Day one of the Republican National Convention has wrapped up. The event included prominent as well as divisive speakers. Let's have a look at who all will address the convention on day 2.

US election 2020: Melania Trump to address Republican National Convention

US President DonaldTrump has been formally renominated by the Republicans on the first day of their convention. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report on the developments and controversies surrounding this 4-day political event.

Gravitas: Trump formally nominated for Republican party ticket

US President Donald Trump has won an official nomination as the 2020 Republican presidential candidate on Monday, a symbolic moment to open the party’s convention and officially kick off the final stretch of his uphill climb for a second term.

Republicans nominate Donald Trump for second term at Republican National Convention 2020

All eyes are on the upcoming Republican event where Donald Trump will be nominated as the presidential candidate.

Republican National Convention 2020 to kick-off in North Carolina

Trump's campaign released a video titled "4 more years" with a mix of speeches of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his visit to the US during the 'Howdy Modi' event and Trump's visit with his family to Ahmedabad, India in February 2020.

Donald Trump launches first campaign video, Republicans eye Indian-American voters

The Democrats are all set for upcoming US elections as their convention ended with fanfare and fireworks. The highlights of Day 4 was the acceptance speech given by now presidential nominee Joe Biden. Now all eyes are on the Republican event where Donald Trump will be nominated as the presidential candidate.

The Republican National Convention 2020 to be mostly virtual affair

US election 2020: Trump prepares to seize the national spotlight for R.N.C.

Its the final night of the 2020 National Democratic Convention that is presently underway in Milwaukee. All eyes will be on the Presidential nominee Joe Biden as he officially accepts his party's nomination to run for the Presidency.

2020 National Democratic Convention: Joe Biden prepares for his big DNC night

Former Vice President Joe Biden accepted the presidential nomination during the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention at the Chase Center in Wilmington. Watch report.

Joe Biden speaks at DNC 2020 | "No more cosying up to dictators"

"Trump failed to protect America": Joe Biden speaks at DNC 2020

As the Democrats kicked off their virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, Donald Trump hit the campaign trail in Minnesota. Trump's decision to campaign during the democratic convention is an unusual one. Watch report.

US Elections 2020: Trump to tour 4 states as DEMs huddle

Everything you need to know about the 2020 Democratic National Convention

With less than 90 days left for the US Presidential Election, both Republicans and Democrats are wooing the Indian American voters. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Indian Americans are getting special attention in this presidential election.

Gravitas: US Election 2020 | How Republicans & Democrats are wooing Indian Americans

Republicans and Democrats are debating if Americans should be given any more pandemic relief money. The government has been giving weekly relief cheques of $1,200. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how this money was used to buy cars, costumes & sex toys - among other things.

Gravitas: How Americans spend stimulus money

A group of top Republican US&nbsp;Senators on Tuesday ramped up pressure on TikTok, asking the Trump administration to assess the threat that the popular Chinese-owned video sharing app might meddle in US&nbsp;elections.&nbsp;

In a letter dated Tuesday, Marco Rubio, Tom Cotton and other lawmakers cited alleged censorship by TikTok of sensitive content, including a video critical of China's treatment of its Uighur minority, as well as alleged attempts by Beijing to manipulate political discussions on social media apps.&nbsp;

"We are greatly concerned that the (Chinese Communist Party) could use its control over TikTok to distort or manipulate (political) conversations to sow discord among Americans and to achieve its preferred political outcomes," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODHI), the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japan-lawmakers-to-urge-government-to-put-curbs-on-tiktok-use-316682" hreflang="en">Japan lawmakers to urge government to put curbs on TikTok use</a>

A spokesperson for the company said that TikTok, though not a "go-to" for political news, was "proactively investing to safeguard our app" and taking cues from the experience of peers during the last election.

"TikTok already has a strict policy against disinformation, and we don't accept political ads," the person said, adding that content and moderation policies are led by a California-based team and aren't "influenced by any foreign government".&nbsp;

The FBI and DHS did not respond to requests for comment while an ODNI official confirmed receipt of the letter and said "we will respond accordingly."

Chinese foreign spokesman Wang Wenbin, speaking at a daily news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, said that China has no interest in the US&nbsp;election and urged certain people in the United States to stop "suppressing" Chinese companies.

The US&nbsp;lawmakers, joined by Republicans Ted Cruz, Joni Ernst Thom Tilis, Kevin Cramer and Rick Scott, asked the officials to say whether Beijing could amplify certain political views and conduct influence operations through the popular app, which is owned by Beijing ByteDance Technology Co.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/despite-ban-tiktoks-data-mapping-tools-can-still-fetch-user-information-316551" hreflang="en">Despite ban, TikTok's data mapping tools can still fetch user information</a>

"If evidence emerges of CCP electoral interference via TikTok, would ByteDance be eligible for sanctions" under an executive order on foreign electoral influence, the lawmakers asked.

TikTok is in the crosshairs of the Trump administration as U.S.-China ties have soured over the pandemic and Beijing’s move to curb freedoms in Hong Kong. This month, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said action was imminent to address national security risks posed by TikTok.

Trump's poll numbers have been sagging as he prepares to face Democrat Joe Biden in the November election. In 2019, special prosecutor Robert Mueller's report found extensive cases of Russian meddling that benefited the Trump campaign in the 2016 election.

A group of top Republican US Senators on Tuesday ramped up pressure on TikTok, asking the Trump administration to assess the threat that the popular Chinese-owned video sharing app might meddle in US elections.

