With&nbsp;less than a month to go for the US election 2020,&nbsp;President Donald Trump is currently battling the novel coronavirus which has claimed over 200,000 American lives, raising several unanswered questions about the uncertain future.

He has pulled out of an October&nbsp;15 debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden, blasting the debate commission's decision to make it a virtual event.

This has raised the question&nbsp;that what happens in the election, already well underway, should his condition take a turn for the worse.

Under Section 3 of the US&nbsp;Constitution's&nbsp;25th&nbsp;Amendment, adopted in 1967 following the 1963 assassination of President John Kennedy, Trump could declare in writing his inability to discharge his duties.

Vice President Mike Pence would become acting president, although Trump would remain in office. The president would regain his powers by declaring in writing that he is again ready to discharge them.

The&nbsp;25th&nbsp;Amendment's Section 4 also offers a path to stripping a president of power if, for instance, his Cabinet believes he has become incapacitated, but this has never been invoked.

However, if a presidentail nominee dies shortly before or after the election, that is the Inaugration Day, the final call regarding the residency is of the House of Representatives. Before that, the House might take charge.

Can political parties replace a candidate who dies?

Yes,&nbsp;political parties can take charge but not this close to the Election Day.&nbsp;More than 6.6 million Americans have already voted. This is&nbsp;10 times the number who had voted at this stage in the 2016 election cycle, indicating a potentially record turnout for the November&nbsp;3 contest.

The deadline for candidates&nbsp;to withdraw has passed in all states. The date of the election is set by the federal law and only Congress can change that date.

In a&nbsp;US election, voters do not elect the president directly. USA has an electoral college system. The candidate who secures more than 270 out of 538 electoral votes wins the election. After the popular vote, electors in each state mostly vote for the candidate that the popular vote has favoured.

Not every&nbsp;US state&nbsp;has the same number of electors. Number of electors in a state depends on that&nbsp;state's representation in the US Congress.

What happens if the winning candidate dies before the Congress decalres a winner?

If the winning candidate dies before the Electoral College meets, the electors could coalesce around a replacement candidate recommended by the party, perhaps the vice presidential candidate.

A party’s electors would have an incentive to coalesce around one candidate, he said, because they wouldn’t want to risk throwing the election to the other party. But there is no guarantee they would all agree on a replacement candidate.

Some states have laws that require electors to vote for the presidential candidate who won the statewide vote; other states could quickly pass laws governing the electors in the event that a candidate dies.

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in July that states may require electors to support the candidate picked by voters in the election. However, the court left open what would happen if the candidate dies.

With less than a month to go for the US election 2020, President Donald Trump is currently battling the novel coronavirus which has claimed over 200,000 American lives, raising several unanswered questions about the uncertain future.

With less than a month to go for the US election 2020, President Donald Trump is currently battling the novel coronavirus which has claimed over 200,000 American lives, raising several unanswered questions about the uncertain future. He has pulled out of an October 15 debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden, blasting the debate commission's decision to make it a virtual event. This has raised the question that what happens in the election, already well underway, should his condition take a turn for the worse. Under Section 3 of the US Constitution's 25th Amendment, adopted in 1967 following the 1963 assassination of President John Kennedy, Trump could declare in writing his inability to discharge his duties. Vice President Mike Pence would become acting president, although Trump would remain in office. The president would regain his powers by declaring in writing that he is again ready to discharge them. The 25th Amendment's Section 4 also offers a path to stripping a president of power if, for instance, his Cabinet believes he has become incapacitated, but this has never been invoked. However, if a presidentail nominee dies shortly before or after the election, that is the Inaugration Day, the final call regarding the residency is of the House of Representatives. Before that, the House might take charge. Can political parties replace a candidate who dies? Yes, political parties can take charge but not this close to the Election Day. More than 6.6 million Americans have already voted. This is 10 times the number who had voted at this stage in the 2016 election cycle, indicating a potentially record turnout for the November 3 contest. The deadline for candidates to withdraw has passed in all states. The date of the election is set by the federal law and only Congress can change that date. In a US election, voters do not elect the president directly. USA has an electoral college system. The candidate who secures more than 270 out of 538 electoral votes wins the election. After the popular vote, electors in each state mostly vote for the candidate that the popular vote has favoured. Not every US state has the same number of electors. Number of electors in a state depends on that state's representation in the US Congress. What happens if the winning candidate dies before the Congress decalres a winner? If the winning candidate dies before the Electoral College meets, the electors could coalesce around a replacement candidate recommended by the party, perhaps the vice presidential candidate. A party’s electors would have an incentive to coalesce around one candidate, he said, because they wouldn’t want to risk throwing the election to the other party. But there is no guarantee they would all agree on a replacement candidate. Some states have laws that require electors to vote for the presidential candidate who won the statewide vote; other states could quickly pass laws governing the electors in the event that a candidate dies. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in July that states may require electors to support the candidate picked by voters in the election. However, the court left open what would happen if the candidate dies.

US election 2020: What happens if a US presidential candidate dies before the election

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is planning to demand setting up of a commission to evaluate US President Donald Trump's mental and physical capacity. Pelosi, along with Maryland Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin are planning to bring in a legislation to this effect.

The legislation would be brought under 25th Amendment of the US Constitution.

Section 4 of the amendment desribes the process according to which politicians can come together to infer that the president was unfit to carry out his duty as the head of the state.

Although the legislation being planned has to do with Trump's health, the addition of the mental health aspect has prompted many to wonder whether this was a potshot the Democratoc Party was talking at the president during the election season.

Donald Trump who caught coronavirus infection last week is recovering and has even hinted a plan to hold an election rally in Florida.

White House physician said on Thursday that Donald Trump should be able to "public engagements" from Saturday. He added that Trump responded "extremely well" to Covid-19 treatment.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-talk-about-supreme-court-expansion-after-us-election-results-joe-biden-333764">Will talk about Supreme Court expansion after US election results: Joe Biden</a>

Just weeks before the November 3 election, Pelosi said Trump needs to disclose more about his health after his COVID-19 diagnosis. She noted Trump's 'strange tweet' halting talks on a new coronavirus aid package.

On Friday, she plans to roll out the legislation that would launch the commission for review. 
"The public needs to know the health condition of the president," Pelosi said, later invoking the 25th Amendment, which allows a president's cabinet or Congress to intervene when a president is unable to conduct the duties of the office.&nbsp;

Trump responded swiftly via Twitter.

"Crazy Nancy is the one who should be under observation. They don't call her Crazy for nothing!" the president said.

(With inputs from PTI)

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is planning to demand setting up of a commission to evaluate US President Donald Trump's mental and physical capacity.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is planning to demand setting up of a commission to evaluate US President Donald Trump's mental and physical capacity. Pelosi, along with Maryland Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin are planning to bring in a legislation to this effect. The legislation would be brought under 25th Amendment of the US Constitution. Section 4 of the amendment desribes the process according to which politicians can come together to infer that the president was unfit to carry out his duty as the head of the state. Although the legislation being planned has to do with Trump's health, the addition of the mental health aspect has prompted many to wonder whether this was a potshot the Democratoc Party was talking at the president during the election season. Donald Trump who caught coronavirus infection last week is recovering and has even hinted a plan to hold an election rally in Florida. White House physician said on Thursday that Donald Trump should be able to "public engagements" from Saturday. He added that Trump responded "extremely well" to Covid-19 treatment. Also Read | Will talk about Supreme Court expansion after US election results: Joe Biden Just weeks before the November 3 election, Pelosi said Trump needs to disclose more about his health after his COVID-19 diagnosis. She noted Trump's 'strange tweet' halting talks on a new coronavirus aid package. On Friday, she plans to roll out the legislation that would launch the commission for review. "The public needs to know the health condition of the president," Pelosi said, later invoking the 25th Amendment, which allows a president's cabinet or Congress to intervene when a president is unable to conduct the duties of the office. Trump responded swiftly via Twitter. "Crazy Nancy is the one who should be under observation. They don't call her Crazy for nothing!" the president said. (With inputs from PTI)

Nancy Pelosi wants a commission to evaluate Trump's mental and physical health

2020 US Election Astrologers Prediction - The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>&nbsp;are just a few weeks away and a lot of media houses and political experts have been trying to work out their strategies and calculate on the basis of polls that who would be the next President of the United States of America.

While the polls are being conducted and studied on a daily basis, some astrologers have also come ahead to lend their support in predicting the next President.

A lot of astrologers have been taking to the social media platforms to predict whether it will the President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;continuing his stay in the White House or will the US have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> as the 46th President of the United States of America.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-58-million-watch-us-vice-presidential-debate-big-jump-from-2016-333722">Also read:&nbsp;Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016</a>

However, one thing that majority of the astrologers agree on is that this will be one of the most unpredictable elections in the history of the US.

US Election Astrologers Prediction: Joe Biden

As per few astrologers,&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;is in his best days of his political career. As per the study of his stars and&nbsp;planets, and after calculating his birth details,&nbsp;numerologists have claimed that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will have an action-packed few months in his political career.&nbsp;

US Election Astrologers Prediction: Donald Trump

On the other hand, Donald Trump's sudden decline in health was something that the astrologers had feared for the past few months now. However, majority readers claim that his health will be on the path of a speedy recovery soon due to his&nbsp;planetary combination.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-a-fly-ruins-your-image-333587">Also read:&nbsp;When a fly ruins your image</a>

Technical glitches

One thing that the security experts are fearing in the upcoming&nbsp;US elections&nbsp;is technical glitches and international interference. Adding to the worries, astrologers have predicted that due to the movement of the Mercury planet, the country can face technical glitches and breakdowns. This has added to the worries of the already-controlversial mail-in voting system that has been adopted by the US states this year to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The astrologers ar urging people to double check their voting slips and ensure that they participate in the early voting rather than waiting till the last moment.

US Election Prediction

The astrologers and numerologists, however, have refused to comment on who will be the ultimate winner, claiming that no study can give that answer 100% correctly. However, majority predictions have claimed that even the candidates will not learn about the result for a period longer than the other candidates had to wait for in the past.

Results, this year, will be unpredictable and the time leading up to the announcement of voting — including rallies and voting day — will only get more action-packed, and there will be no dull day till the new President is sworn in and shifts to the White House.

2020 US Election Astrologers Prediction - The US elections are just a few weeks away and a lot of media houses and political experts have been trying to work out their strategies and calculate on the basis of polls that who would be the next President of the United States of America.

