WASHINGTON — It was the accessory that stole the evening.

Not the discreet strand of pearls and matching earrings worn by Sen. Kamala Harris or the glowing Reagan red tie of Vice President Mike Pence, but rather the fly that landed on Pence’s pure white helmet of hair midway through the vice-presidential debate Wednesday night, and appeared to hang out for a while: a black spot amid the snowy expanse of his coif that was impossible to ignore.

And it kind of undermined his ability to answer the great unspoken question that hung over the event: Does this person look like someone who could be president?

Would he or she be convincing in that role?

After all, as Susan Page, the USA Today journalist who was the moderator, pointed out, both Harris and Pence would serve as No. 2 to the oldest president in history, no matter which candidate wins. There is a real possibility someone ends up in a very different job.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internet-goes-berserk-after-errant-housefly-on-pences-head-photobombs-vp-debate-333508">Also read|&nbsp;Internet goes berserk after errant housefly on Pence's head photobombs VP debate</a>

As much as anything in the public arena that is a debate, with the electorate (or a chunk of it anyway) judging little pictures on a screen, maybe tuning into the words, maybe rolling their eyes and tuning out, the candidates’ job was to model what that might look like.

To use the moment not just to get across substantive policy platforms and plans, but also to tap into our lizard brains and connect with the associations buried there between dress and trust, appearance and reliability, familiarity and power.

No matter how much people complain about paying attention to such apparently superficial choices, they inform how we understand what we hear. There’s a reason the best one-liners end up on T-shirts and sweatshirts literally overnight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-us-presidential-debate-to-be-virtual-trump-says-wont-participate-333504">Also read|&nbsp;Next US Presidential debate to be 'virtual'; Trump says won't 'participate'</a>

So the fly didn’t help. The TV-watcher-in-chief, with his penchant for “central casting” his administration, could not have been pleased at the mockery it engendered on his favorite social media platform. The fly was the black spot in the ointment of Pence’s image, which has always seemed to belong to a Lego set, or a Build-a-Bear experience (build a politician!). From dark suit to pristine white shirt and favored red ties to snowy hair that appears practically painted on, it’s as if he came straight out of a mold.

That’s effective to a certain extent and may be reassuring for some (maybe without the fly), but it also increasingly seems like a relic from a different time.

Harris, by contrast, is something else: a pioneer, the first woman of color to be nominated for national official by a major political party. She’s the next stage of history.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vp-debate-2020-kamala-harris-im-speaking-snub-to-pence-appears-on-t-shirts-mugs-online-333370">Also read|&nbsp;US VP Debate 2020: Kamala Harris' 'I'm speaking' snub to Pence appears on t-shirts, mugs online</a>

And when the California senator took the debate stage, she dressed for it. She went fully dark — dark pantsuit, dark shell beneath — even as she smiled and shook her head as if in amazement at the absurdity of what she was hearing from the other side.

In this, she was fully in line with her own recent appearances — she has made something of a practice of wearing dark colors, opting for deep navy for the first debate of the Democratic presidential candidates, and dark burgundy for her speech at the Democratic National Convention — but not the Hillary Clinton-Elizabeth Warren-Nancy Pelosi continuum of fruit bowl-colored jackets and pantsuits. Not the style that has become the accepted outfit for a woman in politics, treading the line as it does between classic male uniform and clichéd female shades. Not even the recent vogue for suffragist white.

Harris opted for a different narrative, one that signals a new generation and a new start and calls to mind ninjas, Navy SEALs and funerals. That has its own risks, but it also has a certain authenticity. She has always had to be a fighter. Why not acknowledge it?

In any case, the look doesn’t exactly feed into the description of her as an extreme liberal, a label that Pence and the Trump campaign keep trying to pin on Harris, and a cartoon all its own. The candidate didn’t come close to playing that part.

Her pearls spoke to tradition: both her own (she has been wearing them since her Howard College graduation photo in 1986) and that of the White House and its first ladies. Barbara Bush famously wore pearls. So did Jackie Kennedy. So did Michelle Obama. On her feet, she wore sharp pumps, not the Converse or Timberlands she has sported on the campaign trail, and that have gone viral. She observed propriety, and the occasion. Her suit was buttoned-up and sedate, with a little American flag pin on the lapel (just like Pence’s). The general effect was not of soft power but of somber power. She looked serious and no-frills and in control.

She looked like her own person. By Thursday morning her reply to Pence’s mansplaining interruptions — “I’m speaking” — had already made it onto merch. No flies on her.

WASHINGTON — It was the accessory that stole the evening. Not the discreet strand of pearls and matching earrings worn by Sen. Kamala Harris or the glowing Reagan red tie of Vice President Mike Pence, but rather the fly that landed on Pence’s pure white helmet of hair midway through the vice-presidential debate Wednesday night, and appeared to hang out for a while: a black spot amid the snowy expanse of his coif that was impossible to ignore.

