Hollywood star Julia Roberts had an important message to share on her 53rd birthday. The actress took to Instagram on Wednesday (local time) and posted a picture of herself wearing an "I am a voter" t-shirt.&nbsp; 
 
"I AM a Voter! Make sure you are too! #weareinthistogether #getyourjush #whenweallvote," she wrote in the caption.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG5UvZNMC7E/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG5UvZNMC7E/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG5UvZNMC7E/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG5UvZNMC7E/?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">I AM a Voter! Make sure you are too!♥️🤍💙 #weareinthistogether #getyourjush #whenweallvote #🎂</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/juliaroberts/?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"> Julia Roberts</a> (@juliaroberts) on <time datetime="2020-10-28T17:31:47+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 28, 2020 at 10:31am PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier on Tuesday, Roberts had used a quote from one of her iconic films - `Notting Hill` - to urge people to vote as she reposted a revised version of her famous dialogue from the romantic drama.&nbsp;

"I`m just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to vote," the poster read which the 53-years actor complemented by writing, "VOTE 1 week to go!!"&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG2cwI3sv5A/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG2cwI3sv5A/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG2cwI3sv5A/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG2cwI3sv5A/?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">💙VOTE❤️ 1 week to go!! #weareinthistogether #earlyvoting #whenweallvote #wearamask #letsdothis ・・・ #Repost @iamavoter</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/juliaroberts/?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"> Julia Roberts</a> (@juliaroberts) on <time datetime="2020-10-27T14:44:04+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 27, 2020 at 7:44am PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The `Pretty Woman,` actor has been using her Instagram spread awareness about voting. America goes to vote on November 3.&nbsp;

Hollywood star Julia Roberts had an important message to share on her 53rd birthday. The actress took to Instagram on Wednesday (local time) and posted a picture of herself wearing an "I am a voter" t-shirt.

Hollywood star Julia Roberts had an important message to share on her 53rd birthday. The actress took to Instagram on Wednesday (local time) and posted a picture of herself wearing an "I am a voter" t-shirt. "I AM a Voter! Make sure you are too! #weareinthistogether #getyourjush #whenweallvote," she wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram I AM a Voter! Make sure you are too!♥️🤍💙 #weareinthistogether #getyourjush #whenweallvote #🎂 A post shared by Julia Roberts (@juliaroberts) on Oct 28, 2020 at 10:31am PDT × Earlier on Tuesday, Roberts had used a quote from one of her iconic films - `Notting Hill` - to urge people to vote as she reposted a revised version of her famous dialogue from the romantic drama. "I`m just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to vote," the poster read which the 53-years actor complemented by writing, "VOTE 1 week to go!!" View this post on Instagram 💙VOTE❤️ 1 week to go!! #weareinthistogether #earlyvoting #whenweallvote #wearamask #letsdothis ・・・ #Repost @iamavoter A post shared by Julia Roberts (@juliaroberts) on Oct 27, 2020 at 7:44am PDT × The `Pretty Woman,` actor has been using her Instagram spread awareness about voting. America goes to vote on November 3.

Julia Roberts turns 53, makes a 'Notting Hill' reference as she urges fans to vote

In Georgia, a database that verifies voter signatures was locked up by Russian hackers in a ransomware attack that also dumped voters’ registration data online.

In California and Indiana, Russia’s most formidable state hackers, a unit linked to the Federal Security Service, or FSB, bore into local networks and hit some election systems, although it is still unclear why.

In Louisiana, the National Guard was called in to stop cyberattacks aimed at small government offices that employed tools previously seen only in attacks by North Korea.

And Tuesday night, someone hacked the Trump campaign, defacing its website with a threatening message in broken English, warning that there would be more to come.

None of these attacks amounted to much. But from the sprawling war room at U.S. Cyber Command to those monitoring the election at Facebook, Twitter, Google and Microsoft, experts are watching closely for more “perception hacks.” Those are smaller attacks that can be easily exaggerated into something bigger and potentially seized upon as evidence that the whole voting process is “rigged,” as President Donald Trump has claimed it will be.

The phrase comes up every time Christopher Krebs, the Department of Homeland Security official responsible for making sure voting systems are secure, talks about the biggest vulnerabilities in this election. His worry is not a vast attack but a series of smaller ones, perhaps concentrated in swing states, whose effect is more psychological than real.

Perception hacks are just one of a range of issues occupying election officials and cybersecurity experts in the final days of voting — and their concerns will not end on Election Day.

One theory gaining ground inside U.S. intelligence agencies is that the Russians, having made the point that they remain inside key American systems despite bolstered defenses and new offensive operations by Cyber Command, may sit out the next week — until it is clear whether the vote is close.

The Russian play, under this theory, would be to fan the flames of state-by-state election battles, generating or amplifying claims of fraud that would further undermine U.S. confidence in the integrity of the election process.

The Iranians would continue their playbook, which U.S. intelligence officials see as more akin to vandalism than serious hacking, filled with threats in mangled English.

But American experts have warned local officials that come Nov. 3, the Iranians may seek to paralyze or deface the websites of secretaries of state, affecting the reporting of results, and create the impression of being inside the voting infrastructure even if they never were and the election results have not been compromised.

Here is a look at some of the potential threats and what has been learned in a year of behind-the-scenes cyberbattles.

Protecting the Machines

Government officials are trying to assure voters that voting machines are hard to hack on a large scale: They are almost entirely offline. States and counties use their own systems, and the breadth and diversity of those systems, the argument goes, make it nearly impossible for a single attack to target all of them.

But that does not eliminate the risk. At the University of Michigan, J. Alex Halderman has turned his laboratory into an arcade of voting-machine vulnerabilities and found ways to create “attacks that can spread from machine to machine like a computer virus and silently change election outcomes.”

Others point out that no one needs to hack every state to cause havoc. In a tight election, an attacker could target Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit or Milwaukee and delay the reporting of results from an electoral battleground.

The other weak point in the diversity-as-security claim, election security experts say, is the constellation of contractors that support elections across multiple states and counties. “The claim that diversity is protecting the election is a logical fallacy,” said Harri Hursti, an election security consultant.

Hursti worries about a scenario in which ballot scanners could be reprogrammed to read a vote for Joe Biden as a vote for Trump or vice versa.

“A single point of failure could compromise election infrastructure across multiple counties and states,” Hursti warned.

His concern is strictly cautionary but not unheard-of. Not long after the 2016 election, a National Security Agency whistleblower revealed that VR Systems, a Florida company that provided check-in software to multiple states, including critical swing states like Florida and North Carolina, was compromised by Russian hackers before the vote. There is no evidence they used that access to affect the final vote.

Backups

The constant drumbeat of cyberattacks and foreign interference has forced states to put safeguards in place. States have worked to print paper backups of voter registration data, and they have phased out machines that leave no paper backup.

Krebs said that next week about 92% of all votes cast would be “associated” with some kind of paper record, up significantly from four years ago.

But with the surge in mail-in ballots this year, machine voting will also diminish as a percentage of the total vote. So the vulnerabilities that the Homeland Security Department’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is focused on are potential attacks on voter registration, verification and vote reporting systems, along with the computer networks of secretaries of state, or power outages at the polls.

Those kinds of attacks would not change the vote tallies. But, executed artfully enough, especially in battleground states or key districts within those states, they could be used to sow doubt about the legitimacy of the election.

Some officials still wonder if that was the motivation behind some of Russia’s 2016 interference, when hackers “scanned” the registration databases of all 50 states, breached systems in Arizona and Florida, and made an unusually noisy show of stealing voters’ registration data in Illinois but ultimately did nothing with it.

Many of those vulnerabilities have been patched, thanks to an aggressive campaign by the Homeland Security Department and the states. But voting is a local affair and vulnerabilities remain, as Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida discovered when he went to vote early in Tallahassee, the state capital. Someone — the police arrested a 20-year-old from Naples, Florida — had changed the governor’s address to West Palm Beach.

That is why there is so much concern about a Russian group called Energetic Bear. Over the years, the group, believed to be a unit of the FSB, has breached U.S. power grids, water treatment plants, a nuclear power plant in Kansas and, more recently, web systems at San Francisco International Airport.

And starting in September, it began going into the systems of state and local governments. Intelligence officials say they have succeeded in breaching only two servers in California and Indiana.

Ransomware

The most imminent threat, officials say, is ransomware attacks that could freeze some part of the voting system and delay results.

It is a sign of how concerned the intelligence agencies and private industry are about ransomware that over the past month both Cyber Command and a group of companies led by Microsoft have been bringing down servers around the world linked to TrickBot, a set of tools used in some of the most sophisticated ransomware operations.

“This is all about disrupting TrickBot’s operations during peak election activity,” said Tom Burt, the Microsoft executive in charge of the operation.

But there is already evidence that the hackers behind TrickBot have shifted to new tools, according to Mandiant, a cybersecurity firm. Over the past month and a half, researchers discovered that the same people have directed a spate of vicious new ransomware attacks that have taken U.S. hospitals offline, just as coronavirus cases are spiking.

“They could use these same tools against whoever they want whether it’s the election or hospitals,” said Kimberly Goody, a cybercrime analyst at Mandiant.

A ransomware attack in Gainesville, Georgia, locked up the voter signature verification systems last week, forcing poll workers to do things the old-fashioned way, pulling registration cards manually and eyeballing the signatures.

The attack, which does not appear to have been directed at the election but took election systems down as collateral damage, exposed continued weak spots in Georgia, a key battleground state.

Internal emails showed that the Georgia secretary of state’s office disabled two-factor authentication in recent weeks, after its election software was buckling under the deluge of early voters. Two-factor authentication, which keeps hackers from breaking into systems with one stolen password, has been key to the Homeland Security Department’s election security strategy, and in this case emails show that the secretary of state simply turned it off.

Preparing for the Aftermath

Trump has already promoted the idea that mail-in ballots will be riddled with fraud and has sought to use small glitches in the distribution and return of mail ballots as evidence that the system cannot be trusted if the result goes against him.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a “public service announcement” recently about taking care to verify information before believing it or reposting it. But as some government officials concede, there is no remedy for a president who repeats unproven rumors and conspiracy theories — other than directly contradicting him.

“They have walked the line carefully,” said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine. “But the real test is coming.”

In Georgia, a database that verifies voter signatures was locked up by Russian hackers in a ransomware attack that also dumped voters’ registration data online. In California and Indiana, Russia’s most formidable state hackers, a unit linked to the Federal Security Service, or FSB, bore into local networks and hit some election systems, although it is still unclear why.

In Georgia, a database that verifies voter signatures was locked up by Russian hackers in a ransomware attack that also dumped voters’ registration data online. In California and Indiana, Russia’s most formidable state hackers, a unit linked to the Federal Security Service, or FSB, bore into local networks and hit some election systems, although it is still unclear why. In Louisiana, the National Guard was called in to stop cyberattacks aimed at small government offices that employed tools previously seen only in attacks by North Korea. And Tuesday night, someone hacked the Trump campaign, defacing its website with a threatening message in broken English, warning that there would be more to come. None of these attacks amounted to much. But from the sprawling war room at U.S. Cyber Command to those monitoring the election at Facebook, Twitter, Google and Microsoft, experts are watching closely for more “perception hacks.” Those are smaller attacks that can be easily exaggerated into something bigger and potentially seized upon as evidence that the whole voting process is “rigged,” as President Donald Trump has claimed it will be. The phrase comes up every time Christopher Krebs, the Department of Homeland Security official responsible for making sure voting systems are secure, talks about the biggest vulnerabilities in this election. His worry is not a vast attack but a series of smaller ones, perhaps concentrated in swing states, whose effect is more psychological than real. Perception hacks are just one of a range of issues occupying election officials and cybersecurity experts in the final days of voting — and their concerns will not end on Election Day. One theory gaining ground inside U.S. intelligence agencies is that the Russians, having made the point that they remain inside key American systems despite bolstered defenses and new offensive operations by Cyber Command, may sit out the next week — until it is clear whether the vote is close. The Russian play, under this theory, would be to fan the flames of state-by-state election battles, generating or amplifying claims of fraud that would further undermine U.S. confidence in the integrity of the election process. The Iranians would continue their playbook, which U.S. intelligence officials see as more akin to vandalism than serious hacking, filled with threats in mangled English. But American experts have warned local officials that come Nov. 3, the Iranians may seek to paralyze or deface the websites of secretaries of state, affecting the reporting of results, and create the impression of being inside the voting infrastructure even if they never were and the election results have not been compromised. Here is a look at some of the potential threats and what has been learned in a year of behind-the-scenes cyberbattles. Protecting the Machines Government officials are trying to assure voters that voting machines are hard to hack on a large scale: They are almost entirely offline. States and counties use their own systems, and the breadth and diversity of those systems, the argument goes, make it nearly impossible for a single attack to target all of them. But that does not eliminate the risk. At the University of Michigan, J. Alex Halderman has turned his laboratory into an arcade of voting-machine vulnerabilities and found ways to create “attacks that can spread from machine to machine like a computer virus and silently change election outcomes.” Others point out that no one needs to hack every state to cause havoc. In a tight election, an attacker could target Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit or Milwaukee and delay the reporting of results from an electoral battleground. The other weak point in the diversity-as-security claim, election security experts say, is the constellation of contractors that support elections across multiple states and counties. “The claim that diversity is protecting the election is a logical fallacy,” said Harri Hursti, an election security consultant. Hursti worries about a scenario in which ballot scanners could be reprogrammed to read a vote for Joe Biden as a vote for Trump or vice versa. “A single point of failure could compromise election infrastructure across multiple counties and states,” Hursti warned. His concern is strictly cautionary but not unheard-of. Not long after the 2016 election, a National Security Agency whistleblower revealed that VR Systems, a Florida company that provided check-in software to multiple states, including critical swing states like Florida and North Carolina, was compromised by Russian hackers before the vote. There is no evidence they used that access to affect the final vote. Backups The constant drumbeat of cyberattacks and foreign interference has forced states to put safeguards in place. States have worked to print paper backups of voter registration data, and they have phased out machines that leave no paper backup. Krebs said that next week about 92% of all votes cast would be “associated” with some kind of paper record, up significantly from four years ago. But with the surge in mail-in ballots this year, machine voting will also diminish as a percentage of the total vote. So the vulnerabilities that the Homeland Security Department’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is focused on are potential attacks on voter registration, verification and vote reporting systems, along with the computer networks of secretaries of state, or power outages at the polls. Those kinds of attacks would not change the vote tallies. But, executed artfully enough, especially in battleground states or key districts within those states, they could be used to sow doubt about the legitimacy of the election. Some officials still wonder if that was the motivation behind some of Russia’s 2016 interference, when hackers “scanned” the registration databases of all 50 states, breached systems in Arizona and Florida, and made an unusually noisy show of stealing voters’ registration data in Illinois but ultimately did nothing with it. Many of those vulnerabilities have been patched, thanks to an aggressive campaign by the Homeland Security Department and the states. But voting is a local affair and vulnerabilities remain, as Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida discovered when he went to vote early in Tallahassee, the state capital. Someone — the police arrested a 20-year-old from Naples, Florida — had changed the governor’s address to West Palm Beach. That is why there is so much concern about a Russian group called Energetic Bear. Over the years, the group, believed to be a unit of the FSB, has breached U.S. power grids, water treatment plants, a nuclear power plant in Kansas and, more recently, web systems at San Francisco International Airport. And starting in September, it began going into the systems of state and local governments. Intelligence officials say they have succeeded in breaching only two servers in California and Indiana. Ransomware The most imminent threat, officials say, is ransomware attacks that could freeze some part of the voting system and delay results. It is a sign of how concerned the intelligence agencies and private industry are about ransomware that over the past month both Cyber Command and a group of companies led by Microsoft have been bringing down servers around the world linked to TrickBot, a set of tools used in some of the most sophisticated ransomware operations. “This is all about disrupting TrickBot’s operations during peak election activity,” said Tom Burt, the Microsoft executive in charge of the operation. But there is already evidence that the hackers behind TrickBot have shifted to new tools, according to Mandiant, a cybersecurity firm. Over the past month and a half, researchers discovered that the same people have directed a spate of vicious new ransomware attacks that have taken U.S. hospitals offline, just as coronavirus cases are spiking. “They could use these same tools against whoever they want whether it’s the election or hospitals,” said Kimberly Goody, a cybercrime analyst at Mandiant. A ransomware attack in Gainesville, Georgia, locked up the voter signature verification systems last week, forcing poll workers to do things the old-fashioned way, pulling registration cards manually and eyeballing the signatures. The attack, which does not appear to have been directed at the election but took election systems down as collateral damage, exposed continued weak spots in Georgia, a key battleground state. Internal emails showed that the Georgia secretary of state’s office disabled two-factor authentication in recent weeks, after its election software was buckling under the deluge of early voters. Two-factor authentication, which keeps hackers from breaking into systems with one stolen password, has been key to the Homeland Security Department’s election security strategy, and in this case emails show that the secretary of state simply turned it off. Preparing for the Aftermath Trump has already promoted the idea that mail-in ballots will be riddled with fraud and has sought to use small glitches in the distribution and return of mail ballots as evidence that the system cannot be trusted if the result goes against him. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a “public service announcement” recently about taking care to verify information before believing it or reposting it. But as some government officials concede, there is no remedy for a president who repeats unproven rumors and conspiracy theories — other than directly contradicting him. “They have walked the line carefully,” said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine. “But the real test is coming.”