2020 US Election Astrologers Prediction - The US elections are just a few weeks away and a lot of media houses and political experts have been trying to work out their strategies and calculate on the basis of polls that who would be the next President of the United States of America. While the polls are being conducted and studied on a daily basis, some astrologers have also come ahead to lend their support in predicting the next President. A lot of astrologers have been taking to the social media platforms to predict whether it will the President Donald Trump continuing his stay in the White House or will the US have Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America. Also read: Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016 However, one thing that majority of the astrologers agree on is that this will be one of the most unpredictable elections in the history of the US. US Election Astrologers Prediction: Joe Biden As per few astrologers, Joe Biden is in his best days of his political career. As per the study of his stars and planets, and after calculating his birth details, numerologists have claimed that Biden will have an action-packed few months in his political career. US Election Astrologers Prediction: Donald Trump On the other hand, Donald Trump's sudden decline in health was something that the astrologers had feared for the past few months now. However, majority readers claim that his health will be on the path of a speedy recovery soon due to his planetary combination. Also read: When a fly ruins your image Technical glitches One thing that the security experts are fearing in the upcoming US elections is technical glitches and international interference. Adding to the worries, astrologers have predicted that due to the movement of the Mercury planet, the country can face technical glitches and breakdowns. This has added to the worries of the already-controlversial mail-in voting system that has been adopted by the US states this year to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The astrologers ar urging people to double check their voting slips and ensure that they participate in the early voting rather than waiting till the last moment. US Election Prediction The astrologers and numerologists, however, have refused to comment on who will be the ultimate winner, claiming that no study can give that answer 100% correctly. However, majority predictions have claimed that even the candidates will not learn about the result for a period longer than the other candidates had to wait for in the past. Results, this year, will be unpredictable and the time leading up to the announcement of voting — including rallies and voting day — will only get more action-packed, and there will be no dull day till the new President is sworn in and shifts to the White House.

US election 2020: Trump or Biden? Astrologers predict the next President

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden said on Thursday that he will air his opinion on increasing number of judges on US Supreme Court if he defeats President Donald Trump in November 3 election. Donald Trump has nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. She is yet to get a nod from the US Senate for her appointment on the Supreme Court. Republican Party has said that it will push for confiemation from the Senate before November 3 election.

Following Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg`s death on Sept. 18, some Democrats have pressed Biden to consider "packing the court" with liberal justices if Trump`s Republican party fills Ginsburg`s seat ahead of the election and creates a 6-3 conservative majority.

Trump has criticized Biden for repeatedly declining to provide his view on the matter.

On Thursday, Biden told reporters that revealing it now would distract voters from focusing on Trump`s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the top court.

"The moment I answer that question, the headline in every one of your papers will be about that other than - other than focusing on what’s happening now," Biden said.

It is believed that the Republican Party's push to confirm conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett is inanticipation of possble upper hand they will get in case court has to intervene to decide winner of the election. Such a situation has a precedent. In US Presidential Elections 2020, the court intervened to declare winner of the election.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-censors-us-vice-presidential-debate-when-pence-gets-asked-on-the-communist-nation-333731">China censors US vice-presidential debate when Pence gets asked on the communist nation</a>

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said Biden`s comments were a sign he does plan to expand the court. "Voters deserve a clear answer, though we basically already have one," she said on Twitter.

The U.S. Senate, which has the power to confirm presidential nominees to the high court, is currently under Republican control though that could change after November`s elections. The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to start hearings on Barrett on Monday.

The number of justices on the high court has remained at nine since 1869, but Congress has the power to change the size of the bench and did so several times before that.

(With Reuters inputs)

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden said on Thursday that he will air his opinion on increasing number of judges on US Supreme Court if he defeats President Donald Trump in November 3 election.

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden said on Thursday that he will air his opinion on increasing number of judges on US Supreme Court if he defeats President Donald Trump in November 3 election. Donald Trump has nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. She is yet to get a nod from the US Senate for her appointment on the Supreme Court. Republican Party has said that it will push for confiemation from the Senate before November 3 election. Following Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg`s death on Sept. 18, some Democrats have pressed Biden to consider "packing the court" with liberal justices if Trump`s Republican party fills Ginsburg`s seat ahead of the election and creates a 6-3 conservative majority. Trump has criticized Biden for repeatedly declining to provide his view on the matter. On Thursday, Biden told reporters that revealing it now would distract voters from focusing on Trump`s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the top court. "The moment I answer that question, the headline in every one of your papers will be about that other than - other than focusing on what’s happening now," Biden said. It is believed that the Republican Party's push to confirm conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett is inanticipation of possble upper hand they will get in case court has to intervene to decide winner of the election. Such a situation has a precedent. In US Presidential Elections 2020, the court intervened to declare winner of the election. Also Read | China censors US vice-presidential debate when Pence gets asked on the communist nation White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said Biden`s comments were a sign he does plan to expand the court. "Voters deserve a clear answer, though we basically already have one," she said on Twitter. The U.S. Senate, which has the power to confirm presidential nominees to the high court, is currently under Republican control though that could change after November`s elections. The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to start hearings on Barrett on Monday. The number of justices on the high court has remained at nine since 1869, but Congress has the power to change the size of the bench and did so several times before that. (With Reuters inputs)

Will talk about Supreme Court expansion after US election results: Joe Biden

WASHINGTON — Most young people in the United States don’t vote. Fewer than half of Americans 18 to 29 voted in the 2016 presidential election — a gap of more than 15 points compared with the overall turnout.

This is not unique to the United States. Our new analysis of turnout for the most recent national general elections for heads of government in two dozen countries revealed that the general population’s voting rate exceeds the voting rate for young people in every single one of them.

The sample of two dozen countries isn’t representative of all nations. The 24 countries that had youth turnout data available were richer, more democratic and more literate than the 168 countries we contacted that didn’t. But the trends are still illustrative.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-58-million-watch-us-vice-presidential-debate-big-jump-from-2016-333722">Also read|&nbsp;Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016</a>

Why do young people vote less than their elders?

Almost a century ago, political scientists Charles E. Merriam and Harold F. Gosnell identified several groups of Americans whose turnout rates were comparatively low, including young people, minorities, the less educated and the poor — all of whom are still less likely to vote today.

Three broad themes in political science research help explain the gap for young voters:

— Habit formation. Voting is a habit formed over time, and one possible reason that young people do it less frequently is that they have had fewer opportunities to form and reinforce the habit. With time, people slowly turn from “habitual nonvoters” to “habitual voters,” as a paper by Eric Plutzer, a political scientist at Penn State, puts it.

That internal habit formation is reinforced externally, too, as Mark N. Franklin of Trinity College described in a book exploring aspects of voter turnout. People of all ages are influenced by what they see their friends and peers doing, and older people are more likely to have observed friends making the choice to vote, over the course of multiple election cycles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ready-to-go-on-campaign-rally-as-soon-as-he-gets-okay-from-his-doctor-white-house-334039">Also read|&nbsp;Trump ready to go on campaign rally as soon as he gets 'okay' from his doctor: White House</a>

— Opportunity cost. Voting for the first or second time may also be harder than voting in subsequent elections. There is a direct opportunity cost for young adults, who may have less flexible employment schedules or less financial cushion to take time off to vote, or who may be in temporary housing situations where they lack deep community ties. There is also an indirect opportunity cost to learning the process of voting, like finding a polling place and learning about the candidates, according to Franklin.

In the United States, some of those obstacles are, or once were, intentional.

“I think of the U.S. as an anomaly when it comes to disparities in turnout across groups, and that those disparities are inseparable from a legacy of slavery and racism,” said Charlotte Hill, a doctoral candidate working on voting issues at the University of California, Berkeley.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-or-biden-astrologers-predict-the-next-president-333963">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Trump or Biden? Astrologers predict the next President</a>

Raising voter turnout among all cohorts isn’t a universal goal among the politically powerful. And policies that make voting harder, like voter ID laws, may disproportionately affect low-propensity voters, including young people.

— Alternative participation. Youth turnout data may be less dispiriting when viewed in the context of participation in other forms of political action. Lower election turnout in general over time has been accompanied by a rise in “other forms of citizen activism, such as mass protests, occupy movements and increased use of social media as a new platform of political engagement,” according to research by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. Data suggests these trends are especially pronounced among young people. Compared with their elders in Germany, France and Britain, one analysis found, younger people are more likely to sign petitions, and more than twice as likely to participate in demonstrations.

All this suggests that the problem doesn’t come down to lack of interest, as research collected in John Holbein and D. Sunshine Hillygus’s recent book “Making Young Voters,” affirms. In recent years in the United States, they write, “the number of young people who express an interest in elections (76 percent), care who is president (74 percent), have interest in public affairs (85 percent), and intend to vote (83 percent) is especially high.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-ifhttps://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-if-a-us-presidential-candidate-dies-before-the-election-333986-a-us-presidential-candidate-dies-before-the-election-333986">Also read|&nbsp;What happens if a US presidential candidate dies before the election</a>

Is the gap between young and older voters consistent around the world?

No. Among the 24 countries we examined, the difference between youth and general turnout ranged from less than 1 percentage point to more than 20 points. And although the United States isn’t alone in seeing a gap, it fares pretty dismally, with the fifth-lowest youth turnout in the sample and the fourth-biggest gap between youth and overall turnout.

But before scolding young Americans, look at their elders. In countries where older people vote at higher rates, young people do, too.

Interestingly, that gap shrinks reliably as voting increases. In other words, the higher the youth voting rate, the closer the youth rate is likely to be to the overall rate.

What else predicts voter turnout?

Not much. In our analysis of overall voter turnout in the most recent national elections in 173 countries, participation cannot readily be predicted by any of more than 20 demographic and political-economy variables tested, including GDP per capita, population size, type of government, development status and level of inequality. Even factors like compulsory and weekend voting didn’t reliably predict turnout in our survey.

You might imagine that people in rich, highly democratic countries are more likely to vote. And while that’s true in some places — Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden all saw turnout rates of 85% or higher in their last elections — citizens of nations with dependably free and fair elections don’t always take advantage of their enviable position. Switzerland’s 2019 presidential election, for example, had a youth turnout of 33% and an overall turnout of 45%. The United States, with its 64% overall turnout and 46% youth turnout in 2016, may also fall into this category.

What would boost U.S. youth turnout?

Experts emphasize that there is no single fix to increase youth turnout. Instead, research points to interventions on a short, medium and long-term timeline.

— Short term: Get young people the specific information they need to register and make it to the polls.

“It drives me nuts when I hear people say, ‘It’s not that hard to go vote,’ or ‘It’s not that hard to register,’” said Jan Leighley, a professor of government at American University. “Actually, the act of casting a ballot in an election is incredibly complex!”

She and other experts recommend mobilization efforts that lead first-time voters through steps like learning how to register and by what date; how a ballot works, what’s on it and how to fill it out; where to go to cast a vote and what to do when you get there. Research cited by Holbein and Hillygus showed that flashier but less precise efforts, like celebrity-driven efforts to increase awareness of voting in general, don’t work.