WASHINGTON — It was the accessory that stole the evening. Not the discreet strand of pearls and matching earrings worn by Sen. Kamala Harris or the glowing Reagan red tie of Vice President Mike Pence, but rather the fly that landed on Pence’s pure white helmet of hair midway through the vice-presidential debate Wednesday night, and appeared to hang out for a while: a black spot amid the snowy expanse of his coif that was impossible to ignore. And it kind of undermined his ability to answer the great unspoken question that hung over the event: Does this person look like someone who could be president? Would he or she be convincing in that role? After all, as Susan Page, the USA Today journalist who was the moderator, pointed out, both Harris and Pence would serve as No. 2 to the oldest president in history, no matter which candidate wins. There is a real possibility someone ends up in a very different job. Also read| Internet goes berserk after errant housefly on Pence's head photobombs VP debate As much as anything in the public arena that is a debate, with the electorate (or a chunk of it anyway) judging little pictures on a screen, maybe tuning into the words, maybe rolling their eyes and tuning out, the candidates’ job was to model what that might look like. To use the moment not just to get across substantive policy platforms and plans, but also to tap into our lizard brains and connect with the associations buried there between dress and trust, appearance and reliability, familiarity and power. No matter how much people complain about paying attention to such apparently superficial choices, they inform how we understand what we hear. There’s a reason the best one-liners end up on T-shirts and sweatshirts literally overnight. Also read| Next US Presidential debate to be 'virtual'; Trump says won't 'participate' So the fly didn’t help. The TV-watcher-in-chief, with his penchant for “central casting” his administration, could not have been pleased at the mockery it engendered on his favorite social media platform. The fly was the black spot in the ointment of Pence’s image, which has always seemed to belong to a Lego set, or a Build-a-Bear experience (build a politician!). From dark suit to pristine white shirt and favored red ties to snowy hair that appears practically painted on, it’s as if he came straight out of a mold. That’s effective to a certain extent and may be reassuring for some (maybe without the fly), but it also increasingly seems like a relic from a different time. Harris, by contrast, is something else: a pioneer, the first woman of color to be nominated for national official by a major political party. She’s the next stage of history. Also read| US VP Debate 2020: Kamala Harris' 'I'm speaking' snub to Pence appears on t-shirts, mugs online And when the California senator took the debate stage, she dressed for it. She went fully dark — dark pantsuit, dark shell beneath — even as she smiled and shook her head as if in amazement at the absurdity of what she was hearing from the other side. In this, she was fully in line with her own recent appearances — she has made something of a practice of wearing dark colors, opting for deep navy for the first debate of the Democratic presidential candidates, and dark burgundy for her speech at the Democratic National Convention — but not the Hillary Clinton-Elizabeth Warren-Nancy Pelosi continuum of fruit bowl-colored jackets and pantsuits. Not the style that has become the accepted outfit for a woman in politics, treading the line as it does between classic male uniform and clichéd female shades. Not even the recent vogue for suffragist white. Harris opted for a different narrative, one that signals a new generation and a new start and calls to mind ninjas, Navy SEALs and funerals. That has its own risks, but it also has a certain authenticity. She has always had to be a fighter. Why not acknowledge it? In any case, the look doesn’t exactly feed into the description of her as an extreme liberal, a label that Pence and the Trump campaign keep trying to pin on Harris, and a cartoon all its own. The candidate didn’t come close to playing that part. Her pearls spoke to tradition: both her own (she has been wearing them since her Howard College graduation photo in 1986) and that of the White House and its first ladies. Barbara Bush famously wore pearls. So did Jackie Kennedy. So did Michelle Obama. On her feet, she wore sharp pumps, not the Converse or Timberlands she has sported on the campaign trail, and that have gone viral. She observed propriety, and the occasion. Her suit was buttoned-up and sedate, with a little American flag pin on the lapel (just like Pence’s). The general effect was not of soft power but of somber power. She looked serious and no-frills and in control. She looked like her own person. By Thursday morning her reply to Pence’s mansplaining interruptions — “I’m speaking” — had already made it onto merch. No flies on her.

When a fly ruins your image

WASHINGTON — Four years ago, when Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia faced off against Mike Pence at the vice-presidential debate, the encounter put two drastically different debate styles on display: Pence came across as mild-mannered and more formal while Kaine, a litigator by training, was more of an attack dog, with a tendency to interrupt and talk over Pence. Even as Pence made little effort to directly rebut attacks against Donald Trump, Kaine tried at nearly every turn to offer praise for his running mate, Hillary Clinton.

Ahead of this year’s vice-presidential debate Wednesday between Sen. Kamala Harris of California and Pence, The New York Times spoke to Kaine about what Harris should expect, how the news of Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis might affect the vice president and whether Kaine is offering Harris any advice.

The following is an edited and condensed version of the conversation, which was conducted Friday, after Trump announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus but before he was hospitalized.

Q: How does Harris prepare for a debate now in this environment, with the news that Trump has tested positive for the coronavirus?

A: Does it make the debate more important? Does it make the debate less important because people won’t be thinking about the vice-presidential debate? It’s hard to say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-and-mike-pence-debate-what-to-watch-for-333064">Also read|&nbsp;Kamala Harris and Mike Pence debate: What to watch for</a>

The 2016 debate, there was no incumbent. So both tickets were basically Hillary and Donald Trump wanting to be president and each ticket making the case, “If we succeed, here’s what we want to do, here’s why you should elect us.”

When you have an incumbent, the debate is heavily about, “OK, well, you had a chance, what did you do?” It’s the Ronald Reagan question of Jimmy Carter in 1980, where he looks the American public in the face: “Are you better off than you were four years ago?”

So that makes this debate different — both the presidential and vice-presidential debates. It’s not just about, ‘Well, here’s what we’re going to do.’ The Trump-Pence administration has a record. And one of the most top-of-mind pieces of the record is 210,000 people dead and millions having lost their jobs under the Trump administration. And he (Trump) asked Mike Pence on Feb. 26: “Be the head of our coronavirus task force. Lead this effort for the United States.” I would venture to say that that role is the most important role that Pence has ever had in his life, even more than the title of vice president.

So Trump, and the administration more generally, having downplayed this — “it’s a hoax, it’s going to go away soon, we have it under control, any American can get a test” — undercutting scientists like Dr. Fauci over and over and over again, the catastrophic failure of the United States relative to other nations and dealing with both the health crisis and then the economic devastation that resulted from it, that is really square. And it was squarely on the table in the presidential debate, and it’s going to be squarely on the table in the vice-presidential debate because it’s top of mind for everybody, because Pence was asked to assume a leadership role. And now because the president, who undermined all the science all the way along and said it was a hoax or wasn’t a big problem, has now been diagnosed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-a-disco-dancing-teenager-yearned-for-home-in-canada-332767">Also read|&nbsp;Kamala Harris, a disco-dancing teenager, yearned for home in Canada</a>

Q: What is it like debating Pence? What advice are you going to give to Harris?

A: I’ll answer the first question, not the second one because we’re in conversation about advice, but why would I make that public?

Pence is a professional communicator. He was a radio talk show host before he was in politics, so he can deliver a line. And, I think it’s frustrating when you’re onstage with somebody who’s delivering a line that’s false. But he does it — he can do it very, very well.

Now, Kamala’s good. She’s a prosecutor, and she has evidence to argue. When she was in court back in the day, she would have to argue the evidence. She’s got a lot of evidence to argue. But the vice president is a trained communicator who can look in a camera and basically say anything, even if it’s contrary to the facts, and say it as if he believes it.

Q: I know you aren’t going to discuss the advice you are giving, but has Harris called you for advice or have you spoken about ——

A: Yes.

Q: Multiple times? Or how often?

A: We have communicated — and I’ll just use that phrase more broadly — communicated one-on-one. And our staffs have talked a number of times, and we’re not done.

Q: Given that, as you said, Pence is a professional communicator, does this kind of huge news — in your experience — does he get rattled by it? Is he going to stay the course? What do you think this does for him?

A: My prediction is — he has done nothing but be a wonderful salesman for Donald Trump and then talk about how great Donald Trump is going to be; he’s going to do that same thing. At the debate, he will be praising his boss over and over again. He stands next to Donald Trump and smiles and nods and talks about how fantastic he is, and he’ll do that at the debate. The challenge for him is, how can you do that without it going in a completely discordant way with Americans who are suffering?

Q: One more question and this one is not about the debate. What do you think Joe Biden and the campaign should do at this point, in terms of their schedule? How do you campaign in this environment?