A group of top Republican US Senators on Tuesday ramped up pressure on TikTok, asking the Trump administration to assess the threat that the popular Chinese-owned video sharing app might meddle in US elections. In a letter dated Tuesday, Marco Rubio, Tom Cotton and other lawmakers cited alleged censorship by TikTok of sensitive content, including a video critical of China's treatment of its Uighur minority, as well as alleged attempts by Beijing to manipulate political discussions on social media apps. "We are greatly concerned that the (Chinese Communist Party) could use its control over TikTok to distort or manipulate (political) conversations to sow discord among Americans and to achieve its preferred political outcomes," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODHI), the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Also read: Japan lawmakers to urge government to put curbs on TikTok use A spokesperson for the company said that TikTok, though not a "go-to" for political news, was "proactively investing to safeguard our app" and taking cues from the experience of peers during the last election. "TikTok already has a strict policy against disinformation, and we don't accept political ads," the person said, adding that content and moderation policies are led by a California-based team and aren't "influenced by any foreign government". The FBI and DHS did not respond to requests for comment while an ODNI official confirmed receipt of the letter and said "we will respond accordingly." Chinese foreign spokesman Wang Wenbin, speaking at a daily news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, said that China has no interest in the US election and urged certain people in the United States to stop "suppressing" Chinese companies. The US lawmakers, joined by Republicans Ted Cruz, Joni Ernst Thom Tilis, Kevin Cramer and Rick Scott, asked the officials to say whether Beijing could amplify certain political views and conduct influence operations through the popular app, which is owned by Beijing ByteDance Technology Co. Also read: Despite ban, TikTok's data mapping tools can still fetch user information "If evidence emerges of CCP electoral interference via TikTok, would ByteDance be eligible for sanctions" under an executive order on foreign electoral influence, the lawmakers asked. TikTok is in the crosshairs of the Trump administration as U.S.-China ties have soured over the pandemic and Beijing’s move to curb freedoms in Hong Kong. This month, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said action was imminent to address national security risks posed by TikTok. Trump's poll numbers have been sagging as he prepares to face Democrat Joe Biden in the November election. In 2019, special prosecutor Robert Mueller's report found extensive cases of Russian meddling that benefited the Trump campaign in the 2016 election.

US Republicans worry China might use TikTok to meddle in election

President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in the Senate are set to unveil a $1 trillion US coronavirus relief bill on Monday that includes reduced federal unemployment benefits, with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin saying he believes they can work with Democrats to move quickly on the legislation.

President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in the Senate are set to unveil a $1 trillion US coronavirus relief bill on Monday that includes reduced federal unemployment benefits, with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin saying he believes they can work with Democrats to move quickly on the legislation. Senate Republicans and White House officials are scrambling to hammer out an agreement on the proposal, which hit snags after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had announced plans to introduce the measure last week. With enhanced federal unemployment benefits due to expire on Friday, Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows made weekend visits to Capitol Hill to meet with Republican Senate leaders on the legislation. "The bill will be introduced Monday and we're prepared to act quickly. This is all about kids and jobs. This is our focus, and we want to make sure something gets passed quickly so that we deal with the unemployment and all the other issues," Mnuchin told the "Fox News Sunday" program. The most pressing issues are the soon-to-expire enhanced unemployment benefits - currently $600 a week - and liability protections from coronavirus-related lawsuits, Mnuchin said. Republicans say they are looking at an extension of unemployment benefits that replace 70% of a person's wages before they lost their job. Mnuchin said on Saturday the Trump administration supports extending enhanced unemployment benefits until the end of the year, but at a reduced level. Meadows, a former Republican member of the House of Representatives, said he and Mnuchin would be back at the Capitol on Sunday "putting the final touches" on the bill. "Honestly I see us being able to provide unemployment insurance, maybe a retention credit to keep people from being displaced," Meadows told ABC's "This Week." Democrats control the House and the Republicans control the Senate. The coronavirus pandemic has hammered the U.S. economy and triggered large increases in unemployment. Congress is working toward passing the latest in a series of bills in response to the pandemic. The House approved Democratic-backed legislation in May but the Senate has not yet acted. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has rejected any short-term extension on the federal enhanced jobless benefits, putting pressure on Republicans to offer their proposal. "We can move very quickly with the Democrats on these issues. We've moved quickly before, and I see no reason why we can't move quickly again," Mnuchin said. "And if there are issues that take longer, we'll deal with those as well."

Republicans, Democrats can move quickly on US coronavirus relief bill, Mnuchin says

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit.

Republicans have been trying for days to agree on a negotiating position, a preliminary step to hashing out details with Democrats who control the House of Representatives, which in May passed a proposed $3 trillion response plan that the Senate declined to take up.

Democratic leaders, meanwhile, rejected the idea of passing a piecemeal bill.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barack-obama-joe-biden-team-up-for-new-video-to-slam-trump-defend-their-administration-315510">Also read|&nbsp;Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration</a>

The talks continue as U.S. coronavirus cases passed the 4 million mark, a milestone of a pandemic that has killed more than 143,000 Americans and thrown tens of millions out of work.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Capitol Hill, a day after hammering out Republican agreements in principle on portions of a potential coronavirus-response bill, which could be presented to Democrats as early as this week.

"We`ve finalized the appropriations. We’re just going over some of the final text that went back and forth last night," Mnuchin told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dead-britons-pompeo-slams-world-health-organization-says-chief-tedros-bought-by-china-315441">Also read|&nbsp;'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams World Health Organization; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China</a>

Mnuchin said that if officials can`t get everything done at once, some items should be prioritized, including an extension of unemployment insurance, aid to schools and liability protections for businesses reopening.

Instead of continuing a weekly $600 enhancement of unemployment benefits that expires on July 31, Mnuchin said Republicans were looking at replacing 70% of wages. "We`re not going to pay people more to stay home than to work," he said.

However, the idea of doing a partial instead of a comprehensive coronavirus aid bill was shot down by Democrats from both sides of the Capitol.

"We cannot piecemeal this," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference.

Democrats want to keep the enhanced unemployment benefits, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer scoffed at the divisions that have thus far prevented Republicans from presenting a united proposal.

"Republicans are fighting with themselves over how much to cut unemployment benefits," he said.

The draft Senate Republican plan was expected to include direct payments to Americans totaling $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, according to a senior Senate aide.

Asked whether a payroll tax cut would be included in the proposal being put forth by Senate Republicans, Mnuchin said: "Not in this, but we`re going to come back. ... One of the problems with the payroll tax cut is it takes time, so we are much more focused right now on the direct payments."

Mnuchin told reporters the proposal being worked out by Senate Republicans will include $16 billion in new funding for coronavirus testing, for a total of $25 billion. He also said this might not be the last coronavirus aid package.

