US President is known for his unique stance on various issues. Countless of his quotes have caused an outcry as well as have left people in splits. This happened again during the presidential debate between him and Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden. During the course of the debate, Trump said that wind energy "kills all the birds. Joe Biden gave a chuckle at this bizarre assertion.

Trump said his knew more about wind energy than Joe Biden

"It (wind energy) is very expensive, kills all the birds. It's very intermittent. It has got a lot of problems," said Trump.

He went on to say that the windmills were made in China and Germany and said that the fumes coming out during the manufacturing process "is more than anything we are talking about" with respect to carbon emissions.

"Find me a scientist who says that," Joe Biden said coolly.

Biden underlined that energy sector pertaining to wind and solar were the fastest growing fields that would create new jobs

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-cannot-guarantee-donald-trump-backtracks-on-covid-19-vaccine-joe-biden-slams-his-approach-337283">'I cannot guarantee': Donald Trump backtracks on COVID-19 vaccine; Joe Biden slams his approach</a>

"He thinks wind causes cancer, windmills," said Biden in an incredulous tone.

Trump is known for his hawkish views on environmental matters. In past, he has even claimed that climate change and global warming was a "hoax".

He defended his decision to take the US out of Paris accords.

"The Paris accords, I took us out because we were going to have to spend trillions of dollars and we were treated very unfairly," said Trump.

Lashing out at previous administrations, Trump said that they did a great 'disservice' by being part of the treaty and alleged that previous governments were going to take away our businesses.

US President is known for his unique stance on various issues. Countless of his quotes have caused an outcry as well as have left people in splits. This happened again during the presidential debate between him and Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden.

US President is known for his unique stance on various issues. Countless of his quotes have caused an outcry as well as have left people in splits. This happened again during the presidential debate between him and Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden. During the course of the debate, Trump said that wind energy "kills all the birds. Joe Biden gave a chuckle at this bizarre assertion. Trump said his knew more about wind energy than Joe Biden "It (wind energy) is very expensive, kills all the birds. It's very intermittent. It has got a lot of problems," said Trump. He went on to say that the windmills were made in China and Germany and said that the fumes coming out during the manufacturing process "is more than anything we are talking about" with respect to carbon emissions. "Find me a scientist who says that," Joe Biden said coolly. Biden underlined that energy sector pertaining to wind and solar were the fastest growing fields that would create new jobs Also Read | 'I cannot guarantee': Donald Trump backtracks on COVID-19 vaccine; Joe Biden slams his approach "He thinks wind causes cancer, windmills," said Biden in an incredulous tone. Trump is known for his hawkish views on environmental matters. In past, he has even claimed that climate change and global warming was a "hoax". He defended his decision to take the US out of Paris accords. "The Paris accords, I took us out because we were going to have to spend trillions of dollars and we were treated very unfairly," said Trump. Lashing out at previous administrations, Trump said that they did a great 'disservice' by being part of the treaty and alleged that previous governments were going to take away our businesses.

US Elections 2020: Wind energy kills birds, says Donald Trump during presidential debate

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved President Donald Trumps SC nominee Amy Barrett. Watch report.

Your Story: Senate approves Trump's court nominee Amy Barrett

India and USA on Wednesday announced the dates of upcoming 2+2 dialogue between the two countries. The dialogue will take place next week on October 26 and 27 in New Delhi. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper will be visiting India for 2+2 dialogue and meet Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

"This Sunday I will depart for India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives then on to Indonesia and at every stop will discuss a broad range of the bilateral topics and also work with each of the countries what is the best way to cooperate to preserve free and open Indo Pacific," said Pompeo.

"Especially looking forward with Secretary Espar at 2+2 ministerial dialogue with our Indian friend... the meeting will also include how free nations can work on threats posed by Chinese Communist Party," he added.

This is the third 2+2 dialogue that's taking place between India and the US. &nbsp;The first two 2+2 Ministerial dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in 2019.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-china-putting-military-pressure-on-india-says-us-defence-secretary-mark-esper-336848">India-China standoff: China putting military pressure on India, says US defence secretary Mark Esper</a>

"Agenda for the third Dialogue will cover all bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest," said the MEA while it made announcement about the dialogue.

This 2+2 dialogue between India and US will take place as both countries face an increasingly aggressive China. Both India and the US, are part of Quad grouping of countries which include Australia and Japan.

Pompeo will visit India just a week before US Presidential elections.

India and USA on Wednesday announced the dates of upcoming 2+2 dialogue between the two countries. The dialogue will take place next week on October 26 and 27 in New Delhi.

India and USA on Wednesday announced the dates of upcoming 2+2 dialogue between the two countries. The dialogue will take place next week on October 26 and 27 in New Delhi. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper will be visiting India for 2+2 dialogue and meet Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. "This Sunday I will depart for India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives then on to Indonesia and at every stop will discuss a broad range of the bilateral topics and also work with each of the countries what is the best way to cooperate to preserve free and open Indo Pacific," said Pompeo. "Especially looking forward with Secretary Espar at 2+2 ministerial dialogue with our Indian friend... the meeting will also include how free nations can work on threats posed by Chinese Communist Party," he added. This is the third 2+2 dialogue that's taking place between India and the US. The first two 2+2 Ministerial dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in 2019. Also Read: India-China standoff: China putting military pressure on India, says US defence secretary Mark Esper "Agenda for the third Dialogue will cover all bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest," said the MEA while it made announcement about the dialogue. This 2+2 dialogue between India and US will take place as both countries face an increasingly aggressive China. Both India and the US, are part of Quad grouping of countries which include Australia and Japan. Pompeo will visit India just a week before US Presidential elections.

It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week

In a fresh step in its confrontation with China, US has designated operations of six China-based media companies as foreign missions. Such a designation requires the outlets to inform the US State Department of their personnel rosters and real-estate holdings. US Secretary of Stae Mike Pompeo said that the fresh step was taken to resist communist propoganda. Pompeo also said that the US is going to start a dialogue with European Union on China.

The State Department named the newly designated publications as the Yicai Global, Jiefang Daily, the Xinmin Evening News, Social Sciences in China Press, the Beijing Review, and the Economic Daily. It brought to 15 the number of Chinese media outlets so designated this year.

It was the latest U.S. step to curb Chinese activity in the United States in the run-up to the Nov. 3 presidential election, in which President Donald Trump has made a tough approach to China a key foreign policy theme.

Pompeo said the move was part of efforts to push back against "Chinese communist propaganda efforts" in the United States.

"They are also substantially owned, or effectively controlled by a foreign government," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-what-to-expect-as-donald-trump-joe-biden-gear-up-for-final-presidential-debate-337034">What to expect as Donald Trump, Joe Biden gear up for final debate</a>

"We are not placing any restrictions on what these outlets can publish in the United States; we simply want to ensure that American people, consumers of information can differentiate between news written by a free press and propaganda distributed by the Chinese Communist Party itself. Not the same thing."

The editor-in-chief of Chinese state-backed Global Times newspaper said in a tweet that the U.S. had "gone too far" and that China would retaliate.

"As long as Chinese media outlets suffer actual harm, Beijing will definitely retaliate, and US media outlets' operation in HK could be included in retaliation list," Hu Xijin said.

The State Department has required Chinese media outlets to register as foreign missions and announced in March it was cutting the number of journalists allowed to work at U.S. offices of major Chinese media outlets to 100 from 160.

In response, China expelled about a dozen American correspondents with the New York Times, News Corp's Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

The United States also said last month it would require senior Chinese diplomats to get State Department approval before visiting U.S. university campuses or holding cultural events with more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

China's embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Washington designated four major Chinese media outlets as foreign embassies in June and five in February.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

In a fresh step in its confrontation with China, US has designated operations of six China-based media companies as foreign missions. Such a designation requires the outlets to inform the US State Department of their personnel rosters and real-estate holdings.

In a fresh step in its confrontation with China, US has designated operations of six China-based media companies as foreign missions. Such a designation requires the outlets to inform the US State Department of their personnel rosters and real-estate holdings. US Secretary of Stae Mike Pompeo said that the fresh step was taken to resist communist propoganda. Pompeo also said that the US is going to start a dialogue with European Union on China. The State Department named the newly designated publications as the Yicai Global, Jiefang Daily, the Xinmin Evening News, Social Sciences in China Press, the Beijing Review, and the Economic Daily. It brought to 15 the number of Chinese media outlets so designated this year. It was the latest U.S. step to curb Chinese activity in the United States in the run-up to the Nov. 3 presidential election, in which President Donald Trump has made a tough approach to China a key foreign policy theme. Pompeo said the move was part of efforts to push back against "Chinese communist propaganda efforts" in the United States. "They are also substantially owned, or effectively controlled by a foreign government," he said. Also Read: What to expect as Donald Trump, Joe Biden gear up for final debate "We are not placing any restrictions on what these outlets can publish in the United States; we simply want to ensure that American people, consumers of information can differentiate between news written by a free press and propaganda distributed by the Chinese Communist Party itself. Not the same thing." The editor-in-chief of Chinese state-backed Global Times newspaper said in a tweet that the U.S. had "gone too far" and that China would retaliate. "As long as Chinese media outlets suffer actual harm, Beijing will definitely retaliate, and US media outlets' operation in HK could be included in retaliation list," Hu Xijin said. The State Department has required Chinese media outlets to register as foreign missions and announced in March it was cutting the number of journalists allowed to work at U.S. offices of major Chinese media outlets to 100 from 160. In response, China expelled about a dozen American correspondents with the New York Times, News Corp's Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. The United States also said last month it would require senior Chinese diplomats to get State Department approval before visiting U.S. university campuses or holding cultural events with more than 50 people outside mission grounds. China's embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Washington designated four major Chinese media outlets as foreign embassies in June and five in February. (With Reuters inputs)

Days ahead of elections, US designates six Chinese firms as foreign missions

Less than 2 weeks to go for US Election 2020, the battle for the White House is only gaining in ferocity. Just a day before the final Presidential Debate, WION reports the opinion polls in key swing states.

Who leads in key states before debate?

One thing that has become crucial in the 2020 Election campaign is The State of Race relations in America. Susan Tehrani brings you a ground report on the deep racial division in America before Election Day.

A reckoning with racism & discrimination

Octopuses Predictions &nbsp;- Everybody loves predictions.&nbsp;The fact that there ARE&nbsp;predictions in itself proves that an outcome about something is eagerly anticipated. It shows that we are curious to know what'll happen, and the event in itself has a far-reaching effect.

We've had humans like Nostradamus predicting things before. Then as humans conquered new frontiers of scientific and intellectual frontiers, we outsourced this work to parrots, octopuses and whatnot

But they haven't disappointed us.

<h2>US Election 2020 -&nbsp;Octopuses Predictions </h2>

Octopuses in particular have greatly occupied popular perception in this regard. Remember Paul the Octopus? The guy was super-famous during 2010 FIFA World Cup. People wanted to kill the poor creature when he predicted that Germany would drub Argentina but to Messi's horror, Paul prevailed! Germany won.

Octopuses have also got their tentacles in the realm or politics and elections.

At the time of 2016 US Presidential Elections, the battle was on between Democratic Party's Hillary Clinton and Republican Party's Donald Trump. At the time when all sorts of predictions were being made, along came Anglesey Octopus.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fumes-as-facebook-twitter-limit-reach-of-smoking-gun-article-on-biden-and-his-son-335344">Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son</a>

All eyes were on Ollie the Octopus who swam happily in Anglesey Zoo in the UK. He knocked down the jar with Hillary Clinton's photo on it. Hillary lost the election.

Other animals were not too far behind

Felix the polar bear from a Russian zoo had correctly predicted that Donald Trump would win US Election 2016

A monkey in Hunan province of China had also given his verdict in favour of Trump in 2016.

Question is, where are all the fortune-tellers now? We are not asking directly for an Octopus, but a Panda would suffice too. As the election race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump enters last few weeks we are eager to know what the critters think.

<h2>US Election Octopuses Predictions ​​​​​​​</h2>

Where are they? Don't they want to predict? Or has the pandemic year become too unpredictable already? 
&nbsp;

Octopuses Predictions - Everybody loves predictions. The fact that there ARE predictions in itself proves that an outcome about something is eagerly anticipated.

Octopuses Predictions - Everybody loves predictions. The fact that there ARE predictions in itself proves that an outcome about something is eagerly anticipated. It shows that we are curious to know what'll happen, and the event in itself has a far-reaching effect. We've had humans like Nostradamus predicting things before. Then as humans conquered new frontiers of scientific and intellectual frontiers, we outsourced this work to parrots, octopuses and whatnot But they haven't disappointed us. US Election 2020 - Octopuses Predictions Octopuses in particular have greatly occupied popular perception in this regard. Remember Paul the Octopus? The guy was super-famous during 2010 FIFA World Cup. People wanted to kill the poor creature when he predicted that Germany would drub Argentina but to Messi's horror, Paul prevailed! Germany won. Octopuses have also got their tentacles in the realm or politics and elections. At the time of 2016 US Presidential Elections, the battle was on between Democratic Party's Hillary Clinton and Republican Party's Donald Trump. At the time when all sorts of predictions were being made, along came Anglesey Octopus. Also Read | Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son All eyes were on Ollie the Octopus who swam happily in Anglesey Zoo in the UK. He knocked down the jar with Hillary Clinton's photo on it. Hillary lost the election. Other animals were not too far behind Felix the polar bear from a Russian zoo had correctly predicted that Donald Trump would win US Election 2016 A monkey in Hunan province of China had also given his verdict in favour of Trump in 2016. Question is, where are all the fortune-tellers now? We are not asking directly for an Octopus, but a Panda would suffice too. As the election race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump enters last few weeks we are eager to know what the critters think. US Election Octopuses Predictions Where are they? Don't they want to predict? Or has the pandemic year become too unpredictable already?

US Elections 2020: Where are the Octopuses?

After blaming Barack Obama for the failing economy to faulty air conditioning at the White House, Donald Trump steered clear of mentioning Obama in his Pennsylvania rally. Here is a round-up of trump's Pennsylvania rally.

Trump appeals to Pennsylvania voters

US election 2020 - While the race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden gets intenser by day, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, came up with a new way to promote voting among the masses.

AOC, as she is commonly known as, the US Congresswoman from New York’s 14th congressional district has always stirred up a storm&nbsp;- be it during her speeches, or on social media.

Recently, the Congresswoman took up a new challenge - video games! Ocasio-Cortez played the game “Among Us” on Twitch, a video game sharing platform, to raise awareness about the upcoming elections in the US, and to urge viewers to vote as the November 3 nears.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/culture-of-sexism-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-hits-back-at-republican-ted-yohos-derogatory-slur-315649" hreflang="en">'Culture of sexism': Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hits back at Republican Ted Yoho's derogatory slur</a>

She was joined by a fellow Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and YouTubers like Pokimane, Hasanabi, and Jack Septic Eye.

On Monday night, AOC had tweeted out her plans to play the game. "Anyone want to play Among Us with me on Twitch to get out the vote?"&nbsp;

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Anyone want to play Among Us with me on Twitch to get out the vote? (I’ve never played but it looks like a lot of fun)
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1318276809977434112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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AOC added that was unfamiliar with the game, and that she had never played it, while saying that it looks like a “lot of fun”.

Later on the same say, she tweeted the following - "Spent tonight setting up accounts, mods, streaming &amp; run throughs. Hoping to go live tomorrow night”.

Take a look below:&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/AOC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AOC</a> is playing Among Us with <a href="https://twitter.com/pokimanelol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pokimanelol</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hasanthehun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hasanthehun</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DrLupo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrLupo</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/IlhanMN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IlhanMN</a> to help people make voting plans. <a href="https://t.co/SJq9TZzv7B">pic.twitter.com/SJq9TZzv7B</a>
— B/R Gaming (@BRGaming) <a href="https://twitter.com/BRGaming/status/1318722398099628032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Even before going live, she had amassed over 220,000 followers. AOC received praise from gamers for playing as well as she did, considering she had never played the game before. In the game, she played the role of an “imposter”. Their job is basically… killing! And that she did!