‘Perception hacks’ and other potential threats to the election

There are just 6 days to go for US Presidential Election 2020 and early voting is taking pace at a historic pace. Number of votes cast has topped 70 million. This is more than half of the total early-voting turnout in the last election. It is as much a sign of how most Americans don't want to risk exposure to COVID-19 as it is of an intense fight between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

But do most Americans want to change their vote?&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-americans-change-their-vote-338653/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Donald Trump says they do. He says most &nbsp;Americans want to change their vote to him after watching the final presidential debate

Strongly Trending (Google) since immediately after the second debate is CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE? This refers changing it to me. The answer in most states is YES. Go do it. Most important Election of your life!" he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Strongly Trending (Google) since immediately after the second debate is CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE? This refers changing it to me. The answer in most states is YES. Go do it. Most important Election of your life!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1321042229838909441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After advising people to vote twice, Trump now wants them to change their preference and vote again. In America, you can change your vote yes, but not in 'most states' as the US President suggests. Only a few handful of states have this option

How it works

Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Alaska and some counties in Connecticut explicitly allow voters to change their absentee ballot. In New York, there's no specific provision to correct a vote. Voters who have returned their absentee ballot can still vote in person on election day. But only in-person vote will be counted.

Everywhere else, once a vote is cast, it cannot be changed.&nbsp;

But do Americans really want to change their votes?

Trump says recent Google trends suggest they do. He says the topic was trending on Google after the final debate. After looking at Google's top trending searches Trump's claim does hold up to some extent at least. There has been a spike in 'can I change my vote' searches in last two weeks. But there is no way to know whether the spike is related either to the debate or to the fact that most people want to change their vote to Trump. It can hence be said that Donald Trump exaggerated.

Meanwhile, the shooting of a 27-year-old African American in Philadelphia has drawn fresh attention to police brutality. The entire incident has been caught on the video. The victim Walter Wallace was seen holding a knife in the encounter. The police say that they shot him because he refused to drop the weapon.

But for protesters, this was yet another act of racism and high-handedness of American police. America has gone back to the state it was in a few months back. There is violence, arson and loot. The US National Guard has been called in as Philadelphia braces for further unrest.

Six days to go for the presidential polls, and America is as divided as it was.

There are just 6 days to go for US Presidential Election 2020 and early voting is taking pace at a historic pace. Number of votes cast has topped 70 million. This is more than half of the total early-voting turnout in the last election.

There are just 6 days to go for US Presidential Election 2020 and early voting is taking pace at a historic pace. Number of votes cast has topped 70 million. This is more than half of the total early-voting turnout in the last election. It is as much a sign of how most Americans don't want to risk exposure to COVID-19 as it is of an intense fight between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. But do most Americans want to change their vote? Watch | Donald Trump says they do. He says most Americans want to change their vote to him after watching the final presidential debate Strongly Trending (Google) since immediately after the second debate is CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE? This refers changing it to me. The answer in most states is YES. Go do it. Most important Election of your life!" he tweeted. Strongly Trending (Google) since immediately after the second debate is CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE? This refers changing it to me. The answer in most states is YES. Go do it. Most important Election of your life! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 27, 2020 × After advising people to vote twice, Trump now wants them to change their preference and vote again. In America, you can change your vote yes, but not in 'most states' as the US President suggests. Only a few handful of states have this option How it works Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Alaska and some counties in Connecticut explicitly allow voters to change their absentee ballot. In New York, there's no specific provision to correct a vote. Voters who have returned their absentee ballot can still vote in person on election day. But only in-person vote will be counted. Everywhere else, once a vote is cast, it cannot be changed. But do Americans really want to change their votes? Trump says recent Google trends suggest they do. He says the topic was trending on Google after the final debate. After looking at Google's top trending searches Trump's claim does hold up to some extent at least. There has been a spike in 'can I change my vote' searches in last two weeks. But there is no way to know whether the spike is related either to the debate or to the fact that most people want to change their vote to Trump. It can hence be said that Donald Trump exaggerated. Meanwhile, the shooting of a 27-year-old African American in Philadelphia has drawn fresh attention to police brutality. The entire incident has been caught on the video. The victim Walter Wallace was seen holding a knife in the encounter. The police say that they shot him because he refused to drop the weapon. But for protesters, this was yet another act of racism and high-handedness of American police. America has gone back to the state it was in a few months back. There is violence, arson and loot. The US National Guard has been called in as Philadelphia braces for further unrest. Six days to go for the presidential polls, and America is as divided as it was.

US Elections 2020: Do most Americans want to change their vote?

The Palestinians are counting on a Trump defeat on Tuesday. They don’t even want to think about Plan B.

An end to the Trump administration would give the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, a face-saving chance to reverse a self-inflicted economic hardship that has been punishing his people for months.

Fearing Israeli annexation of West Bank land the Palestinians have counted on for a future state, Abbas, in a bitter protest, stopped accepting transfers of hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes that Israel collects on the Palestinian Authority’s behalf. That forced painful salary cuts for tens of thousands of civil servants.

But former Vice President Joe Biden has made clear that he opposes Israeli annexation of land Palestinians want for a future state, and Israel has said it would not proceed without U.S. support. So a Biden victory would provide Abbas with “a ladder to climb down from the tree,” said Jehad Harb, a Palestinian political analyst in Ramallah. He could declare annexation dead and go back to accepting the tax transfers.

Isolated diplomatically and running out of money, plagued by old internal ideological divisions and by new threats like the coronavirus, the Palestinians are looking to Tuesday’s election more desperate than ever for a change in Washington. At the same time, senior members of Abbas’ Fatah party are increasingly looking ahead to his eventual exit from the stage and positioning themselves to try to succeed him.

Above all, Abbas, 84, and his lieutenants are counting on a President Biden to shelve the Trump administration’s lopsidedly pro-Israel plan for resolving the conflict. They are expecting a return to U.S. support for a two-state solution that Palestinians would consider viable. They are hoping for a thaw with the White House and wishing for the reinstatement of at least some financial aid.

Rolling back other moves by Trump, however, would be more complicated, like reopening a Palestinian diplomatic mission in Washington. And Biden has already ruled out undoing Trump’s move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

Should Trump win a second term, the Palestinians see no good options.

In a second term, Trump administration officials have vowed to press to make their Mideast plan, which contemplates Israeli annexation of much of the West Bank, a basis for resolving the decades-old conflict.

And they have promised to complete more normalization deals for Israel with Arab countries like those with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan, which shredded the decades-old Arab solidarity that had underpinned the Palestinian national strategy: No recognition of Israel before the creation of a Palestinian state.

But if Abbas is anxiously waiting to see whether Trump leaves office, nearly everyone around him is looking ahead to the day after Abbas makes his own exit. Senior members of his party are throwing elbows at one another while courting publicity for their own efforts at diplomacy, technocratic governance or popular protest.

“The ship is sinking, and everyone is fighting over the first-class cabin,” said Ghaith al-Omari, a former adviser to Abbas.

People around Abbas say he has even become fearful that the United States, Israel and their newly emboldened allies in the Arab world might plot to engineer his replacement — a concern rekindled by a recent interview with Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the former Saudi spy chief and diplomat, on Saudi state television.

“With those people,” Bandar said, referring to the Palestinian leadership, “it’s hard to trust them or to think you can do something to serve Palestine in their presence.”

Ultimately, many analysts say, Abbas may have to eat crow and reengage the Trump administration, ideally with some sort of face-saving diplomatic cover like the intervention of a multilateral institution.

For now, though, he has tried to create at least the appearance of other options.

Suddenly something of an outcast among his traditional Arab allies in Egypt and the Gulf, he sought to send them a message — albeit one that few have accepted at face value — by flirting with Turkey and Qatar, bitter regional and ideological rivals of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Abbas revived the idea of reconciling with Hamas, the militant Islamic group that rules the Gaza Strip. And he promised to call new elections in both the West Bank and Gaza as a way to reunify the Palestinians, renew his legitimacy and hamper any effort to oust him.

But few see these as serious options. Abbas is deeply mistrustful of Hamas, which is allied with Turkey and Qatar, and fearful that it could win control of the West Bank in new elections.

“Hot air,” said Mouin Rabbani, an expert on Palestinian politics, describing what he thought the end result of Abbas’ unity and elections bid would be.

Difficult as it may be to believe now, Abbas was quite optimistic about the Trump administration in its first few months, when the new president surprised many in the region by expressing interest in settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict once and for all.

But those hopes were quickly dashed, and the administration’s treatment of the Palestinians became a growing nightmare of aid cuts, affronts and insults.

Upending long-standing U.S. positions on Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, settlements and other highly contentious aspects of the conflict, the administration seemed to go out of its way to take Israel’s side and undercut the Palestinians — infuriating Abbas, weakening his authority and isolating him diplomatically.

But even if Biden is elected, it will be difficult to undo much of what Trump has done.

Allowing the reopening of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s diplomatic mission in Washington or restoring much of the aid to projects that directly benefited the Palestinian Authority would require Biden to overcome a number of legal obstacles, some of which might require congressional approval.

And reestablishing the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem, which until 2019 functioned as the U.S. diplomatic mission to the Palestinians, would require Israel’s permission — something it may not be too quick to grant in a city that Trump himself formally recognized as Israel’s capital.

“These are all possible, but they would require heavy political lifting,” said Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace and an expert on the role of Congress in the region.

What Abbas may wish for most — that Biden would prioritize the Palestinian cause, pressure Israel to make concessions and even move the U.S. Embassy back to Tel Aviv from Jerusalem — seems highly unlikely at best.

Biden has made clear he has many higher priorities, beginning with the coronavirus pandemic. He has signaled that he does not want to clash with the Israeli government.

“The idea that everything will go back to the way it was before is somewhat of a fairy tale,” Rabbani said.

None of Abbas’ would-be successors are articulating a bold change in strategy either. But such ideas do exist outside of the Palestinian leadership.

Some Palestinians support renewed efforts to revive negotiations with Israel. Others want the Palestinian Authority to dissolve itself, forcing Israel to take responsibility for their lives and absorb the heavy financial and societal costs of a full-blown, direct military occupation, even in densely populated West Bank cities where Palestinians now generally govern themselves.

And fully 26% of Palestinians in the West Bank, according to a new poll, favor a return to an armed struggle against Israel.

A smaller but growing number of activists have tried to build interest in a peaceful protest movement.

Still, with Israeli politics moving rightward, many on the West Bank see little reason for optimism.

Khalil al-Arda, 52, a member of the municipal council in the village of Arraba, near Jenin, said he feared the status quo would never improve.

“I feel like we’re in a very dark tunnel with no light at the end,” he said.

The Palestinians are counting on a Trump defeat on Tuesday. They don’t even want to think about Plan B. An end to the Trump administration would give the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, a face-saving chance to reverse a self-inflicted economic hardship that has been punishing his people for months.

The Palestinians are counting on a Trump defeat on Tuesday. They don’t even want to think about Plan B. An end to the Trump administration would give the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, a face-saving chance to reverse a self-inflicted economic hardship that has been punishing his people for months. Fearing Israeli annexation of West Bank land the Palestinians have counted on for a future state, Abbas, in a bitter protest, stopped accepting transfers of hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes that Israel collects on the Palestinian Authority’s behalf. That forced painful salary cuts for tens of thousands of civil servants. But former Vice President Joe Biden has made clear that he opposes Israeli annexation of land Palestinians want for a future state, and Israel has said it would not proceed without U.S. support. So a Biden victory would provide Abbas with “a ladder to climb down from the tree,” said Jehad Harb, a Palestinian political analyst in Ramallah. He could declare annexation dead and go back to accepting the tax transfers. Isolated diplomatically and running out of money, plagued by old internal ideological divisions and by new threats like the coronavirus, the Palestinians are looking to Tuesday’s election more desperate than ever for a change in Washington. At the same time, senior members of Abbas’ Fatah party are increasingly looking ahead to his eventual exit from the stage and positioning themselves to try to succeed him. Above all, Abbas, 84, and his lieutenants are counting on a President Biden to shelve the Trump administration’s lopsidedly pro-Israel plan for resolving the conflict. They are expecting a return to U.S. support for a two-state solution that Palestinians would consider viable. They are hoping for a thaw with the White House and wishing for the reinstatement of at least some financial aid. Rolling back other moves by Trump, however, would be more complicated, like reopening a Palestinian diplomatic mission in Washington. And Biden has already ruled out undoing Trump’s move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Should Trump win a second term, the Palestinians see no good options. In a second term, Trump administration officials have vowed to press to make their Mideast plan, which contemplates Israeli annexation of much of the West Bank, a basis for resolving the decades-old conflict. And they have promised to complete more normalization deals for Israel with Arab countries like those with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan, which shredded the decades-old Arab solidarity that had underpinned the Palestinian national strategy: No recognition of Israel before the creation of a Palestinian state. But if Abbas is anxiously waiting to see whether Trump leaves office, nearly everyone around him is looking ahead to the day after Abbas makes his own exit. Senior members of his party are throwing elbows at one another while courting publicity for their own efforts at diplomacy, technocratic governance or popular protest. “The ship is sinking, and everyone is fighting over the first-class cabin,” said Ghaith al-Omari, a former adviser to Abbas. People around Abbas say he has even become fearful that the United States, Israel and their newly emboldened allies in the Arab world might plot to engineer his replacement — a concern rekindled by a recent interview with Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the former Saudi spy chief and diplomat, on Saudi state television. “With those people,” Bandar said, referring to the Palestinian leadership, “it’s hard to trust them or to think you can do something to serve Palestine in their presence.” Ultimately, many analysts say, Abbas may have to eat crow and reengage the Trump administration, ideally with some sort of face-saving diplomatic cover like the intervention of a multilateral institution. For now, though, he has tried to create at least the appearance of other options. Suddenly something of an outcast among his traditional Arab allies in Egypt and the Gulf, he sought to send them a message — albeit one that few have accepted at face value — by flirting with Turkey and Qatar, bitter regional and ideological rivals of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Abbas revived the idea of reconciling with Hamas, the militant Islamic group that rules the Gaza Strip. And he promised to call new elections in both the West Bank and Gaza as a way to reunify the Palestinians, renew his legitimacy and hamper any effort to oust him. But few see these as serious options. Abbas is deeply mistrustful of Hamas, which is allied with Turkey and Qatar, and fearful that it could win control of the West Bank in new elections. “Hot air,” said Mouin Rabbani, an expert on Palestinian politics, describing what he thought the end result of Abbas’ unity and elections bid would be. Difficult as it may be to believe now, Abbas was quite optimistic about the Trump administration in its first few months, when the new president surprised many in the region by expressing interest in settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict once and for all. But those hopes were quickly dashed, and the administration’s treatment of the Palestinians became a growing nightmare of aid cuts, affronts and insults. Upending long-standing U.S. positions on Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, settlements and other highly contentious aspects of the conflict, the administration seemed to go out of its way to take Israel’s side and undercut the Palestinians — infuriating Abbas, weakening his authority and isolating him diplomatically. But even if Biden is elected, it will be difficult to undo much of what Trump has done. Allowing the reopening of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s diplomatic mission in Washington or restoring much of the aid to projects that directly benefited the Palestinian Authority would require Biden to overcome a number of legal obstacles, some of which might require congressional approval. And reestablishing the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem, which until 2019 functioned as the U.S. diplomatic mission to the Palestinians, would require Israel’s permission — something it may not be too quick to grant in a city that Trump himself formally recognized as Israel’s capital. “These are all possible, but they would require heavy political lifting,” said Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace and an expert on the role of Congress in the region. What Abbas may wish for most — that Biden would prioritize the Palestinian cause, pressure Israel to make concessions and even move the U.S. Embassy back to Tel Aviv from Jerusalem — seems highly unlikely at best. Biden has made clear he has many higher priorities, beginning with the coronavirus pandemic. He has signaled that he does not want to clash with the Israeli government. “The idea that everything will go back to the way it was before is somewhat of a fairy tale,” Rabbani said. None of Abbas’ would-be successors are articulating a bold change in strategy either. But such ideas do exist outside of the Palestinian leadership. Some Palestinians support renewed efforts to revive negotiations with Israel. Others want the Palestinian Authority to dissolve itself, forcing Israel to take responsibility for their lives and absorb the heavy financial and societal costs of a full-blown, direct military occupation, even in densely populated West Bank cities where Palestinians now generally govern themselves. And fully 26% of Palestinians in the West Bank, according to a new poll, favor a return to an armed struggle against Israel. A smaller but growing number of activists have tried to build interest in a peaceful protest movement. Still, with Israeli politics moving rightward, many on the West Bank see little reason for optimism. Khalil al-Arda, 52, a member of the municipal council in the village of Arraba, near Jenin, said he feared the status quo would never improve. “I feel like we’re in a very dark tunnel with no light at the end,” he said.

