Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Friday demanded that President Donald Trump release the transcript of his July phone call where he reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-leader-says-russia-sanctions-must-remain-in-place-249448">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> to investigate Biden's son.

"If these reports are true, then there is truly no bottom to President Trump's willingness to abuse his power and abase our country. This behaviour is particularly abhorrent because it exploits the foreign policy of our country and undermines our national security for political purposes," Biden said in the statement, as cited by the Hill.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>CNN cited a report by the Wall Street Journal as saying that Trump pressured Zelensky during the July phone call to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Biden's son Hunter.

The call took place on July 25, just one day after former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress about Russian interference in US elections, and was also part of a whistleblower complaint submitted to the Intelligence Community Inspector General.

While Trump has downplayed the significance of whistleblower's complaint, he did not deny discussing Biden with Zelensky during the phone call.

"It's a partisan whistleblower. They shouldn't even have information. I've had conversations with many leaders. They're always appropriate," Trump told reporters.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Friday demanded that President Donald Trump release the transcript of his July phone call where he reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Biden's son.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Friday demanded that President Donald Trump release the transcript of his July phone call where he reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Biden's son. "If these reports are true, then there is truly no bottom to President Trump's willingness to abuse his power and abase our country. This behaviour is particularly abhorrent because it exploits the foreign policy of our country and undermines our national security for political purposes," Biden said in the statement, as cited by the Hill. CNN cited a report by the Wall Street Journal as saying that Trump pressured Zelensky during the July phone call to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Biden's son Hunter. The call took place on July 25, just one day after former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress about Russian interference in US elections, and was also part of a whistleblower complaint submitted to the Intelligence Community Inspector General. While Trump has downplayed the significance of whistleblower's complaint, he did not deny discussing Biden with Zelensky during the phone call. "It's a partisan whistleblower. They shouldn't even have information. I've had conversations with many leaders. They're always appropriate," Trump told reporters.

Biden demands Trump release transcript of July phone call with Ukrainian President

Frontrunner Joe Biden came out swinging in the third Democratic debate for the White House nomination, clashing with his top two rivals over the future of health care in America and dismissing their plans as unrealistic pipe dreams.

Biden, under pressure to appear in command as the candidate to beat in 2020, pushed back hard against senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren during the debate in Houston, Texas a showdown seen as a tough test of the 76-year-old's stamina.

In a high-octane clash with his fellow septuagenarians, the former vice president warned Sanders's plan to finance universal healthcare "gets him halfway there," while Warren has yet to indicate how hers will be paid for.

"I lay out how I can pay for it, how I can get it done, and why it's better," Biden said of his plan, which maintains and builds on the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare.

Warren, a rising star in the race, and Sanders each put up a spirited defense of their proposals.&nbsp;

"Those at the very top, the richest individuals and the biggest corporations, are going to pay more. And middle-class families are going to pay less," Warren said.

Sanders, whose plans advocates for a shift away from private health insurance, assured voters "we will finally make sure that every American has health care as a human right, not a privilege."

The three-way battle over healthcare kicked off a marathon debate, as 10 hopefuls scrambled for breakout moments as they vye for the right to challenge President Donald Trump.

But the candidates stood united on one key factor: ousting Trump from the White House.

"We must and will defeat Trump, the most dangerous president in the history of this country," Sanders said. "But we must do more. We must do more."

At a dinner with Republican legislators on Thursday evening, Trump quickly dropped his message of "respect" toward his opponents, which he'd expressed just three hours earlier.

He called Sanders "Crazy Bernie, he's a crazy guy." He lamented that he'd "hit Pocantonas" Warren "way too early," in reference to his mockery of the senator's controversial claim to have had Native American blood.

And he reserved his longest joke for Biden, or "Sleepy Joe."

"He's fallen asleep, he's no idea what he's doing or saying," Trump said to laughter from his party, before acting out a scene in which he imitated Chinese President Xi Jinping negotiating with Biden, with the Democrat mumbling "where am I?" and Xi telling him "sign here."

Dominant top three

All eyes were on Biden who is battling accusations that he is a gaffe-prone candidate past his prime who could struggle during a gruelling campaign.

Biden maintains a grip on pole position with 26.8 per cent support, despite a noticeable dip in recent weeks, according to a poll average compiled by RealClearPolitics.

Sanders, at 78 the oldest candidate in the field, is narrowly ahead of Warren at 17.3 per cent support, and has largely avoided clashing with his friend and fellow progressive.

A summer of verbal miscues -- and an apparent lack of preparedness for spirited attacks by rivals in the first debate -- raised doubts about Biden's age and mental clarity, concerns he and his team have roundly dismissed.

He enjoys strong support in particular from African-American communities and from working-class whites who appreciate his blue-collar appeal and believe he is best able to beat Trump, a top priority for Democratic voters.

Warren, 70, has electrified town halls and impressed voters with her extensive collection of policy platforms.

Early Thursday she released her latest plan, one that would increase Social Security benefits for all Americans by $200 per month.

While Warren's stock has risen, the campaigns of others such as Senator Kamala Harris and 37-year-old South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg have stalled.

For the second tier, including ex-congressman Beto O'Rourke, senators Cory Booker and Amy Klobuchar, and Obama-era housing secretary Julian Castro -- all polling under three per cent -- a breakout moment is critical to stay relevant.

Navigating between the leaders and the strugglers is tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who has made establishing a universal basic income to offset job losses a key part of his campaign, and who grabbed the spotlight Thursday by promising to give a "freedom dividend" of $1,000 per month to 10 American families for a year. 
&nbsp;

Frontrunner Joe Biden came out swinging in the third Democratic debate for the White House nomination, clashing with his top two rivals over the future of health care in America and dismissing their plans as unrealistic pipe dreams.

Frontrunner Joe Biden came out swinging in the third Democratic debate for the White House nomination, clashing with his top two rivals over the future of health care in America and dismissing their plans as unrealistic pipe dreams. Biden, under pressure to appear in command as the candidate to beat in 2020, pushed back hard against senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren during the debate in Houston, Texas a showdown seen as a tough test of the 76-year-old's stamina. In a high-octane clash with his fellow septuagenarians, the former vice president warned Sanders's plan to finance universal healthcare "gets him halfway there," while Warren has yet to indicate how hers will be paid for. "I lay out how I can pay for it, how I can get it done, and why it's better," Biden said of his plan, which maintains and builds on the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare. Warren, a rising star in the race, and Sanders each put up a spirited defense of their proposals. "Those at the very top, the richest individuals and the biggest corporations, are going to pay more. And middle-class families are going to pay less," Warren said. Sanders, whose plans advocates for a shift away from private health insurance, assured voters "we will finally make sure that every American has health care as a human right, not a privilege." The three-way battle over healthcare kicked off a marathon debate, as 10 hopefuls scrambled for breakout moments as they vye for the right to challenge President Donald Trump. But the candidates stood united on one key factor: ousting Trump from the White House. "We must and will defeat Trump, the most dangerous president in the history of this country," Sanders said. "But we must do more. We must do more." At a dinner with Republican legislators on Thursday evening, Trump quickly dropped his message of "respect" toward his opponents, which he'd expressed just three hours earlier. He called Sanders "Crazy Bernie, he's a crazy guy." He lamented that he'd "hit Pocantonas" Warren "way too early," in reference to his mockery of the senator's controversial claim to have had Native American blood. And he reserved his longest joke for Biden, or "Sleepy Joe." "He's fallen asleep, he's no idea what he's doing or saying," Trump said to laughter from his party, before acting out a scene in which he imitated Chinese President Xi Jinping negotiating with Biden, with the Democrat mumbling "where am I?" and Xi telling him "sign here." Dominant top three All eyes were on Biden who is battling accusations that he is a gaffe-prone candidate past his prime who could struggle during a gruelling campaign. Biden maintains a grip on pole position with 26.8 per cent support, despite a noticeable dip in recent weeks, according to a poll average compiled by RealClearPolitics. Sanders, at 78 the oldest candidate in the field, is narrowly ahead of Warren at 17.3 per cent support, and has largely avoided clashing with his friend and fellow progressive. A summer of verbal miscues -- and an apparent lack of preparedness for spirited attacks by rivals in the first debate -- raised doubts about Biden's age and mental clarity, concerns he and his team have roundly dismissed. He enjoys strong support in particular from African-American communities and from working-class whites who appreciate his blue-collar appeal and believe he is best able to beat Trump, a top priority for Democratic voters. Warren, 70, has electrified town halls and impressed voters with her extensive collection of policy platforms. Early Thursday she released her latest plan, one that would increase Social Security benefits for all Americans by $200 per month. While Warren's stock has risen, the campaigns of others such as Senator Kamala Harris and 37-year-old South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg have stalled. For the second tier, including ex-congressman Beto O'Rourke, senators Cory Booker and Amy Klobuchar, and Obama-era housing secretary Julian Castro -- all polling under three per cent -- a breakout moment is critical to stay relevant. Navigating between the leaders and the strugglers is tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who has made establishing a universal basic income to offset job losses a key part of his campaign, and who grabbed the spotlight Thursday by promising to give a "freedom dividend" of $1,000 per month to 10 American families for a year.

Joe Biden comes out fighting in Democratic White House debate

Biden clashes with Warren, Sanders on health care in 3rd Democratic debate. Watch video to know more.

3rd Democratic debate: Biden clashes with Warren, Sanders on health care

A parade of 19 presidential hopefuls courted New Hampshire Democratic activists at a day-long convention on Saturday (September 7), touting their ability to unite the party and offering their visions for how to beat U.S. President Donald Trump in 2020. In a series of 10-minute speeches, the contenders accused Trump of sowing hate and threatening democracy, calling the 2020 election a referendum on what kind of country the United States would be. "This president has unleashed the deepest, darkest forces in this nation," Democratic front-runner Joe Biden told the convention. "We cannot and I will not let this man be re-elected president of the United States of America." He also made what he called a "Freudian slip" referring to President Trump as "President Hump."

A ''Freudian slip'' as Biden targets Donald Trump as ''Hump'' at Democratic forum in New Hampshire

Seizing on mounting Farm Belt frustration with President Donald Trump's economic agenda, Democratic rivals are stepping up their push to take back part of rural America, whose overwhelming support for Trump helped propel his upset 2016 election victory.

Seizing on mounting Farm Belt frustration with President Donald Trump's economic agenda, Democratic rivals are stepping up their push to take back part of rural America, whose overwhelming support for Trump helped propel his upset 2016 election victory. The sparsely populated US heartland has remained loyal to the Republican president even as farmers from Iowa to Wisconsin to Pennsylvania bear the brunt of his tariff war with China. His advisers insist Trump's projection of toughness against China will only delight, not alienate, his base. Democrats seeking to face Trump in the November 2020 election challenge that presumption, pointing to farmers reeling from plunging prices and unsold crops during what is now more than a year-long trade war with China. Farmers and ethanol producers are also upset with the administration's latest decision to allow more oil refiners to skirt biofuel laws and useless corn-based ethanol. From front-runner, Joe Biden to US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar, many of the more than 20 Democratic presidential candidates have highlighted the economic damage caused by Trump's trade war and biofuel waivers as the central plank of their pitches to rural America. At various campaign stops in Iowa since June, Biden has said the trade war was "crushing" American farmers. “How many farmers across this state, across this nation, have to face the prospect of losing everything, losing their farm because of these tariffs?” Biden said in Warren County, Iowa, last week. Biden's aides say he will make campaigning in rural areas a top priority. "Vice President Biden will work to expand the market for ethanol and the next generation of biofuels, and will re-engage allies to negotiate trade that benefits American farmers and other workers," TJ Ducklo, a Biden spokesman, told Reuters. In recent weeks, several other candidates, including Warren and Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, have rushed to roll out plans for rural America, touching on everything from farm subsidies to rural healthcare and broadband. They have already been campaigning heavily in rural Iowa, the state that kicks off the party’s nominating contest in February and is the largest producer of corn and ethanol. In the past, Democratic candidates often just paid lip service to rural voters, said former US Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, who founded the One Country Project to help democrats broaden their rural appeal after she lost her re-election bid last year. This year is different, she said in an interview. “There’s an appreciation that we can’t continue to fail at the rate we’re failing in rural America and be successful in presidential races and Senate races," Heitkamp said. She added: “We’re getting helped a lot by the president in this regard." Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union, said in a statement last Friday: "Between burning bridges with all of our biggest trading partners and undermining our domestic biofuels industry, President Trump is making things worse, not better." Uphill battle Many rural voters helped former Democratic President Barack Obama win the White House in 2008 and 2012. But they supported Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 by more than 30 percentage points. Next year is again expected to be an uphill battle for Democrats. Officials worry the party's increasingly liberal direction on immigration and other Trump-driven hot-button issues are socially and culturally at odds with rural voters. According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this month, five in 10 US adults in rural areas approved of Trump's performance in office, higher than his 41 per cent approval nationwide. Tim Murtaugh, the Trump campaign’s communications director, said farmers know the trade war is a "fight worth winning." “Farmers are patriots ... and they know the long-term benefits are going to be worth it for themselves and this nation," Murtaugh said. The White House also unveiled a $16 billion aid package in July to help farmers hurt by the trade war and bad weather. But Democrats point to last year's congressional elections, where the party increased its share of the vote from 2016 in at least 54 districts with large rural populations, as a sign that Trump's grip on rural America may be loosening. Even a small erosion in Trump’s support among rural voters could make a difference in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, where Trump won by razor-thin margins in 2016, Democratic strategists say. Trump won by a combined total of just 77,000 votes in the three states. Priorities USA, the largest Democratic Super PAC, is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars a week to run digital ads in those states as well as in Florida, aimed at tying Trump’spolicies to economic difficulties that many working-class people face. 'Folded to big oil' A round of more bad news for farmers last week, including extra tariffs Beijing announced on soybeans and other key US agricultural exports gave Democrats a fresh opening to attack Trump. After Reuters reported this month that Trump gave regulators the green light to grant exemptions to more than 30 small refineries so they can use less ethanol, Democratic candidates pounced on it as evidence Trump favours the oil industry. Klobuchar, the Minnesota lawmaker who has centred her campaign narrative on her ability to win over rural Midwestern voters, said that if elected, she would block pending refinery waiver applications and look to reverse any approved. “He folded to Big Oil,” she told reporters on Thursday. Murtaugh, the Trump campaign spokesman, rejected the accusation, saying the president was concerned about some “small” refineries not being able to cope with costly standards. “As president, he must look out for the economic interests of everyone involved,” he said. The backlash from agricultural and biofuel trade groups has been particularly strong in Iowa, a swing state won twice by Obama but that Trump carried in 2016. “Democrats have crisscrossed Iowa. They are speaking to ethanol producers who have idled plants and talking to workers who are losing their jobs," said Patty Judge, a former Democratic lieutenant governor in Iowa and current chair of the Focus on Rural America, which advocates progressive economic policies in rural areas. "This is an opportunity for Democrats to win back the heartland and the White House."

As Trump policies deepen farmers' pain, Democrats see an opening in rural America

Former vice president Joe Biden, the frontrunner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, called on Monday for reinstating a ban on assault weapons and including a buyback program to get them off the streets.

In a column in The New York Times, Biden also called for stricter background checks for gun buyers and greater use of "smart-gun technology" that allows a weapon only to be fired by its authorized owner. &nbsp;

"We have a huge problem with guns," Biden said in the article published about a week after mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, left 31 people dead.

"Assault weapons -- military-style firearms designed to fire rapidly -- are a threat to our national security, and we should treat them as such," the former senator from Delaware said.

"There's overwhelming data that shootings committed with assault weapons kill more people than shootings with other types of guns," he said.

"Shooters looking to inflict mass carnage choose assault weapons with high-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds," Biden said. "They choose them because they want to kill as many people as possible without having to stop and reload."

Biden said that if he wins the 2020 presidential election, he would seek to reimpose a 1994 ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

"And this time, we're going to pair it with a buyback program to get as many assault weapons off our streets as possible as quickly as possible," he said.

The 1994 law that banned assault weapons expired in 2004.

Biden said that besides stricter background checks for gun buyers he would "accelerate the development and deployment of smart-gun technology... so that guns are keyed to the individual biometrics of authorized owners."