— Medium term: Work to reduce systemic barriers, especially to registration. The strong association between youth and overall turnout suggests that measures aimed at increasing voting for everyone will bring out young voters, too — and maybe even bring their participation rates closer to the general population’s.

In her book about voter turnout, Meredith Rolfe of the University of Massachusetts points out that in U.S. elections, turnout is higher in states that make it easier to register to vote, for example by permitting it right up to an election, having registration offices that are open on evenings and weekends and allowing absentee registration.

And Anthony Fowler of the University of Chicago found that permitting future voters to preregister at age 16 or 17, making them automatically registered on their 18th birthday, increases both registration and turnout by 2.1 percentage points.

In an Op-Ed for The New York Times last year, Charlotte Hill and Jacob Grumbach wrote that same-day registration can increase turnout for every age group — and especially for younger voters.

And an even more comprehensive approach, automatic voter registration — in which all citizens of voting age are added to the voter rolls without having to take any action — could have an additional benefit for young people, several scholars noted.

Politicians “don’t have to mobilize and pay too much attention to youth, these days, because they know they’re not going to show up much at the polls, right?” Leighley said. “If you get everyone registered, it has to change their calculations.”

— Long term: Reimagine civics education.

“When I talk with young people, the No. 1 reason that they’re not voting is because they feel embarrassed that they don’t know what’s on the ballot, and then you ask them to go find and it and they don’t know where to go,” said Rachael Cobb, an associate professor and the chair of political science and legal studies at Suffolk University.

One way to address that lack of preparation is to provide practical civics education — teaching more about how to vote. That can plant the seed early that voting is normal and worthwhile, and motivate young voters to overcome the short-term hurdles that might obstruct their participation in any particular election. In one study, youth turnout increased 5.7 percentage points after students were provided with an applied voting demonstration and given the chance to cast a practice ballot.

The most important thing to remember, experts said, is to consider these short-, medium- and long-term interventions in combination — any single one taken in isolation isn’t likely to drive a big increase in youth voter turnout.

“There is no one thing,” said Abby Kiesa, the director of impact for CIRCLE, a research organization focused on youth civic engagement. “We need all the things.”

WASHINGTON — Most young people in the United States don’t vote. Fewer than half of Americans 18 to 29 voted in the 2016 presidential election — a gap of more than 15 points compared with the overall turnout.

WASHINGTON — Most young people in the United States don’t vote. Fewer than half of Americans 18 to 29 voted in the 2016 presidential election — a gap of more than 15 points compared with the overall turnout. This is not unique to the United States. Our new analysis of turnout for the most recent national general elections for heads of government in two dozen countries revealed that the general population’s voting rate exceeds the voting rate for young people in every single one of them. The sample of two dozen countries isn’t representative of all nations. The 24 countries that had youth turnout data available were richer, more democratic and more literate than the 168 countries we contacted that didn’t. But the trends are still illustrative. Also read| Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016 Why do young people vote less than their elders? Almost a century ago, political scientists Charles E. Merriam and Harold F. Gosnell identified several groups of Americans whose turnout rates were comparatively low, including young people, minorities, the less educated and the poor — all of whom are still less likely to vote today. Three broad themes in political science research help explain the gap for young voters: — Habit formation. Voting is a habit formed over time, and one possible reason that young people do it less frequently is that they have had fewer opportunities to form and reinforce the habit. With time, people slowly turn from “habitual nonvoters” to “habitual voters,” as a paper by Eric Plutzer, a political scientist at Penn State, puts it. That internal habit formation is reinforced externally, too, as Mark N. Franklin of Trinity College described in a book exploring aspects of voter turnout. People of all ages are influenced by what they see their friends and peers doing, and older people are more likely to have observed friends making the choice to vote, over the course of multiple election cycles. Also read| Trump ready to go on campaign rally as soon as he gets 'okay' from his doctor: White House — Opportunity cost. Voting for the first or second time may also be harder than voting in subsequent elections. There is a direct opportunity cost for young adults, who may have less flexible employment schedules or less financial cushion to take time off to vote, or who may be in temporary housing situations where they lack deep community ties. There is also an indirect opportunity cost to learning the process of voting, like finding a polling place and learning about the candidates, according to Franklin. In the United States, some of those obstacles are, or once were, intentional. “I think of the U.S. as an anomaly when it comes to disparities in turnout across groups, and that those disparities are inseparable from a legacy of slavery and racism,” said Charlotte Hill, a doctoral candidate working on voting issues at the University of California, Berkeley. Also read| US election 2020: Trump or Biden? Astrologers predict the next President Raising voter turnout among all cohorts isn’t a universal goal among the politically powerful. And policies that make voting harder, like voter ID laws, may disproportionately affect low-propensity voters, including young people. — Alternative participation. Youth turnout data may be less dispiriting when viewed in the context of participation in other forms of political action. Lower election turnout in general over time has been accompanied by a rise in “other forms of citizen activism, such as mass protests, occupy movements and increased use of social media as a new platform of political engagement,” according to research by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. Data suggests these trends are especially pronounced among young people. Compared with their elders in Germany, France and Britain, one analysis found, younger people are more likely to sign petitions, and more than twice as likely to participate in demonstrations. All this suggests that the problem doesn’t come down to lack of interest, as research collected in John Holbein and D. Sunshine Hillygus’s recent book “Making Young Voters,” affirms. In recent years in the United States, they write, “the number of young people who express an interest in elections (76 percent), care who is president (74 percent), have interest in public affairs (85 percent), and intend to vote (83 percent) is especially high.” Also read| What happens if a US presidential candidate dies before the election Is the gap between young and older voters consistent around the world? No. Among the 24 countries we examined, the difference between youth and general turnout ranged from less than 1 percentage point to more than 20 points. And although the United States isn’t alone in seeing a gap, it fares pretty dismally, with the fifth-lowest youth turnout in the sample and the fourth-biggest gap between youth and overall turnout. But before scolding young Americans, look at their elders. In countries where older people vote at higher rates, young people do, too. Interestingly, that gap shrinks reliably as voting increases. In other words, the higher the youth voting rate, the closer the youth rate is likely to be to the overall rate. What else predicts voter turnout? Not much. In our analysis of overall voter turnout in the most recent national elections in 173 countries, participation cannot readily be predicted by any of more than 20 demographic and political-economy variables tested, including GDP per capita, population size, type of government, development status and level of inequality. Even factors like compulsory and weekend voting didn’t reliably predict turnout in our survey. You might imagine that people in rich, highly democratic countries are more likely to vote. And while that’s true in some places — Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden all saw turnout rates of 85% or higher in their last elections — citizens of nations with dependably free and fair elections don’t always take advantage of their enviable position. Switzerland’s 2019 presidential election, for example, had a youth turnout of 33% and an overall turnout of 45%. The United States, with its 64% overall turnout and 46% youth turnout in 2016, may also fall into this category. What would boost U.S. youth turnout? Experts emphasize that there is no single fix to increase youth turnout. Instead, research points to interventions on a short, medium and long-term timeline. — Short term: Get young people the specific information they need to register and make it to the polls. “It drives me nuts when I hear people say, ‘It’s not that hard to go vote,’ or ‘It’s not that hard to register,’” said Jan Leighley, a professor of government at American University. “Actually, the act of casting a ballot in an election is incredibly complex!” She and other experts recommend mobilization efforts that lead first-time voters through steps like learning how to register and by what date; how a ballot works, what’s on it and how to fill it out; where to go to cast a vote and what to do when you get there. Research cited by Holbein and Hillygus showed that flashier but less precise efforts, like celebrity-driven efforts to increase awareness of voting in general, don’t work. — Medium term: Work to reduce systemic barriers, especially to registration. The strong association between youth and overall turnout suggests that measures aimed at increasing voting for everyone will bring out young voters, too — and maybe even bring their participation rates closer to the general population’s. In her book about voter turnout, Meredith Rolfe of the University of Massachusetts points out that in U.S. elections, turnout is higher in states that make it easier to register to vote, for example by permitting it right up to an election, having registration offices that are open on evenings and weekends and allowing absentee registration. And Anthony Fowler of the University of Chicago found that permitting future voters to preregister at age 16 or 17, making them automatically registered on their 18th birthday, increases both registration and turnout by 2.1 percentage points. In an Op-Ed for The New York Times last year, Charlotte Hill and Jacob Grumbach wrote that same-day registration can increase turnout for every age group — and especially for younger voters. And an even more comprehensive approach, automatic voter registration — in which all citizens of voting age are added to the voter rolls without having to take any action — could have an additional benefit for young people, several scholars noted. Politicians “don’t have to mobilize and pay too much attention to youth, these days, because they know they’re not going to show up much at the polls, right?” Leighley said. “If you get everyone registered, it has to change their calculations.” — Long term: Reimagine civics education. “When I talk with young people, the No. 1 reason that they’re not voting is because they feel embarrassed that they don’t know what’s on the ballot, and then you ask them to go find and it and they don’t know where to go,” said Rachael Cobb, an associate professor and the chair of political science and legal studies at Suffolk University. One way to address that lack of preparation is to provide practical civics education — teaching more about how to vote. That can plant the seed early that voting is normal and worthwhile, and motivate young voters to overcome the short-term hurdles that might obstruct their participation in any particular election. In one study, youth turnout increased 5.7 percentage points after students were provided with an applied voting demonstration and given the chance to cast a practice ballot. The most important thing to remember, experts said, is to consider these short-, medium- and long-term interventions in combination — any single one taken in isolation isn’t likely to drive a big increase in youth voter turnout. “There is no one thing,” said Abby Kiesa, the director of impact for CIRCLE, a research organization focused on youth civic engagement. “We need all the things.”

Why don’t young people vote, and what can be done about it?

US vice-presidential Debate&nbsp; 2020 - Live coverage of US vice-presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation. The broadcast came back when Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris criticised Trump government for its approach to China. Harris said during the debate that Trump's approach to China resulted in 'loss of American lives, American jobs, and America's standing'.

The broadcast block affected a small number of viewers in China who had access to CNN. The channel is available in some hotels in China.

Fox News reported that a screen featuring colour bars with all-caps message 'NO SIGNAL PLEASE STAND BY' flashed as the broadcast was censored.

"The censorship offered a vivid example of Beijing`s willingness to excise information it cannot control, even when it involves potentially important insights into relations with the country`s largest trading partner," Fox News was quoted as saying by ANI.

"Censors in China are moving quickly to block criticism of the country`s leaders, discussion of historical events like the Tiananmen Square massacre or any conversation that could involve organizing resistance to the government," Fox News added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internet-goes-berserk-after-errant-housefly-on-pences-head-photobombs-vp-debate-333508">Internet goes berserk after errant housefly on Pence's head photobombs VP debate</a>

US vice-presidential Debate on Wednesday (local time) witnessed sharp exchange of words between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence.