Palestinian leaders are banking on Biden win next week

With less than a week to go for the final showdown between President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election</a> 2020, the market of prediction is running wild.

The latest and perhaps the wildest prediction has been made by the Republican presidential candidate himself.

Trump has claimed that his party will retake control of the&nbsp;House&nbsp;of&nbsp;Representatives on November 3.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-surge-in-can-i-change-my-vote-donald-trump-says-trend-refers-to-him-338447">Voters' remorse? Surge in 'can I change my vote' as US election nears</a>

Speaking in reference to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,&nbsp;Trump told reporters at the White&nbsp;House, ''After the election, we'll get the best stimulus package you've ever seen, because I think we're going to take back the House because of her."

Trump had made a similar prediction last week as well saying, "I think we are going to win the House.&nbsp;"We'll see. But I think we are going to win the House."

However, if nonpartisan political handicappers are to be believed the prediction is likely to fail.

David Wasserman,&nbsp;the polling guru who forecasted Republican candidate Donald Trump's 2016 win, is betting on Democratic candidate Joe Biden this time.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-polling-guru-who-forecasted-donald-trumps-2016-win-reveals-this-years-winner-338228">US election 2020: Polling guru who forecasted Donald Trump's 2016 win, reveals this year's winner</a>

"Overall, we're revising our outlook in the House from a Democratic net gain of five to ten seats to a gain of between five and 15 seats," he said.

Nathaniel Rakich,&nbsp;an elections analyst at <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/our-forecast-thinks-democrats-will-keep-the-house-and-maybe-even-gain-seats/">FiveThirtyEight</a>, said&nbsp;"Democrats have between a 92 and 97 percent chance of keeping control of the House."

Biden leads Trump nationally by 10 percentage points, according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll. The national online survey, conducted October&nbsp;23 to 27, found that 52 per cent&nbsp;of likely voters said they were backing Biden, while 42&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;were voting for Trump.

With less than a week to go for the final showdown between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden for the US election 2020, the market of prediction is running wild.

With less than a week to go for the final showdown between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden for the US election 2020, the market of prediction is running wild. The latest and perhaps the wildest prediction has been made by the Republican presidential candidate himself. Trump has claimed that his party will retake control of the House of Representatives on November 3. Also read: Voters' remorse? Surge in 'can I change my vote' as US election nears Speaking in reference to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump told reporters at the White House, ''After the election, we'll get the best stimulus package you've ever seen, because I think we're going to take back the House because of her." Trump had made a similar prediction last week as well saying, "I think we are going to win the House. "We'll see. But I think we are going to win the House." However, if nonpartisan political handicappers are to be believed the prediction is likely to fail. David Wasserman, the polling guru who forecasted Republican candidate Donald Trump's 2016 win, is betting on Democratic candidate Joe Biden this time. Also read| US election 2020: Polling guru who forecasted Donald Trump's 2016 win, reveals this year's winner "Overall, we're revising our outlook in the House from a Democratic net gain of five to ten seats to a gain of between five and 15 seats," he said. Nathaniel Rakich, an elections analyst at FiveThirtyEight, said "Democrats have between a 92 and 97 percent chance of keeping control of the House." Biden leads Trump nationally by 10 percentage points, according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll. The national online survey, conducted October 23 to 27, found that 52 per cent of likely voters said they were backing Biden, while 42 per cent were voting for Trump.

US election 2020: President Donald Trump's wildest prediction till date

With less than a week to go for the final showdown between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden for the US election 2020,&nbsp;more than 70 million people have cast their&nbsp;ballots.

Raising worries about conceivable elector terrorising, Trump has been encouraging his allies to go the surveys and "watch cautiously".

The Republican presidential candidate has been telling his supporters that his re-election campaign will have people&nbsp;watching&nbsp;the&nbsp;polls "like crazy" on November 3.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-american-voters-make-history-more-than-70-million-cast-ballots-338468">American voters make history; more than 70 million cast ballots</a>

"Both law enforcement and yourselves and everybody," he told a large crowd at an airport in Londonderry near the city of Manchester.

Republicans are mobilising thousands of volunteers to watch early voting sites and ballot drop boxes leading up to November's election, part of an effort to find evidence to back up Trump's unsubstantiated complaints about widespread voter fraud.

Some voting-rights activists are concerned such encounters could escalate in a tense year that has seen armed militias face off against protesters in the nation's streets.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-will-be-americas-future-us-election-2020-new-york-direct-338147/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Here's the historical backdrop of "survey viewing" and how the training may take on new importance in the midst of a flood in mail balloting prodded by the coronavirus pandemic and Republican President Donald Trump's unconfirmed cases that mail casting a ballot is filled with misrepresentation.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-are-votes-counted-in-the-presidential-election-335422" hreflang="en">US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election?</a>

WHAT IS POLL WATCHING?&nbsp;

Survey watchers are essential for US&nbsp;races going back to the eighteenth century, with their exercises constrained by state laws and nearby principles. Individuals from the two players watch out for the democratic - and one another - to ensure things go easily.&nbsp;

State laws call eyewitnesses inside surveying places various things and appoint them various jobs. In certain spots, the survey "watchers" are not quite the same as "challengers," who can call attention to individuals they speculate aren't legitimate electors. In different states, survey watchers additionally do the difficult.&nbsp;

Then again different principles set limits on how close hardliner allies can remain outside surveying places, as they attempt to prepare to uphold for their applicants with signs, flyers, and other promoting.&nbsp;

Grumblings about excessively forceful survey watchers are normal. In some cases, spectators have utilized the capacity to challenge electors' capabilities in manners that oppress minorities, which has brought about some court activities to end those practices.&nbsp;

In a 1999 city political decision in Hamtramck, Michigan, for instance, challengers from a city bunch called "Residents for a Better Hamtramck" tested 40 Arab-Americans who had "brown complexion and particularly Arabic names," who were then constrained by political decision authorities to make a vow to demonstrate they were residents, as indicated by a US&nbsp;Equity Department assent order. The city consented to gather information laborers, and a government inspector was selected to regulate city decisions through 2003.&nbsp;

In 1981, a Republican activity put outfitted men in regalia decorated with "Voting form Security Task Force" outside surveying places in generally minority territories during a New Jersey state political decision. After that episode, the RNC consented to an assent order that restricted its polling form security tasks.&nbsp;

That declaration terminated in 2018 after a government judge declined Democratic endeavors to reestablish it.&nbsp;

This year points the principal official political race in almost forty years in which the RNC can take part in polling form security exercises without earlier audit and endorsement.&nbsp;

WHAT ARE THE RULES?&nbsp;

Guidelines on who can "watch" casting a ballot and the forces allowed these eyewitnesses, change from state to state. In Pennsylvania, for instance, survey watchers can watch the political decision - checking turnout and casting ballot machines - and furthermore challenge electors by taking their interests to political decision authorities. Nonetheless, these challenges for the most part are banished from collaborating straightforwardly with citizens, or from making meritless difficulties that hinder casting a ballot.&nbsp;

Capabilities for survey laborers likewise change. They regularly should be enrolled citizens; in certain states, they should be affirmed ahead of time by political race authorities. North Carolina necessitates that survey laborers be of "acceptable good character."&nbsp;

Eyewitnesses likewise are allowed by law in states that lead races generally via mail. In Oregon, for instance, the law says gatherings and competitors can support eyewitnesses to watch political race laborers open voting forms and tally them, however, these screens must carry on such that "won't meddle with an organized system."&nbsp;

Allies of gatherings and up-and-comers may remain outside surveying stations with flags and other political promoting, an action known as "electioneering." But that additionally is dependent upon laws that fluctuate from state to state.&nbsp;

For the most part, these supporters must keep specific good ways from the passage, so as not to pester or scare electors.&nbsp;

In Ohio, the fringe is 100 feet, and it should be set apart by two little American banners. In Florida and Georgia, the limit is 150 feet.&nbsp;

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS YEAR?&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic methods uncommon quantities of Americans will cast a ballot via mail and not face to face in 2020.&nbsp;

President Trump has made unwarranted cases that these polling forms will be polluted by extortion. His mission is trying to select a huge number of volunteers to search for anomalies,&nbsp;for example, individuals dropping off more than one voting form in states like Pennsylvania where that, by and large, isn't permitted.&nbsp;

This exertion is trying democratic laws planned around the face to face balloting on Election Day, political race specialists said. There is no rulebook for screens attempting to enter early surveying destinations, or conceivably testing citizens in open who are attempting to drop off their polling forms, said Terry Madonna, a political theory teacher at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania.&nbsp;

This current fall's political race will be the first in almost 40 years where the Republican National Committee will be free from an assent order that confined its capacity to take part in facilitated survey watching exercises. Leftists are worried that could open the entryway for Republicans to take part in a similar sort of elector terrorizing that brought about the assent order in any case in the mid-1980s.

ARE GUNS ALLOWED?&nbsp;

In a year that has seen equipped civilian armies stand up to protestors, some democratic rights advocates are anxious about the arrival of firearm hauling bunches appearing outside surveying places.&nbsp;

Some landmark states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Virginia, are purported open-convey states where residents can convey firearms straightforwardly in broad daylight. There are no laws on the books in those states unequivocally denying individuals from conveying guns into surveying places.&nbsp;

All things considered, state and government laws make it unlawful for anybody to attempt to scare citizens.&nbsp;

Casting a ballot rights associations to state they will have a large number of legal counselors remaining by who might mediate with nearby authorities or look for court requests to stop such movement.

With less than a week to go for the final showdown between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden for the US election 2020, more than 70 million people have cast their ballots.

With less than a week to go for the final showdown between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden for the US election 2020, more than 70 million people have cast their ballots. Raising worries about conceivable elector terrorising, Trump has been encouraging his allies to go the surveys and "watch cautiously". The Republican presidential candidate has been telling his supporters that his re-election campaign will have people watching the polls "like crazy" on November 3. Also read: American voters make history; more than 70 million cast ballots "Both law enforcement and yourselves and everybody," he told a large crowd at an airport in Londonderry near the city of Manchester. Republicans are mobilising thousands of volunteers to watch early voting sites and ballot drop boxes leading up to November's election, part of an effort to find evidence to back up Trump's unsubstantiated complaints about widespread voter fraud. Some voting-rights activists are concerned such encounters could escalate in a tense year that has seen armed militias face off against protesters in the nation's streets. Here's the historical backdrop of "survey viewing" and how the training may take on new importance in the midst of a flood in mail balloting prodded by the coronavirus pandemic and Republican President Donald Trump's unconfirmed cases that mail casting a ballot is filled with misrepresentation. Also read: US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election? WHAT IS POLL WATCHING? Survey watchers are essential for US races going back to the eighteenth century, with their exercises constrained by state laws and nearby principles. Individuals from the two players watch out for the democratic - and one another - to ensure things go easily. State laws call eyewitnesses inside surveying places various things and appoint them various jobs. In certain spots, the survey "watchers" are not quite the same as "challengers," who can call attention to individuals they speculate aren't legitimate electors. In different states, survey watchers additionally do the difficult. Then again different principles set limits on how close hardliner allies can remain outside surveying places, as they attempt to prepare to uphold for their applicants with signs, flyers, and other promoting. Grumblings about excessively forceful survey watchers are normal. In some cases, spectators have utilized the capacity to challenge electors' capabilities in manners that oppress minorities, which has brought about some court activities to end those practices. In a 1999 city political decision in Hamtramck, Michigan, for instance, challengers from a city bunch called "Residents for a Better Hamtramck" tested 40 Arab-Americans who had "brown complexion and particularly Arabic names," who were then constrained by political decision authorities to make a vow to demonstrate they were residents, as indicated by a US Equity Department assent order. The city consented to gather information laborers, and a government inspector was selected to regulate city decisions through 2003. In 1981, a Republican activity put outfitted men in regalia decorated with "Voting form Security Task Force" outside surveying places in generally minority territories during a New Jersey state political decision. After that episode, the RNC consented to an assent order that restricted its polling form security tasks. That declaration terminated in 2018 after a government judge declined Democratic endeavors to reestablish it. This year points the principal official political race in almost forty years in which the RNC can take part in polling form security exercises without earlier audit and endorsement. WHAT ARE THE RULES? Guidelines on who can "watch" casting a ballot and the forces allowed these eyewitnesses, change from state to state. In Pennsylvania, for instance, survey watchers can watch the political decision - checking turnout and casting ballot machines - and furthermore challenge electors by taking their interests to political decision authorities. Nonetheless, these challenges for the most part are banished from collaborating straightforwardly with citizens, or from making meritless difficulties that hinder casting a ballot. Capabilities for survey laborers likewise change. They regularly should be enrolled citizens; in certain states, they should be affirmed ahead of time by political race authorities. North Carolina necessitates that survey laborers be of "acceptable good character." Eyewitnesses likewise are allowed by law in states that lead races generally via mail. In Oregon, for instance, the law says gatherings and competitors can support eyewitnesses to watch political race laborers open voting forms and tally them, however, these screens must carry on such that "won't meddle with an organized system." Allies of gatherings and up-and-comers may remain outside surveying stations with flags and other political promoting, an action known as "electioneering." But that additionally is dependent upon laws that fluctuate from state to state. For the most part, these supporters must keep specific good ways from the passage, so as not to pester or scare electors. In Ohio, the fringe is 100 feet, and it should be set apart by two little American banners. In Florida and Georgia, the limit is 150 feet. WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS YEAR? The COVID-19 pandemic methods uncommon quantities of Americans will cast a ballot via mail and not face to face in 2020. President Trump has made unwarranted cases that these polling forms will be polluted by extortion. His mission is trying to select a huge number of volunteers to search for anomalies, for example, individuals dropping off more than one voting form in states like Pennsylvania where that, by and large, isn't permitted. This exertion is trying democratic laws planned around the face to face balloting on Election Day, political race specialists said. There is no rulebook for screens attempting to enter early surveying destinations, or conceivably testing citizens in open who are attempting to drop off their polling forms, said Terry Madonna, a political theory teacher at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. This current fall's political race will be the first in almost 40 years where the Republican National Committee will be free from an assent order that confined its capacity to take part in facilitated survey watching exercises. Leftists are worried that could open the entryway for Republicans to take part in a similar sort of elector terrorizing that brought about the assent order in any case in the mid-1980s. ARE GUNS ALLOWED? In a year that has seen equipped civilian armies stand up to protestors, some democratic rights advocates are anxious about the arrival of firearm hauling bunches appearing outside surveying places. Some landmark states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Virginia, are purported open-convey states where residents can convey firearms straightforwardly in broad daylight. There are no laws on the books in those states unequivocally denying individuals from conveying guns into surveying places. All things considered, state and government laws make it unlawful for anybody to attempt to scare citizens. Casting a ballot rights associations to state they will have a large number of legal counselors remaining by who might mediate with nearby authorities or look for court requests to stop such movement.

US election 2020: The history and rules of poll watching

A confluence of structural megatrends and issues like the emergent Cold War 2.0, the putative 4th Industrial Revolution and the uncertainties induced by the Covid 19 pandemic, geopolitical permutations and combinations and turbulence in financial markets, domestic political churns in many countries lend themselves to a cliched assessment and observation: ‘ we live in interesting times’. This leaves pundits baffled and unable to discern how the world, in all its dimensions, will look like, say, in the next five years? For now, however, the major thematic issue gripping the attention of powers that be in the world is the November election in the United States- a paradoxical nation when it sneezes, the world catches a proverbial cold.

So who among the two- Joseph Biden and Donald Trump- will win?

Even though opinion polls give Biden a lead and financial markets are factoring in a Biden victory, it still remains unclear as to who will win the US presidential elections. (The former are not an exact science and there is a lot of subjectivity to these and the latter appears to be premised on a reversion to the norms of the international system and relations if Biden wins).

Consider the chances of Trump first. While his chances of re-election are dimmed by many factors like the pandemic, impact on the economy thereof and many unfulfilled promises, but the primeval forces or even impulses that propelled him to the White House remain. Or, in other words, the populist instincts, premised as they were on the fading of the white superstructure of the United &nbsp;States, identity issues and politics thereof, globalization and immigrant are ever-present in the US body politic. Overlaying these is that Trump not only presented himself as a political leader who mirrored his constituents(or the base), but also an insurgent who defied and undermined the normative basis of international relations that had emerged after the Second Great War. This, in the Trumpian schema, was a natural complement to his domestic political agenda. That he won the 2016 elections and that he still retains significant support testifies to the power of these ideas.

Can Biden, if he wins, reverse these aspects of politics that are now ensconced in American political life? Unlikely. The reasons are both domestic and pertain to international political life. Domestically, Biden if he totally goes contra Trump and his policy political posture, &nbsp;risks alienating a substantial portion of the American population. This would mean further polarization of the country and crystallization of deep angst and disaffection. Biden then has very few choices: he can co-opt populism, so to speak, and then guide its impulses in a different direction. But, this carries obvious risks, popular sentiment is difficult to channelize and the law of unintended consequences also kicks in.

