The Democratic presidential contenders begin a frantic dash for votes on Thursday after a fiery debate featuring a volley of attacks on big-spending billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who was making his debut on the national debate stage.

The Democratic presidential contenders begin a frantic dash for votes on Thursday after a fiery debate featuring a volley of attacks on big-spending billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who was making his debut on the national debate stage. With two days to go before the presidential caucuses in Nevada and contests looming in 14 states on Super Tuesday on March 3, including California, Utah and Colorado, the candidates will scatter across those four states for rallies and get-out-the-vote events. The intensity of the unsettled Democratic race was evident in Wednesday's debate, which featured repeated attacks on Bloomberg for his record on race, history of sexist comments and use of his fortune to push his way up the polls. Also Read: Mike Bloomberg qualifies for next debate, and rivals are getting ready The former New York City mayor, who has been rising fast in polls since he joined the race in November, seemed uncomfortable and hesitant at times in his first debate. He defended his record and argued he had the best chance of beating Republican President Donald Trump in the November 3 election. Rivals Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg all jumped at the chance to go after the media mogul, who has surged in polls by spending hundreds of millions of dollars out of his pocket on an advertising blitz. They criticized Bloomberg, who has been accused over the years of sexist comments, for his treatment of women as well as his support while mayor of "stop-and-frisk" police policies that ensnared disproportionate numbers of blacks and Latinos. The candidates also accused Bloomberg of trying to buy his way into the White House and said his record as mayor and businessman was not good enough to beat Trump. "Democrats take a huge risk if we just substitute one arrogant billionaire for another," said Warren, a senator from Massachusetts who had her most aggressive debate. Nevada's caucuses are the third contest in the state-by-state race to find a challenger to Trump. South Carolina holds its primary on February 29. Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has a town hall meeting and a fundraiser scheduled in Los Angeles, and Bloomberg has a morning event in Utah. Warren and Biden will have a town hall that airs on CNN on Thursday night from Las Vegas. Klobuchar, a senator from Minnesota, has a campaign event in Colorado. Bloomberg entered the race in November and is skipping the early voting states in February. Trump delivered his judgment on Bloomberg's performance with a tweet late on Wednesday: "He was stumbling, bumbling and grossly incompetent. If this doesn’t knock him out of the race, nothing will."

After fiery debate attacks on Bloomberg, Democrats scatter on campaign trail

Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday criticized the conduct of online supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders, saying his rival for the Democratic nomination for president has "some accountability.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday criticized the conduct of online supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders, saying his rival for the Democratic nomination for president has "some accountability." Biden, in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," waded into a spat between Sanders supporters and leaders of The Culinary Union, a powerful labour group in Nevada that has been critical of the senator's healthcare proposals. Nevada holds the next nominating contest in the Democratic presidential primary. "He may not be responsible for it but he has some accountability," Biden said in the interview that will air on Sunday morning. Also Read: Trump mocks 'communist' Bernie and 'Sleepy Joe' before Iowa "If any of my supporters did that, I'd disown them. Flat disown them. The stuff that was said online, the way they threatened these two women who are leaders in that Culinary Union. It is outrageous." Biden has watched his standing in opinion polls slide as Sanders has risen to secure front-runner status. The Culinary Workers Union said supporters of Sanders "viciously" attacked the organization via Twitter, text, voicemail and direct messaging after the union criticized the senator's universal healthcare plan on Tuesday. [ Democratic 2020 US presidential candidate and former US vice president Joe Biden at a campaign event (Courtesy: Reuters ] Sanders, in turn, called for an end to all online harassment but stopped short of acknowledging that the attacks were coming from his supporters. Instead, Sanders suggested in an interview on "PBS NewsHour" on Thursday that the attacks might be coming from people posing as his supporters. "And I'm not so sure, to be honest with you, that they are necessarily part of our movement," Sanders said.

'Disown them:' Biden criticizes Sanders for supporters' online attacks

The Democratic race for nominations has intensified and even a small mistake by the contenders can ruin their 2020 chances. And Democratic presidential candidates Amy Klobuchar and Tom Steyer, who are already behind the frontrunners, have erred on a general knowledge question&nbsp;which is grabbing eyeballs.&nbsp;

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador&nbsp;will definitely not happy to know that Klobuchar and Steyer don't know his name.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bernie-sanders-wins-new-hampshire-democratic-primary-report-280179">Bernie Sanders narrowly beats Buttigieg in New Hampshire Democratic primary: Report</a>

Steyer and Klobuchar, in a televised interview in Nevada, could not name the president of US's neighbour Mexico.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-twitter-trolls-roast-buttigiegs-robotic-raise-the-roof-280647">Twitter trolls Buttigieg's robotic 'Raise the Roof' dance move</a>

When asked about Mexico president's name, billionaire Steyer said: "I forgot".

"No," admitted Klobuchar on the same question.&nbsp;

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Steyer and Klobuchar did not know the name of the president of Mexico, in interviews w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/TelemundoNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TelemundoNews</a> 
“I forget,” says Steyer. 
"Can you tell me his name?" 
Klobuchar: “No." 
Pete knew. <a href="https://t.co/gUBqyxLfUW">pic.twitter.com/gUBqyxLfUW</a>
— Alex Thompson (@AlxThomp) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlxThomp/status/1228412333963333639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pete Buttigieg, who is currently the frontrunner in the Democratic nomination race was able to answer, avoiding a major embarrassment.&nbsp;

"Lopez Obrador... I hope," he responded, hesitatingly.

The netizens, however, gave mixed reactions to the gaffe, with some taking a dig, while others showing sympathy.

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Uh say what? Even I know who the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/President?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#President</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mexico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mexico</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMLOPresidente?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AMLOPresidente</a> JFC and these people expect to run this nation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Klobuchar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Klobuchar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steyer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Steyer</a> are awful <a href="https://t.co/azBftSedxH">https://t.co/azBftSedxH</a>
— Grace in Your Face 🙏🏼❤️🇺🇸 (@MediumGrace) <a href="https://twitter.com/MediumGrace/status/1228585302412808193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I don’t blame <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steyer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Steyer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amy</a> for not knowing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMLO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AMLO</a>’s name. I’m Mexican and I wish I could forget he is the president 😂😂🤣
— Paco Torres (@pakotorz93) <a href="https://twitter.com/pakotorz93/status/1228483877439713280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It's all good, Mexican fam. No one in America knows who Amy Klobuchar is and if it wasnt for his spending spree buying up television ads, I'm pretty sure no one would know who Tom Steyer is either. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Klobuchar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Klobuchar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steyer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Steyer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Democrats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Democrats</a> <a href="https://t.co/YvDqVPZ0O8">https://t.co/YvDqVPZ0O8</a>
— Barkley (@MuttleyTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuttleyTweets/status/1228548637656940545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The interviews were conducted in an election forum which was hosted by the League of United Latin American Citizens, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights group. Buttigieg, Klobuchar, and Steyer were the only contenders who attended the event.&nbsp;

The forum focussed on the issues concerning the 32 million Latino voters in the state, many of whom have Mexican roots.&nbsp;

After Iowa and New Hampshire, Democrat candidates will now try their luck in Nevada caucus on February 22.&nbsp;

Sanders and Buttigieg are in a neck-and-neck race, with the latter narrowly winning the most delegates so far. On the other hand, Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden, who were the frontrunners before the primaries and caucuses began, are lagging behind.&nbsp;

The Democratic race for nominations has intensified and even a small mistake by the contenders can ruin their 2020 chances. And Democratic presidential candidates Amy Klobuchar and Tom Steyer, who are already behind the frontrunners, have erred on a general knowledge question which is grabbing eyeballs.