Following the El Paso and Dayton shootings, President Donald Trump has said he supports expanding background checks but has come out against an assault weapons ban, a measure that is also opposed by the powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Former vice president Joe Biden, the frontrunner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, called on Monday for reinstating a ban on assault weapons and including a buyback program to get them off the streets.

Former vice president Joe Biden, the frontrunner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, called on Monday for reinstating a ban on assault weapons and including a buyback program to get them off the streets. In a column in The New York Times, Biden also called for stricter background checks for gun buyers and greater use of "smart-gun technology" that allows a weapon only to be fired by its authorized owner. "We have a huge problem with guns," Biden said in the article published about a week after mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, left 31 people dead. "Assault weapons -- military-style firearms designed to fire rapidly -- are a threat to our national security, and we should treat them as such," the former senator from Delaware said. "There's overwhelming data that shootings committed with assault weapons kill more people than shootings with other types of guns," he said. "Shooters looking to inflict mass carnage choose assault weapons with high-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds," Biden said. "They choose them because they want to kill as many people as possible without having to stop and reload." Biden said that if he wins the 2020 presidential election, he would seek to reimpose a 1994 ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. "And this time, we're going to pair it with a buyback program to get as many assault weapons off our streets as possible as quickly as possible," he said. The 1994 law that banned assault weapons expired in 2004. Biden said that besides stricter background checks for gun buyers he would "accelerate the development and deployment of smart-gun technology... so that guns are keyed to the individual biometrics of authorized owners." Following the El Paso and Dayton shootings, President Donald Trump has said he supports expanding background checks but has come out against an assault weapons ban, a measure that is also opposed by the powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Joe Biden calls for reinstating assault weapons ban, buyback program

A cavalcade of Democratic presidential hopefuls on Friday tried to turn a few precious minutes before Iowa voters into the momentum needed to catapult their campaigns in the pivotal state.

A cavalcade of Democratic presidential hopefuls on Friday tried to turn a few precious minutes before Iowa voters into the momentum needed to catapult their campaigns in the pivotal state. A rite of passage for Democratic presidential candidates, the annual "Wing Ding Dinner" featured five-minute speeches from almost two dozen contenders seeking the party's nomination to take on Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. Lowa's caucuses in February kicked off the Democratic nomination process and can provide a candidate with crucial early momentum. Even though many of the candidates urgently need to differentiate themselves among the horde, most of them trained their fire at Trump, not each other. Some said Trump had inflamed social tensions with anti-immigrant and racially charged rhetoric, helping prompt mass shootings in Texas and Ohio last weekend that left 31 dead. Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, accused Trump of "coddling white nationalists." The suspect in the El Paso shooting reportedly posted a hate-filled manifesto directed at Latinos before the massacre. Former Vice President Joe Biden said Trump "offers no moral leadership. He has no interest in unifying this country." Trump, he said, has adopted a political strategy of "hate, racism, and division." Former US Congressman Beto O'Rourke, who is from El Paso, did not speak at the event, but appeared in a video accusing Trump of fostering "hatred, racism, and intolerance." Tim Ryan, a US congressman from Ohio, urged Congress to pass an assault weapons ban. "People are dying on the streets of this country, being killed by weapons made for the battlefield," Ryan said. "This country will never be safe until we get these weapons of war off the streets." There were some signs of the ideological and generational tensions within the party. Montana Governor Steve Bullock, a moderate, decried sweeping progressive proposals that he said were "written for press releases." But when progressive US Senator Elizabeth Warren championed her plan to provide "Medicare for All" and levy a tax on the nation's wealthiest, she received loud cheers. Buttigieg took a subtle jab at Biden, who often touts his work as vice president under President Barack Obama. "We can't look like we're the party of back to normal," Buttigieg said. "What we have now isn't working, but normal wasn't working either." FARMER FALLOUT There were also references to Iowa's economy, where farmers have been caught in the fallout from Trump's decision to slap tariffs on Chinese goods. "Trade war by tweet is not working for our farmers," Warren said. After the event, Cynthia Donovan, 62, of Sioux City, Iowa said she was most impressed by Buttigieg and Warren. Donovan, who has not chosen a candidate to support, said she was "looking for somebody who can unify. Somebody who can change some of the damage that this current administration has done on trade, immigration, and humanity." The event, a fundraiser for the state Democratic Party that serves up piles of chicken wings, attracts activists and organizers in the Midwestern state whose support can bolster a presidential bid. As the state that holds the first nominating contest each election cycle, Iowa plays an outsized role in picking presidential nominees. Only the top finishers in Iowa's February caucuses will likely survive to continue their candidacies. Underscoring the state's importance, several 2020 candidates made Iowa their first presidential campaign stop this year. That included Biden, who said he was not taking his front-runner status for granted as he returned to Iowa this week. US Senators Kamala Harris of California and Senator Warren of Massachusetts both embarked this week on bus tours across the state to try to galvanize their supporters. Throughout the weekend, some 20 candidates will also take turns appearing at the Iowa State Fair, ascending the infamous "soapbox" to deliver their pitch to voters and take questions.

Parade of Democratic 2020 hopefuls push for momentum in Iowa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-sanders-emerge-as-top-two-candidates-for-the-2020-us-presidential-electionspolls-241096">Joe Biden</a>, the frontrunner in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-no-political-support-for-assault-rifle-controls-241398">President Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday, saying he has "fanned the flames of white supremacy."

"We have a problem with this rising tide of white supremacy in America and we have a president who encourages and emboldens it," Biden said at a campaign event in Burlington, Iowa.

"In both clear language and in code, this president has fanned the flames of white supremacy in this nation," the 76-year-old former vice president said, using some of his harshest language yet about the Republican president.

Biden said Trump "offers no moral leadership" and shows "no interest in unifying the nation."

"Instead we have a president with a toxic tongue who has publicly and unapologetically embraced a political strategy of hate, racism, and division," he said.

Trump has been accused by his Democratic critics and others of promoting white nationalism with his frequent attacks on immigrants and minorities.

A 21-year-old white man killed 22 people in El Paso, Texas over the weekend in a mass shooting he said was carried out to repel a "Hispanic invasion."

Biden laid some of the blame at Trump's doorstep.

"How far is it from Trump's saying this is 'an invasion' to the shooter in El Paso declaring 'this attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas?'" Biden asked. "Not far at all."

Biden cited the actions of past presidents and said they "chose to fight for what the best of American character is about."

"We don't have that today," he said. "We have a president who has aligned himself with the darkest forces in this nation.

"And that makes winning the battle for the soul of this nation that much harder."&nbsp;

Biden said America was going through a rare episode in its history with a president who "isn't up to the moment, where our president lacks the moral authority to lead."

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, another 2020 Democratic hopeful, also denounced Trump on Wednesday, in a speech at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine black parishioners were shot dead in 2015 by a white supremacist.

Booker, one of two main African-American candidates in the race, said the United States was being led by a "president who spews hateful rhetoric and endangers the lives of people of colour and immigrants." &nbsp;

He said the El Paso attack "was sowed by those who spoke the same words the El Paso murderer did: warning of an 'invasion.'"

"It was sowed by those who spoke of an 'infestation,' and 'rats and rodents' in majority Black cities," Booker added in a reference to Trump's comments about the city of Baltimore.

Trump on Wednesday said he opposed "white supremacy or any other kind of supremacy" and accused Democrats of trying to score "political points."

Tweeting while heading to El Paso for a condolence visit, Trump also said he watched Biden's speech and declared it "Sooo Boring!"

"The LameStream Media will die in the ratings and clicks with this guy," he said. "It will be over for them, not to mention the fact that our Country will do poorly with him."

Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, lashed out at President Donald Trump on Wednesday, saying he has "fanned the flames of white supremacy.

Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, lashed out at President Donald Trump on Wednesday, saying he has "fanned the flames of white supremacy." "We have a problem with this rising tide of white supremacy in America and we have a president who encourages and emboldens it," Biden said at a campaign event in Burlington, Iowa. "In both clear language and in code, this president has fanned the flames of white supremacy in this nation," the 76-year-old former vice president said, using some of his harshest language yet about the Republican president. Biden said Trump "offers no moral leadership" and shows "no interest in unifying the nation." "Instead we have a president with a toxic tongue who has publicly and unapologetically embraced a political strategy of hate, racism, and division," he said. Trump has been accused by his Democratic critics and others of promoting white nationalism with his frequent attacks on immigrants and minorities. A 21-year-old white man killed 22 people in El Paso, Texas over the weekend in a mass shooting he said was carried out to repel a "Hispanic invasion." Biden laid some of the blame at Trump's doorstep. "How far is it from Trump's saying this is 'an invasion' to the shooter in El Paso declaring 'this attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas?'" Biden asked. "Not far at all." Biden cited the actions of past presidents and said they "chose to fight for what the best of American character is about." "We don't have that today," he said. "We have a president who has aligned himself with the darkest forces in this nation. "And that makes winning the battle for the soul of this nation that much harder." Biden said America was going through a rare episode in its history with a president who "isn't up to the moment, where our president lacks the moral authority to lead." New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, another 2020 Democratic hopeful, also denounced Trump on Wednesday, in a speech at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine black parishioners were shot dead in 2015 by a white supremacist. Booker, one of two main African-American candidates in the race, said the United States was being led by a "president who spews hateful rhetoric and endangers the lives of people of colour and immigrants." He said the El Paso attack "was sowed by those who spoke the same words the El Paso murderer did: warning of an 'invasion.'" "It was sowed by those who spoke of an 'infestation,' and 'rats and rodents' in majority Black cities," Booker added in a reference to Trump's comments about the city of Baltimore. Trump on Wednesday said he opposed "white supremacy or any other kind of supremacy" and accused Democrats of trying to score "political points." Tweeting while heading to El Paso for a condolence visit, Trump also said he watched Biden's speech and declared it "Sooo Boring!" "The LameStream Media will die in the ratings and clicks with this guy," he said. "It will be over for them, not to mention the fact that our Country will do poorly with him."

Trump has 'fanned the flames of white supremacy': Biden

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The August 1-5 public opinion poll, released on Wednesday, showed that 22% of Democrats and independents would vote for Biden, a level that is unchanged from a similar poll that ran last month. Another 18% said they supported Sanders, up 2 percentage points from the July poll.

None of 23 other candidates received more than 9% in the poll.

Biden and Sanders offer Democrats sharply contrasting views on how to govern. Sanders leads the effort to expand government-run healthcare for all Americans while Biden offers a more moderate approach that would allow people to keep their existing healthcare plans.

Yet the choice for Democrats may have less to do with ideology and more to do with who is best suited to beat&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the November 2020 general election.

According to the poll, 36% of Democrats say they are simply looking for someone who can win. Only 11% say the most important quality is someone with a strong healthcare plan, and 5% say it is most important to pick a strong voice on the environment.

Biden and Sanders are currently viewed as the safest bets for beating&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;among all Democrats. Both improved their standing among minorities over the past month as&nbsp;Trump repeatedly vilified minority lawmakers in a series of tweets and public comments that infuriated Democrats and many others.

In one exchange&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;told four minority lawmakers who have been critical of his administration to "go back" to where they came from.

From July to August, both Biden and Sanders received a stronger level of support from minorities, and minorities also shifted their support away from lesser-known candidates like US Senator Kamala Harris of California and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke.

Among racial minorities who identify as Democrats or independents, 23% said they would vote for Biden and 23% said they would support Sanders, which is up 2 points for each candidate from July.

Another 6% said they backed Harris, down 5 points from July, and 2% supported O'Rourke, down 3 points from the previous poll.

When asked who would be most likely to beat&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the 2020 general election, 33% of minorities picked Biden and 19% picked Sanders.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,210 adults, including 483 racial minorities. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 5 percentage points.

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald Trump in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald Trump in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The August 1-5 public opinion poll, released on Wednesday, showed that 22% of Democrats and independents would vote for Biden, a level that is unchanged from a similar poll that ran last month. Another 18% said they supported Sanders, up 2 percentage points from the July poll. None of 23 other candidates received more than 9% in the poll. Biden and Sanders offer Democrats sharply contrasting views on how to govern. Sanders leads the effort to expand government-run healthcare for all Americans while Biden offers a more moderate approach that would allow people to keep their existing healthcare plans. Yet the choice for Democrats may have less to do with ideology and more to do with who is best suited to beat Trump in the November 2020 general election. According to the poll, 36% of Democrats say they are simply looking for someone who can win. Only 11% say the most important quality is someone with a strong healthcare plan, and 5% say it is most important to pick a strong voice on the environment. Biden and Sanders are currently viewed as the safest bets for beating Trump among all Democrats. Both improved their standing among minorities over the past month as Trump repeatedly vilified minority lawmakers in a series of tweets and public comments that infuriated Democrats and many others. In one exchange Trump told four minority lawmakers who have been critical of his administration to "go back" to where they came from. From July to August, both Biden and Sanders received a stronger level of support from minorities, and minorities also shifted their support away from lesser-known candidates like US Senator Kamala Harris of California and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke. Among racial minorities who identify as Democrats or independents, 23% said they would vote for Biden and 23% said they would support Sanders, which is up 2 points for each candidate from July. Another 6% said they backed Harris, down 5 points from July, and 2% supported O'Rourke, down 3 points from the previous poll. When asked who would be most likely to beat Trump in the 2020 general election, 33% of minorities picked Biden and 19% picked Sanders. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,210 adults, including 483 racial minorities. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 5 percentage points.

Biden and Sanders emerge as top two candidates for the 2020 US presidential elections:Polls

Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwikv9KOtOHjAhVKi3AKHQTHCkIQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw06m4z9QxXhFdMSzJ9HcH9R">Donald Trump</a> as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the debate on Wednesday.

On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, the candidates underscored their policy positions and plans to unseat Trump in November of 2020.

Ten candidates took the debate stage including democratic front-runner, former Vice President Joe Biden, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, California Senator Kamala Harris, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, businessman Andrew Yang, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

The crowded Democratic field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the race to pick a challenger to Trump in the November 2020 election.

Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President Donald Trump as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the debate on Wednesday.

Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President Donald Trump as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the debate on Wednesday. On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, the candidates underscored their policy positions and plans to unseat Trump in November of 2020. Ten candidates took the debate stage including democratic front-runner, former Vice President Joe Biden, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, California Senator Kamala Harris, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, businessman Andrew Yang, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro. The crowded Democratic field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the race to pick a challenger to Trump in the November 2020 election.

Ahead of US elections 2020, democratic candidates discuss their strategies to unseat Trump

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders offered an unabashed defence of their progressive policies during a Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday, as their more moderate rivals aimed their proposals as unrealistic and politically untenable.

The debate frequently pitted the two US senators against the rest of the 10 candidates on stage, with healthcare and immigration policy highlighting the divisions between the two camps.

On the first night of back-to-back debates, Democrats were united in stressing the urgency of defeating Republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-as-donald-trump-brands-mostly-black-baltimore-infested-mess-238913">President Donald Trump</a> in the November 2020 election. But they delivered bruising critiques of their party rivals` positions as detailed policy disputes dominated the nearly three-hour event.

Trump has been eager to paint the entire Democratic field as socialists, seeking to make any eventual nominee untenable to voters by arguing Democrats want to raise taxes, open the US borders and take away private healthcare.&nbsp;

The dispute between the moderate and liberal wings of the Democratic Party highlighted the central question of the nominating contest: Which candidate in the field of more than two dozen would be best positioned to beat Trump next year.

Montana Governor Steve Bullock, emerging as a forceful voice in his first presidential debate, criticized fellow candidates for being too liberal in the opening round of debates last month in Miami.

"Watching that last debate, folks seemed more concerned about scoring points or outdoing each other with wish-list economics than making sure Americans know we hear their voices and will help their lives," Bullock said. 
Progressives argued their policies would excite voters and allow them to draw a distinct contrast to Trump.&nbsp;

Taking a jab at former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-clash-on-healthcare-in-feisty-first-us-presidential-debate-230721">US Representative John Delaney</a>, who often played the role of liberal foil during the debate, Warren said: "I don’t understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running for president of the United States to talk about what we really can’t do and shouldn’t fight for."&nbsp;

As the front-runners in the polls among the candidates debating on Tuesday, Sanders and Warren often found themselves defending the policy positions they share.&nbsp;

"I get a little bit tired of Democrats afraid of big ideas. Republicans are not afraid of big ideas," Sanders said.