What happens to international relations in case of &nbsp;Biden victory?

Nothing much. &nbsp;It is, to state the obvious, a fact that the norms, or some of the norms defining international relations since the end of the second Great war, need a fundamental review and revision. The world in 2020, even though there are some residual similarities, stands in sharp contradistinction to that of the 20th century let alone the post-war world. But, international norms have not kept pace. This has led to both paradoxes and contradictions in international politics and, given that there is no neat distinction between the domestic and the external anymore, on domestic politics of most nations as well. This disjunction can only be remedied by a review and revision of the normative underpinnings of international relations. &nbsp;Biden, if he wins, cannot and, in all likelihood, will not revert to the normative consensus that held albeit in flawed manner pre-1916. There will be change and churn but the depth, form and shape of these cannot be foretold at this point in time.

Financial markets then might not be correct in assuming a reversion to the same in case of a Biden victory. This also holds for pundits and analysts who think along similar lines. All in all the 21st-century portents great change- even transformations- defined by deep uncertainties. So that the world retains or gains a degree of equipoise and is prepared to deal with these transformations, a new normative consensus that builds upon the old and adjusts some of these to the new realities is imperative. Fundamentally speaking, &nbsp;bold and beautiful leadership would be required to make this happen. While whether it is forthcoming remains to be seen, but those who think or feel a reversion to pre 2016 politics- domestically and internationally- in the United States, and by extension the world, are likely to be disappointed.

A confluence of structural megatrends and issues like the emergent Cold War 2.0, the putative 4th Industrial Revolution and the uncertainties induced by the Covid 19 pandemic, geopolitical permutations and combinations and turbulence in financial markets, domestic political churns in many countries lend themselves to a cliched assessment and observation: ‘ we live in interesting times’.

A confluence of structural megatrends and issues like the emergent Cold War 2.0, the putative 4th Industrial Revolution and the uncertainties induced by the Covid 19 pandemic, geopolitical permutations and combinations and turbulence in financial markets, domestic political churns in many countries lend themselves to a cliched assessment and observation: ‘ we live in interesting times’. This leaves pundits baffled and unable to discern how the world, in all its dimensions, will look like, say, in the next five years? For now, however, the major thematic issue gripping the attention of powers that be in the world is the November election in the United States- a paradoxical nation when it sneezes, the world catches a proverbial cold. So who among the two- Joseph Biden and Donald Trump- will win? Even though opinion polls give Biden a lead and financial markets are factoring in a Biden victory, it still remains unclear as to who will win the US presidential elections. (The former are not an exact science and there is a lot of subjectivity to these and the latter appears to be premised on a reversion to the norms of the international system and relations if Biden wins). Consider the chances of Trump first. While his chances of re-election are dimmed by many factors like the pandemic, impact on the economy thereof and many unfulfilled promises, but the primeval forces or even impulses that propelled him to the White House remain. Or, in other words, the populist instincts, premised as they were on the fading of the white superstructure of the United States, identity issues and politics thereof, globalization and immigrant are ever-present in the US body politic. Overlaying these is that Trump not only presented himself as a political leader who mirrored his constituents(or the base), but also an insurgent who defied and undermined the normative basis of international relations that had emerged after the Second Great War. This, in the Trumpian schema, was a natural complement to his domestic political agenda. That he won the 2016 elections and that he still retains significant support testifies to the power of these ideas. Can Biden, if he wins, reverse these aspects of politics that are now ensconced in American political life? Unlikely. The reasons are both domestic and pertain to international political life. Domestically, Biden if he totally goes contra Trump and his policy political posture, risks alienating a substantial portion of the American population. This would mean further polarization of the country and crystallization of deep angst and disaffection. Biden then has very few choices: he can co-opt populism, so to speak, and then guide its impulses in a different direction. But, this carries obvious risks, popular sentiment is difficult to channelize and the law of unintended consequences also kicks in. What happens to international relations in case of Biden victory? Nothing much. It is, to state the obvious, a fact that the norms, or some of the norms defining international relations since the end of the second Great war, need a fundamental review and revision. The world in 2020, even though there are some residual similarities, stands in sharp contradistinction to that of the 20th century let alone the post-war world. But, international norms have not kept pace. This has led to both paradoxes and contradictions in international politics and, given that there is no neat distinction between the domestic and the external anymore, on domestic politics of most nations as well. This disjunction can only be remedied by a review and revision of the normative underpinnings of international relations. Biden, if he wins, cannot and, in all likelihood, will not revert to the normative consensus that held albeit in flawed manner pre-1916. There will be change and churn but the depth, form and shape of these cannot be foretold at this point in time. Financial markets then might not be correct in assuming a reversion to the same in case of a Biden victory. This also holds for pundits and analysts who think along similar lines. All in all the 21st-century portents great change- even transformations- defined by deep uncertainties. So that the world retains or gains a degree of equipoise and is prepared to deal with these transformations, a new normative consensus that builds upon the old and adjusts some of these to the new realities is imperative. Fundamentally speaking, bold and beautiful leadership would be required to make this happen. While whether it is forthcoming remains to be seen, but those who think or feel a reversion to pre 2016 politics- domestically and internationally- in the United States, and by extension the world, are likely to be disappointed.

Even if Biden wins, the world will not be the same

US President Donald's Trump's quip on 'filthy' India seems to have given his opponent Joe Biden to target him and score political points. Biden on Saturday tweeted from his personal handle and told Donald Trump calling India 'filthy' was not exactly how friends are regarded. The US has sizeable Indian-American population and his running mate Kamala Harris is of Indian origin. Trump's recent remark made news, especially in India.

In a reference to India Biden said in his tweet that he and Kamala Harris deeply valued the partnership.

"President Trump called India "filthy." It's not how you talk about friends—and it's not how you solve global challenges like climate change. @KamalaHarris and I deeply value our partnership—and will put respect back at the center of our foreign policy," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Trump called India "filthy." 
 
It's not how you talk about friends—and it's not how you solve global challenges like climate change.<a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> and I deeply value our partnership—and will put respect back at the center of our foreign policy. <a href="https://t.co/TKcyZiNwY6">https://t.co/TKcyZiNwY6</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1320081374448025600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Donald Trump made the remark about India during the final presidential debate held just days ago. The remark came as Trump and Biden debated on environmental issues.

"We have best carbon emission numbers that we've had in 35 years," he said.

"But here's what we can't do.." he continued,

"..look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia. Look at India. It's filthy," he said with a look of disdain on his face.

Apparently realising what he said. Trump added that the air was filthy. But this quip of his appears likely to be discussed everywhere, including among Indian-American voters in the US.

Aso Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-borat-actor-sacha-baron-cohen-creepy-and-phony-guy-337654">Donald Trump calls Borat actor, Sacha Baron Cohen, 'creepy' and 'phony guy'</a>

Donald Trump's remarks were not received well in India. They were widely discussed in news and also on social media.

Trump is known for his hawkish views even on climate change. Trump's main contention over years has been that USA must not be forced to bear greater burden as compared to other countries in the world. During the presidential debate, he appeared to reiterate his stance.

He has often in past, pointed at other countries whenever he was criticised for his actions such as US' withdrawal from the Paris Accords.

US President Donald's Trump's quip on 'filthy' India seems to have given his opponent Joe Biden to target him and score political points. Biden on Saturday tweeted from his personal handle and told Donald Trump calling India 'filthy' was not exactly how friends are regarded.

US President Donald's Trump's quip on 'filthy' India seems to have given his opponent Joe Biden to target him and score political points. Biden on Saturday tweeted from his personal handle and told Donald Trump calling India 'filthy' was not exactly how friends are regarded. The US has sizeable Indian-American population and his running mate Kamala Harris is of Indian origin. Trump's recent remark made news, especially in India. In a reference to India Biden said in his tweet that he and Kamala Harris deeply valued the partnership. "President Trump called India "filthy." It's not how you talk about friends—and it's not how you solve global challenges like climate change. @KamalaHarris and I deeply value our partnership—and will put respect back at the center of our foreign policy," he tweeted. President Trump called India "filthy." It's not how you talk about friends—and it's not how you solve global challenges like climate change.@KamalaHarris and I deeply value our partnership—and will put respect back at the center of our foreign policy. https://t.co/TKcyZiNwY6 — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 24, 2020 × Donald Trump made the remark about India during the final presidential debate held just days ago. The remark came as Trump and Biden debated on environmental issues. "We have best carbon emission numbers that we've had in 35 years," he said. "But here's what we can't do.." he continued, "..look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia. Look at India. It's filthy," he said with a look of disdain on his face. Apparently realising what he said. Trump added that the air was filthy. But this quip of his appears likely to be discussed everywhere, including among Indian-American voters in the US. Aso Read | Donald Trump calls Borat actor, Sacha Baron Cohen, 'creepy' and 'phony guy' Donald Trump's remarks were not received well in India. They were widely discussed in news and also on social media. Trump is known for his hawkish views even on climate change. Trump's main contention over years has been that USA must not be forced to bear greater burden as compared to other countries in the world. During the presidential debate, he appeared to reiterate his stance. He has often in past, pointed at other countries whenever he was criticised for his actions such as US' withdrawal from the Paris Accords.

That's not how you talk about friends, says Biden on Trump's 'filthy' India remark

Indian-American Republican politician Nikki Haley on Saturday said that Indian-American community contributes a lot to the United States...we have to protect them. So we want the community to remember that President Trump has given us the lowest unemployment and has allowed businesses to thrive.

Former envoy to United Nations, Speaking during an event in Philadelphia said that in the aftermath of the coronavirus, there is more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India along with Australia and Japan."

"India is the largest democracy that shares our values. And President Trump and Prime Minister Modi get along so well. But now we are actually partnering with them on defence and trade and other areas," she said at a fireside chat event organised by the Indian Voices for Trump in the battleground state of Philadelphia.&nbsp;

"And with COVID-19 coming from China. There's more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India, along with Australia and Japan. And so, really, the foreign policy of President Trump has been gangbusters over any other president that we have had in decades, and that affects every one of us from national security," she added.&nbsp;

Haley, the two-term governor of South Carolina, was the first Cabinet-ranking Indian-American in any presidential administration. She is now campaigning for Trump ahead of the US election.&nbsp;

In a message for all Indian Americans, Haley told ANI: "The Indian American community contributes a lot to the United States, and it is the best country in the world but we have to protect them. So we need the American community to remember that President Trump was given us the lowest unemployment has allowed for businesses to thrive."

"It`s really allowed us the opportunity to excel in every field and every direction we need to go and continue to support him so that we can continue doing that for our children, our grandchildren right," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American Republican politician Nikki Haley on Saturday said that Indian-American community contributes a lot to the United States...we have to protect them.

Indian-American Republican politician Nikki Haley on Saturday said that Indian-American community contributes a lot to the United States...we have to protect them. So we want the community to remember that President Trump has given us the lowest unemployment and has allowed businesses to thrive. Former envoy to United Nations, Speaking during an event in Philadelphia said that in the aftermath of the coronavirus, there is more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India along with Australia and Japan." "India is the largest democracy that shares our values. And President Trump and Prime Minister Modi get along so well. But now we are actually partnering with them on defence and trade and other areas," she said at a fireside chat event organised by the Indian Voices for Trump in the battleground state of Philadelphia. "And with COVID-19 coming from China. There's more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India, along with Australia and Japan. And so, really, the foreign policy of President Trump has been gangbusters over any other president that we have had in decades, and that affects every one of us from national security," she added. Haley, the two-term governor of South Carolina, was the first Cabinet-ranking Indian-American in any presidential administration. She is now campaigning for Trump ahead of the US election. In a message for all Indian Americans, Haley told ANI: "The Indian American community contributes a lot to the United States, and it is the best country in the world but we have to protect them. So we need the American community to remember that President Trump was given us the lowest unemployment has allowed for businesses to thrive." "It`s really allowed us the opportunity to excel in every field and every direction we need to go and continue to support him so that we can continue doing that for our children, our grandchildren right," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American community contributes a lot to the United States: Nikki Haley

Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hit the campaign trail soon after the presidential debate. Donald Trump held rallies in Florida while Joe Biden gave a speech in Delaware. Both of them lashed out at each other with Trump downplaying the threat of coroanavirus pandemic and Joe Biden trying to corner him on the same issue questioning Trump's leadership.

Florida is an important state and has often decided who wins the presidency. Biden has a firm lead over Trump in the state. Trump held two rallies on Friday

Targeting the politically powerful seniors' vote in Florida, Trump began with a rally in the famous retirement community The Villages, where he told a large crowd that all Biden talks about is "Covid, Covid, Covid" to try and "scare people."

"We're going to quickly end this pandemic, this horrible plague," he said, underlining his consistent message that the virus is on a rapid decline, when in fact case numbers are spiralling upward again, with more than 220,000 Americans already dead.

Referring to Biden's warning of a "dark winter" ahead, Trump countered: "We're not entering a dark winter. We're entering the final turn and approaching the light at the end of the tunnel."

He then pivoted to his own scare tactics, claiming that Biden would let in hordes of illegal immigrants that he said were comprised of "criminals and rapists and even murderers."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-should-trump-be-preaching-india-337570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"Joe Biden cares more about illegal aliens than he does about senior citizens," he said.

Trump finished his day with a rally in Pensacola, Florida, where he told the cheering crowd that "11 days from now, we're going to win my home state of Florida."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-social-media-labels-presidential-debate-moderator-kristen-welker-as-clear-winner-337469">US election 2020: Social media labels presidential debate moderator Kristen Welker as 'clear winner'</a>

While he is a lifelong New Yorker, Trump changed his residency to Florida during his White House tenure and on Saturday he was to cast his own ballot in West Palm Beach.

The rest of the weekend will see Trump, 74, maintaining the frenetic pace with rallies in North Carolina and Ohio on Saturday, then New Hampshire on Sunday, before a spate of more rallies next week.

Trump said that by November 3 he'll be doing "five or six a day."

'President still doesn't have a plan'

Joe Biden, who remained relatively low-key on the campaign tral till now is ramping up his presence before the voters.

In his home state of Delaware, he gave a speech about economic recovery from the pandemic, slamming Trump's record and vowing -- as Trump has -- that he would provide a safe coronavirus vaccine to all who want it.

"We saw him refuse to take responsibility for a crisis that should have been met with real, presidential leadership," Biden said. "We saw him diminish the pain felt by so many Americans."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-joe-biden-pledges-free-covid-vaccine-for-everyone-in-the-us-if-elected-337576">US election 2020: Joe Biden pledges free Covid vaccine for ‘everyone’ in the US if elected</a>

"We are more than eight months into the crisis and the president still doesn't have a plan," Biden claimed.&nbsp; 
"He's given up. He quit on you, on your family, on America. He just wants us to grow numb and resigned to the horrors."

On Saturday, Biden will travel to Pennsylvania, which like Florida is in the top tier of battleground states deciding national elections.

Barack Obama, whom Biden served as vice president, will lend his Democratic star power to the campaign on Saturday with a rally in Miami.

Pivot too late?

Trump's campaign has been turned upside down by the coronavirus crisis, which a majority of voters say he has failed to handle well.

In addition to the national disaster, Trump's reelection bid has been hampered throughout by his own erratic and often bad tempered behavior.

At Thursday's final televised debate in Nashville, the president pivoted to the more cheerful, even-keeled leader that aides have long been hoping Americans will see.

Perhaps most startling was the relative civility of the debate compared to the disastrous first showdown last month when Trump continuously shouted Biden down.

This time, Trump called his Democratic opponent "Joe" and even lauded moderator Kristen Welker of NBC News, who had a mute button to keep order.

"I thought I did great," Trump said Friday. "It's two different styles. I can do different styles."

But whether this shift from the usually bruising diet of insults, grievances and conspiracy theories will be enough at this stage -- or whether it will even last the weekend -- is an open question.

Despite the sunnier image, Trump's team had gone into Thursday's debate hoping to damage Biden with a murky and dubiously sourced allegation that he profited from foreign business deals conducted by his son while he was serving in the White House.

The attack largely fizzled, however, when Biden not only parried the accusations but noted that serious questions were mounting around Trump himself, including his holding of a bank account in China and failing to publish his US tax returns.