A: They need to do what they’ve already done, which is be smart about being safe, keeping their staff safe and keeping voters safe. But they also need to be aggressive in getting around the country, following good safety rules. And I suspect that they’re going to do that.

This is not a hiatus of the campaign. No. We’re in the closing stretch of the campaign, and they’ve got to be aggressively campaigning. But the good news is, they will only do it in a way that is mindful of their own safety and the safety of everybody around them.

WASHINGTON — Four years ago, when Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia faced off against Mike Pence at the vice-presidential debate, the encounter put two drastically different debate styles on display: Pence came across as mild-mannered and more formal while Kaine, a litigator by training, was more of an attack dog, with a tendency to interrupt and talk over Pence.

WASHINGTON — Four years ago, when Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia faced off against Mike Pence at the vice-presidential debate, the encounter put two drastically different debate styles on display: Pence came across as mild-mannered and more formal while Kaine, a litigator by training, was more of an attack dog, with a tendency to interrupt and talk over Pence. Even as Pence made little effort to directly rebut attacks against Donald Trump, Kaine tried at nearly every turn to offer praise for his running mate, Hillary Clinton. Ahead of this year’s vice-presidential debate Wednesday between Sen. Kamala Harris of California and Pence, The New York Times spoke to Kaine about what Harris should expect, how the news of Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis might affect the vice president and whether Kaine is offering Harris any advice. The following is an edited and condensed version of the conversation, which was conducted Friday, after Trump announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus but before he was hospitalized. Q: How does Harris prepare for a debate now in this environment, with the news that Trump has tested positive for the coronavirus? A: Does it make the debate more important? Does it make the debate less important because people won’t be thinking about the vice-presidential debate? It’s hard to say. Also read| Kamala Harris and Mike Pence debate: What to watch for The 2016 debate, there was no incumbent. So both tickets were basically Hillary and Donald Trump wanting to be president and each ticket making the case, “If we succeed, here’s what we want to do, here’s why you should elect us.” When you have an incumbent, the debate is heavily about, “OK, well, you had a chance, what did you do?” It’s the Ronald Reagan question of Jimmy Carter in 1980, where he looks the American public in the face: “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” So that makes this debate different — both the presidential and vice-presidential debates. It’s not just about, ‘Well, here’s what we’re going to do.’ The Trump-Pence administration has a record. And one of the most top-of-mind pieces of the record is 210,000 people dead and millions having lost their jobs under the Trump administration. And he (Trump) asked Mike Pence on Feb. 26: “Be the head of our coronavirus task force. Lead this effort for the United States.” I would venture to say that that role is the most important role that Pence has ever had in his life, even more than the title of vice president. So Trump, and the administration more generally, having downplayed this — “it’s a hoax, it’s going to go away soon, we have it under control, any American can get a test” — undercutting scientists like Dr. Fauci over and over and over again, the catastrophic failure of the United States relative to other nations and dealing with both the health crisis and then the economic devastation that resulted from it, that is really square. And it was squarely on the table in the presidential debate, and it’s going to be squarely on the table in the vice-presidential debate because it’s top of mind for everybody, because Pence was asked to assume a leadership role. And now because the president, who undermined all the science all the way along and said it was a hoax or wasn’t a big problem, has now been diagnosed. Also read| Kamala Harris, a disco-dancing teenager, yearned for home in Canada Q: What is it like debating Pence? What advice are you going to give to Harris? A: I’ll answer the first question, not the second one because we’re in conversation about advice, but why would I make that public? Pence is a professional communicator. He was a radio talk show host before he was in politics, so he can deliver a line. And, I think it’s frustrating when you’re onstage with somebody who’s delivering a line that’s false. But he does it — he can do it very, very well. Now, Kamala’s good. She’s a prosecutor, and she has evidence to argue. When she was in court back in the day, she would have to argue the evidence. She’s got a lot of evidence to argue. But the vice president is a trained communicator who can look in a camera and basically say anything, even if it’s contrary to the facts, and say it as if he believes it. Q: I know you aren’t going to discuss the advice you are giving, but has Harris called you for advice or have you spoken about —— A: Yes. Q: Multiple times? Or how often? A: We have communicated — and I’ll just use that phrase more broadly — communicated one-on-one. And our staffs have talked a number of times, and we’re not done. Q: Given that, as you said, Pence is a professional communicator, does this kind of huge news — in your experience — does he get rattled by it? Is he going to stay the course? What do you think this does for him? A: My prediction is — he has done nothing but be a wonderful salesman for Donald Trump and then talk about how great Donald Trump is going to be; he’s going to do that same thing. At the debate, he will be praising his boss over and over again. He stands next to Donald Trump and smiles and nods and talks about how fantastic he is, and he’ll do that at the debate. The challenge for him is, how can you do that without it going in a completely discordant way with Americans who are suffering? Q: One more question and this one is not about the debate. What do you think Joe Biden and the campaign should do at this point, in terms of their schedule? How do you campaign in this environment? A: They need to do what they’ve already done, which is be smart about being safe, keeping their staff safe and keeping voters safe. But they also need to be aggressive in getting around the country, following good safety rules. And I suspect that they’re going to do that. This is not a hiatus of the campaign. No. We’re in the closing stretch of the campaign, and they’ve got to be aggressively campaigning. But the good news is, they will only do it in a way that is mindful of their own safety and the safety of everybody around them.

Tim Kaine on what it's like to debate Mike Pence

The first presidential debate between President Donald Trump & Democrat nominee Joe Biden was more of a yelling match than a structured exchange of ideas. Watch the report to know more.

US Election 2020: First debate of the most polarised election; WION-VOA Co-Production

Anthony Scaramucci served as Trump's Communications Director. He now says that Trump will be humiliated in this election. WION's Palki Sharma brings you an exclusive conversation.

Gravitas: Former insider says Trump will be humiliated in this election

First US Presidential Debate is over. Millions viewed it across the world. Since the US is an important country, the competence of the US President matters in world affairs.

As usual, journalists and people from all walks of life would now discuss to decide who was the winner of the first debate. Many surveys would be carried out to check what people think. Some would support Trump, some would support Biden, and the result of the online opinion survey would be interpreted by journalists as per their perspectives and prejudices.&nbsp;

While presidential debates of previous US Presidential Elections were not known to have been of scholarly standards the first debate this time around appears to mark a new low standard. Presidential aspirant Joe Biden brought down the standards of the debate by calling Trump a liar and saying that he was bluffing. Trump was a little better, though he unnecessarily and mischievously made reference to Biden's son.

Most of the viewers must have realised that whatever was being said in the debate was said several times before during the last few weeks and nothing interesting was being brought into focus.