The two are seeking to gain ground against former Vice President Joe Biden, who currently leads in opinion polls among Democratic contenders.

Healthcare, Immigration

The early part of the debate centred on a dispute about the future of the US healthcare system, and whether Democrats should embrace Medicare for All proposals that would have the government take over the health insurance industry.&nbsp;

The divisions over how best to provide Americans access to affordable healthcare is one of the early defining issues in the Democratic race for the 2020 presidential nomination to take on Trump.

Some contenders argued the proposal pushed by the progressives would take private insurance away from people who currently prefer their coverage and force a tax increase on the middle class.

"Why do we have to be the party of taking something away from people?" said Delaney, who has been critical of Medicare for All. 
&nbsp; 
He argued that Democrats should not back proposals that would eliminate private insurance.&nbsp;

"They are running on telling half the country that your health insurance is illegal," Delaney said, pointing to Warren and Sanders. Warren interjected to defend the proposal.&nbsp;

"We`re not trying to take healthcare away from anyone. That`s what Republicans are trying to do."

Sanders, who has introduced a Medicare for All bill in the US Senate, said: "Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. I believe that I will fight for that."

The candidates also differed on immigration policy - disagreeing on whether illegal border crossings should be decriminalized.

"You don`t have to decriminalize everything," Bullock said. "What you have to do is to have a president in there with the judgment and the decency to treat someone that comes to the border like one of our own."

Warren disagreed, saying: "We need to expand legal immigration, we need to create a path for citizenship not just for dreamers but for grandmas and for people who have been working here in the farms and for students who have overstayed their visas."

"You are playing into Donald Trump`s hands," Bullock said.&nbsp;

Lower-tier candidates were aiming to produce the kind of post-debate surge that US Senator Kamala Harris enjoyed after a strong performance in the first debate after confronting Biden on the issue of race.&nbsp;

The two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many contenders to debate on the national stage, as the Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for participation in the next debates in September and October.

Ten more candidates will face off on Wednesday night, including Biden and Harris.&nbsp;

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders offered an unabashed defence of their progressive policies during a Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday, as their more moderate rivals aimed their proposals as unrealistic and politically untenable.

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders offered an unabashed defence of their progressive policies during a Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday, as their more moderate rivals aimed their proposals as unrealistic and politically untenable. The debate frequently pitted the two US senators against the rest of the 10 candidates on stage, with healthcare and immigration policy highlighting the divisions between the two camps. On the first night of back-to-back debates, Democrats were united in stressing the urgency of defeating Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. But they delivered bruising critiques of their party rivals` positions as detailed policy disputes dominated the nearly three-hour event. Trump has been eager to paint the entire Democratic field as socialists, seeking to make any eventual nominee untenable to voters by arguing Democrats want to raise taxes, open the US borders and take away private healthcare. The dispute between the moderate and liberal wings of the Democratic Party highlighted the central question of the nominating contest: Which candidate in the field of more than two dozen would be best positioned to beat Trump next year. Montana Governor Steve Bullock, emerging as a forceful voice in his first presidential debate, criticized fellow candidates for being too liberal in the opening round of debates last month in Miami. "Watching that last debate, folks seemed more concerned about scoring points or outdoing each other with wish-list economics than making sure Americans know we hear their voices and will help their lives," Bullock said. Progressives argued their policies would excite voters and allow them to draw a distinct contrast to Trump. Taking a jab at former US Representative John Delaney, who often played the role of liberal foil during the debate, Warren said: "I don’t understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running for president of the United States to talk about what we really can’t do and shouldn’t fight for." As the front-runners in the polls among the candidates debating on Tuesday, Sanders and Warren often found themselves defending the policy positions they share. "I get a little bit tired of Democrats afraid of big ideas. Republicans are not afraid of big ideas," Sanders said. The two are seeking to gain ground against former Vice President Joe Biden, who currently leads in opinion polls among Democratic contenders. Healthcare, Immigration The early part of the debate centred on a dispute about the future of the US healthcare system, and whether Democrats should embrace Medicare for All proposals that would have the government take over the health insurance industry. The divisions over how best to provide Americans access to affordable healthcare is one of the early defining issues in the Democratic race for the 2020 presidential nomination to take on Trump. Some contenders argued the proposal pushed by the progressives would take private insurance away from people who currently prefer their coverage and force a tax increase on the middle class. "Why do we have to be the party of taking something away from people?" said Delaney, who has been critical of Medicare for All. He argued that Democrats should not back proposals that would eliminate private insurance. "They are running on telling half the country that your health insurance is illegal," Delaney said, pointing to Warren and Sanders. Warren interjected to defend the proposal. "We`re not trying to take healthcare away from anyone. That`s what Republicans are trying to do." Sanders, who has introduced a Medicare for All bill in the US Senate, said: "Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. I believe that I will fight for that." The candidates also differed on immigration policy - disagreeing on whether illegal border crossings should be decriminalized. "You don`t have to decriminalize everything," Bullock said. "What you have to do is to have a president in there with the judgment and the decency to treat someone that comes to the border like one of our own." Warren disagreed, saying: "We need to expand legal immigration, we need to create a path for citizenship not just for dreamers but for grandmas and for people who have been working here in the farms and for students who have overstayed their visas." "You are playing into Donald Trump`s hands," Bullock said. Lower-tier candidates were aiming to produce the kind of post-debate surge that US Senator Kamala Harris enjoyed after a strong performance in the first debate after confronting Biden on the issue of race. The two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many contenders to debate on the national stage, as the Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for participation in the next debates in September and October. Ten more candidates will face off on Wednesday night, including Biden and Harris.

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders defend progressive policies in US Democratic debate

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden and rival Kamala Harris will stage a rematch of last month's explosive debate confrontation during Round 2 on Wednesday, with a re-energized Biden promising a more aggressive approach.

On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, Biden will be flanked at center stage by Harris and Cory Booker, US&nbsp;senators who are the most prominent black contenders in a Democratic nominating contest in which race has played a prominent role.

Seven other candidates, including former US&nbsp;Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and US&nbsp;Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, will join them on stage in Detroit in search of a breakout moment that will generate new momentum for their campaigns.

On Tuesday night, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren repeatedly defended their progressive proposals under heavy fire from more moderate rivals who argued their plans to provide universal healthcare, fight climate change and decriminalize illegal border crossings would hurt Democrats at the polls next year.

The crowded field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the Democratic race to pick a challenger to Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election.

Biden did not figure prominently on the first night of the debate but is likely to be the focus of the second.

The former vice president has engaged for weeks in an escalating fight with Harris and Booker for the support of black voters, a vital constituency in the Democratic nominating battle.

Biden admitted he was taken by surprise last month when Harris criticized him for opposing federally mandated busing for school integration in the 1970s and for working with segregationists while serving in the US&nbsp;Senate decades ago.

The sharp attack gave Harris a bump in the polls, and Biden's feeble response led to a dip in his standing. He has recovered in some recent polls and still maintains a firm grip on first place, helped by strong support from black voters.

Booker, who was not on stage with Biden at the last debate, has stepped up his attacks. He called Biden "the architect of mass incarceration" during the NAACP convention in Detroit last week, a reference to Biden's work as a senator on the 1994 crime bill, which critics say led to the disproportionate imprisonment of African-American men.

Biden and his campaign fired back, sharply criticizing Booker's tenure as mayor of Newark, New Jersey, where he led a police department that became embroiled in a federal civil rights investigation.

'Fantasy world'

Biden has also taken swipes at Harris, calling her promise she could institute her version of a Medicare for All health insurance plan without a middle-class tax hike "a fantasy world."

The debate lineup will create a stark visual contrast between Biden, a white 76-year-old, and his younger rivals Harris, 54, and Booker, 50, potentially making Biden look out of step in a party increasingly driven by the grassroots energy of younger and more diverse activists.

Biden, who could face intensifying questions about his age and front-runner status with another poor debate performance, promises to take the fight to Harris and Booker this time.

"I got a past I'm proud of. They got a past that's not quite so good," said Biden, who refers frequently to his eight years as No. 2 to the first black US&nbsp;president, Barack Obama.

The debates come about six months before Iowa holds the first nominating contest, and the two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many of the lower-tier contenders to make an appearance on the national debate stage.

The Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for the next debates in September and October, leaving out more candidates and raising questions about their ability to continue their campaigns. So far, only about a third of the field has met the qualifications.

Castro, who also served as mayor of San Antonio, got a slight bump in polls and fundraising after an aggressive performance in the first debate. He will be under pressure to do it again if he hopes to claw into the upper tier.

Gillibrand, Inslee and the other participants on Wednesday will simply be on a desperate quest to get recognized.

The other candidates on stage for the second night will be US&nbsp;Senator Michael Bennet, US&nbsp;Representative Tulsi Gabbard, entrepreneur Andrew Yang and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden and rival Kamala Harris will stage a rematch of last month's explosive debate confrontation during Round 2 on Wednesday, with a re-energized Biden promising a more aggressive approach.

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden and rival Kamala Harris will stage a rematch of last month's explosive debate confrontation during Round 2 on Wednesday, with a re-energized Biden promising a more aggressive approach. On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, Biden will be flanked at center stage by Harris and Cory Booker, US senators who are the most prominent black contenders in a Democratic nominating contest in which race has played a prominent role. Seven other candidates, including former US Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, will join them on stage in Detroit in search of a breakout moment that will generate new momentum for their campaigns. On Tuesday night, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren repeatedly defended their progressive proposals under heavy fire from more moderate rivals who argued their plans to provide universal healthcare, fight climate change and decriminalize illegal border crossings would hurt Democrats at the polls next year. The crowded field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the Democratic race to pick a challenger to Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. Biden did not figure prominently on the first night of the debate but is likely to be the focus of the second. The former vice president has engaged for weeks in an escalating fight with Harris and Booker for the support of black voters, a vital constituency in the Democratic nominating battle. Biden admitted he was taken by surprise last month when Harris criticized him for opposing federally mandated busing for school integration in the 1970s and for working with segregationists while serving in the US Senate decades ago. The sharp attack gave Harris a bump in the polls, and Biden's feeble response led to a dip in his standing. He has recovered in some recent polls and still maintains a firm grip on first place, helped by strong support from black voters. Booker, who was not on stage with Biden at the last debate, has stepped up his attacks. He called Biden "the architect of mass incarceration" during the NAACP convention in Detroit last week, a reference to Biden's work as a senator on the 1994 crime bill, which critics say led to the disproportionate imprisonment of African-American men. Biden and his campaign fired back, sharply criticizing Booker's tenure as mayor of Newark, New Jersey, where he led a police department that became embroiled in a federal civil rights investigation. 'Fantasy world' Biden has also taken swipes at Harris, calling her promise she could institute her version of a Medicare for All health insurance plan without a middle-class tax hike "a fantasy world." The debate lineup will create a stark visual contrast between Biden, a white 76-year-old, and his younger rivals Harris, 54, and Booker, 50, potentially making Biden look out of step in a party increasingly driven by the grassroots energy of younger and more diverse activists. Biden, who could face intensifying questions about his age and front-runner status with another poor debate performance, promises to take the fight to Harris and Booker this time. "I got a past I'm proud of. They got a past that's not quite so good," said Biden, who refers frequently to his eight years as No. 2 to the first black US president, Barack Obama. The debates come about six months before Iowa holds the first nominating contest, and the two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many of the lower-tier contenders to make an appearance on the national debate stage. The Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for the next debates in September and October, leaving out more candidates and raising questions about their ability to continue their campaigns. So far, only about a third of the field has met the qualifications. Castro, who also served as mayor of San Antonio, got a slight bump in polls and fundraising after an aggressive performance in the first debate. He will be under pressure to do it again if he hopes to claw into the upper tier. Gillibrand, Inslee and the other participants on Wednesday will simply be on a desperate quest to get recognized. The other candidates on stage for the second night will be US Senator Michael Bennet, US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, entrepreneur Andrew Yang and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Biden and Harris to square off in Round-2 of Democratic presidential debate

In an effort to steady his presidential campaign, former Vice President Joe Biden engaged in some furious damage control on Friday, a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-goes-after-biden-on-race-in-us-presidential-debate-231096">rival candidate Kamala Harris</a> hurt him in the most dramatic clash so far of the 2020 election campaign.

Addressing an African-American advocacy group in Chicago, Biden defended his record, saying he had a "lifetime commitment to civil rights".&nbsp;

At the Democratic debate in Miami on Thursday, Harris, a black US senator from California, tore into Biden for opposing mandatory school busing in the 1970s and for his cooperation with segregationists while he was a young senator.

Biden`s defensive and sometimes faltering response was viewed as a blow to his status as the Democratic race`s front-runner. He has consistently held a significant lead in public opinion polls since he entered the race in April.

The contentious back-and-forth also appeared to give Harris a boost when her campaign badly needed it, resulting in a crush of media attention, a fundraising surge, and a bevy of new endorsements.

On Friday, Biden spoke to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the African-American advocacy group founded by the Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago.

Before reading his prepared remarks, Biden told the crowd the debate format was insufficient for him to detail his decades-long work to promote racial equality, first as a US senator and then as vice president to Barack Obama, the nation`s first black president.&nbsp;

“We all know that 30 seconds to 60 seconds on a campaign debate exchange can’t do justice to a lifetime commitment to civil rights,” Biden said.&nbsp;

Biden was introduced by Jackson, the longtime civil-rights leader and former presidential candidate, who said Biden has “the stuff it takes to make America better.”

During his remarks, Biden turned to Jackson and said, “I know and you know I fought my heart out to ensure that civil rights, and voting rights, equal rights are enforced everywhere.”&nbsp;

Biden disputed Harris’ contention that he opposed busing, the controversial practice of transporting students to schools within or outside their school districts as a remedy for discrimination, in the 1970s, saying that he supported voluntary efforts for school districts to desegregate.&nbsp;

He reaffirmed his support for the federal government’s power to address civil-rights abuses, and talked up Obama`s accomplishments on criminal-justice reform, arguing that many of them have been overlooked.&nbsp;

"I’m tired of hearing about what he didn`t do," Biden told the crowd. "This man had a backbone like a ramrod."&nbsp;

Harris’ campaign on Friday rolled out new endorsements in key early voting states such as Iowa, South Carolina and California and said it had enjoyed one of its best fundraising days of her candidacy.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters outside the US Capitol in Washington on Friday, Harris said, “I think we covered a lot of issues, and I’m looking forward to the next (debate).”&nbsp;

Asked if she thought Biden had responded adequately to her discussion of his comments on his work with segregationists, Harris said, “He said what he felt.”

One step back

But Harris, too, was doing some cleanup. Early on Friday, she backtracked from her apparent support at the debate for eliminating private health insurance in favour of a government-sponsored Medicare-for-All plan.

Harris told MSNBC she had misunderstood the question and said her plan would allow for private insurance as supplemental coverage to Medicare. 
The clarification amplified concerns by some progressives that Harris is overly opportunistic.&nbsp;

“I’m glad she called out Biden, but it doesn’t allay my concerns about her authenticity,” said a top California Democratic official, who requested anonymity in order to speak frankly.&nbsp;

"You never really know what she really believes or what she is about,” the official said.

Biden campaign officials publicly and privately downplayed the flap with Harris as an example of a trailing candidate trying to draw attention.&nbsp;

“People were going to take swings at him, trying to create a moment, trying to score their points," said Kate Bedingfield, Biden`s communications director.

They also noted that Biden has appeared to be in trouble before, specifically about the controversy over unwanted touching of women and his remarks about working with segregationist senators, and each time, the depth of his support remained intact.&nbsp;

As Biden himself has said, he does not expect to simply waltz to the nomination, and his campaign has stressed there are several more debates to come before the nominating contests.

The polling gap between Biden and Harris was immense going into the debate. According to Real Clear Politics, Biden held a 25-percentage-point lead over Harris nationally. And he has led in every early voting state.

Rodell Mollineau, a Democratic consultant and once a top aide to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, said Biden is fortunate his debate struggles occurred early in the nominating process.

"There`s time for any candidate to course-correct," he said. However, Mollineau said, Biden`s campaign must view Harris` attack as "more than a warning shot."

"It does not get any easier from here, so he has to be prepared," he said.

In an effort to steady his presidential campaign, former Vice President Joe Biden engaged in some furious damage control on Friday, a day after rival candidate Kamala Harris hurt him in the most dramatic clash so far of the 2020 election campaign.