Though the debate did not see exchanges as heated as those seen in the first Presidential Debate, some memorable moments included Kamala Harris asking Mike Pence to stop talking by saying "Mr Vice President, I'm (still) speaking".

Both debaters overshot the time limit several times during the debate but Mike Pence was observed to do this more than Kamala Harris. The moderator of the debate had to step in many times and had to remind Pence to conclude his argument.

(With ANI inputs)

US vice-presidential Debate 2020 - Live coverage of US vice-presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation.

US vice-presidential Debate 2020 - Live coverage of US vice-presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation. The broadcast came back when Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris criticised Trump government for its approach to China. Harris said during the debate that Trump's approach to China resulted in 'loss of American lives, American jobs, and America's standing'. The broadcast block affected a small number of viewers in China who had access to CNN. The channel is available in some hotels in China. Fox News reported that a screen featuring colour bars with all-caps message 'NO SIGNAL PLEASE STAND BY' flashed as the broadcast was censored. "The censorship offered a vivid example of Beijing`s willingness to excise information it cannot control, even when it involves potentially important insights into relations with the country`s largest trading partner," Fox News was quoted as saying by ANI. "Censors in China are moving quickly to block criticism of the country`s leaders, discussion of historical events like the Tiananmen Square massacre or any conversation that could involve organizing resistance to the government," Fox News added. Also Read | Internet goes berserk after errant housefly on Pence's head photobombs VP debate US vice-presidential Debate on Wednesday (local time) witnessed sharp exchange of words between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. Though the debate did not see exchanges as heated as those seen in the first Presidential Debate, some memorable moments included Kamala Harris asking Mike Pence to stop talking by saying "Mr Vice President, I'm (still) speaking". Both debaters overshot the time limit several times during the debate but Mike Pence was observed to do this more than Kamala Harris. The moderator of the debate had to step in many times and had to remind Pence to conclude his argument. (With ANI inputs)

China censors US vice-presidential debate when Pence gets asked on the communist nation

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday if Joe Biden won the presidential election, Vice-Presidential candidate Kamala Harris will takeover his chair in a month's time.&nbsp;

In an interview to Fox News on Thursday, Trump also said Harris's performance in the vice-presidential debate was "terrible" and described her as a "communist".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-58-million-watch-us-vice-presidential-debate-big-jump-from-2016-333722">Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016</a>

"I thought that wasn't even a contest last night. She was terrible. I don't think you could get worse. And totally unlikable. She's a Communist. She's left of Bernie (Sanders). She's rated left of Bernie by everybody. She's a Communist," Trump said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-refusing-to-participate-in-virtual-debate-trump-team-pushes-for-schedule-changes-biden-refuses-333504">After refusing to participate in 'virtual' debate, Trump team pushes for schedule changes; Biden refuses</a>

"We're going to have a Communist. Look, I sit next to Joe and I looked at Joe. Joe's not lasting two months as president. That's my opinion. He's not going to be lasting two months."

The US president also said intends to open up the borders to let "rapists", "murderers" and "killers" enter into the US.&nbsp;

Trump, later in a tweet also said if a Republican lied the way Biden and Harris are, "Lame stream media would be calling them out at a level never recorded before."

"For one year they called for no fracking and big tax increases. Now they each say opposite. Fake news is working overtime!" Trump's tweet said.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday if Joe Biden won the presidential election, Vice-Presidential candidate Kamala Harris will takeover his chair in a month's time.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday if Joe Biden won the presidential election, Vice-Presidential candidate Kamala Harris will takeover his chair in a month's time. In an interview to Fox News on Thursday, Trump also said Harris's performance in the vice-presidential debate was "terrible" and described her as a "communist". Also read | Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016 "I thought that wasn't even a contest last night. She was terrible. I don't think you could get worse. And totally unlikable. She's a Communist. She's left of Bernie (Sanders). She's rated left of Bernie by everybody. She's a Communist," Trump said. Also read | After refusing to participate in 'virtual' debate, Trump team pushes for schedule changes; Biden refuses "We're going to have a Communist. Look, I sit next to Joe and I looked at Joe. Joe's not lasting two months as president. That's my opinion. He's not going to be lasting two months." The US president also said intends to open up the borders to let "rapists", "murderers" and "killers" enter into the US. Trump, later in a tweet also said if a Republican lied the way Biden and Harris are, "Lame stream media would be calling them out at a level never recorded before." "For one year they called for no fracking and big tax increases. Now they each say opposite. Fake news is working overtime!" Trump's tweet said.

If Biden wins election, Harris will takeover in a month: Donald Trump

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer linked a plot to kidnap her to US President Donald Trump, arguing on Thursday in a speech hours after arrests were announced that Trump's words had been a "rallying cry" for extremists.

Whitmer's coronavirus response has faced criticism from conservatives, and the GOP-led Michigan Legislature sued her in May to try to invalidate her stay-at-home order and other measures.

The arrests and Whitmer's comments come less than a month before the presidential election in a key battleground state, where recent polls show Biden has a lead.

Thirteen people, including seven men associated with the Wolverine Watchmen militia group, were arrested in a sweeping takedown of plots to kidnap the Michigan governor, attack the state capitol building and incite violence.

The group aimed to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has traded barbs with Trump over her response to the coronavirus pandemic, ahead of the November 3 presidential election, according to a criminal complaint.

At one point, the alleged plotters discussed recruiting a force of 200 to storm the state capitol in Lansing and take hostages, but later abandoned the plan in favor of surveiling and kidnapping Whitmer at her vacation home, the complaint said.

At a news conference, Whitmer accused Trump of encouraging extremist groups like the "sick and depraved men" that targetted her, citing his failure to condemn white supremacists at the recent US presidential debate against Joe Biden as an example.

"When our leaders meet with, encourage and fraternise with domestic terrorists they legitimise their actions, and they are complicit," Whitmer said.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany pushed back at her remarks, saying Trump has condemned all forms of hate.

Democrat Joe Biden sought to tie Trump to the plot as well, pointing to the president's tweet earlier this year to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN."

Whitmer, a Democrat, said the Republican president has spent the last seven months of the coronavirus pandemic "denying science, ignoring his own health experts, stoking distrust, fomenting anger and giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division."

She singled out Trump's debate comments, when he didn't condemn white supremacist groups and told one far-right extremist group to "stand back and stand by."

Internal US security memos in recent months have warned that violent domestic extremists could pose a threat to election-related targets, a concern exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, political tensions, civil unrest and foreign disinformation campaigns.

The FBI became aware through social media in early 2020 that a group of people were discussing the "violent overthrow" of multiple state governments and used confidential sources to track their movements, according to the complaint.

The group of six facing federal charges -- Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta -- could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on charges of attempting to kidnap Whitmer.

The Wolverine Watchmen has used Facebook since November 2019 to recruit members, according to affidavits in support of the state charges. The group, which is anti-law enforcement, trained with firearms to prepare for an uprising against the government and what they believe is an "impending politically motivated civil war," according to the affidavits.

Michigan is a key swing state in the 2020 presidential race, and Trump and his supporters demanded the governor relax social-distancing rules. Militia members were among those that took to the streets in April to protest the various rules.

The militia movement in the United States became prominent in the mid-1990s and surged again a little more than a decade ago with the arrival of social media and election of former President Barack Obama, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer linked a plot to kidnap her to US President Donald Trump, arguing on Thursday in a speech hours after arrests were announced that Trump's words had been a "rallying cry" for extremists.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer linked a plot to kidnap her to US President Donald Trump, arguing on Thursday in a speech hours after arrests were announced that Trump's words had been a "rallying cry" for extremists. Whitmer's coronavirus response has faced criticism from conservatives, and the GOP-led Michigan Legislature sued her in May to try to invalidate her stay-at-home order and other measures. The arrests and Whitmer's comments come less than a month before the presidential election in a key battleground state, where recent polls show Biden has a lead. Thirteen people, including seven men associated with the Wolverine Watchmen militia group, were arrested in a sweeping takedown of plots to kidnap the Michigan governor, attack the state capitol building and incite violence. The group aimed to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has traded barbs with Trump over her response to the coronavirus pandemic, ahead of the November 3 presidential election, according to a criminal complaint. At one point, the alleged plotters discussed recruiting a force of 200 to storm the state capitol in Lansing and take hostages, but later abandoned the plan in favor of surveiling and kidnapping Whitmer at her vacation home, the complaint said. At a news conference, Whitmer accused Trump of encouraging extremist groups like the "sick and depraved men" that targetted her, citing his failure to condemn white supremacists at the recent US presidential debate against Joe Biden as an example. "When our leaders meet with, encourage and fraternise with domestic terrorists they legitimise their actions, and they are complicit," Whitmer said. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany pushed back at her remarks, saying Trump has condemned all forms of hate. Democrat Joe Biden sought to tie Trump to the plot as well, pointing to the president's tweet earlier this year to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN." Whitmer, a Democrat, said the Republican president has spent the last seven months of the coronavirus pandemic "denying science, ignoring his own health experts, stoking distrust, fomenting anger and giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division." She singled out Trump's debate comments, when he didn't condemn white supremacist groups and told one far-right extremist group to "stand back and stand by." Internal US security memos in recent months have warned that violent domestic extremists could pose a threat to election-related targets, a concern exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, political tensions, civil unrest and foreign disinformation campaigns. The FBI became aware through social media in early 2020 that a group of people were discussing the "violent overthrow" of multiple state governments and used confidential sources to track their movements, according to the complaint. The group of six facing federal charges -- Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta -- could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on charges of attempting to kidnap Whitmer. The Wolverine Watchmen has used Facebook since November 2019 to recruit members, according to affidavits in support of the state charges. The group, which is anti-law enforcement, trained with firearms to prepare for an uprising against the government and what they believe is an "impending politically motivated civil war," according to the affidavits. Michigan is a key swing state in the 2020 presidential race, and Trump and his supporters demanded the governor relax social-distancing rules. Militia members were among those that took to the streets in April to protest the various rules. The militia movement in the United States became prominent in the mid-1990s and surged again a little more than a decade ago with the arrival of social media and election of former President Barack Obama, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

Michigan governor links Trump to foiled kidnapping plot

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence`s debate with Democrat Kamala Harris attracted 57.9 million TV viewers, the second-highest audience ever for a matchup between vice presidential candidates, according to Nielsen data released on Thursday.

The viewership figure for the Wednesday evening faceoff in Salt Lake City included people watching across 18 networks. The tally came in 56% higher than four years ago, when 37 million people tuned in to see Pence debate Democrat Tim Kaine.

During the policy-heavy 90-minute event, Pence and Harris clashed over the Trump administration`s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Vice presidential debates typically draw smaller audiences than presidential clashes. President Donald Trump`s Sept. 29 debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden pulled in 73 million viewers, making it the second-biggest event on U.S. television this year, after the Super Bowl.

