "I'm absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch," Biden said. Biden has often said publically he worries Trump would try to cheat. But his rhetoric has escalated recently as most national polls show the former vice president leading the president, while Trump has stepped up criticism of voting by mail. Trump's re-election campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump and his Republican allies say mail voting is prone to fraud and favors Democrats, even as numerous independent studies have found little evidence of either claim. During the 2016 presidential election campaign, Trump refused to say during a final debate with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton that he would concede if Clinton won. Also read | My administration will not even consider renaming military installations: Trump Election experts and officials expect a surge in mail-in voting this November due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, and warn the process could be marred by chaos of the type already seen in primary elections held in states during the viral outbreak. Large number of mail ballots not delivered in time to be cast or counted could lead to legal challenges over election results. Counting mail ballots also take more time because a voter's identity must first be validated, raising the prospect that the election outcome won't be known well past Election Day, experts say. A growing number of former senior military leaders have criticised the president over his handling of the civil unrest following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, a black man whose death in custody of the Minneapolis police set off protests for police reform and racial justice. Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused the president earlier this month of trying to divide America and roundly denounced a militarization of the US response to civil unrest. The current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Mark Milley, issued a message to the armed forces reminding them of their oath to uphold the US Constitution, which gives Americans the right to “freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.” Also read | Trump to hold first campaign rally since COVID-19 outbreak in US Milley on Thursday said he made a mistake by joining Trump as he walked to a church for a photo opportunity last week after authorities dispersed protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets near the White House.

Joe Biden is worried Trump may 'steal' presidential election, says military would intervene if he loses

George Floyd buried in Houston on Tuesday. The burial will take place two weeks after he was killed when a white police officer knelt on his neck.

'It's time for racial justice', says Joe Biden via video message at George Floyd's funeral

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday&nbsp;that he does not support some calls to&nbsp;"defund the police,"&nbsp;declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality.

"I support conditioning federal aid to police based on whether or not they meet certain basic standards of decency and honorableness. And, in fact, are able to demonstrate they can protect the community and everybody in the community,"&nbsp;Biden said in an interview excerpt aired Monday evening.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-sets-1-million-bail-for-minneapolis-cop-no-dismantling-of-police-says-trump-304389" hreflang="en">Minneapolis cop set $1 million bail; no dismantling of police, says Trump</a>

Earlier in the day, the presumptive his campaign stressed the need for law enforcement reforms like community policing, increased diversity in police hiring and funding for body cameras.

Yet Biden’s desire for “transformative change” in the criminal justice system falls short of what many progressive activists are calling for in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died last month in Minneapolis.

The comments came as President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;and his campaign sought to tie Biden to calls to "defund the police," which have emerged in recent days at protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

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Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday that he does not support some calls to "defund the police," declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday that he does not support some calls to "defund the police," declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality. "I support conditioning federal aid to police based on whether or not they meet certain basic standards of decency and honorableness. And, in fact, are able to demonstrate they can protect the community and everybody in the community," Biden said in an interview excerpt aired Monday evening. Also read: Minneapolis cop set $1 million bail; no dismantling of police, says Trump Earlier in the day, the presumptive his campaign stressed the need for law enforcement reforms like community policing, increased diversity in police hiring and funding for body cameras. Yet Biden’s desire for “transformative change” in the criminal justice system falls short of what many progressive activists are calling for in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died last month in Minneapolis. The comments came as President Donald Trump and his campaign sought to tie Biden to calls to "defund the police," which have emerged in recent days at protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

Biden rejects calls to defund police, faces balancing act

As the US elections grow closer, a shift in power is being observed, and the current civil crisis is not helping the current US President Donald Trump win hearts...or votes of public and fellow politicians.

Following the coronavirus crisis and civil unrest in the country, former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, instead of Donald Trump.

Colin Powell is a Republican who led the US military during the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq under President George H.W. Bush and later headed the State Department under President George W. Bush.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-council-votes-to-dismantle-police-over-george-floyds-death-304094">Also read:&nbsp;Minneapolis council votes to dismantle police over George Floyd's death</a>

Explaining his choice in 2020 elections, Powell alleged that Trump "lies all the time," and has "drifted away" from the U.S. Constitution. He also stated that Trump, the infamous American President, poses a danger to American democracy.