In an effort to steady his presidential campaign, former Vice President Joe Biden engaged in some furious damage control on Friday, a day after rival candidate Kamala Harris hurt him in the most dramatic clash so far of the 2020 election campaign. Addressing an African-American advocacy group in Chicago, Biden defended his record, saying he had a "lifetime commitment to civil rights". At the Democratic debate in Miami on Thursday, Harris, a black US senator from California, tore into Biden for opposing mandatory school busing in the 1970s and for his cooperation with segregationists while he was a young senator. Biden`s defensive and sometimes faltering response was viewed as a blow to his status as the Democratic race`s front-runner. He has consistently held a significant lead in public opinion polls since he entered the race in April. The contentious back-and-forth also appeared to give Harris a boost when her campaign badly needed it, resulting in a crush of media attention, a fundraising surge, and a bevy of new endorsements. On Friday, Biden spoke to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the African-American advocacy group founded by the Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago. Before reading his prepared remarks, Biden told the crowd the debate format was insufficient for him to detail his decades-long work to promote racial equality, first as a US senator and then as vice president to Barack Obama, the nation`s first black president. “We all know that 30 seconds to 60 seconds on a campaign debate exchange can’t do justice to a lifetime commitment to civil rights,” Biden said. Biden was introduced by Jackson, the longtime civil-rights leader and former presidential candidate, who said Biden has “the stuff it takes to make America better.” During his remarks, Biden turned to Jackson and said, “I know and you know I fought my heart out to ensure that civil rights, and voting rights, equal rights are enforced everywhere.” Biden disputed Harris’ contention that he opposed busing, the controversial practice of transporting students to schools within or outside their school districts as a remedy for discrimination, in the 1970s, saying that he supported voluntary efforts for school districts to desegregate. He reaffirmed his support for the federal government’s power to address civil-rights abuses, and talked up Obama`s accomplishments on criminal-justice reform, arguing that many of them have been overlooked. "I’m tired of hearing about what he didn`t do," Biden told the crowd. "This man had a backbone like a ramrod." Harris’ campaign on Friday rolled out new endorsements in key early voting states such as Iowa, South Carolina and California and said it had enjoyed one of its best fundraising days of her candidacy. Speaking to reporters outside the US Capitol in Washington on Friday, Harris said, “I think we covered a lot of issues, and I’m looking forward to the next (debate).” Asked if she thought Biden had responded adequately to her discussion of his comments on his work with segregationists, Harris said, “He said what he felt.” One step back But Harris, too, was doing some cleanup. Early on Friday, she backtracked from her apparent support at the debate for eliminating private health insurance in favour of a government-sponsored Medicare-for-All plan. Harris told MSNBC she had misunderstood the question and said her plan would allow for private insurance as supplemental coverage to Medicare. The clarification amplified concerns by some progressives that Harris is overly opportunistic. “I’m glad she called out Biden, but it doesn’t allay my concerns about her authenticity,” said a top California Democratic official, who requested anonymity in order to speak frankly. "You never really know what she really believes or what she is about,” the official said. Biden campaign officials publicly and privately downplayed the flap with Harris as an example of a trailing candidate trying to draw attention. “People were going to take swings at him, trying to create a moment, trying to score their points," said Kate Bedingfield, Biden`s communications director. They also noted that Biden has appeared to be in trouble before, specifically about the controversy over unwanted touching of women and his remarks about working with segregationist senators, and each time, the depth of his support remained intact. As Biden himself has said, he does not expect to simply waltz to the nomination, and his campaign has stressed there are several more debates to come before the nominating contests. The polling gap between Biden and Harris was immense going into the debate. According to Real Clear Politics, Biden held a 25-percentage-point lead over Harris nationally. And he has led in every early voting state. Rodell Mollineau, a Democratic consultant and once a top aide to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, said Biden is fortunate his debate struggles occurred early in the nominating process. "There`s time for any candidate to course-correct," he said. However, Mollineau said, Biden`s campaign must view Harris` attack as "more than a warning shot." "It does not get any easier from here, so he has to be prepared," he said.

Biden tries to limit the damage from debate blow

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris confronted front-runner Joe Biden on race during a debate on Thursday, calling his remarks about working with segregationist senators "hurtful" and questioning his 1970s opposition to school busing.

In a Democratic contest where racial issues have figured prominently, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, also faced pointed questions about accusations of racism within the city's predominantly white police force in the aftermath of a fatal police shooting of a black man.

Harris, the daughter of a black father from Jamaica and an Indian mother, was at the center of several heated exchanges during the second night of debates among Democrats vying for the right to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election.

Harris said the issue of race was deeply personal for her, noting she was bused to school as classes were integrated in California.

She looked straight at Biden and challenged him to explain himself.

"I do not believe you are a racist. And I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground," said Harris, 54, a US senator from California.

"But I also believe - and it's personal and it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country."

Biden, who has faced heavy criticism for his recent comments saying he worked with segregationists decades ago to get things done in the US Senate, defended his record on civil rights.

"It's a mischaracterization of my position across the board: I did not praise racists. That is not true," he said. "If we want to have this campaign litigated on who supports civil rights and whether I did or not, I'm happy to do that."

"Everything I have done in my career, I ran because of civil rights and continue to think we have to make fundamental changes and those civil rights, by the way, include not just African-Americans, but the LGBT community," he said.

Going after Trump

During the debate, the contenders frequently attacked Trump and sharply disagreed over the best way to boost access to healthcare insurance coverage.

One of the lesser-known candidates, US Representative Eric Swalwell, 38, also trained his sights on Biden, urging the 76-year-old to pass the torch to younger candidates.

"I was 6 years old when a presidential candidate came to the California Democratic convention and said it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans," Swalwell said. "That candidate was then-Senator Joe Biden."

"He was right when he said that 32 years ago. He is still right today,” Swalwell said.

Biden responded: "I'm still holding onto that torch. I want to make it clear."

Biden and the candidate running second in polls among Democrats, Bernie Sanders, turned their fire on Trump repeatedly.

"The American people understand that Trump is a phony, that Trump is a pathological liar and a racist and that he lied to the American people during his campaign," said Sanders.

Biden, the former vice president making his third run for the White House, said Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy and other economic policies were increasing economic inequality in the United States.

'Horrible situation'

"Donald Trump has put us in a horrible situation. We do have enormous income inequality," Biden said. "The one thing I agree on is we can make massive cuts in the $1.6 trillion in tax loopholes out there, and I would be going about eliminating Donald Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy."

The debate also included U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Kirsten Gillibrand, former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, self-help guru Marianne Williamson and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. All six are polling nationally around 1% or less.

Like the Democrats who debated on Wednesday, the contenders disagreed on the best way to expand healthcare coverage. Asked who would back a plan that eliminated private insurance, only Sanders and Harris raised their hands.

The Democrats frequently talked over one another, shouting to get their points across as some of the lesser-known contenders tried to get noticed.

"Americans don't want to witness a food fight. They want to know how we're going to put food on their table," Harris said at one point.

Sanders defended his big-spending plans for a Medicare-for-All healthcare plan, saying it would reduce premiums for many but that some in the middle class might pay more.

"People who have health care under Medicare for all will have no premiums, no deductibles, no copayments, no out-of-pocket expenses. Yes, they will pay more in taxes, but less in healthcare for what they get," Sanders said.

Buttigieg, who as been grappling with turmoil from the aftermath of the police shooting in South Bend earlier this month, acknowledged that his police force lacked diversity because he "couldn’t get it done."

Buttigieg said the situation around the shooting was a "mess" because the officer did not have his body camera on.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris confronted front-runner Joe Biden on race during a debate on Thursday, calling his remarks about working with segregationist senators "hurtful" and questioning his 1970s opposition to school busing.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris confronted front-runner Joe Biden on race during a debate on Thursday, calling his remarks about working with segregationist senators "hurtful" and questioning his 1970s opposition to school busing. In a Democratic contest where racial issues have figured prominently, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, also faced pointed questions about accusations of racism within the city's predominantly white police force in the aftermath of a fatal police shooting of a black man. Harris, the daughter of a black father from Jamaica and an Indian mother, was at the center of several heated exchanges during the second night of debates among Democrats vying for the right to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. Harris said the issue of race was deeply personal for her, noting she was bused to school as classes were integrated in California. She looked straight at Biden and challenged him to explain himself. "I do not believe you are a racist. And I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground," said Harris, 54, a US senator from California. "But I also believe - and it's personal and it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country." Biden, who has faced heavy criticism for his recent comments saying he worked with segregationists decades ago to get things done in the US Senate, defended his record on civil rights. "It's a mischaracterization of my position across the board: I did not praise racists. That is not true," he said. "If we want to have this campaign litigated on who supports civil rights and whether I did or not, I'm happy to do that." "Everything I have done in my career, I ran because of civil rights and continue to think we have to make fundamental changes and those civil rights, by the way, include not just African-Americans, but the LGBT community," he said. Going after Trump During the debate, the contenders frequently attacked Trump and sharply disagreed over the best way to boost access to healthcare insurance coverage. One of the lesser-known candidates, US Representative Eric Swalwell, 38, also trained his sights on Biden, urging the 76-year-old to pass the torch to younger candidates. "I was 6 years old when a presidential candidate came to the California Democratic convention and said it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans," Swalwell said. "That candidate was then-Senator Joe Biden." "He was right when he said that 32 years ago. He is still right today,” Swalwell said. Biden responded: "I'm still holding onto that torch. I want to make it clear." Biden and the candidate running second in polls among Democrats, Bernie Sanders, turned their fire on Trump repeatedly. "The American people understand that Trump is a phony, that Trump is a pathological liar and a racist and that he lied to the American people during his campaign," said Sanders. Biden, the former vice president making his third run for the White House, said Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy and other economic policies were increasing economic inequality in the United States. 'Horrible situation' "Donald Trump has put us in a horrible situation. We do have enormous income inequality," Biden said. "The one thing I agree on is we can make massive cuts in the $1.6 trillion in tax loopholes out there, and I would be going about eliminating Donald Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy." The debate also included U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Kirsten Gillibrand, former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, self-help guru Marianne Williamson and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. All six are polling nationally around 1% or less. Like the Democrats who debated on Wednesday, the contenders disagreed on the best way to expand healthcare coverage. Asked who would back a plan that eliminated private insurance, only Sanders and Harris raised their hands. The Democrats frequently talked over one another, shouting to get their points across as some of the lesser-known contenders tried to get noticed. "Americans don't want to witness a food fight. They want to know how we're going to put food on their table," Harris said at one point. Sanders defended his big-spending plans for a Medicare-for-All healthcare plan, saying it would reduce premiums for many but that some in the middle class might pay more. "People who have health care under Medicare for all will have no premiums, no deductibles, no copayments, no out-of-pocket expenses. Yes, they will pay more in taxes, but less in healthcare for what they get," Sanders said. Buttigieg, who as been grappling with turmoil from the aftermath of the police shooting in South Bend earlier this month, acknowledged that his police force lacked diversity because he "couldn’t get it done." Buttigieg said the situation around the shooting was a "mess" because the officer did not have his body camera on.

Kamala Harris goes after Biden on race in US presidential debate

Top Democratic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-vice-president-joe-biden-enters-2020-presidential-race-213423">US presidential contender Joe Biden expressed </a>support Friday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-news-outlets-say-controversial-extradition-bill-may-be-suspended-227232">protesters engaged in Hong Kong</a>'s deepest political unrest in two decades, warning China that "the world is watching."

The international finance hub was rocked this week by the worst political violence since its 1997 handover to Beijing, with the semi-autonomous island's embattled leader facing mounting pressure to abandon a deeply unpopular plan to allow extraditions to China.

"The extraordinary bravery shown by hundreds of thousands in Hong Kong, marching for the civil liberties &amp;&nbsp;autonomy promised by China is inspiring," tweeted the former US vice president, who is the leading Democrat in the race to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020.

"And the world is watching," Biden added. "All of us must stand in support of democratic principles and freedom."

The veteran Democrat weighed in with his comments two days after Trump offered a cautious response to what he said were "massive" demonstrations, saying he hoped protesters could "work it out with China."

On Wednesday, as opposition to the extradition bill grew within an unusually wide cross-section of residents, tens of thousands of protesters in Hong Kong were dispersed by riot police firing tear gas and rubber bullets.

The following day, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Washington sought to reaffirm US commitment to democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, introducing a measure that would also threaten to remove the territory's status as a US special trading partner.

Beijing on Friday denounced what it called "violent interference" by US lawmakers, who are critical of what they see as a worsening human rights environment in Hong Kong.

Top Democratic US presidential contender Joe Biden expressed support Friday for protesters engaged in Hong Kong's deepest political unrest in two decades, warning China that "the world is watching.

Top Democratic US presidential contender Joe Biden expressed support Friday for protesters engaged in Hong Kong's deepest political unrest in two decades, warning China that "the world is watching." The international finance hub was rocked this week by the worst political violence since its 1997 handover to Beijing, with the semi-autonomous island's embattled leader facing mounting pressure to abandon a deeply unpopular plan to allow extraditions to China. "The extraordinary bravery shown by hundreds of thousands in Hong Kong, marching for the civil liberties & autonomy promised by China is inspiring," tweeted the former US vice president, who is the leading Democrat in the race to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020. "And the world is watching," Biden added. "All of us must stand in support of democratic principles and freedom." The veteran Democrat weighed in with his comments two days after Trump offered a cautious response to what he said were "massive" demonstrations, saying he hoped protesters could "work it out with China." On Wednesday, as opposition to the extradition bill grew within an unusually wide cross-section of residents, tens of thousands of protesters in Hong Kong were dispersed by riot police firing tear gas and rubber bullets. The following day, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Washington sought to reaffirm US commitment to democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, introducing a measure that would also threaten to remove the territory's status as a US special trading partner. Beijing on Friday denounced what it called "violent interference" by US lawmakers, who are critical of what they see as a worsening human rights environment in Hong Kong.

World is watching' Hong Kong protests, Joe Biden warns China

The Joe Biden Express to the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination went a bit off track this week.

Since Biden joined the race in April, his campaign has worked to craft an aura of inevitability around the former vice president’s bid. Biden has engaged President Donald Trump more often than his Democratic rivals, while speaking in broad, thematic outlines rather pinpointing policy.

To a large extent, the strategy has succeeded. Biden enjoys a comfortable lead over his 23 competitors - drawing 31% of support from Democratic and independent voters compared to the 14% received by second-place US Senator Bernie Sanders in the Reuters/Ipsos poll this week - and remains the favourite to battle Trump in the November 2020 election.

But as Biden increasingly has to stake out policy positions, he finds himself under fire from progressives in the party — and has shown a willingness to bow to demands that could hurt him with more moderate voters.

Facing intense criticism from liberals and abortion-rights groups, Biden on Thursday suddenly reversed himself on the Hyde Amendment, a law that prohibits federal funds for most abortions. After 40 years of supporting the measure, Biden, a Roman Catholic, announced at an event in Atlanta that he now opposed it.

Earlier this week, Biden rolled out a climate-change plan that was more ambitious and far-reaching than many expected. It came after weeks of progressives openly fretting that his plan would seek some sort of “middle ground” in an attempt to mollify labour unions and other industry groups concerned about the economic impact of a massive shift away from fossil fuels.&nbsp;

In both cases, Biden was not necessarily speaking to his loyal base of supporters, the largely middle-aged and middle-of-the-road voters - many of them union members - who came out to see him in New Hampshire this week.

Instead, he was courting the groups he needs to consolidate his grip on the nomination: the activists, progressives and millennials who right now have the louder voices in the party.

Biden’s chief antagonist has been Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the first-term congresswoman from New York who is not running for president but who commands a fervent following on social media. She called out Biden on both his climate and abortion positions.&nbsp;

Shifts draws scrutiny

Biden also is being knocked around more by his fellow Democratic candidates, who finally were given an opening to distinguish themselves from the front-runner on an issue key to the party`s base. His past support of the Hyde Amendment was blasted by Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, among others.&nbsp;

Biden added to the confusion about where he stands on the issue during the event in Atlanta by saying he would make “no apologies for my last position” on the amendment.&nbsp;

While he cited aggressive anti-abortion laws passed in states such as Georgia for his shift, his language fuelled outrage among progressive women on Twitter who argued the law had prevented poor women from obtaining abortions for decades.&nbsp;

Campaign aides for Trump`s reelection told Reuters last month they expected Biden to be pulled leftward as the Democratic primary progressed, and they were prepared to exploit that should it occur.