Ultimately, what stood out in the debate was Biden calling Trump a liar. People may have been left wondering whether this was a language befitting a presidential aspirant.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/name-calling-during-presidential-election-campaign-in-usa-331048">Name calling during presidential election campaign in USA</a> 
 
The anchor who conducted the debate did not do any better. That's because he gave the impression that he was questioning Trump more critically than Biden. One could not help but note the fact that the anchor did not caution Biden to not use words such a liar.

There was much cross-talk and interruptions by both the candidates which reduced the presidential debate to an acrimonious TV debate. Should those aspiring to become US President reflect such standards?

It was surprising that queries raised by the anchor were very ordinary and it seemed that he did not do his homework properly.

For example, during the debate on COVID-19, there was space for the anchor to ask challenging questions. Questions should have been crafted on the origin of the virus and Trump's criticism of WHO. Trump would have struggled to answer.

Similarly, Biden should have been asked about how he would have handled the COVID 19 crisis better.

It was surprising to see Trump bring up India saying that COVID-19 figures from India were not correct. It would have been appropriate if he would have mentioned the veracity of the figures from China.

The debate may throw up paramount doubts in the minds of the viewers about the possible dearth of talent in US for the choice of the next president.

One only hopes that the second round of debate would be more productive with all three of them namely Trump, Biden and the anchor doing better homework and coming out with probing questions and intelligent answers.

The candidates should avoid abuses. Sarcastic humour is necessary for such debates. However, it can only be an interesting tool when the contesting candidates and the anchor have the debating talent to emphasise their points with humour and impact.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

First US Presidential Debate is over. Millions viewed it across the world. Since the US is an important country, the competence of the US President matters in world affairs.

First US Presidential Debate is over. Millions viewed it across the world. Since the US is an important country, the competence of the US President matters in world affairs. As usual, journalists and people from all walks of life would now discuss to decide who was the winner of the first debate. Many surveys would be carried out to check what people think. Some would support Trump, some would support Biden, and the result of the online opinion survey would be interpreted by journalists as per their perspectives and prejudices. While presidential debates of previous US Presidential Elections were not known to have been of scholarly standards the first debate this time around appears to mark a new low standard. Presidential aspirant Joe Biden brought down the standards of the debate by calling Trump a liar and saying that he was bluffing. Trump was a little better, though he unnecessarily and mischievously made reference to Biden's son. Most of the viewers must have realised that whatever was being said in the debate was said several times before during the last few weeks and nothing interesting was being brought into focus. Ultimately, what stood out in the debate was Biden calling Trump a liar. People may have been left wondering whether this was a language befitting a presidential aspirant. Also Read | Name calling during presidential election campaign in USA The anchor who conducted the debate did not do any better. That's because he gave the impression that he was questioning Trump more critically than Biden. One could not help but note the fact that the anchor did not caution Biden to not use words such a liar. There was much cross-talk and interruptions by both the candidates which reduced the presidential debate to an acrimonious TV debate. Should those aspiring to become US President reflect such standards? It was surprising that queries raised by the anchor were very ordinary and it seemed that he did not do his homework properly. For example, during the debate on COVID-19, there was space for the anchor to ask challenging questions. Questions should have been crafted on the origin of the virus and Trump's criticism of WHO. Trump would have struggled to answer. Similarly, Biden should have been asked about how he would have handled the COVID 19 crisis better. It was surprising to see Trump bring up India saying that COVID-19 figures from India were not correct. It would have been appropriate if he would have mentioned the veracity of the figures from China. The debate may throw up paramount doubts in the minds of the viewers about the possible dearth of talent in US for the choice of the next president. One only hopes that the second round of debate would be more productive with all three of them namely Trump, Biden and the anchor doing better homework and coming out with probing questions and intelligent answers. The candidates should avoid abuses. Sarcastic humour is necessary for such debates. However, it can only be an interesting tool when the contesting candidates and the anchor have the debating talent to emphasise their points with humour and impact. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

US Presidential Debate: A listless affair

President Trump and Joe Biden appeared onstage together for the first time on Tuesday. Was it a fiery debate or ugly brawl? Watch to know more

U.S. Election 2020 New York Direct EP4 | 90 minutes of chaos in a year of upheaval

Donald Trump said during the first US presidential debate against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden that he has paid "millions of dollars" in income tax. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

During the debate moderator Christopher W Wallace, an American television anchor and political commentator, asked Trump, “Is it true that you paid $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017?” 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319">Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time</a>

Offering no evidence, Trump said he had paid, "millions of dollars. And you'll get to see it," despite his refusal to release any returns since he became a candidate in 2015, breaking with decades of tradition. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-shut-up-man-biden-accuses-trump-of-lying-331313">'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying</a>

During the debate calling Trump "totally irresponsible'' on managing Covid-19, Biden said the president is "a fool on this." "He panicked or he looked at the stock market," Biden said of Trump. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-defends-supreme-court-pick-barrett-331308">Trump defends Supreme Court pick Barrett</a>

Biden said that "millionaires" and "billionaires" like Trump have done very well during the pandemic.

Earlier, The New York Times published an article on Sunday claiming that Trump paid $750 each for 2016 as well as 2017 and that he paid no income taxes at all in ten of the previous 15 years. The president dismissed the claims as another piece of "fake news" in a series of tweets, adding that he was entitled to depreciation and tax credits like everyone else.

Biden's tax records showed he and his wife, Jill Biden, collectively earned $517,334 in 2019 and paid $346,204, while receiving a refund of $46,858.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump said during the first US presidential debate against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden that he has paid "millions of dollars" in income tax.

Donald Trump said during the first US presidential debate against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden that he has paid "millions of dollars" in income tax. Also read | Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate During the debate moderator Christopher W Wallace, an American television anchor and political commentator, asked Trump, “Is it true that you paid $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017?” Also read | Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time Offering no evidence, Trump said he had paid, "millions of dollars. And you'll get to see it," despite his refusal to release any returns since he became a candidate in 2015, breaking with decades of tradition. Also read | 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying During the debate calling Trump "totally irresponsible'' on managing Covid-19, Biden said the president is "a fool on this." "He panicked or he looked at the stock market," Biden said of Trump. Also read | Trump defends Supreme Court pick Barrett Biden said that "millionaires" and "billionaires" like Trump have done very well during the pandemic. Earlier, The New York Times published an article on Sunday claiming that Trump paid $750 each for 2016 as well as 2017 and that he paid no income taxes at all in ten of the previous 15 years. The president dismissed the claims as another piece of "fake news" in a series of tweets, adding that he was entitled to depreciation and tax credits like everyone else. Biden's tax records showed he and his wife, Jill Biden, collectively earned $517,334 in 2019 and paid $346,204, while receiving a refund of $46,858. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections 2020: Trump says paid 'millions of dollars' in income tax

During the first Presidential Debate for the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a> 2020, the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> and his opponent Joe Biden took to the stage for a face-off.