(With AFP inputs)

Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hit the campaign trail soon after the presidential debate. Donald Trump held rallies in Florida while Joe Biden gave a speech in Delaware.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hit the campaign trail soon after the presidential debate. Donald Trump held rallies in Florida while Joe Biden gave a speech in Delaware. Both of them lashed out at each other with Trump downplaying the threat of coroanavirus pandemic and Joe Biden trying to corner him on the same issue questioning Trump's leadership. Florida is an important state and has often decided who wins the presidency. Biden has a firm lead over Trump in the state. Trump held two rallies on Friday Targeting the politically powerful seniors' vote in Florida, Trump began with a rally in the famous retirement community The Villages, where he told a large crowd that all Biden talks about is "Covid, Covid, Covid" to try and "scare people." "We're going to quickly end this pandemic, this horrible plague," he said, underlining his consistent message that the virus is on a rapid decline, when in fact case numbers are spiralling upward again, with more than 220,000 Americans already dead. Referring to Biden's warning of a "dark winter" ahead, Trump countered: "We're not entering a dark winter. We're entering the final turn and approaching the light at the end of the tunnel." He then pivoted to his own scare tactics, claiming that Biden would let in hordes of illegal immigrants that he said were comprised of "criminals and rapists and even murderers." × "Joe Biden cares more about illegal aliens than he does about senior citizens," he said. Trump finished his day with a rally in Pensacola, Florida, where he told the cheering crowd that "11 days from now, we're going to win my home state of Florida." Also Read | US election 2020: Social media labels presidential debate moderator Kristen Welker as 'clear winner' While he is a lifelong New Yorker, Trump changed his residency to Florida during his White House tenure and on Saturday he was to cast his own ballot in West Palm Beach. The rest of the weekend will see Trump, 74, maintaining the frenetic pace with rallies in North Carolina and Ohio on Saturday, then New Hampshire on Sunday, before a spate of more rallies next week. Trump said that by November 3 he'll be doing "five or six a day." 'President still doesn't have a plan' Joe Biden, who remained relatively low-key on the campaign tral till now is ramping up his presence before the voters. In his home state of Delaware, he gave a speech about economic recovery from the pandemic, slamming Trump's record and vowing -- as Trump has -- that he would provide a safe coronavirus vaccine to all who want it. "We saw him refuse to take responsibility for a crisis that should have been met with real, presidential leadership," Biden said. "We saw him diminish the pain felt by so many Americans." Also Read | US election 2020: Joe Biden pledges free Covid vaccine for ‘everyone’ in the US if elected "We are more than eight months into the crisis and the president still doesn't have a plan," Biden claimed. "He's given up. He quit on you, on your family, on America. He just wants us to grow numb and resigned to the horrors." On Saturday, Biden will travel to Pennsylvania, which like Florida is in the top tier of battleground states deciding national elections. Barack Obama, whom Biden served as vice president, will lend his Democratic star power to the campaign on Saturday with a rally in Miami. Pivot too late? Trump's campaign has been turned upside down by the coronavirus crisis, which a majority of voters say he has failed to handle well. In addition to the national disaster, Trump's reelection bid has been hampered throughout by his own erratic and often bad tempered behavior. At Thursday's final televised debate in Nashville, the president pivoted to the more cheerful, even-keeled leader that aides have long been hoping Americans will see. Perhaps most startling was the relative civility of the debate compared to the disastrous first showdown last month when Trump continuously shouted Biden down. This time, Trump called his Democratic opponent "Joe" and even lauded moderator Kristen Welker of NBC News, who had a mute button to keep order. "I thought I did great," Trump said Friday. "It's two different styles. I can do different styles." But whether this shift from the usually bruising diet of insults, grievances and conspiracy theories will be enough at this stage -- or whether it will even last the weekend -- is an open question. Despite the sunnier image, Trump's team had gone into Thursday's debate hoping to damage Biden with a murky and dubiously sourced allegation that he profited from foreign business deals conducted by his son while he was serving in the White House. The attack largely fizzled, however, when Biden not only parried the accusations but noted that serious questions were mounting around Trump himself, including his holding of a bank account in China and failing to publish his US tax returns. (With AFP inputs)

US Election 2020: Trump, Biden press on in the final leg of campaigning

Democrat Joe Biden said Friday that if elected president he would mandate Covid-19 vaccines be free for all Americans, part of a national strategy to "get ahead" of the coronavirus.

As he laid out his emergency plan to battle the pandemic, Biden assailed President Donald Trump for his response, saying the Republican incumbent has "given up" fighting the virus and has "quit on America."

Biden, who has made it a point to follow scientists' guidelines such as wearing facemasks and engaging in social distancing, said that if he is elected he would be focused on bringing the pandemic to heel, and to help struggling Americans with the costs.

"Once we have a safe and effective vaccine, it has to be free to everyone — whether or not you're insured," Biden said in a speech laying out his pandemic response plan just 11 days before the US presidential election.

Trump, who trails Biden in the polls, has also stressed that a vaccine — which he says will be ready in the coming weeks — should be free.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Covid-19 vaccine doses purchased with taxpayer dollars — through billions of dollars in funding approved by Congress — would be administered to the American people at no cost.

Trump, in his second and final debate with Biden, on Thursday tried to signal that the US was overcoming the pandemic.

"We're rounding the turn, we're rounding the corner, it's going away," Trump said.

But Democrats led by Biden have hammered Trump for failing to layout and implement a nationwide response to a pandemic that has now killed more than 223,000 Americans.

"Covid-19 dwarfs anything that we've faced in recent history, and it isn't showing any signs of slowing down," Biden said in a speech in Wilmington, Delaware, adding that the virus is "surging" in almost every state.

"We're more than eight months into this crisis and the president still doesn't have a plan," the 77-year-old former vice president said.

"He's given up. He's quit on you. He's quit on your family. He's quit on America."

Biden said that if elected he would "immediately" put in place a national strategy "to finally get ahead of this virus, and get back our lives."

That would include consulting governors of all 50 states during the presidential transition.

After the inauguration, Biden would urge Congress to pass major legislation addressing the country's needs to battle the pandemic, implement a national mask mandate in federal buildings and interstate transportation and launch a national testing plan equivalent to a seven-fold increase over today's testing level.

Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris, told donors Friday that the coronavirus crisis is "probably one of the greatest mass casualty events we have ever experienced as a country."

Democrat Joe Biden said Friday that if elected president he would mandate Covid-19 vaccines be free for all Americans, part of a national strategy to "get ahead" of the coronavirus.

Democrat Joe Biden said Friday that if elected president he would mandate Covid-19 vaccines be free for all Americans, part of a national strategy to "get ahead" of the coronavirus. As he laid out his emergency plan to battle the pandemic, Biden assailed President Donald Trump for his response, saying the Republican incumbent has "given up" fighting the virus and has "quit on America." Biden, who has made it a point to follow scientists' guidelines such as wearing facemasks and engaging in social distancing, said that if he is elected he would be focused on bringing the pandemic to heel, and to help struggling Americans with the costs. "Once we have a safe and effective vaccine, it has to be free to everyone — whether or not you're insured," Biden said in a speech laying out his pandemic response plan just 11 days before the US presidential election. Trump, who trails Biden in the polls, has also stressed that a vaccine — which he says will be ready in the coming weeks — should be free. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Covid-19 vaccine doses purchased with taxpayer dollars — through billions of dollars in funding approved by Congress — would be administered to the American people at no cost. Trump, in his second and final debate with Biden, on Thursday tried to signal that the US was overcoming the pandemic. "We're rounding the turn, we're rounding the corner, it's going away," Trump said. But Democrats led by Biden have hammered Trump for failing to layout and implement a nationwide response to a pandemic that has now killed more than 223,000 Americans. "Covid-19 dwarfs anything that we've faced in recent history, and it isn't showing any signs of slowing down," Biden said in a speech in Wilmington, Delaware, adding that the virus is "surging" in almost every state. "We're more than eight months into this crisis and the president still doesn't have a plan," the 77-year-old former vice president said. "He's given up. He's quit on you. He's quit on your family. He's quit on America." Biden said that if elected he would "immediately" put in place a national strategy "to finally get ahead of this virus, and get back our lives." That would include consulting governors of all 50 states during the presidential transition. After the inauguration, Biden would urge Congress to pass major legislation addressing the country's needs to battle the pandemic, implement a national mask mandate in federal buildings and interstate transportation and launch a national testing plan equivalent to a seven-fold increase over today's testing level. Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris, told donors Friday that the coronavirus crisis is "probably one of the greatest mass casualty events we have ever experienced as a country."

US election 2020: Joe Biden pledges free Covid vaccine for ‘everyone’ in the US if elected

Chelsea Handler is offering to pay 50 cents taxes provided he changes his political stand on the upcoming US presidential elections.

Earlier this week rapper 50 Cent took to Instagram to urge fans to 'vote for Trump' after learning about some of the numbers associated with Trump opponent Joe Biden's tax plan

The 45-year-old hip-hop mogul shared an image from a news broadcast stating that New York City would be taxed at a rate of 62% if Biden came to power. The Democratic candidate later clarified that such percentages will only apply to those making $400,000 or more per year. 
 
"WHAT THE F---! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT," he wrote in the caption. "F--- NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62% are you out of ya f---ing mind."

The following day, he took to Twitter and wrote, "Yeah, i don’t want to be 20cent. 62% is a very, very,bad idea. i don’t like it !" 
 
Handler,&nbsp; who had once dated the rapper briefly 10 years ago, commented on his tweet and said, "You used to be my favorite ex-boyfriend." 
 
"Oh my God this is effecting (sic) my love life now," 50 Cent responded. 
 
"@chelseahandler I love ya Gator, don’t let Trump and Joe Biden come between us girl." 
 
Handler then offered to pay the rapper's taxes provided he reconsidered his support for the current US president. 
"Hey f--ker! I will pay your taxes in exchange for you coming to your senses. Happily! Black lives matter. That’s you, f--ker! Remember?" Handler tweeted. 
 
&nbsp;In an appearance at 'The Late Late Show' last year, 50 Cent revealed that he'd turned down a half-million-dollar offer to appear at Trump's 2016 inauguration.

Chelsea Handler is offering to pay 50 cents taxes provided he changes his political stand on the upcoming US presidential elections. Earlier this week rapper 50 Cent took to Instagram to urge fans to 'vote for Trump' after learning about some of the numbers associated with Trump opponent Joe Biden's tax plan The 45-year-old hip-hop mogul shared an image from a news broadcast stating that New York City would be taxed at a rate of 62% if Biden came to power.

Chelsea Handler is offering to pay 50 cents taxes provided he changes his political stand on the upcoming US presidential elections. Earlier this week rapper 50 Cent took to Instagram to urge fans to 'vote for Trump' after learning about some of the numbers associated with Trump opponent Joe Biden's tax plan The 45-year-old hip-hop mogul shared an image from a news broadcast stating that New York City would be taxed at a rate of 62% if Biden came to power. The Democratic candidate later clarified that such percentages will only apply to those making $400,000 or more per year. "WHAT THE F---! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT," he wrote in the caption. "F--- NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62% are you out of ya f---ing mind." The following day, he took to Twitter and wrote, "Yeah, i don’t want to be 20cent. 62% is a very, very,bad idea. i don’t like it !" Handler, who had once dated the rapper briefly 10 years ago, commented on his tweet and said, "You used to be my favorite ex-boyfriend." "Oh my God this is effecting (sic) my love life now," 50 Cent responded. "@chelseahandler I love ya Gator, don’t let Trump and Joe Biden come between us girl." Handler then offered to pay the rapper's taxes provided he reconsidered his support for the current US president. "Hey f--ker! I will pay your taxes in exchange for you coming to your senses. Happily! Black lives matter. That’s you, f--ker! Remember?" Handler tweeted. In an appearance at 'The Late Late Show' last year, 50 Cent revealed that he'd turned down a half-million-dollar offer to appear at Trump's 2016 inauguration.

Chelsea Handler offers to pay taxes for 50 Cents if he doesn't vote for Donald Trump

Popular Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds cast his vote for the first time in a US presidential election. 
 
The Canadian born actor revealed on social media on Thursday that he cast his vote early alongwith his wife, actress Blake Lively. 
 
"This is my first time voting in America. I’d like to thank my wife Blake for making my first time so gentle and loving. It was super scary at first, then exciting and now I’m a little tired. But proud. #VoteEarly," the 43-year-old wrote on Instagram.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGqFS9CBf2Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGqFS9CBf2Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGqFS9CBf2Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGqFS9CBf2Q/?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">This is my first time voting in America. I’d like to thank my wife Blake for making my first time so gentle and loving. It was super scary at first, then exciting and now I’m a little tired. But proud. #VoteEarly</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/vancityreynolds/?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"> Ryan Reynolds</a> (@vancityreynolds) on <time datetime="2020-10-22T19:28:13+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 22, 2020 at 12:28pm PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the photo he posted, the 'Deadpool' star is holding his mail-in ballot. 
 
Reynolds' wife Lively also poked fun at his first-time experience as she wrote, "It was Ryan’s first time. He was understandably scared. It all happened so fast. Like, REALLY fast. He wept. I pretended to weep. Then he called all his friend [sic]. #voteearly." 
 
The actor was born and raised in Vacouver. In 2016, during an interview, he had expressed how he had wished he could have voted. 
 
Reynolds eventually obtained dual citizenship which allowed him to cast his vote this time. 
 
“I would have loved to have voted in this election, now more than ever, but I didn’t get to have a voice,” he had told Variety back in 2016. 
 
“I’m right at that age where I’m making that transition,” he continued. “It is interesting to watch it all unfold. We are standing at the precipice of what I think is going to be a very historical, heavily scrutinized period in United States history and it’s also a very frightening time.” 
 
“I can understand so much of the fear that comes from this huge portion of the population that’s going to feel disenfranchised and that’s experiencing a tremendous amount of anxiety about their future,” Reynolds added. “Minority groups, women, LGBTQ communities — those are all communities that I think are rightfully very afraid for the moment and I’m afraid with them and for them.” 
 
Reynolds' wife Lively spoke to Variety in 2017 where expressed concern over the Trump administration. "There's a lot that's worrying me as a woman, as a mother, and not just that, but as a human being who cares about other human beings and our rights and our liberties and what we value," she had said.

Popular Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds cast his vote for the first time in a US presidential election. The Canadian born actor revealed on social media on Thursday that he cast his vote early alongwith his wife, actress Blake Lively.

Popular Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds cast his vote for the first time in a US presidential election. The Canadian born actor revealed on social media on Thursday that he cast his vote early alongwith his wife, actress Blake Lively. "This is my first time voting in America. I’d like to thank my wife Blake for making my first time so gentle and loving. It was super scary at first, then exciting and now I’m a little tired. But proud. #VoteEarly," the 43-year-old wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram This is my first time voting in America. I’d like to thank my wife Blake for making my first time so gentle and loving. It was super scary at first, then exciting and now I’m a little tired. But proud. #VoteEarly A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds) on Oct 22, 2020 at 12:28pm PDT × In the photo he posted, the 'Deadpool' star is holding his mail-in ballot. Reynolds' wife Lively also poked fun at his first-time experience as she wrote, "It was Ryan’s first time. He was understandably scared. It all happened so fast. Like, REALLY fast. He wept. I pretended to weep. Then he called all his friend [sic]. #voteearly." The actor was born and raised in Vacouver. In 2016, during an interview, he had expressed how he had wished he could have voted. Reynolds eventually obtained dual citizenship which allowed him to cast his vote this time. “I would have loved to have voted in this election, now more than ever, but I didn’t get to have a voice,” he had told Variety back in 2016. “I’m right at that age where I’m making that transition,” he continued. “It is interesting to watch it all unfold. We are standing at the precipice of what I think is going to be a very historical, heavily scrutinized period in United States history and it’s also a very frightening time.” “I can understand so much of the fear that comes from this huge portion of the population that’s going to feel disenfranchised and that’s experiencing a tremendous amount of anxiety about their future,” Reynolds added. “Minority groups, women, LGBTQ communities — those are all communities that I think are rightfully very afraid for the moment and I’m afraid with them and for them.” Reynolds' wife Lively spoke to Variety in 2017 where expressed concern over the Trump administration. "There's a lot that's worrying me as a woman, as a mother, and not just that, but as a human being who cares about other human beings and our rights and our liberties and what we value," she had said.

Canadian born Ryan Reynolds votes for the first time in US presidential elections

Donald Trump has said that he will "do plenty" with China if he is re-elected for a second term, as the US president once again went on the offensive against Beijing over the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-wonders-if-it-can-rely-on-us-again-whoever-wins-337232">Also read | Europe wonders if it can rely on US again, whoever wins</a> 
 
"Well, we're going to do plenty with China. What they did to us is a disgrace," Trump said during a media appearance published by the Sinclair Broadcast Group on Wednesday evening.

"You're sitting there with that mask because of China, OK? It's disgraceful. It's a total disgrace, but you will find out," Trump told the interviewer.

Trump has time and again called COVID-19 the "China Virus", and his administration has urged the World Health Organization and other international bodies to take strong action after China became the first epicentre of the disease at the end of the past year.

Meanwhile, In a fresh step in its confrontation with China, the 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 State Mike Pompeo said that the fresh step was taken to resist communist propaganda. Pompeo also said that the US is going to start a dialogue with the European Union on China.

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.