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit.

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit. Republicans have been trying for days to agree on a negotiating position, a preliminary step to hashing out details with Democrats who control the House of Representatives, which in May passed a proposed $3 trillion response plan that the Senate declined to take up. Democratic leaders, meanwhile, rejected the idea of passing a piecemeal bill. Also read| Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration The talks continue as U.S. coronavirus cases passed the 4 million mark, a milestone of a pandemic that has killed more than 143,000 Americans and thrown tens of millions out of work. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Capitol Hill, a day after hammering out Republican agreements in principle on portions of a potential coronavirus-response bill, which could be presented to Democrats as early as this week. "We`ve finalized the appropriations. We’re just going over some of the final text that went back and forth last night," Mnuchin told reporters. Also read| 'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams World Health Organization; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China Mnuchin said that if officials can`t get everything done at once, some items should be prioritized, including an extension of unemployment insurance, aid to schools and liability protections for businesses reopening. Instead of continuing a weekly $600 enhancement of unemployment benefits that expires on July 31, Mnuchin said Republicans were looking at replacing 70% of wages. "We`re not going to pay people more to stay home than to work," he said. However, the idea of doing a partial instead of a comprehensive coronavirus aid bill was shot down by Democrats from both sides of the Capitol. "We cannot piecemeal this," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference. Democrats want to keep the enhanced unemployment benefits, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer scoffed at the divisions that have thus far prevented Republicans from presenting a united proposal. "Republicans are fighting with themselves over how much to cut unemployment benefits," he said. The draft Senate Republican plan was expected to include direct payments to Americans totaling $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, according to a senior Senate aide. Asked whether a payroll tax cut would be included in the proposal being put forth by Senate Republicans, Mnuchin said: "Not in this, but we`re going to come back. ... One of the problems with the payroll tax cut is it takes time, so we are much more focused right now on the direct payments." Mnuchin told reporters the proposal being worked out by Senate Republicans will include $16 billion in new funding for coronavirus testing, for a total of $25 billion. He also said this might not be the last coronavirus aid package.

Republicans ditch coronavirus payroll tax cut, haggle over unemployment payments

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that&nbsp;he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US&nbsp;troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan.

He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he&nbsp;currently serves in the US&nbsp;Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer.&nbsp;

''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote.&nbsp;

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93340400-d507-4061-8552-c0b29df95a28" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2865%29_3.jpg" />

The&nbsp;New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018.&nbsp;

This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members

A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014. Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan. He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he currently serves in the US Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer. ''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote. The New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018. This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States. Meanwhile, Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

Republican congressman knew about Russia's bounty offer to kill US troops in 2014

After reports of Russian military intelligence agencies offering bounties to militants for killing United States’ troops in Afghanistan, the Democrats and Republicans have united in pressurising the president to divulge more information.

"Congress and the country need answers now. I therefore request an interagency brief for all House Members immediately," Democratic US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and CIA Director Gina Haspel on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/russia-denies-paying-militants-to-kill-us-troops-in-afghanistan-309334" hreflang="en">Russia denies paying militants to kill US troops in Afghanistan</a>

"The questions that arise are: was the President briefed, and if not, why not, and why was Congress not briefed?" Pelosi asked.

She was joined by Republican’s top representative Mac Thornberry, alongside Democratic Representative Adam Smith, while asking the Department of Defense for a detailed briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/its-all-about-him-john-bolton-criticises-trumps-statement-on-russian-bounties-309243" hreflang="en">It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties</a>

"The American people – and our service members – deserve to know the truth about what the White House knew about these Russian operations that may have directly resulted in the deaths of American service members," Smith said.

Thornberry, while referring to the debacle, said that any delay "will not be acceptable”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-says-he-wasnt-briefed-on-russia-taliban-bounty-intelligence-309193" hreflang="en">Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence</a>

A closer worker with the US Congress revealed that the Republican-only meeting would take place in the White House on Monday. US Speaker’s Pelosi’s close aides, Chuck Schumer, along with other Democrats said that they don’t expect any Democrats to be invited.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has dismissed the reports as “fake news”, and further suggested that this was an attempt to make the Republicans look bad.

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Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican acting intelligence committee chairman, said that they would "continue to conduct vigorous oversight" of threats faced by the United States.

After reports of Russian military intelligence agencies offering bounties to militants for killing United States’ troops in Afghanistan, the Democrats and Republicans have united in pressurising the president to divulge more information.

After reports of Russian military intelligence agencies offering bounties to militants for killing United States’ troops in Afghanistan, the Democrats and Republicans have united in pressurising the president to divulge more information. "Congress and the country need answers now. I therefore request an interagency brief for all House Members immediately," Democratic US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and CIA Director Gina Haspel on Monday. Also read: Russia denies paying militants to kill US troops in Afghanistan "The questions that arise are: was the President briefed, and if not, why not, and why was Congress not briefed?" Pelosi asked. She was joined by Republican’s top representative Mac Thornberry, alongside Democratic Representative Adam Smith, while asking the Department of Defense for a detailed briefing. Also read: It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties "The American people – and our service members – deserve to know the truth about what the White House knew about these Russian operations that may have directly resulted in the deaths of American service members," Smith said. Thornberry, while referring to the debacle, said that any delay "will not be acceptable”. Also read: Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence A closer worker with the US Congress revealed that the Republican-only meeting would take place in the White House on Monday. US Speaker’s Pelosi’s close aides, Chuck Schumer, along with other Democrats said that they don’t expect any Democrats to be invited. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has dismissed the reports as “fake news”, and further suggested that this was an attempt to make the Republicans look bad. Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican acting intelligence committee chairman, said that they would "continue to conduct vigorous oversight" of threats faced by the United States.

Democrats and Republicans want answers from Trump on Russia bounty reports

The Democratic Party on Thursday postponed its US&nbsp;presidential nominating convention by a month until August, citing the coronavirus health crisis that has upended daily life and caused many states to postpone their primaries.