The TV viewing record for a vice presidential debate was set in 2008, when Biden debated Republican Sarah Palin. That telecast drew 69.9 million viewers.

For the Pence-Harris matchup, Fox News Channel&nbsp;led all networks, with 11.9 million viewers.

The Nielsen numbers included people watching at home and at such venues as bars and restaurants. It also included some digital viewership through televisions connected to the internet.

The figures do not capture the full extent of online viewing, which has grown in popularity as traditional TV audiences decline, however. The debate was streamed live on Twitter, YouTube, network websites and other digital platforms.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence`s debate with Democrat Kamala Harris attracted 57.9 million TV viewers, the second-highest audience ever for a matchup between vice presidential candidates, according to Nielsen data released on Thursday.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence`s debate with Democrat Kamala Harris attracted 57.9 million TV viewers, the second-highest audience ever for a matchup between vice presidential candidates, according to Nielsen data released on Thursday. The viewership figure for the Wednesday evening faceoff in Salt Lake City included people watching across 18 networks. The tally came in 56% higher than four years ago, when 37 million people tuned in to see Pence debate Democrat Tim Kaine. During the policy-heavy 90-minute event, Pence and Harris clashed over the Trump administration`s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Vice presidential debates typically draw smaller audiences than presidential clashes. President Donald Trump`s Sept. 29 debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden pulled in 73 million viewers, making it the second-biggest event on U.S. television this year, after the Super Bowl. The TV viewing record for a vice presidential debate was set in 2008, when Biden debated Republican Sarah Palin. That telecast drew 69.9 million viewers. For the Pence-Harris matchup, Fox News Channel led all networks, with 11.9 million viewers. The Nielsen numbers included people watching at home and at such venues as bars and restaurants. It also included some digital viewership through televisions connected to the internet. The figures do not capture the full extent of online viewing, which has grown in popularity as traditional TV audiences decline, however. The debate was streamed live on Twitter, YouTube, network websites and other digital platforms.

Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016

US President Donald Trump should be able to resume "public engagements" from Saturday, the White House physician announced Thursday. The doctor added he had responded "extremely well" to Covid-19 treatment.

Trump, on his part,&nbsp;said he might try to attend a rally on Saturday night, probably in Florida.

He said he was feeling "so good" and that he would be keen to get back to campaigning.

"I think I'm going to try doing a rally on Saturday night, if we have enough time to put it together, but we want to do a rally... probably in Florida on Saturday night, might come back and do one in Pennsylvania in the following night," he said, in an interview with Fox News.

During the telephonic interview, he insisted&nbsp;he had recovered from&nbsp;Covid-19 and was “not contagious at all”. However, by the end of the call,&nbsp;he coughed --&nbsp;his voice audibly hoarse, telling a different story altogether.

He also said he would probably get a COVID-19 test on Friday.

Trump spent three days in the hospital before returning to the White House on Monday evening.

"Saturday will be day 10 since Thursday's diagnosis, and based on the trajectory of advanced diagnostics the team has been conducting, I fully anticipate the President's safe return to public engagements at that time," Trump's doctor Sean Conley said in a statement.

Since his diagnosis, Trump has received an experimental antibody treatment, the antiviral drug remdesivir and the steroid dexamethasone.

With only 26 days to go until the November 3 election, the president is keen to get back on the campaign trail to rally his base, with polls showing him trailing Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

The White House has become a Covid-19 hotspot, with dozens of people close to Trump testing positive.

US President Donald Trump should be able to resume "public engagements" from Saturday, the White House physician announced Thursday. The doctor added he had responded "extremely well" to Covid-19 treatment.

US President Donald Trump should be able to resume "public engagements" from Saturday, the White House physician announced Thursday. The doctor added he had responded "extremely well" to Covid-19 treatment. Trump, on his part, said he might try to attend a rally on Saturday night, probably in Florida. He said he was feeling "so good" and that he would be keen to get back to campaigning. "I think I'm going to try doing a rally on Saturday night, if we have enough time to put it together, but we want to do a rally... probably in Florida on Saturday night, might come back and do one in Pennsylvania in the following night," he said, in an interview with Fox News. During the telephonic interview, he insisted he had recovered from Covid-19 and was “not contagious at all”. However, by the end of the call, he coughed -- his voice audibly hoarse, telling a different story altogether. He also said he would probably get a COVID-19 test on Friday. Trump spent three days in the hospital before returning to the White House on Monday evening. "Saturday will be day 10 since Thursday's diagnosis, and based on the trajectory of advanced diagnostics the team has been conducting, I fully anticipate the President's safe return to public engagements at that time," Trump's doctor Sean Conley said in a statement. Since his diagnosis, Trump has received an experimental antibody treatment, the antiviral drug remdesivir and the steroid dexamethasone. With only 26 days to go until the November 3 election, the president is keen to get back on the campaign trail to rally his base, with polls showing him trailing Democratic challenger Joe Biden. The White House has become a Covid-19 hotspot, with dozens of people close to Trump testing positive.

US Election 2020: Trump can return to public events Saturday, may hold a rally in Florida

In a bid to counter fake news and misinformation campaigns, Facebook on Wednesday said it will stop carrying political advertisements in the US for an undefined period post the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">presidential election </a>in the United States.&nbsp;

"(Though) ads are an important way to express voice, we plan to temporarily stop running all social issue, electoral or political ads in the US after the polls close on November 3, to reduce opportunities for confusion or abuse," Facebook, in a blogpost said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/trumps-misleading-covid-19-posts-deleted-by-facebook-and-hidden-by-twitter-333111">Trump's misleading COVID-19 posts deleted by Facebook and hidden by Twitter</a>

Earlier, the social media giant vowed to prevent posting new political ads a week before the November 3 election.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-classifies-qanon-as-dangerous-bans-groups-and-accounts-333040">Facebook classifies QAnon as dangerous, bans groups and accounts</a>

The blog also said that Facebook would also add "specific information" on posts if a candidate or party declares "premature victory"

" (If) a candidate or party declares premature victory before a race is called by major media outlets," it said, "we will add more specific information in the notifications that counting is still in progress and no winner has been determined."

On Thursday, the social media giant took a crackdown on fake accounts that were praising US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Facebook said it has banned US marketing firm Rally Forge for coordinating the "inauthentic behaviour", by way of bogus accounts to comment on news pieces rather than publishing their own article.&nbsp;

It included criticism of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and appreciation of Trump and his Republican party.&nbsp;

In a bid to counter fake news and misinformation campaigns, Facebook on Wednesday said it will stop carrying political advertisements in the US for an undefined period post the presidential election in the United States.

In a bid to counter fake news and misinformation campaigns, Facebook on Wednesday said it will stop carrying political advertisements in the US for an undefined period post the presidential election in the United States. "(Though) ads are an important way to express voice, we plan to temporarily stop running all social issue, electoral or political ads in the US after the polls close on November 3, to reduce opportunities for confusion or abuse," Facebook, in a blogpost said. Also read | Trump's misleading COVID-19 posts deleted by Facebook and hidden by Twitter Earlier, the social media giant vowed to prevent posting new political ads a week before the November 3 election. Also read | Facebook classifies QAnon as dangerous, bans groups and accounts The blog also said that Facebook would also add "specific information" on posts if a candidate or party declares "premature victory" " (If) a candidate or party declares premature victory before a race is called by major media outlets," it said, "we will add more specific information in the notifications that counting is still in progress and no winner has been determined." On Thursday, the social media giant took a crackdown on fake accounts that were praising US President Donald Trump. Facebook said it has banned US marketing firm Rally Forge for coordinating the "inauthentic behaviour", by way of bogus accounts to comment on news pieces rather than publishing their own article. It included criticism of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and appreciation of Trump and his Republican party.

Facebook to temporarily stop posting political ads in US after presidential election

The coronavirus outbreak at the White House has now grown to more than 20 people, and evidence is mounting that the administration did little to prevent or contain the virus’s spread. For months, President Donald Trump minimized the threat of the virus and ignored basic safety precautions like wearing a mask or maintaining 6 feet of distance from other people. And at several events last week, White House staff members defied recommendations — from scientists, local authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — on curbing infection, even after the president tested positive. Here is a look at some of the ways Trump and his staff members ignored basic guidelines.

—

The White House relied too heavily on rapid tests.

THE GUIDELINES

The Food and Drug Administration approved the rapid coronavirus tests used by the White House for use only “within the first seven days of the onset of symptoms.” These tests frequently miss infections in people without symptoms.

The CDC says it may be necessary for those who test negative on a rapid test to confirm the result using a lab-based test, especially if they have symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person.

WHAT HAPPENED

Since the early days of the pandemic, the White House has regularly used rapid tests to screen staff members and guests for the coronavirus because they are fast, portable and easy to operate. But those who tested negative would often skip other precautions, like wearing a mask or social distancing. Experts say rapid tests are less accurate for people who are not showing any signs of infection, and they should not be used as the only precaution.

Testing negative does not guarantee a lack of infection, since people who have been recently infected may not have enough virus in their bodies for tests to detect. Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to the president, and Kayleigh McEnany, the press secretary, both tested positive early this week after testing negative in the preceding days.

And while officials had given the impression that Trump was getting tested every day, the White House has since conceded that tests were not as frequent and has refused to reveal the last time Trump tested negative.

—

Members of the administration held meetings indoors, did not wear masks, &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; and failed to maintain recommended social distance.

THE GUIDELINES

The CDC’s guidelines for preventing the spread of the coronavirus say to remain at least six feet away from people outside your household and to “cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.” The nation’s health protection agency also recommends hosting gatherings outdoors when possible.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Trump administration allowed those who received a negative result to go without a mask to meetings and events, including at a reception inside the White House for the Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

The president also huddled with advisers for maskless preparation sessions ahead of the first presidential debate, held on Sept. 29. Several of those involved — including Chris Christie, a former governor of New Jersey; Kellyanne Conway, a former White House adviser; Hope Hicks, a current adviser; and Bill Stepien, Trump’s campaign manager — have said they have since tested positive.

The president and his staff members also spent several hours in the enclosed space of Air Force One last week traveling to events in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio and New Jersey. At least eight people aboard those flights, including Hicks, McEnany, Miller and Stepien, have since tested positive for the virus.

—

The White House and Trump campaign hosted large gatherings that flouted state and local restrictions.

THE GUIDELINES

CDC guidelines say large, in-person gatherings where it is difficult to maintain social distance of at least 6 feet apart pose the “highest risk” of spreading the coronavirus among all types of gatherings and events. This includes both indoor and outdoor events.

WHAT HAPPENED

The White House and Trump campaign held several large rallies, fundraisers and other events in the week before Trump tested positive.