The Democratic race for nominations has intensified and even a small mistake by the contenders can ruin their 2020 chances. And Democratic presidential candidates Amy Klobuchar and Tom Steyer, who are already behind the frontrunners, have erred on a general knowledge question which is grabbing eyeballs. Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will definitely not happy to know that Klobuchar and Steyer don't know his name. Also read: Bernie Sanders narrowly beats Buttigieg in New Hampshire Democratic primary: Report Steyer and Klobuchar, in a televised interview in Nevada, could not name the president of US's neighbour Mexico. Also read: Twitter trolls Buttigieg's robotic 'Raise the Roof' dance move When asked about Mexico president's name, billionaire Steyer said: "I forgot". "No," admitted Klobuchar on the same question. Steyer and Klobuchar did not know the name of the president of Mexico, in interviews w/ @TelemundoNews “I forget,” says Steyer. "Can you tell me his name?" Klobuchar: “No." Pete knew. pic.twitter.com/gUBqyxLfUW — Alex Thompson (@AlxThomp) February 14, 2020 × Pete Buttigieg, who is currently the frontrunner in the Democratic nomination race was able to answer, avoiding a major embarrassment. "Lopez Obrador... I hope," he responded, hesitatingly. The netizens, however, gave mixed reactions to the gaffe, with some taking a dig, while others showing sympathy. Uh say what? Even I know who the #President of #Mexico #AMLOPresidente JFC and these people expect to run this nation. #Klobuchar #Steyer are awful https://t.co/azBftSedxH — Grace in Your Face 🙏🏼❤️🇺🇸 (@MediumGrace) February 15, 2020 × I don’t blame #Steyer and #Amy for not knowing #AMLO’s name. I’m Mexican and I wish I could forget he is the president 😂😂🤣 — Paco Torres (@pakotorz93) February 15, 2020 × It's all good, Mexican fam. No one in America knows who Amy Klobuchar is and if it wasnt for his spending spree buying up television ads, I'm pretty sure no one would know who Tom Steyer is either. #Klobuchar #Steyer #Democrats https://t.co/YvDqVPZ0O8 — Barkley (@MuttleyTweets) February 15, 2020 × The interviews were conducted in an election forum which was hosted by the League of United Latin American Citizens, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights group. Buttigieg, Klobuchar, and Steyer were the only contenders who attended the event. The forum focussed on the issues concerning the 32 million Latino voters in the state, many of whom have Mexican roots. After Iowa and New Hampshire, Democrat candidates will now try their luck in Nevada caucus on February 22. Sanders and Buttigieg are in a neck-and-neck race, with the latter narrowly winning the most delegates so far. On the other hand, Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden, who were the frontrunners before the primaries and caucuses began, are lagging behind.

Who is Mexico's President? Don't ask Democratic candidates Klobuchar, Steyer

In response, Sanders' campaign refused to back down and continued to cite the video as evidence that Biden wants to limit the government-run retirement and disability program.

With about two weeks until the primary selection process kicks off in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/democratic-debate-in-iowa-274401#amy-klobuchar-274383">Iowa</a>, Sanders and his campaign have ramped up their attacks on opponents, escalating their criticism of Biden and fellow liberal U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.

<img alt="Joe Biden vs. Bernie Sanders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bc7c0ca-230c-4ffd-84bf-498965f1172a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_14.jpg" /> 
[ Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Sanders and Biden are locked in a tight, four-way race in Iowa along with Warren and Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, to win the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in November.

Biden denied wanting to cut Social Security when asked at an Iowa campaign event on Saturday about rumors he wants to change the program, and he lambasted Sanders' campaign.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-debate-six-candidates-face-off-in-iowas-capital-city-des-moines-274306">Democratic debate: Six candidates face off in Iowa's capital city Des Moines</a>

Biden accused "Bernie's people" of putting out a "doctored video" that was edited to appear to show him agreeing with former Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan that Social Security should be privatized.

<img alt="FIle Photo: Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1838ff3c-6d8a-41e9-8f95-39fc979fe731" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_10.jpg" /> 
[Presidential Candidate Joe Biden (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"It's simply a lie, that video is a lie," Biden said. "I'm looking for his campaign to come forward and disown it but they haven't done it yet."

In response, Sanders' campaign manager Faiz Shakir doubled down on the attack, saying in a statement, "Biden not only pushed to cut Social Security -- he is on tape proudly bragging about it on multiple occasions."

At the centre of the back-and-forth is a newsletter the Sanders campaign distributed recently that pointed to a speech Biden gave to the Brookings Institution think tank in 2018. Biden is quoted as saying, "Paul Ryan was correct when he did the tax code. What's the first thing he decided we had to go after? Social Security and Medicare."

However, the video of the speech makes clear Biden was actually mocking Ryan for the proposal. He leans into the microphone and says in a deep, menacing stage whisper: "Social Security and Medicare." Biden then goes on to say – in remarks not disseminated by the Sanders campaign – that the tax code needs to be reformed so enough revenue is raised to save Social Security and Medicare.

PolitiFact, an independent fact-checker, rated the Sanders newsletter as false.

In response, Sanders' campaign refused to back down and continued to cite the video as evidence that Biden wants to limit the government-run retirement and disability program.

In response, Sanders' campaign refused to back down and continued to cite the video as evidence that Biden wants to limit the government-run retirement and disability program. With about two weeks until the primary selection process kicks off in Iowa, Sanders and his campaign have ramped up their attacks on opponents, escalating their criticism of Biden and fellow liberal U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. [ Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Sanders and Biden are locked in a tight, four-way race in Iowa along with Warren and Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, to win the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in November. Biden denied wanting to cut Social Security when asked at an Iowa campaign event on Saturday about rumors he wants to change the program, and he lambasted Sanders' campaign. Also Read: Democratic debate: Six candidates face off in Iowa's capital city Des Moines Biden accused "Bernie's people" of putting out a "doctored video" that was edited to appear to show him agreeing with former Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan that Social Security should be privatized. [Presidential Candidate Joe Biden (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "It's simply a lie, that video is a lie," Biden said. "I'm looking for his campaign to come forward and disown it but they haven't done it yet." In response, Sanders' campaign manager Faiz Shakir doubled down on the attack, saying in a statement, "Biden not only pushed to cut Social Security -- he is on tape proudly bragging about it on multiple occasions." At the centre of the back-and-forth is a newsletter the Sanders campaign distributed recently that pointed to a speech Biden gave to the Brookings Institution think tank in 2018. Biden is quoted as saying, "Paul Ryan was correct when he did the tax code. What's the first thing he decided we had to go after? Social Security and Medicare." However, the video of the speech makes clear Biden was actually mocking Ryan for the proposal. He leans into the microphone and says in a deep, menacing stage whisper: "Social Security and Medicare." Biden then goes on to say – in remarks not disseminated by the Sanders campaign – that the tax code needs to be reformed so enough revenue is raised to save Social Security and Medicare. PolitiFact, an independent fact-checker, rated the Sanders newsletter as false.

'Simply a lie', Biden accuses Sanders campaign of releasing 'doctored' video

The best-laid plans of Democratic presidential contender <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backs-sanders-in-row-with-warren-over-prospect-of-female-us-president-274374&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl3ZP71YrnAhUQ8HMBHbGIAuQQFjAGegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw179j15ixjuOJusp2LJnY8X">Bernie Sanders</a> were upended this week – and his campaign is struggling to get back on track.

Sanders went into the week looking to draw a sharper contrast between his progressive agenda and that of former Vice President Joe Biden, a moderate and his top rival for the Democratic nomination.

Instead, his flap with fellow senator, friend and progressive ally <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/im-disappointed-bernie-sanders-sent-volunteers-to-trash-me-elizabeth-warren-273907&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl3ZP71YrnAhUQ8HMBHbGIAuQQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bP0HkoXVBtbHWzD71wofO">Elizabeth Warren</a> over gender and electability has dominated the news, an unwelcome twist for a campaign that pulled into the top of the race in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire just weeks before the first voting begins.

The U.S. senator from Vermont has found himself on the defensive after Warren accused him of telling her during a 2018 meeting that a woman could not beat Republican President Donald Trump in the November election. Sanders has denied saying that.

The disagreement between the two liberals grew more inflamed after a CNN microphone caught Warren telling Sanders he made her out to be a liar at Tuesday’s debate in Iowa.

The back-and-forth has had their supporters at odds on social media, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/bernie-sanders-said-no-woman-could-beat-donald-trump-in-2020-elizabeth-warren-274125&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl3ZP71YrnAhUQ8HMBHbGIAuQQFjADegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17ZAglT4ia7_08fKsLmdzX">distressing progressives</a> who want to present a unified front against a “corporate Democrat” going into the 2020 nominating contests, which kick off on Feb. 3 in Iowa.