At least 700,000 people tuned into the live stream, according to Forbes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-policemen-fired-for-suggesting-democratic-lawmaker-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-be-shot-237858" hreflang="en">US policemen fired for suggesting Democratic lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez be shot</a>

“Among Us” is inspired by space, and developed by InnerSloth. Out of the ten people playing at once, three are assigned “imposters”. The other crew mates have to protect the spaceship and prevent imposters from sabotaging their goals.

Here are some Twitter reactions!

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AOC just did the most amateur kill ever and im howling laughing at the fact she got away with it <a href="https://t.co/NV01ZJf5Bt">pic.twitter.com/NV01ZJf5Bt</a>
— Chelsea E. Manning (@xychelsea) <a href="https://twitter.com/xychelsea/status/1318724905207214080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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highlights from the <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AOC</a> among us stream - my love for this woman knows no bounds 💖 <a href="https://t.co/aZErKVAlVw">https://t.co/aZErKVAlVw</a> <a href="https://t.co/OCa06KMuob">pic.twitter.com/OCa06KMuob</a>
— lindsay (@levlinds) <a href="https://twitter.com/levlinds/status/1318801851375099904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

US election 2020 - While the race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden gets intenser by day, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, came up with a new way to promote voting among the masses.

US election 2020 - While the race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden gets intenser by day, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, came up with a new way to promote voting among the masses. AOC, as she is commonly known as, the US Congresswoman from New York’s 14th congressional district has always stirred up a storm - be it during her speeches, or on social media. Recently, the Congresswoman took up a new challenge - video games! Ocasio-Cortez played the game “Among Us” on Twitch, a video game sharing platform, to raise awareness about the upcoming elections in the US, and to urge viewers to vote as the November 3 nears. Also read: 'Culture of sexism': Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hits back at Republican Ted Yoho's derogatory slur She was joined by a fellow Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and YouTubers like Pokimane, Hasanabi, and Jack Septic Eye. On Monday night, AOC had tweeted out her plans to play the game. "Anyone want to play Among Us with me on Twitch to get out the vote?" Anyone want to play Among Us with me on Twitch to get out the vote? (I’ve never played but it looks like a lot of fun) — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 19, 2020 × AOC added that was unfamiliar with the game, and that she had never played it, while saying that it looks like a “lot of fun”. Later on the same say, she tweeted the following - "Spent tonight setting up accounts, mods, streaming & run throughs. Hoping to go live tomorrow night”. Take a look below: .@AOC is playing Among Us with @pokimanelol, @hasanthehun, @DrLupo and @IlhanMN to help people make voting plans. pic.twitter.com/SJq9TZzv7B — B/R Gaming (@BRGaming) October 21, 2020 × Even before going live, she had amassed over 220,000 followers. AOC received praise from gamers for playing as well as she did, considering she had never played the game before. In the game, she played the role of an “imposter”. Their job is basically… killing! And that she did! At least 700,000 people tuned into the live stream, according to Forbes. Also read: US policemen fired for suggesting Democratic lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez be shot “Among Us” is inspired by space, and developed by InnerSloth. Out of the ten people playing at once, three are assigned “imposters”. The other crew mates have to protect the spaceship and prevent imposters from sabotaging their goals. Here are some Twitter reactions! AOC just did the most amateur kill ever and im howling laughing at the fact she got away with it pic.twitter.com/NV01ZJf5Bt — Chelsea E. Manning (@xychelsea) October 21, 2020 × highlights from the @AOC among us stream - my love for this woman knows no bounds 💖 https://t.co/aZErKVAlVw pic.twitter.com/OCa06KMuob — lindsay (@levlinds) October 21, 2020 ×

Internet in splits after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez plays 'Among Us' to urge viewers to vote

Each art has its artists. At least in popular perception, there is always one figure in every field who people like to admire/ fear/ follow and so on. Science has its Einstein, painting has Picasso and those trying to peer into past and future have Nostradamus.

Mr Nostradamus is a go-to person for everyone from people seeking a little amusement to serious 'what if' conspiracy theorists. There are those who believe that Nostradamus predicted future events in his book Les Propheties. The book was written in 1555.

Whenever there is any major global event, Monsieur Nostradamus makes his presence felt. US Presidential Election&nbsp;2020 is&nbsp;no exception.

Joe Biden may be leading in poll numbers. He may be crisscrossing US states to meet voters. But&nbsp;some people think that it is futile, because Donald Trump is slated&nbsp;win the elections.

The reason for their hunch? A prediction by Nostradamus.

Some of his lines are being cited to drive home the point. A reference to a 'trumpet' is being taken to be Nostadamus' seal of approval for Trump to win the election.

The lines read:

"The false trumpet concealing madness,

"Will cause Byzantium to change its laws.

"From Egypt there will go forth a man who wants

"The edict withdrawn, changing money and standards."

As it is with other lines of Nostradamus taken to be predictions, these do not unequivocally say anything. But it is indeed being taken to be a prediction.

Critics of this thought process often say that Nostradamus' 'predictions' are nothing but cryptic poetry that is interpreted in a certain way to validate global events.

Donald Trump did clinch an unexpected victory during 2016 elections. It'll be interesting to see whether he can repeat the feat this time.

It'll then be all the more interesting to hear people who swear by Nostradamus.

Each art has its artists. At least in popular perception, there is always one figure in every field who people like to admire/ fear/ follow and so on. Science has its Einstein, painting has Picasso and those trying to peer into past and future have Nostradamus.

Each art has its artists. At least in popular perception, there is always one figure in every field who people like to admire/ fear/ follow and so on. Science has its Einstein, painting has Picasso and those trying to peer into past and future have Nostradamus. Mr Nostradamus is a go-to person for everyone from people seeking a little amusement to serious 'what if' conspiracy theorists. There are those who believe that Nostradamus predicted future events in his book Les Propheties. The book was written in 1555. Whenever there is any major global event, Monsieur Nostradamus makes his presence felt. US Presidential Election 2020 is no exception. Joe Biden may be leading in poll numbers. He may be crisscrossing US states to meet voters. But some people think that it is futile, because Donald Trump is slated win the elections. The reason for their hunch? A prediction by Nostradamus. Some of his lines are being cited to drive home the point. A reference to a 'trumpet' is being taken to be Nostadamus' seal of approval for Trump to win the election. The lines read: "The false trumpet concealing madness, "Will cause Byzantium to change its laws. "From Egypt there will go forth a man who wants "The edict withdrawn, changing money and standards." As it is with other lines of Nostradamus taken to be predictions, these do not unequivocally say anything. But it is indeed being taken to be a prediction. Critics of this thought process often say that Nostradamus' 'predictions' are nothing but cryptic poetry that is interpreted in a certain way to validate global events. Donald Trump did clinch an unexpected victory during 2016 elections. It'll be interesting to see whether he can repeat the feat this time. It'll then be all the more interesting to hear people who swear by Nostradamus.

Nostradamus on US Election 2020: Has he predicted a Donald Trump victory?

US election 2020: Joe Biden or Donald Trump? 15 days to go for the big election day, and faith has now taken the centre stage. Both the president and his challenger are eager to showcase how their campaigns are guided by faith.

All of a sudden, the US president loves going to churches. His rival Joe Biden is attending mass ceremonies. The US president attended a church services at the International Church of Las Vegas, an evangelical mega-church with contemporary musical programmes.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-religion-takes-centerstage-in-us-election-336537/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump has always worked closely with evangelical Christians and has put their causes of restricting abortion and preserving gun ownership on top of his political agenda.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-election-2020-trump-and-biden-finally-agree-on-something-as-november-3-nears-336482" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Trump and Biden finally agree on something as November 3 nears</a>

Addressing the gathering, one of the pastors said that at 4:30 the lord told her that Trump was going to be the president again.

“At 4.30 (am), the Lord said to me,Ii am going to give your president a second win. (cheering) this has three meanings, a win. And you will be the president again”, Denise Goulet, Senior Associate Pastor, International Church of Las Vegas.

The congregation then began praying for their president. As they prayed, Donald Trump kept himself busy counting money before he donated it.

After much deliberation, Trump settled for 20 dollars and dropped them in a bucket titled “change for change”. His critics say, the billionaire president should have donated more. Trump's supporters say - they couldn't care less.

“Everything he has promised to do, he has taken care of. The best economy that we have had in quite a while, he has built the wall, umm....What am I missing?”, David Tainowitz, a Trump supporter said.

“I do honestly feel that what's happening now, with the most corrupt man to ever have run for president, in John, Joe, John, I’m getting like him, Joe Biden, then you deserve to vote for him and you get what you get. I think Trump is the best man we have ever had”, another supporter said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-election-2020-key-states-that-will-likely-decide-fate-of-donald-trump-and-joe-biden-336311" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Key states that will likely decide fate of Donald Trump and Joe Biden</a>

Last week, Joe Biden was spotted leaving a mass ceremony in Wilmington, Delaware. Biden has frequently stressed on how his Catholic faith has guided his actions as a public official. On Sunday, he participated in a virtual event with African-American faith leaders. He asked the leaders to pray for him to have the capacity to carry out his job when he becomes the president.

“Pray I have the capacity to step up and do this job, because four more years of Donald Trump will fundamentally change the nature of this country for several generations”, Biden was heard saying.

Donald Trump is trying to woo white evangelicals., Biden is catering to black protestants. Both their campaigns are working hard to court other key religious blocks.

But how much of a role does religion really play in the US election?

The Pew Research Centre recently conducted a survey of the key religious blocks. 78 per cent of white evangelical protestants said they will vote for Trump if the election were held today. Only 17 per cent prefer Biden.&nbsp;

White non-evangelical protestants:&nbsp;53 per cent said they would vote for Trump. 43 per cent said they lean towards the Democrats.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-election-donald-trump-claims-his-campaign-is-doing-very-very-well-336290" hreflang="en">US election: Donald Trump claims his campaign is doing 'very, very well'</a>

Among white catholic voters, Trump is again ahead by 8 percentage points. 52 per cent in this group said they would vote for Trump and 44 per cent favoured Biden. Among black protestant voters, 90 per cent favour Biden, while only 9 per cent say they would vote for Trump. Among hispanic&nbsp;catholics too, Biden leads with 67 per cent favouring him, and 26 per cent saying they would vote for Trump. Among Jewish Americans, 27 per cent say they will vote for Trump, and over 70 per cent say they prefer Biden.

Among atheist and agnostic voters, only 11 per cent say they will vote for Trump, while 83 per cent say they prefer Biden.

What do the figures tell?

There are deep divisions among white Christians and almost everybody else. Most of them support Donald Trump, and they account for roughly 44 per cent of registered American voters.

Will they manage to give their president another term?

US election 2020: Joe Biden or Donald Trump? 15 days to go for the big election day, and faith has now taken the centre stage. Both the president and his challenger are eager to showcase how their campaigns are guided by faith.

US election 2020: Joe Biden or Donald Trump? 15 days to go for the big election day, and faith has now taken the centre stage. Both the president and his challenger are eager to showcase how their campaigns are guided by faith. All of a sudden, the US president loves going to churches. His rival Joe Biden is attending mass ceremonies. The US president attended a church services at the International Church of Las Vegas, an evangelical mega-church with contemporary musical programmes. Trump has always worked closely with evangelical Christians and has put their causes of restricting abortion and preserving gun ownership on top of his political agenda. Also read: US election 2020: Trump and Biden finally agree on something as November 3 nears Addressing the gathering, one of the pastors said that at 4:30 the lord told her that Trump was going to be the president again. “At 4.30 (am), the Lord said to me,Ii am going to give your president a second win. (cheering) this has three meanings, a win. And you will be the president again”, Denise Goulet, Senior Associate Pastor, International Church of Las Vegas. The congregation then began praying for their president. As they prayed, Donald Trump kept himself busy counting money before he donated it. After much deliberation, Trump settled for 20 dollars and dropped them in a bucket titled “change for change”. His critics say, the billionaire president should have donated more. Trump's supporters say - they couldn't care less. “Everything he has promised to do, he has taken care of. The best economy that we have had in quite a while, he has built the wall, umm....What am I missing?”, David Tainowitz, a Trump supporter said. “I do honestly feel that what's happening now, with the most corrupt man to ever have run for president, in John, Joe, John, I’m getting like him, Joe Biden, then you deserve to vote for him and you get what you get. I think Trump is the best man we have ever had”, another supporter said. Also read: US election 2020: Key states that will likely decide fate of Donald Trump and Joe Biden Last week, Joe Biden was spotted leaving a mass ceremony in Wilmington, Delaware. Biden has frequently stressed on how his Catholic faith has guided his actions as a public official. On Sunday, he participated in a virtual event with African-American faith leaders. He asked the leaders to pray for him to have the capacity to carry out his job when he becomes the president. “Pray I have the capacity to step up and do this job, because four more years of Donald Trump will fundamentally change the nature of this country for several generations”, Biden was heard saying. Donald Trump is trying to woo white evangelicals., Biden is catering to black protestants. Both their campaigns are working hard to court other key religious blocks. But how much of a role does religion really play in the US election? The Pew Research Centre recently conducted a survey of the key religious blocks. 78 per cent of white evangelical protestants said they will vote for Trump if the election were held today. Only 17 per cent prefer Biden. White non-evangelical protestants: 53 per cent said they would vote for Trump. 43 per cent said they lean towards the Democrats. Also read: US election: Donald Trump claims his campaign is doing 'very, very well' Among white catholic voters, Trump is again ahead by 8 percentage points. 52 per cent in this group said they would vote for Trump and 44 per cent favoured Biden. Among black protestant voters, 90 per cent favour Biden, while only 9 per cent say they would vote for Trump. Among hispanic catholics too, Biden leads with 67 per cent favouring him, and 26 per cent saying they would vote for Trump. Among Jewish Americans, 27 per cent say they will vote for Trump, and over 70 per cent say they prefer Biden. Among atheist and agnostic voters, only 11 per cent say they will vote for Trump, while 83 per cent say they prefer Biden. What do the figures tell? There are deep divisions among white Christians and almost everybody else. Most of them support Donald Trump, and they account for roughly 44 per cent of registered American voters. Will they manage to give their president another term?

US election 2020: Biden-Trump campaigns and the role of faith in American elections

One Monday evening last month, Hillary Clinton and Sen. Kamala Harris, and two actors who portrayed them on “Saturday Night Live,” Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph, gathered for a virtual fundraiser benefiting the Biden campaign. By all accounts, the livestream was a smashing success: About 100,000 people watched and donated. The event raised $4.4 million.

That same night, Joe Biden beamed into a more intimate affair of fewer than two dozen people: a $500,000-per-ticket fundraiser hosted by billionaire financier Haim Saban. It raised even more: $4.5 million.

While Biden’s campaign has trumpeted the small donations flooding in at record rates, the elite world of billionaires and multimillionaires has remained a critical cog in the Biden money machine. And as the size of checks has grown, the campaign has become less transparent, declining so far to disclose the names of its most influential check collectors, known as bundlers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-mics-to-be-muted-in-next-us-presidential-debate-between-trump-and-biden-to-stop-interruptions-336543" hreflang="en">US elections: Mics to be muted in presidential debate to stop interruptions</a>

From Hollywood to Silicon Valley to Wall Street, Biden’s campaign has aggressively courted the megadonor class. It has raised almost $200 million from donors who gave at least $100,000 to his joint operations with the Democratic Party in the past six months — about twice as much as President Donald Trump raised from six-figure donors in that time, according to an analysis of new federal records.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, the Hollywood producer, and his wife, Marilyn Katzenberg, gave $1.4 million. Sean Parker, the tech entrepreneur, and his wife, Alexandra Lenas, gave $1.2 million. And Reed Hastings, the Netflix chief executive, and his wife, Patricia Ann Quillin, gave $1.4 million. Top executives with investment, private equity and venture capital firms like Blackstone, Bain Capital, Kleiner Perkins and Warburg Pincus all contributed handsomely.