The incumbent president is set to face off against Democrat candidate Joe Biden on November 3.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump has said that he will "do plenty" with China if he is re-elected for a second term, as the US president once again went on the offensive against Beijing over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donald Trump has said that he will "do plenty" with China if he is re-elected for a second term, as the US president once again went on the offensive against Beijing over the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Europe wonders if it can rely on US again, whoever wins "Well, we're going to do plenty with China. What they did to us is a disgrace," Trump said during a media appearance published by the Sinclair Broadcast Group on Wednesday evening. "You're sitting there with that mask because of China, OK? It's disgraceful. It's a total disgrace, but you will find out," Trump told the interviewer. Trump has time and again called COVID-19 the "China Virus", and his administration has urged the World Health Organization and other international bodies to take strong action after China became the first epicentre of the disease at the end of the past year. Meanwhile, In a fresh step in its confrontation with China, the 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 State Mike Pompeo said that the fresh step was taken to resist communist propaganda. Pompeo also said that the US is going to start a dialogue with the European Union on China. 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. The incumbent president is set to face off against Democrat candidate Joe Biden on November 3. (With inputs from agencies)

US election 2020: Trump warns of action against China if he is re-elected

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?

Donald Trump Jr has said that his father's relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "incredible".&nbsp;

"I think the relationship of my father President Donald Trump and PM Modi is incredible. It has been an honour to watch. And I love that they have a great and powerful relationship that will benefit both of our countries going into the future," he said.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-us-alliance-on-life-support-after-four-years-of-trump-336408">Also read | EU-US alliance 'on life support' after four years of Trump</a> 
 
Forty-two-year-old Donald Trump Jr is leading the re-election campaign of his 74-year-old father. The presidential elections in the US are slated to be held on November 3. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trumps-daughter-in-law-lara-slammed-on-twitter-following-tv-interview-336373">Also read | Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Lara slammed on Twitter following TV interview</a>

"We have to understand the threat of China and no one knows that probably better than Indian-Americans," Trump Jr, told a select group of supporters from the community at the event in Long Island, New York.

In his book "Liberal Privilege", he has documented allegations of corruption against 77-year-old Joe Biden's family, particularly against his son Hunter Biden.

"When you look at our opponents in this race... you think the Chinese gave Hunter Biden USD 1.5 billion ... because he was a great businessman, or because they knew the Bidens could be bought, and therefore soft on China," he said.

Trump Jr was referring to the latest allegations of corruption against the Biden family as revealed by The New York Post.

"Therefore, (Joe Biden is) bad for India," he said in his address at the meet and greet event along with Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is leading the fund-raising efforts of Trump's re-election campaign.

Praising Indian-Americans, Trump Jr said that the community is near and dear to his heart. "I understand the community pretty well," he said.

The Indian community is hard working, family oriented and education oriented, Trump Jr said.

Indian-Americans, he said, have been looking at what the Democrats have been pushing or what the they have been ignoring for the last six months.

In his remarks, Trump Jr recollected the Ahmedabad address of his father Donald Trump during his trip to India early this year.

"When I saw the enthusiasm of my father with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi ...you know, I used to think that Trump rallies were pretty big in America but that was the biggest Trump rally probably ever ... in India," Trump Jr said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Donald Trump Jr has said that his father's relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "incredible". "I think the relationship of my father President Donald Trump and PM Modi is incredible.

Donald Trump Jr has said that his father's relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "incredible". "I think the relationship of my father President Donald Trump and PM Modi is incredible. It has been an honour to watch. And I love that they have a great and powerful relationship that will benefit both of our countries going into the future," he said. Also read | EU-US alliance 'on life support' after four years of Trump Forty-two-year-old Donald Trump Jr is leading the re-election campaign of his 74-year-old father. The presidential elections in the US are slated to be held on November 3. Also read | Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Lara slammed on Twitter following TV interview "We have to understand the threat of China and no one knows that probably better than Indian-Americans," Trump Jr, told a select group of supporters from the community at the event in Long Island, New York. In his book "Liberal Privilege", he has documented allegations of corruption against 77-year-old Joe Biden's family, particularly against his son Hunter Biden. "When you look at our opponents in this race... you think the Chinese gave Hunter Biden USD 1.5 billion ... because he was a great businessman, or because they knew the Bidens could be bought, and therefore soft on China," he said. Trump Jr was referring to the latest allegations of corruption against the Biden family as revealed by The New York Post. "Therefore, (Joe Biden is) bad for India," he said in his address at the meet and greet event along with Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is leading the fund-raising efforts of Trump's re-election campaign. Praising Indian-Americans, Trump Jr said that the community is near and dear to his heart. "I understand the community pretty well," he said. The Indian community is hard working, family oriented and education oriented, Trump Jr said. Indian-Americans, he said, have been looking at what the Democrats have been pushing or what the they have been ignoring for the last six months. In his remarks, Trump Jr recollected the Ahmedabad address of his father Donald Trump during his trip to India early this year. "When I saw the enthusiasm of my father with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi ...you know, I used to think that Trump rallies were pretty big in America but that was the biggest Trump rally probably ever ... in India," Trump Jr said. (With inputs from PTI)

My father's relationship with PM Modi is incredible: Donald Trump Jr

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday said the black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-harris-wish-hindu-americans-on-the-occasion-of-navratri-336070">Also read | Biden, Harris wish Hindu-Americans on the occasion of Navratri</a> 
 
In a tweet she said that "black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans. This pandemic has further reinforced historical inequities in our nation—and it is clear that confronting these disparities is not a priority for this administration."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans. 
 
This pandemic has further reinforced historical inequities in our nation—and it is clear that confronting these disparities is not a priority for this administration.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1317640291898241038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In recent past, Kamala Harris has been attacking the Trump administration's handling of healthcare for people with pre-existing conditions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday said the black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans. Also read | Biden, Harris wish Hindu-Americans on the occasion of Navratri In a tweet she said that "black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans.

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday said the black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans. Also read | Biden, Harris wish Hindu-Americans on the occasion of Navratri In a tweet she said that "black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans. This pandemic has further reinforced historical inequities in our nation—and it is clear that confronting these disparities is not a priority for this administration." Black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans. This pandemic has further reinforced historical inequities in our nation—and it is clear that confronting these disparities is not a priority for this administration. — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 18, 2020 In recent past, Kamala Harris has been attacking the Trump administration's handling of healthcare for people with pre-existing conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Black Americans are dying from Covid-19 at double the rate of white Americans: Kamala Harris

Facebook’s vice president Nick Clegg has said that the social media giant rejected a total of 2.2 million ads on Facebook and Instagram and withdrawn 120,000 posts for attempting to “obstruct voting” in the upcoming US presidential election. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fumes-as-facebook-twitter-limit-reach-of-smoking-gun-article-on-biden-and-his-son-335344">Also read | Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son</a> 
 
Earlier in September, the social network site had said it would block new political ads in late October, among other measures, to reduce misinformation and interference.

Facebook had said that it will also remove misinformation about the pandemic and voting as well as any premature posts from candidates declaring victory.

Facebook has been increasing its efforts to avoid a repeat of events leading up to the 2016 US presidential election, won by Donald Trump, when its network was used for attempts at voter manipulation, carried out from Russia.

There were similar problems ahead of Britain's 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union.

"Thirty-five thousand employees take care of the security of our platforms and contribute for elections," said Clegg, who is vice president of global affairs and communications at Facebook.

"We have established partnerships with 70 specialised media, including five in France, on the verification of information", he added.

In 2016, while he was still deputy prime minister, Clegg complained to the Journal du Dimanche that Facebook had not identified or suppressed a single foreign network interfering in the US election.

On Wednesday President Trump rebuked Facebook and Twitter for blocking links to a New York Post article purporting to expose corrupt dealings by election rival Joe Biden and his son Hunter in Ukraine. 
 
The story had raised&nbsp;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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook’s vice president Nick Clegg has said that the social media giant rejected a total of 2.2 million ads on Facebook and Instagram and withdrawn 120,000 posts for attempting to “obstruct voting” in the upcoming US presidential election.

Facebook’s vice president Nick Clegg has said that the social media giant rejected a total of 2.2 million ads on Facebook and Instagram and withdrawn 120,000 posts for attempting to “obstruct voting” in the upcoming US presidential election. Also read | Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son Earlier in September, the social network site had said it would block new political ads in late October, among other measures, to reduce misinformation and interference. Facebook had said that it will also remove misinformation about the pandemic and voting as well as any premature posts from candidates declaring victory. Facebook has been increasing its efforts to avoid a repeat of events leading up to the 2016 US presidential election, won by Donald Trump, when its network was used for attempts at voter manipulation, carried out from Russia. There were similar problems ahead of Britain's 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union. "Thirty-five thousand employees take care of the security of our platforms and contribute for elections," said Clegg, who is vice president of global affairs and communications at Facebook. "We have established partnerships with 70 specialised media, including five in France, on the verification of information", he added. In 2016, while he was still deputy prime minister, Clegg complained to the Journal du Dimanche that Facebook had not identified or suppressed a single foreign network interfering in the US election. On Wednesday President Trump rebuked Facebook and Twitter for blocking links to a New York Post article purporting to expose corrupt dealings by election rival Joe Biden and his son Hunter in Ukraine. The story had raised 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Rejected 2.2 million advertisements seeking to obstruct voting in US election: Facebook

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

On Tuesday, November 3, The United States of America (USA) will vote for its next President. The US election, held once every four years, takes place on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, as spelled out in the US Constitution.&nbsp;

Irrespective of who wins the American presidential race, there’s a good chance India will continue to remain important for the US.

There are actually only a few similarities between the organization of the government in the two biggest functioning democracies around the world. Elections in the USA are therefore not quite the same as elections in India.&nbsp;

Here are the main differences between Indian and American elections:

Presidential and Parliamentary form of Government

United States follows the presidential form of the Government and India follows the parliamentary form.

In a presidential system, the central principle is that the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government are separate. This leads to the separate election of president, who is elected to office for a fixed term, and only removable for gross misdemeanor by impeachment and dismissal.US citizens technically vote for “electors” and not the presidential candidates themselves, who subsequently elect the President.&nbsp;

In the US presidential system, the President is both the chief executive of the government and the head of state.&nbsp;

India follows the parliamentary system of government. Indian Parliament is a bicameral legislature composed of the President of India and the two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The President in his role as head of legislature has full powers to summon and prorogue either house of Parliament or to dissolve Lok Sabha.

India’s parliamentary system does not allow citizens to directly choose the head of the government.In India the Head of state is different from the Head of the government. 
 
Political parties:

The United States has two prominent parties that have the most power the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, both of which are built on a specific ideology. Although the Libertarian Party, Green Party, and other smaller parties exist in US but they are as big as the two major ones.

India, however, has many parties that operate on the different regional level. The two major political parties of India are the Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress apart from these two, India is riddled with countless other regional parties which often differs from one state to the other. 
 
Electoral system

According to the US government website, In the US Electoral College system, each state gets a certain number of electors based on its total number of representatives in Congress. Each elector casts one electoral vote following the general election; there are a total of 538 electoral votes. The candidate that gets more than half (270) wins the election.

Members of Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the lower house of India's Parliament are elected by being voted upon by all adult citizens of India, from a set of candidates who stand in their respective constituencies. The MPs of the party or alliance with majority seats choose their leader as the head of the government, who becomes Prime Minister of India.&nbsp; 
 
Voting system&nbsp;

US uses ballot to cast votes and India uses EVM machines for voting. 
 
There is one major disadvantage of the Indian election system is that the people don’t have the choice to elect their Head of State directly.

On Tuesday, November 3, The United States of America (USA) will vote for its next President. The US election, held once every four years, takes place on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, as spelled out in the US Constitution.

On Tuesday, November 3, The United States of America (USA) will vote for its next President. The US election, held once every four years, takes place on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, as spelled out in the US Constitution. Irrespective of who wins the American presidential race, there’s a good chance India will continue to remain important for the US. There are actually only a few similarities between the organization of the government in the two biggest functioning democracies around the world. Elections in the USA are therefore not quite the same as elections in India. Here are the main differences between Indian and American elections: Presidential and Parliamentary form of Government United States follows the presidential form of the Government and India follows the parliamentary form. In a presidential system, the central principle is that the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government are separate. This leads to the separate election of president, who is elected to office for a fixed term, and only removable for gross misdemeanor by impeachment and dismissal.US citizens technically vote for “electors” and not the presidential candidates themselves, who subsequently elect the President. In the US presidential system, the President is both the chief executive of the government and the head of state. India follows the parliamentary system of government. Indian Parliament is a bicameral legislature composed of the President of India and the two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The President in his role as head of legislature has full powers to summon and prorogue either house of Parliament or to dissolve Lok Sabha. India’s parliamentary system does not allow citizens to directly choose the head of the government.In India the Head of state is different from the Head of the government. Political parties: The United States has two prominent parties that have the most power the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, both of which are built on a specific ideology. Although the Libertarian Party, Green Party, and other smaller parties exist in US but they are as big as the two major ones. India, however, has many parties that operate on the different regional level. The two major political parties of India are the Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress apart from these two, India is riddled with countless other regional parties which often differs from one state to the other. Electoral system According to the US government website, In the US Electoral College system, each state gets a certain number of electors based on its total number of representatives in Congress. Each elector casts one electoral vote following the general election; there are a total of 538 electoral votes. The candidate that gets more than half (270) wins the election. Members of Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the lower house of India's Parliament are elected by being voted upon by all adult citizens of India, from a set of candidates who stand in their respective constituencies. The MPs of the party or alliance with majority seats choose their leader as the head of the government, who becomes Prime Minister of India. Voting system US uses ballot to cast votes and India uses EVM machines for voting. There is one major disadvantage of the Indian election system is that the people don’t have the choice to elect their Head of State directly.

US election 2020: How American election is different from Indian election

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

For Halloween, popular sitcom 'The Simpsons' have taken a shot at US President Donald Trump and listed out 50 reasons on why Americans should not reelect him in the upcoming Presidential elections.

The episode has Homer Simpson heading to the ballot box to cast his vote in the election and he is faced with a list of 'scandals' suggesting why Trump doesn't deserve a second term in the White House.

The 50 reasons listed out include several of Trumps' controversial decisions and statement. 'Put children in cages', 'called Mexicans rapists', 'imitated disabled reporter', 'looks lousy in a tennis outfit', 'can’t get wife to hold hand,' - are some of the reasons that are listed out.

In a clip that has been obtained by Variety, Homes is ready to cast his vote on smaller races but calls the decision on the presidential race a 'stumper'

The clip then shows his daughter Lisa entering the polling booth and asking her dad, ''You're hesitating over President? By all that is decent, how can you forget everything that's happened the last four years?''

Homer, can recall only Faye Dunaway's infamous 2018 Oscar flub. 
'Not sure what you're talking about', admits Homer, before Trump's scandals and indiscretions roll on the screen.&nbsp; The list concludes with final point as, "We haven't even said the worst one."

'The Simpsons' are currently in their 32nd season and the show has been known to voice political opinions.

They were credited with 'predicting' Trump's presidency with an episode showing the business mogul coming down the elevator at Trump Tower to announce he is running.

Here are the 50 points that 'The Simpsons' listed out warning their viewers to not reelect Trump.

Made it okay to shoot hibernating bears

Put children in cages

Called Mexicans rapists

Imitated disabled reporter

Looks lousy in a tennis outfit

Can’t get wife to hold hand

Called third world countries ****holes

Called Tim Cook ‘Tim Apple’

Said Jewish people who vote Democrat are disloyal

Showed top secret documents at Mar-A-Lago restaurant

Called white supremacists ‘fine people’

Leaked classified information to Russian ambassador

Asked the president of Ukraine to investigate the Bidens

Called for China to investigate the Bidens

Walked into the dressing room at Miss Teen USA pageant

Pressed the Australian prime minister to help Barr investigate Mueller

Talked about grabbing *****

Lied about the size of his inauguration

Refused to release tax returns

Gutted the E.P.A.

Confiscated and destroyed interpreter’s notes after meeting with Putin

Tweeted classified photo of Iran missile site

Called Baltimore a ‘disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess’

Described Meryl Streep as ‘over-rated’

Leaked information to the press about the 2017 Manchester arena bombing

Did not attend any White House correspondents’ dinner

Said Megyn Kelly had ‘blood coming out of her whatever’

Called Carly Fiorina ‘horseface’

Ruined impeachment

Brought Ivanka to the G7 summit

Corrupted Congress

Appointed and didn’t fire Betsy DeVos

Put Jared in charge of Mideast

Served McDonald’s to Clemson football team

Destroyed democracy

Lost Hong Kong

Threatened Marie Yovanovitch

Pulled the US out of climate agreement

Allowed bounties on soldiers

Invaded Portland

Withdrew from WHO

Bragged about knowing the date

Commuted sentences

Said to swallow bleach

Person, woman, man, camera, TV

Destroyed post office

Paid $750 in taxes

Wants third term

Wanted to be on Mount Rushmore

And we haven’t even said the worst one

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For Halloween, popular sitcom 'The Simpsons' have taken a shot at US President Donald Trump and listed out 50 reasons on why Americans should not reelect him in the upcoming Presidential elections.

