Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate, has urged South Asian women to run for office and take up a leadership role in their communities.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Harris are challenging Republican incumbents President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the November 3 US election.

"To all the young women who are watching this, I want you to know that leadership begins the day you are born. You are never too young or too old to be a leader," said Kamala Harris, 55, at an event on Saturday.

Harris has scripted history in US politics after she became the first Indian-American and Black woman to get a major party's vice-presidential nomination.

"So get involved in your community, run for office. Whatever you do, it matters, so just lead," said the senator from California, in an audio message to the virtual event "South Asian Women in Leadership: Ushering a New Wave of Diversity in the Biden-Harris Era" which was organised by South Asians for Biden.

The event was co-hosted by the American Impact Fund and the Indians for Biden National Council.

Panelists at the event included Dr Sadaf Jaffer, the first Muslim woman to serve as a mayor in the US, Kesha Ram, the youngest Indian-American woman to be elected to statewide office and Dr Nina Ahmad, candidate for Pennsylvania Auditor General. Ahmed is vying to be the first woman of colour to hold statewide office.

Harbir Bhatia, who is running to be the first Sikh American woman in the Santa Clara City Council in California, also participated in the event.

Harris described each of the panelists as "incredible trailblazing women who are ready to usher a new wave of leadership."

The session was moderated by Mini Timmaraju, board member of Indian American Impact Fund.

"As you know, my mother Shyamala Harris came (here) from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. She dedicated her life to fighting for the promise of America, just like Joe Biden has," the Indian-origin senator said.

Kamala Harris said Biden's tenure will reflect America's strength in its diversity.

"Joe has been proud to stand with the Asian American and Pacific Islandaer community, and is committed to making sure that the Biden Harris administration reflects the diversity of America. As Joe Biden has said ''we are stronger because of our diversity and not in spite of it''," Harris said.

"South Asians for Biden is truly honoured to have Senator Kamala Harris provide remarks at our South Asian Women in Leadership event," said Neha Dewan, National Director of South Asians for Biden.

"Senator Harris has been trailblazer throughout her time in public office, and her selection as the Democratic nominee for vice president has particular significance to both South Asian and Black women, who will be inspired to seek public office in unprecedented numbers in the future," Dewan said.

Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate, has urged South Asian women to run for office and take up a leadership role in their communities.

Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate, has urged South Asian women to run for office and take up a leadership role in their communities. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Harris are challenging Republican incumbents President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the November 3 US election. "To all the young women who are watching this, I want you to know that leadership begins the day you are born. You are never too young or too old to be a leader," said Kamala Harris, 55, at an event on Saturday. Harris has scripted history in US politics after she became the first Indian-American and Black woman to get a major party's vice-presidential nomination. "So get involved in your community, run for office. Whatever you do, it matters, so just lead," said the senator from California, in an audio message to the virtual event "South Asian Women in Leadership: Ushering a New Wave of Diversity in the Biden-Harris Era" which was organised by South Asians for Biden. The event was co-hosted by the American Impact Fund and the Indians for Biden National Council. Panelists at the event included Dr Sadaf Jaffer, the first Muslim woman to serve as a mayor in the US, Kesha Ram, the youngest Indian-American woman to be elected to statewide office and Dr Nina Ahmad, candidate for Pennsylvania Auditor General. Ahmed is vying to be the first woman of colour to hold statewide office. Harbir Bhatia, who is running to be the first Sikh American woman in the Santa Clara City Council in California, also participated in the event. Harris described each of the panelists as "incredible trailblazing women who are ready to usher a new wave of leadership." The session was moderated by Mini Timmaraju, board member of Indian American Impact Fund. "As you know, my mother Shyamala Harris came (here) from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. She dedicated her life to fighting for the promise of America, just like Joe Biden has," the Indian-origin senator said. Kamala Harris said Biden's tenure will reflect America's strength in its diversity. "Joe has been proud to stand with the Asian American and Pacific Islandaer community, and is committed to making sure that the Biden Harris administration reflects the diversity of America. As Joe Biden has said ''we are stronger because of our diversity and not in spite of it''," Harris said. "South Asians for Biden is truly honoured to have Senator Kamala Harris provide remarks at our South Asian Women in Leadership event," said Neha Dewan, National Director of South Asians for Biden. "Senator Harris has been trailblazer throughout her time in public office, and her selection as the Democratic nominee for vice president has particular significance to both South Asian and Black women, who will be inspired to seek public office in unprecedented numbers in the future," Dewan said.

Leadership starts the day you're born: Kamala Harris to South Asian women 

Chadwick Boseman, best known for playing Black Panther in the hit Marvel superhero film has died of cancer aged 43. Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side.

Chadwick Boseman, best known for playing Black Panther in the hit Marvel superhero film has died of cancer aged 43. Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side. Several Hollywood stars including Chris Evans, Dwayne Johnson, and political figures Joe Biden and Kamala Harris paid their tribute to the actor and his family. Mark Ruffalo Tweeted: ''All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all-time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King''. All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King. — Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020 × Chris Evans Tweeted: ''Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King''. I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King💙 pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z — Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020 × Dwayne Johnson Tweeted: "Hard to hear about this. Rest in love, brother. Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family," Hard to hear about this. Rest in love, brother. Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family. https://t.co/hNAWav7Cq8 — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 29, 2020 × "Rest In Peace," Jada Pinkett wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram Rest In Love Chadwick ✨💛✨ A post shared by Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapinkettsmith) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:37pm PDT × The 'Aquaman' actor Jason Momoa posted a picture of Boseman on Instagram and wrote: "All my aloha and condolences to his ohana. I am truly gutted. what a wonderful spirit. I`m so sorry RIP." View this post on Instagram all my aloha and condolences to his ohana. i’m truly gutted. what a wonderful spirit. i’m so sorry RIP REPOST FROM : @chadwickboseman It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.⁣ ⁣ Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. ⁣ ⁣ A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. ⁣ ⁣ It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. ⁣ ⁣ He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. ⁣ ⁣ The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. ⁣ ⁣ Photo Credit: @samjonespictures A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies) on Aug 28, 2020 at 7:55pm PDT × Chris Pratt, Guardians of the Galaxy actor wrote, ''My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever''. My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever https://t.co/j5JWSeiqd5 — chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) August 29, 2020 × Joe Biden, Democratic presidential candidate tweeted: ''The true power of @chadwickboseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even superheroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time''. The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 29, 2020 × Kamala Harris, Democratic vice presidential nominee tweeted: Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman were brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020 ×

Dwayne Johnson, Kamala Harris & other celebs mourn Chadwick Boseman's demise

Kamala Harris is "not competent" to be president of the United States, incumbent president Donald Trump said as he addressed his supporters at a Republican campaign rally in New Hampshire on Friday.

Trump said he would support seeing a female president in the US but suggested that his daughter and senior White House advisor Ivanka Trump would be a better candidate for such a role.

"You know I want to see the first woman president also, but I don't want to see a woman president get into that position the way she'd do it, and she's not competent," Trump said.

"She's not competent," he said amidst applause from his supporters, a few of whom screamed Ivanka Trump, at an election rally on Friday.

"They're all saying, 'we want Ivanka'. I don't blame you," he said responding to his supporters.

Harris had been a presidential aspirant until last year before she dropped out of the race because of lack of popular support. Harris returned to political limelight after Joe Biden, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, picked her as his running mate in the November 3 election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-people-protesting-in-washington-thursday-were-thugs-323838">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says people protesting in Washington Thursday were 'thugs'</a>

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris is the first Indian-American and first Black woman to be picked by a major American political party for the top post.

This was Trump's first election rally after he formally accepted the nomination of the Republican Party on Thursday for the presidential election.

Trump said Harris withdrew from the Democratic Party's presidential race before primary season kicked off as her popularity dropped down to single digit.

"How about her? Sheer beauty? What a beauty though. They pick a woman who starts off...She (Harris) starts off (her presidential campaign) sort of strong. She's one of the favourites. Within a period of a few months, she goes down, down 15, 12, 11, nine, eight, five, three, two," he said.

"Then she goes, I'm going to leave because I've decided that I want to leave. I want to leave. She left (the race of presidency) because she wouldn't have gotten any votes. She was terrible. And this would be your president possibly. I don't think so. I don't think so," Trump said, speculating on the possibility that Harris could emerge as a Democratic presidential candidate in 2024.

Hours before Trump delivered his acceptance speech from the South Lawn at the White House, Harris alleged that the president's policies have been "a reckless disregard" for the danger a pandemic would pose to American lives.

She said Trump has "failed at the most basic and important job of a President of the United States. He failed to protect the American people".

Kamala Harris is "not competent" to be president of the United States, incumbent president Donald Trump said as he addressed his supporters at a Republican campaign rally in New Hampshire on Friday.

Kamala Harris is "not competent" to be president of the United States, incumbent president Donald Trump said as he addressed his supporters at a Republican campaign rally in New Hampshire on Friday. Trump said he would support seeing a female president in the US but suggested that his daughter and senior White House advisor Ivanka Trump would be a better candidate for such a role. "You know I want to see the first woman president also, but I don't want to see a woman president get into that position the way she'd do it, and she's not competent," Trump said. "She's not competent," he said amidst applause from his supporters, a few of whom screamed Ivanka Trump, at an election rally on Friday. "They're all saying, 'we want Ivanka'. I don't blame you," he said responding to his supporters. Harris had been a presidential aspirant until last year before she dropped out of the race because of lack of popular support. Harris returned to political limelight after Joe Biden, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, picked her as his running mate in the November 3 election. Also read | Trump says people protesting in Washington Thursday were 'thugs' Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris is the first Indian-American and first Black woman to be picked by a major American political party for the top post. This was Trump's first election rally after he formally accepted the nomination of the Republican Party on Thursday for the presidential election. Trump said Harris withdrew from the Democratic Party's presidential race before primary season kicked off as her popularity dropped down to single digit. "How about her? Sheer beauty? What a beauty though. They pick a woman who starts off...She (Harris) starts off (her presidential campaign) sort of strong. She's one of the favourites. Within a period of a few months, she goes down, down 15, 12, 11, nine, eight, five, three, two," he said. "Then she goes, I'm going to leave because I've decided that I want to leave. I want to leave. She left (the race of presidency) because she wouldn't have gotten any votes. She was terrible. And this would be your president possibly. I don't think so. I don't think so," Trump said, speculating on the possibility that Harris could emerge as a Democratic presidential candidate in 2024. Hours before Trump delivered his acceptance speech from the South Lawn at the White House, Harris alleged that the president's policies have been "a reckless disregard" for the danger a pandemic would pose to American lives. She said Trump has "failed at the most basic and important job of a President of the United States. He failed to protect the American people".

Kamala Harris 'not competent' to be US president, Ivanka better: Donald Trump

U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and closely allied Democratic groups raised $70 million during their four-day convention this week, Biden`s election campaign said on Friday.

The convention`s broadcasts drew 122 million views across 15 digital platform livestreams and also attracted 85.1 million to television broadcasts, the campaign said in an emailed statement.

Republican President Donald Trump’s campaign and closely allied groups pulled in $165 million during the typically sluggish political fundraising month of July, more than Democratic rival Joe Biden’s $140 million, Trump`s campaign said earlier this month.

That result allows Trump to enter the final stretch of the U.S. presidential campaign with a slim, but intact, cash advantage.

Trump and party-backed groups now have more than $300 million to spend on advertisement, door-knocking organizers and other political expenses, they said, compared with Biden’s $294 million.

The virtual Democratic convention wrapped up on Thursday night with Biden accepting his party`s nomination during a speech in which he accused Trump of a chaotic and divisive presidency.

The convention`s closing night attracted roughly 24.6 million primetime television viewers, the largest audience of the week, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency.

Trump`s four-day nominating convention, a mix of virtual and live events, starts on Monday.

U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and closely allied Democratic groups raised $70 million during their four-day convention this week, Biden`s election campaign said on Friday.

U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and closely allied Democratic groups raised $70 million during their four-day convention this week, Biden`s election campaign said on Friday. The convention`s broadcasts drew 122 million views across 15 digital platform livestreams and also attracted 85.1 million to television broadcasts, the campaign said in an emailed statement. Republican President Donald Trump’s campaign and closely allied groups pulled in $165 million during the typically sluggish political fundraising month of July, more than Democratic rival Joe Biden’s $140 million, Trump`s campaign said earlier this month. That result allows Trump to enter the final stretch of the U.S. presidential campaign with a slim, but intact, cash advantage. Trump and party-backed groups now have more than $300 million to spend on advertisement, door-knocking organizers and other political expenses, they said, compared with Biden’s $294 million. The virtual Democratic convention wrapped up on Thursday night with Biden accepting his party`s nomination during a speech in which he accused Trump of a chaotic and divisive presidency. The convention`s closing night attracted roughly 24.6 million primetime television viewers, the largest audience of the week, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency. Trump`s four-day nominating convention, a mix of virtual and live events, starts on Monday.

Biden and allies raised $70 million during Democratic convention, campaign says

When Joe Biden was elected as one of the youngest US senators in 1972, one of the first letters that he received was from Mumbai, with the sender having the same last name as his.

About five years ago, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee learned that there are five Bidens living in Mumbai, but is probably yet to make a connection with them.

The 'Biden from Mumbai', then known as Bombay, had congratulated Biden on his election as the senator from Delaware and told him that they were related to each other.

Biden, then 29, wanted to follow up on the letter and get in touch with the 'Biden from Mumbai'. However, his family and active life in politics meant that this wish remained a wish, something he still wants to fulfil nearly five decades later.

The wish may have remained unfulfilled, but the 77-year-old Biden never misses a chance to narrate the 'Biden from Mumbai' story when he meets Indian-Americans and the Indian leaders.

The former vice president assures them that he too has an India connection, however, distant it might be. 
In his address to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai, on July 24, 2013, during his maiden visit to India as the Vice President of the US, he went off-script to narrate his story of the 'Biden from Mumbai'.

"It's an honour to be back in India and to be here in Mumbai. Off script for a second here, I was reminded - I was elected to the United States Senate when I was a 29-year-old kid back in 1972, and one of the first letters I received and I regret I never followed up on it. Maybe, some genealogist in audience can follow up for me, but I received a letter from a gentleman named Biden - Biden, my name - from Mumbai, asserting that we were related," Biden had told the audience amidst peals of laughter.