On the campaign trail, Biden at times appears caught between a lifetime of centrist and often bipartisan policymaking and the pull of the progressive tide.&nbsp;

At an event on Tuesday in Concord, New Hampshire, he continued to defend the 1994 crime bill he helped craft as a senator that has been criticized by Harris and other candidates for resulting in the disproportionate jailing of African-Americans.&nbsp;

“You’ve been conditioned to say it’s a bad bill,” he told a questioner, a young woman who called herself a “civil liberties voter.”&nbsp;

Unlike several other Democratic candidates who have already called for the US House of Representatives to initiate an impeachment inquiry against Trump, Biden has held back, saying that it should only happen if Trump continues to stonewall committee probes.

“It’s a gigantic distraction from things we should be focusing on getting done,” he said.

It remains to be seen whether Biden has suffered any damage from tacking leftward on some issues.

Some voters in New Hampshire made clear they did not want Biden to cater to the party progressives.&nbsp;

“I honestly think the progressives are in many ways hijacking the Democratic Party. The 60 or 70 per cent of us who are in the middle get left out of the mix,” said Jeff Brown, 57, of Weare, New Hampshire. “And I think the vice president hears our voices, and I think he’s the one who is&nbsp;

The Joe Biden Express to the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination went a bit off track this week. Since Biden joined the race in April, his campaign has worked to craft an aura of inevitability around the former vice president’s bid.

The Joe Biden Express to the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination went a bit off track this week. Since Biden joined the race in April, his campaign has worked to craft an aura of inevitability around the former vice president’s bid. Biden has engaged President Donald Trump more often than his Democratic rivals, while speaking in broad, thematic outlines rather pinpointing policy. To a large extent, the strategy has succeeded. Biden enjoys a comfortable lead over his 23 competitors - drawing 31% of support from Democratic and independent voters compared to the 14% received by second-place US Senator Bernie Sanders in the Reuters/Ipsos poll this week - and remains the favourite to battle Trump in the November 2020 election. But as Biden increasingly has to stake out policy positions, he finds himself under fire from progressives in the party — and has shown a willingness to bow to demands that could hurt him with more moderate voters. Facing intense criticism from liberals and abortion-rights groups, Biden on Thursday suddenly reversed himself on the Hyde Amendment, a law that prohibits federal funds for most abortions. After 40 years of supporting the measure, Biden, a Roman Catholic, announced at an event in Atlanta that he now opposed it. Earlier this week, Biden rolled out a climate-change plan that was more ambitious and far-reaching than many expected. It came after weeks of progressives openly fretting that his plan would seek some sort of “middle ground” in an attempt to mollify labour unions and other industry groups concerned about the economic impact of a massive shift away from fossil fuels. In both cases, Biden was not necessarily speaking to his loyal base of supporters, the largely middle-aged and middle-of-the-road voters - many of them union members - who came out to see him in New Hampshire this week. Instead, he was courting the groups he needs to consolidate his grip on the nomination: the activists, progressives and millennials who right now have the louder voices in the party. Biden’s chief antagonist has been Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the first-term congresswoman from New York who is not running for president but who commands a fervent following on social media. She called out Biden on both his climate and abortion positions. Shifts draws scrutiny Biden also is being knocked around more by his fellow Democratic candidates, who finally were given an opening to distinguish themselves from the front-runner on an issue key to the party`s base. His past support of the Hyde Amendment was blasted by Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, among others. Biden added to the confusion about where he stands on the issue during the event in Atlanta by saying he would make “no apologies for my last position” on the amendment. While he cited aggressive anti-abortion laws passed in states such as Georgia for his shift, his language fuelled outrage among progressive women on Twitter who argued the law had prevented poor women from obtaining abortions for decades. Campaign aides for Trump`s reelection told Reuters last month they expected Biden to be pulled leftward as the Democratic primary progressed, and they were prepared to exploit that should it occur. On the campaign trail, Biden at times appears caught between a lifetime of centrist and often bipartisan policymaking and the pull of the progressive tide. At an event on Tuesday in Concord, New Hampshire, he continued to defend the 1994 crime bill he helped craft as a senator that has been criticized by Harris and other candidates for resulting in the disproportionate jailing of African-Americans. “You’ve been conditioned to say it’s a bad bill,” he told a questioner, a young woman who called herself a “civil liberties voter.” Unlike several other Democratic candidates who have already called for the US House of Representatives to initiate an impeachment inquiry against Trump, Biden has held back, saying that it should only happen if Trump continues to stonewall committee probes. “It’s a gigantic distraction from things we should be focusing on getting done,” he said. It remains to be seen whether Biden has suffered any damage from tacking leftward on some issues. Some voters in New Hampshire made clear they did not want Biden to cater to the party progressives. “I honestly think the progressives are in many ways hijacking the Democratic Party. The 60 or 70 per cent of us who are in the middle get left out of the mix,” said Jeff Brown, 57, of Weare, New Hampshire. “And I think the vice president hears our voices, and I think he’s the one who is

Under pressure, Biden drifts leftward on abortion, climate change

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lets-stop-fighting-start-fixing-biden-offers-anti-trump-theme-219725">Former Vice President Joe Biden</a> released a plan on Tuesday to address climate change that would pour $1.7 trillion of investment into achieving 100% clean energy and net-zero emissions by 2050, in part using revenues from reversing Trump administration corporate tax cuts.

The front-runner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination unveiled the plan after weeks of pressure from rivals and green activists who claimed he was not taking global warming seriously enough and would rely too heavily on Obama-era ideas. An adviser to his campaign had told Reuters last month he was seeking a “middle ground” approach that he hoped would please environmentalists without turning off the blue-collar voters who swept President Donald Trump to power in 2016.

"I'm calling for a Clean Energy Revolution to confront this crisis and do what America does best - solve big problems with big ideas," Biden said in a social media video, saying his proposals would go "well beyond" the policies that were set when he served with former President Barack Obama.

The proposal would invest $1.7 trillion over 10 years in clean energy research and modernizing infrastructure to eliminate the emissions of the greenhouse gases that scientists blame for accelerating climate change and its effects - including rising sea levels, droughts, floods and more frequent powerful storms.

“The Biden plan will be paid for by reversing the excesses of the Trump tax cuts for corporations, reducing incentives for tax havens, evasion, and outsourcing, ensuring corporations pay their fair share,” according to a press release from his campaign.

In a nod to labour, the plan also promised to "reinvigorate" middle-class manufacturing jobs, including those that would likely be lost in fossil fuel sectors like coal mining.

"We can create new industries that reinvigorate our manufacturing and create high-quality, middle-class jobs in cities and towns across the United States," the plan said.

Former First Lady Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the presidency foundered in 2016 after she upset blue-collar voters by claiming her aggressive climate proposals would put “a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business,” underscoring the pitfalls of environmental politics.

President Donald Trump successfully billed Obama-era environmental protections as job-killers to his supporters, and has directed his administration to roll back many of them since taking office.

The Sunrise Movement, one of the main activist groups that had pressured Biden to take a tough stand on climate change in recent weeks, called the plan a "good start" and took some credit for its ambition.

“This plan makes it clear: climate change is going to be a defining issue in the 2020 election, and we've raised the bar for what it means to be a leader on climate," Sunrise president Varshini Prakash said.

Hits from the left

Some of Biden’s Democratic rivals, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, have taken tougher stances on climate change by endorsing the Green New Deal, a non-binding Congressional resolution that calls for an end to fossil fuels use within a decade.

Biden said that two aspects of the Green New Deal are now at the core of his plan - the urgency for greater ambition to address climate change and the notion that "our environment and our economy are completely and totally connected."

Biden also said, for the first time, that he would not accept donations from fossil fuel companies or executives.

His plan consists of several executive actions that Biden would take on his first day in office, including creating an "enforcement mechanism" to put the US on track to achieve 100% clean energy and a net-zero emissions goal by 2050, and re-committing the United States to the Paris Climate Deal, an international accord to fight global warming that Trump opposes.

It lists several other measures that would build on Obama-era policies like regulating methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, developing new fuel economy standards for cars, adopting new energy efficiency standards for appliances, promoting advanced biofuels, and accelerating the use of carbon capture, which limits emissions from coal plants and other industrial facilities.

For working-class voters, the plan promises to secure coal miners' benefits and increase coal company payments into a federal program to help miners battling with black lung disease. It would create a task force to help communities facing closures of coal mines and power plants gain access to federal funds and private investment "to help create high-paying union jobs.”

The plan also addresses environmental justice issues, and promises to protect vulnerable minority and Native American communities with stronger protections for clean water.

Former Vice President Joe Biden released a plan on Tuesday to address climate change that would pour $1.7 trillion of investment into achieving 100% clean energy and net-zero emissions by 2050, in part using revenues from reversing Trump administration corporate tax cuts.

Former Vice President Joe Biden released a plan on Tuesday to address climate change that would pour $1.7 trillion of investment into achieving 100% clean energy and net-zero emissions by 2050, in part using revenues from reversing Trump administration corporate tax cuts. The front-runner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination unveiled the plan after weeks of pressure from rivals and green activists who claimed he was not taking global warming seriously enough and would rely too heavily on Obama-era ideas. An adviser to his campaign had told Reuters last month he was seeking a “middle ground” approach that he hoped would please environmentalists without turning off the blue-collar voters who swept President Donald Trump to power in 2016. "I'm calling for a Clean Energy Revolution to confront this crisis and do what America does best - solve big problems with big ideas," Biden said in a social media video, saying his proposals would go "well beyond" the policies that were set when he served with former President Barack Obama. The proposal would invest $1.7 trillion over 10 years in clean energy research and modernizing infrastructure to eliminate the emissions of the greenhouse gases that scientists blame for accelerating climate change and its effects - including rising sea levels, droughts, floods and more frequent powerful storms. “The Biden plan will be paid for by reversing the excesses of the Trump tax cuts for corporations, reducing incentives for tax havens, evasion, and outsourcing, ensuring corporations pay their fair share,” according to a press release from his campaign. In a nod to labour, the plan also promised to "reinvigorate" middle-class manufacturing jobs, including those that would likely be lost in fossil fuel sectors like coal mining. "We can create new industries that reinvigorate our manufacturing and create high-quality, middle-class jobs in cities and towns across the United States," the plan said. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the presidency foundered in 2016 after she upset blue-collar voters by claiming her aggressive climate proposals would put “a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business,” underscoring the pitfalls of environmental politics. President Donald Trump successfully billed Obama-era environmental protections as job-killers to his supporters, and has directed his administration to roll back many of them since taking office. The Sunrise Movement, one of the main activist groups that had pressured Biden to take a tough stand on climate change in recent weeks, called the plan a "good start" and took some credit for its ambition. “This plan makes it clear: climate change is going to be a defining issue in the 2020 election, and we've raised the bar for what it means to be a leader on climate," Sunrise president Varshini Prakash said. Hits from the left Some of Biden’s Democratic rivals, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, have taken tougher stances on climate change by endorsing the Green New Deal, a non-binding Congressional resolution that calls for an end to fossil fuels use within a decade. Biden said that two aspects of the Green New Deal are now at the core of his plan - the urgency for greater ambition to address climate change and the notion that "our environment and our economy are completely and totally connected." Biden also said, for the first time, that he would not accept donations from fossil fuel companies or executives. His plan consists of several executive actions that Biden would take on his first day in office, including creating an "enforcement mechanism" to put the US on track to achieve 100% clean energy and a net-zero emissions goal by 2050, and re-committing the United States to the Paris Climate Deal, an international accord to fight global warming that Trump opposes. It lists several other measures that would build on Obama-era policies like regulating methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, developing new fuel economy standards for cars, adopting new energy efficiency standards for appliances, promoting advanced biofuels, and accelerating the use of carbon capture, which limits emissions from coal plants and other industrial facilities. For working-class voters, the plan promises to secure coal miners' benefits and increase coal company payments into a federal program to help miners battling with black lung disease. It would create a task force to help communities facing closures of coal mines and power plants gain access to federal funds and private investment "to help create high-paying union jobs.” The plan also addresses environmental justice issues, and promises to protect vulnerable minority and Native American communities with stronger protections for clean water.

Joe Biden unveils $1.7 trillion climate plan to end US carbon emissions by 2050

North Korea slammed US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Monday, calling him a "human defect" that had to be banished, just as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/great-respect-between-us-and-north-korea-donald-trump-221859">President Donald Trump offered a positive outlook on relations with Pyongyang</a>.

Talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been deadlocked since the collapse of a summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi in February when they failed to agree a deal on denuclearisation.

The North has since sought to raise the pressure and carried out two short-range missile tests earlier this month.

Bolton said Saturday there was "no doubt" they violated UN Security Council resolutions against ballistic missile launches, but insisted Washington was still ready to resume talks.

A spokesman for the North's foreign ministry dismissed Bolton's remarks, saying Pyongyang had never accepted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-missile-test-violated-un-resolution-john-bolton-221446">UN bans on ballistic technology</a>, which denied its "rights as a sovereign nation".

"Bolton said our regular military drills violated UNSC resolutions, which is beyond stupid," he said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Without referring to the weapons as missiles, the statement said the launches did not target or threaten any neighbouring countries.

"Banning launches using ballistic technology is equal to telling us to give up our right to self-defence," he added.

The spokesman went on to denounce Bolton, calling him a "war maniac" and accusing him of "whispering war" into Trump's ears, referring to Washington's approach towards the Middle East and South America.

Calling the hawkish official "structurally faulty", he added that Bolton was working to "destroy peace and security".

"Such human defect must go away as soon as possible," the spokesman said.

The statement came just minutes after Trump -- on a visit to Japan -- said there was "great respect" between the United States and North Korea and predicted "lots of good things".

Trump expressed confidence in his relationship with Kim at the weekend and downplayed Pyongyang's recent missile launches, calling them "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me".

Last week, KCNA launched a diatribe against Democratic former US vice president Joe Biden, calling him an "imbecile" and a "fool of low IQ", prompting White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders to say that Trump agreed with the assessment.

Watch: North Korea demands immediate return of Cargo Ship seized by US

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North Korea slammed US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Monday, calling him a "human defect" that had to be banished, just as President Donald Trump offered a positive outlook on relations with Pyongyang.

North Korea slammed US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Monday, calling him a "human defect" that had to be banished, just as President Donald Trump offered a positive outlook on relations with Pyongyang. Talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been deadlocked since the collapse of a summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi in February when they failed to agree a deal on denuclearisation. The North has since sought to raise the pressure and carried out two short-range missile tests earlier this month. Bolton said Saturday there was "no doubt" they violated UN Security Council resolutions against ballistic missile launches, but insisted Washington was still ready to resume talks. A spokesman for the North's foreign ministry dismissed Bolton's remarks, saying Pyongyang had never accepted the UN bans on ballistic technology, which denied its "rights as a sovereign nation". "Bolton said our regular military drills violated UNSC resolutions, which is beyond stupid," he said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Without referring to the weapons as missiles, the statement said the launches did not target or threaten any neighbouring countries. "Banning launches using ballistic technology is equal to telling us to give up our right to self-defence," he added. The spokesman went on to denounce Bolton, calling him a "war maniac" and accusing him of "whispering war" into Trump's ears, referring to Washington's approach towards the Middle East and South America. Calling the hawkish official "structurally faulty", he added that Bolton was working to "destroy peace and security". "Such human defect must go away as soon as possible," the spokesman said. The statement came just minutes after Trump -- on a visit to Japan -- said there was "great respect" between the United States and North Korea and predicted "lots of good things". Trump expressed confidence in his relationship with Kim at the weekend and downplayed Pyongyang's recent missile launches, calling them "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me". Last week, KCNA launched a diatribe against Democratic former US vice president Joe Biden, calling him an "imbecile" and a "fool of low IQ", prompting White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders to say that Trump agreed with the assessment. Watch: North Korea demands immediate return of Cargo Ship seized by US ×

North Korea calls US National Security Advisor John Bolton 'human defect'

North Korean state media slammed former US vice president and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lets-stop-fighting-start-fixing-biden-offers-anti-trump-theme-219725">Joe Biden for criticising leader Kim Jong Un</a>, calling him "bereft of elementary quality as a human being".