For Halloween, popular sitcom 'The Simpsons' have taken a shot at US President Donald Trump and listed out 50 reasons on why Americans should not reelect him in the upcoming Presidential elections. The episode has Homer Simpson heading to the ballot box to cast his vote in the election and he is faced with a list of 'scandals' suggesting why Trump doesn't deserve a second term in the White House. The 50 reasons listed out include several of Trumps' controversial decisions and statement. 'Put children in cages', 'called Mexicans rapists', 'imitated disabled reporter', 'looks lousy in a tennis outfit', 'can’t get wife to hold hand,' - are some of the reasons that are listed out. In a clip that has been obtained by Variety, Homes is ready to cast his vote on smaller races but calls the decision on the presidential race a 'stumper' The clip then shows his daughter Lisa entering the polling booth and asking her dad, ''You're hesitating over President? By all that is decent, how can you forget everything that's happened the last four years?'' Homer, can recall only Faye Dunaway's infamous 2018 Oscar flub. 'Not sure what you're talking about', admits Homer, before Trump's scandals and indiscretions roll on the screen. The list concludes with final point as, "We haven't even said the worst one." 'The Simpsons' are currently in their 32nd season and the show has been known to voice political opinions. They were credited with 'predicting' Trump's presidency with an episode showing the business mogul coming down the elevator at Trump Tower to announce he is running. Here are the 50 points that 'The Simpsons' listed out warning their viewers to not reelect Trump. Made it okay to shoot hibernating bears Put children in cages Called Mexicans rapists Imitated disabled reporter Looks lousy in a tennis outfit Can’t get wife to hold hand Called third world countries ****holes Called Tim Cook ‘Tim Apple’ Said Jewish people who vote Democrat are disloyal Showed top secret documents at Mar-A-Lago restaurant Called white supremacists ‘fine people’ Leaked classified information to Russian ambassador Asked the president of Ukraine to investigate the Bidens Called for China to investigate the Bidens Walked into the dressing room at Miss Teen USA pageant Pressed the Australian prime minister to help Barr investigate Mueller Talked about grabbing ***** Lied about the size of his inauguration Refused to release tax returns Gutted the E.P.A. Confiscated and destroyed interpreter’s notes after meeting with Putin Tweeted classified photo of Iran missile site Called Baltimore a ‘disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess’ Described Meryl Streep as ‘over-rated’ Leaked information to the press about the 2017 Manchester arena bombing Did not attend any White House correspondents’ dinner Said Megyn Kelly had ‘blood coming out of her whatever’ Called Carly Fiorina ‘horseface’ Ruined impeachment Brought Ivanka to the G7 summit Corrupted Congress Appointed and didn’t fire Betsy DeVos Put Jared in charge of Mideast Served McDonald’s to Clemson football team Destroyed democracy Lost Hong Kong Threatened Marie Yovanovitch Pulled the US out of climate agreement Allowed bounties on soldiers Invaded Portland Withdrew from WHO Bragged about knowing the date Commuted sentences Said to swallow bleach Person, woman, man, camera, TV Destroyed post office Paid $750 in taxes Wants third term Wanted to be on Mount Rushmore And we haven’t even said the worst one

'The Simpsons' Halloween episode lists out 50 reasons of why one should not reelect Donald Trump

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

A large majority of Indian Americans plan to cast ballots for the Democratic ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, according to a survey released Wednesday, despite elaborate overtures by the Trump White House to win their support.

The survey, by the polling firm YouGov, found that 72% of Indian American voters planned to vote for Biden, with just 22% planning to go for President Donald Trump.

While Indian Americans hold a wide variety of political views, the presence on the Democratic ticket of Harris, whose mother immigrated from Chennai, India, has had a galvanizing effect on a voting bloc that could help Biden in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan.

Their potential impact on the presidential election highlights the growing importance of Indian Americans in U.S. politics: As the second-largest immigrant group in the country, Indian Americans are gaining influence, making political donations, vocally supporting candidates and causes and, most notably, running for office, from the school board to Congress.

“We have arrived,” said Ramesh Kapur, a Democratic Party fundraiser.

Kapur, 72, who owns a gas processing and distributing company in Medford, Massachusetts, and supported Harris’ 2016 Senate race and her run for the 2020 presidential nomination, said that Indian Americans donated $3.3 million to the Biden Victory Fund at a single fundraising event he organized in September.

But Harris isn’t the only reason many Indian Americans support the Democratic ticket this year, Kapur said. They are also turned off by the president’s frequent attacks on immigrants and people of color, despite standing to gain from Trump’s economic policies.

“Even though they are supposedly saving taxes, to the Indian American community, when you get the president of the United States saying to an elected official, ‘Go home,’ that scares the hell out of us,” he said, referring to Trump’s tweet in July 2019 about a group of four minority congresswomen.

While the approximately 2 million Indian American voters comprise less than 1% of the electorate, they are voters who both parties seek to attract. The larger Indian American population is twice as rich as the rest of the country as a whole, and two times as likely to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

And at the rate the community is growing — doubling in size every decade since the 1980s — they represent an increasingly formidable force in U.S. politics.

The apparently wide support among Indian Americans for Biden comes despite high-profile efforts by Trump and the Republicans to win their votes.

A year ago, Trump drew 50,000 people to a rally in Houston with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, an event that organizers called “Howdy, Modi.” The prime minister, a right-wing populist whose bellicose views on two of India’s rivals, Pakistan and China, helped win his party a landslide reelection in 2019, and who has generally received support from the Indian diaspora, lauded Trump’s name as “familiar to every person on the planet.” He returned the favor in February with an even larger spectacle for Trump in India.

The rallies did win Trump some support, said M.R. Rangaswami, the founder of Indiaspora, a nonpartisan group that promotes the interests of Indians in the United States.

“Trump has invested in India, has invested in Indian Americans with the ‘Howdy, Modi’ visit and with going to India, and it has shown results,” Rangaswami said. “The question is: Will it outweigh the Kamala factor?”

Indeed, the survey reported that 45% of respondents said that Harris’ nomination had made them more likely to vote, and 49% said they were more enthusiastic about supporting Biden. It also showed that respondents cared more about health care, the economy and the environment than U.S.-India relations.

YouGov conducted the survey as part of a research project by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Trump has also lost some favor in India, where the news media criticized him for casting doubt on the integrity of Indian government coronavirus statistics during the presidential debate last month.

Rangaswami, who attended the Houston rally and is registered as an independent, said the audience appeared to consist largely of older Indian Americans, who he said leaned conservative and most likely voted for Trump in 2016.

That Indian American voters lean liberal overall is partly because a younger generation, born in the United States, is far less convinced by the conservative cultural mores brought by their parents and grandparents from India, Rangaswami said.

“There’s definitely that schism in the Indian American community,” said Raj Bhutoria, 20, a junior at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California, who has dreamed of running for office since working as a volunteer on the successful 2016 campaign of Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., an Indian American.

Khanna’s victory and Harris’ nomination show that “now being Indian is no longer a barrier to run for office or get elected,” Bhutoria said.

Despite wishing that the Democratic nominees were more progressive on some issues, Bhutoria said he was supporting them — though with perhaps less gusto than his parents, Ajay and Vinita Bhutoria, Bay Area tech entrepreneurs in their 40s who, as avowed liberals, are somewhat of an exception for their generation. They have starred in three ads supporting the Biden-Harris campaign, set to Bollywood music and featuring slogans in a variety of Indian languages.

Bhutoria cited Trump’s trade disputes with India, pressure on countries not to trade with Iran — an important source of cheap oil for India — and the suspension of H-1B visas for high-skilled workers, a large number of which go to Indians.

“The ‘Howdy, Modi’ event was wonderful to look at, but they were only beautiful picture moments,” he said. “Trump has not done much for India or Indians Americans.”

A large majority of Indian Americans plan to cast ballots for the Democratic ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, according to a survey released Wednesday, despite elaborate overtures by the Trump White House to win their support.

A large majority of Indian Americans plan to cast ballots for the Democratic ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, according to a survey released Wednesday, despite elaborate overtures by the Trump White House to win their support. The survey, by the polling firm YouGov, found that 72% of Indian American voters planned to vote for Biden, with just 22% planning to go for President Donald Trump. While Indian Americans hold a wide variety of political views, the presence on the Democratic ticket of Harris, whose mother immigrated from Chennai, India, has had a galvanizing effect on a voting bloc that could help Biden in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan. Their potential impact on the presidential election highlights the growing importance of Indian Americans in U.S. politics: As the second-largest immigrant group in the country, Indian Americans are gaining influence, making political donations, vocally supporting candidates and causes and, most notably, running for office, from the school board to Congress. “We have arrived,” said Ramesh Kapur, a Democratic Party fundraiser. Kapur, 72, who owns a gas processing and distributing company in Medford, Massachusetts, and supported Harris’ 2016 Senate race and her run for the 2020 presidential nomination, said that Indian Americans donated $3.3 million to the Biden Victory Fund at a single fundraising event he organized in September. But Harris isn’t the only reason many Indian Americans support the Democratic ticket this year, Kapur said. They are also turned off by the president’s frequent attacks on immigrants and people of color, despite standing to gain from Trump’s economic policies. “Even though they are supposedly saving taxes, to the Indian American community, when you get the president of the United States saying to an elected official, ‘Go home,’ that scares the hell out of us,” he said, referring to Trump’s tweet in July 2019 about a group of four minority congresswomen. While the approximately 2 million Indian American voters comprise less than 1% of the electorate, they are voters who both parties seek to attract. The larger Indian American population is twice as rich as the rest of the country as a whole, and two times as likely to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. And at the rate the community is growing — doubling in size every decade since the 1980s — they represent an increasingly formidable force in U.S. politics. The apparently wide support among Indian Americans for Biden comes despite high-profile efforts by Trump and the Republicans to win their votes. A year ago, Trump drew 50,000 people to a rally in Houston with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, an event that organizers called “Howdy, Modi.” The prime minister, a right-wing populist whose bellicose views on two of India’s rivals, Pakistan and China, helped win his party a landslide reelection in 2019, and who has generally received support from the Indian diaspora, lauded Trump’s name as “familiar to every person on the planet.” He returned the favor in February with an even larger spectacle for Trump in India. The rallies did win Trump some support, said M.R. Rangaswami, the founder of Indiaspora, a nonpartisan group that promotes the interests of Indians in the United States. “Trump has invested in India, has invested in Indian Americans with the ‘Howdy, Modi’ visit and with going to India, and it has shown results,” Rangaswami said. “The question is: Will it outweigh the Kamala factor?” Indeed, the survey reported that 45% of respondents said that Harris’ nomination had made them more likely to vote, and 49% said they were more enthusiastic about supporting Biden. It also showed that respondents cared more about health care, the economy and the environment than U.S.-India relations. YouGov conducted the survey as part of a research project by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania. Trump has also lost some favor in India, where the news media criticized him for casting doubt on the integrity of Indian government coronavirus statistics during the presidential debate last month. Rangaswami, who attended the Houston rally and is registered as an independent, said the audience appeared to consist largely of older Indian Americans, who he said leaned conservative and most likely voted for Trump in 2016. That Indian American voters lean liberal overall is partly because a younger generation, born in the United States, is far less convinced by the conservative cultural mores brought by their parents and grandparents from India, Rangaswami said. “There’s definitely that schism in the Indian American community,” said Raj Bhutoria, 20, a junior at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California, who has dreamed of running for office since working as a volunteer on the successful 2016 campaign of Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., an Indian American. Khanna’s victory and Harris’ nomination show that “now being Indian is no longer a barrier to run for office or get elected,” Bhutoria said. Despite wishing that the Democratic nominees were more progressive on some issues, Bhutoria said he was supporting them — though with perhaps less gusto than his parents, Ajay and Vinita Bhutoria, Bay Area tech entrepreneurs in their 40s who, as avowed liberals, are somewhat of an exception for their generation. They have starred in three ads supporting the Biden-Harris campaign, set to Bollywood music and featuring slogans in a variety of Indian languages. Bhutoria cited Trump’s trade disputes with India, pressure on countries not to trade with Iran — an important source of cheap oil for India — and the suspension of H-1B visas for high-skilled workers, a large number of which go to Indians. “The ‘Howdy, Modi’ event was wonderful to look at, but they were only beautiful picture moments,” he said. “Trump has not done much for India or Indians Americans.”

US election 2020: Indian-Americans overwhelmingly support Joe Biden, new poll shows

Watch this special episode of WION-VOA Co-Production over US Election 2020: A civil Vice Presidential debate..

US Election 2020: A civil Vice Presidential debate | WION-VOA Co-Production

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden appeared to lead President Donald Trump in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania less than a month before the Nov. 3 election, according to Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls released on Monday.

The polls showed the former vice president ahead by 5 percentage points in Pennsylvania, matching the poll’s credibility interval. Biden led Trump by 6 points in Wisconsin. In both states, Biden improved his position relative to mid-September.

Reuters/Ipsos is polling likely voters in six states - Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Florida and Arizona - that will play critical roles in deciding whether Trump wins a second term in office or if Biden ousts him in the November election.

Below is a state-by-state look at Reuters/Ipsos findings, based on the online responses of likely voters, which include responses from some who cast ballots ahead of the formal November 3 Election Day, which is increasingly common due to the coronavirus pandemic:

WISCONSIN (Sept. 29-Oct. 5):

* Voting for Biden: 50%

* Voting for Trump: 44%

* 50% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 41% said Trump would be better.

* 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 44% said Biden would be better.

* 13% said they already had voted.

PENNSYLVANIA (Sept. 29-Oct. 5):

* Voting for Biden: 50%

* Voting for Trump: 45%

* 51% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 41% said Trump would be better.

* 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 46% said Biden would be better.

* 2% said they already had voted.

FLORIDA (Sept. 11-16):

* Voting for Biden: 47%

* Voting for Trump: 47%

* 46% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 46% said Trump would be better.

* 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 41% said Biden would be better.

* 3% said they already had voted.

ARIZONA (Sept. 11-17):

* Voting for Biden: 47%

* Voting for Trump: 46%

* 47% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 44% said Trump would be better.

* 49% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 44% said Biden would be better.

* 3% said they already had voted.

MICHIGAN (Sept. 11-16):

* Voting for Biden: 49%

* Voting for Trump: 44%

* 50% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 44% said Trump would be better.

* 48% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 45% said Biden would be better.

* 2% said they already had voted.

NORTH CAROLINA (Sept. 11-16):

* Voting for Biden: 47%

* Voting for Trump: 47%

* 47% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 45% said Trump would be better.

* 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 44% said Biden would be better.

* 4% said they already had voted.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden appeared to lead President Donald Trump in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania less than a month before the Nov. 3 election, according to Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls released on Monday.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden appeared to lead President Donald Trump in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania less than a month before the Nov. 3 election, according to Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls released on Monday. The polls showed the former vice president ahead by 5 percentage points in Pennsylvania, matching the poll’s credibility interval. Biden led Trump by 6 points in Wisconsin. In both states, Biden improved his position relative to mid-September. Reuters/Ipsos is polling likely voters in six states - Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Florida and Arizona - that will play critical roles in deciding whether Trump wins a second term in office or if Biden ousts him in the November election. Below is a state-by-state look at Reuters/Ipsos findings, based on the online responses of likely voters, which include responses from some who cast ballots ahead of the formal November 3 Election Day, which is increasingly common due to the coronavirus pandemic: WISCONSIN (Sept. 29-Oct. 5): * Voting for Biden: 50% * Voting for Trump: 44% * 50% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 41% said Trump would be better. * 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 44% said Biden would be better. * 13% said they already had voted. PENNSYLVANIA (Sept. 29-Oct. 5): * Voting for Biden: 50% * Voting for Trump: 45% * 51% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 41% said Trump would be better. * 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 46% said Biden would be better. * 2% said they already had voted. FLORIDA (Sept. 11-16): * Voting for Biden: 47% * Voting for Trump: 47% * 46% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 46% said Trump would be better. * 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 41% said Biden would be better. * 3% said they already had voted. ARIZONA (Sept. 11-17): * Voting for Biden: 47% * Voting for Trump: 46% * 47% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 44% said Trump would be better. * 49% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 44% said Biden would be better. * 3% said they already had voted. MICHIGAN (Sept. 11-16): * Voting for Biden: 49% * Voting for Trump: 44% * 50% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 44% said Trump would be better. * 48% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 45% said Biden would be better. * 2% said they already had voted. NORTH CAROLINA (Sept. 11-16): * Voting for Biden: 47% * Voting for Trump: 47% * 47% said Biden would be better at handling the coronavirus pandemic. 45% said Trump would be better. * 51% said Trump would be better at managing the economy. 44% said Biden would be better. * 4% said they already had voted.

Biden leading in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin: Reuters/Ipsos poll

Jim Carrey looks strikingly like Democrat candidate Joe Biden in a new teaser of 'Saturday Night Live'. The Hollywood star appears in a short clip alongside Maya Rudolph who dresses up as Senator Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate in the upcoming US presidential elections. 
 