While talking about the novel coronavirus,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was seen boasting about the huge turnout at his election campaigns. Talking about how 'Sleepy Joe' was always conducting online campaigns,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;even took a hit at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe&nbsp;Biden</a>&nbsp;laughing "nobody would come".

Trump&nbsp;said he went ahead and conducted the campaigns in open-air, mainly near or at the airports where he says, "thousands of people turn up within 24 hours notice".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

He was seen boasting about how thousands of people turn up at his election campaigns, but failed to address the lack of social distancing and masks.&nbsp;

He also mocked&nbsp;Joe Biden for wearing&nbsp;masks. To this, Biden recalled the incident when a journalist approached&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and he took a step back asking 'Have you been tested?' claiming that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;only cares about himself, and nobody else.&nbsp;

This is not the first time&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has been seen boasting about the huge campaign turnouts. Previously at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-boasts-about-huge-crowd-gathering-at-michigan-rally-326772">Michigan rally</a>, he had said,&nbsp;"This is not the crowd of a person who comes in second place."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319">Also read|&nbsp;Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time</a>

'You graduated lowest of your class'

The two also participated in bitter&nbsp;banter where&nbsp;Biden called&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;to be not that smart, to which the President replied "There's nothing smart about you" because "you graduated the lowest of your class".

"Don't ever use the word smart with me. Don't ever use that word with me. There's nothing smart about you, Joe," Trump said.

&nbsp;The two leaders did not also shake hands at the beginning of the debate. While the primary reason behind the same can be the fear of contracting coronavirus, it also pointed towards the bitterness between the two leaders.

During the first Presidential Debate for the upcoming US elections 2020, the US President Donald Trump and his opponent Joe Biden took to the stage for a face-off.

During the first Presidential Debate for the upcoming US elections 2020, the US President Donald Trump and his opponent Joe Biden took to the stage for a face-off. While talking about the novel coronavirus, Trump was seen boasting about the huge turnout at his election campaigns. Talking about how 'Sleepy Joe' was always conducting online campaigns, Trump even took a hit at Joe Biden laughing "nobody would come". Trump said he went ahead and conducted the campaigns in open-air, mainly near or at the airports where he says, "thousands of people turn up within 24 hours notice". Also read| US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate He was seen boasting about how thousands of people turn up at his election campaigns, but failed to address the lack of social distancing and masks. He also mocked Joe Biden for wearing masks. To this, Biden recalled the incident when a journalist approached Trump and he took a step back asking 'Have you been tested?' claiming that Trump only cares about himself, and nobody else. This is not the first time Trump has been seen boasting about the huge campaign turnouts. Previously at the Michigan rally, he had said, "This is not the crowd of a person who comes in second place." Also read| Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time 'You graduated lowest of your class' The two also participated in bitter banter where Biden called Trump to be not that smart, to which the President replied "There's nothing smart about you" because "you graduated the lowest of your class". "Don't ever use the word smart with me. Don't ever use that word with me. There's nothing smart about you, Joe," Trump said. The two leaders did not also shake hands at the beginning of the debate. While the primary reason behind the same can be the fear of contracting coronavirus, it also pointed towards the bitterness between the two leaders.

US election 2020: Trump boasts about huge crowd at campaigns

The first Presidential Debate&nbsp;that took place in Ohio on September 29 was one of the few times that the country saw such a heated debate between the two candidates.

While the meidator tried to tell the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to let his rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;speak during his 'two minutes of uniterrupted' speech,&nbsp;Biden lost his edge and said, "WIll you shut up, man!"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-boasts-about-huge-crowd-at-campaigns-331309">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Trump boasts about huge crowd at campaigns</a>

Biden&nbsp;continued accusing&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;of lying to everyone, and only caring about himself, and nobody else.

"The fact is that everything he is saying so far is simply a lie. I'm not here to call out his lies. Everybody knows he's a liar," Biden said.

Trump, predictably, denied these accusations claiming to have never lied to the people of the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

The Dmeocratic opponent, while talking about how&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has been lying to the nation, especially related to the novel coronavirus, called&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;to be 'not very smart'.

Trump&nbsp;slammed back at&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;by saying "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing."

When the frontrunner&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;was constantly being interrupted by&nbsp;Trump, Biden snapped and said, "It's hard to get a word in with this clown." This is probably the first time such a remark has been passed in the Presidential debate.

The first Presidential Debate that took place in Ohio on September 29 was one of the few times that the country saw such a heated debate between the two candidates.

The first Presidential Debate that took place in Ohio on September 29 was one of the few times that the country saw such a heated debate between the two candidates. While the meidator tried to tell the US President Donald Trump to let his rival Joe Biden speak during his 'two minutes of uniterrupted' speech, Biden lost his edge and said, "WIll you shut up, man!" Also read| US election 2020: Trump boasts about huge crowd at campaigns Biden continued accusing Trump of lying to everyone, and only caring about himself, and nobody else. "The fact is that everything he is saying so far is simply a lie. I'm not here to call out his lies. Everybody knows he's a liar," Biden said. Trump, predictably, denied these accusations claiming to have never lied to the people of the US. Also read| US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate The Dmeocratic opponent, while talking about how Trump has been lying to the nation, especially related to the novel coronavirus, called Trump to be 'not very smart'. Trump slammed back at Biden by saying "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing." When the frontrunner Biden was constantly being interrupted by Trump, Biden snapped and said, "It's hard to get a word in with this clown." This is probably the first time such a remark has been passed in the Presidential debate.

US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying

While the US President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihr5ry7o_sAhWawzgGHb0eDLAQFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AfO9799mZXkwQdiR-a7m_">Donald Trump</a> and his democratic rival <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ9JHp7o_sAhW9yjgGHfB6D5oQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uWmb1SVt292OTp_JacPPr">Joe Biden</a> engaged in a heated debate, they forgot that they are bound to listen to the commands of the debate moderator&nbsp;Chris Wallace.

The 72-year-old Fox News journalist had to, repeatedly, remind the two leaders about his presence and the rules.

The problem, majorly, was seen in Trump's behaviour. During the 'two minutes uninterrupted' statements allowed to the two leaders, Trump usually got the first chance to make his statement, but he kept interrupting whenever his rival started his two minutes 'uninterrupted' time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-calls-trump-a-clown-as-candidates-spar-in-first-presidential-debate-331321">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate</a>

After few repeated incidents, Wallace raised his voice at Trump and asked him to his rival speak. Trump, however, demanded two more minutes after Biden repeatedly claiming that 'he had his time, and now it is mine'.&nbsp;

To this, Wallace snapped at Trump and said, "You had your time, sir".