This parade of industry giants delivered a surge in donations even as the progressive base of the Democratic Party agitates against the influence of billionaires and corporate titans. A group of progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, signed a letter last week that reads like a warning shot to a potential Biden administration, urging the Senate to reject any future executive branch nominations of corporate lobbyists or corporate executives.

“Joe Biden says this is ‘Scranton versus Park Avenue’ but then he’s raising hundreds of millions of dollars from the Park Avenue types,” said Tyson Brody, a former research director for Sen. Bernie Sanders who is supporting Biden this fall but wants to see less influence for wealthy donors.

Progressives have mostly set aside their differences with Biden to focus on the shared goal of defeating Trump, including over campaign finance. But should he win, Biden is expected to face pressure from the left on a range of issues, including climate change, expansion of the Supreme Court and elimination of the Electoral College.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-and-biden-finally-agree-on-something-as-november-3-nears-336482" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Trump and Biden finally agree on something as Nov 3 nears</a>

“Joe Biden is running against the most corrupt and dishonest president in our history, and has done so while maintaining a standard of transparency and integrity that is far above how his opponent has conducted himself this campaign,” said T.J. Ducklo, a spokesman for Biden.

For Biden, six-figure donors have been critical in delivering him a surprise financial advantage over Trump. The Democratic challenger entered October with $180 million more in the bank than Trump combined with their political parties — coincidentally almost the same amount that $100,000-plus contributors have given him.

Yet as Biden has vacuumed up giant checks, his campaign has quietly curtailed some of the transparency measures that he had pioneered in the primaries, when he became the first candidate to open up big-money fundraisers to the press. To further loosen some donor wallets, the Biden campaign has been holding closed-door events with some of the candidate’s top policy advisers, offering access to potential key decision-makers in a Biden administration.

And Biden has broken with the precedent of the past four Democratic presidential nominees and declined to reveal the identities of some of the most important money-raisers in the general election: those bundlers who gather checks on behalf of the campaign.

“It’s troubling that the public is in the dark about these people because they are often promoted to ambassadorships, or other prominent positions in the administration or receive government contracts,” said Michael Beckel, an investigator and research director for Issue One, a group that pushes for campaign-finance transparency.

After being contacted this week by The New York Times, the Biden campaign said it would disclose its bundlers by the end of the month.

Biden is still disclosing more about who is funding his campaign and how much access those donors are getting than Trump, who has kept his fundraisers with big contributors entirely behind closed doors, including some events held at his own businesses where he simultaneously profits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-prepared-are-these-7-battlegrounds-for-the-election-a-readiness-report-336489" hreflang="en">How prepared are these 7 battlegrounds for the election? A readiness report</a>

Trump began by self-funding his 2016 campaign during the primaries, vowing to be independent and decrying the influence of major contributors. Instead, he has relied entirely on the largesse of others in his reelection. And he has declined to name his bundlers in 2016 and 2020.

Many campaign reformers see Biden as a stark improvement over Trump but hoped he would clear a higher bar.

“Transparency is key for accountability,” Beckel said.

Biden’s campaign does carefully tally what bundlers raise, and there are various tiers for Biden’s bundlers to achieve; the highest level (a “Biden Victory Partner”) is set at $2.5 million, according to an internal campaign document and people familiar with the process.

The other levels: $50,000 (“Protector”), $100,000 (“Unifier”), $250,000 (“Scranton Circle”), $500,000 (“Philly Founder”), and $1 million (“Delaware League”). Each level on Biden’s national finance committee gets added perks, such as exclusive staff briefings and the promise of a post-election event.

Biden has disclosed his bundlers only once, burying the announcement on the Friday after Christmas 2019 during the primary season. He revealed 235 people who had raised at least $25,000. Biden has raised more than $1.2 billion since then without additional disclosure.

Four years ago, by contrast, Clinton regularly released her list of $100,000 bundlers.

Biden officials note that their candidate has actually raised more online from grass-roots supporters in recent months than from big donors, and that virtual events have reduced the level of access for six-figure checks down to a Zoom screenshot.

One Monday evening last month, Hillary Clinton and Sen. Kamala Harris, and two actors who portrayed them on “Saturday Night Live,” Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph, gathered for a virtual fundraiser benefiting the Biden campaign.

One Monday evening last month, Hillary Clinton and Sen. Kamala Harris, and two actors who portrayed them on “Saturday Night Live,” Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph, gathered for a virtual fundraiser benefiting the Biden campaign. By all accounts, the livestream was a smashing success: About 100,000 people watched and donated. The event raised $4.4 million. That same night, Joe Biden beamed into a more intimate affair of fewer than two dozen people: a $500,000-per-ticket fundraiser hosted by billionaire financier Haim Saban. It raised even more: $4.5 million. While Biden’s campaign has trumpeted the small donations flooding in at record rates, the elite world of billionaires and multimillionaires has remained a critical cog in the Biden money machine. And as the size of checks has grown, the campaign has become less transparent, declining so far to disclose the names of its most influential check collectors, known as bundlers. Also read: US elections: Mics to be muted in presidential debate to stop interruptions From Hollywood to Silicon Valley to Wall Street, Biden’s campaign has aggressively courted the megadonor class. It has raised almost $200 million from donors who gave at least $100,000 to his joint operations with the Democratic Party in the past six months — about twice as much as President Donald Trump raised from six-figure donors in that time, according to an analysis of new federal records. Jeffrey Katzenberg, the Hollywood producer, and his wife, Marilyn Katzenberg, gave $1.4 million. Sean Parker, the tech entrepreneur, and his wife, Alexandra Lenas, gave $1.2 million. And Reed Hastings, the Netflix chief executive, and his wife, Patricia Ann Quillin, gave $1.4 million. Top executives with investment, private equity and venture capital firms like Blackstone, Bain Capital, Kleiner Perkins and Warburg Pincus all contributed handsomely. This parade of industry giants delivered a surge in donations even as the progressive base of the Democratic Party agitates against the influence of billionaires and corporate titans. A group of progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, signed a letter last week that reads like a warning shot to a potential Biden administration, urging the Senate to reject any future executive branch nominations of corporate lobbyists or corporate executives. “Joe Biden says this is ‘Scranton versus Park Avenue’ but then he’s raising hundreds of millions of dollars from the Park Avenue types,” said Tyson Brody, a former research director for Sen. Bernie Sanders who is supporting Biden this fall but wants to see less influence for wealthy donors. Progressives have mostly set aside their differences with Biden to focus on the shared goal of defeating Trump, including over campaign finance. But should he win, Biden is expected to face pressure from the left on a range of issues, including climate change, expansion of the Supreme Court and elimination of the Electoral College. Also read: US election 2020: Trump and Biden finally agree on something as Nov 3 nears “Joe Biden is running against the most corrupt and dishonest president in our history, and has done so while maintaining a standard of transparency and integrity that is far above how his opponent has conducted himself this campaign,” said T.J. Ducklo, a spokesman for Biden. For Biden, six-figure donors have been critical in delivering him a surprise financial advantage over Trump. The Democratic challenger entered October with $180 million more in the bank than Trump combined with their political parties — coincidentally almost the same amount that $100,000-plus contributors have given him. Yet as Biden has vacuumed up giant checks, his campaign has quietly curtailed some of the transparency measures that he had pioneered in the primaries, when he became the first candidate to open up big-money fundraisers to the press. To further loosen some donor wallets, the Biden campaign has been holding closed-door events with some of the candidate’s top policy advisers, offering access to potential key decision-makers in a Biden administration. And Biden has broken with the precedent of the past four Democratic presidential nominees and declined to reveal the identities of some of the most important money-raisers in the general election: those bundlers who gather checks on behalf of the campaign. “It’s troubling that the public is in the dark about these people because they are often promoted to ambassadorships, or other prominent positions in the administration or receive government contracts,” said Michael Beckel, an investigator and research director for Issue One, a group that pushes for campaign-finance transparency. After being contacted this week by The New York Times, the Biden campaign said it would disclose its bundlers by the end of the month. Biden is still disclosing more about who is funding his campaign and how much access those donors are getting than Trump, who has kept his fundraisers with big contributors entirely behind closed doors, including some events held at his own businesses where he simultaneously profits. Also read: How prepared are these 7 battlegrounds for the election? A readiness report Trump began by self-funding his 2016 campaign during the primaries, vowing to be independent and decrying the influence of major contributors. Instead, he has relied entirely on the largesse of others in his reelection. And he has declined to name his bundlers in 2016 and 2020. Many campaign reformers see Biden as a stark improvement over Trump but hoped he would clear a higher bar. “Transparency is key for accountability,” Beckel said. Biden’s campaign does carefully tally what bundlers raise, and there are various tiers for Biden’s bundlers to achieve; the highest level (a “Biden Victory Partner”) is set at $2.5 million, according to an internal campaign document and people familiar with the process. The other levels: $50,000 (“Protector”), $100,000 (“Unifier”), $250,000 (“Scranton Circle”), $500,000 (“Philly Founder”), and $1 million (“Delaware League”). Each level on Biden’s national finance committee gets added perks, such as exclusive staff briefings and the promise of a post-election event. Biden has disclosed his bundlers only once, burying the announcement on the Friday after Christmas 2019 during the primary season. He revealed 235 people who had raised at least $25,000. Biden has raised more than $1.2 billion since then without additional disclosure. Four years ago, by contrast, Clinton regularly released her list of $100,000 bundlers. Biden officials note that their candidate has actually raised more online from grass-roots supporters in recent months than from big donors, and that virtual events have reduced the level of access for six-figure checks down to a Zoom screenshot.

The big role that big donors still play, quietly, for Biden

The final presidential debate between Donald Trump & his Democratic rival Joe Biden will feature a 'mute button' to allow each candidate to speak uninterrupted.

US Election 2020: Final Trump-Biden Presidential debate will feature 'mute button'

Early voting has begun in Florida, a 'battleground' state, which could decide the outcome of the November 03, Presidential election.

US Election 2020: Early voting underway in 'battleground' Florida

US President Donald Trump lashed out at the government's top infectious disease expert that is Dr Anthony Fauci, referring to Fauci & other health officials as 'idiots'.

US Election 2020: Trump lashes out at NIAID Director Dr Anthony Fauci

Rapper 50 Cent has stated who he’s voting for in the US elections 2020.&nbsp;

50 Cent&nbsp; support for President Donald&nbsp;Trump - The 45-year-old hip-hop mogul took to Instagram to offer his support for President Trump. This came after Vice President revealed his proposed tax plan that did not sit too well with the rapper.&nbsp;

He shared a picture of the tax plan from a news broadcast that displayed "top tax rates by state under [the] Biden tax plan."

Among the states mentioned was New York, which the broadcast said would be taxed at a rate of 58% while New York City would be taxed at 62%.

50 Cent reveals support&nbsp;for Trump:&nbsp;"WHAT THE F--K! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT. "F--K NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62% are you out of ya f--king mind."

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👀WHAT THE F*CK! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT, 🏃‍♂️💨F*CK NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. 🤷🏽‍♂️I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62% are you out of ya fucking mind. 😤 <a href="https://t.co/uZu02k2Dlz">pic.twitter.com/uZu02k2Dlz</a>
— 50cent (@50cent) <a href="https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1318303260164431873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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His fans and followers then showed support for the statement while others pointed out that it would be applied to “rich people” only.&nbsp;

Later, he shared another post boasting about his wealth. He wrote, "I just remembered i’m bankrupt, so i’m looking for a gracious loan can anyone help a brother out. LOL," he wrote alongside a photo of himself smiling. He added two hashtags to represent the alcohol brands he owns: "#bransoncognac #lecheminduroi."

50 Cent is worth at least $110 million, according to Forbes in 2012.

Rapper 50 Cent has stated who he’s voting for in the US elections 2020. 50 Cent support for President Donald Trump - The 45-year-old hip-hop mogul took to Instagram to offer his support for President Trump.

Rapper 50 Cent has stated who he’s voting for in the US elections 2020. 50 Cent support for President Donald Trump - The 45-year-old hip-hop mogul took to Instagram to offer his support for President Trump. This came after Vice President revealed his proposed tax plan that did not sit too well with the rapper. He shared a picture of the tax plan from a news broadcast that displayed "top tax rates by state under [the] Biden tax plan." Among the states mentioned was New York, which the broadcast said would be taxed at a rate of 58% while New York City would be taxed at 62%. 50 Cent reveals support for Trump: "WHAT THE F--K! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT. "F--K NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62% are you out of ya f--king mind." 👀WHAT THE F*CK! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT, 🏃‍♂️💨F*CK NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. 🤷🏽‍♂️I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62% are you out of ya fucking mind. 😤 pic.twitter.com/uZu02k2Dlz — 50cent (@50cent) October 19, 2020 × His fans and followers then showed support for the statement while others pointed out that it would be applied to “rich people” only. Later, he shared another post boasting about his wealth. He wrote, "I just remembered i’m bankrupt, so i’m looking for a gracious loan can anyone help a brother out. LOL," he wrote alongside a photo of himself smiling. He added two hashtags to represent the alcohol brands he owns: "#bransoncognac #lecheminduroi." 50 Cent is worth at least $110 million, according to Forbes in 2012.

50 Cent reveals support for Trump after Joe Biden's tax plan is announced

In Georgia, the state’s voting machines have malfunctioned in three consecutive elections this year alone.

In Pennsylvania, election officials are staring down possibly the biggest ballot processing backlog in the country, with no means of even touching the ballots until polls open on Election Day.

And in North Carolina, thousands of submitted absentee ballots are currently in purgatory, neither rejected nor accepted but “under review,” amid a back-and-forth court battle over so-called ballot curing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-and-biden-finally-agree-on-something-as-november-3-nears-336482">US election 2020: Trump and Trump finally agree on something as Nov 3 nears</a>

Short on money, overworked and under enormous pressure, many battleground states are still in the process of standing up their electoral systems, a building-a-plane-midflight reality for a democratic process that is being challenged daily by court cases, new laws and surges in the coronavirus.

The New York Times assessed the readiness of seven battleground states, and will continue to do so up to Nov. 3. Each of these states was won by Donald Trump in 2016. Joe Biden is now ahead or effectively tied with Trump in most polls in all seven.

After spring and summer primary elections that were undermined by a host of issues — ballot delays in the mail, polling location consolidation resulting in long lines, voter confusion and lengthy lags in counting — officials have mounted a fall sprint to recruit poll workers, scout safe poll locations, seek more time to process ballots, and start a significant education campaign to help voters navigate the pandemic-muddled process.

Now, the readiness of states chiefly involves two distinct challenges: processing the tens of millions of absentee ballots that are already flooding election offices, and maintaining an Election Day operation that as closely as possible resembles normalcy.

Here’s where the seven states stand with just 15 days before Election Day, ranked in order of preparedness.

1. Arizona

Of all the battleground states, none is expected to have as smooth an election as is Arizona. In the midterm elections in 2018, 79% of Arizonans voted before Election Day — a figure that jumped to 88% for the primary this August.

After 2018, when it took a week for Arizona to count enough ballots for a winner to be declared in its Senate race, the state changed its laws to allow absentee ballots to be counted beginning 14 days before Election Day.

Maricopa County, which includes 60% of Arizona’s population, acquired new ballot-counting machines that officials expect will allow the vast majority of the voting results to be known on election night.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-donald-trump-claims-his-campaign-is-doing-very-very-well-336290" hreflang="en">Donald Trump claims his campaign is doing 'very, very well'</a>

“I somewhat jokingly say that we are prepared for everything except Godzilla,” said Adrian Fontes, the Maricopa County recorder, who is responsible for running the county’s elections. “Nowadays that includes a global pandemic and possible terrorism.”

Fontes and other Arizona officials have more experience with absentee ballots than any other battleground state in the country. Arizona created a permanent absentee voter list in 2007, and by 2010, 60% of the state’s voters cast ballots before Election Day, a figure that has increased every two years since.