Democrats will use the convention in Milwaukee - now scheduled for the week of August&nbsp;17 - to formally pick their nominee to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November election. It had previously been scheduled for July.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-trump-and-biden-heading-for-a-near-tie-situation-in-presidential-polls-289426">Are Trump and Biden heading for a 'near-tie' situation in presidential polls?</a>

The pandemic already has forced Democratic front-runner Joe Biden and rival Bernie Sanders off the campaign trail, and more than a dozen states have delayed their nominating contests due to worries about public health risks.

"In our current climate of uncertainty, we believe the smartest approach is to take additional time to monitor how this situation unfolds," said Joe Solmonese, chief executive of the Democratic National Convention Committee.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-coronavirus-outbreak-force-a-postponement-of-us-presidential-elections-289942">Will coronavirus outbreak force a postponement of US Presidential elections?</a>

The convention will be held in Wisconsin, a state that Trump narrowly won in 2016 and which is seen as a key battleground state for the 2020 presidential contest.

Biden on Wednesday called for delaying the convention, speaking in a television interview from what he called a "makeshift studio" in the recreation room of his Wilmington, Delaware, home.

Biden, who was vice president under President Barack Obama, currently leads the Democratic nominating contest against Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont.

White House medical experts have forecast that even if Americans hunker down in their homes to slow the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, some 100,000 to 240,000 people could die from the disease.

Already, some 5,340 Americans have died and over 225,510 cases have been confirmed, according to a Reuters tally.

The Republican Party had already planned to hold their nominating convention in August, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Republican National Committee spokesman Rick Gorka said the party was making sure state party organizations had the resources needed for their nomination contests, which are seen as a formality given widespread support in the party for Trump.

"We are fully committed to holding the Republican convention in Charlotte as planned and re-nominating President Trump,” Gorka said.

The Democratic Party on Thursday postponed its US presidential nominating convention by a month until August, citing the coronavirus health crisis that has upended daily life and caused many states to postpone their primaries.

The Democratic Party on Thursday postponed its US presidential nominating convention by a month until August, citing the coronavirus health crisis that has upended daily life and caused many states to postpone their primaries. Democrats will use the convention in Milwaukee - now scheduled for the week of August 17 - to formally pick their nominee to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November election. It had previously been scheduled for July. Also read: Are Trump and Biden heading for a 'near-tie' situation in presidential polls? The pandemic already has forced Democratic front-runner Joe Biden and rival Bernie Sanders off the campaign trail, and more than a dozen states have delayed their nominating contests due to worries about public health risks. "In our current climate of uncertainty, we believe the smartest approach is to take additional time to monitor how this situation unfolds," said Joe Solmonese, chief executive of the Democratic National Convention Committee. Also read: Will coronavirus outbreak force a postponement of US Presidential elections? The convention will be held in Wisconsin, a state that Trump narrowly won in 2016 and which is seen as a key battleground state for the 2020 presidential contest. Biden on Wednesday called for delaying the convention, speaking in a television interview from what he called a "makeshift studio" in the recreation room of his Wilmington, Delaware, home. Biden, who was vice president under President Barack Obama, currently leads the Democratic nominating contest against Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont. White House medical experts have forecast that even if Americans hunker down in their homes to slow the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, some 100,000 to 240,000 people could die from the disease. Already, some 5,340 Americans have died and over 225,510 cases have been confirmed, according to a Reuters tally. The Republican Party had already planned to hold their nominating convention in August, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Republican National Committee spokesman Rick Gorka said the party was making sure state party organizations had the resources needed for their nomination contests, which are seen as a formality given widespread support in the party for Trump. "We are fully committed to holding the Republican convention in Charlotte as planned and re-nominating President Trump,” Gorka said.

Democrats delay presidential convention until August, citing coronavirus

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today.

The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him. The Democrats, on the other hand, all wanted him convicted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-acquitted-of-impeachment-charges-in-republican-majority-senate-278933">US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate</a>

There was one unexpected twist in the trial as Mitt Romney, a&nbsp;Republican leader from Utah&nbsp;decided to vote in favour of convicting Trump on the charge of abuse of power for the involvement of Ukraine in the US elections. This made Romney the first US senator in history to go against his own president and party.

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11b2383f-a90c-426c-baef-058f7f5e7476" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_78.jpg" /> 
US Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) returns from a recess during the impeachment trial proceedings of US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill January 30, 2020, in Washington, DC | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The president's purpose was personal and political. Accordingly, the president is guilty of appalling abuse of public trust," Romney said in a floor speech.

"What he did was not perfect, no. It was a flagrant assault under electoral rights, our national security and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep one's self in the office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one's oath of office that I can imagine", he added.

Romney issued a statement reflecting on the State of the Union address but did not mention his vote against the president. He did, however, mentioned in his speech that the Republicans will ''vehemently denounce'' his words and that he would draw disapproval from the conservative party. "I'm sure to hear abuse from the president and his supporters," he said.

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My statement on tonight's State of the Union address: <a href="https://t.co/i4cBEfucLr">pic.twitter.com/i4cBEfucLr</a>
— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRomney/status/1224901384551718917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On December 18, Donald Trump was charged with two articles of impeachment including abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. The voting in the Senate happened mostly along party lines, as it earlier did in the Democratic majority House of Representatives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/State-of-the-Union-address-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tears-up-text-as-trump-ends-state-of-the-union-address-278666">US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address</a> 
 
After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate.

In the Senate, the call was close, as 52 people chose to acquit him, while 48 people voted in favour of the impeachment charge of abusing power.&nbsp;

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The Democrats had accused Trump of abusing power by requesting Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic rival. Mitt Romney was the only Republican Senator who voted to convict Trump on this charge, alongside the Democrats, none of whom voted to acquit.

On the other charge of obstruction of Congress, the Senate voted 53-47 to acquit him. He was suspected of blocking witnesses and documents that were sought by the House. All Republicans, including Romney, voted to acquit him, while no Democrats did.

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Had failed presidential candidate <a href="https://twitter.com/MittRomney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MittRomney</a> devoted the same energy and anger to defeating a faltering Barack Obama as he sanctimoniously does to me, he could have won the election. Read the Transcripts!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1225288731235700737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump lashed out against Romney on Twitter and reiterated ''Read the transcripts!''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-the-state-of-the-union-address-278582" hreflang="en">EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address</a>

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today. The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him.