Wallace is a Fox News journalist who had also moderated a debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton during the US elections 2016.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-shut-up-man-biden-accuses-trump-of-lying-331313">Also read|&nbsp;US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying</a>

Although he belongs to a channel that is hugely considered to be a pro-Trump channel, Wallace is known for his tough interviewing style and not being biased towards anyone in particular during interviews.

Later, when Biden, at one point, had to re-ask the question from Wallace because 'I have lost track of what the exact question was', Wallace laughed out and jibed a mockery of Trump saying "Even I am having trouble keeping up now."

While the US President Donald Trump and his democratic rival Joe Biden engaged in a heated debate, they forgot that they are bound to listen to the commands of the debate moderator Chris Wallace.

While the US President Donald Trump and his democratic rival Joe Biden engaged in a heated debate, they forgot that they are bound to listen to the commands of the debate moderator Chris Wallace. The 72-year-old Fox News journalist had to, repeatedly, remind the two leaders about his presence and the rules. The problem, majorly, was seen in Trump's behaviour. During the 'two minutes uninterrupted' statements allowed to the two leaders, Trump usually got the first chance to make his statement, but he kept interrupting whenever his rival started his two minutes 'uninterrupted' time. Also read| US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'clown' as candidates spar in first presidential debate After few repeated incidents, Wallace raised his voice at Trump and asked him to his rival speak. Trump, however, demanded two more minutes after Biden repeatedly claiming that 'he had his time, and now it is mine'. To this, Wallace snapped at Trump and said, "You had your time, sir". Wallace is a Fox News journalist who had also moderated a debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton during the US elections 2016. Also read| US elections 2020: 'Shut up, man' — Biden accuses Trump of lying Although he belongs to a channel that is hugely considered to be a pro-Trump channel, Wallace is known for his tough interviewing style and not being biased towards anyone in particular during interviews. Later, when Biden, at one point, had to re-ask the question from Wallace because 'I have lost track of what the exact question was', Wallace laughed out and jibed a mockery of Trump saying "Even I am having trouble keeping up now."

Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time

Donald Trump defies friendship with PM Modi - During the first presidential debate for the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, the&nbsp;US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihr5ry7o_sAhWawzgGHb0eDLAQFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AfO9799mZXkwQdiR-a7m_">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;backtracked on his friendship with India and accused the Asian country of misquoting the data related to novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Trump&nbsp;has always claimed to be a dear friend of the India Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>. However, that has not stopped him from accusing the Modi-led government of hiding the coronavirus-related data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-this-will-end-badly-for-us-elections-result-331339">Also read|&nbsp;Trump says 'this will end badly' for US elections result</a>

While hoping to woo the voters watching the heated debate and to put his Democratic rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ9JHp7o_sAhW9yjgGHfB6D5oQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uWmb1SVt292OTp_JacPPr">Joe Biden</a>, he launched an attack on China, Russia and India, and alleged the governments of not revealing the actual numbers of people who have lost their lives to the novel coronavirus.

"When you talk about numbers you don't know how many people died in China, you don't know how many people died in Russia, you don't know how many people died in India," Trump said.

"They don't exactly give you a straight count," he continued the allegation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-weeks-away-from-vaccine-trump-during-debate-against-biden-331333">Also read|&nbsp;US 'weeks away from vaccine': Trump during debate against Biden</a>

The accusation was made when the moderator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319">Chris Wallace</a>&nbsp;asked the two leaders about the 'serious' matter of coronavirus, highlighting that millions of people have been affected and nearly 200,000 people have lost their lives.

While&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;blamed the US President for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-admits-downplaying-seriousness-of-covid-19-326412">careless approach</a> and mishandling the pandemic,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;blamed China for spreading the virus and claimed that "millions" could have lost their lives to the virus if he had not acted the way he did.

While the comment on China was expected by&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;as he has often called 'coronavirus' as 'China virus' and 'Wuhan virus', the attack on India was a surprise for many, especially a month&nbsp;after Trump's election campaign had released a video message claiming "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/america-loves-india-trump-campaign-releases-commercial-for-indian-americans-322504">America loves India</a>".

Donald Trump defies friendship with PM Modi - During the first presidential debate for the upcoming US elections, the US President Donald Trump backtracked on his friendship with India and accused the Asian country of misquoting the data related to novel coronavirus.

Donald Trump defies friendship with PM Modi - During the first presidential debate for the upcoming US elections, the US President Donald Trump backtracked on his friendship with India and accused the Asian country of misquoting the data related to novel coronavirus. Trump has always claimed to be a dear friend of the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, that has not stopped him from accusing the Modi-led government of hiding the coronavirus-related data. Also read| Trump says 'this will end badly' for US elections result While hoping to woo the voters watching the heated debate and to put his Democratic rival Joe Biden, he launched an attack on China, Russia and India, and alleged the governments of not revealing the actual numbers of people who have lost their lives to the novel coronavirus. "When you talk about numbers you don't know how many people died in China, you don't know how many people died in Russia, you don't know how many people died in India," Trump said. "They don't exactly give you a straight count," he continued the allegation. Also read| US 'weeks away from vaccine': Trump during debate against Biden The accusation was made when the moderator Chris Wallace asked the two leaders about the 'serious' matter of coronavirus, highlighting that millions of people have been affected and nearly 200,000 people have lost their lives. While Biden blamed the US President for a careless approach and mishandling the pandemic, Trump blamed China for spreading the virus and claimed that "millions" could have lost their lives to the virus if he had not acted the way he did. While the comment on China was expected by Trump as he has often called 'coronavirus' as 'China virus' and 'Wuhan virus', the attack on India was a surprise for many, especially a month after Trump's election campaign had released a video message claiming "America loves India".

US Elections 2020: Trump defies friendship with PM Modi; questions India's COVID data

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden square off on Tuesday in their first presidential debate. With five weeks to go until the November 3 general election, the stakes are high.

US Election 2020: Less than 24 hours to first presidential debate

A little over a month is left when the United States will elect its president and at this stage, all eyes have set upon probably the most-anticipated events: the presidential debates.&nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump </a>and his Democratic rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>will set the ball rolling on Tuesday, which will likely to have audiences only surpassed by Super Bowl championship.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-biden-compares-trump-to-nazi-goebbels-ready-for-personal-attacks-330560">US elections 2020: Biden compares Trump to Nazi Goebbels; ready for personal attacks</a>

The debates are undoubtedly important for deciding the fate of Biden and Trump, but, over the years we have seen that winning these presidential face-off doesn't always translate into winning the election.&nbsp;

In 2016, Hillary Clinton was the winner of all three debates, but she ultimately lost the election to Trump.&nbsp;

Similarly, Democrat John Kerry performed better than George W. Bush in 2004 debates but was unable to win the election.&nbsp;

John Koch, a professor specialised in debates at Vanderbilt University, describes these debates as important not because they influence the voters, but as "it's the only time we see both candidates together and the two major parties ostensibly debating, outside of Congress", as quoted by news agency AFP.