The criticism contrasts with North Korea's repeated references to the good relationship between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Kim said in April his personal relationship with Trump was still good despite the collapse of their second summit in Vietnam in February.

According to Newsweek, Biden said at a campaign launch in Philadelphia on Saturday: "Are we a nation that embraces dictators and tyrants like (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong Un?"

State media the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) responded to criticism of the North's leadership in a commentary late on Tuesday.

"What he uttered is just sophism of an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being, let alone a politician," it said.

KCNA listed previous controversies concerning Biden, including allegations of plagiarism and falling asleep during a speech by former President Barack Obama in 2011.

"We will never pardon anyone who dare provoke the supreme leadership of the DPRK but will certainly make them pay for it," KCNA said, using North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Denuclearisation talks have stalled since the breakdown of the second meeting between Trump and Kim in February and North Korea conducted more weapons tests this month.

The tests were seen as a protest by Kim after Trump rejected his calls for sanctions relief at the Hanoi summit.

North Korean state media slammed former US vice president and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden for criticising leader Kim Jong Un, calling him "bereft of elementary quality as a human being".

North Korean state media slammed former US vice president and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden for criticising leader Kim Jong Un, calling him "bereft of elementary quality as a human being". The criticism contrasts with North Korea's repeated references to the good relationship between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Kim said in April his personal relationship with Trump was still good despite the collapse of their second summit in Vietnam in February. According to Newsweek, Biden said at a campaign launch in Philadelphia on Saturday: "Are we a nation that embraces dictators and tyrants like (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong Un?" State media the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) responded to criticism of the North's leadership in a commentary late on Tuesday. "What he uttered is just sophism of an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being, let alone a politician," it said. KCNA listed previous controversies concerning Biden, including allegations of plagiarism and falling asleep during a speech by former President Barack Obama in 2011. "We will never pardon anyone who dare provoke the supreme leadership of the DPRK but will certainly make them pay for it," KCNA said, using North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Denuclearisation talks have stalled since the breakdown of the second meeting between Trump and Kim in February and North Korea conducted more weapons tests this month. The tests were seen as a protest by Kim after Trump rejected his calls for sanctions relief at the Hanoi summit.

North Korea slams Joe Biden for criticising leader Kim Jong Un

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joementum-biden-ramps-up-2020-bid-with-wind-at-his-back-219560">Democrat Joe Biden</a> made a passionate appeal for national unity Saturday but also took square political aim at Donald Trump, branding the president a "divider in chief" who must be ousted in 2020.

At a boisterous rally in Philadelphia, the former vice president urged voters to end the mean-spirited pettiness and partisan squabbles that have left Americans angry and dispirited in recent years.

"This nation needs to come together," the veteran politician told a crowd estimated at 6,000 in Philadelphia, in the largest rally of his nascent campaign.

"Our president is the divider in chief," he added, accusing Trump of demonizing opponents and using scapegoats to fuel animosity.

"If the American people want a president to add to our division, to lead with a clenched fist, closed hand and a hard heart, to demonize opponents and spew hatred, they don't need me," Biden said in a raised voice. "They've got President Donald Trump."

Biden, 76, came to Washington in a less polarized era, and he cited his work across the aisle during his 36 years in the US Senate to assure Democrats that "compromise is not a dirty word" and can lead to successes going forward.

"Let's stop fighting and start fixing," he said.

The number two to popular president Barack Obama is now making his third White House bid, and relishes his prime position atop the pack of 2020 Democratic contenders.

But the party eminence appeared to ignore the primary jockeying with his Democratic rivals and cast his eye directly at the general election battle against Trump.

After a month of more modest events, the large-scale rally in Pennsylvania's largest city highlighted the importance Democrats place on winning back the swing state that Trump snatched in 2016.

Biden was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the sun-splashed downtown event was a nod to his modest roots.

But far from being the underdog, Biden is looking to cement his status as the man to beat.

He is a blue-collar voter whisperer who claims he is best positioned to defeat Trump. But Biden must also balance the concern that while he is the most experienced candidate out there, he embodies the Washington insider cachet that many voters rejected in 2016 when they chose Trump over former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

"Maybe he's a little bit establishment, but he was always Joe from Scranton," Mickey Kirzecky, a health care consultant who attended the rally, told AFP.

"He still has that, and I think that's going to be tough for Trump to fight."

Polls give Biden a growing lead over the 22 other hopefuls.

The latest RealClearPolitics aggregate puts him at 39.1 per cent support, more than double the 16.4 per cent of his nearest rival, liberal Senator Bernie Sanders.

No one else is in double digits.

'Beat Trump'

As voters start paying more attention, Biden -- who to date has campaigned mostly in broad strokes -- will be under pressure to flesh out policies on everything from health care and wages to immigration.

Next month he will be expected to provide details on multiple positions -- and engage his party rivals more directly -- when Democrats gather for their first televised debate of the 2020 season.

Biden has already called for a clean energy "revolution," and in his Saturday speech assured that he supports the traditional Democratic goals of protecting voting rights and broadening access to health care.

But Biden warned that none of those goals could be achieved should Trump secure another four years in the White House.

"If you want to know what the first and most important plan in my climate proposal is: Beat Trump," he said. "Beat Trump. Beat Trump."

Blue-collar appeal

Even as some supporters encourage Biden to take the high road, the Democrat displayed a willingness for confrontation as he said the president "embraces dictators and tyrants like (Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong Un."

Biden has aligned himself closely with Obama, drawing support from African-American voters, and he went out of his way Saturday to praise Obama's "courage," character and vision.

In doing so he took another swipe at the current Republican president, who has routinely boasted about the well-performing US economy.&nbsp;

"President Trump inherited an economy from the Obama/Biden administration that was given to him, just like he inherited everything else in his life," he said.

Biden styles himself, like Trump, as an ardent defender of working-class Americans, someone who can win back the Midwestern, white, male blue-collar voters who went for the Republican in 2016.

Trump has insisted he does not see Biden "as a threat."

But he has bestowed a negative nickname on his rival -- "Sleepy Joe" -- and scheduled a campaign rally for Monday in northern Pennsylvania, near Scranton.

Democrat Joe Biden made a passionate appeal for national unity Saturday but also took square political aim at Donald Trump, branding the president a "divider in chief" who must be ousted in 2020.

Democrat Joe Biden made a passionate appeal for national unity Saturday but also took square political aim at Donald Trump, branding the president a "divider in chief" who must be ousted in 2020. At a boisterous rally in Philadelphia, the former vice president urged voters to end the mean-spirited pettiness and partisan squabbles that have left Americans angry and dispirited in recent years. "This nation needs to come together," the veteran politician told a crowd estimated at 6,000 in Philadelphia, in the largest rally of his nascent campaign. "Our president is the divider in chief," he added, accusing Trump of demonizing opponents and using scapegoats to fuel animosity. "If the American people want a president to add to our division, to lead with a clenched fist, closed hand and a hard heart, to demonize opponents and spew hatred, they don't need me," Biden said in a raised voice. "They've got President Donald Trump." Biden, 76, came to Washington in a less polarized era, and he cited his work across the aisle during his 36 years in the US Senate to assure Democrats that "compromise is not a dirty word" and can lead to successes going forward. "Let's stop fighting and start fixing," he said. The number two to popular president Barack Obama is now making his third White House bid, and relishes his prime position atop the pack of 2020 Democratic contenders. But the party eminence appeared to ignore the primary jockeying with his Democratic rivals and cast his eye directly at the general election battle against Trump. After a month of more modest events, the large-scale rally in Pennsylvania's largest city highlighted the importance Democrats place on winning back the swing state that Trump snatched in 2016. Biden was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the sun-splashed downtown event was a nod to his modest roots. But far from being the underdog, Biden is looking to cement his status as the man to beat. He is a blue-collar voter whisperer who claims he is best positioned to defeat Trump. But Biden must also balance the concern that while he is the most experienced candidate out there, he embodies the Washington insider cachet that many voters rejected in 2016 when they chose Trump over former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. "Maybe he's a little bit establishment, but he was always Joe from Scranton," Mickey Kirzecky, a health care consultant who attended the rally, told AFP. "He still has that, and I think that's going to be tough for Trump to fight." Polls give Biden a growing lead over the 22 other hopefuls. The latest RealClearPolitics aggregate puts him at 39.1 per cent support, more than double the 16.4 per cent of his nearest rival, liberal Senator Bernie Sanders. No one else is in double digits. 'Beat Trump' As voters start paying more attention, Biden -- who to date has campaigned mostly in broad strokes -- will be under pressure to flesh out policies on everything from health care and wages to immigration. Next month he will be expected to provide details on multiple positions -- and engage his party rivals more directly -- when Democrats gather for their first televised debate of the 2020 season. Biden has already called for a clean energy "revolution," and in his Saturday speech assured that he supports the traditional Democratic goals of protecting voting rights and broadening access to health care. But Biden warned that none of those goals could be achieved should Trump secure another four years in the White House. "If you want to know what the first and most important plan in my climate proposal is: Beat Trump," he said. "Beat Trump. Beat Trump." Blue-collar appeal Even as some supporters encourage Biden to take the high road, the Democrat displayed a willingness for confrontation as he said the president "embraces dictators and tyrants like (Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong Un." Biden has aligned himself closely with Obama, drawing support from African-American voters, and he went out of his way Saturday to praise Obama's "courage," character and vision. In doing so he took another swipe at the current Republican president, who has routinely boasted about the well-performing US economy. "President Trump inherited an economy from the Obama/Biden administration that was given to him, just like he inherited everything else in his life," he said. Biden styles himself, like Trump, as an ardent defender of working-class Americans, someone who can win back the Midwestern, white, male blue-collar voters who went for the Republican in 2016. Trump has insisted he does not see Biden "as a threat." But he has bestowed a negative nickname on his rival -- "Sleepy Joe" -- and scheduled a campaign rally for Monday in northern Pennsylvania, near Scranton.

Let's stop fighting, 'start fixing': Biden offers anti-Trump theme

As the one true known quantity in the Democratic nomination race, former vice president Joe Biden sits atop the pack of 2020 presidential contenders, relishing the prime position as he hosts a kickoff rally Saturday.

No one knows whether the man who served as number two to popular Democratic president Barack Obama for eight years will run away with this contest -- his third White House bid in as many decades -- or fade out in the months-long test of political skill and stamina to come.

But the former longtime senator and lion of the Democratic Party are gearing up for what is certain to be a titanic battle against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-proposes-new-us-immigration-plan-favouring-skills-over-family-ties-219269">President Donald Trump</a>.

After a month of modest events at union halls and pizza joints in early-voting states like Iowa, Biden is counting on making a splash at a rally in Philadelphia, the largest city in must-win Pennsylvania, a state Trump snatched from Democrats in 2016.

He has made Philadelphia his campaign headquarters, in a further sign of the importance, he is placing on winning back the state for his party in 2020.

His kickoff will be held near the Philadelphia art museum steps immortalized by the scrappy boxer's run in the movie "Rocky."

Biden was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and the rally is a nod to his modest roots.

But far from being the underdog, Biden is looking to cement his status as the man to beat, the blue-collar voter whisperer who is best positioned to take on and defeat Trump.

And while his delayed entry into the race drew criticism that he might not be ready to mount a thoroughly energized campaign, the slow-and-steady strategy appears to be paying off.

By setting his own terms, limiting media engagements and minimizing chances for going off-script, the gaffe-prone Biden is emphasizing his status as preeminent party dignitary.

Polls give Biden, 76, a comfortable lead over the 22 other hopefuls.

The latest RealClearPolitics aggregate puts him at 39.1 per cent support, more than double the 16.4 per cent of his nearest rival, liberal Senator Bernie Sanders.

No one else is in double digits.

After a deeply divisive 2016 race, Democratic voters may be looking for an antidote to Trump, the brash politically inexperienced billionaire.

"What matters to them at the moment is a safe choice, a known entity, and somebody who they believe could beat President Trump at his own game," Lara Brown, director of George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management, told AFP.

Nearly nine months before the first nomination votes are cast, Biden is the lone Democrat, aside from perhaps Sanders, with the celebrity status that comes close to Trump's.

But as voters start paying more attention, Biden -- who to date has campaigned mostly in broad strokes -- will be under pressure to flesh out positions on everything from health care and wages to immigration.

"Biden is the right man for the moment," Brown said. "Whether he will be the right Democrat eight months from now is still really up in the air."

BLUE COLLAR APPEAL

Biden's dominance has already changed the race's dynamic, with its early stars like senators Sanders, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren forced to play catch up and levelling criticism at the frontrunner.

Warren and Sanders, each of whom is highlighting the need to narrow the nation's economic inequalities, are expected to ramp up criticism of Biden as the embodiment of the Washington establishment.

Several rivals are from a newer generation, putting them at odds with the old-school Biden, whose major challenge may well be appealing to younger voters.

And while candidates like ex-congressman Beto O'Rourke are keeping up relentless schedules, honing their messages at town halls and meet-and-greets, Biden has opted for more protected environments.

"Let's see what happens when he's taking questions that haven't been vetted," Brown said.

Doing so will require fleshing out his policies, something that has already sparked controversy.

Biden caught flak from liberal groups and candidates for failing to embrace more progressive positions on climate change. He says he will lay out a climate policy in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

He has aligned himself closely with Obama, drawing major support from African American voters, a crucial constituency.

But he will also need to be prepared to lean leftward to acknowledge the party's more progressive tilt.

At the same time, he styles himself, like Trump, as an ardent defender of working-class Americans, someone who can win back the Midwestern white, male blue-collar voters who went for the Republican in 2016.

"If you're appealing to older, more mainstream voters, I think the story that's emerging from his campaign is not that he's the agent of radical change, but that he's going to be a more stable leader," said political science professor Robert Boatright of Clark University.

As the one true known quantity in the Democratic nomination race, former vice president Joe Biden sits atop the pack of 2020 presidential contenders, relishing the prime position as he hosts a kickoff rally Saturday.

As the one true known quantity in the Democratic nomination race, former vice president Joe Biden sits atop the pack of 2020 presidential contenders, relishing the prime position as he hosts a kickoff rally Saturday. No one knows whether the man who served as number two to popular Democratic president Barack Obama for eight years will run away with this contest -- his third White House bid in as many decades -- or fade out in the months-long test of political skill and stamina to come. But the former longtime senator and lion of the Democratic Party are gearing up for what is certain to be a titanic battle against President Donald Trump. After a month of modest events at union halls and pizza joints in early-voting states like Iowa, Biden is counting on making a splash at a rally in Philadelphia, the largest city in must-win Pennsylvania, a state Trump snatched from Democrats in 2016. He has made Philadelphia his campaign headquarters, in a further sign of the importance, he is placing on winning back the state for his party in 2020. His kickoff will be held near the Philadelphia art museum steps immortalized by the scrappy boxer's run in the movie "Rocky." Biden was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and the rally is a nod to his modest roots. But far from being the underdog, Biden is looking to cement his status as the man to beat, the blue-collar voter whisperer who is best positioned to take on and defeat Trump. And while his delayed entry into the race drew criticism that he might not be ready to mount a thoroughly energized campaign, the slow-and-steady strategy appears to be paying off. By setting his own terms, limiting media engagements and minimizing chances for going off-script, the gaffe-prone Biden is emphasizing his status as preeminent party dignitary. Polls give Biden, 76, a comfortable lead over the 22 other hopefuls. The latest RealClearPolitics aggregate puts him at 39.1 per cent support, more than double the 16.4 per cent of his nearest rival, liberal Senator Bernie Sanders. No one else is in double digits. After a deeply divisive 2016 race, Democratic voters may be looking for an antidote to Trump, the brash politically inexperienced billionaire. "What matters to them at the moment is a safe choice, a known entity, and somebody who they believe could beat President Trump at his own game," Lara Brown, director of George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management, told AFP. Nearly nine months before the first nomination votes are cast, Biden is the lone Democrat, aside from perhaps Sanders, with the celebrity status that comes close to Trump's. But as voters start paying more attention, Biden -- who to date has campaigned mostly in broad strokes -- will be under pressure to flesh out positions on everything from health care and wages to immigration. "Biden is the right man for the moment," Brown said. "Whether he will be the right Democrat eight months from now is still really up in the air." BLUE COLLAR APPEAL Biden's dominance has already changed the race's dynamic, with its early stars like senators Sanders, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren forced to play catch up and levelling criticism at the frontrunner. Warren and Sanders, each of whom is highlighting the need to narrow the nation's economic inequalities, are expected to ramp up criticism of Biden as the embodiment of the Washington establishment. Several rivals are from a newer generation, putting them at odds with the old-school Biden, whose major challenge may well be appealing to younger voters. And while candidates like ex-congressman Beto O'Rourke are keeping up relentless schedules, honing their messages at town halls and meet-and-greets, Biden has opted for more protected environments. "Let's see what happens when he's taking questions that haven't been vetted," Brown said. Doing so will require fleshing out his policies, something that has already sparked controversy. Biden caught flak from liberal groups and candidates for failing to embrace more progressive positions on climate change. He says he will lay out a climate policy in the coming weeks. He has aligned himself closely with Obama, drawing major support from African American voters, a crucial constituency. But he will also need to be prepared to lean leftward to acknowledge the party's more progressive tilt. At the same time, he styles himself, like Trump, as an ardent defender of working-class Americans, someone who can win back the Midwestern white, male blue-collar voters who went for the Republican in 2016. "If you're appealing to older, more mainstream voters, I think the story that's emerging from his campaign is not that he's the agent of radical change, but that he's going to be a more stable leader," said political science professor Robert Boatright of Clark University.