2. Michigan

Michigan has had a successful poll worker recruitment program, with more than 30,000 having signed up and no regional restrictions preventing them from going anywhere in the state.

That same pool of workers could also be asked to serve on the counting boards, which are the election workers assigned to sift through, verify and tally the absentee ballots. While thousands will be needed for the task, which Michigan law allows to start only 10 hours before Election Day, the secretary of state’s office is confident that staffing will not be a problem.

Because of that late start to counting, Michigan anticipates being one of the last states to report full results, with election officials estimating that the vast majority will be announced through Nov. 6. An appeals court ruled Friday that ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, though it is possible the decision is appealed to the state Supreme Court.

The secretary of state’s office has begun a voter education campaign as if it has lost the decision in court, telling voters that the last day to safely mail back their ballots is Oct. 19. After that, they should be hand-delivered to an election office or one of the state’s 1,000 drop boxes.

Also weighing on the minds of election officials is the threat of polling place intimidation. Armed right-wing protesters entered the Statehouse earlier this year to denounce the coronavirus lockdowns of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and law enforcement officials are anticipating a similar presence at the polls.

On Friday, the secretary of state in Michigan issued an order banning firearms at polling places and any areas within 100 feet of a voting center.

3. Wisconsin

In the past decade, Wisconsin Republicans enacted laws that have made voting tougher:

— It now has one of the nation’s strictest voter-identification mandates. Voters who apply for an absentee ballot online or through the mail must include a photograph for their identification, which requires both equipment and technical sophistication.

— They also must have a witness sign their ballots, a hurdle made more difficult by a pandemic that is hitting Wisconsin nearly as hard as anywhere in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-key-states-that-will-likely-decide-fate-of-donald-trump-and-joe-biden-336311" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Key states that will likely decide fate of Trump and Biden</a>

Some Wisconsinites have taken it upon themselves to help their neighbors navigate an absentee voting process that is new for the vast majority of voters. Lori Miller, a retired dietitian from rural Arkansaw, Wisconsin, spent $59 on eBay for a portable photocopy machine to tote to tables set up this summer by the League of Women Voters so she could make copies of people’s driver’s licenses for them to include in absentee ballot applications.

“What used to be a fairly simple process now has new steps to it,” Miller said. “With every election, and especially this year, there have been proposals made to change deadlines and then those get challenged and changed and appealed. People lose track.”

Unlike most states, Wisconsin does not have a single office responsible for voting statewide, nor do county officials oversee elections. Instead, more than 1,800 municipalities manage their own elections. In scores of rural townships, a part-time town clerk is responsible for conducting elections and counting the votes.

The municipal clerks are forbidden from feeding the ballots through counting machines until the polls open Nov. 3. But Gov. Tony Evers said Thursday that he expects the state to have its results completed by the end of Election Day or, at the latest, by the day after.

4. Florida

On Sept. 30, Peter Antonacci, the elections supervisor in Broward County, was scrambling: The vendor his office had hired to pick up and drop off voting equipment to the polls had canceled the county’s order, leaving Broward hunting for trucks 34 days before Election Day.

It was one of the myriad challenges faced daily by the 67 county supervisors in Florida, who run elections in the nation’s largest and often closest presidential battleground. Winning by “1.5% in the state of Florida is a landslide,” said Wesley Wilcox, the elections supervisor in Marion County.

The supervisors say they are ready to handle problems small and large. Of utmost concern is the crush of mail ballots already arriving. More than 2.4 million ballots had been returned as of Sunday afternoon, led by a stunning return rate from Democrats, who are typically outpaced by Republicans in mail voting. So far, 400,000 more Democrats have returned mail ballots than Republicans, though Republicans are expected to turn out en masse to vote in person.

Florida has years of experience with voting by mail — an effort led largely by Republicans — which should mean the state is better positioned to deal with this year’s surge. State law allows counties to start processing mail ballots 22 days before Election Day. An executive order signed during the pandemic by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, allowed for the processing to begin even sooner: 30 days before Election Day once counties had conducted public tests of their voting equipment.

Supervisors in the state’s largest counties say their goal is to process the ballots — remove them from the envelopes, verify signatures and tabulate the vote — on the day they arrive, to avoid a backup building up as Election Day nears. That would leave only the mail ballots that arrive on Nov. 3 to be processed that day.

“Our focus is getting it right,” said Mark Earley, the elections supervisor in Leon County, home to Tallahassee, the state capital. “Not getting it done as fast as possible.”

5. North Carolina

Election officials in North Carolina were increasingly confident in the state’s electoral apparatus earlier in the fall, with no reported poll worker shortages in any county and more than 500,000 absentee ballots already returned and being processed.

But two forthcoming court decisions threaten to disrupt the elections. In one, the state Republican Party is pushing to be allowed to send partisan citizen inspectors into the county boards of elections before absentee ballots are approved by election officials, with the ability to start challenging those ballots that they see as potentially not meeting requirements.

If the court sides with the Republicans, it could severely delay the counting of absentee ballots to well beyond Election Day. And with officials estimating that roughly 25% of the vote in North Carolina will be cast through absentee ballots, a lengthy delay would most likely mean no statewide results in the presidential election or the contested Senate race for days, if not weeks.

In the second case, the state is keeping at least 7,000 absentee ballots with potential issues in limbo while a court sorts out a legal challenge on whether the North Carolina State Board of Elections can contact voters and allow them to fix, or “cure,” any issues with their ballots.

In that case, a federal judge on Wednesday blocked officials from allowing voters to “cure,” or address a missing witness signature but said that deficient information, like a missing or incomplete address, could still be cured. Appeals from both sides are pending. So now, thousands of voters whose ballots are in limbo — roughly about 40% of which belong to Black voters statewide — are awaiting word from county election officials as to how to proceed.

While that ruling is likely to draw an appeal, any prolonged legal uncertainty for the absentee ballots could threaten a voter’s opportunity to cure the ballot in time.

“The longer a voter says, ‘Oh I turned in my ballot, it must be good,’ when they do finally hear from the county, they might be more suspicious about it, considering how much disinformation there is going around,” said Sylvia Albert, director of voting and elections at Common Cause, a voting rights group.

6. Georgia

No state had a worse voting experience in the 2020 election primaries than Georgia.

Absentee ballots either failed to arrive on time or showed up damaged. Poll workers, scared by the virus, bailed at the last minute, forcing the consolidation of thousands of voters into a single location in Midtown Atlanta. Lines stretched for hours, with some voters not able to cast ballots until nearly 1 a.m. And sometimes the state’s new voting machines malfunctioned.

When Georgia’s in-person early voting began Oct. 12, voters and elections officials braced for a repeat. Lines stretched for hours in suburban Gwinnett County, a predicament the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, initially attributed to high turnout but later admitted was because of technical difficulties related to the state’s new machines. As wait times fell, Raffensperger’s office took credit, saying it had requested the state’s elections software vendor increase bandwidth to its devices.

By Sunday, more than 1.4 million Georgians had voted, a figure that accounts for more than 34% of the state’s 2016 turnout. Lines on Friday still stretched for up to three hours at some locations in Cobb County, a rapidly diversifying suburb that backed Hillary Clinton in 2016 but is still run by Republican officials.

In Fulton County, which experienced the worst delays during the June primary, wait times have largely been alleviated by opening Atlanta’s pro basketball arena as a mega early-voting site. With more than 300 voting machines, the facility has managed to move voters through without a delay.

Election Day, which will require far more poll workers given the larger number of voting locations, will present another stress test for the state’s voting system.

7. Pennsylvania

Few states are still facing more litigation-driven uncertainty than Pennsylvania.

The state has had its plans to install drop boxes hung up in the courts for months. The question of whether it will be able to accept ballots that arrive after Election Day has been similarly stalled. The state Legislature still hasn’t decided on allowing election officials to begin processing ballots early. And Kathy Boockvar, the secretary of state, is still awaiting guidance from the state Supreme Court as to whether election officials have to perform signature matching checks on absentee ballots.

“Pennsylvania is the one everyone is worried about,” said Charles Stewart III, a professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who runs the university’s Election Data and Science Lab.

While all of this uncertainty might seemingly depress enthusiasm for mail ballots, Pennsylvania voters are still requesting them at a record clip. More than 2.7 million ballots have been requested, and about 683,000 have been returned. Yet at the moment, election officials in the state’s 67 counties cannot touch the ballots until Election Day, raising the likelihood that full results will not be known for days.

By law, Pennsylvania does not offer any form of in-person early voting. But Boockvar has worked with county officials to set up satellite elections offices where voters can come and vote by absentee ballot in person (as in, request a ballot in person, receive it, fill it out there and then drop it off). The offices are intended to expand voting options and help decrease an expected surge on Election Day. But so far, only five of the state’s 67 counties — Philadelphia, Centre, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery — have set up offices.

The lack of true in-person voting means Pennsylvania will most likely have a large Election Day turnout. Though the statewide poll worker recruitment effort was successful — more than 56,000 raised their hands — Pennsylvania has strict rules stating that a poll worker can serve only in the county in which they are registered to vote.

The city is also bracing for a potentially contentious Election Day, and Lawrence S. Krasner, the district attorney for Philadelphia, is expanding the regular Election Day task force.

“We have probably at this point over 60 of our 300 attorneys who are volunteering to handle these duties on top of their other duties,” Krasner said. “And it’s my expectation, in light of the conversation I’ve had with the Philadelphia Police Department, that they are going to ramp that up for Election Day.”

In Georgia, the state’s voting machines have malfunctioned in three consecutive elections this year alone. In Pennsylvania, election officials are staring down possibly the biggest ballot processing backlog in the country, with no means of even touching the ballots until polls open on Election Day.

In Georgia, the state’s voting machines have malfunctioned in three consecutive elections this year alone. In Pennsylvania, election officials are staring down possibly the biggest ballot processing backlog in the country, with no means of even touching the ballots until polls open on Election Day. And in North Carolina, thousands of submitted absentee ballots are currently in purgatory, neither rejected nor accepted but “under review,” amid a back-and-forth court battle over so-called ballot curing. Also read: US election 2020: Trump and Trump finally agree on something as Nov 3 nears Short on money, overworked and under enormous pressure, many battleground states are still in the process of standing up their electoral systems, a building-a-plane-midflight reality for a democratic process that is being challenged daily by court cases, new laws and surges in the coronavirus. The New York Times assessed the readiness of seven battleground states, and will continue to do so up to Nov. 3. Each of these states was won by Donald Trump in 2016. Joe Biden is now ahead or effectively tied with Trump in most polls in all seven. After spring and summer primary elections that were undermined by a host of issues — ballot delays in the mail, polling location consolidation resulting in long lines, voter confusion and lengthy lags in counting — officials have mounted a fall sprint to recruit poll workers, scout safe poll locations, seek more time to process ballots, and start a significant education campaign to help voters navigate the pandemic-muddled process. Now, the readiness of states chiefly involves two distinct challenges: processing the tens of millions of absentee ballots that are already flooding election offices, and maintaining an Election Day operation that as closely as possible resembles normalcy. Here’s where the seven states stand with just 15 days before Election Day, ranked in order of preparedness. 1. Arizona Of all the battleground states, none is expected to have as smooth an election as is Arizona. In the midterm elections in 2018, 79% of Arizonans voted before Election Day — a figure that jumped to 88% for the primary this August. After 2018, when it took a week for Arizona to count enough ballots for a winner to be declared in its Senate race, the state changed its laws to allow absentee ballots to be counted beginning 14 days before Election Day. Maricopa County, which includes 60% of Arizona’s population, acquired new ballot-counting machines that officials expect will allow the vast majority of the voting results to be known on election night. Also read: Donald Trump claims his campaign is doing 'very, very well' “I somewhat jokingly say that we are prepared for everything except Godzilla,” said Adrian Fontes, the Maricopa County recorder, who is responsible for running the county’s elections. “Nowadays that includes a global pandemic and possible terrorism.” Fontes and other Arizona officials have more experience with absentee ballots than any other battleground state in the country. Arizona created a permanent absentee voter list in 2007, and by 2010, 60% of the state’s voters cast ballots before Election Day, a figure that has increased every two years since. 2. Michigan Michigan has had a successful poll worker recruitment program, with more than 30,000 having signed up and no regional restrictions preventing them from going anywhere in the state. That same pool of workers could also be asked to serve on the counting boards, which are the election workers assigned to sift through, verify and tally the absentee ballots. While thousands will be needed for the task, which Michigan law allows to start only 10 hours before Election Day, the secretary of state’s office is confident that staffing will not be a problem. Because of that late start to counting, Michigan anticipates being one of the last states to report full results, with election officials estimating that the vast majority will be announced through Nov. 6. An appeals court ruled Friday that ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, though it is possible the decision is appealed to the state Supreme Court. The secretary of state’s office has begun a voter education campaign as if it has lost the decision in court, telling voters that the last day to safely mail back their ballots is Oct. 19. After that, they should be hand-delivered to an election office or one of the state’s 1,000 drop boxes. Also weighing on the minds of election officials is the threat of polling place intimidation. Armed right-wing protesters entered the Statehouse earlier this year to denounce the coronavirus lockdowns of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and law enforcement officials are anticipating a similar presence at the polls. On Friday, the secretary of state in Michigan issued an order banning firearms at polling places and any areas within 100 feet of a voting center. 3. Wisconsin In the past decade, Wisconsin Republicans enacted laws that have made voting tougher: — It now has one of the nation’s strictest voter-identification mandates. Voters who apply for an absentee ballot online or through the mail must include a photograph for their identification, which requires both equipment and technical sophistication. — They also must have a witness sign their ballots, a hurdle made more difficult by a pandemic that is hitting Wisconsin nearly as hard as anywhere in the country. Also read: US election 2020: Key states that will likely decide fate of Trump and Biden Some Wisconsinites have taken it upon themselves to help their neighbors navigate an absentee voting process that is new for the vast majority of voters. Lori Miller, a retired dietitian from rural Arkansaw, Wisconsin, spent $59 on eBay for a portable photocopy machine to tote to tables set up this summer by the League of Women Voters so she could make copies of people’s driver’s licenses for them to include in absentee ballot applications. “What used to be a fairly simple process now has new steps to it,” Miller said. “With every election, and especially this year, there have been proposals made to change deadlines and then those get challenged and changed and appealed. People lose track.” Unlike most states, Wisconsin does not have a single office responsible for voting statewide, nor do county officials oversee elections. Instead, more than 1,800 municipalities manage their own elections. In scores of rural townships, a part-time town clerk is responsible for conducting elections and counting the votes. The municipal clerks are forbidden from feeding the ballots through counting machines until the polls open Nov. 3. But Gov. Tony Evers said Thursday that he expects the state to have its results completed by the end of Election Day or, at the latest, by the day after. 4. Florida On Sept. 30, Peter Antonacci, the elections supervisor in Broward County, was scrambling: The vendor his office had hired to pick up and drop off voting equipment to the polls had canceled the county’s order, leaving Broward hunting for trucks 34 days before Election Day. It was one of the myriad challenges faced daily by the 67 county supervisors in Florida, who run elections in the nation’s largest and often closest presidential battleground. Winning by “1.5% in the state of Florida is a landslide,” said Wesley Wilcox, the elections supervisor in Marion County. The supervisors say they are ready to handle problems small and large. Of utmost concern is the crush of mail ballots already arriving. More than 2.4 million ballots had been returned as of Sunday afternoon, led by a stunning return rate from Democrats, who are typically outpaced by Republicans in mail voting. So far, 400,000 more Democrats have returned mail ballots than Republicans, though Republicans are expected to turn out en masse to vote in person. Florida has years of experience with voting by mail — an effort led largely by Republicans — which should mean the state is better positioned to deal with this year’s surge. State law allows counties to start processing mail ballots 22 days before Election Day. An executive order signed during the pandemic by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, allowed for the processing to begin even sooner: 30 days before Election Day once counties had conducted public tests of their voting equipment. Supervisors in the state’s largest counties say their goal is to process the ballots — remove them from the envelopes, verify signatures and tabulate the vote — on the day they arrive, to avoid a backup building up as Election Day nears. That would leave only the mail ballots that arrive on Nov. 3 to be processed that day. “Our focus is getting it right,” said Mark Earley, the elections supervisor in Leon County, home to Tallahassee, the state capital. “Not getting it done as fast as possible.” 5. North Carolina Election officials in North Carolina were increasingly confident in the state’s electoral apparatus earlier in the fall, with no reported poll worker shortages in any county and more than 500,000 absentee ballots already returned and being processed. But two forthcoming court decisions threaten to disrupt the elections. In one, the state Republican Party is pushing to be allowed to send partisan citizen inspectors into the county boards of elections before absentee ballots are approved by election officials, with the ability to start challenging those ballots that they see as potentially not meeting requirements. If the court sides with the Republicans, it could severely delay the counting of absentee ballots to well beyond Election Day. And with officials estimating that roughly 25% of the vote in North Carolina will be cast through absentee ballots, a lengthy delay would most likely mean no statewide results in the presidential election or the contested Senate race for days, if not weeks. In the second case, the state is keeping at least 7,000 absentee ballots with potential issues in limbo while a court sorts out a legal challenge on whether the North Carolina State Board of Elections can contact voters and allow them to fix, or “cure,” any issues with their ballots. In that case, a federal judge on Wednesday blocked officials from allowing voters to “cure,” or address a missing witness signature but said that deficient information, like a missing or incomplete address, could still be cured. Appeals from both sides are pending. So now, thousands of voters whose ballots are in limbo — roughly about 40% of which belong to Black voters statewide — are awaiting word from county election officials as to how to proceed. While that ruling is likely to draw an appeal, any prolonged legal uncertainty for the absentee ballots could threaten a voter’s opportunity to cure the ballot in time. “The longer a voter says, ‘Oh I turned in my ballot, it must be good,’ when they do finally hear from the county, they might be more suspicious about it, considering how much disinformation there is going around,” said Sylvia Albert, director of voting and elections at Common Cause, a voting rights group. 6. Georgia No state had a worse voting experience in the 2020 election primaries than Georgia. Absentee ballots either failed to arrive on time or showed up damaged. Poll workers, scared by the virus, bailed at the last minute, forcing the consolidation of thousands of voters into a single location in Midtown Atlanta. Lines stretched for hours, with some voters not able to cast ballots until nearly 1 a.m. And sometimes the state’s new voting machines malfunctioned. When Georgia’s in-person early voting began Oct. 12, voters and elections officials braced for a repeat. Lines stretched for hours in suburban Gwinnett County, a predicament the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, initially attributed to high turnout but later admitted was because of technical difficulties related to the state’s new machines. As wait times fell, Raffensperger’s office took credit, saying it had requested the state’s elections software vendor increase bandwidth to its devices. By Sunday, more than 1.4 million Georgians had voted, a figure that accounts for more than 34% of the state’s 2016 turnout. Lines on Friday still stretched for up to three hours at some locations in Cobb County, a rapidly diversifying suburb that backed Hillary Clinton in 2016 but is still run by Republican officials. In Fulton County, which experienced the worst delays during the June primary, wait times have largely been alleviated by opening Atlanta’s pro basketball arena as a mega early-voting site. With more than 300 voting machines, the facility has managed to move voters through without a delay. Election Day, which will require far more poll workers given the larger number of voting locations, will present another stress test for the state’s voting system. 7. Pennsylvania Few states are still facing more litigation-driven uncertainty than Pennsylvania. The state has had its plans to install drop boxes hung up in the courts for months. The question of whether it will be able to accept ballots that arrive after Election Day has been similarly stalled. The state Legislature still hasn’t decided on allowing election officials to begin processing ballots early. And Kathy Boockvar, the secretary of state, is still awaiting guidance from the state Supreme Court as to whether election officials have to perform signature matching checks on absentee ballots. “Pennsylvania is the one everyone is worried about,” said Charles Stewart III, a professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who runs the university’s Election Data and Science Lab. While all of this uncertainty might seemingly depress enthusiasm for mail ballots, Pennsylvania voters are still requesting them at a record clip. More than 2.7 million ballots have been requested, and about 683,000 have been returned. Yet at the moment, election officials in the state’s 67 counties cannot touch the ballots until Election Day, raising the likelihood that full results will not be known for days. By law, Pennsylvania does not offer any form of in-person early voting. But Boockvar has worked with county officials to set up satellite elections offices where voters can come and vote by absentee ballot in person (as in, request a ballot in person, receive it, fill it out there and then drop it off). The offices are intended to expand voting options and help decrease an expected surge on Election Day. But so far, only five of the state’s 67 counties — Philadelphia, Centre, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery — have set up offices. The lack of true in-person voting means Pennsylvania will most likely have a large Election Day turnout. Though the statewide poll worker recruitment effort was successful — more than 56,000 raised their hands — Pennsylvania has strict rules stating that a poll worker can serve only in the county in which they are registered to vote. The city is also bracing for a potentially contentious Election Day, and Lawrence S. Krasner, the district attorney for Philadelphia, is expanding the regular Election Day task force. “We have probably at this point over 60 of our 300 attorneys who are volunteering to handle these duties on top of their other duties,” Krasner said. “And it’s my expectation, in light of the conversation I’ve had with the Philadelphia Police Department, that they are going to ramp that up for Election Day.”