So far, the dispute does not appear to have hurt Sanders, who saw his support among independents and Democrats rise by 2 points to 20% - ahead of Biden’s 19% - in the past week.

Warren was at 12 percent in the poll. Her momentum has stalled since November, when she detailed how she would finance the Medicare for All government health insurance proposal she and Sanders have championed.

Progressive groups worry that bad blood could push some supporters of either Sanders or Warren to defect to a more moderate candidate such as Biden or former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg if their candidate falters.

The Sanders campaign sought on Thursday to turn the conversation away from Warren and back to Biden, with whom Sanders disagrees on matters ranging from foreign policy to trade.

Sanders’ supporters have shared videos of past speeches where Biden spoke in favor of the invasion of Iraq, which Sanders opposed.

“The focus for progressives should be on making sure that we have a progressive nominee, and the person standing in the way of having a nominee with the strongest progressive record is Joe Biden,” Sanders speechwriter David Sirota stated.

Other damage-control efforts were under way. Almost 20 progressive groups said on Thursday they were joining together to mount a unity campaign aimed at calming tensions between Warren and Sanders and ensuring that a liberal becomes the nominee.

A Democratic strategist aligned with Warren who asked not to be identified suggested her campaign was moving on from the matter and focusing on “driving home her core campaign themes.”

Warren’s supporters have neither been encouraged nor barred from talking about the 2018 meeting, the strategist said.

Warren’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Both Warren and Sanders, along with presidential rival Amy Klobuchar, will have to take time away from the campaign trail ahead of the Iowa nominating contest to serve as jurors in the Senate impeachment trial of Trump.

The best-laid plans of Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders were upended this week – and his campaign is struggling to get back on track. Sanders went into the week looking to draw a sharper contrast between his progressive agenda and that of former Vice President Joe Biden, a moderate and his top rival for the Democratic nomination.

The best-laid plans of Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders were upended this week – and his campaign is struggling to get back on track. Sanders went into the week looking to draw a sharper contrast between his progressive agenda and that of former Vice President Joe Biden, a moderate and his top rival for the Democratic nomination. Instead, his flap with fellow senator, friend and progressive ally Elizabeth Warren over gender and electability has dominated the news, an unwelcome twist for a campaign that pulled into the top of the race in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire just weeks before the first voting begins. The U.S. senator from Vermont has found himself on the defensive after Warren accused him of telling her during a 2018 meeting that a woman could not beat Republican President Donald Trump in the November election. Sanders has denied saying that. The disagreement between the two liberals grew more inflamed after a CNN microphone caught Warren telling Sanders he made her out to be a liar at Tuesday’s debate in Iowa. The back-and-forth has had their supporters at odds on social media, distressing progressives who want to present a unified front against a “corporate Democrat” going into the 2020 nominating contests, which kick off on Feb. 3 in Iowa. So far, the dispute does not appear to have hurt Sanders, who saw his support among independents and Democrats rise by 2 points to 20% - ahead of Biden’s 19% - in the past week. Warren was at 12 percent in the poll. Her momentum has stalled since November, when she detailed how she would finance the Medicare for All government health insurance proposal she and Sanders have championed. Progressive groups worry that bad blood could push some supporters of either Sanders or Warren to defect to a more moderate candidate such as Biden or former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg if their candidate falters. The Sanders campaign sought on Thursday to turn the conversation away from Warren and back to Biden, with whom Sanders disagrees on matters ranging from foreign policy to trade. Sanders’ supporters have shared videos of past speeches where Biden spoke in favor of the invasion of Iraq, which Sanders opposed. “The focus for progressives should be on making sure that we have a progressive nominee, and the person standing in the way of having a nominee with the strongest progressive record is Joe Biden,” Sanders speechwriter David Sirota stated. Other damage-control efforts were under way. Almost 20 progressive groups said on Thursday they were joining together to mount a unity campaign aimed at calming tensions between Warren and Sanders and ensuring that a liberal becomes the nominee. A Democratic strategist aligned with Warren who asked not to be identified suggested her campaign was moving on from the matter and focusing on “driving home her core campaign themes.” Warren’s supporters have neither been encouraged nor barred from talking about the 2018 meeting, the strategist said. Warren’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Both Warren and Sanders, along with presidential rival Amy Klobuchar, will have to take time away from the campaign trail ahead of the Iowa nominating contest to serve as jurors in the Senate impeachment trial of Trump.

Flap with Warren knocks Sanders' strategy off course

Elizabeth Warren made another stunning revelation against fellow Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders that he had told her earlier that a woman could not win the 2020 US election.&nbsp;

Warren's comments came amid escalating tensions between her and Sanders, who are friends and have similar ideological leanings.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-disappointed-bernie-sanders-sent-volunteers-to-trash-me-elizabeth-warren-273907">'I'm disappointed Bernie Sanders sent volunteers to trash me': Elizabeth Warren</a>

Earlier, as per a CNN report, Sanders told Warren in a 2018 meeting that he does not believe that a woman could beat US President Donald Trump. The media outlet also mentioned the names of four people who have knowledge about the meeting.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/warren-sanders-campaigns-spar-in-rare-show-of-discord-between-progressive-democratic-contenders-273901/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sanders denied the report and in an interview to CNN said that it was "ludicrous" that he would tell Warren a woman could not win.&nbsp;

"I thought a woman could win; he disagreed," Warren said in a statement released on Monday.&nbsp;

Warren&nbsp;later said that she has no interest in discussing this private meeting anymore "because Bernie and I have far more in common than our differences in punditry".

The tensions between both the senators earlier rose when Politico reported on Sunday that Sanders' campaign volunteers are describing Warren as a candidate for the elite.&nbsp;

Warren responded she was disappointed to know that Sanders&nbsp;was sending volunteers to "trash" her.&nbsp;

Sanders later said that he didn't approve of talking negative points about other rival candidates.&nbsp;

"Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine... No one is gonna trash Elizabeth Warren," Sanders had said.&nbsp;

Warren and Sanders will face off in the seventh Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Elizabeth Warren made another stunning revelation against fellow Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders that he had told her earlier that a woman could not win the 2020 US election.

Elizabeth Warren made another stunning revelation against fellow Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders that he had told her earlier that a woman could not win the 2020 US election. Warren's comments came amid escalating tensions between her and Sanders, who are friends and have similar ideological leanings. Also read: 'I'm disappointed Bernie Sanders sent volunteers to trash me': Elizabeth Warren Earlier, as per a CNN report, Sanders told Warren in a 2018 meeting that he does not believe that a woman could beat US President Donald Trump. The media outlet also mentioned the names of four people who have knowledge about the meeting. Watch: Sanders denied the report and in an interview to CNN said that it was "ludicrous" that he would tell Warren a woman could not win. "I thought a woman could win; he disagreed," Warren said in a statement released on Monday. Warren later said that she has no interest in discussing this private meeting anymore "because Bernie and I have far more in common than our differences in punditry". The tensions between both the senators earlier rose when Politico reported on Sunday that Sanders' campaign volunteers are describing Warren as a candidate for the elite. Warren responded she was disappointed to know that Sanders was sending volunteers to "trash" her. Sanders later said that he didn't approve of talking negative points about other rival candidates. "Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine... No one is gonna trash Elizabeth Warren," Sanders had said. Warren and Sanders will face off in the seventh Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday.

Bernie Sanders said no woman could beat Donald Trump in 2020: Elizabeth Warren

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elizabeth-warren-and-bernie-sanders-defend-progressive-policies-in-us-democratic-debate-239616">Bernie Sanders</a> raised more than $34.5 million in the last quarter of 2019, the largest three-month haul for a 2020 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/big-democratic-field-taking-shape-for-2020-us-presidential-race-213249">Democratic presidential candidate</a>, while Republican President Donald Trump drew $46 million on the heels of his impeachment, their campaigns said on Thursday.

Former Vice President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that his campaign raised $22.7 million in the same period, up from the $15.2 million he brought in the previous three months.