Joementum: Biden ramps up 2020 bid with wind at his back

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would be happy to keep tariffs on Chinese imports in place, adding that China is mistaken if it hopes to negotiate trade later with a Democratic presidential administration.

"The reason for the China pullback &amp; attempted renegotiation of the Trade Deal is the sincere HOPE that they will be able to 'negotiate' with Joe Biden or one of the very weak Democrats," Trump tweeted.

"Guess what, that's not going to happen! China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the US to make a deal. We'll see, but I am very happy with over $100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling US coffers," he added.

The United States announced on Wednesday it would hike tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports from 10 to 25 per cent effective Friday, according to a notice posted on the Federal Register.

Sources with knowledge of the talks told that China has sought to alter previously agreed provisions specifying changes to Chinese laws affecting nearly every chapter of a nearly 150-page proposed trade deal between Washington and Beijing.

The changes sought by China would create major hurdles in reaching a deal in two days of talks with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He this week before the tariff increase goes into effect.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would be happy to keep tariffs on Chinese imports in place, adding that China is mistaken if it hopes to negotiate trade later with a Democratic presidential administration.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would be happy to keep tariffs on Chinese imports in place, adding that China is mistaken if it hopes to negotiate trade later with a Democratic presidential administration. "The reason for the China pullback & attempted renegotiation of the Trade Deal is the sincere HOPE that they will be able to 'negotiate' with Joe Biden or one of the very weak Democrats," Trump tweeted. "Guess what, that's not going to happen! China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the US to make a deal. We'll see, but I am very happy with over $100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling US coffers," he added. The United States announced on Wednesday it would hike tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports from 10 to 25 per cent effective Friday, according to a notice posted on the Federal Register. Sources with knowledge of the talks told that China has sought to alter previously agreed provisions specifying changes to Chinese laws affecting nearly every chapter of a nearly 150-page proposed trade deal between Washington and Beijing. The changes sought by China would create major hurdles in reaching a deal in two days of talks with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He this week before the tariff increase goes into effect.

Trump says he would be happy to keep tariffs on Chinese imports in place

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-raises-63-million-in-first-24-hours-of-campaign-213809">Former US Vice President Joe Biden</a> made clear on Monday at his first event as a presidential candidate that he stands ready to battle President Donald Trump for the support of the blue-collar workers who were key to Trump's election in 2016.

Speaking before a welcoming crowd of union workers in Pittsburgh, Biden seemed at times to look past a Democratic nominating contest that promises to be arduous and towards a direct confrontation with Trump in the November 2020 general election.

"I make no apologies. I am a union man," Biden told a crowd that included members of the Teamsters, steelworkers, firefighters and teachers unions. "The country wasn't built by Wall Street bankers, CEOs and hedge fund managers, it was built by you."

Biden, 76, who served two terms as vice president to former President Barack Obama, echoed other Democrats in the field who have criticized the US economy for benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the middle class and working poor.

"Everybody knows it. The middle class is hurting," Biden said. "The stock market is roaring, but you don't feel it."

Earlier in the day, Biden, who is counting on support from organised labour as a key component of his presidential bid, received an endorsement from the International Association of Firefighters, which boasts a membership of 300,000.

That prompted a Twitter burst from Trump, who in 2016 demonstrated strong appeal to union workers dissatisfied with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

In a series of tweets, Trump said that while leaders of the firefighters and other unions would endorse Democrats in the 2020 race, "the members love Trump."

Biden soon fired back on Twitter: "I'm sick of this president badmouthing unions."

Pennsylvania was a critical battleground for both parties in 2016, and Trump's narrow win in the state edged him towards his surprise victory. Western Pennsylvania, a union stronghold, is filled with the kind of white, blue-collar voters who once voted Democratic but supported Trump in 2016.

Biden said that was the reason he was kicking off his campaign in Pittsburgh, the one-time US&nbsp;steel capital. "Quite frankly folks, if I am going to be able to beat Donald Trump in 2020, it's going to happen here," he told the crowd at the union hall.

Before Biden can face off with the Republican president, he must outlast a Democratic field that features 19 other candidates, no sure thing in a party that has moved away from Biden's centrism and towards a more liberal, progressive tilt.

Biden left Pittsburgh after the speech to begin a campaign swing through Iowa and South Carolina, key early states in the presidential nomination contest.

Labour-friendly field

Union support is crucial to Biden's chances, but it is by no means automatic.

"I'm keeping my mind open. It's very early, and there are a lot of players in the game," said Colleen Wooten, 54, of Wall, Pennsylvania, who works for the United Steelworkers.

"Everybody in the union is tired of hearing promises about bringing work back," she said. "We need to start seeing action."

While organised labour has lost political clout with the decline of industrial jobs in the United States, it remains a key Democratic constituency, valued for its capacity to mobilise voters.

Labour unions have indicated that given the sprawling Democratic field, they have the luxury to choose candidates who tailor policies to their specific goals.

“This may be the most pro-union group of candidates we’ve seen in decades, making it tougher for any one candidate to line up significant union support,” said Steve Rosenthal, a former political director for the AFL-CIO labour federation, who is advising unions on their 2020 strategies.

At this juncture, Biden may have to worry most about US Senator Bernie Sanders, who, along with Biden, sits atop the 2020 Democratic field in opinion polls.

Sanders, a progressive who consistently has railed against free-trade agreements, showed surprising strength among rank-and-file union members during his 2016 presidential primary challenge to Clinton even though she received the formal endorsement of most national unions.

Biden's record as a US senator and vice president could complicate his efforts to draw union voters.

As a senator from Delaware, Biden supported the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has become a sore point with unions that blame it for jobs leaving the country.

As Obama's No 2, he was part of an administration that promulgated labour-friendly regulatory policies but also pushed through trade deals with Colombia, Panama and South Korea over the objections of several unions and many other Democrats.

A 12-nation trade deal backed by Obama and Biden, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, was opposed by labour and became an issue in the 2016 presidential race, when Trump, then the Republican presidential nominee, used it to criticise Democratic policies. As president, Trump pulled the United States out of the pact.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden made clear on Monday at his first event as a presidential candidate that he stands ready to battle President Donald Trump for the support of the blue-collar workers who were key to Trump's election in 2016.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden made clear on Monday at his first event as a presidential candidate that he stands ready to battle President Donald Trump for the support of the blue-collar workers who were key to Trump's election in 2016. Speaking before a welcoming crowd of union workers in Pittsburgh, Biden seemed at times to look past a Democratic nominating contest that promises to be arduous and towards a direct confrontation with Trump in the November 2020 general election. "I make no apologies. I am a union man," Biden told a crowd that included members of the Teamsters, steelworkers, firefighters and teachers unions. "The country wasn't built by Wall Street bankers, CEOs and hedge fund managers, it was built by you." Biden, 76, who served two terms as vice president to former President Barack Obama, echoed other Democrats in the field who have criticized the US economy for benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the middle class and working poor. "Everybody knows it. The middle class is hurting," Biden said. "The stock market is roaring, but you don't feel it." Earlier in the day, Biden, who is counting on support from organised labour as a key component of his presidential bid, received an endorsement from the International Association of Firefighters, which boasts a membership of 300,000. That prompted a Twitter burst from Trump, who in 2016 demonstrated strong appeal to union workers dissatisfied with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In a series of tweets, Trump said that while leaders of the firefighters and other unions would endorse Democrats in the 2020 race, "the members love Trump." Biden soon fired back on Twitter: "I'm sick of this president badmouthing unions." Pennsylvania was a critical battleground for both parties in 2016, and Trump's narrow win in the state edged him towards his surprise victory. Western Pennsylvania, a union stronghold, is filled with the kind of white, blue-collar voters who once voted Democratic but supported Trump in 2016. Biden said that was the reason he was kicking off his campaign in Pittsburgh, the one-time US steel capital. "Quite frankly folks, if I am going to be able to beat Donald Trump in 2020, it's going to happen here," he told the crowd at the union hall. Before Biden can face off with the Republican president, he must outlast a Democratic field that features 19 other candidates, no sure thing in a party that has moved away from Biden's centrism and towards a more liberal, progressive tilt. Biden left Pittsburgh after the speech to begin a campaign swing through Iowa and South Carolina, key early states in the presidential nomination contest. Labour-friendly field Union support is crucial to Biden's chances, but it is by no means automatic. "I'm keeping my mind open. It's very early, and there are a lot of players in the game," said Colleen Wooten, 54, of Wall, Pennsylvania, who works for the United Steelworkers. "Everybody in the union is tired of hearing promises about bringing work back," she said. "We need to start seeing action." While organised labour has lost political clout with the decline of industrial jobs in the United States, it remains a key Democratic constituency, valued for its capacity to mobilise voters. Labour unions have indicated that given the sprawling Democratic field, they have the luxury to choose candidates who tailor policies to their specific goals. “This may be the most pro-union group of candidates we’ve seen in decades, making it tougher for any one candidate to line up significant union support,” said Steve Rosenthal, a former political director for the AFL-CIO labour federation, who is advising unions on their 2020 strategies. At this juncture, Biden may have to worry most about US Senator Bernie Sanders, who, along with Biden, sits atop the 2020 Democratic field in opinion polls. Sanders, a progressive who consistently has railed against free-trade agreements, showed surprising strength among rank-and-file union members during his 2016 presidential primary challenge to Clinton even though she received the formal endorsement of most national unions. Biden's record as a US senator and vice president could complicate his efforts to draw union voters. As a senator from Delaware, Biden supported the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has become a sore point with unions that blame it for jobs leaving the country. As Obama's No 2, he was part of an administration that promulgated labour-friendly regulatory policies but also pushed through trade deals with Colombia, Panama and South Korea over the objections of several unions and many other Democrats. A 12-nation trade deal backed by Obama and Biden, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, was opposed by labour and became an issue in the 2016 presidential race, when Trump, then the Republican presidential nominee, used it to criticise Democratic policies. As president, Trump pulled the United States out of the pact.

At first 2020 event, Biden sets up battle with Trump over union vote

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-raises-63-million-in-first-24-hours-of-campaign-213809&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKwPjSrvXhAhXaknAKHUjOAPEQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Ep6fidg2p5ES77srzWpEL">Former US Vice President Joe Biden</a> will hold his first event as a presidential candidate in Pittsburgh on Monday, speaking before union members whose endorsements may be key in the primary race.

Biden, who joined the 2020 Democratic race last week, is counting on organized labour to comprise a significant part of his support, but despite his longstanding ties to unions, it may not be that easy.

The Democratic field now features 20 contenders, many of whom are making furtive bids for backing by labour.

“This may be the most pro-union group of candidates we’ve seen in decades making it tougher for any one candidate to line up significant union support,” said Steve Rosenthal, a former political director for the AFL-CIO who is advising unions on their 2020 strategies.

Biden, 76, has long styled himself as a champion of blue-collar workers, but his record as a US senator and his two terms serving as former President Barack Obama’s No. 2 may complicate his efforts to draw union voters.

As a senator from Delaware, Biden supported the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has become a sore point with unions that blame it for jobs going overseas.

As vice president, he was part of an administration that promulgated labour-friendly regulatory policies but also pushed through trade deals with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea over the objections of several unions and many other Democrats.

A massive 12-nation trade deal backed by Obama and Biden, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, was opposed by labour and became an issue in the 2016 presidential race, when Donald Trump, then the Republican presidential nominee, used it to criticize Democratic policies.

Once Trump became president, he pulled the United States out of the TPP, which went into effect last year. His administration currently is advocating for Congress to pass a negotiated replacement for NAFTA, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Even as Biden was preparing for his Pittsburgh launch, six other Democratic candidates on Saturday addressed union members at an event in Las Vegas, pledging support for policies such as a $15 federal minimum wage.

Labour unions have indicated that, with the sprawling Democratic field, they have the luxury to choose candidates who tailor policies to their specific goals.

“Working people are heading into this election with a high bar,” said John Weber, a spokesman for the AFL-CIO in Washington. “Your trade policy shouldn’t be about reducing the collateral damage of harmful corporate trade deals. It should be about replacing them with agreements that actually strengthen working families.”

In Pittsburgh, Biden will address the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and is expected to lay out his vision for bolstering the nation’s middle class. After that, he will head off on a campaign trip to the early voting state of Iowa.

While organized labour has lost political clout with the decline of industrial jobs in America, it remains a key Democratic constituency, valued for its capacity to mobilize voters.

At this juncture, Biden may have to worry most about US Senator Bernie Sanders, who, along with Biden, sits atop public opinion polls concerning the 2020 field.

Sanders, a progressive who consistently has railed against free-trade agreements, showed surprising strength among rank-and-file union members during his 2016 presidential primary challenge to Hillary Clinton even though she received the formal endorsement of most national unions.

That divide within unions between Clinton and Sanders is one reason, Rosenthal said, why some unions this time may wait deep into the primary process before endorsing a candidate – or may not endorse one at all.

“Because so many unions rushed to endorse Secretary Clinton in 2016, there will likely be a much more thorough process, including more rank-and-file input from some unions this cycle,” he said.

To be sure, Biden can rely on some measure of union support. He was warmly received in speeches earlier this year to the electrical workers and firefighters unions. The firefighters union is expected to endorse him soon.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden will hold his first event as a presidential candidate in Pittsburgh on Monday, speaking before union members whose endorsements may be key in the primary race.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden will hold his first event as a presidential candidate in Pittsburgh on Monday, speaking before union members whose endorsements may be key in the primary race. Biden, who joined the 2020 Democratic race last week, is counting on organized labour to comprise a significant part of his support, but despite his longstanding ties to unions, it may not be that easy. The Democratic field now features 20 contenders, many of whom are making furtive bids for backing by labour. “This may be the most pro-union group of candidates we’ve seen in decades making it tougher for any one candidate to line up significant union support,” said Steve Rosenthal, a former political director for the AFL-CIO who is advising unions on their 2020 strategies. Biden, 76, has long styled himself as a champion of blue-collar workers, but his record as a US senator and his two terms serving as former President Barack Obama’s No. 2 may complicate his efforts to draw union voters. As a senator from Delaware, Biden supported the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has become a sore point with unions that blame it for jobs going overseas. As vice president, he was part of an administration that promulgated labour-friendly regulatory policies but also pushed through trade deals with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea over the objections of several unions and many other Democrats. A massive 12-nation trade deal backed by Obama and Biden, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, was opposed by labour and became an issue in the 2016 presidential race, when Donald Trump, then the Republican presidential nominee, used it to criticize Democratic policies. Once Trump became president, he pulled the United States out of the TPP, which went into effect last year. His administration currently is advocating for Congress to pass a negotiated replacement for NAFTA, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Even as Biden was preparing for his Pittsburgh launch, six other Democratic candidates on Saturday addressed union members at an event in Las Vegas, pledging support for policies such as a $15 federal minimum wage. Labour unions have indicated that, with the sprawling Democratic field, they have the luxury to choose candidates who tailor policies to their specific goals. “Working people are heading into this election with a high bar,” said John Weber, a spokesman for the AFL-CIO in Washington. “Your trade policy shouldn’t be about reducing the collateral damage of harmful corporate trade deals. It should be about replacing them with agreements that actually strengthen working families.” In Pittsburgh, Biden will address the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and is expected to lay out his vision for bolstering the nation’s middle class. After that, he will head off on a campaign trip to the early voting state of Iowa. While organized labour has lost political clout with the decline of industrial jobs in America, it remains a key Democratic constituency, valued for its capacity to mobilize voters. At this juncture, Biden may have to worry most about US Senator Bernie Sanders, who, along with Biden, sits atop public opinion polls concerning the 2020 field. Sanders, a progressive who consistently has railed against free-trade agreements, showed surprising strength among rank-and-file union members during his 2016 presidential primary challenge to Hillary Clinton even though she received the formal endorsement of most national unions. That divide within unions between Clinton and Sanders is one reason, Rosenthal said, why some unions this time may wait deep into the primary process before endorsing a candidate – or may not endorse one at all. “Because so many unions rushed to endorse Secretary Clinton in 2016, there will likely be a much more thorough process, including more rank-and-file input from some unions this cycle,” he said. To be sure, Biden can rely on some measure of union support. He was warmly received in speeches earlier this year to the electrical workers and firefighters unions. The firefighters union is expected to endorse him soon.