"Seriously. Suggesting that our mutual, great, great, great, something or other worked for the East India Trading Company back in the 1700s and came to Mumbai," Biden said.

A few years later at another speech in Washington DC, Biden said that their forefathers were same, who worked for the East India Company and visited India then.

"He (Biden from Mumbai) went back to our mutual great, great, great grandfather, 1848, who was a British captain in the East India Tea Company. And he married I believe an Indian woman. And he settled in India," Biden said in his address to the US India Business Council on September 21, 2015.

"And so I was thinking about it, if that's true, I might run here in India for office. I might be qualified (to run for elected office in India). But I've never followed up on it (the letter from Biden from Mumbai)," Biden told the Mumbai audience in 2013, who could not stop laughing at it.

"But now that I'm back for the multiple times, I'm going to follow up to find out whether there is a Biden and whether we're related. I hope he's in good standing if we are," he said, evoking bouts of laughter from the audience.

In the Washington DC event hosted by US Indian Business Council, Biden said that a day after his Mumbai speech, a journalist gave him a list of five Bidens living in Mumbai.

"The next day the press, I guess trying to prove that I was probably making this up - because I never followed up. It was right after I got elected, and then some things happened in my family, and I never followed up. One reporter stood up and gave me the names of five Bidens in Mumbai," he said.

"So, show me more respect," Biden has told the Washington DC audience while asserting his Indian connection 
"You know what I mean? I didn't realise I had so many... And I haven't actually followed up and embarrassed the Bidens in Mumbai. But the point is, it makes it even clearer what a small, small world this is and how this global economy is suited for, quite frankly, the two largest democracies in the world," Biden said in 2015.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

When Joe Biden was elected as one of the youngest US senators in 1972, one of the first letters that he received was from Mumbai, with the sender having the same last name as his.

When Joe Biden was elected as one of the youngest US senators in 1972, one of the first letters that he received was from Mumbai, with the sender having the same last name as his. About five years ago, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee learned that there are five Bidens living in Mumbai, but is probably yet to make a connection with them. The 'Biden from Mumbai', then known as Bombay, had congratulated Biden on his election as the senator from Delaware and told him that they were related to each other. Biden, then 29, wanted to follow up on the letter and get in touch with the 'Biden from Mumbai'. However, his family and active life in politics meant that this wish remained a wish, something he still wants to fulfil nearly five decades later. The wish may have remained unfulfilled, but the 77-year-old Biden never misses a chance to narrate the 'Biden from Mumbai' story when he meets Indian-Americans and the Indian leaders. The former vice president assures them that he too has an India connection, however, distant it might be. In his address to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai, on July 24, 2013, during his maiden visit to India as the Vice President of the US, he went off-script to narrate his story of the 'Biden from Mumbai'. "It's an honour to be back in India and to be here in Mumbai. Off script for a second here, I was reminded - I was elected to the United States Senate when I was a 29-year-old kid back in 1972, and one of the first letters I received and I regret I never followed up on it. Maybe, some genealogist in audience can follow up for me, but I received a letter from a gentleman named Biden - Biden, my name - from Mumbai, asserting that we were related," Biden had told the audience amidst peals of laughter. "Seriously. Suggesting that our mutual, great, great, great, something or other worked for the East India Trading Company back in the 1700s and came to Mumbai," Biden said. A few years later at another speech in Washington DC, Biden said that their forefathers were same, who worked for the East India Company and visited India then. "He (Biden from Mumbai) went back to our mutual great, great, great grandfather, 1848, who was a British captain in the East India Tea Company. And he married I believe an Indian woman. And he settled in India," Biden said in his address to the US India Business Council on September 21, 2015. "And so I was thinking about it, if that's true, I might run here in India for office. I might be qualified (to run for elected office in India). But I've never followed up on it (the letter from Biden from Mumbai)," Biden told the Mumbai audience in 2013, who could not stop laughing at it. "But now that I'm back for the multiple times, I'm going to follow up to find out whether there is a Biden and whether we're related. I hope he's in good standing if we are," he said, evoking bouts of laughter from the audience. In the Washington DC event hosted by US Indian Business Council, Biden said that a day after his Mumbai speech, a journalist gave him a list of five Bidens living in Mumbai. "The next day the press, I guess trying to prove that I was probably making this up - because I never followed up. It was right after I got elected, and then some things happened in my family, and I never followed up. One reporter stood up and gave me the names of five Bidens in Mumbai," he said. "So, show me more respect," Biden has told the Washington DC audience while asserting his Indian connection "You know what I mean? I didn't realise I had so many... And I haven't actually followed up and embarrassed the Bidens in Mumbai. But the point is, it makes it even clearer what a small, small world this is and how this global economy is suited for, quite frankly, the two largest democracies in the world," Biden said in 2015.

Joe Biden's elusive quest for 'Biden from Mumbai' continues

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden praised his running mate Kamala Harris during his nomination acceptance speech, describing the Indian-American as a "powerful voice" in the US.

Biden added the California Senator's "story is the American story."

Harris&nbsp;scripted history in US politics as she became the first Indian-American and Black woman to get a major party's vice presidential nomination on the third day of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

"It will be the work of the next president to restore the promise of America to everyone. And I am not going to have to do it alone. I will have a great vice president at my side," Biden said in his acceptance speech on Thursday.

He touted Harris' diverse family, her parents are Jamaican and Indian, heritage and her perseverance to "overcome every obstacle she has ever faced."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/let-american-darkness-end-here-joe-biden-formally-accepts-us-democratic-presidential-nomination-322054">Also read | Let American darkness end here: Joe Biden formally accepts US Democratic Presidential nomination</a>

"Her story is the American story. She knows about all of the obstacles thrown in the way of so many in our country. Women, Black women, Black Americans, South Asian Americans, immigrants. The left out and the left behind. She has overcome every obstacle she has ever faced," he said.

"No one has been tougher on big banks and the gun lobby. No one has been tougher on calling out the current administration for its extremism, its failure to follow the law, it's failure to simply tell the truth. Kamala and I both draw from our families. That is where we get our strength. For Kamala, it is Doug, and their families. For me, it is Jill, and ours," Biden said.

Introducing herself as the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants at the virtual convention on Wednesday, Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who she said taught her two daughters to "be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people" and to believe that "the fight for justice is a shared responsibility."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oh-how-i-wish-my-mother-was-here-kamala-harris-remembers-indian-born-mother-321869">Also read | 'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-the-momala-of-her-blended-american-family-321912">Also read | Kamala Harris, the 'Momala' of her blended American family</a>

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden praised his running mate Kamala Harris during his nomination acceptance speech, describing the Indian-American as a "powerful voice" in the US.

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden praised his running mate Kamala Harris during his nomination acceptance speech, describing the Indian-American as a "powerful voice" in the US. Biden added the California Senator's "story is the American story." Harris scripted history in US politics as she became the first Indian-American and Black woman to get a major party's vice presidential nomination on the third day of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. "It will be the work of the next president to restore the promise of America to everyone. And I am not going to have to do it alone. I will have a great vice president at my side," Biden said in his acceptance speech on Thursday. He touted Harris' diverse family, her parents are Jamaican and Indian, heritage and her perseverance to "overcome every obstacle she has ever faced." Also read | Let American darkness end here: Joe Biden formally accepts US Democratic Presidential nomination "Her story is the American story. She knows about all of the obstacles thrown in the way of so many in our country. Women, Black women, Black Americans, South Asian Americans, immigrants. The left out and the left behind. She has overcome every obstacle she has ever faced," he said. "No one has been tougher on big banks and the gun lobby. No one has been tougher on calling out the current administration for its extremism, its failure to follow the law, it's failure to simply tell the truth. Kamala and I both draw from our families. That is where we get our strength. For Kamala, it is Doug, and their families. For me, it is Jill, and ours," Biden said. Introducing herself as the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants at the virtual convention on Wednesday, Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who she said taught her two daughters to "be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people" and to believe that "the fight for justice is a shared responsibility." Also read | 'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother Also read | Kamala Harris, the 'Momala' of her blended American family

At DNC, Joe Biden was full of praise for running mate Kamala Harris

Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Indian-origin Senator and vice presidential nominee of the Democratic Party Kamala Harris, has said that his wife has been fighting for justice every day for the people and will make a "great" vice president of America.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Emhoff, 55, was raised in Los Angeles where he works as an attorney in the entertainment industry. Currently, he is on leave from his company to campaign for his wife.

He made two public appearances on Thursday, a day after Harris, 55, made history by becoming the first Black person to be nominated as the vice presidential candidate of a major political party.

"She's gonna make a great vice president. I am so confident of that. She and Joe are gonna do such an amazing job," said Emhoff, who has been married with the Indian-origin Senator for six years.

If Biden and Harris win the November presidential elections, Emhoff, a divorcee with two kids, would be America's first Second Gentlemen.

"Every day, Kamala has been fighting for justice on behalf of the only client she's ever had: the people," he said at one of the events.

At both the events, LGBTQ caucus and grassroots fundraising event, he urged Democrats to join Biden's campaign online, and double-check that they are registered to vote.

"We need to do more than win. We need a mandate. We need a mandate that shows this so-called president doesn't define who our country is and who we should be," he said.

The grassroots fund raiser was hosted by Kim and James Taylor, where he talked more about how it felt to watch Harris deliver her speech last night.

On their life during the COVID-19 pandemic, Emhoff said, "It's been tough. As Jim (Taylor) said, he was marooned.

We've been marooned in DC both working from home, but she's kept up both Zoom and phone calls with the kids."

He said Harris' entire career had been "remarkable and inspiring".

"I was right there. I got to see it," he said.

"When she took on (judge) Brett Kavanaugh, I've never been prouder. She's never been afraid to back down from a fight," he said.

Kavanaugh went on to become a US Supreme Court Judge.

"Last night ? I can't even tell you how that felt. I got to watch it with Joe and Jill and the whole Biden family. It was kind of a culmination, Kim, of all those moments. Just standing on the side of that stage with the Bidens watching her do this, it was incredible," he said.

"We've all come together to do this with the Biden family. It's just been incredible," Emhoff said.

Making his first appearance after the historic night, Emhoff said he never expected that he would be doing this.

"Time for some real talk first. Being out here on the presidential campaign trail talking about Joe and Kamala is not something I've ever really expected to be doing," he said.

Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Indian-origin Senator and vice presidential nominee of the Democratic Party Kamala Harris, has said that his wife has been fighting for justice every day for the people and will make a "great" vice president of America.

Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Indian-origin Senator and vice presidential nominee of the Democratic Party Kamala Harris, has said that his wife has been fighting for justice every day for the people and will make a "great" vice president of America. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Emhoff, 55, was raised in Los Angeles where he works as an attorney in the entertainment industry. Currently, he is on leave from his company to campaign for his wife. He made two public appearances on Thursday, a day after Harris, 55, made history by becoming the first Black person to be nominated as the vice presidential candidate of a major political party. "She's gonna make a great vice president. I am so confident of that. She and Joe are gonna do such an amazing job," said Emhoff, who has been married with the Indian-origin Senator for six years. If Biden and Harris win the November presidential elections, Emhoff, a divorcee with two kids, would be America's first Second Gentlemen. "Every day, Kamala has been fighting for justice on behalf of the only client she's ever had: the people," he said at one of the events. At both the events, LGBTQ caucus and grassroots fundraising event, he urged Democrats to join Biden's campaign online, and double-check that they are registered to vote. "We need to do more than win. We need a mandate. We need a mandate that shows this so-called president doesn't define who our country is and who we should be," he said. The grassroots fund raiser was hosted by Kim and James Taylor, where he talked more about how it felt to watch Harris deliver her speech last night. On their life during the COVID-19 pandemic, Emhoff said, "It's been tough. As Jim (Taylor) said, he was marooned. We've been marooned in DC both working from home, but she's kept up both Zoom and phone calls with the kids." He said Harris' entire career had been "remarkable and inspiring". "I was right there. I got to see it," he said. "When she took on (judge) Brett Kavanaugh, I've never been prouder. She's never been afraid to back down from a fight," he said. Kavanaugh went on to become a US Supreme Court Judge. "Last night ? I can't even tell you how that felt. I got to watch it with Joe and Jill and the whole Biden family. It was kind of a culmination, Kim, of all those moments. Just standing on the side of that stage with the Bidens watching her do this, it was incredible," he said. "We've all come together to do this with the Biden family. It's just been incredible," Emhoff said. Making his first appearance after the historic night, Emhoff said he never expected that he would be doing this. "Time for some real talk first. Being out here on the presidential campaign trail talking about Joe and Kamala is not something I've ever really expected to be doing," he said.

Kamala Harris has been fighting for justice every day, will be a 'great' VP, says her husband

Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg has warned that America is in danger of being lost under President Donald Trump's leadership and urged Americans to vote for Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris in the November presidential election.

Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, had entered the 2020 Presidential race but suspended his campaign and endorsed former Vice President Biden, the current Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States.

Addressing the final day of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, Bloomberg backed Biden and the Indian-American vice presidential nominee Harris.

"Let's put an end to this whole sorry chapter in American history and elect leaders who will bring integrity, stability, sanity, and competence back to the White House. Joe and Kamala, go get 'em. For all of us," he said.

Criticising Trump for not believing in facts, Bloomberg said the current president sees immigrants as enemies and white supremacists as allies. Trump has also failed the American people catastrophically with his bad job as the US President, he said.

"To me, elections are about people. And the two people running for president couldn't be more different. One believes in facts. One does not. One listens to experts?the other thinks he knows everything. One looks forward?and sees strength in America's diversity. The other looks backwards?and sees immigrants as enemies and white supremacists as allies," he said.

Attacking Trump for his failed leadership amid the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and a struggling economy, Bloomberg said the current health crisis is much worse under his leadership.

"When confronted with the biggest calamity any president has faced in the modern era, Donald Trump spent the year downplaying the threat, ignoring science, and recommending quack cures, which let COVID-19 spread much faster than it should've, leaving hundreds of thousands needlessly sick or dead. He has failed the American people, catastrophically," he said.

Recalling his words that New Yorkers know a con when we see one, Bloomberg said he is not asking Americans to vote against Trump because he's a bad guy but is urging everyone to cast their ballot against him because he's done a bad job.

Alluding to Trump's track record of driving his companies into bankruptcy six times, Bloomberg said Trump has always left behind customers and contractors who were cheated and swindled and stopped doing business with him.