The new figures took Sanders' total campaign fundraising last year to $96 million, making him the leading fundraiser so far among 14 Democrats vying to face Trump in November's presidential election. States begin choosing candidates next month with the Iowa Caucuses on February&nbsp;3.

Trump, a polarizing president popular with a large majority of Republicans but vilified by many Democrats, maintained his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/from-joe-biden-to-donald-trump-music-choices-help-rally-supporters-269653">formidable fundraising edge</a> over Democrats with a surge of donations following his impeachment last month by the Democratic-led House of Representatives.

"Democrats and the media have been in a sham impeachment frenzy and the president's campaign only got bigger and stronger with our best fundraising quarter this cycle," his campaign manager, Brad Parscale, said in a statement.

The Trump campaign's latest quarter eclipsed a third-quarter fundraising haul of nearly $41 million.

Biden's campaign pointed to continued attacks by Trump as the reason for his uptick in fundraising.

"These numbers clearly demonstrate Donald Trump's lies and attacks on the vice president have only cemented and expanded his support, serving as a constant reminder to Democratic primary voters that Trump is terrified by the idea of facing Joe Biden in a general election," Greg Schultz, Biden's campaign manager, said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-may-consider-obama-as-supreme-court-judge-if-he-becomes-president-271019">Biden</a>, despite continuing to lead most national public opinion polls, had lacklustre fundraising totals after the third quarter. His $22.7 million in the fourth quarter is likely to keep him competitive with rivals.

Pete Buttigieg raised $24.7 million in the fourth quarter, a hefty total expected to land him among the top fundraisers in the Democratic field. Businessman Andrew Yang raised $16.5 million, well over the nearly $10 million he took in previous quarter.

The other candidates, including Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-candidate-warren-discloses-details-of-past-legal-work-showing-2-million-in-compensation-267187">Elizabeth Warren</a>, who currently remains in the top tier of hopefuls, have not released their latest figures.

Sanders, a US&nbsp;senator from Vermont who wants to reduce the sway of corporate America and economic inequality, has built his campaign on small donations, largely through online fundraising from an ethnically diverse, mostly young coalition of supporters.

Campaign manager Faiz Shakir said Sanders' "grassroots movement" showed he was the best placed candidate to defeat Trump.

"He&nbsp;is proving each and every day that working class Americans are ready and willing to fully fund a campaign that stands up for them and takes on the biggest corporations and the wealthy," Shakir said in a statement.

Sanders, 78, bounced back from a heart attack in early October to win growing support for his platform of expanding government-run healthcare, making college free, and investment in renewable energy paid for with higher taxes on the wealthy.

Two billionaires in the Democratic race, Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg, are relying on their own money to fund their campaigns but have not released latest funding figures.

Watch: Donald Trump vs Michael Bloomberg - The battle of the millionaires

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Bloomberg has spent more than $76 million on television ads since November&nbsp;16, while Biden, Warren, Sanders and Buttigieg have spent a combined $13.2 million all year, according to an analysis by the Wesleyan Media Project citing Kantar/CMAG political ad data.

The New York media mogul, who only entered the race in November, has outspent Steyer, who has put more than $72 million into TV ads this year.

Bernie Sanders raised more than $34.5 million in the last quarter of 2019, the largest three-month haul for a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, while Republican President Donald Trump drew $46 million on the heels of his impeachment, their campaigns said on Thursday.

Bernie Sanders raised more than $34.5 million in the last quarter of 2019, the largest three-month haul for a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, while Republican President Donald Trump drew $46 million on the heels of his impeachment, their campaigns said on Thursday. Former Vice President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that his campaign raised $22.7 million in the same period, up from the $15.2 million he brought in the previous three months. The new figures took Sanders' total campaign fundraising last year to $96 million, making him the leading fundraiser so far among 14 Democrats vying to face Trump in November's presidential election. States begin choosing candidates next month with the Iowa Caucuses on February 3. Trump, a polarizing president popular with a large majority of Republicans but vilified by many Democrats, maintained his formidable fundraising edge over Democrats with a surge of donations following his impeachment last month by the Democratic-led House of Representatives. "Democrats and the media have been in a sham impeachment frenzy and the president's campaign only got bigger and stronger with our best fundraising quarter this cycle," his campaign manager, Brad Parscale, said in a statement. The Trump campaign's latest quarter eclipsed a third-quarter fundraising haul of nearly $41 million. Biden's campaign pointed to continued attacks by Trump as the reason for his uptick in fundraising. "These numbers clearly demonstrate Donald Trump's lies and attacks on the vice president have only cemented and expanded his support, serving as a constant reminder to Democratic primary voters that Trump is terrified by the idea of facing Joe Biden in a general election," Greg Schultz, Biden's campaign manager, said. Biden, despite continuing to lead most national public opinion polls, had lacklustre fundraising totals after the third quarter. His $22.7 million in the fourth quarter is likely to keep him competitive with rivals. Pete Buttigieg raised $24.7 million in the fourth quarter, a hefty total expected to land him among the top fundraisers in the Democratic field. Businessman Andrew Yang raised $16.5 million, well over the nearly $10 million he took in previous quarter. The other candidates, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, who currently remains in the top tier of hopefuls, have not released their latest figures. Sanders, a US senator from Vermont who wants to reduce the sway of corporate America and economic inequality, has built his campaign on small donations, largely through online fundraising from an ethnically diverse, mostly young coalition of supporters. Campaign manager Faiz Shakir said Sanders' "grassroots movement" showed he was the best placed candidate to defeat Trump. "He is proving each and every day that working class Americans are ready and willing to fully fund a campaign that stands up for them and takes on the biggest corporations and the wealthy," Shakir said in a statement. Sanders, 78, bounced back from a heart attack in early October to win growing support for his platform of expanding government-run healthcare, making college free, and investment in renewable energy paid for with higher taxes on the wealthy. Two billionaires in the Democratic race, Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg, are relying on their own money to fund their campaigns but have not released latest funding figures. Watch: Donald Trump vs Michael Bloomberg - The battle of the millionaires × Bloomberg has spent more than $76 million on television ads since November 16, while Biden, Warren, Sanders and Buttigieg have spent a combined $13.2 million all year, according to an analysis by the Wesleyan Media Project citing Kantar/CMAG political ad data. The New York media mogul, who only entered the race in November, has outspent Steyer, who has put more than $72 million into TV ads this year.

Happy New Year for Sanders, Trump in campaign fundraising hauls

At every campaign rally, Elizabeth Warren, Democratic candidate for the US presidency, waits to hear the first notes of Dolly Parton's popular country tune '9 to 5' before striding energetically onto the stage to greet wildly enthusiastic supporters. 
 
The musical backdrop to this age-old campaign ritual describes the daily grind of American workers: "Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin' / Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin'."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UbxUSsFXYo4" width="560"></iframe> 
 
The senator's song choice -- others on her list include "Everyday People" and "Respect" -- is anything but accidental, aimed at giving supporters an emotional lift while evoking her own working-class roots.&nbsp; 
 
The 70-year-old Massachusetts progressive is competing against a field of 14 others -- all of them deploying playlists at well-choreographed rallies -- as they seek voters' backing in a race to take on President Donald Trump in elections next November.&nbsp; 
 
"The music employed by candidates is chosen with great care in order to appeal to certain audiences or craft an image of the candidate that resonates with the electorate," Jacob Neiheisel, a political scientist with the University at Buffalo (New York), told AFP.&nbsp; 
 
Senator Bernie Sanders, the feisty, self-declared democratic socialist who is the oldest candidate in the race, opens rallies to the militant tones of John Lennon's "Power to the People," an ode to protest and resistance from the 1970s. He also favors "Takin' It to the Streets." 
 
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Epue9X8bpc" width="560"></iframe>

And the centrist Joe Biden, who embraces the nickname "Middle-Class Joe," regularly ends his rallies with gravelly voiced country singer Kenny Chesney ("For the teacher in the classroom, kid kickin' cans in the street / ... We say we can when they say we can't"). 
Country music may not export well but it is extremely popular in the American heartland, particularly among more conservative voters.&nbsp; 
 
Biden served eight years as Barack Obama's vice president and never misses a chance to highlight his association with the country's first black president. He includes nearly equal numbers of black and white artists on his playlist.