Also, when the face-off will begin, there will be rehearsed performances by Biden and Trump, which makes these events less relevant, but still significant.&nbsp;

A Pew Research study found that only 10 per cent of voters finalised their voting choices after or during the debates in 2016.&nbsp;

A little over a month is left when the United States will elect its president and at this stage, all eyes have set upon probably the most-anticipated events: the presidential debates.

A little over a month is left when the United States will elect its president and at this stage, all eyes have set upon probably the most-anticipated events: the presidential debates. US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden will set the ball rolling on Tuesday, which will likely to have audiences only surpassed by Super Bowl championship. Also read | US elections 2020: Biden compares Trump to Nazi Goebbels; ready for personal attacks The debates are undoubtedly important for deciding the fate of Biden and Trump, but, over the years we have seen that winning these presidential face-off doesn't always translate into winning the election. In 2016, Hillary Clinton was the winner of all three debates, but she ultimately lost the election to Trump. Similarly, Democrat John Kerry performed better than George W. Bush in 2004 debates but was unable to win the election. John Koch, a professor specialised in debates at Vanderbilt University, describes these debates as important not because they influence the voters, but as "it's the only time we see both candidates together and the two major parties ostensibly debating, outside of Congress", as quoted by news agency AFP. Also, when the face-off will begin, there will be rehearsed performances by Biden and Trump, which makes these events less relevant, but still significant. A Pew Research study found that only 10 per cent of voters finalised their voting choices after or during the debates in 2016.

US: One-liners, rehearsed performances and mammoth audiences expected as Biden, Trump gear up for debates

Kangana Ranaut found herself trending on social media over the weekend for a rather unusual reason. The Bollywood actress who is known to speak her mind on issues related to the film industry and the country at large found her name trending amid the conversation around the upcoming US Presidential elections. 
 
On Sundat, President Donald Trump said he would "strongly demand a drug test" of opponent Joe Biden" before Tuesday’s presidential debate. 
 
Trump tweeted, "I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy,."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy???
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1310211120922230784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Now, Kangana who has single handedly spearheaded the 'clean-up' in Bollywood with her claims of rampant drug abuse in the film industry, shared Trump's tweet and wrote, "Its not the content of this tweet but the context of it that I appreciate, accusations of taking drugs is used as a slur, much better than naming mother’s reproductive organs/stigmatising mental illnesses. We as a society must know what is it that we recognise as truly shameful."

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Its not the content of this tweet but the context of it that I appreciate, accusations of taking drugs is used as a slur, much better than naming mother’s reproductive organs/stigmatising mental illnesses. We as a society must know what is it that we recognise as truly shameful. <a href="https://t.co/EunK41yqaF">https://t.co/EunK41yqaF</a>
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1310227089585369089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kangana's earlier tweets on drug abuse in Bollywood has led to the Narcotics Control Bureau to inititate a large scale investigation in the matter. What started off as a probe in Sushant Singh Rajput's case with Rhea Chakraborty's arrest, the probe has now been widened with several prominent Bollywood actresses including Deepika Padukone being summoned by the NCB for questioning. 
 
The NCB has already arrested 20 people in connection with the case including Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik.

Kangana Ranaut found herself trending on social media over the weekend for a rather unusual reason. The Bollywood actress who is known to speak her mind on issues related to the film industry and the country at large found her name trending amid the conversation around the upcoming US Presidential elections.

Kangana Ranaut found herself trending on social media over the weekend for a rather unusual reason. The Bollywood actress who is known to speak her mind on issues related to the film industry and the country at large found her name trending amid the conversation around the upcoming US Presidential elections. On Sundat, President Donald Trump said he would "strongly demand a drug test" of opponent Joe Biden" before Tuesday’s presidential debate. Trump tweeted, "I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy,." I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy??? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 27, 2020 × Now, Kangana who has single handedly spearheaded the 'clean-up' in Bollywood with her claims of rampant drug abuse in the film industry, shared Trump's tweet and wrote, "Its not the content of this tweet but the context of it that I appreciate, accusations of taking drugs is used as a slur, much better than naming mother’s reproductive organs/stigmatising mental illnesses. We as a society must know what is it that we recognise as truly shameful." Its not the content of this tweet but the context of it that I appreciate, accusations of taking drugs is used as a slur, much better than naming mother’s reproductive organs/stigmatising mental illnesses. We as a society must know what is it that we recognise as truly shameful. https://t.co/EunK41yqaF — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 27, 2020 × Kangana's earlier tweets on drug abuse in Bollywood has led to the Narcotics Control Bureau to inititate a large scale investigation in the matter. What started off as a probe in Sushant Singh Rajput's case with Rhea Chakraborty's arrest, the probe has now been widened with several prominent Bollywood actresses including Deepika Padukone being summoned by the NCB for questioning. The NCB has already arrested 20 people in connection with the case including Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik.

Kangana Ranaut trends as Donald Trump demands Joe Biden to undergo drugs test before presidential debate

In the race to win the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has often mocked his Democratic opponent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;for staying indoors, wearing the mask and more. He has often compared Biden&nbsp;to a lazy man and&nbsp;called him 'Sleepy Joe'.

While these comparisons and mockery can be described as naive and childish antics,&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;has taken this game to another level by comparing&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;to the Nazi propaganda chief&nbsp;Joseph Goebbels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-trump-mocks-joe-biden-for-staying-indoors-330381">Also read|&nbsp;US elections 2020: Trump mocks Joe Biden for 'staying indoors'</a>

Talking to a host of a local news network during an interview,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;alleged&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;of constantly lying, and continuing the lie enough to make it a valid point. "He's sort of like Goebbels," Biden said. "You say the lie long enough, keep repeating it, repeating it, repeating it, it becomes common knowledge."

The comparison is not one that has often been made during the course of election campaign.&nbsp;

Biden&nbsp;belives the upcoming&nbsp;Presidential debate is going to be difficult but he is prepared for all kinds of personal attacks and lies from&nbsp;Trump.&nbsp;"My guess is, it's going to be just straight attack. They're going to be mostly personal. That's the only thing he knows how to do," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-election-winner-might-not-be-known-for-months-330460">Also read|&nbsp;Trump says US election winner might not be known for months</a>

This will be the first televised debate between the two opponents who have been campaigning all over the country in completely different styles. The debate will take place on September 29 in Cleveland, Ohio. This will be the first of three debates before the US elections&nbsp;that are scheduled for November 03.