He said if small business owners and their employees would not rehire or work for someone who ran a business into the ground, or whose reckless decisions put people in danger, "and who spends more time tweeting than working?!? then "why the hell would we ever rehire Donald Trump for another four years?!?

Bloomberg said Trump's economic plan was to give a "huge tax cut to guys like me who didn't need it, and then lie about it to everyone else.

"Well, Joe will roll back that tax cut I got so we can fund things our whole country needs, like training for adults who have lost jobs. And making college more affordable. And investing in American research and development so that the products of tomorrow are made here today, by American workers,? Bloomberg said.

Biden's economic plan will create clean energy jobs that help fight another crisis that Trump is ignoring: climate change, Bloomberg said, adding that Biden will rebuild America's crumbling roads and bridges, something "Trump has incessantly talked about doing. But in the last three and half years, he hasn't done anything. What a joke!"

Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg has warned that America is in danger of being lost under President Donald Trump's leadership and urged Americans to vote for Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris in the November presidential election.

Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg has warned that America is in danger of being lost under President Donald Trump's leadership and urged Americans to vote for Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris in the November presidential election. Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, had entered the 2020 Presidential race but suspended his campaign and endorsed former Vice President Biden, the current Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States. Addressing the final day of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, Bloomberg backed Biden and the Indian-American vice presidential nominee Harris. "Let's put an end to this whole sorry chapter in American history and elect leaders who will bring integrity, stability, sanity, and competence back to the White House. Joe and Kamala, go get 'em. For all of us," he said. Criticising Trump for not believing in facts, Bloomberg said the current president sees immigrants as enemies and white supremacists as allies. Trump has also failed the American people catastrophically with his bad job as the US President, he said. "To me, elections are about people. And the two people running for president couldn't be more different. One believes in facts. One does not. One listens to experts?the other thinks he knows everything. One looks forward?and sees strength in America's diversity. The other looks backwards?and sees immigrants as enemies and white supremacists as allies," he said. Attacking Trump for his failed leadership amid the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and a struggling economy, Bloomberg said the current health crisis is much worse under his leadership. "When confronted with the biggest calamity any president has faced in the modern era, Donald Trump spent the year downplaying the threat, ignoring science, and recommending quack cures, which let COVID-19 spread much faster than it should've, leaving hundreds of thousands needlessly sick or dead. He has failed the American people, catastrophically," he said. Recalling his words that New Yorkers know a con when we see one, Bloomberg said he is not asking Americans to vote against Trump because he's a bad guy but is urging everyone to cast their ballot against him because he's done a bad job. Alluding to Trump's track record of driving his companies into bankruptcy six times, Bloomberg said Trump has always left behind customers and contractors who were cheated and swindled and stopped doing business with him. He said if small business owners and their employees would not rehire or work for someone who ran a business into the ground, or whose reckless decisions put people in danger, "and who spends more time tweeting than working?!? then "why the hell would we ever rehire Donald Trump for another four years?!? Bloomberg said Trump's economic plan was to give a "huge tax cut to guys like me who didn't need it, and then lie about it to everyone else. "Well, Joe will roll back that tax cut I got so we can fund things our whole country needs, like training for adults who have lost jobs. And making college more affordable. And investing in American research and development so that the products of tomorrow are made here today, by American workers,? Bloomberg said. Biden's economic plan will create clean energy jobs that help fight another crisis that Trump is ignoring: climate change, Bloomberg said, adding that Biden will rebuild America's crumbling roads and bridges, something "Trump has incessantly talked about doing. But in the last three and half years, he hasn't done anything. What a joke!"

America would be lost if Trump reelected, says billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg

California Senator Kamala Harris on August 19 formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for vice president. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-kamala-harris-unsettles-policymakers-in-new-delhi-320038">Also read: Why Kamala Harris unsettles policymakers in New Delhi</a> 
 
On August 12, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. 
 
"Donald Trump's failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods," she said, according to excerpts of the speech released earlier. "We're at an inflection point." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indian-origin-us-senator-kamala-harris-is-making-history-319837">Also read: How Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris is making history</a>

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in the line of succession after Biden.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-trump-and-biden-are-wooing-indian-americans-321781/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica.

(With inputs from agencies)

California Senator Kamala Harris on August 19 formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for vice president. Also read: Why Kamala Harris unsettles policymakers in New Delhi On August 12, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3.

California Senator Kamala Harris on August 19 formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for vice president. Also read: Why Kamala Harris unsettles policymakers in New Delhi On August 12, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. "Donald Trump's failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods," she said, according to excerpts of the speech released earlier. "We're at an inflection point." Also read: How Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris is making history Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in the line of succession after Biden. Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections 2020: Kamala Harris makes history, accepts vice-president nomination

California Senator Kamala Harris made history as the first black and South Asian woman to accept a spot on a major US party's presidential ticket. She paid tribute to her mother at DNC 2020.

Kamala Harris makes history at DNC 2020: Pays tribute to her mother

As the United States is now getting closer to its Presidential elections in November this year. The third day of the Democratic National Convention witnessed history as Kamala Harris became the first woman of color to become a Vice Presidential candidate.

DNC 2020 Day 3: Focus remains on women leaders

Kamala Harris accepted her historic vice presidential nomination Wednesday after being introduced by three of her closest female relatives, a symbol of the central role women have played in her trailblazing life and could have in November's election.

Known as "Momala" to her two step-children, the 55-year-old US senator and daughter of immigrants has embraced her status as the first woman of color on a major party ticket, and outlined a future of possibilities if she and presidential candidate Joe Biden defeat President Donald Trump.

But in the most important speech of her political life she also turned to the women that lifted her up.

Speaking on the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment which gave American women the right to vote, Harris represents the extraordinary potential for members of a critical Democratic constituency -- women of color -- who have benefited from the battles waged by those who came before.

"These women inspired us to pick up the torch, and fight on," Harris said in her remarks to the convention.

Harris has repeatedly stressed she puts family first, and for her, the woman whose shoulders she stands on is her late mother Shyamala, a highly respected cancer researcher who emigrated from India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oh-how-i-wish-my-mother-was-here-kamala-harris-remembers-indian-born-mother-321869">Also read |&nbsp;'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother</a>

Shyamala met her future husband -- Harris's Jamaican-born father -- while demonstrating for civil rights on the streets of Berkeley, California.

"Oh, how I wish she were here tonight, but I know she's looking down on me from above," Harris said.

When Harris's mother gave birth to her in Oakland, "she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now, speaking these words: I accept your nomination for vice president of the United States of America."

'YOU ARE A ROCK'

Three relatives invited her to accept the nomination: her younger sister Maya Harris; niece Meena Harris; and Ella Emhoff, the daughter of Harris's husband Douglas Emhoff, whom she married in 2014 -- and has just taken a sabbatical to support his wife's campaign.

"You're a rock, not just for our dad, but for three generations of our big, blended family," Ella said in a video montage played during the virtual convention.

"You showed me the importance of public service, and made sure I grew up surrounded by smart, strong, ambitious women every day," added niece Meena, a lawyer and author of a children's book focusing on the life of her mother and aunt.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We’re so proud of you. Let’s make history, <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>. <a href="https://t.co/0EFiIsk6JV">pic.twitter.com/0EFiIsk6JV</a>
— Meena Harris (@meenaharris) <a href="https://twitter.com/meenaharris/status/1296283139535446017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Harris's sister, who served as a policy analyst in Hillary Clinton's ill-fated 2016 campaign, recalls how Kamala would "be there in a flash" to defend Maya if a kid picked on her.

"Well now we've got your back as you and Joe fight to protect our democracy," she said.

Women will play a critical role in this year's election, as suburban women in particular have begun leaning away from Trump. Polls show most Americans approve of Biden picking Harris as his running mate.

Harris appeared confident in a plum-colored suit, sometimes holding up her two fists as she urged Americans to "fight with conviction (for) the America we know is possible."

But the speech that would normally be delivered to a packed house, with traditional confetti or roars of applause, was made in a crowdless room in Wilmington, Delaware, without any of the stagecraft of a typical political convention.

The entire event has been moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic, and when Biden came out to congratulate her, it was at a safe but awkward social distance.

Harris will square off with Trump's Vice President Mike Pence during a debate on October 7, and if sparks fly, she'll be prepared, Harris's close friend Stacey Johnson-Batiste told CNN on Wednesday.

"Kamala is fierce, and she's a fighter," she said.

Kamala Harris accepted her historic vice presidential nomination Wednesday after being introduced by three of her closest female relatives, a symbol of the central role women have played in her trailblazing life and could have in November's election.

Kamala Harris accepted her historic vice presidential nomination Wednesday after being introduced by three of her closest female relatives, a symbol of the central role women have played in her trailblazing life and could have in November's election. Known as "Momala" to her two step-children, the 55-year-old US senator and daughter of immigrants has embraced her status as the first woman of color on a major party ticket, and outlined a future of possibilities if she and presidential candidate Joe Biden defeat President Donald Trump. But in the most important speech of her political life she also turned to the women that lifted her up. Speaking on the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment which gave American women the right to vote, Harris represents the extraordinary potential for members of a critical Democratic constituency -- women of color -- who have benefited from the battles waged by those who came before. "These women inspired us to pick up the torch, and fight on," Harris said in her remarks to the convention. Harris has repeatedly stressed she puts family first, and for her, the woman whose shoulders she stands on is her late mother Shyamala, a highly respected cancer researcher who emigrated from India. Also read | 'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother Shyamala met her future husband -- Harris's Jamaican-born father -- while demonstrating for civil rights on the streets of Berkeley, California. "Oh, how I wish she were here tonight, but I know she's looking down on me from above," Harris said. When Harris's mother gave birth to her in Oakland, "she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now, speaking these words: I accept your nomination for vice president of the United States of America." 'YOU ARE A ROCK' Three relatives invited her to accept the nomination: her younger sister Maya Harris; niece Meena Harris; and Ella Emhoff, the daughter of Harris's husband Douglas Emhoff, whom she married in 2014 -- and has just taken a sabbatical to support his wife's campaign. "You're a rock, not just for our dad, but for three generations of our big, blended family," Ella said in a video montage played during the virtual convention. "You showed me the importance of public service, and made sure I grew up surrounded by smart, strong, ambitious women every day," added niece Meena, a lawyer and author of a children's book focusing on the life of her mother and aunt. We’re so proud of you. Let’s make history, @KamalaHarris. pic.twitter.com/0EFiIsk6JV — Meena Harris (@meenaharris) August 20, 2020 × Harris's sister, who served as a policy analyst in Hillary Clinton's ill-fated 2016 campaign, recalls how Kamala would "be there in a flash" to defend Maya if a kid picked on her. "Well now we've got your back as you and Joe fight to protect our democracy," she said. Women will play a critical role in this year's election, as suburban women in particular have begun leaning away from Trump. Polls show most Americans approve of Biden picking Harris as his running mate. Harris appeared confident in a plum-colored suit, sometimes holding up her two fists as she urged Americans to "fight with conviction (for) the America we know is possible." But the speech that would normally be delivered to a packed house, with traditional confetti or roars of applause, was made in a crowdless room in Wilmington, Delaware, without any of the stagecraft of a typical political convention. The entire event has been moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic, and when Biden came out to congratulate her, it was at a safe but awkward social distance. Harris will square off with Trump's Vice President Mike Pence during a debate on October 7, and if sparks fly, she'll be prepared, Harris's close friend Stacey Johnson-Batiste told CNN on Wednesday. "Kamala is fierce, and she's a fighter," she said.

Kamala Harris, the 'Momala' of her blended American family

Democratic Party's candidate for United States vice-president Kamala Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who instilled in her the values of compassion and service to others as she accepted the historic nomination.

She said the qualities helped her grow as a strong Black woman and be proud of her Indian heritage.

Kamala Harris, 55, scripted history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black and Indian descent individual to be nominated as a vice-presidential candidate of a major political party.

Harris opened her vice-presidential acceptance speech on Wednesday night at the virtual Democratic National Convention by remembering her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, lamenting the fact that she could not be there to see her daughter's achievement.

"My mother taught me that service to others gives life purpose and meaning. And oh, how I wish she were here tonight but I know she's looking down on me from above," she said.

Harris' mother died of cancer in 2009.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-overwhelming-numbers-hillary-clintons-clarion-call-to-americans-321881">Also read |&nbsp;Need overwhelming numbers: Hillary Clinton's clarion call to Americans</a>

"My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that would chart the course of our lives. She raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage,? Harris said. 
In reference to her Indian heritage, Harris used a Tamil expression in speaking of ?my uncles, my aunts ? my chitthis."

Harris in her impressive speech said that her nomination is a testament to the dedication of generations before her. 
Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all, she said.

"This week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. And we celebrate the women who fought for that right. Yet so many of the Black women who helped secure that victory were still prohibited from voting, long after its ratification. But they were undeterred," she said.

Her acceptance speech comes days after the United States commemorated the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment -- known as the Susan B Anthony Amendment -- of women securing the right to vote.

"Without fanfare or recognition, they organised, testified, rallied, marched, and fought not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed," she said.

"There's another woman, whose name isn't known, whose story isn't shared. Another woman whose shoulders I stand on. And that's my mother -- Shyamala Gopalan Harris.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-obamas-to-clintons-top-speakers-at-us-democratic-national-convention-321424">IN PICTURES |&nbsp;From Obamas to Clintons — Top speakers at US Democratic National convention</a>

"She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. At the University of California Berkeley, she met my father, Donald Harris -- who had come from Jamaica to study economics," Harris said.

The two fell in love in that most American way -- while marching together for justice in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

"In the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, I got a strollers-eye view of people getting into what the great John Lewis called good trouble," she said.

John Lewis was an American statesman and civil-rights leader.

"When I was 5, my parents split and my mother raised us mostly on her own," she said.

Harris said like so many other women, her mother worked around the clock to make it work.

"Helping us with homework at the kitchen table and shuttling us to church for choir practice," said the Indian-American Senator from California.

She made it look easy, though I know it never was, Harris said, adding that her mother raised them to be proud, strong Black women.

"She taught us to put family first -- the family you're born into and the family you choose," she said.

"Family, is my husband Doug, who I met on a blind date set up by my best friend. Family is our beautiful children, Cole and Ella, who as you just heard, call me Momala. Family is my sister. Family is my best friend, my nieces and my godchildren. Family is my uncles, my aunts, my chitthis," Harris said.

Harris said that even as her mother taught them to keep the family at the centre of their world, she also pushed them to see a world beyond themselves.