"I cannot in any way support President Trump this year," Powell, who did not vote for the Republican president in 2016, told a local news channel.

Responding to the news, Trump called Powell a stiff and blamed him for getting the US tangled in the Middle East Wars.

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Colin Powell, a real stiff who was very responsible for getting us into the disastrous Middle East Wars, just announced he will be voting for another stiff, Sleepy Joe Biden. Didn’t Powell say that Iraq had “weapons of mass destruction?” They didn’t, but off we went to WAR!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1269634983687315457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While it is very rare for Republicans to openly condemn Donald Trump, this is not the first time he has faced criticism in the past month.&nbsp;

Trump has been attracting a lot of criticism for the current crisis that the country is going through -- rise in number of coronaviorus cases, civil unrest due to murders of African-American community and a sharp economic downfall.

Last week, Trump's former defense secretary, retired General Jim Mattis, denounced what he called Trump's "deliberate" efforts to divide the country.&nbsp;Former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmen Michael Mullen and Martin Dempsey have also criticized Trump's handling of the unrest.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said last week that she was "struggling" with whether to support Trump's reelection, while Republican Senator Mitt Romney praised Mattis' words.

With a rapid increase in the death toll, number of coronavirus cases and number of people out on roads protesting against racism faced by minority groups, Trump holds a sensitive position at getting reelected in 2020 elections.

(With inputs from Reuters)

As the US elections grow closer, a shift in power is being observed, and the current civil crisis is not helping the current US President Donald Trump win hearts.

As the US elections grow closer, a shift in power is being observed, and the current civil crisis is not helping the current US President Donald Trump win hearts...or votes of public and fellow politicians. Following the coronavirus crisis and civil unrest in the country, former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, instead of Donald Trump. Colin Powell is a Republican who led the US military during the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq under President George H.W. Bush and later headed the State Department under President George W. Bush. Also read: Minneapolis council votes to dismantle police over George Floyd's death Explaining his choice in 2020 elections, Powell alleged that Trump "lies all the time," and has "drifted away" from the U.S. Constitution. He also stated that Trump, the infamous American President, poses a danger to American democracy. "I cannot in any way support President Trump this year," Powell, who did not vote for the Republican president in 2016, told a local news channel. Responding to the news, Trump called Powell a stiff and blamed him for getting the US tangled in the Middle East Wars. Colin Powell, a real stiff who was very responsible for getting us into the disastrous Middle East Wars, just announced he will be voting for another stiff, Sleepy Joe Biden. Didn’t Powell say that Iraq had “weapons of mass destruction?” They didn’t, but off we went to WAR! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2020 × While it is very rare for Republicans to openly condemn Donald Trump, this is not the first time he has faced criticism in the past month. Trump has been attracting a lot of criticism for the current crisis that the country is going through -- rise in number of coronaviorus cases, civil unrest due to murders of African-American community and a sharp economic downfall. Last week, Trump's former defense secretary, retired General Jim Mattis, denounced what he called Trump's "deliberate" efforts to divide the country. Former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmen Michael Mullen and Martin Dempsey have also criticized Trump's handling of the unrest. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said last week that she was "struggling" with whether to support Trump's reelection, while Republican Senator Mitt Romney praised Mattis' words. With a rapid increase in the death toll, number of coronavirus cases and number of people out on roads protesting against racism faced by minority groups, Trump holds a sensitive position at getting reelected in 2020 elections. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump is a threat to American democracy: Colin Powell picks Biden

Amid much criticism on handling coronavirus crisis and ongoing protests in the United States, President Donald Trump witnessed a sharp drop in his approval ratings as support for prospective Democratic candidate Joe Biden rose considerably, according to the latest CNN poll.