Joe Biden to kick off US presidential bid with speech to union workers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-troops-kill-two-suspected-is-gunmen-explosives-found-during-raid-213815">Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid&nbsp;</a>

Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty-says-revoking-predecessors-signature-213808">Trump rejects UN treaty aimed at regulating global arms trade</a>

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-far-right-the-clear-leader-in-social-media-213822">Spain's far-right, the clear leader in social media</a>

Just like US President Donald Trump and France's Marine Le Pen, Spain's far-right party Vox has made a point of dominating social media with its hardline rhetoric ahead of elections on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-raises-63-million-in-first-24-hours-of-campaign-213809">Joe Biden raises $6.3 million in first 24 hours of campaign</a>

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-citizens-to-reconsider-travel-to-sri-lanka-over-terror-threat-213813">US urges citizens to 'reconsider travel' to Sri Lanka over terror threat</a>

The US State Department on Friday raised the level of its travel warning for Sri Lanka, urging citizens to reconsider visiting the island in the wake of a devastating series of suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.

Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman.

Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman. Trump rejects UN treaty aimed at regulating global arms trade President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty. Spain's far-right, the clear leader in social media Just like US President Donald Trump and France's Marine Le Pen, Spain's far-right party Vox has made a point of dominating social media with its hardline rhetoric ahead of elections on Sunday. Joe Biden raises $6.3 million in first 24 hours of campaign US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals. US urges citizens to 'reconsider travel' to Sri Lanka over terror threat The US State Department on Friday raised the level of its travel warning for Sri Lanka, urging citizens to reconsider visiting the island in the wake of a devastating series of suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US Democratic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-vice-president-joe-biden-enters-2020-presidential-race-213423">presidential candidate Joe Biden</a> raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals.

Biden, 76, brought in the bulk of that haul through smaller contributions, his campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo wrote on Twitter, with 97 per cent of those donations under $200.

He bested the rest of the Democratic field in first-day fundraising, including Bernie Sanders, who raised $5.9 million, and Beto O'Rourke, who brought in $6.1 million.

Prior to entering the race on Thursday, Biden faced speculation that he was going to be unable to raise small-dollar donations via the Internet - which has been viewed as a test of viability and support in the Democratic Party.

To qualify for the first debate in June, candidates need to receive donations from 65,000 different donors. Biden reached that mark in the first 12 hours of his campaign, Ducklo said.

Biden has joined most of the rest of the Democratic field in swearing off donations from Washington lobbyists and PACs associated with corporations. But he did hold a fundraiser on the first day of his campaign at the Philadelphia home of David Cohen, a Comcast executive.

Biden served as former President Barack Obama's vice president for two terms. He is competing with 19 others for the Democratic presidential nomination and the chance to likely face President Donald Trump next year in the general election.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals. Biden, 76, brought in the bulk of that haul through smaller contributions, his campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo wrote on Twitter, with 97 per cent of those donations under $200.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals. Biden, 76, brought in the bulk of that haul through smaller contributions, his campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo wrote on Twitter, with 97 per cent of those donations under $200. He bested the rest of the Democratic field in first-day fundraising, including Bernie Sanders, who raised $5.9 million, and Beto O'Rourke, who brought in $6.1 million. Prior to entering the race on Thursday, Biden faced speculation that he was going to be unable to raise small-dollar donations via the Internet - which has been viewed as a test of viability and support in the Democratic Party. To qualify for the first debate in June, candidates need to receive donations from 65,000 different donors. Biden reached that mark in the first 12 hours of his campaign, Ducklo said. Biden has joined most of the rest of the Democratic field in swearing off donations from Washington lobbyists and PACs associated with corporations. But he did hold a fundraiser on the first day of his campaign at the Philadelphia home of David Cohen, a Comcast executive. Biden served as former President Barack Obama's vice president for two terms. He is competing with 19 others for the Democratic presidential nomination and the chance to likely face President Donald Trump next year in the general election.

Joe Biden raises $6.3 million in first 24 hours of campaign

Former US Vice-President Joe Biden has officially announced his presidential bid, putting an end to months of speculation. Watch full video to know more.

US election 2020: Joe Biden officially launches presidential bid

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-mega-roadshow-in-varanasi-213438">PM Modi begins mega roadshow in Varanasi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;started his mega roadshow in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi&nbsp;today as thousands attended chanting the prime minister's name. The roadshow&nbsp;is scheduled for a day before PM Modi sets out to&nbsp;file his nomination paper&nbsp;on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-needs-security-guarantees-in-exchange-for-denuclearisation-says-putin-after-meeting-kim-213419">North Korea needs 'security guarantees' in exchange for denuclearisation, says Putin after meeting Kim</a>

As Russian President Putin and North Korean leader&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong-un met in Vladivostok&nbsp;with hopes of strengthing ties, the Russian president said North Korea needs security guarantees and denuclearisation could only be achieved through international law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leader-of-the-group-committed-suicide-at-shangri-la-hotel-police-213412">Leader of the group committed suicide at Shangri-la hotel: Police</a>

Four days after the Easter Sunday blasts, Sri Lankan authorities revealed new details&nbsp;about the suicide bombers&nbsp;who carried out attacks on churches and hotels in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-vice-president-joe-biden-enters-2020-presidential-race-213423">Former US Vice President Joe Biden enters 2020 presidential race</a>

Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday formally announced his entry into the race for the Democratic party's presidential nomination for the 2020 election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-protests-as-french-warship-passes-through-taiwan-strait-213434">China protests as French warship passes through Taiwan Strait</a>

A French warship passed through the strategic&nbsp;Taiwan Strait&nbsp;this month&nbsp;as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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PM Modi begins mega roadshow in Varanasi Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his mega roadshow in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi today as thousands attended chanting the prime minister's name.

PM Modi begins mega roadshow in Varanasi Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his mega roadshow in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi today as thousands attended chanting the prime minister's name. The roadshow is scheduled for a day before PM Modi sets out to file his nomination paper on Friday. North Korea needs 'security guarantees' in exchange for denuclearisation, says Putin after meeting Kim As Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in Vladivostok with hopes of strengthing ties, the Russian president said North Korea needs security guarantees and denuclearisation could only be achieved through international law. Leader of the group committed suicide at Shangri-la hotel: Police Four days after the Easter Sunday blasts, Sri Lankan authorities revealed new details about the suicide bombers who carried out attacks on churches and hotels in the country. Former US Vice President Joe Biden enters 2020 presidential race Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday formally announced his entry into the race for the Democratic party's presidential nomination for the 2020 election. China protests as French warship passes through Taiwan Strait A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, a moderate Democrat who has made his appeal to the disaffected working-class voters who deserted the party in 2016 a key part of his political identity, is set to launch his third run for the White House on Thursday.

Biden will announce his bid by video, according to a source familiar with the plans. He then is expected to make his first public appearance as a candidate on Monday at an event in Pittsburgh featuring union members, a key constituency.

Biden, 76, had been wrestling for months over whether to run. His candidacy will face numerous questions, including whether he is too old and too centrist for a Democratic Party yearning for fresh faces and increasingly propelled by its more vocal liberal wing.

Still, he starts as the leader of the pack in opinion polls of a Democratic field that now will total 20 contenders seeking the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee, in November 2020.

Critics say Biden's standing in polls is largely a function of name recognition for the former US&nbsp;senator from Delaware, whose more than four decades in public service includes eight years as President Barack Obama's No. 2 in the White House.

As speculation about his bid mounted, Biden faced new questions about his longtime propensity for touching and kissing strangers at political events, with several women coming forward to say he had made them feel uncomfortable.

Biden struggled in his response to the concerns, at times joking about his behaviour. But ultimately, he apologized and said he recognized standards for personal conduct had evolved in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

Trump and his allies seized on the flap, attempting to weaken perhaps his top rival before Biden entered the race.

Even so, Biden was determined to push forward, arguing his background, experience and resume best positioned him to take on Trump next year.

In a speech to union members in April, Biden called Trump a "tragedy in two acts."

"This country can’t afford more years of a president looking to settle personal scores," he said.

Biden's candidacy will offer early hints about whether Democrats are more interested in finding a centrist who can win over the white working-class voters who went for Trump in 2016, or someone who can fire up the party's diverse progressive wing, such as Senators Kamala Harris of California, Bernie Sanders of Vermont or Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Biden's long history in the Senate, where he was a leading voice on foreign policy, will give liberal activists plenty to criticize. As Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, he angered women's rights activists with his handling of sexual harassment allegations against Clarence Thomas during the justice's 1991 Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

He also has been criticized for his ties to the financial industry, which is prominent in his home state of Delaware, and for his authorship of the 1994 crime act that led to increased incarceration rates.

Biden has been one of the party's more aggressive Trump critics. Last year, he said he would "beat the hell" out of Trump if the two were in high school because of the way the president has talked about women. That prompted Trump to call him "Crazy Joe Biden" and claim on Twitter that Biden would "go down fast and hard, crying all the way" if they fought.

Biden later lamented the exchange, saying "I shouldn't get down in the mosh pit with this guy."

Known for his verbal gaffes on the campaign trail, Biden failed to gain traction with voters during his previous runs in 1988 and 2008.

He dropped his 1988 bid amid allegations he plagiarized some of his stump oratory and early academic work. But his experience and strong debate performances in 2008 impressed Obama enough that he tapped Biden as his running mate.

Biden decided against a 2016 presidential bid after a lengthy public period of indecision as he wrestled with doubts about whether he and his family were ready for a gruelling campaign while mourning his son Beau, who died of brain cancer in May 2015. His son had urged him to run.

Biden faced some of the same family considerations this time around, as he is still coping with Beau's death while his other son, Hunter, has gone through a divorce amid a reported relationship with Beau's widow.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, a moderate Democrat who has made his appeal to the disaffected working-class voters who deserted the party in 2016 a key part of his political identity, is set to launch his third run for the White House on Thursday.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, a moderate Democrat who has made his appeal to the disaffected working-class voters who deserted the party in 2016 a key part of his political identity, is set to launch his third run for the White House on Thursday. Biden will announce his bid by video, according to a source familiar with the plans. He then is expected to make his first public appearance as a candidate on Monday at an event in Pittsburgh featuring union members, a key constituency. Biden, 76, had been wrestling for months over whether to run. His candidacy will face numerous questions, including whether he is too old and too centrist for a Democratic Party yearning for fresh faces and increasingly propelled by its more vocal liberal wing. Still, he starts as the leader of the pack in opinion polls of a Democratic field that now will total 20 contenders seeking the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee, in November 2020. Critics say Biden's standing in polls is largely a function of name recognition for the former US senator from Delaware, whose more than four decades in public service includes eight years as President Barack Obama's No. 2 in the White House. As speculation about his bid mounted, Biden faced new questions about his longtime propensity for touching and kissing strangers at political events, with several women coming forward to say he had made them feel uncomfortable. Biden struggled in his response to the concerns, at times joking about his behaviour. But ultimately, he apologized and said he recognized standards for personal conduct had evolved in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Trump and his allies seized on the flap, attempting to weaken perhaps his top rival before Biden entered the race. Even so, Biden was determined to push forward, arguing his background, experience and resume best positioned him to take on Trump next year. In a speech to union members in April, Biden called Trump a "tragedy in two acts." "This country can’t afford more years of a president looking to settle personal scores," he said. Biden's candidacy will offer early hints about whether Democrats are more interested in finding a centrist who can win over the white working-class voters who went for Trump in 2016, or someone who can fire up the party's diverse progressive wing, such as Senators Kamala Harris of California, Bernie Sanders of Vermont or Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Biden's long history in the Senate, where he was a leading voice on foreign policy, will give liberal activists plenty to criticize. As Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, he angered women's rights activists with his handling of sexual harassment allegations against Clarence Thomas during the justice's 1991 Supreme Court confirmation hearings. He also has been criticized for his ties to the financial industry, which is prominent in his home state of Delaware, and for his authorship of the 1994 crime act that led to increased incarceration rates. Biden has been one of the party's more aggressive Trump critics. Last year, he said he would "beat the hell" out of Trump if the two were in high school because of the way the president has talked about women. That prompted Trump to call him "Crazy Joe Biden" and claim on Twitter that Biden would "go down fast and hard, crying all the way" if they fought. Biden later lamented the exchange, saying "I shouldn't get down in the mosh pit with this guy." Known for his verbal gaffes on the campaign trail, Biden failed to gain traction with voters during his previous runs in 1988 and 2008. He dropped his 1988 bid amid allegations he plagiarized some of his stump oratory and early academic work. But his experience and strong debate performances in 2008 impressed Obama enough that he tapped Biden as his running mate. Biden decided against a 2016 presidential bid after a lengthy public period of indecision as he wrestled with doubts about whether he and his family were ready for a gruelling campaign while mourning his son Beau, who died of brain cancer in May 2015. His son had urged him to run. Biden faced some of the same family considerations this time around, as he is still coping with Beau's death while his other son, Hunter, has gone through a divorce amid a reported relationship with Beau's widow.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden to make third run for the White House

Big Democratic field taking shape for 2020 US presidential race

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-vice-president-bidens-camp-rejects-smears-about-his-physicality-with-women-207401">Former US vice president Joe Biden</a> said Friday he was on the cusp of announcing his 2020 plans, acknowledging he was watching his words carefully so as not to "start the clock" on a presidential campaign.

"I am very close to making a decision to stand before you all relatively soon," Biden, who is polling as the frontrunner despite not officially being in the race, told reporters after addressing union workers in Washington.

"Even if I knew for certain that I was going to run for president back in Thanksgiving, my intention from the beginning, if I were to run, would be the last person to announce," Biden added.

Biden was hit last week with an accusation by former Nevada state lawmaker Lucy Flores, who recalled being "mortified" when he planted a "big, slow kiss" on the back of her head as she waited to take the stage at a campaign rally five years ago.&nbsp;

Biden has had a reputation for awkwardly touching the wives, mothers or daughters of senators during swearing-in ceremonies.&nbsp;

Former US vice president Joe Biden said Friday he was on the cusp of announcing his 2020 plans, acknowledging he was watching his words carefully so as not to "start the clock" on a presidential campaign.

Former US vice president Joe Biden said Friday he was on the cusp of announcing his 2020 plans, acknowledging he was watching his words carefully so as not to "start the clock" on a presidential campaign. "I am very close to making a decision to stand before you all relatively soon," Biden, who is polling as the frontrunner despite not officially being in the race, told reporters after addressing union workers in Washington. "Even if I knew for certain that I was going to run for president back in Thanksgiving, my intention from the beginning, if I were to run, would be the last person to announce," Biden added. Biden was hit last week with an accusation by former Nevada state lawmaker Lucy Flores, who recalled being "mortified" when he planted a "big, slow kiss" on the back of her head as she waited to take the stage at a campaign rally five years ago. Biden has had a reputation for awkwardly touching the wives, mothers or daughters of senators during swearing-in ceremonies.

Former US vice president Joe Biden says 'very close' to announcing if he runs for president

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