How prepared are these 7 battlegrounds for the election? A readiness report

Democratic Party presidential candidate Joe Biden on Friday (local time) weighed emphatically in favour of Affordable Care Act, informally known as 'Obamacare' at an event in Michigan.

Michigan is a swing state, that is, one of the states that are not seen to strongly support either Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Victory in swing states may prove to be instrumental for both candidates after they win their respective traditional strongholds.

“If I have the honor of becoming your president, we'll build on the Affordable Care Act, no matter what they do," Biden said at an event in Michigan.

Affordable Care Act was passed by Barack Obama administration. The act paved way for millions of Americans to afford healthcare. Republican Party has been against the law from the moment it was passed. Democrats allege that striking down the law is high on the priority list of Republicans. Democratic Party has upped the ante to support the Act especially after Judge Amy Coney Barrett was nominated by Donald Trump to the Supreme Court.

In Michigan, Biden lashed out at Trump for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

"He’ll do anything to distract us from focusing on his failures to deal with this virus to protect the nation," Biden said. "It's not disappearing, in fact it's on the rise again. It's getting worse, as predicted."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-nothing-but-disdain-for-your-values-says-trump-in-florida-rally-as-crowd-chants-lock-up-bidens-335925">Democrats have nothing but disdain for your values, says Trump in Florida rally as crowd chants 'Lock up Bidens'</a>

Biden has shown strength with senior voters, many of whom have faulted Trump for his response to the health crisis.

Biden also homed in on another area where Trump has run into regular controversy -- his often lackluster responses when asked to condemn extreme right-wing groups and white supremacists.

He said Trump's comments were a "dog whistle" to such groups.

"Look. Everybody knows who Donald Trump is, let's show them who we are," Biden said at a car rally in Detroit. 
"We choose hope over fear, unity over division, science over fiction and yes, truth over lies."

(With agency inputs)

Democratic Party presidential candidate Joe Biden on Friday (local time) weighed emphatically in favour of Affordable Care Act, informally known as 'Obamacare' at an event in Michigan.

Democratic Party presidential candidate Joe Biden on Friday (local time) weighed emphatically in favour of Affordable Care Act, informally known as 'Obamacare' at an event in Michigan. Michigan is a swing state, that is, one of the states that are not seen to strongly support either Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Victory in swing states may prove to be instrumental for both candidates after they win their respective traditional strongholds. “If I have the honor of becoming your president, we'll build on the Affordable Care Act, no matter what they do," Biden said at an event in Michigan. Affordable Care Act was passed by Barack Obama administration. The act paved way for millions of Americans to afford healthcare. Republican Party has been against the law from the moment it was passed. Democrats allege that striking down the law is high on the priority list of Republicans. Democratic Party has upped the ante to support the Act especially after Judge Amy Coney Barrett was nominated by Donald Trump to the Supreme Court. In Michigan, Biden lashed out at Trump for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. "He’ll do anything to distract us from focusing on his failures to deal with this virus to protect the nation," Biden said. "It's not disappearing, in fact it's on the rise again. It's getting worse, as predicted." Also Read | Democrats have nothing but disdain for your values, says Trump in Florida rally as crowd chants 'Lock up Bidens' Biden has shown strength with senior voters, many of whom have faulted Trump for his response to the health crisis. Biden also homed in on another area where Trump has run into regular controversy -- his often lackluster responses when asked to condemn extreme right-wing groups and white supremacists. He said Trump's comments were a "dog whistle" to such groups. "Look. Everybody knows who Donald Trump is, let's show them who we are," Biden said at a car rally in Detroit. "We choose hope over fear, unity over division, science over fiction and yes, truth over lies." (With agency inputs)

We will build on Obamacare, no matter what they do: Joe Biden in Michigan

According to US Elections Project, over 23 million people have already voted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election"> US elections</a> ahead of election day on November 3.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-unprecedented-surge-in-mail-in-votes-wion-voa-co-production-335918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The surge in voting has surprised experts as only 6 million had voted at this time during the 2016 elections which was won by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-election-2020-last-five-presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america-335804">Trump</a>. California, Texas and Florida have witnessed a huge voter turnout with over 2 million votes cast already, according to United States Elections Project, run by University of Florida political scientist Michael McDonald.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-nothing-but-disdain-for-your-values-says-trump-in-florida-rally-as-crowd-chants-lock-up-bidens-335925">Also Read: Democrats have nothing but disdain for your values, says Trump as crowd chants 'Lock up Bidens'</a>

The voters have turned up in huge numbers despite the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-cross-8-million-in-united-states-daily-infections-on-the-rise-since-september-335923">coronavirus</a> pandemic sweeping the country even as US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential hopeful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-build-on-obamacare-no-matter-what-they-do-joe-biden-in-michigan-335944">Joe Biden</a> continue to take on each other in various Townhall duels across the country.

Most of the voting so far has taken place through in-person or by mail-in voting. According to Ohio Secretary of State, over 2.4 million mail-in ballots have been requested which is double the number requested in the same period in 2016.

Over a million people have also voted in Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia and Georgia.

Voters have also chosen their next US president in Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Colorado, Aziona and Okhalama with a sizeable number of votes cast. &nbsp;

According to reports, the youth in America have turned up in huge numbers so far to vote.&nbsp;

According to US Elections Project, over 23 million people have already voted in the US elections ahead of election day on November 3. Watch: The surge in voting has surprised experts as only 6 million had voted at this time during the 2016 elections which was won by Trump.

According to US Elections Project, over 23 million people have already voted in the US elections ahead of election day on November 3. Watch: The surge in voting has surprised experts as only 6 million had voted at this time during the 2016 elections which was won by Trump. California, Texas and Florida have witnessed a huge voter turnout with over 2 million votes cast already, according to United States Elections Project, run by University of Florida political scientist Michael McDonald. Also Read: Democrats have nothing but disdain for your values, says Trump as crowd chants 'Lock up Bidens' The voters have turned up in huge numbers despite the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the country even as US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden continue to take on each other in various Townhall duels across the country. Most of the voting so far has taken place through in-person or by mail-in voting. According to Ohio Secretary of State, over 2.4 million mail-in ballots have been requested which is double the number requested in the same period in 2016. Over a million people have also voted in Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia and Georgia. Voters have also chosen their next US president in Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Colorado, Aziona and Okhalama with a sizeable number of votes cast. According to reports, the youth in America have turned up in huge numbers so far to vote.

US Elections: Over 23 million Americans vote ahead of polling day

With just 16&nbsp;days left for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, President Donald Trump visited Florida to campaign as he attacked Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ballots-cast-at-an-unprecedented-pace-us-election-2020-new-york-direct-335919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Democrats have nothing but disdain for your values and want to turn America into a Communist country," the US President told a crowd in Macon, Georgia.

"It's time we sent a message to these wealthy liberal hypocrites," the president added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-election-2020-key-moments-of-donald-trumps-presidential-tenure-335800">Also Read:&nbsp;US election 2020: Key moments of Donald Trump's presidential tenure</a>

The rally is President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Trump's </a>second in one week in central Florida which was a Republican stronghold in 2016, however, the US president has been trailing in opinion polls to Biden in the state.

"He (Joe Biden) is a servant of the wealthy donors, globalists and special interests who got rich bleeding America dry. And by the way, I could call these guys. Everyone of them would give me millions. I'm president," the President said at the rally.

Trump attacked the media saying: "our media is the enemy of the people".

"I got an emergency call today. They say, ‘Sir, I’m sorry to tell you, but President Obama is going to start campaigning for Sleepy Joe.’ I said, ‘so what’s the problem with that’ … I said, ‘you know, he campaigned harder than Hillary last time, so why do we care?’" Trump said.

The crowd chanted against the Biden family in Macon, Georgia shouting "Lock up the Bidens. Lock up Hillary!" echoing Trump's campaign rally in 2016.

With just 16 days left for the US elections, President Donald Trump visited Florida to campaign as he attacked Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Watch: "Democrats have nothing but disdain for your values and want to turn America into a Communist country," the US President told a crowd in Macon, Georgia.

With just 16 days left for the US elections, President Donald Trump visited Florida to campaign as he attacked Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Watch: "Democrats have nothing but disdain for your values and want to turn America into a Communist country," the US President told a crowd in Macon, Georgia. "It's time we sent a message to these wealthy liberal hypocrites," the president added. Also Read: US election 2020: Key moments of Donald Trump's presidential tenure The rally is President Trump's second in one week in central Florida which was a Republican stronghold in 2016, however, the US president has been trailing in opinion polls to Biden in the state. "He (Joe Biden) is a servant of the wealthy donors, globalists and special interests who got rich bleeding America dry. And by the way, I could call these guys. Everyone of them would give me millions. I'm president," the President said at the rally. Trump attacked the media saying: "our media is the enemy of the people". "I got an emergency call today. They say, ‘Sir, I’m sorry to tell you, but President Obama is going to start campaigning for Sleepy Joe.’ I said, ‘so what’s the problem with that’ … I said, ‘you know, he campaigned harder than Hillary last time, so why do we care?’" Trump said. The crowd chanted against the Biden family in Macon, Georgia shouting "Lock up the Bidens. Lock up Hillary!" echoing Trump's campaign rally in 2016.

Democrats have nothing but disdain for your values, says Trump in Florida rally as crowd chants 'Lock up Bidens'

David Perdue, a Senator of the Republican Party repeatedly mispronounced Kamala Harris' name as he spoke ahead of US President Donald Trump in his rally in Georgia on Friday (local time). Perdue mispronounced Harris' name so many times that media reports lashed out at him for mocking Kamala Harris, who is &nbsp;daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica. She is Democratic Party's nominee for the post of Vice President of USA. This makes her the first Black woman and first Asian American to join a major party`s presidential ticket.&nbsp;

Perdue, who is in a closely fought battle for re-election to the senate against Democrat Jon Ossoff, spoke ahead of Trump in the central Georgia city of Macon on Friday evening.

Video of his speech shows Perdue repeatedly making exaggerated attempts to pronounce the name before saying, "I don`t know, whatever." The crowd responds with laughter.

Ossoff tweeted that Perdue would not have mocked a fellow senator who was male or white.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-build-on-obamacare-no-matter-what-they-do-joe-biden-in-michigan-335944">We will build on Obamacare, no matter what they do: Joe Biden in Michigan</a>

John Burke, a spokesman for Perdue`s campaign, tweeted that the senator "simply mispronounced Senator Harris` name, and he didn`t mean anything by it."

Republican incumbent Trump is trailing Biden in national opinion polls, but state polls show a close race in Georgia, a state that has become increasingly diverse and more Democratic.

(With Reuters inputs)

David Perdue, a Senator of the Republican Party repeatedly mispronounced Kamala Harris' name as he spoke ahead of US President Donald Trump in his rally in Georgia on Friday (local time).