"She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility," she said.

And that led her to become a lawyer, a District Attorney, Attorney General, and the United States Senator.

"And at every step of the way, I've been guided by the words I spoke from the first time I stood in a courtroom: Kamala Harris, For the People," she said, adding that she has fought for children and survivors of sexual assault. 
Harris added that she often thinks about what her mother must have thought when she first gave birth at 25-years old at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California.

"On that day, she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words: I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States of America," she said.

Democratic Party's candidate for United States vice-president Kamala Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who instilled in her the values of compassion and service to others as she accepted the historic nomination.

Democratic Party's candidate for United States vice-president Kamala Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who instilled in her the values of compassion and service to others as she accepted the historic nomination. She said the qualities helped her grow as a strong Black woman and be proud of her Indian heritage. Kamala Harris, 55, scripted history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black and Indian descent individual to be nominated as a vice-presidential candidate of a major political party. Harris opened her vice-presidential acceptance speech on Wednesday night at the virtual Democratic National Convention by remembering her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, lamenting the fact that she could not be there to see her daughter's achievement. "My mother taught me that service to others gives life purpose and meaning. And oh, how I wish she were here tonight but I know she's looking down on me from above," she said. Harris' mother died of cancer in 2009. Also read | Need overwhelming numbers: Hillary Clinton's clarion call to Americans "My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that would chart the course of our lives. She raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage,? Harris said. In reference to her Indian heritage, Harris used a Tamil expression in speaking of ?my uncles, my aunts ? my chitthis." Harris in her impressive speech said that her nomination is a testament to the dedication of generations before her. Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all, she said. "This week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. And we celebrate the women who fought for that right. Yet so many of the Black women who helped secure that victory were still prohibited from voting, long after its ratification. But they were undeterred," she said. Her acceptance speech comes days after the United States commemorated the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment -- known as the Susan B Anthony Amendment -- of women securing the right to vote. "Without fanfare or recognition, they organised, testified, rallied, marched, and fought not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed," she said. "There's another woman, whose name isn't known, whose story isn't shared. Another woman whose shoulders I stand on. And that's my mother -- Shyamala Gopalan Harris. IN PICTURES | From Obamas to Clintons — Top speakers at US Democratic National convention "She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. At the University of California Berkeley, she met my father, Donald Harris -- who had come from Jamaica to study economics," Harris said. The two fell in love in that most American way -- while marching together for justice in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. "In the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, I got a strollers-eye view of people getting into what the great John Lewis called good trouble," she said. John Lewis was an American statesman and civil-rights leader. "When I was 5, my parents split and my mother raised us mostly on her own," she said. Harris said like so many other women, her mother worked around the clock to make it work. "Helping us with homework at the kitchen table and shuttling us to church for choir practice," said the Indian-American Senator from California. She made it look easy, though I know it never was, Harris said, adding that her mother raised them to be proud, strong Black women. "She taught us to put family first -- the family you're born into and the family you choose," she said. "Family, is my husband Doug, who I met on a blind date set up by my best friend. Family is our beautiful children, Cole and Ella, who as you just heard, call me Momala. Family is my sister. Family is my best friend, my nieces and my godchildren. Family is my uncles, my aunts, my chitthis," Harris said. Harris said that even as her mother taught them to keep the family at the centre of their world, she also pushed them to see a world beyond themselves. "She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility," she said. And that led her to become a lawyer, a District Attorney, Attorney General, and the United States Senator. "And at every step of the way, I've been guided by the words I spoke from the first time I stood in a courtroom: Kamala Harris, For the People," she said, adding that she has fought for children and survivors of sexual assault. Harris added that she often thinks about what her mother must have thought when she first gave birth at 25-years old at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California. "On that day, she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words: I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States of America," she said.

'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a strong clarion call to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the 2020 presidential election. This, she said, would ensure that the incumbent president, Donald Trump, is not able to "sneak or steal his way to victory".

Clinton also warned that Trump's re-election will make things "even worse" for the United States.

"I wish Donald Trump had been a better president. Because America needs a better president than this," Clinton, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump, said in her remarks on Wednesday to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, being held virtually due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Clinton made a passionate plea to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the November election, warning that Democratic nominees Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can still lose even if they win three million more votes, a reference to her own election run when she had won the popular vote by about three million votes but still lost the election to Trump, who won in the Electoral College.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oh-how-i-wish-my-mother-was-here-kamala-harris-remembers-indian-born-mother-321869">Also read |&nbsp;'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother</a>

"Remember: Joe and Kamala can win 3 million more votes and still lose. Take it from me. We need numbers so overwhelming Trump can't sneak or steal his way to victory," she said adding that Americans must also vote to make sure "we -- not a foreign adversary -- choose our president," alluding to allegations that Russia had meddled in the 2016 elections.

Clinton also made a reference to Trump's remarks in 2016 when he had said -- 'What do you have to lose?'

"Well, now we know: our health, our jobs, even our lives. Our leadership in the world and, yes, our post office. As Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders warned us on Monday: If Trump is re-elected, it will get even worse. My friends, we need unity now more than ever," Clinton said.

Clinton said the 2020 election is not just about "getting one man out of the White House" but it will be a vote for job creation, emergency relief for small businesses and hardworking people, for parents struggling to balance their child's education and their safety, for health care workers fighting COVID-19 with no help from the White House, for law enforcement that serves and respects communities of colour and for justice for African-Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, killed by police officers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-obamas-to-clintons-top-speakers-at-us-democratic-national-convention-321424">IN PICTURES |&nbsp;From Obamas to Clintons — Top speakers at US Democratic National convention</a>

The former first lady said that in the four years since the last election, people have told her that they didn't realise how dangerou Trump was and expressed regret over voting for him and not voting at all.

She noted that while the nation owes Trump an open mind and the chance to lead when he won the 2016 elections, he has not put his own interests and ego aside.

Asserting that America needs a president who shows the same compassion, determination, and leadership in the White House that can be seen in US communities, Clinton said the US needs leaders equal to this moment.

"We need Joe Biden and Kamala Harris," Clinton concluded.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a strong clarion call to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the 2020 presidential election. This, she said, would ensure that the incumbent president, Donald Trump, is not able to "sneak or steal his way to victory".

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a strong clarion call to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the 2020 presidential election. This, she said, would ensure that the incumbent president, Donald Trump, is not able to "sneak or steal his way to victory". Clinton also warned that Trump's re-election will make things "even worse" for the United States. "I wish Donald Trump had been a better president. Because America needs a better president than this," Clinton, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump, said in her remarks on Wednesday to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, being held virtually due to the COVID19 pandemic. Clinton made a passionate plea to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the November election, warning that Democratic nominees Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can still lose even if they win three million more votes, a reference to her own election run when she had won the popular vote by about three million votes but still lost the election to Trump, who won in the Electoral College. Also read | 'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother "Remember: Joe and Kamala can win 3 million more votes and still lose. Take it from me. We need numbers so overwhelming Trump can't sneak or steal his way to victory," she said adding that Americans must also vote to make sure "we -- not a foreign adversary -- choose our president," alluding to allegations that Russia had meddled in the 2016 elections. Clinton also made a reference to Trump's remarks in 2016 when he had said -- 'What do you have to lose?' "Well, now we know: our health, our jobs, even our lives. Our leadership in the world and, yes, our post office. As Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders warned us on Monday: If Trump is re-elected, it will get even worse. My friends, we need unity now more than ever," Clinton said. Clinton said the 2020 election is not just about "getting one man out of the White House" but it will be a vote for job creation, emergency relief for small businesses and hardworking people, for parents struggling to balance their child's education and their safety, for health care workers fighting COVID-19 with no help from the White House, for law enforcement that serves and respects communities of colour and for justice for African-Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, killed by police officers. IN PICTURES | From Obamas to Clintons — Top speakers at US Democratic National convention The former first lady said that in the four years since the last election, people have told her that they didn't realise how dangerou Trump was and expressed regret over voting for him and not voting at all. She noted that while the nation owes Trump an open mind and the chance to lead when he won the 2016 elections, he has not put his own interests and ego aside. Asserting that America needs a president who shows the same compassion, determination, and leadership in the White House that can be seen in US communities, Clinton said the US needs leaders equal to this moment. "We need Joe Biden and Kamala Harris," Clinton concluded.

Need overwhelming numbers: Hillary Clinton's clarion call to Americans

Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris, 55, as his running mate for the US presidential elections effectively pitching her as a vice-presidential candidate to take on the Trump-Pence combination. Biden's decision has been hailed as a victory for the India-American community with Kamala's roots going back to India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-republicans-eye-indian-americans-votes-but-what-are-they-offering-321310">Also Read:&nbsp;Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-Americans votes, but what are they offering?</a>

Harris is the daughter of an Indian immigrant, her mother was from India and father from Jamaica. Even though the India-American voters make up little over 6 per cent&nbsp;of the overall US population&nbsp;but their votes could become a crucial factor&nbsp;in the key battlegrounds states in Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas.

In her speech two years ago, Senator Harris had mentioned her early visits to her grandparents in Chennai. Her grandfather had joined India's independence movement and later became a government official.

Kamala has been widely known to have gone for walks in Chennai beaches with her maternal grandfather while chatting about democracy and equality in the south Indian state.&nbsp;

Her parents had emigrated to study&nbsp;in the US as they made a new life in the country.

"I was not conscious of it at the time, but it was those walks on the beach with my grandfather in Besant Nagar that had a profound impact on who I am today," Harris had said. Her maternal uncle Gopalan Balachandran said Kamala likes Indian food but also likes all American food including hamburgers, yoghurt rice and lemon rice.

Gopalan Balachandran said she is also "Jamaican" along with being an "Afro-American". Not only does she like India but also likes Indian music including Jazz music.

"Kamala doesn't carry her religion to public life. She has gone Shyamla (Harris' mother) used to take her to the temple, she used to sing there. So, she has done those things. When she came to India my mother used to take to temples and she used to go there. As I said, her mother died, she brought her (mother's) ashes and immersed it in Bay of Bengal," her uncle told Reuters.

Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris, 55, as his running mate for the US presidential elections effectively pitching her as a vice-presidential candidate to take on the Trump-Pence combination.

Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris, 55, as his running mate for the US presidential elections effectively pitching her as a vice-presidential candidate to take on the Trump-Pence combination. Biden's decision has been hailed as a victory for the India-American community with Kamala's roots going back to India. Also Read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-Americans votes, but what are they offering? Harris is the daughter of an Indian immigrant, her mother was from India and father from Jamaica. Even though the India-American voters make up little over 6 per cent of the overall US population but their votes could become a crucial factor in the key battlegrounds states in Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas. In her speech two years ago, Senator Harris had mentioned her early visits to her grandparents in Chennai. Her grandfather had joined India's independence movement and later became a government official. Kamala has been widely known to have gone for walks in Chennai beaches with her maternal grandfather while chatting about democracy and equality in the south Indian state. Her parents had emigrated to study in the US as they made a new life in the country. "I was not conscious of it at the time, but it was those walks on the beach with my grandfather in Besant Nagar that had a profound impact on who I am today," Harris had said. Her maternal uncle Gopalan Balachandran said Kamala likes Indian food but also likes all American food including hamburgers, yoghurt rice and lemon rice. Gopalan Balachandran said she is also "Jamaican" along with being an "Afro-American". Not only does she like India but also likes Indian music including Jazz music. "Kamala doesn't carry her religion to public life. She has gone Shyamla (Harris' mother) used to take her to the temple, she used to sing there. So, she has done those things. When she came to India my mother used to take to temples and she used to go there. As I said, her mother died, she brought her (mother's) ashes and immersed it in Bay of Bengal," her uncle told Reuters.

Kamala Harris and the Indian connection: Music, food and Chennai beaches

Launching a scathing attack on US President, Michelle Obama on Tuesday called Donald Trump the wrong president for the country.

She urged Americans to elect Joe Biden in November to end the chaos created by Trump's presidency. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-will-tell-truth-trust-science-michelle-obama-opens-democratic-convention-321373">Also read: Biden will tell truth, trust science — Michelle Obama opens Democratic convention</a>

Openinge US Democratic convention former first lady said that "Let me be as honest and clear as I possibly can: Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country," she added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-republicans-eye-indian-american-votes-but-what-are-they-offering-321310">Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering?</a> 
 
"Whenever we look to this White House for some leadership, or consolation, or any semblance of steadiness, what we get instead is chaos, division and a total and utter lack of empathy," the wife of former president Barack Obama said in a blunt rejection of the Trump administration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-promises-to-reform-h-1b-visa-system-eliminate-country-quota-for-green-cards-320929" hreflang="en">Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards</a> 
 
Michelle Obama said Biden was a “terrific vice president” during the eight years he served as her husband Barack Obama’s number two.

“I know Joe. He is a profoundly decent man guided by faith,” she said.

“He knows what it takes to rescue an economy, beat back a pandemic and lead our country,” the former First Lady said.

“He will tell the truth, and trust science,” she said in a jab at Trump, who has been accused of repeatedly ignoring the advice of his scientific advisers on how to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic.

“He will make smart plans and manage a good team,” Obama said. “And he will govern as someone who’s lived a life that the rest of us can recognize.”

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who challenged Biden for the nomination from the progressive left, was also scheduled to address the convention, which is being live-streamed.

“This election is the most important in the modern history of this country,” Sanders said in remarks released ahead of his appearance.

“The future of our democracy is at stake,” he said. “The future of our planet is at stake.

(With inputs from agencies)

Launching a scathing attack on US President, Michelle Obama on Tuesday called Donald Trump the wrong president for the country. She urged Americans to elect Joe Biden in November to end the chaos created by Trump's presidency.