The day after Trump hosted at least 200 people in the Rose Garden, the president hosted a White House reception honoring Gold Star families. At least 100 people attended the indoor event, including Adm. Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, who has since tested positive, prompting many of the country’s top military officials to go into quarantine.

A citywide order in Washington prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people, but because the White House is on federal property, it is exempt from local rules.

The Trump campaign also held three large outdoor rallies that week in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Minnesota, three states whose guidelines limit gatherings to 250 people. Officials in Pennsylvania criticized the Trump campaign for flouting local regulations, and the Virginia event also drew scrutiny.

—

The White House is not tracing contacts of those at a potential ‘super-spreader’ event.

THE GUIDELINES

The CDC advises contact tracing for close contacts of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus or are considered probable cases. Contact tracers notify, interview and advise the close contacts of the infected person, and the CDC says close contacts should themselves be tested.

WHAT HAPPENED

Even though at least 12 attendees have since tested positive, the White House has decided not to trace the contacts of those who attended the Rose Garden event for Barrett. Instead, the White House said it would notify only those who came into contact with Trump in the two days before his positive test on Oct 1.

A White House spokesman did say contact tracing “was completed” for Trump’s Oct. 1 trip to Bedminster, New Jersey. One guest confirmed he received three emails alerting him to possible exposure — one from the Trump campaign and two from state and local government tracers — but said no one had called him.

—

The president and his aides did not quarantine after people near them showed symptoms and tested positive.

THE GUIDELINES

The CDC says those who have been in “close contact” with someone who tests positive should quarantine for 14 days, starting from two days before the infected person’s illness onset. The White House says it is following CDC guidelines for essential personnel who have come in contact with infected people.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Sept. 30, Trump flew aboard Air Force One with staff members and members of Congress to Minnesota for a fundraiser and rally. That night, Hicks felt ill and sat apart from others at the back of Air Force One on the way home.

Anyone who was in close contact with Hicks in the two days before she started feeling symptoms should have quarantined.

Yet despite knowing of Hicks’ illness, Trump and his aides traveled the next day to Bedminster, to a small indoor round table and then a larger outdoor fundraiser. That evening, Bloomberg News reported that Hicks had tested positive, and after midnight, Trump revealed he had also tested positive.

Even after Trump and Hicks tested positive, McEnany, who had been in close contact with both of them, continued to go to work. She hosted a news conference while maskless on the White House lawn the day after the president tested positive and went to work that weekend, later saying she acted as an essential worker. On Monday, she said she had tested positive.

Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, and Dan Scavino Jr., a deputy chief of staff, have continued to work from the West Wing despite repeated exposure to the president. Both were with Trump at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after he was hospitalized over the weekend and joined the president in the Oval Office on Wednesday, six days after the president’s positive test.

—

The president failed to isolate after testing positive.

THE GUIDELINES

Those who test positive for the coronavirus should isolate themselves from others for a minimum of 10 days after testing positive, according to the CDC, or for at least 10 days after symptoms first appear.

WHAT HAPPENED

Officials say Trump tested positive on Oct. 1. That means he should have isolated until at least Sunday, Oct. 11 — even if he had stopped experiencing symptoms.

Instead, Trump, escorted by Secret Service agents, left isolation Sunday for a drive-by to greet supporters, flew to the White House on Marine One on Monday, and reentered the White House without wearing a mask, defying guidance that is intended to protect others. Video footage of the president before he walked into the White House on Monday showed him in proximity to a photographer and several other people.

The coronavirus outbreak at the White House has now grown to more than 20 people, and evidence is mounting that the administration did little to prevent or contain the virus’s spread.

The coronavirus outbreak at the White House has now grown to more than 20 people, and evidence is mounting that the administration did little to prevent or contain the virus’s spread. For months, President Donald Trump minimized the threat of the virus and ignored basic safety precautions like wearing a mask or maintaining 6 feet of distance from other people. And at several events last week, White House staff members defied recommendations — from scientists, local authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — on curbing infection, even after the president tested positive. Here is a look at some of the ways Trump and his staff members ignored basic guidelines. — The White House relied too heavily on rapid tests. THE GUIDELINES The Food and Drug Administration approved the rapid coronavirus tests used by the White House for use only “within the first seven days of the onset of symptoms.” These tests frequently miss infections in people without symptoms. The CDC says it may be necessary for those who test negative on a rapid test to confirm the result using a lab-based test, especially if they have symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person. WHAT HAPPENED Since the early days of the pandemic, the White House has regularly used rapid tests to screen staff members and guests for the coronavirus because they are fast, portable and easy to operate. But those who tested negative would often skip other precautions, like wearing a mask or social distancing. Experts say rapid tests are less accurate for people who are not showing any signs of infection, and they should not be used as the only precaution. Testing negative does not guarantee a lack of infection, since people who have been recently infected may not have enough virus in their bodies for tests to detect. Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to the president, and Kayleigh McEnany, the press secretary, both tested positive early this week after testing negative in the preceding days. And while officials had given the impression that Trump was getting tested every day, the White House has since conceded that tests were not as frequent and has refused to reveal the last time Trump tested negative. — Members of the administration held meetings indoors, did not wear masks, and failed to maintain recommended social distance. THE GUIDELINES The CDC’s guidelines for preventing the spread of the coronavirus say to remain at least six feet away from people outside your household and to “cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.” The nation’s health protection agency also recommends hosting gatherings outdoors when possible. WHAT HAPPENED The Trump administration allowed those who received a negative result to go without a mask to meetings and events, including at a reception inside the White House for the Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett. The president also huddled with advisers for maskless preparation sessions ahead of the first presidential debate, held on Sept. 29. Several of those involved — including Chris Christie, a former governor of New Jersey; Kellyanne Conway, a former White House adviser; Hope Hicks, a current adviser; and Bill Stepien, Trump’s campaign manager — have said they have since tested positive. The president and his staff members also spent several hours in the enclosed space of Air Force One last week traveling to events in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio and New Jersey. At least eight people aboard those flights, including Hicks, McEnany, Miller and Stepien, have since tested positive for the virus. — The White House and Trump campaign hosted large gatherings that flouted state and local restrictions. THE GUIDELINES CDC guidelines say large, in-person gatherings where it is difficult to maintain social distance of at least 6 feet apart pose the “highest risk” of spreading the coronavirus among all types of gatherings and events. This includes both indoor and outdoor events. WHAT HAPPENED The White House and Trump campaign held several large rallies, fundraisers and other events in the week before Trump tested positive. The day after Trump hosted at least 200 people in the Rose Garden, the president hosted a White House reception honoring Gold Star families. At least 100 people attended the indoor event, including Adm. Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, who has since tested positive, prompting many of the country’s top military officials to go into quarantine. A citywide order in Washington prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people, but because the White House is on federal property, it is exempt from local rules. The Trump campaign also held three large outdoor rallies that week in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Minnesota, three states whose guidelines limit gatherings to 250 people. Officials in Pennsylvania criticized the Trump campaign for flouting local regulations, and the Virginia event also drew scrutiny. — The White House is not tracing contacts of those at a potential ‘super-spreader’ event. THE GUIDELINES The CDC advises contact tracing for close contacts of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus or are considered probable cases. Contact tracers notify, interview and advise the close contacts of the infected person, and the CDC says close contacts should themselves be tested. WHAT HAPPENED Even though at least 12 attendees have since tested positive, the White House has decided not to trace the contacts of those who attended the Rose Garden event for Barrett. Instead, the White House said it would notify only those who came into contact with Trump in the two days before his positive test on Oct 1. A White House spokesman did say contact tracing “was completed” for Trump’s Oct. 1 trip to Bedminster, New Jersey. One guest confirmed he received three emails alerting him to possible exposure — one from the Trump campaign and two from state and local government tracers — but said no one had called him. — The president and his aides did not quarantine after people near them showed symptoms and tested positive. THE GUIDELINES The CDC says those who have been in “close contact” with someone who tests positive should quarantine for 14 days, starting from two days before the infected person’s illness onset. The White House says it is following CDC guidelines for essential personnel who have come in contact with infected people. WHAT HAPPENED On Sept. 30, Trump flew aboard Air Force One with staff members and members of Congress to Minnesota for a fundraiser and rally. That night, Hicks felt ill and sat apart from others at the back of Air Force One on the way home. Anyone who was in close contact with Hicks in the two days before she started feeling symptoms should have quarantined. Yet despite knowing of Hicks’ illness, Trump and his aides traveled the next day to Bedminster, to a small indoor round table and then a larger outdoor fundraiser. That evening, Bloomberg News reported that Hicks had tested positive, and after midnight, Trump revealed he had also tested positive. Even after Trump and Hicks tested positive, McEnany, who had been in close contact with both of them, continued to go to work. She hosted a news conference while maskless on the White House lawn the day after the president tested positive and went to work that weekend, later saying she acted as an essential worker. On Monday, she said she had tested positive. Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, and Dan Scavino Jr., a deputy chief of staff, have continued to work from the West Wing despite repeated exposure to the president. Both were with Trump at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after he was hospitalized over the weekend and joined the president in the Oval Office on Wednesday, six days after the president’s positive test. — The president failed to isolate after testing positive. THE GUIDELINES Those who test positive for the coronavirus should isolate themselves from others for a minimum of 10 days after testing positive, according to the CDC, or for at least 10 days after symptoms first appear. WHAT HAPPENED Officials say Trump tested positive on Oct. 1. That means he should have isolated until at least Sunday, Oct. 11 — even if he had stopped experiencing symptoms. Instead, Trump, escorted by Secret Service agents, left isolation Sunday for a drive-by to greet supporters, flew to the White House on Marine One on Monday, and reentered the White House without wearing a mask, defying guidance that is intended to protect others. Video footage of the president before he walked into the White House on Monday showed him in proximity to a photographer and several other people.

How the White House flouted basic coronavirus rules

Top American newspapers have issued endorsements to Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Should the media tell you who to vote for? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Should the media tell you who to vote for?

Kamala Harris and Mike Pence are all set to face-off in the Vice-Presidential debate. What can you expect from it? WION's Palki Sharma brings you the latest from U.S. Presidential Elections.

Gravitas: Countdown to U.S. Vice Presidential debate

The fly that landed on US Vice President Mike Pence's head has become the star of the Vice-Presidential Debate. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the best reactions.

Gravitas: Fly on Mike Pence's head steals the show | US Election 2020

Kamala Harris and Mike Pence locked horns for the Vice-Presidential Debate on Thursday. Harris tried to corner Pence on Trump's Covid-19 response & race tensions. Pence called Joe Biden a cheerleader of China's Communist Party. WION's Palki Sharma brings you a recap.

US Election: The clash of the Vice-Presidential Candidates | Gravitas

With over 210,000 lives lost & more than 7.4 million affected, Donald Trump's 'DON'T BE AFRAID OF COVID' tweet comes as a hurtful & insensitive remark. WION tells you how some of the Affected families reacted to the tweet.