And Democrat Julian Castro, the only Hispanic candidate in the primary field, strongly favors Latin music -- notably by the late Mexican-American star Selena -- as he reaches out to this important demographic ahead of the 2020 elections. 
 
Bernie and Cardi B&nbsp; 
 
Music also allows candidates to create memorable moments -- a time-tested approach. 
 
Former president Bill Clinton, a Democrat and avid jazz fan, played this card successfully: When he performed Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" on the saxophone in a TV talk show appearance during the 1992 campaign, voters were surprised but largely enthusiastic at this departure from the traditional gray-suited formality of presidential candidates.&nbsp; 
 
Democrats generally do better among young people than their Republican opponents, and music helps them break through to the 18-to-25 crowd, a key demographic if it can be mobilized to turn out and vote.&nbsp; 
 
The team of Pete Buttigieg, who at 37 is the youngest candidate in the field, created buzz with a campy video of campaign aides dancing to "High Hopes" by the group Panic! at the Disco. (An earlier version of "High Hopes," by Frank Sinatra, was the 1960 theme song of John F. Kennedy -- the nation's youngest president.) 
 
The Buttigieg video -- with aides dancing side-to-side, performing handrolls and claps -- has since been imitated many times on social media and is now seen at the Indiana mayor's rallies. 
 
Sanders is quick to highlight supporters from the traditionally Democratic-leaning entertainment world as he works to again mobilize young voters, as he did in 2016.&nbsp;

Having recently had his praises sung by Cardi B -- the former striptease dancer turned rap star -- the 78-year-old with unruly white hair was recently seen on Instagram, arm-in-arm with pop princess Ariana Grande, who has an impressive 168 million followers.&nbsp; 
 
Adele and Queen protest&nbsp; 
 
On the Republican side, President Donald Trump favors popular and patriotic music for his raucous rallies, like Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," a country song from the 1980s that clearly aims to appeal to his political base. &nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q65KZIqay4E" width="560"></iframe> 
 
Some choices have been controversial, however. 
 
When Trump aides played Luciano Pavarotti's spellbinding "Nessun Dorma" at rallies -- a song meant to impart a sense of grandeur among the sea of red-hatted supporters -- the late tenor's family protested. The president's values and Pavarotti's, they said, were "incompatible."&nbsp; 
 
Several other artists or their heirs -- the Rolling Stones for "You Can't Always Get What You Want," Queen for "We Are the Champions," as well as Adele, R.E.M. and Neil Young -- have protested what they say is the wrongful appropriation of their iconic tunes at Republican rallies.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At every campaign rally, Elizabeth Warren, Democratic candidate for the US presidency, waits to hear the first notes of Dolly Parton's popular country tune '9 to 5' before striding energetically onto the stage to greet wildly enthusiastic supporters.

At every campaign rally, Elizabeth Warren, Democratic candidate for the US presidency, waits to hear the first notes of Dolly Parton's popular country tune '9 to 5' before striding energetically onto the stage to greet wildly enthusiastic supporters. The musical backdrop to this age-old campaign ritual describes the daily grind of American workers: "Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin' / Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin'." The senator's song choice -- others on her list include "Everyday People" and "Respect" -- is anything but accidental, aimed at giving supporters an emotional lift while evoking her own working-class roots. The 70-year-old Massachusetts progressive is competing against a field of 14 others -- all of them deploying playlists at well-choreographed rallies -- as they seek voters' backing in a race to take on President Donald Trump in elections next November. "The music employed by candidates is chosen with great care in order to appeal to certain audiences or craft an image of the candidate that resonates with the electorate," Jacob Neiheisel, a political scientist with the University at Buffalo (New York), told AFP. Senator Bernie Sanders, the feisty, self-declared democratic socialist who is the oldest candidate in the race, opens rallies to the militant tones of John Lennon's "Power to the People," an ode to protest and resistance from the 1970s. He also favors "Takin' It to the Streets." And the centrist Joe Biden, who embraces the nickname "Middle-Class Joe," regularly ends his rallies with gravelly voiced country singer Kenny Chesney ("For the teacher in the classroom, kid kickin' cans in the street / ... We say we can when they say we can't"). Country music may not export well but it is extremely popular in the American heartland, particularly among more conservative voters. Biden served eight years as Barack Obama's vice president and never misses a chance to highlight his association with the country's first black president. He includes nearly equal numbers of black and white artists on his playlist. And Democrat Julian Castro, the only Hispanic candidate in the primary field, strongly favors Latin music -- notably by the late Mexican-American star Selena -- as he reaches out to this important demographic ahead of the 2020 elections. Bernie and Cardi B Music also allows candidates to create memorable moments -- a time-tested approach. Former president Bill Clinton, a Democrat and avid jazz fan, played this card successfully: When he performed Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" on the saxophone in a TV talk show appearance during the 1992 campaign, voters were surprised but largely enthusiastic at this departure from the traditional gray-suited formality of presidential candidates. Democrats generally do better among young people than their Republican opponents, and music helps them break through to the 18-to-25 crowd, a key demographic if it can be mobilized to turn out and vote. The team of Pete Buttigieg, who at 37 is the youngest candidate in the field, created buzz with a campy video of campaign aides dancing to "High Hopes" by the group Panic! at the Disco. (An earlier version of "High Hopes," by Frank Sinatra, was the 1960 theme song of John F. Kennedy -- the nation's youngest president.) The Buttigieg video -- with aides dancing side-to-side, performing handrolls and claps -- has since been imitated many times on social media and is now seen at the Indiana mayor's rallies. Sanders is quick to highlight supporters from the traditionally Democratic-leaning entertainment world as he works to again mobilize young voters, as he did in 2016. Having recently had his praises sung by Cardi B -- the former striptease dancer turned rap star -- the 78-year-old with unruly white hair was recently seen on Instagram, arm-in-arm with pop princess Ariana Grande, who has an impressive 168 million followers. Adele and Queen protest On the Republican side, President Donald Trump favors popular and patriotic music for his raucous rallies, like Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," a country song from the 1980s that clearly aims to appeal to his political base. Some choices have been controversial, however. When Trump aides played Luciano Pavarotti's spellbinding "Nessun Dorma" at rallies -- a song meant to impart a sense of grandeur among the sea of red-hatted supporters -- the late tenor's family protested. The president's values and Pavarotti's, they said, were "incompatible." Several other artists or their heirs -- the Rolling Stones for "You Can't Always Get What You Want," Queen for "We Are the Champions," as well as Adele, R.E.M. and Neil Young -- have protested what they say is the wrongful appropriation of their iconic tunes at Republican rallies.

From Joe Biden to Donald Trump, music choices help rally supporters

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-democrats-introduce-two-articles-of-impeachment-against-president-trump-267510">Donald Trump </a>warned Russia against any attempts to meddle next year's presidential election, the White House said on Tuesday, but Russia's foreign minister denied any such issue arriving at the meet in Washington.&nbsp;

"President Trump warned against any Russian attempts to interfere in United States elections," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement after the US president's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

Immediately after the meeting, Lavrov told reporters that he is not aware of the communication by the White House, and said: "We haven't even actually discussed elections."

US intelligence discovered that Russia, among other means, manipulated social media to sway the 2016 election in Trump's favour.&nbsp;

Trump has denounced such claims in the past and is stressing on an alternative theory of Ukraine meddling in the 2016 election, an accusation outrightly rejected by US Intelligence.&nbsp;

Lavrov also said that Russia wanted to publish US-Russian communications that he said cleared Russia of allegations it meddles 2016 election, but the US had blocked the release.&nbsp;

In the bilateral meeting, the Russian foreign minister also stressed on Moscow's offer of extending US-Russia START treaty, however, Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, emphasized on a strategic dialogue involving China.

The meeting came on the day when the Democrats declared two impeachment charges against the US president, accusing him of abuse of power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his democratic rival and obstructing the subsequent Congress investigation. &nbsp;

Pompeo said that the Trump administration will always work for maintaining the integrity of the US elections.&nbsp;

"Should Russia or any foreign actor take steps to undermine our democratic processes, we will take action in response," Pompeo added.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

The US President Donald Trump warned Russia against any attempts to meddle next year's presidential election, the White House said on Tuesday, but Russia's foreign minister denied any such issue arriving at the meet in Washington.