Launching a scathing attack on US President, Michelle Obama on Tuesday called Donald Trump the wrong president for the country. She urged Americans to elect Joe Biden in November to end the chaos created by Trump's presidency. Also read: Biden will tell truth, trust science — Michelle Obama opens Democratic convention Openinge US Democratic convention former first lady said that "Let me be as honest and clear as I possibly can: Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country," she added. Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering? "Whenever we look to this White House for some leadership, or consolation, or any semblance of steadiness, what we get instead is chaos, division and a total and utter lack of empathy," the wife of former president Barack Obama said in a blunt rejection of the Trump administration. Also read: Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards Michelle Obama said Biden was a “terrific vice president” during the eight years he served as her husband Barack Obama’s number two. “I know Joe. He is a profoundly decent man guided by faith,” she said. “He knows what it takes to rescue an economy, beat back a pandemic and lead our country,” the former First Lady said. “He will tell the truth, and trust science,” she said in a jab at Trump, who has been accused of repeatedly ignoring the advice of his scientific advisers on how to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic. “He will make smart plans and manage a good team,” Obama said. “And he will govern as someone who’s lived a life that the rest of us can recognize.” Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who challenged Biden for the nomination from the progressive left, was also scheduled to address the convention, which is being live-streamed. “This election is the most important in the modern history of this country,” Sanders said in remarks released ahead of his appearance. “The future of our democracy is at stake,” he said. “The future of our planet is at stake. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country: Michelle Obama

Former vice president Joe Biden will “tell the truth and trust science” if he is elected to the White House in November, former First Lady Michelle Obama said on Monday as Democrats kicked off their now-virtual convention.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-republicans-eye-indian-american-votes-but-what-are-they-offering-321310">Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering?</a>

With the Democratic Party poised to officially anoint the 77-year-old Biden as its presidential candidate, President Donald Trump defied coronavirus concerns and staged competing events in Wisconsin and neighboring Minnesota. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-promises-to-reform-h-1b-visa-system-eliminate-country-quota-for-green-cards-320929" hreflang="en">Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards</a>

Michelle Obama was given the primetime slot on the opening night of the Democratic convention, which was to have been held over four days in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but which is now taking place almost entirely online because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

In excerpts of her remarks released ahead of her taped speech, Michelle Obama said Biden was a “terrific vice president” during the eight years he served as her husband Barack Obama’s number two.

“I know Joe. He is a profoundly decent man guided by faith,” she said.

“He knows what it takes to rescue an economy, beat back a pandemic and lead our country,” the former First Lady said.

“He will tell the truth, and trust science,” she said in a jab at Trump, who has been accused of repeatedly ignoring the advice of his scientific advisers on how to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic.

“He will make smart plans and manage a good team,” Obama said. “And he will govern as someone who’s lived a life that the rest of us can recognize.”

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who challenged Biden for the nomination from the progressive left, was also scheduled to address the convention, which is being live-streamed.

“This election is the most important in the modern history of this country,” Sanders said in remarks released ahead of his appearance.

“The future of our democracy is at stake,” he said. “The future of our planet is at stake.

“We must come together, defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president,” Sanders said. “My friends, the price of failure is just too great to imagine.”

‘Another Venezuela’

Trump flew on Air Force One meanwhile to Mankato, Minnesota, and Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and delivered remarks to supporters gathered on the airport tarmac.

Speaking in Oshkosh, Trump accused Biden and his running mate Harris of seeking to enact “crazy socialist policies.”

“This is the most dangerous election we’ve ever had,” Trump said. “It’ll be another Venezuela. This will be a very large-scale Venezuela if they win.”

“The only way we’re going to lose this election is if the election is rigged,” he said.

The Democratic convention is taking place amid a furor over Trump’s own efforts to limit mail-in voting.

Insisting without proof that it fosters fraud, Trump has threatened to block extra funding that Democrats say is urgently needed to allow the US Postal Service to process millions of ballots.

Democratic Party chairman Tom Perez said the convention would push back against Trump’s “assault on our democracy” by highlighting efforts to protect voting by mail.

“This president can’t win on the merits and so he has to cheat. And it’s shameful,” Perez told a Washington Post webcast.

Oshkosh, where Trump was speaking, is about a 90-minute drive north of the Milwaukee arena where Democrats had intended to gather in a sign of eagerness to win back Wisconsin, one of multiple Democratic strongholds which flipped to Trump in 2016.

But the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed some 170,000 people in the United States, upended election campaigning.

The Democratic convention and the Republican event, which begins on August 24, will be held virtually, without the usual roaring crowds and confetti.

“We may be physically apart, but this week Democrats are coming together from across the nation to put forth our vision for a better America,” Biden tweeted.

Live and curated content

The experimental convention format will allow speakers to address American voters unfiltered -- largely shorn of the usual overwrought stagecraft and screaming delegates.

Biden and Harris will address the convention live via videolink, while other speeches will be “a mix of live and curated content,” the campaign said.

Biden enters the week with significant but tightening poll leads over Trump, and hoping his pick of Harris -- the first woman of color on a major party’s presidential ticket -- will invigorate Democrats.

The California senator, former prosecutor and daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants is 55 and brings relatively youthful energy to the ticket.

Tuesday will see addresses from former president Bill Clinton and Jill Biden, the nominee’s wife.

On Wednesday, Barack Obama will speak, and Harris will have her spotlight moment before the convention culminates Thursday when Biden formally accepts the Democratic nomination and delivers his acceptance speech.

Former vice president Joe Biden will “tell the truth and trust science” if he is elected to the White House in November, former First Lady Michelle Obama said on Monday as Democrats kicked off their now-virtual convention.

Former vice president Joe Biden will “tell the truth and trust science” if he is elected to the White House in November, former First Lady Michelle Obama said on Monday as Democrats kicked off their now-virtual convention. Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering? With the Democratic Party poised to officially anoint the 77-year-old Biden as its presidential candidate, President Donald Trump defied coronavirus concerns and staged competing events in Wisconsin and neighboring Minnesota. Also read: Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards Michelle Obama was given the primetime slot on the opening night of the Democratic convention, which was to have been held over four days in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but which is now taking place almost entirely online because of the Covid-19 outbreak. In excerpts of her remarks released ahead of her taped speech, Michelle Obama said Biden was a “terrific vice president” during the eight years he served as her husband Barack Obama’s number two. “I know Joe. He is a profoundly decent man guided by faith,” she said. “He knows what it takes to rescue an economy, beat back a pandemic and lead our country,” the former First Lady said. “He will tell the truth, and trust science,” she said in a jab at Trump, who has been accused of repeatedly ignoring the advice of his scientific advisers on how to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic. “He will make smart plans and manage a good team,” Obama said. “And he will govern as someone who’s lived a life that the rest of us can recognize.” Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who challenged Biden for the nomination from the progressive left, was also scheduled to address the convention, which is being live-streamed. “This election is the most important in the modern history of this country,” Sanders said in remarks released ahead of his appearance. “The future of our democracy is at stake,” he said. “The future of our planet is at stake. “We must come together, defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president,” Sanders said. “My friends, the price of failure is just too great to imagine.” ‘Another Venezuela’ Trump flew on Air Force One meanwhile to Mankato, Minnesota, and Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and delivered remarks to supporters gathered on the airport tarmac. Speaking in Oshkosh, Trump accused Biden and his running mate Harris of seeking to enact “crazy socialist policies.” “This is the most dangerous election we’ve ever had,” Trump said. “It’ll be another Venezuela. This will be a very large-scale Venezuela if they win.” “The only way we’re going to lose this election is if the election is rigged,” he said. The Democratic convention is taking place amid a furor over Trump’s own efforts to limit mail-in voting. Insisting without proof that it fosters fraud, Trump has threatened to block extra funding that Democrats say is urgently needed to allow the US Postal Service to process millions of ballots. Democratic Party chairman Tom Perez said the convention would push back against Trump’s “assault on our democracy” by highlighting efforts to protect voting by mail. “This president can’t win on the merits and so he has to cheat. And it’s shameful,” Perez told a Washington Post webcast. Oshkosh, where Trump was speaking, is about a 90-minute drive north of the Milwaukee arena where Democrats had intended to gather in a sign of eagerness to win back Wisconsin, one of multiple Democratic strongholds which flipped to Trump in 2016. But the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed some 170,000 people in the United States, upended election campaigning. The Democratic convention and the Republican event, which begins on August 24, will be held virtually, without the usual roaring crowds and confetti. “We may be physically apart, but this week Democrats are coming together from across the nation to put forth our vision for a better America,” Biden tweeted. Live and curated content The experimental convention format will allow speakers to address American voters unfiltered -- largely shorn of the usual overwrought stagecraft and screaming delegates. Biden and Harris will address the convention live via videolink, while other speeches will be “a mix of live and curated content,” the campaign said. Biden enters the week with significant but tightening poll leads over Trump, and hoping his pick of Harris -- the first woman of color on a major party’s presidential ticket -- will invigorate Democrats. The California senator, former prosecutor and daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants is 55 and brings relatively youthful energy to the ticket. Tuesday will see addresses from former president Bill Clinton and Jill Biden, the nominee’s wife. On Wednesday, Barack Obama will speak, and Harris will have her spotlight moment before the convention culminates Thursday when Biden formally accepts the Democratic nomination and delivers his acceptance speech.

Biden will tell truth, trust science: Michelle Obama opens Democratic convention

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election.&nbsp;

However, the US president has ensured that Biden and his vice-presidential select Kamala Harris will not the only ones to get attention this week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theyre-going-to-engage-in-lies-kamala-harris-on-trumps-birther-remarks-321035">'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks</a>

So, before the end of the Democratic convention, Trump will kick off his campaign with speeches in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tiktok-controversy-trump-gets-verified-account-on-triller-320922">Amid TikTok controversy, Trump gets verified account on Triller</a>

And on Thursday, when Biden will be officially named as the Democratic presidential candidate, Trump will deliver a speech in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the blue-collar town where Biden grew up and which he still describes as his spiritual home.&nbsp;

The theme of Trump's campaign tour this week is "highlighting Joe Biden's record of failure".

Trump's campaign has also put millions of dollars for a digital aid campaign that will begin on the same day when the Democratic convention kicks off.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Democrats have brought in musical giants, that include John Legend, Common, Billie Eilish and the Chicks who will perform in this high-profile four-day event.&nbsp;

Also, former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton will also be a part of this convention.&nbsp;

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election.

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election. However, the US president has ensured that Biden and his vice-presidential select Kamala Harris will not the only ones to get attention this week. Also read | 'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks So, before the end of the Democratic convention, Trump will kick off his campaign with speeches in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona. Also read | Amid TikTok controversy, Trump gets verified account on Triller And on Thursday, when Biden will be officially named as the Democratic presidential candidate, Trump will deliver a speech in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the blue-collar town where Biden grew up and which he still describes as his spiritual home. The theme of Trump's campaign tour this week is "highlighting Joe Biden's record of failure". Trump's campaign has also put millions of dollars for a digital aid campaign that will begin on the same day when the Democratic convention kicks off. Meanwhile, Democrats have brought in musical giants, that include John Legend, Common, Billie Eilish and the Chicks who will perform in this high-profile four-day event. Also, former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton will also be a part of this convention.

As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States.

The incumbent US president, in his campaign tirade against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, had amplified the theory about the latter's running mate that critics decry as racist.

"They're going to engage in an attempt to distract from the real issues that are impacting the American people. And I expect that they will engage in dirty tactics. And this is going to be a knockdown, drag-out. And we're ready," Harris told media outlet TheGrio in an interview released on Sunday.

If elected, Harris would be the first Black and South Asian American vice president.

The conspiracy theory about Harris started following a Newsweek Op-Ed by Dr John Eastman, who ran in the Republican primary to be California's attorney general in 2010. Eastman, who lost the race to Harris, a Democrat, said that there are some questions about the eligibility for the position. The theory was also circulated on social media.

The Biden campaign called opinion piece racist.

"I just heard that. I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements and by the way the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump, who has pushed similar conspiracies about former President Barack Obama, said in response to a question during a press conference at the White House on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stokes-birtherism-conspiracy-theory-about-kamala-harris-320351">Also read | Trump stokes birtherism conspiracy theory about Kamala Harris</a>

On Saturday, Trump called him a "brilliant lawyer."

Eastman, on the other hand, received resounding criticism for the article.&nbsp;

Newsweek editors have since apologised, writing, "This op-Ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newsweek-apologises-for-op-ed-questioning-kamala-harris-birthright-320877">Also read | Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright</a>

Kamala Harris, however, is no stranger to accusations about her race.

Speaking to TheGrio in an interview taped on Saturday, she said, "I'm very clear-eyed about the fact that they are going to engage, as you said, in what they have done throughout his administration, which is, let's just be very candid and straightforward: They're going to engage in lies. They're going to engage in deception."

"Nothing that we have ever achieved that has been about progress has come without a fight," she later added.

"There's no question that we need immediate change and drastic change and that's so much of what the Biden-Harris platform and what the Biden-Harris administration will be about," Harris said.&nbsp;

"It's about saying, we need to immediately address a number of issues that demand priority and immediate attention. And that relates to getting people back to work. It means investing in infrastructure and creating millions of new jobs. It means fighting for healthcare for all people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-addresses-indian-american-community-reflects-on-indian-heritage-320892">Also read | Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage</a>

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States.

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States. The incumbent US president, in his campaign tirade against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, had amplified the theory about the latter's running mate that critics decry as racist. "They're going to engage in an attempt to distract from the real issues that are impacting the American people. And I expect that they will engage in dirty tactics. And this is going to be a knockdown, drag-out. And we're ready," Harris told media outlet TheGrio in an interview released on Sunday. If elected, Harris would be the first Black and South Asian American vice president. The conspiracy theory about Harris started following a Newsweek Op-Ed by Dr John Eastman, who ran in the Republican primary to be California's attorney general in 2010. Eastman, who lost the race to Harris, a Democrat, said that there are some questions about the eligibility for the position. The theory was also circulated on social media. The Biden campaign called opinion piece racist. "I just heard that. I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements and by the way the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump, who has pushed similar conspiracies about former President Barack Obama, said in response to a question during a press conference at the White House on Thursday. Also read | Trump stokes birtherism conspiracy theory about Kamala Harris On Saturday, Trump called him a "brilliant lawyer." Eastman, on the other hand, received resounding criticism for the article. Newsweek editors have since apologised, writing, "This op-Ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise." Also read | Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright Kamala Harris, however, is no stranger to accusations about her race. Speaking to TheGrio in an interview taped on Saturday, she said, "I'm very clear-eyed about the fact that they are going to engage, as you said, in what they have done throughout his administration, which is, let's just be very candid and straightforward: They're going to engage in lies. They're going to engage in deception." "Nothing that we have ever achieved that has been about progress has come without a fight," she later added. "There's no question that we need immediate change and drastic change and that's so much of what the Biden-Harris platform and what the Biden-Harris administration will be about," Harris said. "It's about saying, we need to immediately address a number of issues that demand priority and immediate attention. And that relates to getting people back to work. It means investing in infrastructure and creating millions of new jobs. It means fighting for healthcare for all people." Also read | Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage

'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks

Senator Kamala Harris, the first-ever American of Indian and African descent to be the vice presidential candidate of a major political party, had once asked her aunt in India to break coconuts for good luck at a Hindu temple. This dates back to the time when she was in the fray for California attorney general election in 2010.