US Election 2020: Americans react to 'Don't be afraid' tweet

Kamala Harris & Mike Pence prepare for a historical Vice Presidential Debate at University of Utah, Salt lake. Here are some memorable moments from the past Vice Presidential Debates.

US Election 2020: Best Vice Presidential debate moments

The QAnon conspiracy theories have spread across the social media rapidly this year. Especially after Donald Trump acknowledged it. The movement is now facing a global crackdown with blanket bans everywhere. What is QAnon & Where did it come from?

US Election 2020: Global crackdown on QAnon content

With millions out of work, small businesses & airlines struggling to survive & mounting layoffs, Donald Trump halts stimulus talks. The federal help might not reach millions of waiting Americans till elections or even after. How dangerous is the delay for U.S. Economy?

US Election 2020: Dangerous tipping point for U.S Economy?

With less than a month left for the US general elections to take place, celebrities have already started taking sides.&nbsp;

Latest to reveal her party leaning is Taylor Swift. She is definitely with Joe Biden as she took to Twitter to reveal her cover for V Magazine’s ‘The Thought Leaders Issue’ in which she discussed "why I’ll be voting for Joe Biden for president. So apt that it’s come out on the night of the VP debate."

"Gonna be watching and supporting @KamalaHarris by yelling at the tv a lot," she continued, "And I also have custom cookies."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-still-speaking-steely-kamala-harris-stops-pence-from-interrupting-during-us-vp-debate-333362">I am still speaking: Kamala Harris stops Pence from interrupting during US VP</a>

<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" hreflang="en">US VP Debate 2020: Kamala Harris' 'I'm speaking' snub to Pence appears on t-shirts, mugs online</a>

In the post, Taylor Swift can also be seen holding a large plate of blue “Biden Harris 2020" cookies.

She said, “The change we need most is to elect a president who recognizes that people of color deserve to feel safe and represented, that women deserve the right to choose what happens to their bodies, and that the LGBTQIA+ community deserves to be acknowledged and included. Everyone deserves a government that takes global health risks seriously and puts the lives of its people first. The only way we can begin to make things better is to choose leaders who are willing to face these issues and find ways to work through them."

With less than a month left for the US general elections to take place, celebrities have already started taking sides. Latest to reveal her party leaning is Taylor Swift.

With less than a month left for the US general elections to take place, celebrities have already started taking sides. Latest to reveal her party leaning is Taylor Swift. She is definitely with Joe Biden as she took to Twitter to reveal her cover for V Magazine’s ‘The Thought Leaders Issue’ in which she discussed "why I’ll be voting for Joe Biden for president. So apt that it’s come out on the night of the VP debate." "Gonna be watching and supporting @KamalaHarris by yelling at the tv a lot," she continued, "And I also have custom cookies." I am still speaking: Kamala Harris stops Pence from interrupting during US VP US VP Debate 2020: Kamala Harris' 'I'm speaking' snub to Pence appears on t-shirts, mugs online In the post, Taylor Swift can also be seen holding a large plate of blue “Biden Harris 2020" cookies. She said, “The change we need most is to elect a president who recognizes that people of color deserve to feel safe and represented, that women deserve the right to choose what happens to their bodies, and that the LGBTQIA+ community deserves to be acknowledged and included. Everyone deserves a government that takes global health risks seriously and puts the lives of its people first. The only way we can begin to make things better is to choose leaders who are willing to face these issues and find ways to work through them."

US Elections 2020: Taylor Swift reveals she will vote for Joe Biden

Although the #VPDebate was more composed & civil than last week's shout-fest, it was no less viral. A few moments created a BUZZ across social media platforms even before the debate was over.

US Election 2020: A polite phrase, evasive rhetoric & the fly

In latest news, Donald Trump refuses to debate Joe Biden in a virtual setup, after commission of Presidential debates announced the updated format. Earlier, Trump returned to Oval office claiming that he is cured. The 'back to work' video follows new claims & promises.

US Election 2020: Blessing in disguise & free drugs

Much to viewers surprise, Kamala Harris & Mike Pence seized the #VPDebate opportunity to offer clear views on all major issues. From Donald Trump's COVID-19 response to foreign policies & racism. WION gives you the big takeaways from the CIVIL Vice Presidential Debate.

US Election 2020: Verbal clash with clarity of opinions

Watch the key takeaways of the Vice Presidential debate between Democratic party candidate Kamala Harris & Republican Party candidate or present Vice President Mike Pence held on October 08, 2020.

US Election 2020: Key takeaways of the Vice Presidential debate

Oh to be a fly on the wall -- or in the hair -- at Wednesday's US vice presidential debate.

Mike Pence received an unwelcome visitor during his showdown with Democrat Kamala Harris when a large fly perched on the vice president's white hair for two minutes, triggering an avalanche of online commentary.

Pence was discussing the somber issue of racial injustice and police reform when the winged interloper outmaneuvered the plexiglass barriers installed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and landed on the man who is just a heartbeat away from the US presidency. 
 
And there it stayed. For. Two. Agonizing. Minutes.

A split television screen showed Harris looking at Pence while the fly basked in the spotlight, but it was not immediately clear if she saw it.

Everyone else apparently did.

Social media, perhaps in a collective lull given that the evening was far more civil than the chaotic opening clash between President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden last week, immediately pronounced the fly the winner of the debate.

"Ok, this is seriously important debate, but no one is gonna remember anything but that fly," tweeted a user named Sykersomatic.

"That fly was in Pence's hair a long time. It should quarantine," former Missouri secretary of state Jason Kander added, seemingly alluding to the rampant spread of the coronavirus through the White House's ranks.

Others suggested the critter check into Walter Reed, the military medical center just outside Washington where Trump spend three nights receiving treatment for Covid-19.

As the online banter snowballed, a new Twitter account, @MikePenceFly___, quickly racked up some 60,000 followers.

Even Biden himself got in on the action, fundraising off the insect drama.

"Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly," the Democratic nominee tweeted.&nbsp;

And on cue, the Joe Biden campaign store kicked into gear to offer a "Truth Over Flies Fly Swatter," for $10.

Oh to be a fly on the wall -- or in the hair -- at Wednesday's US vice presidential debate. Mike Pence received an unwelcome visitor during his showdown with Democrat Kamala Harris when a large fly perched on the vice president's white hair for two minutes, triggering an avalanche of online commentary.

Oh to be a fly on the wall -- or in the hair -- at Wednesday's US vice presidential debate. Mike Pence received an unwelcome visitor during his showdown with Democrat Kamala Harris when a large fly perched on the vice president's white hair for two minutes, triggering an avalanche of online commentary. Pence was discussing the somber issue of racial injustice and police reform when the winged interloper outmaneuvered the plexiglass barriers installed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and landed on the man who is just a heartbeat away from the US presidency. And there it stayed. For. Two. Agonizing. Minutes. A split television screen showed Harris looking at Pence while the fly basked in the spotlight, but it was not immediately clear if she saw it. Everyone else apparently did. Social media, perhaps in a collective lull given that the evening was far more civil than the chaotic opening clash between President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden last week, immediately pronounced the fly the winner of the debate. "Ok, this is seriously important debate, but no one is gonna remember anything but that fly," tweeted a user named Sykersomatic. "That fly was in Pence's hair a long time. It should quarantine," former Missouri secretary of state Jason Kander added, seemingly alluding to the rampant spread of the coronavirus through the White House's ranks. Others suggested the critter check into Walter Reed, the military medical center just outside Washington where Trump spend three nights receiving treatment for Covid-19. As the online banter snowballed, a new Twitter account, @MikePenceFly___, quickly racked up some 60,000 followers. Even Biden himself got in on the action, fundraising off the insect drama. "Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly," the Democratic nominee tweeted. And on cue, the Joe Biden campaign store kicked into gear to offer a "Truth Over Flies Fly Swatter," for $10.

Fly creates buzz at US vice-presidential debate and online 

Senator Kamala Harris hit out at Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic and termed it "greatest failure" of any US administration. US remains the worst-hit country in the world with more than 7 million people infected with the deadly virus. Kamala Harris lashed out during Vice-Presidential debate with USA Vice President Mike Pence.

"The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country," Harris, running mate to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, said.

Donald Trump has faced flak from the Opposition over his handling of coronavirus pandemic. He has also faced criticism from the media for the 'lax' approach he had in early days of the pandemic in the US.

Trump has said on record that coronavirus was 'just a flu' and advocated medicines that had not been comprehensively and scientifically proven to help cure coronavirus. Trump dissed wearing mask in public which resulted in his supporters following in his suit. Even when thousands were dying almost daily, Trump was not seen wearing mask during his public appearances. Only when death toll kept on mounting and number of those infected rose exponentially, did Trump wear a mask.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pence-dont-believe-in-science-kamala-harris-at-us-vice-presidential-debate-333337">Trump, Pence ‘don’t believe in science’: Kamala Harris at US Vice Presidential debate</a>

Trump caught coronavirus infection last week. He again caused furore when he removed his mask on camera.

During the Vice Presidential debate, Mike Pence slammed Kamala Harris for her statements questioning whether a vaccine released under Trump could be trusted due to the intense pressure on the president to tame the pandemic.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-still-speaking-kamala-harris-stops-pence-from-interrupting-during-us-vp-debate-333362">I am still speaking: Kamala Harris stops Pence from interrupting during US VP Debate</a>

"The fact that you continue to undermine public confidence in a vaccine, if the vaccine emerges during the Trump administration, I think is unconscionable," Pence said.&nbsp;

The US death toll from the pandemic has exceeded 210,000. It remains the worst affected country in the world.

(With inputs from AFP)

Senator Kamala Harris hit out at Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic and termed it "greatest failure" of any US administration. US remains the worst-hit country in the world with more than 7 million people infected with the deadly virus.

Senator Kamala Harris hit out at Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic and termed it "greatest failure" of any US administration. US remains the worst-hit country in the world with more than 7 million people infected with the deadly virus. Kamala Harris lashed out during Vice-Presidential debate with USA Vice President Mike Pence. "The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country," Harris, running mate to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, said. Donald Trump has faced flak from the Opposition over his handling of coronavirus pandemic. He has also faced criticism from the media for the 'lax' approach he had in early days of the pandemic in the US. Trump has said on record that coronavirus was 'just a flu' and advocated medicines that had not been comprehensively and scientifically proven to help cure coronavirus. Trump dissed wearing mask in public which resulted in his supporters following in his suit. Even when thousands were dying almost daily, Trump was not seen wearing mask during his public appearances. Only when death toll kept on mounting and number of those infected rose exponentially, did Trump wear a mask. Also Read | Trump, Pence ‘don’t believe in science’: Kamala Harris at US Vice Presidential debate Trump caught coronavirus infection last week. He again caused furore when he removed his mask on camera. During the Vice Presidential debate, Mike Pence slammed Kamala Harris for her statements questioning whether a vaccine released under Trump could be trusted due to the intense pressure on the president to tame the pandemic. Also Read | I am still speaking: Kamala Harris stops Pence from interrupting during US VP Debate "The fact that you continue to undermine public confidence in a vaccine, if the vaccine emerges during the Trump administration, I think is unconscionable," Pence said. The US death toll from the pandemic has exceeded 210,000. It remains the worst affected country in the world. (With inputs from AFP)

US Vice-Presidential debate: Kamala Harris blasts Trump govt for 'greatest failure' over COVID-19 pandemic

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

Senator Kamala Harris said on Wednesday that she will be "first in line" for a coronavirus vaccine — so long as it's backed by American scientists, not only by President Donald Trump.