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today. The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him. The Democrats, on the other hand, all wanted him convicted. Also read: US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate There was one unexpected twist in the trial as Mitt Romney, a Republican leader from Utah decided to vote in favour of convicting Trump on the charge of abuse of power for the involvement of Ukraine in the US elections. This made Romney the first US senator in history to go against his own president and party. US Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) returns from a recess during the impeachment trial proceedings of US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill January 30, 2020, in Washington, DC | AFP "The president's purpose was personal and political. Accordingly, the president is guilty of appalling abuse of public trust," Romney said in a floor speech. "What he did was not perfect, no. It was a flagrant assault under electoral rights, our national security and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep one's self in the office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one's oath of office that I can imagine", he added. Romney issued a statement reflecting on the State of the Union address but did not mention his vote against the president. He did, however, mentioned in his speech that the Republicans will ''vehemently denounce'' his words and that he would draw disapproval from the conservative party. "I'm sure to hear abuse from the president and his supporters," he said. My statement on tonight's State of the Union address: pic.twitter.com/i4cBEfucLr — Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) February 5, 2020 × On December 18, Donald Trump was charged with two articles of impeachment including abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. The voting in the Senate happened mostly along party lines, as it earlier did in the Democratic majority House of Representatives. Also read: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate. In the Senate, the call was close, as 52 people chose to acquit him, while 48 people voted in favour of the impeachment charge of abusing power. The Democrats had accused Trump of abusing power by requesting Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic rival. Mitt Romney was the only Republican Senator who voted to convict Trump on this charge, alongside the Democrats, none of whom voted to acquit. On the other charge of obstruction of Congress, the Senate voted 53-47 to acquit him. He was suspected of blocking witnesses and documents that were sought by the House. All Republicans, including Romney, voted to acquit him, while no Democrats did. Had failed presidential candidate @MittRomney devoted the same energy and anger to defeating a faltering Barack Obama as he sanctimoniously does to me, he could have won the election. Read the Transcripts! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2020 × Trump lashed out against Romney on Twitter and reiterated ''Read the transcripts!'' EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address

Mitt Romney becomes first Senator in US history to vote against own party's president

Highlights from Trump's reality-TV style State of the Union address

The US presidential race begins in earnest Monday when Iowans take the first votes in the process that ultimately determines which Democrat will face incumbent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-trump-revives-border-wall-promise-in-iowa-campaign-speech-and-mocks-his-democrat-coworkers-277639">Donald Trump</a> in November.

Here are five questions on key aspects of a crowded race that remains wide open ahead of the February 3 Iowa caucuses.

Will septuagenarians rise?&nbsp;

As campaigning ramped up last year, Democrats thirsted for new voices and faces that would ensure the nation's growing diversity is better reflected in the presidential race.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-trump-revives-border-wall-promise-in-iowa-campaign-speech-and-mocks-his-democrat-coworkers-277639">Donald Trump revives border wall promise in Iowa campaign speech, mocks Democrats</a>

More than two dozen candidates with various backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and orientations piled into the battle to see who challenges 73-year-old real estate magnate Trump.

But with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-trump-revives-border-wall-promise-in-iowa-campaign-speech-and-mocks-his-democrat-coworkers-277639">Iowa</a> looming, four white candidates in their seventies occupy the top spots in national polls.

Former vice president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-presidential-elections-2020-which-democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">Joe Biden</a>, 77, is the national frontrunner, followed by far-left independent Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-presidential-elections-2020-which-democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">Bernie Sanders</a>, 78, and progressive Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-presidential-elections-2020-which-democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">Elizabeth Warren</a>, 70.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-presidential-elections-2020-which-democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">US Presidential elections 2020: Which Democratic contender stands where</a>

Just this week, former New York mayor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-candidate-bloomberg-vows-to-back-israel-takes-dig-at-sanders-276810">Michael Bloomberg</a>, who turns 78 in February, climbed into fourth place in the Realclearpolitics polling average.

The billionaire businessman surpassed former Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg, who at 38 is the youngest hopeful in the race.&nbsp;

Bloomberg entered the campaign late and is not contesting Iowa, where Buttigieg is in the top tier challenging rivals twice his age.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-candidate-bloomberg-vows-to-back-israel-takes-dig-at-sanders-276810">US candidate Bloomberg vows to back Israel, takes dig at Sanders</a>

Radical party, or realist?&nbsp;

Who is best positioned to defeat Trump?

Consumed by this central question, Democratic voters must choose among favorites in a field sharply divided between radical progressives and more moderate realists.&nbsp;

It is currently the party's main quandary, underscored by The New York Times as it explained why, for the first time in its 169-year history, its editorial board broke with tradition to endorse not just a single candidate, but two: Warren, representing the more "radical" faction, and Amy Klobuchar, a 59-year-old senator in the "realistic" camp.&nbsp;

Biden and Buttigieg, like Klobuchar, take a more centrist approach while Sanders, a Democratic socialist seeking to win the nomination of a party he has never joined, calls for nothing less than political "revolution."

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Four states, four winners?

With working-class voters, Midwest farmers, African-Americans or Hispanics seeing different strengths among each of the candidates, a different candidate could potentially win each of the first four early-voting states.

Iowa and New Hampshire (which votes second, on February 11) are largely rural and homogenous. Nevada (February 22) has a large Latino population, while in South Carolina (February 29), black voters represent a majority of the Democratic electorate.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/democratic-debate-in-iowa-274401">Democratic Debate in Iowa</a>

Brokered convention?

Given such a tight race, it is possible that no candidate arrives at the Democratic National Convention on July 13 with enough delegates in hand to claim victory.

Democrats and Republicans both use a complicated process involving pledged delegates proportioned according to primary and caucus results across the nation.

To carry the Democratic torch in the election, one must win a majority of the 3,979 delegates.

If no candidate has a majority, pledged delegates would become free to vote for someone else on the convention's second ballot if their candidate drops out.