Harris had then won the election by a margin of 0.8 per cent.

The New York Times details this in an article titled 'How Kamala Harris's Family in India Helped Shape Her Values'. The report says when Harris was fighting the elections for California Attorney General, she called her aunt Sarala Gopalan in Chennai and asked her to break coconuts for good luck at a Hindu temple overlooking the beach at Besant Nagar where she used to walk with her grandfather.

The aunt lined up 108 coconuts -- an auspicious number in Hinduism -- to be smashed.&nbsp;

"And it takes a whole day to arrange that," Harris was quoted as saying by the newspaper in a 2018 speech to an Indian-American group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-appoints-indian-origin-sabrina-singh-as-her-press-secretary-321130">Also read |&nbsp;Kamala Harris appoints Indian-origin Sabrina Singh as her Press Secretary</a>

The NYT report, published on Sunday, said one of Harris' brightest childhood memories was walking down the beach in Besant Nagar in Chennai with her maternal grandfather P V Gopalan.

Her grandfather had worked in the Indian government and every morning he would meet up with his retired friends at the beach in Besant Nagar. When Harris was visiting India as a child, she would accompany her grandfather to the beach.

"I remember the stories that they would tell and the passion with which they spoke about the importance of democracy," Harris said in her 2018 speech.

"As I reflect on those moments in my life that have had the most impact on who I am today -- I wasn't conscious of it at the time -- but it was those walks on the beach with my grandfather in Besant Nagar that had a profound impact on who I am today," she added.

Democratic presumptive presidential candidate Joe Biden scripted history last week when he selected 55-year-old Harris as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. To this end, Harris, if elected, would have several firsts in her role as vice president -- the first woman, the first African-American woman, the first Indian-American and the first Asian-American.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theyre-going-to-engage-in-lies-kamala-harris-on-trumps-birther-remarks-321035">Also read |&nbsp;'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks</a>

According to the NYT article, although Harris has been more understated about her Indian heritage than her experience as a Black woman, her path to US vice-presidential pick has also been guided by the values of her Indian-born mother, her Indian grandfather and her wider Indian family who have provided a lifelong support network that endures even from 8,000 miles away.

The report said friends and neighbours who knew the family, speak highly of Harris' mother and grandparents.

"That family had an immaculate reputation," N Vyas, a retired doctor who was their neighbour, was quoted as saying by the report. "They never raved about the great things that they have done in Delhi or something like that. They were straight-shooters "down-to-earth, happy people."

Vyas' wife Jayanti said they were not surprised when Harris was named the first woman of colour on the presidential ticket of a major US party.

"All the women in her family are strong personalities. These are women who know what they are talking and what they are saying," she said.

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris, who has many firsts to a trailblazing career starting with an attorney from California, was also the district attorney for San Francisco -- the first woman and first African-American and Indian-origin to be elected to the position.

She is one of only three Asian Americans in the Senate and she is the first Indian-American ever to serve in the chamber. 
&nbsp;

Senator Kamala Harris, the first-ever American of Indian and African descent to be the vice presidential candidate of a major political party, had once asked her aunt in India to break coconuts for good luck at a Hindu temple.

Senator Kamala Harris, the first-ever American of Indian and African descent to be the vice presidential candidate of a major political party, had once asked her aunt in India to break coconuts for good luck at a Hindu temple. This dates back to the time when she was in the fray for California attorney general election in 2010. Harris had then won the election by a margin of 0.8 per cent. The New York Times details this in an article titled 'How Kamala Harris's Family in India Helped Shape Her Values'. The report says when Harris was fighting the elections for California Attorney General, she called her aunt Sarala Gopalan in Chennai and asked her to break coconuts for good luck at a Hindu temple overlooking the beach at Besant Nagar where she used to walk with her grandfather. The aunt lined up 108 coconuts -- an auspicious number in Hinduism -- to be smashed. "And it takes a whole day to arrange that," Harris was quoted as saying by the newspaper in a 2018 speech to an Indian-American group. Also read | Kamala Harris appoints Indian-origin Sabrina Singh as her Press Secretary The NYT report, published on Sunday, said one of Harris' brightest childhood memories was walking down the beach in Besant Nagar in Chennai with her maternal grandfather P V Gopalan. Her grandfather had worked in the Indian government and every morning he would meet up with his retired friends at the beach in Besant Nagar. When Harris was visiting India as a child, she would accompany her grandfather to the beach. "I remember the stories that they would tell and the passion with which they spoke about the importance of democracy," Harris said in her 2018 speech. "As I reflect on those moments in my life that have had the most impact on who I am today -- I wasn't conscious of it at the time -- but it was those walks on the beach with my grandfather in Besant Nagar that had a profound impact on who I am today," she added. Democratic presumptive presidential candidate Joe Biden scripted history last week when he selected 55-year-old Harris as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. To this end, Harris, if elected, would have several firsts in her role as vice president -- the first woman, the first African-American woman, the first Indian-American and the first Asian-American. Also read | 'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks According to the NYT article, although Harris has been more understated about her Indian heritage than her experience as a Black woman, her path to US vice-presidential pick has also been guided by the values of her Indian-born mother, her Indian grandfather and her wider Indian family who have provided a lifelong support network that endures even from 8,000 miles away. The report said friends and neighbours who knew the family, speak highly of Harris' mother and grandparents. "That family had an immaculate reputation," N Vyas, a retired doctor who was their neighbour, was quoted as saying by the report. "They never raved about the great things that they have done in Delhi or something like that. They were straight-shooters "down-to-earth, happy people." Vyas' wife Jayanti said they were not surprised when Harris was named the first woman of colour on the presidential ticket of a major US party. "All the women in her family are strong personalities. These are women who know what they are talking and what they are saying," she said. Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris, who has many firsts to a trailblazing career starting with an attorney from California, was also the district attorney for San Francisco -- the first woman and first African-American and Indian-origin to be elected to the position. She is one of only three Asian Americans in the Senate and she is the first Indian-American ever to serve in the chamber.

Kamala Harris once asked aunt in India to break coconuts for her good luck at Hindu temple

Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris has appointed Sabrina Singh, another successful Indian-American as her Press Secretary for the Vice-Presidential campaign.

The 32-year-old Singh has earlier worked with&nbsp;New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and New Jersey Senator&nbsp;Cory Booker — both Democrats — as their spokeswoman. She has also served as the spokesperson of the Democratic National Committee.

"I'm so excited to join the #BidenHarris ticket as Press Secretary for @KamalaHarris! Can't wait to get to work and win in November!," Singh posted on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I'm so excited to join the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BidenHarris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BidenHarris</a> ticket as Press Secretary for <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>! Can't wait to get to work and win in November! <a href="https://t.co/m4wWayUzbH">https://t.co/m4wWayUzbH</a>
— Sabrina Singh (@sabrinasingh24) <a href="https://twitter.com/sabrinasingh24/status/1295000051375321088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Los Angeles resident has strong roots of standing in support of immigrants in the US. She hails from the family of&nbsp;Sardar J J Singh, who stood against the discriminatory policies against minority communities in the 1940s.

The 55-year-old Vice Presidential nominee, who has already been in the news recently for her Indian roots, has also appointed the&nbsp;Sri Lankan-American Rohini Kosoglu as a senior advisor. Kosoglu&nbsp;has earlier worked with Harris as her senior advisor in her Senate office and also in her presidential campaign, which Harris dropped after lack of public support.

Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris has appointed Sabrina Singh, another successful Indian-American as her Press Secretary for the Vice-Presidential campaign.

Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris has appointed Sabrina Singh, another successful Indian-American as her Press Secretary for the Vice-Presidential campaign. The 32-year-old Singh has earlier worked with New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker — both Democrats — as their spokeswoman. She has also served as the spokesperson of the Democratic National Committee. "I'm so excited to join the #BidenHarris ticket as Press Secretary for @KamalaHarris! Can't wait to get to work and win in November!," Singh posted on Twitter. I'm so excited to join the #BidenHarris ticket as Press Secretary for @KamalaHarris! Can't wait to get to work and win in November! https://t.co/m4wWayUzbH — Sabrina Singh (@sabrinasingh24) August 16, 2020 × The Los Angeles resident has strong roots of standing in support of immigrants in the US. She hails from the family of Sardar J J Singh, who stood against the discriminatory policies against minority communities in the 1940s. The 55-year-old Vice Presidential nominee, who has already been in the news recently for her Indian roots, has also appointed the Sri Lankan-American Rohini Kosoglu as a senior advisor. Kosoglu has earlier worked with Harris as her senior advisor in her Senate office and also in her presidential campaign, which Harris dropped after lack of public support.

Kamala Harris appoints Indian-origin Sabrina Singh as her Press Secretary

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages.

"They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots," Trump told Fox News on Thursday, calling the money "fraudulent."

"But if they don't get those... that means you can't have universal mail-in voting."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-speaker-considering-recalling-congress-over-post-office-woes-320879">Also read:&nbsp;US House Speaker considering recalling Congress over Post Office woes</a>

On Saturday, Trump continued his assault on mail-in voting by telling reporters it would be a "catastrophe" and retweeting articles and comments alleging fraud.

The Democratic opposition has sharply condemned Trump's statements, with some lawmakers claiming that the president is plotting to snarl the post office to undermine voting, create uncertainty and win a second term.

"Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election," said Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

Biden's running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, tweeted: "We cannot let Donald Trump destroy the United States Postal Service."

Trump, asked by a reporter Saturday if he was trying to hobble the USPS, replied: "No, not at all."

But the concerns are unlikely to disappear.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-postal-service-watchdog-to-probe-service-woes-as-worries-rise-about-mail-ballots-320620">Also read:&nbsp;US Postal Service watchdog to probe service woes as worries rise about mail ballots</a>

Reflecting the escalating nature of the controversy, former president Barack Obama has also weighed in.

"What we've never seen before is a president say, 'I'm going to try to actively kneecap the Postal Service ... and I will be explicit about the reason I'm doing it,'" Obama said in a podcast with a former aide.

On Saturday, protesters gathered at the Washington home of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, blaring horns and banging pots in anger.

USPS spokesman David Partenheimer attributed changes at the agency to its poor financial state.

"We are not slowing down election mail or any other mail," he told AFP.

"The Postal Service is in a financially unsustainable position, stemming from substantial declines in mail volume and a broken business model," he explained.

"We face an impending liquidity crisis," Partenheimer said, calling on Congress and regulators to enact reforms.

Meanwhile, in Congress... 
The postal troubles come as Congress remains deadlocked over a new stimulus bill to follow the $2.2 trillion CARES Act package passed in March as the coronavirus crisis erupted.

Democrats have proposed giving the USPS billions of dollars in funding, and Trump -- after first saying he opposed that -- said Friday that perhaps some new funds could be included in a compromise.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Saturday he blamed the Democrats again, telling reporters they "aren't approving proper funding for postal, and they're not approving the proper funding for this ridiculous thing that they want to do which is all mail-in voting."

"You're right, there has to be more resources, I agree," he said. &nbsp;

Trump said candidly in April that mail-in voting "doesn't work out well for Republicans" and has repeatedly described such ballots as prone to fraud.

Experts disagree.&nbsp;

A study this year by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice found that "it is... more likely for an American to be struck by lightning than to commit mail voting fraud."

In an interview, American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein blamed the nationwide slowdowns in mail deliveries on measures implemented by DeJoy, a Republican fundraiser appointed by Trump who took office in June and pledged to reform the agency.

Dimondstein said overtime has recently been reduced, meaning carriers leave distribution centers immediately rather than wait 10 or 15 minutes for delayed mail, as they previously did.

That, combined with the around 40,000 workers who have had to quarantine since March because of COVID-19, has created delays.

DeJoy -- defended by Trump as a "fantastic man" -- has "arbitrarily reduced hours of work of the employees, but the same work is still there to get done," Dimondstein said.

States act 
As concerns mount over the USPS's ability to handle the expected surge in ballots, states are working to ensure their residents' votes count.

Pennsylvania this week asked its supreme court to push back its deadline for accepting mail-in ballots.

In a court filing, it cited a letter from a USPS official to the state warning of "a risk that ballots requested near the deadline under state law will not be returned by mail in time to be counted under your laws."&nbsp;

The Washington Post reported on Friday similar notices were sent to 45 other states and the District of Columbia.

Jon Tester, a Democratic senator from Montana, also has asked DeJoy in writing to explain reports that the USPS was removing mailboxes from towns in the state.&nbsp;

Late Friday, a USPS spokesman told CNN that removal of mailboxes was being halted in 16 states, including Montana, and parts of two others.

Dimondstein said he hoped Trump's "brazen challenge to the democratic right -- that somehow he's going to starve this institution to suppress the vote -- somehow gives more impetus to Congress to react."&nbsp;

"Congress needs to act, and they need to act soon," he said.

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump. Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages.