David Perdue, a Senator of the Republican Party repeatedly mispronounced Kamala Harris' name as he spoke ahead of US President Donald Trump in his rally in Georgia on Friday (local time). Perdue mispronounced Harris' name so many times that media reports lashed out at him for mocking Kamala Harris, who is daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica. She is Democratic Party's nominee for the post of Vice President of USA. This makes her the first Black woman and first Asian American to join a major party`s presidential ticket. Perdue, who is in a closely fought battle for re-election to the senate against Democrat Jon Ossoff, spoke ahead of Trump in the central Georgia city of Macon on Friday evening. Video of his speech shows Perdue repeatedly making exaggerated attempts to pronounce the name before saying, "I don`t know, whatever." The crowd responds with laughter. Ossoff tweeted that Perdue would not have mocked a fellow senator who was male or white. Also Read | We will build on Obamacare, no matter what they do: Joe Biden in Michigan John Burke, a spokesman for Perdue`s campaign, tweeted that the senator "simply mispronounced Senator Harris` name, and he didn`t mean anything by it." Republican incumbent Trump is trailing Biden in national opinion polls, but state polls show a close race in Georgia, a state that has become increasingly diverse and more Democratic. (With Reuters inputs)

Republican Senator repeatedly mispronounces Kamala Harris' name at Trump rally

Writer and former first lady of the US Michelle Obama on Friday launched #VotingSquad challenge in order to urge more American voters to vote in upcoming US Election 2020.

She posted a photo of herself on Instagram and asked everyone to text three people to tell them to vote in presidential elections.

"Making sure our friends and family have a plan to vote will make all the difference in this election. So, here`s my challenge to you: text three people in your life today who might not vote and ask them to join your #VotingSquad and make a plan to vote together," she wrote in the caption.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGYBhK7j7LB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Making sure our friends and family have a plan to vote will make all the difference in this election. So, here’s my challenge to you: text three people in your life today who might not vote and ask them to join your #VotingSquad and make a plan to vote together. I’ve tagged a couple of folks who I’m challenging to create their #VotingSquad. I want to see your squad! Post a photo with your squad and challenge three friends to share their plan to vote. Join us: weall.vote/votingsquad</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michelleobama/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Michelle Obama</a> (@michelleobama) on <time datetime="2020-10-15T19:08:52+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 15, 2020 at 12:08pm PDT</time>
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Michelle Obama has a unique image and appeal across the globe. The former first lady was always by&nbsp;US President Barack Obama's side but carved her own space as she expressed her opinions from time-to-time and went on to write a book titled 'Becoming'. Even after President Barack Obama's term ended, Michelle has come to fore many times&nbsp;to air her comments.

On Friday as she launched the #VotingSquad Michelle Obama said she was tagging some of her friends asking them to vote.&nbsp;

"I`ve tagged a couple of folks who I`m challenging to create their #VotingSquad. I want to see your squad! Post a photo with your squad and challenge three friends to share their plan to vote," she wrote. Michelle asked people to join the initiative at "weall.vote/votingsquad".

Writer and former first lady of the US Michelle Obama on Friday launched #VotingSquad challenge in order to urge more American voters to vote in upcoming US Election 2020.

Writer and former first lady of the US Michelle Obama on Friday launched #VotingSquad challenge in order to urge more American voters to vote in upcoming US Election 2020. She posted a photo of herself on Instagram and asked everyone to text three people to tell them to vote in presidential elections. "Making sure our friends and family have a plan to vote will make all the difference in this election. So, here`s my challenge to you: text three people in your life today who might not vote and ask them to join your #VotingSquad and make a plan to vote together," she wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram Making sure our friends and family have a plan to vote will make all the difference in this election. So, here’s my challenge to you: text three people in your life today who might not vote and ask them to join your #VotingSquad and make a plan to vote together. I’ve tagged a couple of folks who I’m challenging to create their #VotingSquad. I want to see your squad! Post a photo with your squad and challenge three friends to share their plan to vote. Join us: weall.vote/votingsquad A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on Oct 15, 2020 at 12:08pm PDT × Michelle Obama has a unique image and appeal across the globe. The former first lady was always by US President Barack Obama's side but carved her own space as she expressed her opinions from time-to-time and went on to write a book titled 'Becoming'. Even after President Barack Obama's term ended, Michelle has come to fore many times to air her comments. On Friday as she launched the #VotingSquad Michelle Obama said she was tagging some of her friends asking them to vote. "I`ve tagged a couple of folks who I`m challenging to create their #VotingSquad. I want to see your squad! Post a photo with your squad and challenge three friends to share their plan to vote," she wrote. Michelle asked people to join the initiative at "weall.vote/votingsquad".

Michelle Obama launches #VotingSquad challenge on Instagram to encourage Americans to vote

We look back at four years of Trump's presidency. From promises, scandals, accomplishments and a lot more.

Four years of Trumpism | Donald Trump | Accomplishments and Failures | US Elections 2020 |WION

The United States Supreme Court's top seat has become the most contested topics in the US election 2020. Watch report.

US Supreme Court nominee upends the US election 2020 | Amy Corney Barrett | World News

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., castigated President Donald Trump in a telephone town hall with constituents on Wednesday, accusing the president of bungling the response to the coronavirus pandemic, cozying up to dictators and white supremacists, and offending voters so broadly that he might cause a “Republican bloodbath” in the Senate.

In a dire, nine-minute indictment of Trump’s foreign policy and what Sasse called his “deficient” values, the senator said the president had mistreated women and alienated important allies around the globe, been a profligate spender, ignored human rights and treated the pandemic like a “PR crisis.” He predicted that a loss by Trump on Election Day, less than three weeks away, “looks likely,” and said that Republicans would face steep repercussions for having backed him so staunchly over four tumultuous years.

“The debate is not going to be, ‘Ben Sasse, why were you so mean to Donald Trump?’” Sasse said, according to audio obtained by The Washington Examiner and authenticated by The New York Times. “It’s going to be, ‘What the heck were any of us thinking, that selling a TV-obsessed, narcissistic individual to the American people was a good idea?’”

“We are staring down the barrel of a blue tsunami,” he added.

Sasse also hinted at more drastic consequences: a “Venezuela style” Supreme Court with dozens of justices installed by ascendant Democrats; an empowered China ruling the Pacific because of Trump’s “weak” policies; and American allies doubting whether they can “trust in U.S. strength and U.S. will.”

Sasse, who is up for reelection on Nov. 3, went public with his concerns at a time when Republicans are increasingly worried that Trump is careening toward a devastating loss in November’s elections that could also cost them the Senate, handing Democrats, who already hold the House, unified control. After years of tolerating the president’s Twitter bullying and disregard for party orthodoxy and basic American norms, their patience appears to be wearing thin.

He spoke to constituents on Wednesday around the same time that senators on the Judiciary Committee were concluding their questioning of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court, on Capitol Hill. Sasse, a member of the panel, had lavished praise on Barrett, a favorite of conservatives who would tilt the court decidedly to the right.

Rarely has a split screen better encapsulated the trade-offs congressional Republicans have accepted over four years of Trump’s presidency than a Republican senator exulting over his conservative Supreme Court nominee in one moment and lamenting his norm-shattering behavior — and his party’s willingness to quietly tolerate it — in the next.

Sasse did not exactly try to keep his criticism quiet. James Wegmann, a spokesman who confirmed his comments, said 17,000 Nebraskans had been invited to participate in the call, though it does not appear to have been open to the general public. Sasse’s critique played out after someone on the call asked the senator about his previous criticisms of Trump.

“Like a lot of Nebraskans, I am trying to understand your relationship with the president,” the woman said. “Why do you have to criticize him so much?”

Sasse, a former university president with a doctorate in American history from Yale who styles himself as a principled conservative, has never made a secret of his distaste for Trump. During the 2016 campaign, he compared Trump to David Duke and refused to vote for him. In office, he called Trump’s signature trade war with China “nuts.”

But he had toned down his criticism in recent years, earning a crucial endorsement from the president he once savaged.

The remarks on Wednesday were far more scathing than any others he has made recently, and particularly notable given the tight hold Trump has taken over the Republican Party in his four years as president.

Sasse, 48, began by saying that he had worked hard to develop a “working relationship” with Trump, and even prayed for the president because he is one of “our leaders.” He said he was pleased when Trump adopted traditionally conservative policy stances and nominated conservative judges. And, he added, he understood that some Nebraska voters were “frustrated” with his criticisms of the president.

But the compliments stopped there.

“I’m not at all apologetic for having fought for my values against his in places where I think his are deficient, not just for a Republican but for an American,” Sasse said.

He argued that Trump had “careened from curb to curb” as he sought to respond to a pandemic that has claimed more than 217,000 American lives this year.

“He refused to treat it seriously,” Sasse said. “For months, he treated it like a news-cycle-by-news-cycle PR crisis.”

He added that he did not think Trump’s leadership through the crisis had been “reasonable or responsible, or right.”

The “deficiencies” added up from there.

“The way he kisses dictators’ butts,” Sasse said, listing his reservations about Trump. “I mean, the way he ignores that the Uighurs are in literal concentration camps in Xinjiang right now. He hasn’t lifted a finger on behalf of the Hong Kongers.”

He continued: “The United States now regularly sells out our allies under his leadership, the way he treats women, spends like a drunken sailor.”

Trump “mocks evangelicals behind closed doors,” he added. “His family has treated the presidency like a business opportunity. He’s flirted with white supremacists.”

Each of these things, Sasse predicted, would have consequences, for Republicans and the nation. He sounded particularly alarmed about the potential damage Trump, who supported Democrats for decades as a businessman, could do to the conservative cause in the long term by driving the country “to the left.”

Young people, he said, could “become permanent Democrats because they’ve just been repulsed by the obsessive nature of our politics.” Women, who have abandoned the party in droves, could decide “they need to turn away from this party permanently in the future.”

“I’m now looking at the possibility of a Republican bloodbath in the Senate, and that’s why I’ve never been on the Trump train,” he said. “It’s why I didn’t agree to be on his reelection committee, and it’s why I’m not campaigning for him.”

In a statement, Wegmann did not comment on Sasse’s remarks. He said the senator would remain focused on Senate races.

“I don’t know how many more times we can shout this,” Wegmann said. “Even though the Beltway is obsessing exclusively about the presidential race, control of the Senate is 10 times more important.”

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., castigated President Donald Trump in a telephone town hall with constituents on Wednesday, accusing the president of bungling the response to the coronavirus pandemic, cozying up to dictators and white supremacists, and offending voters so broadly that he might cause a “Republican bloodbath” in the Senate.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., castigated President Donald Trump in a telephone town hall with constituents on Wednesday, accusing the president of bungling the response to the coronavirus pandemic, cozying up to dictators and white supremacists, and offending voters so broadly that he might cause a “Republican bloodbath” in the Senate. In a dire, nine-minute indictment of Trump’s foreign policy and what Sasse called his “deficient” values, the senator said the president had mistreated women and alienated important allies around the globe, been a profligate spender, ignored human rights and treated the pandemic like a “PR crisis.” He predicted that a loss by Trump on Election Day, less than three weeks away, “looks likely,” and said that Republicans would face steep repercussions for having backed him so staunchly over four tumultuous years. “The debate is not going to be, ‘Ben Sasse, why were you so mean to Donald Trump?’” Sasse said, according to audio obtained by The Washington Examiner and authenticated by The New York Times. “It’s going to be, ‘What the heck were any of us thinking, that selling a TV-obsessed, narcissistic individual to the American people was a good idea?’” “We are staring down the barrel of a blue tsunami,” he added. Sasse also hinted at more drastic consequences: a “Venezuela style” Supreme Court with dozens of justices installed by ascendant Democrats; an empowered China ruling the Pacific because of Trump’s “weak” policies; and American allies doubting whether they can “trust in U.S. strength and U.S. will.” Sasse, who is up for reelection on Nov. 3, went public with his concerns at a time when Republicans are increasingly worried that Trump is careening toward a devastating loss in November’s elections that could also cost them the Senate, handing Democrats, who already hold the House, unified control. After years of tolerating the president’s Twitter bullying and disregard for party orthodoxy and basic American norms, their patience appears to be wearing thin. He spoke to constituents on Wednesday around the same time that senators on the Judiciary Committee were concluding their questioning of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court, on Capitol Hill. Sasse, a member of the panel, had lavished praise on Barrett, a favorite of conservatives who would tilt the court decidedly to the right. Rarely has a split screen better encapsulated the trade-offs congressional Republicans have accepted over four years of Trump’s presidency than a Republican senator exulting over his conservative Supreme Court nominee in one moment and lamenting his norm-shattering behavior — and his party’s willingness to quietly tolerate it — in the next. Sasse did not exactly try to keep his criticism quiet. James Wegmann, a spokesman who confirmed his comments, said 17,000 Nebraskans had been invited to participate in the call, though it does not appear to have been open to the general public. Sasse’s critique played out after someone on the call asked the senator about his previous criticisms of Trump. “Like a lot of Nebraskans, I am trying to understand your relationship with the president,” the woman said. “Why do you have to criticize him so much?” Sasse, a former university president with a doctorate in American history from Yale who styles himself as a principled conservative, has never made a secret of his distaste for Trump. During the 2016 campaign, he compared Trump to David Duke and refused to vote for him. In office, he called Trump’s signature trade war with China “nuts.” But he had toned down his criticism in recent years, earning a crucial endorsement from the president he once savaged. The remarks on Wednesday were far more scathing than any others he has made recently, and particularly notable given the tight hold Trump has taken over the Republican Party in his four years as president. Sasse, 48, began by saying that he had worked hard to develop a “working relationship” with Trump, and even prayed for the president because he is one of “our leaders.” He said he was pleased when Trump adopted traditionally conservative policy stances and nominated conservative judges. And, he added, he understood that some Nebraska voters were “frustrated” with his criticisms of the president. But the compliments stopped there. “I’m not at all apologetic for having fought for my values against his in places where I think his are deficient, not just for a Republican but for an American,” Sasse said. He argued that Trump had “careened from curb to curb” as he sought to respond to a pandemic that has claimed more than 217,000 American lives this year. “He refused to treat it seriously,” Sasse said. “For months, he treated it like a news-cycle-by-news-cycle PR crisis.” He added that he did not think Trump’s leadership through the crisis had been “reasonable or responsible, or right.” The “deficiencies” added up from there. “The way he kisses dictators’ butts,” Sasse said, listing his reservations about Trump. “I mean, the way he ignores that the Uighurs are in literal concentration camps in Xinjiang right now. He hasn’t lifted a finger on behalf of the Hong Kongers.” He continued: “The United States now regularly sells out our allies under his leadership, the way he treats women, spends like a drunken sailor.” Trump “mocks evangelicals behind closed doors,” he added. “His family has treated the presidency like a business opportunity. He’s flirted with white supremacists.” Each of these things, Sasse predicted, would have consequences, for Republicans and the nation. He sounded particularly alarmed about the potential damage Trump, who supported Democrats for decades as a businessman, could do to the conservative cause in the long term by driving the country “to the left.” Young people, he said, could “become permanent Democrats because they’ve just been repulsed by the obsessive nature of our politics.” Women, who have abandoned the party in droves, could decide “they need to turn away from this party permanently in the future.” “I’m now looking at the possibility of a Republican bloodbath in the Senate, and that’s why I’ve never been on the Trump train,” he said. “It’s why I didn’t agree to be on his reelection committee, and it’s why I’m not campaigning for him.” In a statement, Wegmann did not comment on Sasse’s remarks. He said the senator would remain focused on Senate races. “I don’t know how many more times we can shout this,” Wegmann said. “Even though the Beltway is obsessing exclusively about the presidential race, control of the Senate is 10 times more important.”

Slamming Trump, GOP Senator warns of a ‘Republican bloodbath’

The race for the White House has reached Israel. Both, Democratic Party and Republican Party are trying hard to attract dual-nationality American-Israelis, many of whom are registered in swing states such as Florida and Pennsylvania. As a result, posters in Hebrew have suddenly started appearing in Tel Aviv.