The episode featuring the two will air on October 3 and the official twitter handle of of SNL shared a teaser ahead of the episode.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ladies and gentlemen… 
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SNLPremiere?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SNLPremiere</a> <a href="https://t.co/khYgAvXKpw">pic.twitter.com/khYgAvXKpw</a>
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsnl/status/1311807261489201152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This is the first time that Carrey will play Biden and feature in the popular comedy show. Rudolph appeared as Senator Harris first in 2019 in SNL. Rudolph's act had drawn praise from all quarters including from the Senator herself. 
Biden and Trump are contesting for the top seat. US goes to election on November 3.

Jim Carrey looks strikingly like Democrat candidate Joe Biden in a new teaser of 'Saturday Night Live'. The Hollywood star appears in a short clip alongside Maya Rudolph who dresses up as Senator Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate in the upcoming US presidential elections.

Jim Carrey looks strikingly like Democrat candidate Joe Biden in a new teaser of 'Saturday Night Live'. The Hollywood star appears in a short clip alongside Maya Rudolph who dresses up as Senator Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate in the upcoming US presidential elections. The episode featuring the two will air on October 3 and the official twitter handle of of SNL shared a teaser ahead of the episode. Ladies and gentlemen… Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. #SNLPremiere pic.twitter.com/khYgAvXKpw — Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) October 1, 2020 × This is the first time that Carrey will play Biden and feature in the popular comedy show. Rudolph appeared as Senator Harris first in 2019 in SNL. Rudolph's act had drawn praise from all quarters including from the Senator herself. Biden and Trump are contesting for the top seat. US goes to election on November 3.

Presenting Jim Carrey's first look as Joe Biden in 'Saturday Night Live'

US President Donald Trump said the country is weeks away from getting a vaccine to fight the coronavirus.

"Now we are weeks away from the vaccine," Trump said during a presidential debate with his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday.

"I don’t trust him at all," Biden replied.

Biden swiped at Trump over the president’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

“He panicked, or just looked at the stock market, one of the two,” Biden said. “Because guess what? A lot of people died and a lot more are going to die unless he gets a lot smarter or a lot quicker.”

Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Joe Biden on Wednesday termed President Donald Trump a "liar" and a "clown" as the pair clashed in a fiery start to their first presidential debate. 
 
Trump fired back, telling Biden, "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing." 
 
During the first of the three presidential debates in Cleveland, Ohio, Trump and Biden clashed over each other's personality, past record, family and their visions. 
 
"The fact is that everything he's (Trump) saying so far is simply a lie. I'm not here to call out his lies. 
Everybody knows he's a liar," Biden said. 
 
Responding to the jibe, Trump said Biden is a liar and graduated last in his class. 
 
Attacking Trump over the handling of the coronavirus, Biden said the president has lied to Americans on the COVID-19 issue.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump said the country is weeks away from getting a vaccine to fight the coronavirus. "Now we are weeks away from the vaccine," Trump said during a presidential debate with his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump said the country is weeks away from getting a vaccine to fight the coronavirus. "Now we are weeks away from the vaccine," Trump said during a presidential debate with his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Tuesday. "I don’t trust him at all," Biden replied. Biden swiped at Trump over the president’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic. “He panicked, or just looked at the stock market, one of the two,” Biden said. “Because guess what? A lot of people died and a lot more are going to die unless he gets a lot smarter or a lot quicker.” Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Joe Biden on Wednesday termed President Donald Trump a "liar" and a "clown" as the pair clashed in a fiery start to their first presidential debate. Trump fired back, telling Biden, "There's nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years, you've done nothing." During the first of the three presidential debates in Cleveland, Ohio, Trump and Biden clashed over each other's personality, past record, family and their visions. "The fact is that everything he's (Trump) saying so far is simply a lie. I'm not here to call out his lies. Everybody knows he's a liar," Biden said. Responding to the jibe, Trump said Biden is a liar and graduated last in his class. Attacking Trump over the handling of the coronavirus, Biden said the president has lied to Americans on the COVID-19 issue. (With inputs from agencies)

US 'weeks away from vaccine': Trump during debate against Biden

Frontrunner Joe Biden and an increasingly struggling Donald Trump traded jabs Tuesday hours ahead of a first presidential debate that promised to be as nasty and unpredictable a clash as American voters have ever seen. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-releases-tax-returns-just-hours-ahead-of-tv-debate-with-trump-331276">Also read | Biden releases tax returns just hours ahead of TV debate with Trump</a>

Before they'd even met on the stage in Cleveland for the first of three 90-minute live television showdowns, Biden made public his tax returns to capitalize on revelations that the billionaire Trump avoided paying almost any federal income taxes for years.

Trump's reported mastery of loopholes to pay just $750 in federal tax during the first year of his presidency has given Biden an opening to paint the Republican as a phony when he says he represents America's working classes.&nbsp;

By contrast, Biden's returns show that he and his wife Jill paid a hefty $299,346 in federal income taxes for 2019.

While Biden tees up what is likely to be a central weapon in the debate, Trump's team leaned in on its lurid narrative that the Democratic challenger is senile and needs help to get through the debate.

Trump has repeatedly demanded that Biden take a test for performance enhancing drugs.

And on Tuesday, his campaign, echoed by Trump-friendly Fox News, launched into new conspiracy theory territory by loudly demanding that Biden be checked for a secret earpiece -- presumably to give him answers in the debate.

"Joe Biden's handlers several days ago agreed to a pre-debate inspection for electronic earpieces but today abruptly reversed themselves and declined," Tim Murtaugh, Trump 2020 communications director, said in a statement.

Biden's deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield called this "absurd" and shot back with her own bit of rumor mongering, claiming that Trump's team had tried unsuccessfully to ensure that the debate moderator, Fox News' Chris Wallace, would never mention the number of US deaths from Covid-19.

"See how easy that was to try to throw up a distraction?" she was quoted as saying by Politico.

Covid and taxes

As Trump landed in Cleveland ahead of the debate, a senior official on Air Force One told reporters that "he's ready to go."&nbsp;

The official said Trump was bringing former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani -- now a controversial lawyer for the president -- and mixed martial arts fighter Colby Covington as guests.

The pre-game trash talk gave a flavor of what the two camps are trying to achieve.

Trump, behind in national and swing state polls, is considered a master at deflection and stirring outrage.

Biden arrived in Cleveland on a new campaign plane decorated with his name and that of running mate Kamala Harris.

He wants to keep the debate firmly fixed on Trump's biggest liabilities -- the more than 200,000 coronavirus deaths and the tax avoidance uproar.

Covid-19 restrictions will give the debate a streamlined look with a smaller audience. Naturally, there won't be the once standard -- even if forced -- show of goodwill in shaking hands.

What Americans will get, however, is a chance finally to see Trump, 74, and Biden, 77, side by side.

And Trump, who fancies his skills as a verbal pugilist, is expected to hit hard and low.

Supreme Court silver bullet?

The president arguably has little to lose: his hardcore support is already baked in and Americans are by now almost incapable of feeling shocked by his convention-wrecking insults and well documented torrent of exaggerations or outright lies.

But he also goes to Cleveland with what he hopes will be a silver bullet -- his nomination of conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court.

If Barrett is quickly confirmed, as the Republican-led Senate expects, Trump will have tilted the highest court firmly to the right for years to come.

Democrats are crying foul over the rushed timing but Trump expects the power play to energize conservatives.

The president is also sure to go heavy on previous claims that Biden's son Hunter was involved in corruption in Ukraine. Last year Trump was impeached for using the power of his office to try to pressure the Ukrainian government into publicly backing that theory.

But should Trump attack Hunter or Biden's other children, including son Beau who died of cancer in 2015, "it will backfire," said Biden spokesman Andrew Bates.

Biden, as frontrunner, wants to stay steady, but he has a reputation for losing his cool when challenged in public. Many Americans are keen to see whether the would-be president can stand the heat of a Trump firestorm.

But Biden will also go after Trump in a personal way, painting him as a spoiled playboy who only poses as a friend of the white working class that helped him get elected in 2016.

Frontrunner Joe Biden and an increasingly struggling Donald Trump traded jabs Tuesday hours ahead of a first presidential debate that promised to be as nasty and unpredictable a clash as American voters have ever seen.

Frontrunner Joe Biden and an increasingly struggling Donald Trump traded jabs Tuesday hours ahead of a first presidential debate that promised to be as nasty and unpredictable a clash as American voters have ever seen. Also read | Biden releases tax returns just hours ahead of TV debate with Trump Before they'd even met on the stage in Cleveland for the first of three 90-minute live television showdowns, Biden made public his tax returns to capitalize on revelations that the billionaire Trump avoided paying almost any federal income taxes for years. Trump's reported mastery of loopholes to pay just $750 in federal tax during the first year of his presidency has given Biden an opening to paint the Republican as a phony when he says he represents America's working classes. By contrast, Biden's returns show that he and his wife Jill paid a hefty $299,346 in federal income taxes for 2019. While Biden tees up what is likely to be a central weapon in the debate, Trump's team leaned in on its lurid narrative that the Democratic challenger is senile and needs help to get through the debate. Trump has repeatedly demanded that Biden take a test for performance enhancing drugs. And on Tuesday, his campaign, echoed by Trump-friendly Fox News, launched into new conspiracy theory territory by loudly demanding that Biden be checked for a secret earpiece -- presumably to give him answers in the debate. "Joe Biden's handlers several days ago agreed to a pre-debate inspection for electronic earpieces but today abruptly reversed themselves and declined," Tim Murtaugh, Trump 2020 communications director, said in a statement. Biden's deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield called this "absurd" and shot back with her own bit of rumor mongering, claiming that Trump's team had tried unsuccessfully to ensure that the debate moderator, Fox News' Chris Wallace, would never mention the number of US deaths from Covid-19. "See how easy that was to try to throw up a distraction?" she was quoted as saying by Politico. Covid and taxes As Trump landed in Cleveland ahead of the debate, a senior official on Air Force One told reporters that "he's ready to go." The official said Trump was bringing former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani -- now a controversial lawyer for the president -- and mixed martial arts fighter Colby Covington as guests. The pre-game trash talk gave a flavor of what the two camps are trying to achieve. Trump, behind in national and swing state polls, is considered a master at deflection and stirring outrage. Biden arrived in Cleveland on a new campaign plane decorated with his name and that of running mate Kamala Harris. He wants to keep the debate firmly fixed on Trump's biggest liabilities -- the more than 200,000 coronavirus deaths and the tax avoidance uproar. Covid-19 restrictions will give the debate a streamlined look with a smaller audience. Naturally, there won't be the once standard -- even if forced -- show of goodwill in shaking hands. What Americans will get, however, is a chance finally to see Trump, 74, and Biden, 77, side by side. And Trump, who fancies his skills as a verbal pugilist, is expected to hit hard and low. Supreme Court silver bullet? The president arguably has little to lose: his hardcore support is already baked in and Americans are by now almost incapable of feeling shocked by his convention-wrecking insults and well documented torrent of exaggerations or outright lies. But he also goes to Cleveland with what he hopes will be a silver bullet -- his nomination of conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. If Barrett is quickly confirmed, as the Republican-led Senate expects, Trump will have tilted the highest court firmly to the right for years to come. Democrats are crying foul over the rushed timing but Trump expects the power play to energize conservatives. The president is also sure to go heavy on previous claims that Biden's son Hunter was involved in corruption in Ukraine. Last year Trump was impeached for using the power of his office to try to pressure the Ukrainian government into publicly backing that theory. But should Trump attack Hunter or Biden's other children, including son Beau who died of cancer in 2015, "it will backfire," said Biden spokesman Andrew Bates. Biden, as frontrunner, wants to stay steady, but he has a reputation for losing his cool when challenged in public. Many Americans are keen to see whether the would-be president can stand the heat of a Trump firestorm. But Biden will also go after Trump in a personal way, painting him as a spoiled playboy who only poses as a friend of the white working class that helped him get elected in 2016.

US presidential debate 2020: Trump, Biden spar ahead of real debate fight

Britain's Channel 4 News alleges that 3.5 million Black American voters were targeted with several TV and social media advertisements by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to deter them from going to the polls. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-claims-he-paid-millions-in-taxes-after-bombshell-report-330989">Also read | US President Trump claims he paid 'millions' in taxes after bombshell report</a> 
 
According to the data obtained by the channel, 3.5 million Black Americans were categorised by Donald Trump’s campaign as ‘Deterrence’ – voters they wanted to stay home on Election Day. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-one-liners-rehearsed-performances-and-mammoth-audiences-expected-as-biden-trump-gear-up-for-debates-330793">US: One-liners, rehearsed performances and mammoth audiences expected as Biden, Trump gear up for debates</a>

The reports alleges that "Black voters were targeted with videos that showed Trump’s opponent and Democratic party candidate Hillary Clinton referring to Black youth as “super predators” that aired on TV 402 times in October 2016, and saw millions of Facebook hits."

The Channel 4 News has reported that "Vast in scale, it contains details on almost 200 million Americans, among more than 5,000 files, which together amass almost 5 terabytes of data – making it one of the biggest leaks in history. It reveals not only the huge amounts of data held on every individual voter, but how that data was used and manipulated by models and algorithms."

According to the nonpartisan American think tank Pew Research Center, White voters showing a slight and fairly consistent preference toward Republican candidates in presidential elections over the last 40 years, while Black voters have solidly supported the Democratic contenders.

Meanwhile. Democrats have sharpened their attacks on the US president with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi describing the findings as "Trump's disdain for America's working families."

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Channel 4 News alleges that 3.5 million Black American voters were targeted with several TV and social media advertisements by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to deter them from going to the polls.

Britain's Channel 4 News alleges that 3.5 million Black American voters were targeted with several TV and social media advertisements by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to deter them from going to the polls. Also read | US President Trump claims he paid 'millions' in taxes after bombshell report According to the data obtained by the channel, 3.5 million Black Americans were categorised by Donald Trump’s campaign as ‘Deterrence’ – voters they wanted to stay home on Election Day. Also read | US: One-liners, rehearsed performances and mammoth audiences expected as Biden, Trump gear up for debates The reports alleges that "Black voters were targeted with videos that showed Trump’s opponent and Democratic party candidate Hillary Clinton referring to Black youth as “super predators” that aired on TV 402 times in October 2016, and saw millions of Facebook hits." The Channel 4 News has reported that "Vast in scale, it contains details on almost 200 million Americans, among more than 5,000 files, which together amass almost 5 terabytes of data – making it one of the biggest leaks in history. It reveals not only the huge amounts of data held on every individual voter, but how that data was used and manipulated by models and algorithms." According to the nonpartisan American think tank Pew Research Center, White voters showing a slight and fairly consistent preference toward Republican candidates in presidential elections over the last 40 years, while Black voters have solidly supported the Democratic contenders. Meanwhile. Democrats have sharpened their attacks on the US president with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi describing the findings as "Trump's disdain for America's working families." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump campaign targeted Black Americans with Ads to deter them from voting in 2016: Report

US President Trump on Monday informed that the American government will distribute 150 million rapid, point-of-care coronavirus tests to states over the next few weeks.

“In the old days when we just started this you remember we’d go out and we’d have to find these massive laboratories with tremendously expensive equipment. Now we’re down to something, that you’ll see, is really from a different planet," Trump said during a press conference. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-one-liners-rehearsed-performances-and-mammoth-audiences-expected-as-biden-trump-gear-up-for-debates-330793">US: One-liners, rehearsed performances and mammoth audiences expected as Biden, Trump gear up for debates</a>

“We’re announcing our plan to distribute 150 million Abbott rapid point-of-care tests in the coming weeks,” he said. 
 
Trump said 50 million tests will go to the “most vulnerable communities” including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health and hospice care. Nearly 1 million will be sent to historically Black colleges and universities and tribal nation colleges.

He said 100 million tests would be given to states and territories to “support efforts to reopen their economies and schools immediately and (as) fast as they can.”

This decision by Trump govt matters the most because the White House administration has stressed the importance of reopening schools in allowing parents to return to work and jumpstarting the economy.

The United States has the world’s highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at more than 7 million and the most coronavirus-related deaths, approaching 205,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Trump on Monday informed that the American government will distribute 150 million rapid, point-of-care coronavirus tests to states over the next few weeks.

US President Trump on Monday informed that the American government will distribute 150 million rapid, point-of-care coronavirus tests to states over the next few weeks. “In the old days when we just started this you remember we’d go out and we’d have to find these massive laboratories with tremendously expensive equipment. Now we’re down to something, that you’ll see, is really from a different planet," Trump said during a press conference. Also read | US: One-liners, rehearsed performances and mammoth audiences expected as Biden, Trump gear up for debates “We’re announcing our plan to distribute 150 million Abbott rapid point-of-care tests in the coming weeks,” he said. Trump said 50 million tests will go to the “most vulnerable communities” including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health and hospice care. Nearly 1 million will be sent to historically Black colleges and universities and tribal nation colleges. He said 100 million tests would be given to states and territories to “support efforts to reopen their economies and schools immediately and (as) fast as they can.” This decision by Trump govt matters the most because the White House administration has stressed the importance of reopening schools in allowing parents to return to work and jumpstarting the economy. The United States has the world’s highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at more than 7 million and the most coronavirus-related deaths, approaching 205,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump announces plan to distribute 150 million rapid coronavirus test kits