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump. Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages. "They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots," Trump told Fox News on Thursday, calling the money "fraudulent." "But if they don't get those... that means you can't have universal mail-in voting." Also read: US House Speaker considering recalling Congress over Post Office woes On Saturday, Trump continued his assault on mail-in voting by telling reporters it would be a "catastrophe" and retweeting articles and comments alleging fraud. The Democratic opposition has sharply condemned Trump's statements, with some lawmakers claiming that the president is plotting to snarl the post office to undermine voting, create uncertainty and win a second term. "Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election," said Democratic challenger Joe Biden. Biden's running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, tweeted: "We cannot let Donald Trump destroy the United States Postal Service." Trump, asked by a reporter Saturday if he was trying to hobble the USPS, replied: "No, not at all." But the concerns are unlikely to disappear. Also read: US Postal Service watchdog to probe service woes as worries rise about mail ballots Reflecting the escalating nature of the controversy, former president Barack Obama has also weighed in. "What we've never seen before is a president say, 'I'm going to try to actively kneecap the Postal Service ... and I will be explicit about the reason I'm doing it,'" Obama said in a podcast with a former aide. On Saturday, protesters gathered at the Washington home of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, blaring horns and banging pots in anger. USPS spokesman David Partenheimer attributed changes at the agency to its poor financial state. "We are not slowing down election mail or any other mail," he told AFP. "The Postal Service is in a financially unsustainable position, stemming from substantial declines in mail volume and a broken business model," he explained. "We face an impending liquidity crisis," Partenheimer said, calling on Congress and regulators to enact reforms. Meanwhile, in Congress... The postal troubles come as Congress remains deadlocked over a new stimulus bill to follow the $2.2 trillion CARES Act package passed in March as the coronavirus crisis erupted. Democrats have proposed giving the USPS billions of dollars in funding, and Trump -- after first saying he opposed that -- said Friday that perhaps some new funds could be included in a compromise. × On Saturday he blamed the Democrats again, telling reporters they "aren't approving proper funding for postal, and they're not approving the proper funding for this ridiculous thing that they want to do which is all mail-in voting." "You're right, there has to be more resources, I agree," he said. Trump said candidly in April that mail-in voting "doesn't work out well for Republicans" and has repeatedly described such ballots as prone to fraud. Experts disagree. A study this year by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice found that "it is... more likely for an American to be struck by lightning than to commit mail voting fraud." In an interview, American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein blamed the nationwide slowdowns in mail deliveries on measures implemented by DeJoy, a Republican fundraiser appointed by Trump who took office in June and pledged to reform the agency. Dimondstein said overtime has recently been reduced, meaning carriers leave distribution centers immediately rather than wait 10 or 15 minutes for delayed mail, as they previously did. That, combined with the around 40,000 workers who have had to quarantine since March because of COVID-19, has created delays. DeJoy -- defended by Trump as a "fantastic man" -- has "arbitrarily reduced hours of work of the employees, but the same work is still there to get done," Dimondstein said. States act As concerns mount over the USPS's ability to handle the expected surge in ballots, states are working to ensure their residents' votes count. Pennsylvania this week asked its supreme court to push back its deadline for accepting mail-in ballots. In a court filing, it cited a letter from a USPS official to the state warning of "a risk that ballots requested near the deadline under state law will not be returned by mail in time to be counted under your laws." The Washington Post reported on Friday similar notices were sent to 45 other states and the District of Columbia. Jon Tester, a Democratic senator from Montana, also has asked DeJoy in writing to explain reports that the USPS was removing mailboxes from towns in the state. Late Friday, a USPS spokesman told CNN that removal of mailboxes was being halted in 16 states, including Montana, and parts of two others. Dimondstein said he hoped Trump's "brazen challenge to the democratic right -- that somehow he's going to starve this institution to suppress the vote -- somehow gives more impetus to Congress to react." "Congress needs to act, and they need to act soon," he said.

Postal slowdown sparks claims of plot to undermine US vote

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli".

Harris, 55, who is the first black to be selected as a vice-presidential candidate of a major party, took a trip down the memory lane, mentioning her "long walks" in Madras (now Chennai) with her grandfather who would tell her about the "heroes" responsible for the birth of the world's largest democracy.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3.

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in line of succession after Biden.

"Today on August 15, 2020. I stand before you as the first candidate for vice president of the United States of South Asian descent," Harris said in her address organised by Indians for Biden National Council.

Joined by Biden, she greeted Indian Americans on the occasion of India's Independence Day.

"To the people of India and to Indian Americans all across the US, I want to wish you a happy Indian Independence Day. On August 15, 1947, men and women all over India rejoiced in the declaration of the independence of the country of India," Harris said during the virtual inaugural meet of the council.

Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica.

"When my mother, Shyamala stepped off the plane in California as 19 years old, she didn't have much in the way of belongings. But she carried with her lessons from back home, including ones she learned from her parents, my grandmother Rajan, and her father, my grandfather P V Gopalan. They taught her that when you see injustice in the world, you have an obligation to do something about it," Harris said.

"Which is what inspired my mother to march and shout on the streets of Oakland, at the height of the civil rights movement, a movement where leaders including Dr Martin Luther King Jr, were themselves inspired by the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi," she said.

Harris said it was during those protests that her mother met her father. The rest, as they say, is history, she said. 
"Growing up, my mother would take my sister Maya and me back to what was then called Madras because she wanted us to understand where she had come from and where we had ancestry. And of course, she always wanted to instill in us, a love of good idli," Harris said.

"In Madras I would go on long walks with my grandfather, who at that point was retired. We would take morning walks where I'd hold his hand and he would tell me about the heroes who are responsible for the birth of the world's biggest democracy. He would explain that it's on us to pick up where they left off. Those lessons are a big reason why I am who I am today,? Harris said explaining the deep influence of the Indian heritage on her.

"Our community is bound together by so much more than our shared history and culture," she said.

The reason there is a kinship between everyone who are a product of the South Asian diaspora, no matter how diverse our backgrounds may be, "is because we also share a set of values: values forged by overcoming colonial past, not only in one nation but in two", Harris said.

"Values like tolerance pluralism, and diversity and reflecting on the past 73 years it's remarkable how much progress, people have made in the fight for justice. And should be proud. But we wouldn't be if we didn't commit ourselves to building an even better future. So, I hope you celebrate today, and then tomorrow, I hope you join me in getting to work," she said.&nbsp;

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli".

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli". Harris, 55, who is the first black to be selected as a vice-presidential candidate of a major party, took a trip down the memory lane, mentioning her "long walks" in Madras (now Chennai) with her grandfather who would tell her about the "heroes" responsible for the birth of the world's largest democracy. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in line of succession after Biden. "Today on August 15, 2020. I stand before you as the first candidate for vice president of the United States of South Asian descent," Harris said in her address organised by Indians for Biden National Council. Joined by Biden, she greeted Indian Americans on the occasion of India's Independence Day. "To the people of India and to Indian Americans all across the US, I want to wish you a happy Indian Independence Day. On August 15, 1947, men and women all over India rejoiced in the declaration of the independence of the country of India," Harris said during the virtual inaugural meet of the council. Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica. "When my mother, Shyamala stepped off the plane in California as 19 years old, she didn't have much in the way of belongings. But she carried with her lessons from back home, including ones she learned from her parents, my grandmother Rajan, and her father, my grandfather P V Gopalan. They taught her that when you see injustice in the world, you have an obligation to do something about it," Harris said. "Which is what inspired my mother to march and shout on the streets of Oakland, at the height of the civil rights movement, a movement where leaders including Dr Martin Luther King Jr, were themselves inspired by the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi," she said. Harris said it was during those protests that her mother met her father. The rest, as they say, is history, she said. "Growing up, my mother would take my sister Maya and me back to what was then called Madras because she wanted us to understand where she had come from and where we had ancestry. And of course, she always wanted to instill in us, a love of good idli," Harris said. "In Madras I would go on long walks with my grandfather, who at that point was retired. We would take morning walks where I'd hold his hand and he would tell me about the heroes who are responsible for the birth of the world's biggest democracy. He would explain that it's on us to pick up where they left off. Those lessons are a big reason why I am who I am today,? Harris said explaining the deep influence of the Indian heritage on her. "Our community is bound together by so much more than our shared history and culture," she said. The reason there is a kinship between everyone who are a product of the South Asian diaspora, no matter how diverse our backgrounds may be, "is because we also share a set of values: values forged by overcoming colonial past, not only in one nation but in two", Harris said. "Values like tolerance pluralism, and diversity and reflecting on the past 73 years it's remarkable how much progress, people have made in the fight for justice. And should be proud. But we wouldn't be if we didn't commit ourselves to building an even better future. So, I hope you celebrate today, and then tomorrow, I hope you join me in getting to work," she said.

Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US.

The 77-year old is challenging the incumbent president, Donald Trump, in the US presidential election that will be held on November 3.

"Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India. I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a safer place," Biden, who was vice-president in the Obama administration, said while addressing the Indian-American community on India's Independence Day.

If elected president, Biden said, he would continue to believe this and also continue to stand with India against the threats it faces from its own region and along its borders.

He said he would work on expanding two-way trade between the two nations and take on big global challenges like climate change and global health security. He also said he would work to strengthen the democracies where diversity is the mutual strength.

On this day, let us "continue to deepen the bond that endures between our nation's and our people,? Biden said. 
He said that "as President, I'll also continue to rely on the Indian-American diaspora, that keeps our two nations together, as I have throughout my career".

"My constituents in Delaware, my staff in the Senate, the Obama administration that had more Indian-Americans than any other administration in the history of this country, and this campaign with Indian Americans at senior levels, which of course includes the top of the heap, our dear friend (Kamala Harris) who will be the first Indian American vice president in the history of the United States of America," Biden said.

Early this week, Biden zeroed in on Indian origin Senator Harris, 55, as his running mate in the US presidential election. Harris, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is the first-ever Black vice-presidential nominee.

"We all know she's smart, she's tested, she's prepared. But another thing that makes Kamala so inspiring is her mother's immigrant story to the US that started in India, with pure courage that brought her daughters to this moment. I know the pride you feel. It's your story too," Biden said.

"For your sacrifices, and your family's courage, you became pillars of our community and our country. You're patriots and the frontlines of this pandemic. In this reckoning of systemic racism, you're making real real promise that America is a place where people of all races and religions can live together in peace," he said.

"But I know it's hard. I heart goes out to all those of you who have been the targets in a rise in hate crimes, and the crackdown of legal immigration, including a sudden and harmful actions on H-1B visas. That for decades have made America stronger and brought our nation's closer," Biden said.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

"While it's sometimes may not feel like the US of your dreams, we will overcome and build back better than ever. Like (former President) Barack Obama had asked to me, I'm asking Kamala Harris, to be the last person in the room to ask the tough questions of me, provide counsel, most of all to always represent the belief in possibilities," the former US vice president said.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US. The 77-year old is challenging the incumbent president, Donald Trump, in the US presidential election that will be held on November 3. "Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India. I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a safer place," Biden, who was vice-president in the Obama administration, said while addressing the Indian-American community on India's Independence Day. If elected president, Biden said, he would continue to believe this and also continue to stand with India against the threats it faces from its own region and along its borders. He said he would work on expanding two-way trade between the two nations and take on big global challenges like climate change and global health security. He also said he would work to strengthen the democracies where diversity is the mutual strength. On this day, let us "continue to deepen the bond that endures between our nation's and our people,? Biden said. He said that "as President, I'll also continue to rely on the Indian-American diaspora, that keeps our two nations together, as I have throughout my career". "My constituents in Delaware, my staff in the Senate, the Obama administration that had more Indian-Americans than any other administration in the history of this country, and this campaign with Indian Americans at senior levels, which of course includes the top of the heap, our dear friend (Kamala Harris) who will be the first Indian American vice president in the history of the United States of America," Biden said. Early this week, Biden zeroed in on Indian origin Senator Harris, 55, as his running mate in the US presidential election. Harris, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is the first-ever Black vice-presidential nominee. "We all know she's smart, she's tested, she's prepared. But another thing that makes Kamala so inspiring is her mother's immigrant story to the US that started in India, with pure courage that brought her daughters to this moment. I know the pride you feel. It's your story too," Biden said. "For your sacrifices, and your family's courage, you became pillars of our community and our country. You're patriots and the frontlines of this pandemic. In this reckoning of systemic racism, you're making real real promise that America is a place where people of all races and religions can live together in peace," he said. "But I know it's hard. I heart goes out to all those of you who have been the targets in a rise in hate crimes, and the crackdown of legal immigration, including a sudden and harmful actions on H-1B visas. That for decades have made America stronger and brought our nation's closer," Biden said. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. "While it's sometimes may not feel like the US of your dreams, we will overcome and build back better than ever. Like (former President) Barack Obama had asked to me, I'm asking Kamala Harris, to be the last person in the room to ask the tough questions of me, provide counsel, most of all to always represent the belief in possibilities," the former US vice president said.

If elected, will stand with India in confronting threats facing it: Joe Biden

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed.

They questioned the US citizenship of Harris -- a necessity to run for the US president post. Harris' mother was born in India and her father was born in Jamaica.

"This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise," read Newsweek's editor's note on Friday, which replaced the magazine's earlier detailed defence of the op-ed.

"We entirely failed to anticipate the ways in which the essay would be interpreted, distorted and weaponised," read the apology, signed by Josh Hammer, opinion editor, and Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief.&nbsp;

But they ended the note by saying that the op-ed would remain on the site, with their note attached.

The op-ed was written by John Eastman, a conservative attorney who argues that the US Constitution doesn't grant birthright citizenship. Eastman sowed doubt about Harris' eligibility based on her parents' immigration status.

Newsweek earlier defended the piece, arguing that Eastman "was focussing on a long-standing, somewhat arcane legal debate" about the 14th Amendment and not trying to "ignite a racist conspiracy theory around Kamala Harris' candidacy."

According to constitution lawyers, Harris, who was tapped by Joe Biden to serve as his running mate on the Democratic ticket, was born in Oakland, California, and is eligible for both the vice presidency and presidency under the constitutional requirements.

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed.

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed. They questioned the US citizenship of Harris -- a necessity to run for the US president post. Harris' mother was born in India and her father was born in Jamaica. "This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise," read Newsweek's editor's note on Friday, which replaced the magazine's earlier detailed defence of the op-ed. "We entirely failed to anticipate the ways in which the essay would be interpreted, distorted and weaponised," read the apology, signed by Josh Hammer, opinion editor, and Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief. But they ended the note by saying that the op-ed would remain on the site, with their note attached. The op-ed was written by John Eastman, a conservative attorney who argues that the US Constitution doesn't grant birthright citizenship. Eastman sowed doubt about Harris' eligibility based on her parents' immigration status. Newsweek earlier defended the piece, arguing that Eastman "was focussing on a long-standing, somewhat arcane legal debate" about the 14th Amendment and not trying to "ignite a racist conspiracy theory around Kamala Harris' candidacy." According to constitution lawyers, Harris, who was tapped by Joe Biden to serve as his running mate on the Democratic ticket, was born in Oakland, California, and is eligible for both the vice presidency and presidency under the constitutional requirements.

Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright

US President Donald Trump's competitor Joe Biden has lashed out at Trump for spreading&nbsp;"abhorrent" lies about Biden's choice of Vice President Kamala Harris and her eligibility to become a Vice President.

Hours after Biden names Harris to be his running mate for the US Presidential elections, scheduled for November 2020, Harris faced criticism from Donald Trump — some of which can be termed as racist.