This week, posters saying 'You have to thank Trump' in Hebrew were seen on minibuses in Tel Aviv.

Like Republicans, Democrats are trying to woo voters in Israel as well. Democrats have &nbsp;arranged a 40% discount with the courier service DHL for voters whose home states require overseas ballots to be sent by mail.&nbsp;

There are no reliable statistics on American-Israelis` political leanings, but Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, estimated there were 25,000-30,000 eligible Florida voters in the country.

"That could be the deciding factor in that state`s contest," he said, pointing to George W. Bush`s narrow Florida victory in 2000, which handed him the election. He was quoted by Reuters.

US President Donald Trump has had a big influence in Israel as he delighted many by his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital and moving US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Joe Biden`s supporters have sent election postcards to Israeli Democrats and independents from swing states, where, they say, around half of American-Israeli Democrats are registered.

"Trump has used Israel as a partisan football to serve his own constituencies, like Christian Evangelicals," Democrats Abroad Israel chair Heather Stone told Reuters.

Biden, she said, was "a long-time friend of Israel who will help keep alive" the vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Biden or Trump?

The parties` estimates of the number of eligible dual citizens resident in Israel range from 100,000 to 300,000. Some experts who track the information said it was likely to be more than 250,000.

Half a dozen American-Israeli voters interviewed by Reuters identified the coronavirus crisis, economic policy and candidates` stands on Israel as guiding their decisions.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trumps-coronavirus-optimism-continues-as-joe-biden-says-prez-did-nothing-335685">US election 2020: Trump's coronavirus optimism continues as Joe Biden says Prez did 'nothing'</a>

One New York voter, Hezi Kugler, said he was voting for Biden to bring "a return to decency and a restoration of integrity" at the highest level of government.

"Trump has done some things that are good for Israeli interests, but his lack of global leadership has created an enormous vacuum in the region that is generally bad for Israel," said Kugler, 62, an energy industry professional in Tel Aviv.

In the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, Republican David Wiener said Trump was the right choice because he approached thorny Middle East conflicts "from a business perspective".

Last month, Trump hosted a White House ceremony in which Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed deals to establish formal relations.

"Gulf countries see Israel as an opportunity to expand their industries ... Trump took advantage of that with the UAE," said Wiener, 39, an aerospace engineer registered in Pennsylvania.

Palestinian outreach

Although the election is most visible in Israel, there are also many Palestinians eligible to vote.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has encouraged voting by both sides, hosting Facebook live events with Arabic subtitles geared towards residents of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza.

For Democrats Abroad, Stone said she was working with Palestinian activists in East Jerusalem and in the Palestinian diaspora to get out the vote.

One East Jerusalem activist, Kefah Abukhdeir, said Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza face multiple barriers to sending votes abroad, including unreliable postal services that she called "practically non-existent".

"We haven`t had much luck turning out voters here," she said.

In Gaza, where an estimated 300 American-Palestinians live, Kamal Abusharia said he hoped to vote for the first time since the early 1990s in part due to anger towards Trump.

But he held out little hope that Biden would reverse all of Trump`s pro-Israeli moves were he to win.

"I don`t think that Biden would work to (return) the embassy (to Tel Aviv) or put the issue of Palestinian refugees back on the table," he said.

The race for the White House has reached Israel. Both, Democratic Party and Republican Party are trying hard to attract dual-nationality American-Israelis, many of whom are registered in swing states such as Florida and Pennsylvania.

The race for the White House has reached Israel. Both, Democratic Party and Republican Party are trying hard to attract dual-nationality American-Israelis, many of whom are registered in swing states such as Florida and Pennsylvania. As a result, posters in Hebrew have suddenly started appearing in Tel Aviv. This week, posters saying 'You have to thank Trump' in Hebrew were seen on minibuses in Tel Aviv. Like Republicans, Democrats are trying to woo voters in Israel as well. Democrats have arranged a 40% discount with the courier service DHL for voters whose home states require overseas ballots to be sent by mail. There are no reliable statistics on American-Israelis` political leanings, but Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, estimated there were 25,000-30,000 eligible Florida voters in the country. "That could be the deciding factor in that state`s contest," he said, pointing to George W. Bush`s narrow Florida victory in 2000, which handed him the election. He was quoted by Reuters. US President Donald Trump has had a big influence in Israel as he delighted many by his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital and moving US embassy there from Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Joe Biden`s supporters have sent election postcards to Israeli Democrats and independents from swing states, where, they say, around half of American-Israeli Democrats are registered. "Trump has used Israel as a partisan football to serve his own constituencies, like Christian Evangelicals," Democrats Abroad Israel chair Heather Stone told Reuters. Biden, she said, was "a long-time friend of Israel who will help keep alive" the vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden or Trump? The parties` estimates of the number of eligible dual citizens resident in Israel range from 100,000 to 300,000. Some experts who track the information said it was likely to be more than 250,000. Half a dozen American-Israeli voters interviewed by Reuters identified the coronavirus crisis, economic policy and candidates` stands on Israel as guiding their decisions. Also Read | US election 2020: Trump's coronavirus optimism continues as Joe Biden says Prez did 'nothing' One New York voter, Hezi Kugler, said he was voting for Biden to bring "a return to decency and a restoration of integrity" at the highest level of government. "Trump has done some things that are good for Israeli interests, but his lack of global leadership has created an enormous vacuum in the region that is generally bad for Israel," said Kugler, 62, an energy industry professional in Tel Aviv. In the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, Republican David Wiener said Trump was the right choice because he approached thorny Middle East conflicts "from a business perspective". Last month, Trump hosted a White House ceremony in which Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed deals to establish formal relations. "Gulf countries see Israel as an opportunity to expand their industries ... Trump took advantage of that with the UAE," said Wiener, 39, an aerospace engineer registered in Pennsylvania. Palestinian outreach Although the election is most visible in Israel, there are also many Palestinians eligible to vote. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has encouraged voting by both sides, hosting Facebook live events with Arabic subtitles geared towards residents of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. For Democrats Abroad, Stone said she was working with Palestinian activists in East Jerusalem and in the Palestinian diaspora to get out the vote. One East Jerusalem activist, Kefah Abukhdeir, said Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza face multiple barriers to sending votes abroad, including unreliable postal services that she called "practically non-existent". "We haven`t had much luck turning out voters here," she said. In Gaza, where an estimated 300 American-Palestinians live, Kamal Abusharia said he hoped to vote for the first time since the early 1990s in part due to anger towards Trump. But he held out little hope that Biden would reverse all of Trump`s pro-Israeli moves were he to win. "I don`t think that Biden would work to (return) the embassy (to Tel Aviv) or put the issue of Palestinian refugees back on the table," he said.

US Elections 2020 fever reaches streets of Tel Aviv

Bruce Springsteen has always been vocal about his dislike for US President Donald Trump. The legendary rockstar recently spoke to the Australian press and candidly said if the upcoming Presidential elections favour trump, he may not stay in America anymore. 
 
When first asked whether he'd ever consider a move to Australia, Springsteen said, "I would consider that," during a virtual meet. 
 
"I love Australia," he continued. "Every time, we have nothing but good times down there. It’s always a treat to come. Love the people, love the geography, great place for motorcycle trips, it’s close to our hearts." 
 
"If Trump is re-elected – which he will not be; I’m predicting right now he’s gonna lose – if by some happenstance he should be, I’ll see you on the next plane," Springsteen further added. 
 
Sprinsteen was speaking to the Australian press to promote his upcoming album 'Letter To You' which is out next week. 
The singer revealed that he wrote a few of his new songs on a guitar gifted to him by a "young man" after a performance on Broadway.

"I looked at it and I could tell right away that it was beautifully made so I brought it home … and it played beautifully, it sounded gorgeous … and it had a variety of different types of wood, it was a real piece of craftsmanship," he said. "So I left it in my living room. When I started to feel the urge to write, I just picked it up because it was such an easy play." The songs came pouring out of the guitar he added.

The singer, who has had an illustrious career, admits that even after all these years he finds it diffiicult to write songs. 
"Songwriting is generally a terrifying and incredibly fulfilling experience," he said. "It’s terrifying because you never know if you are ever going to do it again because it’s a magic trick."

The rocker added, "How it happens, I don’t know. I’ve done it for 50 years (and) I don’t know how a song takes place and I don’t know anyone who’s ever been able to explain it because you pull something from nothing and you create something physical from it."

Bruce Springsteen has always been vocal about his dislike for US President Donald Trump. The legendary rockstar recently spoke to the Australian press and candidly said if the upcoming Presidential elections favour trump, he may not stay in America anymore.

Bruce Springsteen has always been vocal about his dislike for US President Donald Trump. The legendary rockstar recently spoke to the Australian press and candidly said if the upcoming Presidential elections favour trump, he may not stay in America anymore. When first asked whether he'd ever consider a move to Australia, Springsteen said, "I would consider that," during a virtual meet. "I love Australia," he continued. "Every time, we have nothing but good times down there. It’s always a treat to come. Love the people, love the geography, great place for motorcycle trips, it’s close to our hearts." "If Trump is re-elected – which he will not be; I’m predicting right now he’s gonna lose – if by some happenstance he should be, I’ll see you on the next plane," Springsteen further added. Sprinsteen was speaking to the Australian press to promote his upcoming album 'Letter To You' which is out next week. The singer revealed that he wrote a few of his new songs on a guitar gifted to him by a "young man" after a performance on Broadway. "I looked at it and I could tell right away that it was beautifully made so I brought it home … and it played beautifully, it sounded gorgeous … and it had a variety of different types of wood, it was a real piece of craftsmanship," he said. "So I left it in my living room. When I started to feel the urge to write, I just picked it up because it was such an easy play." The songs came pouring out of the guitar he added. The singer, who has had an illustrious career, admits that even after all these years he finds it diffiicult to write songs. "Songwriting is generally a terrifying and incredibly fulfilling experience," he said. "It’s terrifying because you never know if you are ever going to do it again because it’s a magic trick." The rocker added, "How it happens, I don’t know. I’ve done it for 50 years (and) I don’t know how a song takes place and I don’t know anyone who’s ever been able to explain it because you pull something from nothing and you create something physical from it."

Bruce Springsteen says he will take the next flight to Australia if Donald Trump is reelected

Merriam Webster Dictionary deemed the word 'sexual preference' to be 'offensive' after its use by US Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett caused a row. Amy Coney Barrett is currently undergoing hearing in the US Senate which would then take the decision to approve Amy Coney Barrett's appointment or not.

Senator Mazie Hirono lashed out at Amy Coney Barrett for using the term 'sexual preference' instead of 'sexual orientation'.

"Even though you didn't give a direct answer I think your response did speak volumes," Hirono said. "Not once, but twice, you used the term sexual preference to describe those in the LGBTQ community. And let me make clear, sexual preference is an offensive and outdated term," said Senator Hirono.

<h2>Why is 'sexual preference' an offensive word?</h2>

The term is held to be offensive in LGBTQ+ community and activists. The main contention against this word is that it conveys that sexual orientation of a person is a choice. This in many debates, paves way for people to argue that it was just a matter of choice that members of LGBTQ+ community had a sexual orientation they had. This, in many circles, leads to an assertion that being gay or bisexual can be 'cured'.

LGBTQ+ community and people working for their rights are fiercely against the notion that their sexual orientation can be cured.

And that is why, the word 'sexual preference' is offensive.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary did not have this connotation of the word until recently. But it has now been added following the row surrounding Amy Coney Barrett.

Barrett has since apologised.

"I certainly didn't mean, and would never mean, to use a term that would cause any offense in the LGBTQ community," she said. "So if I did, I greatly apologize for that." She was quoted by CNN.

Merriam Webster Dictionary deemed the word 'sexual preference' to be 'offensive' after its use by US Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett caused a row. Amy Coney Barrett is currently undergoing hearing in the US Senate which would then take the decision to approve Amy Coney Barrett's appointment or not.

Merriam Webster Dictionary deemed the word 'sexual preference' to be 'offensive' after its use by US Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett caused a row. Amy Coney Barrett is currently undergoing hearing in the US Senate which would then take the decision to approve Amy Coney Barrett's appointment or not. Senator Mazie Hirono lashed out at Amy Coney Barrett for using the term 'sexual preference' instead of 'sexual orientation'. "Even though you didn't give a direct answer I think your response did speak volumes," Hirono said. "Not once, but twice, you used the term sexual preference to describe those in the LGBTQ community. And let me make clear, sexual preference is an offensive and outdated term," said Senator Hirono. Why is 'sexual preference' an offensive word? The term is held to be offensive in LGBTQ+ community and activists. The main contention against this word is that it conveys that sexual orientation of a person is a choice. This in many debates, paves way for people to argue that it was just a matter of choice that members of LGBTQ+ community had a sexual orientation they had. This, in many circles, leads to an assertion that being gay or bisexual can be 'cured'. LGBTQ+ community and people working for their rights are fiercely against the notion that their sexual orientation can be cured. And that is why, the word 'sexual preference' is offensive. Merriam-Webster Dictionary did not have this connotation of the word until recently. But it has now been added following the row surrounding Amy Coney Barrett. Barrett has since apologised. "I certainly didn't mean, and would never mean, to use a term that would cause any offense in the LGBTQ community," she said. "So if I did, I greatly apologize for that." She was quoted by CNN.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary deems 'sexual preference' to be 'offensive' after Barrett controversy

US President Donald Trump on Thursday fired an angry tweet against Facebook and Twitter's decision to limit online distribution of a New York Post article on Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The story raises allegations against Hunter Biden and his actions that involved Joe Biden.

"So terrible that Facebook and Twitter took down the story of “Smoking Gun” emails related to Sleepy Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, in the&nbsp;@NYPost. It is only the beginning for them. There is nothing worse than a corrupt politician. REPEAL SECTION 230!!!" tweeted Trump.

The New York Post story says that Hunter Biden tried introducing a top executive of a Ukrainian firm to his father Joe Biden. Hunter Biden worked for this firm.

Donald Trump has been in dock in past over allegations that he colluded with Russia to secure victory in US Presidential elections 2020. Donald Trump's son was investigated for his contact with a Russian lawyer who had Russian spy agency as her client.

Given the background, latest allegations against Hunter Biden and Joe Biden may well present Trump with an opportunity to score political brownie points close to elections.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-son-barron-tests-positive-for-covid-19-335340">Trump's son Barron tests positive for COVID-19</a>

Meanwhile, Facebook Spokesperson Andy Stone said that the New York Post story had enough for it to be eligible for a fact check.

"While I will intentionally not link to the New York Post, I want be clear that this story is eligible to be fact-checked by Facebook's third-party fact-checking partners. In the meantime, we are reducing its distribution on our platform," tweeted Andy Stone, Facebook Spokesperson.

Spokesperson for Biden campaign defended Joe Biden and Hunter Biden by saying that there was "no wrongdoing" on part of Joe Biden. He added that New York Post never reached out to Biden campaign for their response on this.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday fired an angry tweet against Facebook and Twitter's decision to limit online distribution of a New York Post article on Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday fired an angry tweet against Facebook and Twitter's decision to limit online distribution of a New York Post article on Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The story raises allegations against Hunter Biden and his actions that involved Joe Biden. "So terrible that Facebook and Twitter took down the story of “Smoking Gun” emails related to Sleepy Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, in the @NYPost. It is only the beginning for them. There is nothing worse than a corrupt politician. REPEAL SECTION 230!!!" tweeted Trump. The New York Post story says that Hunter Biden tried introducing a top executive of a Ukrainian firm to his father Joe Biden. Hunter Biden worked for this firm. Donald Trump has been in dock in past over allegations that he colluded with Russia to secure victory in US Presidential elections 2020. Donald Trump's son was investigated for his contact with a Russian lawyer who had Russian spy agency as her client. Given the background, latest allegations against Hunter Biden and Joe Biden may well present Trump with an opportunity to score political brownie points close to elections. Also Read | Trump's son Barron tests positive for COVID-19 Meanwhile, Facebook Spokesperson Andy Stone said that the New York Post story had enough for it to be eligible for a fact check. "While I will intentionally not link to the New York Post, I want be clear that this story is eligible to be fact-checked by Facebook's third-party fact-checking partners. In the meantime, we are reducing its distribution on our platform," tweeted Andy Stone, Facebook Spokesperson. Spokesperson for Biden campaign defended Joe Biden and Hunter Biden by saying that there was "no wrongdoing" on part of Joe Biden. He added that New York Post never reached out to Biden campaign for their response on this.

Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son

In the last <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election?page=1">US elections</a>&nbsp;2016, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;was not leading in the initial and exit polls. However, at the end Trump came out a winner&nbsp; which was majorly credited to the late-deciding voters.

However, this year, that might not be the case. As per a poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, it has been revealed that the late-deciding voters may not be able to save Trump&nbsp;this time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-key-issues-and-donald-trump-joe-bidens-stand-on-them-335441">Also read|&nbsp;US election's key issues and Donald Trump, Joe Biden's stand on them</a>

Reuters conducted a poll between October 09 and 13 which showed that there are very few undecided voters this year and the opinion polls may be correct and voters might pick Biden over Trump even towards the end.

The elections are scheduled for November 03 this year and will see Donald Trump and Joe Biden&nbsp;fighting for the position with Mike Pence and Kamala Harris as their respective running mates.

The polls show that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is currently holding a&nbsp;10-percentage-point lead nationally, with a tighter margin in the battleground states that will help to decide the election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-the-states-vote-for-the-presidential-elections-335430">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections</a>

"The candidate who is behind — Trump — needs to win undecideds at a disproportionate rate to catch up. So, if that isn’t happening, he’s not really cutting into Biden’s lead,” said Kyle Kondik, an election analyst at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.

This year the change in voting pattern has majorly been due to the fear of contracting the novel coronavirus. More and&nbsp; more people are now opting for early voting and mail-in voting as people want to cautiously avoid crowded spaces.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-are-votes-counted-in-the-presidential-election-335422">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election?</a>

As per the unofficial figures, almost 15 million Americans have already cast their vote, which is a lot in comparison to the figure of 1.4 million early voters in the 2016 elections.

Another difference this year is that unlike the 106 elections, majority of the voters have already made up their mind, as per the opinion polls.

The Reuters/Ipsos national poll found that only about 8 per cent&nbsp;of likely voters appear to be undecided, saying either that they do not know whom to support or that they are thinking about backing a third-party candidate. This number in the last elections was twice more than this — with&nbsp;55 per cent picking Trump and only 36 per cent picking Hillary Clinton, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll of voters on Election Day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-republicans-clash-with-california-officials-over-ballot-boxes-335425">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Republicans clash with California officials over ballot boxes</a>

The poll also found that 9 out of 10 likely Biden voters and 9 out of 10 likely Trump voters say they have locked in their decision and will not change their mind.

However, Trump&nbsp;and his team has not lost hope.&nbsp;"Our campaign is confident in the big tent, diverse coalition of support we’ve built over the last six years," said Ken Farnaso, a Trump spokesman.

(With inputs from Reuters)

In the last US elections 2016, Donald Trump was not leading in the initial and exit polls. However, at the end Trump came out a winner which was majorly credited to the late-deciding voters.

In the last US elections 2016, Donald Trump was not leading in the initial and exit polls. However, at the end Trump came out a winner which was majorly credited to the late-deciding voters. However, this year, that might not be the case. As per a poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, it has been revealed that the late-deciding voters may not be able to save Trump this time. Also read| US election's key issues and Donald Trump, Joe Biden's stand on them Reuters conducted a poll between October 09 and 13 which showed that there are very few undecided voters this year and the opinion polls may be correct and voters might pick Biden over Trump even towards the end. The elections are scheduled for November 03 this year and will see Donald Trump and Joe Biden fighting for the position with Mike Pence and Kamala Harris as their respective running mates. The polls show that Biden is currently holding a 10-percentage-point lead nationally, with a tighter margin in the battleground states that will help to decide the election. Also read| US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections "The candidate who is behind — Trump — needs to win undecideds at a disproportionate rate to catch up. So, if that isn’t happening, he’s not really cutting into Biden’s lead,” said Kyle Kondik, an election analyst at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. This year the change in voting pattern has majorly been due to the fear of contracting the novel coronavirus. More and more people are now opting for early voting and mail-in voting as people want to cautiously avoid crowded spaces. Also read| US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election? As per the unofficial figures, almost 15 million Americans have already cast their vote, which is a lot in comparison to the figure of 1.4 million early voters in the 2016 elections. Another difference this year is that unlike the 106 elections, majority of the voters have already made up their mind, as per the opinion polls. The Reuters/Ipsos national poll found that only about 8 per cent of likely voters appear to be undecided, saying either that they do not know whom to support or that they are thinking about backing a third-party candidate. This number in the last elections was twice more than this — with 55 per cent picking Trump and only 36 per cent picking Hillary Clinton, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll of voters on Election Day. Also read| US election 2020: Republicans clash with California officials over ballot boxes The poll also found that 9 out of 10 likely Biden voters and 9 out of 10 likely Trump voters say they have locked in their decision and will not change their mind. However, Trump and his team has not lost hope. "Our campaign is confident in the big tent, diverse coalition of support we’ve built over the last six years," said Ken Farnaso, a Trump spokesman. (With inputs from Reuters)

US election 2020: Donald Trump cannot rely on late voters this year, reports say

The line was familiar. The follow up was not.

Sen. Kamala Harris came ready to press her case against Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the second day of this week’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, asking if she had been aware of President Donald Trump’s promise to nominate judges who would repeal former President Barack Obama’s signature health care law.

The question concluded with one of Harris’ characteristic refrains, one she memorably leveled against Justice Brett Kavanaugh two years ago: “I’d appreciate a yes-or-no answer, please.”

Like Kavanaugh, Barrett seemed briefly perplexed by Harris. “I want to be very, very careful,” Barrett said. “I’m under oath.”

But unlike then, Harris let Barrett’s tentative answer slide, hinting at what could become her new professional reality as a No. 2 to the most powerful man in politics.

Before joining the Democratic ticket as Joe Biden’s running mate, Harris was known as a politician with a withering prosecutorial style and a skill for crafting viral clips. She built her national brand on high-stakes moments — judiciary hearings, the Democratic primary debate stage — that she molded to her advantage, her years as a district attorney on display as she grilled adversaries.

Now she is trying to balance her penchant for forceful exchanges with her duties as the vice-presidential nominee. After all, being vice president means checking your ego at the Oval Office door.

From her opening remarks to her questioning on Wednesday, she cut a more restrained profile, using her platform at the confirmation hearings to amplify Biden’s message while studiously avoiding any maneuvers that could jeopardize his lead in the polls. Even her decision to monitor the proceedings from her Senate office rather than in person because of the dangers posed by the coronavirus reinforced Biden’s case that his administration would be a more responsible steward of public health than Trump’s.

Her first round of questioning focused squarely on health care and women’s reproductive rights, closely adhering to the campaign’s strategy of linking the Supreme Court vacancy to two issues of deep importance to Democrats.

“Let’s not make any mistake about it: Allowing President Trump to determine who fills the seat of Ruth Bader Ginsburg — a champion for women’s rights and a critical vote in so many decisions that sustained the right to choose — poses a threat to safe and legal abortion in our country,” Harris said Tuesday.

On Wednesday, she ran through a list of top-of-mind Democratic issues, quizzing Barrett on racial justice, climate change and workers’ rights. Yet, even as she repeatedly pressed the judge, her questioning yielded no immediately explosive moments — both a reflection of Barrett’s deftness as a judicial nominee and Harris’ increasing awareness of her new position.

“Do you agree that voting discrimination exists, based on race, in America in any form?” Harris asked.

Her measured performance reflects the way many Democrats view the battle for the Supreme Court: a fight they will lose in service of one they might win.

With Republicans holding a firm majority in the Senate, Democrats recognize they will almost certainly not be able to prevent Barrett’s confirmation to the court, and many cautioned against criticizing her directly. Instead, Democratic activists, officials and the campaign are urging members of the party to filter their arguments through the lens of the election and to focus on issues that play well among swing voters.

For Harris, there is little political benefit in harsh personal attacks on Barrett. The committee questioning is unlikely to change the outcome of a confirmation hearing, but a misstep could damage the Democratic presidential ticket’s chances with more moderate voters. And the kind of liberal voter who is following a Twitter play-by-play of the confirmation hearings — and who would have seen a critical exchange — is already energized to support Biden.

The consolation prize for losing the court for a generation, some Democrats privately argue, could be winning control of the Senate — and the White House.

Along with Harris, many Democratic senators focused their questions on the possibility that Barrett would vote with the conservative majority on the court to overturn the health care law, a message similar to the one that helped Democrats win control of the House in 2018.

The discussion of health care emerged as such a strong theme that even Republicans couldn’t help noticing.

“At times, I have been confused and I thought we were on the Health Committee instead of the Judiciary Committee, because it has been such a central talking point for every Democrat,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. “I get that’s their election message.”

Harris and Democrats saw a similar opportunity to mobilize suburban women on abortion rights, given Barrett’s well-documented personal opposition to abortion and criticism of Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. Most Americans say that abortions should be legal with some restrictions.

While some Republicans praised Barrett’s opposition to abortion rights, they consciously chose not to make the issue a central focus of their questioning — unlike their Democratic opponents.

For the Biden campaign, Harris’ disciplined performance came as a relief. A former rival who landed some of the toughest attacks on Biden from the debate stage during the primary, Harris spent much of her vice-presidential vetting process persuading those closest to the former vice president that she would be focused on his campaign, rather than on her future ambitions. Some Biden allies still view her with lingering mistrust.

Harris’ approach during the confirmation hearings follows a similarly deliberate performance during vice-presidential debate last week, aimed at keeping the pressure on the Republican ticket rather than reshaping the race.

Though she sharply challenged Vice President Mike Pence on the Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus — calling it “the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country” — the debate had none of the fireworks or television-ready lines that have punctuated some of her past encounters.

Still, there have been flashes of Harris’ combativeness.

“I imagine you were surrounded by a team of folks that helped prepare you for this nomination hearing,” Harris said icily on Tuesday when Barrett equivocated on whether she knew of Trump’s promise to appoint judges who would overturn the health care law. “Did they inform you of the president’s statements and that this might be a question that was presented to you during the course of this hearing?”

But mostly, she proved herself a loyal soldier, just as she had convinced the Biden campaign she would be. 
&nbsp;

The line was familiar. The follow up was not. Sen. Kamala Harris came ready to press her case against Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the second day of this week’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, asking if she had been aware of President Donald Trump’s promise to nominate judges who would repeal former President Barack Obama’s signature health care law.

The line was familiar. The follow up was not. Sen. Kamala Harris came ready to press her case against Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the second day of this week’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, asking if she had been aware of President Donald Trump’s promise to nominate judges who would repeal former President Barack Obama’s signature health care law. The question concluded with one of Harris’ characteristic refrains, one she memorably leveled against Justice Brett Kavanaugh two years ago: “I’d appreciate a yes-or-no answer, please.” Like Kavanaugh, Barrett seemed briefly perplexed by Harris. “I want to be very, very careful,” Barrett said. “I’m under oath.” But unlike then, Harris let Barrett’s tentative answer slide, hinting at what could become her new professional reality as a No. 2 to the most powerful man in politics. Before joining the Democratic ticket as Joe Biden’s running mate, Harris was known as a politician with a withering prosecutorial style and a skill for crafting viral clips. She built her national brand on high-stakes moments — judiciary hearings, the Democratic primary debate stage — that she molded to her advantage, her years as a district attorney on display as she grilled adversaries. Now she is trying to balance her penchant for forceful exchanges with her duties as the vice-presidential nominee. After all, being vice president means checking your ego at the Oval Office door. From her opening remarks to her questioning on Wednesday, she cut a more restrained profile, using her platform at the confirmation hearings to amplify Biden’s message while studiously avoiding any maneuvers that could jeopardize his lead in the polls. Even her decision to monitor the proceedings from her Senate office rather than in person because of the dangers posed by the coronavirus reinforced Biden’s case that his administration would be a more responsible steward of public health than Trump’s. Her first round of questioning focused squarely on health care and women’s reproductive rights, closely adhering to the campaign’s strategy of linking the Supreme Court vacancy to two issues of deep importance to Democrats. “Let’s not make any mistake about it: Allowing President Trump to determine who fills the seat of Ruth Bader Ginsburg — a champion for women’s rights and a critical vote in so many decisions that sustained the right to choose — poses a threat to safe and legal abortion in our country,” Harris said Tuesday. On Wednesday, she ran through a list of top-of-mind Democratic issues, quizzing Barrett on racial justice, climate change and workers’ rights. Yet, even as she repeatedly pressed the judge, her questioning yielded no immediately explosive moments — both a reflection of Barrett’s deftness as a judicial nominee and Harris’ increasing awareness of her new position. “Do you agree that voting discrimination exists, based on race, in America in any form?” Harris asked. Her measured performance reflects the way many Democrats view the battle for the Supreme Court: a fight they will lose in service of one they might win. With Republicans holding a firm majority in the Senate, Democrats recognize they will almost certainly not be able to prevent Barrett’s confirmation to the court, and many cautioned against criticizing her directly. Instead, Democratic activists, officials and the campaign are urging members of the party to filter their arguments through the lens of the election and to focus on issues that play well among swing voters. For Harris, there is little political benefit in harsh personal attacks on Barrett. The committee questioning is unlikely to change the outcome of a confirmation hearing, but a misstep could damage the Democratic presidential ticket’s chances with more moderate voters. And the kind of liberal voter who is following a Twitter play-by-play of the confirmation hearings — and who would have seen a critical exchange — is already energized to support Biden. The consolation prize for losing the court for a generation, some Democrats privately argue, could be winning control of the Senate — and the White House. Along with Harris, many Democratic senators focused their questions on the possibility that Barrett would vote with the conservative majority on the court to overturn the health care law, a message similar to the one that helped Democrats win control of the House in 2018. The discussion of health care emerged as such a strong theme that even Republicans couldn’t help noticing. “At times, I have been confused and I thought we were on the Health Committee instead of the Judiciary Committee, because it has been such a central talking point for every Democrat,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. “I get that’s their election message.” Harris and Democrats saw a similar opportunity to mobilize suburban women on abortion rights, given Barrett’s well-documented personal opposition to abortion and criticism of Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. Most Americans say that abortions should be legal with some restrictions. While some Republicans praised Barrett’s opposition to abortion rights, they consciously chose not to make the issue a central focus of their questioning — unlike their Democratic opponents. For the Biden campaign, Harris’ disciplined performance came as a relief. A former rival who landed some of the toughest attacks on Biden from the debate stage during the primary, Harris spent much of her vice-presidential vetting process persuading those closest to the former vice president that she would be focused on his campaign, rather than on her future ambitions. Some Biden allies still view her with lingering mistrust. Harris’ approach during the confirmation hearings follows a similarly deliberate performance during vice-presidential debate last week, aimed at keeping the pressure on the Republican ticket rather than reshaping the race. Though she sharply challenged Vice President Mike Pence on the Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus — calling it “the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country” — the debate had none of the fireworks or television-ready lines that have punctuated some of her past encounters. Still, there have been flashes of Harris’ combativeness. “I imagine you were surrounded by a team of folks that helped prepare you for this nomination hearing,” Harris said icily on Tuesday when Barrett equivocated on whether she knew of Trump’s promise to appoint judges who would overturn the health care law. “Did they inform you of the president’s statements and that this might be a question that was presented to you during the course of this hearing?” But mostly, she proved herself a loyal soldier, just as she had convinced the Biden campaign she would be.

Harris’ new strategy: A hearing appearance that doesn’t make waves

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