Complicating matters, if the convention has no outright winner after the first ballot, more than 700 "superdelegates" -- party officials and insiders who are automatically made delegates -- would then be eligible to vote in selecting the nominee.

Impeachment impact?

The Senate's Trump impeachment trial has had an unprecedented impact on the campaign, particularly in Iowa.

Four senators running for president -- Sanders, Warren, Klobuchar and low-polling Michael Bennet -- spent most of the last two weeks pinned to Washington, denied the personal contact with Iowa voters so vital before the caucuses.

Trump's impeachment by the House of Representatives on December 18 has not changed the political fault lines in an extremely divided country.

About nine in 10 Republicans support the president, and he is expected to be acquitted by the Senate's Republican majority.

The US presidential race begins in earnest Monday when Iowans take the first votes in the process that ultimately determines which Democrat will face incumbent Donald Trump in November.

The US presidential race begins in earnest Monday when Iowans take the first votes in the process that ultimately determines which Democrat will face incumbent Donald Trump in November. Here are five questions on key aspects of a crowded race that remains wide open ahead of the February 3 Iowa caucuses. Will septuagenarians rise? As campaigning ramped up last year, Democrats thirsted for new voices and faces that would ensure the nation's growing diversity is better reflected in the presidential race. Also read: Donald Trump revives border wall promise in Iowa campaign speech, mocks Democrats More than two dozen candidates with various backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and orientations piled into the battle to see who challenges 73-year-old real estate magnate Trump. But with Iowa looming, four white candidates in their seventies occupy the top spots in national polls. Former vice president Joe Biden, 77, is the national frontrunner, followed by far-left independent Senator Bernie Sanders, 78, and progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren, 70. Also read: US Presidential elections 2020: Which Democratic contender stands where Just this week, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, who turns 78 in February, climbed into fourth place in the Realclearpolitics polling average. The billionaire businessman surpassed former Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg, who at 38 is the youngest hopeful in the race. Bloomberg entered the campaign late and is not contesting Iowa, where Buttigieg is in the top tier challenging rivals twice his age. Also read: US candidate Bloomberg vows to back Israel, takes dig at Sanders Radical party, or realist? Who is best positioned to defeat Trump? Consumed by this central question, Democratic voters must choose among favorites in a field sharply divided between radical progressives and more moderate realists. It is currently the party's main quandary, underscored by The New York Times as it explained why, for the first time in its 169-year history, its editorial board broke with tradition to endorse not just a single candidate, but two: Warren, representing the more "radical" faction, and Amy Klobuchar, a 59-year-old senator in the "realistic" camp. Biden and Buttigieg, like Klobuchar, take a more centrist approach while Sanders, a Democratic socialist seeking to win the nomination of a party he has never joined, calls for nothing less than political "revolution." Four states, four winners? With working-class voters, Midwest farmers, African-Americans or Hispanics seeing different strengths among each of the candidates, a different candidate could potentially win each of the first four early-voting states. Iowa and New Hampshire (which votes second, on February 11) are largely rural and homogenous. Nevada (February 22) has a large Latino population, while in South Carolina (February 29), black voters represent a majority of the Democratic electorate. Also see: Democratic Debate in Iowa Brokered convention? Given such a tight race, it is possible that no candidate arrives at the Democratic National Convention on July 13 with enough delegates in hand to claim victory. Democrats and Republicans both use a complicated process involving pledged delegates proportioned according to primary and caucus results across the nation. To carry the Democratic torch in the election, one must win a majority of the 3,979 delegates. If no candidate has a majority, pledged delegates would become free to vote for someone else on the convention's second ballot if their candidate drops out. Complicating matters, if the convention has no outright winner after the first ballot, more than 700 "superdelegates" -- party officials and insiders who are automatically made delegates -- would then be eligible to vote in selecting the nominee. Impeachment impact? The Senate's Trump impeachment trial has had an unprecedented impact on the campaign, particularly in Iowa. Four senators running for president -- Sanders, Warren, Klobuchar and low-polling Michael Bennet -- spent most of the last two weeks pinned to Washington, denied the personal contact with Iowa voters so vital before the caucuses. Trump's impeachment by the House of Representatives on December 18 has not changed the political fault lines in an extremely divided country. About nine in 10 Republicans support the president, and he is expected to be acquitted by the Senate's Republican majority.

Five questions on the Democratic White House nomination process

Today is the second day of question and answer session at Donald Trump's impeachment trial and once again the issue of new witnesses and executive privileges dominated the proceedings. Lead impeachment manager Adam Shiff told the Senate that the trial without new witnesses would reflect poorly on the body.

Trump Impeachment: Witnesses and Prez privilege dominate Q&A

Former national security adviser John Bolton wrote in a draft of his forthcoming book that Donald Trump told him in August that he wanted to freeze aid to Ukraine until the country aided investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. The Republicans have denied wrongdoing in his dealings with Ukraine. On January 27, Trump denied telling Bolton anything about his decision to hold up aid to Kyiv and said he hadn’t seen the manuscript of the coming book.

White House could block Bolton testimony

The Democrats layed out their case against President Trump for abuse of power as the Senate impeachment trial continues. Trump is charged with obstruction of Congress. However, Trump has denied these charges.

Donald Trump's Impeachment: Democrats lay out abuse of power case

Today is the day 2 of Donald Trump's impeachment proceedings in the Senate and the Democrats are making the opening arguments against the President. Watch what is happened at the Senate:

Donald Trump's impeachment: Democrats present opening arguments at Senate

US President Donald Trump has slammed the Democrats on the impeachment trial just before leaving from World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos. Trump called the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee corrupt and dismissed Jerrold Nadler as a sleazebag.

Donald Trump blasts at Democrats on impeachment trial, calls it a 'hoax'

The Democrats and Republicans continue to clash over the admission of new evidence and witnesses in the impeachment trial. So let us tell you what exactly Democrats are demanding.

What are the Democrats demanding?

US&nbsp;presidential candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bloomberg-trump-to-air-dueling-super-bowl-ads-272836">Michael Bloomberg</a> told reporters he is ready to spend much of his vast fortune to oust Republican President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Donald Trump</a> from the White House in 2020, rejecting criticism from rivals for the Democratic nomination that the billionaire is trying to buy the US&nbsp;election.