"I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements," Trump said, after an article was published by a law professor questioning Harris' parents immigration at the time of her birth — Harris' mother is Indian and father is Jamaican.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%2FaXU9LzExNDQwNDY1L1dpb25ld3NfVmlkZW8vV2lvbmV3c19QcmVyb2xsJmRlc2NyaXB0aW9uX3VybD1bcGxhY2Vob2xkZXJdJmVudj12cCZpbXBsPXMmY29ycmVsYXRvcj0mdGZjZD0wJm5wYT0wJmdkZnBfcmVxPTEmb3V0cHV0PXZhc3Qmc3o9NjQweDQ4MCZ1bnZpZXdlZF9wb3NpdGlvbl9zdGFydD0xIn19LCJoZWFsdGhBbmFseXRpY3MiOnt9fSwiaHRtbDUiOnRydWV9" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements. And, by the way, the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified, very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump said.

"I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president," he said.

"But that's a very serious, you're saying that, they're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-kamala-harris-gets-less-sexist-media-coverage-hillary-clinton-320352">Also read|&nbsp;Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton</a>

The comments were not left unanswered by the Biden campaign.&nbsp;Biden spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement on behalf of Joe Biden that said Trump&nbsp;"has sought to fuel racism and tear our nation apart." The statement called this move and Trump's statements to be a part of the&nbsp;"grotesque, racist birther movement" led by Trump.

"So it's unsurprising, but no less abhorrent, that as Trump makes a fool of himself straining to distract the American people from the horrific toll of his failed coronavirus response that his campaign and their allies would resort to wretched, demonstrably false lies in their pathetic desperation."

Polls show Trump trailing Biden in the November election.

US President Donald Trump's competitor Joe Biden has lashed out at Trump for spreading "abhorrent" lies about Biden's choice of Vice President Kamala Harris and her eligibility to become a Vice President.

US President Donald Trump's competitor Joe Biden has lashed out at Trump for spreading "abhorrent" lies about Biden's choice of Vice President Kamala Harris and her eligibility to become a Vice President. Hours after Biden names Harris to be his running mate for the US Presidential elections, scheduled for November 2020, Harris faced criticism from Donald Trump — some of which can be termed as racist. "I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements," Trump said, after an article was published by a law professor questioning Harris' parents immigration at the time of her birth — Harris' mother is Indian and father is Jamaican. × "I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements. And, by the way, the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified, very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump said. "I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president," he said. "But that's a very serious, you're saying that, they're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country." Also read| Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton The comments were not left unanswered by the Biden campaign. Biden spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement on behalf of Joe Biden that said Trump "has sought to fuel racism and tear our nation apart." The statement called this move and Trump's statements to be a part of the "grotesque, racist birther movement" led by Trump. "So it's unsurprising, but no less abhorrent, that as Trump makes a fool of himself straining to distract the American people from the horrific toll of his failed coronavirus response that his campaign and their allies would resort to wretched, demonstrably false lies in their pathetic desperation." Polls show Trump trailing Biden in the November election.

Biden camp slams Trumps for 'abhorrent' birther lies about Kamala Harris

For years, US President Donald Trump promoted a claim that Barack Obama was not born in the America. Now he is making similar claims against Kamala Harris. The US President has suggested that Harris doesn't qualify to serve as Vice President. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Trump unleashes 'birther Conspiracy' against Kamala Harris

America's mom Marge Simpson clapped back at the Donald Trump campaign on Friday for remarks from a senior advisor the animated character deemed disrespectful.

The US president's aide Jenna Ellis recently took aim at Kamala Harris, the presumptive vice presidential nominee, by saying she sounds like the beloved matriarch of the series&nbsp;The Simpsons.

"I usually don't get into politics, but the president's senior advisor, Jenna Ellis, just said Kamala Harris sounds like me," said the kind-hearted character known for her majestic blue beehive, long green tube dress and red pearls.

"Lisa says she doesn't mean it as a compliment," Marge continued, referencing her eldest spiky-haired daughter, in a video posted on the official&nbsp;Simpsons&nbsp;Twitter account.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Marge Simpson has something to say. <a href="https://t.co/viux96bAPf">pic.twitter.com/viux96bAPf</a>
— TheSimpsons (@TheSimpsons) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSimpsons/status/1294287342144872449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"If that's so, as an ordinary suburban housewife, I'm starting to feel a little disrespected," she continued.

"I teach my children not to name-call, Jenna. I was going to say I'm pissed off, but I'm afraid they'd bleep it."

Julie Kavner has voiced Marge — who speaks with a honeyed rasp — for the irreverent but often prescient show's 31 seasons.

The Emmy-winning Simpsons regularly jabs the president along with other politicians, and many credit it with predicting the Trump presidency.

Marge's description of herself as an "ordinary suburban housewife" is also a swing at the Republican leader.

Trump said recently he would win the "suburban housewife" vote in this fall's election, after he repealed a fair housing regulation implemented under Barack Obama that was intended to prevent housing segregation.

America's mom Marge Simpson clapped back at the Donald Trump campaign on Friday for remarks from a senior advisor the animated character deemed disrespectful. The US president's aide Jenna Ellis recently took aim at Kamala Harris, the presumptive vice presidential nominee, by saying she sounds like the beloved matriarch of the series The Simpsons.

America's mom Marge Simpson clapped back at the Donald Trump campaign on Friday for remarks from a senior advisor the animated character deemed disrespectful. The US president's aide Jenna Ellis recently took aim at Kamala Harris, the presumptive vice presidential nominee, by saying she sounds like the beloved matriarch of the series The Simpsons. "I usually don't get into politics, but the president's senior advisor, Jenna Ellis, just said Kamala Harris sounds like me," said the kind-hearted character known for her majestic blue beehive, long green tube dress and red pearls. "Lisa says she doesn't mean it as a compliment," Marge continued, referencing her eldest spiky-haired daughter, in a video posted on the official Simpsons Twitter account. Marge Simpson has something to say. pic.twitter.com/viux96bAPf — TheSimpsons (@TheSimpsons) August 14, 2020 × "If that's so, as an ordinary suburban housewife, I'm starting to feel a little disrespected," she continued. "I teach my children not to name-call, Jenna. I was going to say I'm pissed off, but I'm afraid they'd bleep it." Julie Kavner has voiced Marge — who speaks with a honeyed rasp — for the irreverent but often prescient show's 31 seasons. The Emmy-winning Simpsons regularly jabs the president along with other politicians, and many credit it with predicting the Trump presidency. Marge's description of herself as an "ordinary suburban housewife" is also a swing at the Republican leader. Trump said recently he would win the "suburban housewife" vote in this fall's election, after he repealed a fair housing regulation implemented under Barack Obama that was intended to prevent housing segregation.

The Simpsons character Marge takes a hit at Trump's aide after her jibe at Kamala Harris

President Donald Trump said Thursday he had heard Democratic vice-presidential running mate&nbsp;Kamala&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;was not eligible to serve, stoking a false claim echoing the baseless "birther" theory he promoted about Barack Obama.

At a White House news conference, Trump was asked about "claims circulating on social media" that&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;was not eligible and whether he could say she met the legal requirements for vice president.

"I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements. And, by the way, the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified, very talented lawyer.&nbsp;I have no idea if that's right," Trump said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-kamala-harris-gets-less-sexist-media-coverage-hillary-clinton-320352" hreflang="en">Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton</a>

"I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president," he said.

"But that's a very serious, you're saying that, they're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-presidential-election-trump-holds-up-coronavirus-aid-to-block-funding-for-mail-in-voting-320339" hreflang="en">Ahead of presidential election, Trump holds up coronavirus aid to block funding for mail-in voting</a>

The reporter replied that&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;was born in the United States but her parents might not have been permanent residents at the time.

Trump appeared to be referring to a Newsweek op-ed by a conservative law professor wrongly claiming the California senator was not eligible to serve as vice president or president because of the immigration status of her parents when she was born.

Harris&nbsp;was born in Oakland, California in 1964 to a father from Jamaica and a mother from India.

Trump earned national political prominence by promoting the "birther" lie that Obama, America's first black president, was not born in the United States.

He grudgingly acknowledged late in his 2016 presidential campaign that Obama was born in the United States.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he had heard Democratic vice-presidential running mate Kamala Harris was not eligible to serve, stoking a false claim echoing the baseless "birther" theory he promoted about Barack Obama.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he had heard Democratic vice-presidential running mate Kamala Harris was not eligible to serve, stoking a false claim echoing the baseless "birther" theory he promoted about Barack Obama. At a White House news conference, Trump was asked about "claims circulating on social media" that Harris was not eligible and whether he could say she met the legal requirements for vice president. "I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements. And, by the way, the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified, very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump said. Also read: Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton "I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president," he said. "But that's a very serious, you're saying that, they're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country." Also read: Ahead of presidential election, Trump holds up coronavirus aid to block funding for mail-in voting The reporter replied that Harris was born in the United States but her parents might not have been permanent residents at the time. Trump appeared to be referring to a Newsweek op-ed by a conservative law professor wrongly claiming the California senator was not eligible to serve as vice president or president because of the immigration status of her parents when she was born. Harris was born in Oakland, California in 1964 to a father from Jamaica and a mother from India. Trump earned national political prominence by promoting the "birther" lie that Obama, America's first black president, was not born in the United States. He grudgingly acknowledged late in his 2016 presidential campaign that Obama was born in the United States.

Donald Trump promotes false birther theory about Kamala Harris

The campaign of Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has raised $48 million in the 48 hours since Senator Kamala Harris was announced as the vice-presidential candidate, a spokesperson for the campaign said.

Biden on Tuesday picked Harris for the post of vice president, making her the first Black woman in the US to get a major-party presidential ticket.

Also read |&nbsp;Biden says all US governors should mandate masks to slow pandemic

The death of African-American George Floyd has caused huge social unrest, not just in the US, but across the world and there was a growing pressure on Biden to choose a Black woman as his vice president for the November elections.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harris-could-help-biden-with-women-young-voters-maybe-some-republicans-too-reuters-survey-320107">Harris could help Biden with women, young voters, maybe some Republicans too: Reuters survey</a>

The 55-year-old senator's parents are immigrants, her father is from Jamaica, while her mother was born in India.&nbsp;

Harris was the only second Black female senator when she was elected in 2016 and her recent vice-presidential selection will help the party lure African-American voters.&nbsp;

In the last presidential elections, there was a 20 per cent drop in the Black votes, which has contributed to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's stunning loss to President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Harris was earlier part of the Democratic race for the presidency, where he slammed Biden a lot over busing issue.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

The campaign of Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has raised $48 million in the 48 hours since Senator Kamala Harris was announced as the vice-presidential candidate, a spokesperson for the campaign said.

The campaign of Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has raised $48 million in the 48 hours since Senator Kamala Harris was announced as the vice-presidential candidate, a spokesperson for the campaign said. Biden on Tuesday picked Harris for the post of vice president, making her the first Black woman in the US to get a major-party presidential ticket. Also read | Biden says all US governors should mandate masks to slow pandemic The death of African-American George Floyd has caused huge social unrest, not just in the US, but across the world and there was a growing pressure on Biden to choose a Black woman as his vice president for the November elections. Also read | Harris could help Biden with women, young voters, maybe some Republicans too: Reuters survey The 55-year-old senator's parents are immigrants, her father is from Jamaica, while her mother was born in India. Harris was the only second Black female senator when she was elected in 2016 and her recent vice-presidential selection will help the party lure African-American voters. In the last presidential elections, there was a 20 per cent drop in the Black votes, which has contributed to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's stunning loss to President Donald Trump. Harris was earlier part of the Democratic race for the presidency, where he slammed Biden a lot over busing issue. (With Reuters inputs)

Joe Biden's campaign raises $48 million since Kamala Harris's announcement as VP candidate

Hillary Clinton on Thursday said she hopes Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee, and women running for political office in the future will receive "less sexist" media coverage than she did in 2016.

"I still hope, especially with Kamala on the ticket, that the coverage of women running for president or vice president will be less sexist, less sensationalist and less trivializing," Clinton, a former US secretary of state, said during an online forum hosted by news organization The 19th.

Clinton, a Democrat, lost in the Electoral College to US President Donald Trump in 2016 despite receiving more votes than him nationwide.

Clinton said she had talked with Harris and Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee who this week named Harris as his running mate, about their campaign.

"They are inheriting a mess of historic proportions," Clinton said, adding that she did not think the coronavirus pandemic would be over by January when Biden and Harris would take office if they defeat Trump and Vice President Michael Pence.

"I think Joe and Kamala together will be absolutely ready for lots of long, long days and very short nights working to get as much done as quickly as possible," Clinton said.

Clinton added that she expected Trump to cast doubt on the result of the election if he loses.

"I have every reason to believe Trump is not going to go quietly into the night if he loses," Clinton said.

Clinton sidestepped a question from a reporter about whether she would serve in a Biden administration if he defeats Trump.

"If you are asked to serve you should certainly consider that but let's not go there until we actually win," Clinton said.

Hillary Clinton on Thursday said she hopes Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee, and women running for political office in the future will receive "less sexist" media coverage than she did in 2016.

Hillary Clinton on Thursday said she hopes Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee, and women running for political office in the future will receive "less sexist" media coverage than she did in 2016. "I still hope, especially with Kamala on the ticket, that the coverage of women running for president or vice president will be less sexist, less sensationalist and less trivializing," Clinton, a former US secretary of state, said during an online forum hosted by news organization The 19th. Clinton, a Democrat, lost in the Electoral College to US President Donald Trump in 2016 despite receiving more votes than him nationwide. Clinton said she had talked with Harris and Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee who this week named Harris as his running mate, about their campaign. "They are inheriting a mess of historic proportions," Clinton said, adding that she did not think the coronavirus pandemic would be over by January when Biden and Harris would take office if they defeat Trump and Vice President Michael Pence. "I think Joe and Kamala together will be absolutely ready for lots of long, long days and very short nights working to get as much done as quickly as possible," Clinton said. Clinton added that she expected Trump to cast doubt on the result of the election if he loses. "I have every reason to believe Trump is not going to go quietly into the night if he loses," Clinton said. Clinton sidestepped a question from a reporter about whether she would serve in a Biden administration if he defeats Trump. "If you are asked to serve you should certainly consider that but let's not go there until we actually win," Clinton said.

Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton

kamala-harris

Kamala Harris, News on Kamala Harris, stories on Kamala Harris, articles on Kamala Harris, Kamala Harris stories at Wion, Kamala Harris news, Kamala Harris latest news

kamala harris