According to the latest survey, Biden's support grew to 55 per cent, while only 41 per cent of voters backing Trump.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-a-threat-to-american-democracy-colin-powell-picks-biden-304124">Trump is a threat to American democracy: Colin Powell picks Biden</a>

This is a 14 per cent lead for Biden, who in the last poll was ahead by 7 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-formally-clinches-us-democratic-nomination-303760">Joe Biden formally clinches US Democratic nomination|</a>

After the results were out, Trump once again slammed CNN, calling their polls "fake" in a tweet.&nbsp;

"CNN Polls are as Fake as their Reporting. Same numbers, and worse, against Crooked Hillary. The Dems would destroy America," Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

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CNN Polls are as Fake as their Reporting. Same numbers, and worse, against Crooked Hillary. The Dems would destroy America!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1269974605059555328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He later tweeted that he has 96 per cent approval ratings in the Republic party.

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96% Approval Rating in the Republican Party. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1269978005931282433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The poll also found that only 38 per cent of respondents approved the way Trump handled the presidency, while a majority of these participants, 57 per cent, disapproved.&nbsp;

In May, Trump's approval ratings according to CNN stood at 45 per cent.&nbsp;

Recently, the US president was slammed by several US celebrities, politicians, including his former defense secretary, who accused Trump of trying to "divide" Americans.&nbsp;

Colin Powell, who served as US's chief military officer and top diplomat under Republican presidents, on Sunday said that he would vote for Biden.&nbsp;

Retired military officials remain tight-lipped generally but the breaking point was broken when Trump threatened to use the active-duty military to silence protests in cities across the US. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid much criticism on handling coronavirus crisis and ongoing protests in the United States, President Donald Trump witnessed a sharp drop in his approval ratings as support for prospective Democratic candidate Joe Biden rose considerably, according to the latest CNN poll.

Amid much criticism on handling coronavirus crisis and ongoing protests in the United States, President Donald Trump witnessed a sharp drop in his approval ratings as support for prospective Democratic candidate Joe Biden rose considerably, according to the latest CNN poll. According to the latest survey, Biden's support grew to 55 per cent, while only 41 per cent of voters backing Trump. Also read | Trump is a threat to American democracy: Colin Powell picks Biden This is a 14 per cent lead for Biden, who in the last poll was ahead by 7 per cent. Also read | Joe Biden formally clinches US Democratic nomination| After the results were out, Trump once again slammed CNN, calling their polls "fake" in a tweet. "CNN Polls are as Fake as their Reporting. Same numbers, and worse, against Crooked Hillary. The Dems would destroy America," Trump tweeted. CNN Polls are as Fake as their Reporting. Same numbers, and worse, against Crooked Hillary. The Dems would destroy America! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2020 × He later tweeted that he has 96 per cent approval ratings in the Republic party. 96% Approval Rating in the Republican Party. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2020 × The poll also found that only 38 per cent of respondents approved the way Trump handled the presidency, while a majority of these participants, 57 per cent, disapproved. In May, Trump's approval ratings according to CNN stood at 45 per cent. Recently, the US president was slammed by several US celebrities, politicians, including his former defense secretary, who accused Trump of trying to "divide" Americans. Colin Powell, who served as US's chief military officer and top diplomat under Republican presidents, on Sunday said that he would vote for Biden. Retired military officials remain tight-lipped generally but the breaking point was broken when Trump threatened to use the active-duty military to silence protests in cities across the US.

Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey

Former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell on Sunday endorsed Trump's Democratic rival and former US Vice President Joe Biden.

Former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell on Sunday endorsed Trump's Democratic rival and former US Vice President Joe Biden. With his endorsement of Biden, Powel became the first major Republican to publicly back Biden ahead of November's election. Powell, who led the US military during the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq under Republican former President George HW Bush and later led the Department of State under President George W. Bush, said Trump has "drifted away" from the U.S. Constitution and posed a danger the country and its democracy. "I cannot in any way support President Trump this year," Powell, who did not vote for the Republican president in 2016, told CNN. Asked if he would vote for Biden, he added: "I will be voting for him." Trump, who has been critical of the Iraq war, in a tweet called Powell "a real stiff." Powell is the latest former top military officer to rebuke Trump in the wake of sweeping mass protests aimed at fighting racial injustice spurred by the May 25 death of an unarmed black man in Minnesota. (With inputs from Reuters)

Former top Republican General Powell endorses Biden for president

Former Vice President Joe Biden has formally clinched the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday, setting the stage for a challenge to President Donald Trump in the November election.

Joe Biden formally clinches US Democratic nomination

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