The US President Donald Trump warned Russia against any attempts to meddle next year's presidential election, the White House said on Tuesday, but Russia's foreign minister denied any such issue arriving at the meet in Washington. "President Trump warned against any Russian attempts to interfere in United States elections," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement after the US president's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Immediately after the meeting, Lavrov told reporters that he is not aware of the communication by the White House, and said: "We haven't even actually discussed elections." US intelligence discovered that Russia, among other means, manipulated social media to sway the 2016 election in Trump's favour. Trump has denounced such claims in the past and is stressing on an alternative theory of Ukraine meddling in the 2016 election, an accusation outrightly rejected by US Intelligence. Lavrov also said that Russia wanted to publish US-Russian communications that he said cleared Russia of allegations it meddles 2016 election, but the US had blocked the release. In the bilateral meeting, the Russian foreign minister also stressed on Moscow's offer of extending US-Russia START treaty, however, Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, emphasized on a strategic dialogue involving China. The meeting came on the day when the Democrats declared two impeachment charges against the US president, accusing him of abuse of power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his democratic rival and obstructing the subsequent Congress investigation. Pompeo said that the Trump administration will always work for maintaining the integrity of the US elections. "Should Russia or any foreign actor take steps to undermine our democratic processes, we will take action in response," Pompeo added. (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Donald Trump warns Russia not to meddle in US election 2020

Democratic&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-poll-numbers-slide-elizabeth-warren-wrestles-with-medicare-for-all-dilemma-266968">Elizabeth&nbsp;Warren</a>&nbsp;released information on Sunday about her&nbsp;past&nbsp;legal&nbsp;work,&nbsp;showing&nbsp;nearly $2&nbsp;million&nbsp;in&nbsp;compensation&nbsp;from dozens of clients, as a dispute intensified with her rival Pete Buttigieg over transparency.

Warren, a leading&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;among the 15 Democrats vying for the party’s nomination to take on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-zoom-in-on-trump-impeachment-charges-this-week-267046">President Donald Trump</a> in the November 2020 election, had already put out 11 years of tax returns in April and called on other&nbsp;candidates to follow suit.

Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has said in recent days that&nbsp;Warren, a US&nbsp;senator from Massachusetts, should release older tax documents detailing her corporate&nbsp;legal&nbsp;work.

In return,&nbsp;Warren&nbsp;has called on Buttigieg to allow media coverage of his private donor events and to disclose information about his&nbsp;past&nbsp;work&nbsp;at the consultancy company McKinsey.&nbsp;Warren&nbsp;does not hold big-ticket fundraisers and has focused her campaign on combating Washington corruption and corporate greed.

Buttigieg's campaign said on Saturday it was&nbsp;working on making the&nbsp;details&nbsp;of his employment at McKinsey "fully transparent" and called on&nbsp;Warren&nbsp;to match that by releasing her tax returns covering her corporate&nbsp;legal&nbsp;work.

On Sunday, in a 15-page document,&nbsp;Warren's campaign provided examples of her&nbsp;legal&nbsp;work, some of which dated back to 1985, in capacities including as a counsel, consultant and expert witness, giving information about the cases and how much she was compensated.

The document included dozens of cases, some of which&nbsp;Warren&nbsp;took on a pro-bono basis and was not compensated for. In some cases, she&nbsp;worked with a group of consultants. The document showed a total of nearly $2&nbsp;million&nbsp;in&nbsp;compensation.

A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll on Thursday showed that support for&nbsp;Warren&nbsp;dropped nationally to its lowest level in four months, as she came under attack over her proposal to extend government-paid healthcare to all Americans, deemed too costly by her rivals for the nomination.

Warren, 70, is still among the leaders in opinion polls in Iowa, which kicks off the&nbsp;Democratic&nbsp;nominating contests on February&nbsp;3, and in other early voting states. Buttigieg, 37, who had campaign stops this weekend in Iowa, has surged into the lead in recent opinion polls there.

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren released information on Sunday about her past legal work, showing nearly $2 million in compensation from dozens of clients, as a dispute intensified with her rival Pete Buttigieg over transparency.

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren released information on Sunday about her past legal work, showing nearly $2 million in compensation from dozens of clients, as a dispute intensified with her rival Pete Buttigieg over transparency. Warren, a leading candidate among the 15 Democrats vying for the party’s nomination to take on President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election, had already put out 11 years of tax returns in April and called on other candidates to follow suit. Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has said in recent days that Warren, a US senator from Massachusetts, should release older tax documents detailing her corporate legal work. In return, Warren has called on Buttigieg to allow media coverage of his private donor events and to disclose information about his past work at the consultancy company McKinsey. Warren does not hold big-ticket fundraisers and has focused her campaign on combating Washington corruption and corporate greed. Buttigieg's campaign said on Saturday it was working on making the details of his employment at McKinsey "fully transparent" and called on Warren to match that by releasing her tax returns covering her corporate legal work. On Sunday, in a 15-page document, Warren's campaign provided examples of her legal work, some of which dated back to 1985, in capacities including as a counsel, consultant and expert witness, giving information about the cases and how much she was compensated. The document included dozens of cases, some of which Warren took on a pro-bono basis and was not compensated for. In some cases, she worked with a group of consultants. The document showed a total of nearly $2 million in compensation. A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll on Thursday showed that support for Warren dropped nationally to its lowest level in four months, as she came under attack over her proposal to extend government-paid healthcare to all Americans, deemed too costly by her rivals for the nomination. Warren, 70, is still among the leaders in opinion polls in Iowa, which kicks off the Democratic nominating contests on February 3, and in other early voting states. Buttigieg, 37, who had campaign stops this weekend in Iowa, has surged into the lead in recent opinion polls there.

Democratic candidate Warren discloses details of past legal work, showing $2 million in compensation

With support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-democrats-back-on-2020-campaign-trail-after-debate-attacks-on-warren-256253">Elizabeth Warren's </a>White House bid sliding since the release last month of a divisive plan to overhaul healthcare, the Democratic presidential contender has made an effort to refocus her campaign in early-voting Iowa on her signature anti-corruption message.

Some supporters worry that shift could end up hurting the Massachusetts senator, however. Now that Warren has put her $20.5-trillion Medicare For All plan on the table, they want the candidate to try harder to win over doubting voters.

"I don't think she should brush it under the rug," retired teacher and Warren backer Karla Thompson, 60, said at a town hall in Marion, where her wife told the candidate she was worried about the plan. "That's what will make or break her."

For the moment, Warren appears to be treading carefully on the issue.

While she said little about Medicare for All while campaigning in Iowa last week, her campaign there has been mobilizing outside experts to hold town halls and educational house parties to convert skeptics, making an aggressive outreach in the crucial state that will kick off the nominating contests.

In three Iowa town halls, Warren mentioned Medicare for All only after asked or fleetingly at the end of her stump speeches. Her campaign, however, planned to host at least eight healthcare-specific events in the state over the following week, along with general policy discussions and trainings for the Feb. 3 caucuses.

The outreach reflects how the controversy around her proposal has become a central issue for Warren - even though she never set out to have it define her White House bid.

For months, Warren has been running on a populist message of fighting Washington corruption and Wall Street greed. But her promise to expand government health insurance coverage without raising middle-class taxes is what has drawn the most attacks from rivals who say it is unrealistic and from some voters concerned it is too extreme.

Warren's momentum has stalled in the month since she announced how she would finance and implement the system, a policy previously tied most closely to US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is also in the race.

A Nov. 6-13 CBS News/YouGov poll put Warren in fourth place in Iowa, trailing Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. The same poll in mid-October had her tied for first with Biden.

Iowa state Senator Clair Celsi, who endorsed Warren, has suggested the campaign produce explanatory videos to persuade people leery of the proposal, just as she used to be.

"I think the people who are most critical of Medicare for All don't even know what it is," Celsi said.