"If the public health professionals, if Dr Fauci, if the doctors tell us that we should take it, I'll be the first in line to take it. Absolutely," the California senator said during the first and only vice presidential debate. "But if Donald Trump tells us we should take it, I'm not taking it."

Kamala Harris made this statement during the US Vice Presidential debate in Salt Lake city, Utah.

Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris meet on Wednesday night in their first and only debate of the 2020 campaign.&nbsp;

This debate also marked the debut of an Indian origin person on the podium for the vice presidential debate.&nbsp;

With less than four weeks until Election Day and the White House now a coronavirus hot spot, the pandemic’s presence looms larger than ever over the nation, and the political fortunes of incumbent President Donald Trump and his rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

Senator Kamala Harris said on Wednesday that she will be "first in line" for a coronavirus vaccine — so long as it's backed by American scientists, not only by President Donald Trump.

Senator Kamala Harris said on Wednesday that she will be "first in line" for a coronavirus vaccine — so long as it's backed by American scientists, not only by President Donald Trump. "If the public health professionals, if Dr Fauci, if the doctors tell us that we should take it, I'll be the first in line to take it. Absolutely," the California senator said during the first and only vice presidential debate. "But if Donald Trump tells us we should take it, I'm not taking it." Kamala Harris made this statement during the US Vice Presidential debate in Salt Lake city, Utah. Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris meet on Wednesday night in their first and only debate of the 2020 campaign. This debate also marked the debut of an Indian origin person on the podium for the vice presidential debate. With less than four weeks until Election Day and the White House now a coronavirus hot spot, the pandemic’s presence looms larger than ever over the nation, and the political fortunes of incumbent President Donald Trump and his rival, former Vice President Joe Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

US Election 2020: If Trump tells us we should take it, I’m not taking vaccine, says Kamala Harris

US Republican Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic challenger Kamala Harris squared off evening in Salt Lake City, Utah, ahead of the November 3 election.

Here are some of key quotes from the debate, which was moderated by USA Today journalist Susan Page.

THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Kamala Harris: "On January 28, the vice president and the president were informed about the nature of this pandemic. They were informed that it's lethal. In consequence that it is airborne that it will affect young people, and that it would be contracted, because it is airborne. And they knew what was happening and they didn't tell you."

Asked about the COVID-19 death toll, Pence: "I want the American people to know that from the very first day President Donald Trump has put the health of America first."

Mike Pence: "The reality is when you look at the Biden plan it reads an awful lot like what President Trump and I and our task force have been doing every step of the way.... it looks a little bit like plagiarism."

Kamala Harris: "The American people have had to sacrifice far too much because of the incompetence of this administration."

VACCINE

Kamala Harris on vaccine: "If the public health professionals, if Dr. Fauci, if the doctors tell us that we should take it, I'll be the first in line to take it absolutely, but if Donald Trump tells us to take it, I'm not taking it."

Mike Pence: "The fact that you continue to undermine public confidence in a vaccine - if the vaccine emerges during the Trump administration - I think is unconscionable ... stop playing politics with people's lives."

TAXES

Mike Pence: "On Day One, Joe Biden's going to raise your taxes."

Kamala Harris: "Joe Biden has been very clear: he will not raise taxes on anybody that who makes less than $400,000 a year."

CLIMATE CHANGE

Mike Pence: "Now with regard to climate change, the climate is changing. But the issue is, what's the cause? And what do we do about it? President Trump has made it clear that we're going to continue to listen to the science."

Mike Pence: "We don't need a massive $2 trillion Green New Deal that would impose all new mandates on American businesses and American families."

Kamala Harris: "We have seen a pattern with this administration, which is they don't believe in science."

US Republican Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic challenger Kamala Harris squared off evening in Salt Lake City, Utah, ahead of the November 3 election. Here are some of key quotes from the debate, which was moderated by USA Today journalist Susan Page.

US Republican Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic challenger Kamala Harris squared off evening in Salt Lake City, Utah, ahead of the November 3 election. Here are some of key quotes from the debate, which was moderated by USA Today journalist Susan Page. THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Kamala Harris: "On January 28, the vice president and the president were informed about the nature of this pandemic. They were informed that it's lethal. In consequence that it is airborne that it will affect young people, and that it would be contracted, because it is airborne. And they knew what was happening and they didn't tell you." Asked about the COVID-19 death toll, Pence: "I want the American people to know that from the very first day President Donald Trump has put the health of America first." Mike Pence: "The reality is when you look at the Biden plan it reads an awful lot like what President Trump and I and our task force have been doing every step of the way.... it looks a little bit like plagiarism." Kamala Harris: "The American people have had to sacrifice far too much because of the incompetence of this administration." VACCINE Kamala Harris on vaccine: "If the public health professionals, if Dr. Fauci, if the doctors tell us that we should take it, I'll be the first in line to take it absolutely, but if Donald Trump tells us to take it, I'm not taking it." Mike Pence: "The fact that you continue to undermine public confidence in a vaccine - if the vaccine emerges during the Trump administration - I think is unconscionable ... stop playing politics with people's lives." TAXES Mike Pence: "On Day One, Joe Biden's going to raise your taxes." Kamala Harris: "Joe Biden has been very clear: he will not raise taxes on anybody that who makes less than $400,000 a year." CLIMATE CHANGE Mike Pence: "Now with regard to climate change, the climate is changing. But the issue is, what's the cause? And what do we do about it? President Trump has made it clear that we're going to continue to listen to the science." Mike Pence: "We don't need a massive $2 trillion Green New Deal that would impose all new mandates on American businesses and American families." Kamala Harris: "We have seen a pattern with this administration, which is they don't believe in science."

Kamala Harris, Mike Pence debate on pandemic, climate change: Top quotes

US President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced rare criticism of two of his most steadfast aides, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General Bill Barr, less than a month before elections.

Fuming in a telephone interview with Fox News, Trump, who has been forced off the campaign trail by a Covid-19 diagnosis, demanded that both cabinet members take action concerning the previous administration of Barack Obama.

<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>

Trump said Pompeo should find a way to release emails from Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, a longstanding cause for Republican activists who attack her use of a private server while secretary of state.

"They're in the State Department but Mike Pompeo has been unable to get them out, which is very sad, actually," Trump said.

"I'm not happy about him for that reason," Trump said. "He's running the State Department -- you get them out."

<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>

Pompeo has until now been one of the few aides never to cross the mercurial Trump, who has ruthlessly criticized both Pompeo's and Barr's predecessors after firing them.

Ironically, Pompeo rose to political prominence for his fiery tone in questioning Clinton when he was a congressman looking into the deadly attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya.

Trump -- who is trailing in polls to former vice president Joe Biden -- has been urging Barr to prosecute members of the Obama administration for investigating his campaign's relationship with Russia.

"To be honest, Bill Barr is either going to go down as the greatest attorney general in the history of the country or he's going to go down as a very sad situation," Trump said.

"I mean, I'll be honest with you, he's got all the information he needs," Trump said of indictments.

Trump has pushed a conspiracy theory that the Obama administration worked to thwart him through actions including the probe of the Russia "hoax."

An investigation by former FBI director Robert Mueller found that Russia sought to boost the Trump campaign.

Mueller provided significant evidence that Trump associates coordinated with, cooperated with, encouraged or gave support to Russia's interference. But the investigator said he didn't have enough to charge any campaign member with conspiracy.&nbsp;

Trump's first national security advisor, Michael Flynn, admitted he lied to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador.

Barr, while seeing no grounds to indict Obama officials over the Russia probe, has been a vocal defender of the president.

Barr was a key figure in the forcible June 1 dispersal of anti-racism protesters outside the White House before Trump posed for pictures outside a nearby church.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced rare criticism of two of his most steadfast aides, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General Bill Barr, less than a month before elections.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced rare criticism of two of his most steadfast aides, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General Bill Barr, less than a month before elections. Fuming in a telephone interview with Fox News, Trump, who has been forced off the campaign trail by a Covid-19 diagnosis, demanded that both cabinet members take action concerning the previous administration of Barack Obama. Also read| Next US Presidential debate to be 'virtual'; Trump says won't 'participate' Trump said Pompeo should find a way to release emails from Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, a longstanding cause for Republican activists who attack her use of a private server while secretary of state. "They're in the State Department but Mike Pompeo has been unable to get them out, which is very sad, actually," Trump said. "I'm not happy about him for that reason," Trump said. "He's running the State Department -- you get them out." Also read| Internet goes berserk after errant housefly on Pence's head photobombs VP debate Pompeo has until now been one of the few aides never to cross the mercurial Trump, who has ruthlessly criticized both Pompeo's and Barr's predecessors after firing them. Ironically, Pompeo rose to political prominence for his fiery tone in questioning Clinton when he was a congressman looking into the deadly attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya. Trump -- who is trailing in polls to former vice president Joe Biden -- has been urging Barr to prosecute members of the Obama administration for investigating his campaign's relationship with Russia. "To be honest, Bill Barr is either going to go down as the greatest attorney general in the history of the country or he's going to go down as a very sad situation," Trump said. "I mean, I'll be honest with you, he's got all the information he needs," Trump said of indictments. Trump has pushed a conspiracy theory that the Obama administration worked to thwart him through actions including the probe of the Russia "hoax." An investigation by former FBI director Robert Mueller found that Russia sought to boost the Trump campaign. Mueller provided significant evidence that Trump associates coordinated with, cooperated with, encouraged or gave support to Russia's interference. But the investigator said he didn't have enough to charge any campaign member with conspiracy. Trump's first national security advisor, Michael Flynn, admitted he lied to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador. Barr, while seeing no grounds to indict Obama officials over the Russia probe, has been a vocal defender of the president. Barr was a key figure in the forcible June 1 dispersal of anti-racism protesters outside the White House before Trump posed for pictures outside a nearby church.

Trump launches rare attack on loyal aides Pompeo, Barr

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