Ranked by Forbes as the eighth-richest American, Bloomberg has flooded US&nbsp;airwaves and social media feeds with messages that he stands the best chance to beat Trump, spending more on campaign ads since he launched his campaign in November than his main Democratic rivals have over the last year.

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Today, people all over the nation are showing their support for our campaign, and I couldn't be more honored, grateful and hopeful for our future. 
 
Together, we will defeat Donald Trump. 
 
Together, we will rebuild America. 
 
Together, we will <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GetItDone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GetItDone</a>! <a href="https://t.co/jMmIcKExTv">pic.twitter.com/jMmIcKExTv</a>
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeBloomberg/status/1216082774249164800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Number one priority is to get rid of Donald Trump. I'm spending all my money to get rid of Trump," Bloomberg told reporters aboard his campaign bus on Saturday, during a nearly 300-mile (483-km) drive across Texas, one of the 14 states that will vote on Super Tuesday on March 3.

"Do you want me to spend more or less? End of story."

US&nbsp;Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-swing-district-democrats-back-joe-bidens-presidential-bid-272511">Elizabeth Warren</a>, one of the leading Democratic presidential contenders who has vowed to get money out of politics, blasted Bloomberg when he launched his campaign with a $37-million TV advertising blitz, accusing the former New York City mayor of trying to buy American democracy.

"These are just political things they say, hoping they catch on and they don't like me doing it, because it competes with them, not because it's bad policy," Bloomberg said.

After entering the race late and missing the first six Democratic debates, Bloomberg generally sits fifth in national public opinion polls behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-leader-ready-to-pass-impeachment-trial-rules-without-democrats-272835">Joe Biden</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-gives-lawmakers-formal-notice-of-iraq-strike-amid-complaints-from-democrats-272196">Bernie Sanders</a>, Warren and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-candidate-warren-discloses-details-of-past-legal-work-showing-2-million-in-compensation-267187">Pete Buttigieg</a>.

But not just the two liberal standard-bearers of Warren and Sanders, all of the four are too liberal to beat Trump, Bloomberg said.

"One of the reasons I'm reasonably confident I could beat Trump is I would be acceptable to the moderate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texass-greg-abbott-becomes-first-to-refuse-refugees-order-given-by-president-donald-trump-273510">Republicans</a> you have to have," said Bloomberg, a former Republican who made his fortune selling financial information to Wall Street firms.

"Whether you like it or not, you can’t win the election unless you get moderate Republicans to cross the line. The others are much too liberal for them and they would certainly vote for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-curbs-trumps-war-power-amid-iran-tensions-273283">Donald Trump</a>."

After a late entry into the race, he is skipping the first four Democratic nomination contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina all due to take place in February.

Instead, Bloomberg is waging a nationwide campaign to capture delegates in later contests such as Texas, which will be the second-largest prize among the 14 Super Tuesday states.

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Thank you for spending part of your weekend with me, Austin! <a href="https://t.co/u8UidNtflR">https://t.co/u8UidNtflR</a>
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeBloomberg/status/1216113830176198657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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At campaign events in San Antonio, Austin and Dallas in Texas on Saturday, Bloomberg said his bipartisan nature made it more likely he could deliver on his pledges to expand health insurance coverage, fight climate change and reduce gun violence.

While his speeches drew modest crowds of no more than a few hundred in Austin and fewer still in San Antonio, many who attended said they were independents or former Trump supporters who had learned about Bloomberg through his massive advertising campaign.

"He’s better than Trump," said Marcelo Montemayor, 75, who listened to Bloomberg speak at a taco restaurant in San Antonio.

Montemayor voted for Trump in 2016 but worries the president’s conservative appointees to federal courts could undermine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-supreme-court-leaves-kentucky-abortion-restriction-in-place-267309">abortion rights</a>.

Bloomberg's television ads have dominated the airwaves both nationwide and in Texas.

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump Vs Michael Bloomberg: The battle of the millionaires

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In the top four media markets in the Lone Star State, which include Houston and Dallas, Bloomberg has spent more than $15 million on television ads through mid-January, said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Houston's Rice University, who analyzed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-us-presidential-candidates-stand-on-breaking-up-big-tech-258654">Federal Communications Commission</a> records on ad buys.

That exceeds the combined spending nationwide by Democratic frontrunners in 2019, according to a Wesleyan Media Project analysis of Kantar/CMAG television ad data through mid-December.

And for this year's Super Bowl broadcast on February&nbsp;2 in Miami, Trump and Bloomberg both plan to air a 60-second television commercial, a prime example of their ability to devote vast resources to reach millions of viewers.

Trump campaign officials said the campaign paid $10 million for air time. Last year’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-commissioner-david-stern-dies-at-77-made-league-truly-global-brand-271536">National Football League</a> championship game drew nearly 100 million viewers.

"You can't get to 330 million people by shaking hands. Television is still the magic medium," Bloomberg said.

"If the Super Bowl wasn't a place to get to an awful lot of people they wouldn't be charging a lot, or nobody would be paying it. This is capitalism at work."

US presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg told reporters he is ready to spend much of his vast fortune to oust Republican President Donald Trump from the White House in 2020, rejecting criticism from rivals for the Democratic nomination that the billionaire is trying to buy the US election.

US presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg told reporters he is ready to spend much of his vast fortune to oust Republican President Donald Trump from the White House in 2020, rejecting criticism from rivals for the Democratic nomination that the billionaire is trying to buy the US election. Ranked by Forbes as the eighth-richest American, Bloomberg has flooded US airwaves and social media feeds with messages that he stands the best chance to beat Trump, spending more on campaign ads since he launched his campaign in November than his main Democratic rivals have over the last year. Today, people all over the nation are showing their support for our campaign, and I couldn't be more honored, grateful and hopeful for our future. Together, we will defeat Donald Trump. Together, we will rebuild America. Together, we will #GetItDone! pic.twitter.com/jMmIcKExTv — Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) January 11, 2020 × "Number one priority is to get rid of Donald Trump. I'm spending all my money to get rid of Trump," Bloomberg told reporters aboard his campaign bus on Saturday, during a nearly 300-mile (483-km) drive across Texas, one of the 14 states that will vote on Super Tuesday on March 3. "Do you want me to spend more or less? End of story." US Senator Elizabeth Warren, one of the leading Democratic presidential contenders who has vowed to get money out of politics, blasted Bloomberg when he launched his campaign with a $37-million TV advertising blitz, accusing the former New York City mayor of trying to buy American democracy. "These are just political things they say, hoping they catch on and they don't like me doing it, because it competes with them, not because it's bad policy," Bloomberg said. After entering the race late and missing the first six Democratic debates, Bloomberg generally sits fifth in national public opinion polls behind Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Warren and Pete Buttigieg. But not just the two liberal standard-bearers of Warren and Sanders, all of the four are too liberal to beat Trump, Bloomberg said. "One of the reasons I'm reasonably confident I could beat Trump is I would be acceptable to the moderate Republicans you have to have," said Bloomberg, a former Republican who made his fortune selling financial information to Wall Street firms. "Whether you like it or not, you can’t win the election unless you get moderate Republicans to cross the line. The others are much too liberal for them and they would certainly vote for Donald Trump." After a late entry into the race, he is skipping the first four Democratic nomination contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina all due to take place in February. Instead, Bloomberg is waging a nationwide campaign to capture delegates in later contests such as Texas, which will be the second-largest prize among the 14 Super Tuesday states. Thank you for spending part of your weekend with me, Austin! https://t.co/u8UidNtflR — Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) January 11, 2020 × At campaign events in San Antonio, Austin and Dallas in Texas on Saturday, Bloomberg said his bipartisan nature made it more likely he could deliver on his pledges to expand health insurance coverage, fight climate change and reduce gun violence. While his speeches drew modest crowds of no more than a few hundred in Austin and fewer still in San Antonio, many who attended said they were independents or former Trump supporters who had learned about Bloomberg through his massive advertising campaign. "He’s better than Trump," said Marcelo Montemayor, 75, who listened to Bloomberg speak at a taco restaurant in San Antonio. Montemayor voted for Trump in 2016 but worries the president’s conservative appointees to federal courts could undermine abortion rights. Bloomberg's television ads have dominated the airwaves both nationwide and in Texas. Watch: Donald Trump Vs Michael Bloomberg: The battle of the millionaires × In the top four media markets in the Lone Star State, which include Houston and Dallas, Bloomberg has spent more than $15 million on television ads through mid-January, said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Houston's Rice University, who analyzed Federal Communications Commission records on ad buys. That exceeds the combined spending nationwide by Democratic frontrunners in 2019, according to a Wesleyan Media Project analysis of Kantar/CMAG television ad data through mid-December. And for this year's Super Bowl broadcast on February 2 in Miami, Trump and Bloomberg both plan to air a 60-second television commercial, a prime example of their ability to devote vast resources to reach millions of viewers. Trump campaign officials said the campaign paid $10 million for air time. Last year’s National Football League championship game drew nearly 100 million viewers. "You can't get to 330 million people by shaking hands. Television is still the magic medium," Bloomberg said. "If the Super Bowl wasn't a place to get to an awful lot of people they wouldn't be charging a lot, or nobody would be paying it. This is capitalism at work."

Democrat Michael Bloomberg: 'I'm spending all my money to get rid of Trump'

US&nbsp;Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-does-not-want-prolonged-impeachment-trial-senior-official-269602">impeachment trial</a> of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-unfair-donald-trump-slams-impeachment-delay-in-senate-269522">Donald Trump</a>, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department.

In a letter to his 99 fellow senators, Schumer wrote that denying the Senate these documents "would be to turn a willfully blind eye to the facts" in the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges against Trump that were approved by the House of Representatives last week.

On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that he and Schumer were at an impasse over the Democrat's demand for four administration witnesses to testify and for documents to be entered into the trial record.

The Republican president was charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. He has said he did nothing wrong.

His trial in the Senate is likely to start in January but no exact date has been set as Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over the rules for a trial.

Also watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump becomes third US President to be impeached

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Examples Schumer listed of potentially important documents were records between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy related to the "scheduling, preparation for, and follow-up from" their April 21 and July 25 telephone calls.

Schumer also listed email communications related to "several occasions" in which National Security Council officials "reported their concerns to the NSC legal advisor about the decision to delay" almost $400 million in US&nbsp;security assistance to Ukraine.

Detailed notes, emails and text messages that State Department witnesses told House investigators have been withheld by the administration also were included in Schumer's letter.

McConnell said on Monday that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial, as sought by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-seek-high-profile-trial-for-trump-in-senate-269263">Democrats</a>, but wanted to leave the decision until after the trial begins.

Trump was impeached on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, a potential Democratic candidate to run against Republican Trump in the November 2020 election.

There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department.

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department. In a letter to his 99 fellow senators, Schumer wrote that denying the Senate these documents "would be to turn a willfully blind eye to the facts" in the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges against Trump that were approved by the House of Representatives last week. On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that he and Schumer were at an impasse over the Democrat's demand for four administration witnesses to testify and for documents to be entered into the trial record. The Republican president was charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. He has said he did nothing wrong. His trial in the Senate is likely to start in January but no exact date has been set as Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over the rules for a trial. Also watch: Donald Trump becomes third US President to be impeached × Examples Schumer listed of potentially important documents were records between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy related to the "scheduling, preparation for, and follow-up from" their April 21 and July 25 telephone calls. Schumer also listed email communications related to "several occasions" in which National Security Council officials "reported their concerns to the NSC legal advisor about the decision to delay" almost $400 million in US security assistance to Ukraine. Detailed notes, emails and text messages that State Department witnesses told House investigators have been withheld by the administration also were included in Schumer's letter. McConnell said on Monday that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial, as sought by the Democrats, but wanted to leave the decision until after the trial begins. Trump was impeached on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, a potential Democratic candidate to run against Republican Trump in the November 2020 election. There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

US Senator Schumer outlines documents he wants for impeachment trial

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