The campaign would not comment on its efforts, but it has dispatched Iowa state policy director Spencer Dixon to educate voters, held deep-dive policy sessions and tapped local physicians to hold forth at house parties.

"I've got a lot of plans, and I'm glad to have a chance to talk about them," Warren told reporters at an event last week at the University of Iowa, where she did not mention Medicare for All when asked how she would ensure quality healthcare for all women.

Gail Krupa, 75, said that was a missed opportunity. Krupa plans to caucus for Warren but fears not making an overt case for Medicare for All could hurt her chances.

"This would be a great place to go into the details," Krupa said of the university town. "I don't want her to lose votes over it."

With support for Elizabeth Warren's White House bid sliding since the release last month of a divisive plan to overhaul healthcare, the Democratic presidential contender has made an effort to refocus her campaign in early-voting Iowa on her signature anti-corruption message.

With support for Elizabeth Warren's White House bid sliding since the release last month of a divisive plan to overhaul healthcare, the Democratic presidential contender has made an effort to refocus her campaign in early-voting Iowa on her signature anti-corruption message. Some supporters worry that shift could end up hurting the Massachusetts senator, however. Now that Warren has put her $20.5-trillion Medicare For All plan on the table, they want the candidate to try harder to win over doubting voters. "I don't think she should brush it under the rug," retired teacher and Warren backer Karla Thompson, 60, said at a town hall in Marion, where her wife told the candidate she was worried about the plan. "That's what will make or break her." For the moment, Warren appears to be treading carefully on the issue. While she said little about Medicare for All while campaigning in Iowa last week, her campaign there has been mobilizing outside experts to hold town halls and educational house parties to convert skeptics, making an aggressive outreach in the crucial state that will kick off the nominating contests. In three Iowa town halls, Warren mentioned Medicare for All only after asked or fleetingly at the end of her stump speeches. Her campaign, however, planned to host at least eight healthcare-specific events in the state over the following week, along with general policy discussions and trainings for the Feb. 3 caucuses. The outreach reflects how the controversy around her proposal has become a central issue for Warren - even though she never set out to have it define her White House bid. For months, Warren has been running on a populist message of fighting Washington corruption and Wall Street greed. But her promise to expand government health insurance coverage without raising middle-class taxes is what has drawn the most attacks from rivals who say it is unrealistic and from some voters concerned it is too extreme. Warren's momentum has stalled in the month since she announced how she would finance and implement the system, a policy previously tied most closely to US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is also in the race. A Nov. 6-13 CBS News/YouGov poll put Warren in fourth place in Iowa, trailing Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. The same poll in mid-October had her tied for first with Biden. Iowa state Senator Clair Celsi, who endorsed Warren, has suggested the campaign produce explanatory videos to persuade people leery of the proposal, just as she used to be. "I think the people who are most critical of Medicare for All don't even know what it is," Celsi said. The campaign would not comment on its efforts, but it has dispatched Iowa state policy director Spencer Dixon to educate voters, held deep-dive policy sessions and tapped local physicians to hold forth at house parties. "I've got a lot of plans, and I'm glad to have a chance to talk about them," Warren told reporters at an event last week at the University of Iowa, where she did not mention Medicare for All when asked how she would ensure quality healthcare for all women. Gail Krupa, 75, said that was a missed opportunity. Krupa plans to caucus for Warren but fears not making an overt case for Medicare for All could hurt her chances. "This would be a great place to go into the details," Krupa said of the university town. "I don't want her to lose votes over it."

As poll numbers slide, Elizabeth Warren wrestles with Medicare for All dilemma

Billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/potential-presidential-candidate-michael-bloomberg-spends-record-amount-for-tv-ads-264108">Michael Bloomberg </a>formally announced on Sunday that he will be running for the US presidential elections in 2020.

"I’m running for president to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America," Bloomberg said on his web portal. He added that we cannot give US President Donald another four years for "reckless" and "unethical"&nbsp;actions.

Interestingly, the 77-year-old had earlier said in March that he will not run for the presidency. Now, three candidates with over 70 years of age are running for the presidency from Democrats.&nbsp;

"He represents an existential threat to our country and our values. If he wins another term in office, we may never recover from the damage," Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg's entry makes the Democratic race even more crowded with the likes of frontrunners including Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warrens, Pete Buttigieg, among others. Now, 18 candidates from the Democratic party will be competing to take on each other.&nbsp;

As the eight-richest men in the world according to Forbes, Bloomberg can able to spend a lot of money for his campaigning.&nbsp;

The media mogul, who is also the founder of Bloomberg LP, has been critical of the left-inclined leaders Sanders and Warrens and calls them ''extremists''. He has also spoken against Warrens for her stance on taxing the super-rich and programs such as universal health care, free college tuition, etc.

Bloomberg is likely to represent the Centrist side of the Democratic party.&nbsp;

On Saturday, it was reported that Bloomberg has spent&nbsp;$31 million in his television advertising campaign, the largest-ever by any presidential candidate in the US.

Sanders criticised this move in a tweet, saying that the candidate should be able to build a grassroot support and if can't do that, then&nbsp;"you have no business running for president."&nbsp;

The amount surpassed the previous record of $25 million spent by former US president Barack Obama when he was running in 2012 and reflects the financial dominance of one of the richest men in the world.

The former mayor of New York (2002-13) took another step closer for 2020 bid when he registered with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-registers-committee-in-anticipation-of-white-house-run-263771">US Federal Elections Commission </a>on Thursday.&nbsp;

Bloomberg's lists revitalising&nbsp;New York post-9/11, advocacy for gun control and working to control climate change as his achievements as mayor of New York.

Since 2014, he has served as a special UN envoy for climate action and helped several US states, counties and cities finance emissions-reducing projects. &nbsp;

However, Bloomberg is also accused of changing his political stance multiple times. Bloomberg had&nbsp;served as mayor as a Republican.&nbsp;

In 2018,&nbsp;Blomberg donated&nbsp;$100 million to Democrats for gaining their majority back in the House of Representatives.

(with inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg formally announced on Sunday that he will be running for the US presidential elections in 2020. "I’m running for president to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America," Bloomberg said on his web portal.

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg formally announced on Sunday that he will be running for the US presidential elections in 2020. "I’m running for president to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America," Bloomberg said on his web portal. He added that we cannot give US President Donald another four years for "reckless" and "unethical" actions. Interestingly, the 77-year-old had earlier said in March that he will not run for the presidency. Now, three candidates with over 70 years of age are running for the presidency from Democrats. "He represents an existential threat to our country and our values. If he wins another term in office, we may never recover from the damage," Bloomberg said. Bloomberg's entry makes the Democratic race even more crowded with the likes of frontrunners including Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warrens, Pete Buttigieg, among others. Now, 18 candidates from the Democratic party will be competing to take on each other. As the eight-richest men in the world according to Forbes, Bloomberg can able to spend a lot of money for his campaigning. The media mogul, who is also the founder of Bloomberg LP, has been critical of the left-inclined leaders Sanders and Warrens and calls them ''extremists''. He has also spoken against Warrens for her stance on taxing the super-rich and programs such as universal health care, free college tuition, etc. Bloomberg is likely to represent the Centrist side of the Democratic party. On Saturday, it was reported that Bloomberg has spent $31 million in his television advertising campaign, the largest-ever by any presidential candidate in the US. Sanders criticised this move in a tweet, saying that the candidate should be able to build a grassroot support and if can't do that, then "you have no business running for president." The amount surpassed the previous record of $25 million spent by former US president Barack Obama when he was running in 2012 and reflects the financial dominance of one of the richest men in the world. The former mayor of New York (2002-13) took another step closer for 2020 bid when he registered with the US Federal Elections Commission on Thursday. Bloomberg's lists revitalising New York post-9/11, advocacy for gun control and working to control climate change as his achievements as mayor of New York. Since 2014, he has served as a special UN envoy for climate action and helped several US states, counties and cities finance emissions-reducing projects. However, Bloomberg is also accused of changing his political stance multiple times. Bloomberg had served as mayor as a Republican. In 2018, Blomberg donated $100 million to Democrats for gaining their majority back in the House of Representatives. (with inputs from agencies)

Can't give Trump another term for 'unethical' actions: Bloomberg confirms US presidential candidacy

It could be a manipulated video embarrassing a candidate. Or a computer voting system locked by ransomware. Or doubts about electronic voting machines with no paper backups.