While&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has always giggled and accused&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;of not being a smart person — often <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-accuses-biden-of-using-performance-enhancing-drugs-327148">name calling him and making fun of his speeches</a> —&nbsp;Biden,&nbsp;too, threw the same jab back at&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;"He doesn't know how to debate the facts. He's not that smart.". However,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;&nbsp;had more reasons to make this comment rather than simply mocking&nbsp;Trump's oratory skills. "He doesn't know much about foreign policy, he doesn't know much about domestic policy. He doesn't know much about the detail."

Biden&nbsp;also said he is prepared for personal attacks from&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;as he predicts&nbsp;"it'll be mostly personal attacks and lies; but I think the American people are on to him."&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;claims he is ready to give strong and real reasons about&nbsp;"why I think he's failed and why I think the answers I have to proceed will help the American people and the American economy, and make us safer internationally."

In the race to win the US elections, the US President Donald Trump has often mocked his Democratic opponent Joe Biden for staying indoors, wearing the mask and more.

In the race to win the US elections, the US President Donald Trump has often mocked his Democratic opponent Joe Biden for staying indoors, wearing the mask and more. He has often compared Biden to a lazy man and called him 'Sleepy Joe'. While these comparisons and mockery can be described as naive and childish antics, Joe Biden has taken this game to another level by comparing Trump to the Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels. Also read| US elections 2020: Trump mocks Joe Biden for 'staying indoors' Talking to a host of a local news network during an interview, Biden alleged Trump of constantly lying, and continuing the lie enough to make it a valid point. "He's sort of like Goebbels," Biden said. "You say the lie long enough, keep repeating it, repeating it, repeating it, it becomes common knowledge." The comparison is not one that has often been made during the course of election campaign. Biden belives the upcoming Presidential debate is going to be difficult but he is prepared for all kinds of personal attacks and lies from Trump. "My guess is, it's going to be just straight attack. They're going to be mostly personal. That's the only thing he knows how to do," he said. Also read| Trump says US election winner might not be known for months This will be the first televised debate between the two opponents who have been campaigning all over the country in completely different styles. The debate will take place on September 29 in Cleveland, Ohio. This will be the first of three debates before the US elections that are scheduled for November 03. While Trump has always giggled and accused Biden of not being a smart person — often name calling him and making fun of his speeches — Biden, too, threw the same jab back at Trump "He doesn't know how to debate the facts. He's not that smart.". However, Biden had more reasons to make this comment rather than simply mocking Trump's oratory skills. "He doesn't know much about foreign policy, he doesn't know much about domestic policy. He doesn't know much about the detail." Biden also said he is prepared for personal attacks from Trump as he predicts "it'll be mostly personal attacks and lies; but I think the American people are on to him." However, Biden claims he is ready to give strong and real reasons about "why I think he's failed and why I think the answers I have to proceed will help the American people and the American economy, and make us safer internationally."

US elections 2020: Biden compares Trump to Nazi Goebbels; ready for personal attacks

Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President Donald Trump as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the opening minutes of a debate on Wednesday.

On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, front-runner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-harris-go-on-the-attack-in-us-democratic-debate-239808">Joe Biden was flanked at centre stage by rivals Kamala Harris</a> and Cory Booker, US senators who are the most prominent black contenders in a Democratic nominating contest in which race has played a prominent role.

Biden cited that diversity on stage in his opening statement.

"Mr. President, this is America, and we are strong and great because of this diversity, Mr. President, not in spite of it," he said to Trump.

"Let`s get something straight, we love it, we’re not leaving it, we’re here to stay and we’re certainly not leaving it here to you," said Biden, who was vice president under America`s first black president, Barack Obama.

Seven other candidates, including former US Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, joined them on stage in Detroit in search of a breakout moment that will generate new momentum for their campaigns.

The crowded Democratic field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the race to pick a challenger to Trump in the November 2020 election.

"Tonight, we have to get to the heart and soul of who we are as Democrats," said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio in his opening statement. "There are good people on this stage but there are real differences."

Biden did not figure prominently in the first night of the debate on Tuesday, which featured a clash between progressives Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and their more moderate rivals on issues such as universal healthcare and immigration.

But he was in the spotlight on Wednesday, after engaging for weeks in an escalating fight with Harris and Booker for the support of black voters, a vital constituency in the Democratic nominating battle.

Biden admitted he was taken by surprise last month when Harris criticized him for opposing federally mandated busing for school integration in the 1970s and for working with segregationists while serving in the US Senate decades ago.

The sharp attack gave Harris a bump in the polls, and Biden`s feeble response led to a dip in his standing. He has recovered in some recent polls and still maintains a firm grip on first place, helped by strong support from black voters.&nbsp;

During the candidate introductions on Wednesday, Biden told Harris to "go easy on me, kid." His comment was picked up by a microphone.

The debates come about six months before Iowa holds the first nominating contest, and the two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many of the lower-tier contenders to make an appearance on the national debate stage.

The Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for the next debates in September and October, leaving out more candidates and raising questions about their ability to continue their campaigns.

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

Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President Donald Trump as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the opening minutes of a debate on Wednesday. On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, front-runner Joe Biden was flanked at centre stage by rivals Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, US senators who are the most prominent black contenders in a Democratic nominating contest in which race has played a prominent role. Biden cited that diversity on stage in his opening statement. "Mr. President, this is America, and we are strong and great because of this diversity, Mr. President, not in spite of it," he said to Trump. "Let`s get something straight, we love it, we’re not leaving it, we’re here to stay and we’re certainly not leaving it here to you," said Biden, who was vice president under America`s first black president, Barack Obama. Seven other candidates, including former US Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, joined them on stage in Detroit in search of a breakout moment that will generate new momentum for their campaigns. The crowded Democratic field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the race to pick a challenger to Trump in the November 2020 election. "Tonight, we have to get to the heart and soul of who we are as Democrats," said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio in his opening statement. "There are good people on this stage but there are real differences." Biden did not figure prominently in the first night of the debate on Tuesday, which featured a clash between progressives Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and their more moderate rivals on issues such as universal healthcare and immigration. But he was in the spotlight on Wednesday, after engaging for weeks in an escalating fight with Harris and Booker for the support of black voters, a vital constituency in the Democratic nominating battle. Biden admitted he was taken by surprise last month when Harris criticized him for opposing federally mandated busing for school integration in the 1970s and for working with segregationists while serving in the US Senate decades ago. The sharp attack gave Harris a bump in the polls, and Biden`s feeble response led to a dip in his standing. He has recovered in some recent polls and still maintains a firm grip on first place, helped by strong support from black voters. During the candidate introductions on Wednesday, Biden told Harris to "go easy on me, kid." His comment was picked up by a microphone. The debates come about six months before Iowa holds the first nominating contest, and the two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many of the lower-tier contenders to make an appearance on the national debate stage. The Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for the next debates in September and October, leaving out more candidates and raising questions about their ability to continue their campaigns.

US Democratic candidates attack Trump as Democratic presidential debate opens

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