As Americans prepare for 2020 elections, digital threats to election security are multiplying, stoking fears of a tainted outcome.

Worries are running high following revelations of a wide-ranging misinformation campaign on Facebook and other social platforms, largely directed by Russian operatives, in 2016.

This was described in detail by special counsel Robert Mueller, whose office obtained several indictments for election interference.

Cyber interference and disinformation operations surrounding elections "are part of a much larger, ongoing challenge to democracies everywhere," said a report from Stanford University's Cyber Policy Center.

Maurice Turner, an election security specialist with the Washington-based Center for Democracy &amp; Technology, said these threats could lead to "a negative impact on voter confidence" in 2020.

Deepfakes, nudes

The newest threat may be "deepfake" video and audio manipulated with artificial intelligence which can put words in the mouths of candidates.

It might even show "unflattering or abusive images of women and minority aspirants in an effort to discredit them," said Darrell West with the Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation, in an online report.

"It is easy to manipulate still images or video footage to put someone in a compromising situation," West wrote.

Danielle Citron, a Boston University online safety expert, told a recent TedSummit talk that deepfakes "can exploit and magnify the deep distrust that we already have in politicians, business leaders and other influential leaders."

Deepfakes "can reinforce an idea for those who want to believe it and be a distraction in the news cycle" even if they are debunked, Turner said.

Hardening defences

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter will be closely scrutinized on how well they counter misinformation.

Experts say it will be increasingly difficult to counter automated accounts or "bots" that can amplify false news.

The failure to take a hard stand against manipulation in 2016 has likely "emboldened Russia to try again in 2020," wrote Stanford professor and ex-Facebook security chief Alex Stamos. Other efforts might come China, Iran or North Korea, he said.

Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter security teams met this month with FBI, homeland security and intelligence officials to discuss collaboration on election threats.

It will be important to anticipate new threats, and not simply use methods from the past.

Facebook's visual platform Instagram could become the most important "disinformation magnet" in 2020, a report by New York University's Center for Business and Human Rights suggests.

The report also said Russian organizations may try to recruit "unwitting" Americans to help spread propaganda.

The researchers called on social platforms to remove "provably false" information -- a delicate task for platforms seeking to avoid becoming truth "arbiters."

It is "tremendously difficult" to moderate content "at scale that allows users to speak freely and have that vigorous public discourse," Turner said.

Rights group Freedom House warned that it's hard to prove content is "unequivocally false," and that banning all foreign content "could harm press freedom."

Digital suppression

Some interference is aimed at "voter suppression," or dissuading people from voting through intimidation or lies, a technique likely to rise in 2020.

The Kremlin-linked Internet Research Agency ran Facebook ads to suppress non-white voter turnout in 2016 by urging people to "boycott the election," arguing that neither presidential candidate would serve black voters, according to research led by University of Wisconsin professor Young Mie Kim.

Some messages gave the wrong election date, encouraged people to bring guns to the polls, or suggested improbably that people could vote by text message.

It's a daunting task to weed out fake and foreign accounts, Kim said.

"There are still a lot of groups that don't have a verifiable online identity" and may be controlled by foreign actors, Kim said.

"If we identify the foreign sources, and deal with those, it would be much easier than discussing what is false and how we correct it," she said.

Vulnerable voting machines

Electronic voting machine vulnerabilities have been known for years, but at least eight US states will have paperless machines which might not be auditable if results are questioned, according to NYU's Brennan Center.

"We will have a patchwork of strengths and weaknesses, and attackers who want to discredit the election will pick the weakest places," said University of Michigan election security specialist Alex Halderman.

Many local governments use aging computer systems, so threats of hacking voter databases and ransomware which locks up election rolls are also worrisome.

Without paper backups and forensic audits it might be impossible to tell if some electronic voting machines were tampered with.

"A well conducted attack that changed the result wouldn't necessarily raise alarm bells."

It could be a manipulated video embarrassing a candidate. Or a computer voting system locked by ransomware. Or doubts about electronic voting machines with no paper backups.

It could be a manipulated video embarrassing a candidate. Or a computer voting system locked by ransomware. Or doubts about electronic voting machines with no paper backups. As Americans prepare for 2020 elections, digital threats to election security are multiplying, stoking fears of a tainted outcome. Worries are running high following revelations of a wide-ranging misinformation campaign on Facebook and other social platforms, largely directed by Russian operatives, in 2016. This was described in detail by special counsel Robert Mueller, whose office obtained several indictments for election interference. Cyber interference and disinformation operations surrounding elections "are part of a much larger, ongoing challenge to democracies everywhere," said a report from Stanford University's Cyber Policy Center. Maurice Turner, an election security specialist with the Washington-based Center for Democracy & Technology, said these threats could lead to "a negative impact on voter confidence" in 2020. Deepfakes, nudes The newest threat may be "deepfake" video and audio manipulated with artificial intelligence which can put words in the mouths of candidates. It might even show "unflattering or abusive images of women and minority aspirants in an effort to discredit them," said Darrell West with the Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation, in an online report. "It is easy to manipulate still images or video footage to put someone in a compromising situation," West wrote. Danielle Citron, a Boston University online safety expert, told a recent TedSummit talk that deepfakes "can exploit and magnify the deep distrust that we already have in politicians, business leaders and other influential leaders." Deepfakes "can reinforce an idea for those who want to believe it and be a distraction in the news cycle" even if they are debunked, Turner said. Hardening defences Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter will be closely scrutinized on how well they counter misinformation. Experts say it will be increasingly difficult to counter automated accounts or "bots" that can amplify false news. The failure to take a hard stand against manipulation in 2016 has likely "emboldened Russia to try again in 2020," wrote Stanford professor and ex-Facebook security chief Alex Stamos. Other efforts might come China, Iran or North Korea, he said. Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter security teams met this month with FBI, homeland security and intelligence officials to discuss collaboration on election threats. It will be important to anticipate new threats, and not simply use methods from the past. Facebook's visual platform Instagram could become the most important "disinformation magnet" in 2020, a report by New York University's Center for Business and Human Rights suggests. The report also said Russian organizations may try to recruit "unwitting" Americans to help spread propaganda. The researchers called on social platforms to remove "provably false" information -- a delicate task for platforms seeking to avoid becoming truth "arbiters." It is "tremendously difficult" to moderate content "at scale that allows users to speak freely and have that vigorous public discourse," Turner said. Rights group Freedom House warned that it's hard to prove content is "unequivocally false," and that banning all foreign content "could harm press freedom." Digital suppression Some interference is aimed at "voter suppression," or dissuading people from voting through intimidation or lies, a technique likely to rise in 2020. The Kremlin-linked Internet Research Agency ran Facebook ads to suppress non-white voter turnout in 2016 by urging people to "boycott the election," arguing that neither presidential candidate would serve black voters, according to research led by University of Wisconsin professor Young Mie Kim. Some messages gave the wrong election date, encouraged people to bring guns to the polls, or suggested improbably that people could vote by text message. It's a daunting task to weed out fake and foreign accounts, Kim said. "There are still a lot of groups that don't have a verifiable online identity" and may be controlled by foreign actors, Kim said. "If we identify the foreign sources, and deal with those, it would be much easier than discussing what is false and how we correct it," she said. Vulnerable voting machines Electronic voting machine vulnerabilities have been known for years, but at least eight US states will have paperless machines which might not be auditable if results are questioned, according to NYU's Brennan Center. "We will have a patchwork of strengths and weaknesses, and attackers who want to discredit the election will pick the weakest places," said University of Michigan election security specialist Alex Halderman. Many local governments use aging computer systems, so threats of hacking voter databases and ransomware which locks up election rolls are also worrisome. Without paper backups and forensic audits it might be impossible to tell if some electronic voting machines were tampered with. "A well conducted attack that changed the result wouldn't necessarily raise alarm bells."

Digital threats multiply ahead of 2020 US elections

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

US election 2020: Joe Biden officially launches presidential bid

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