A recent survey has revealed that there are several factors that makes US President Donald Trump closer to Indian-Americans than his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

US Election 2020: What are the choices that voters face in key states?

Trump frequently claims that mail-in ballots are vulnerable to mass fraud and are being encouraged by Democrats to rig the election.

US Election 2020: President Donald Trump won't commit to peaceful power transfer

Ahead of the election, US President Donald Trump has claimed to announce the nominee this week to replace the Ruth Bader Ginsburg as Associate Justice in the Supreme Court of United States.

US Election 2020: Trump to announce nominee this week to replace Ginsburg in SC

US Election 2020: People can choose to cast vote by mail, But it takes longer for process.. Watch this report by WION-VOA Co-Production..

US Election 2020: People can choose to cast vote by mail, But it takes longer for process | WION-VOA Co-Production

As America starts voting in early polls, watch WION's special broadcast on US Election 2020

U.S. Election 2020 New York Direct | Trump and Biden head to swing states

Kim Kardashian West on Tuesday decided to freeze her Facebook and Instagram accounts, as she and other celebrities called on the social media platforms to stop the spread of hate and misinformation. 
 
"Misinformation shared on social media has a serious impact on our elections and undermines our democracy," Kardashian West said in a tweet, as she joined the 'Stop Hate for Profit' campaign that has pressured Facebook Inc to remove hate speech. 
 
The campaign, launched earlier this year, won the support of dozens of major companies in an advertising boycott of the social media giant. 
 
Kardashian West, a businesswoman and reality TV star, has become an influential powerhouse of social change in recent months, raising the issue of climate change to her millions of followers and lobbying the White House for criminal justice reform. 
 
With 188 million Instagram followers, Kardashian West has one of the top 10 most followed accounts worldwide. 
 
She plans to freeze her accounts on Wednesday. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
The company had said it would team up with civil rights groups and experts to develop more tools to fight hate speech. 
 
Other celebrities and actors including Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lawrence and Sacha Baron Cohen also tweeted on Tuesday, calling on Facebook to do more to stop the spread of misinformation, using the hashtag #StopHateForProfit. 
 
The campaign encouraged users to post about the harms that Facebook is inflicting on society and the importance of voting. It includes a 24-hour Instagram 'Freeze' on September 16.

Kim Kardashian West on Tuesday decided to freeze her Facebook and Instagram accounts, as she and other celebrities called on the social media platforms to stop the spread of hate and misinformation.

Kim Kardashian West on Tuesday decided to freeze her Facebook and Instagram accounts, as she and other celebrities called on the social media platforms to stop the spread of hate and misinformation. "Misinformation shared on social media has a serious impact on our elections and undermines our democracy," Kardashian West said in a tweet, as she joined the 'Stop Hate for Profit' campaign that has pressured Facebook Inc to remove hate speech. The campaign, launched earlier this year, won the support of dozens of major companies in an advertising boycott of the social media giant. Kardashian West, a businesswoman and reality TV star, has become an influential powerhouse of social change in recent months, raising the issue of climate change to her millions of followers and lobbying the White House for criminal justice reform. With 188 million Instagram followers, Kardashian West has one of the top 10 most followed accounts worldwide. She plans to freeze her accounts on Wednesday. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company had said it would team up with civil rights groups and experts to develop more tools to fight hate speech. Other celebrities and actors including Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lawrence and Sacha Baron Cohen also tweeted on Tuesday, calling on Facebook to do more to stop the spread of misinformation, using the hashtag #StopHateForProfit. The campaign encouraged users to post about the harms that Facebook is inflicting on society and the importance of voting. It includes a 24-hour Instagram 'Freeze' on September 16.

Kim Kardashian to freeze Facebook, Instagram accounts to protest hate speech

As wildfires sweeping the west coast states assumed center stage on Monday (September 14) in the US&nbsp;election campaign, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden stressed the role of climate change in stoking the fires, saying President Donald Trump, who has blamed the fires on poor forest management, has not done enough.

"Donald Trump's climate denial may not have caused these fires and record floods and record hurricanes, but if he gets a second term, these hellish events will continue to become more common, more devastating and more deadly," he said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oregon-wildfires-nearly-500000-evacuated-amid-climate-change-warning-326996">Oregon wildfires: Nearly 500,000 evacuated amid climate change warning</a>

The blitz of wildfires across Oregon, California and Washington state has destroyed thousands of homes and a half dozen small towns since August, scorching more than 4 million acres (1.6 million hectares) and killing more than two dozen people.

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Biden has blamed human-caused higher average temperatures in US&nbsp;West coast states for the wildfires and included climate change in his list of major crises facing the United States, along with the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-dismisses-climate-concerns-blames-poor-forest-management-for-western-wildfires-327587">Trump dismisses climate concern, blames 'poor' forest management for wildfires</a>

Calling Trump a "climate arsonist," Biden said, "If we have four more years of Trump's climate denial, how many suburbs will be burned by wildfires? How many suburban neighborhoods will have been flooded out," he said.

Democrats have blasted Trump for remaining mostly silent about the largest wildfires in state history, except for his efforts to blame the blazes on failures by the state government.

Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Paris accord that laid out an international approach to combat climate change, has authorised federal disaster aid for both California and Oregon and is due to meet with firefighters and emergency officials in Northern California.

As wildfires sweeping the west coast states assumed center stage on Monday (September 14) in the US election campaign, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden stressed the role of climate change in stoking the fires, saying President Donald Trump, who has blamed the fires on poor forest management, has not done enough.

As wildfires sweeping the west coast states assumed center stage on Monday (September 14) in the US election campaign, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden stressed the role of climate change in stoking the fires, saying President Donald Trump, who has blamed the fires on poor forest management, has not done enough. "Donald Trump's climate denial may not have caused these fires and record floods and record hurricanes, but if he gets a second term, these hellish events will continue to become more common, more devastating and more deadly," he said. Also see: Oregon wildfires: Nearly 500,000 evacuated amid climate change warning The blitz of wildfires across Oregon, California and Washington state has destroyed thousands of homes and a half dozen small towns since August, scorching more than 4 million acres (1.6 million hectares) and killing more than two dozen people. Biden has blamed human-caused higher average temperatures in US West coast states for the wildfires and included climate change in his list of major crises facing the United States, along with the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Trump dismisses climate concern, blames 'poor' forest management for wildfires Calling Trump a "climate arsonist," Biden said, "If we have four more years of Trump's climate denial, how many suburbs will be burned by wildfires? How many suburban neighborhoods will have been flooded out," he said. Democrats have blasted Trump for remaining mostly silent about the largest wildfires in state history, except for his efforts to blame the blazes on failures by the state government. Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Paris accord that laid out an international approach to combat climate change, has authorised federal disaster aid for both California and Oregon and is due to meet with firefighters and emergency officials in Northern California.

US election 2020: Biden calls Trump a 'climate arsonist,' vows to create environmental jobs

Days after his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chris-evans-accidentally-posts-nude-photo-on-his-instagram-netizens-respond-327155">nude post on Instagram went viral, </a>Chris Evans has responded and delivered an important message for his fans in America. 
 
The 'Captain America' star cleverly used the attention his post got to direct people's attention to the upcoming US Presidential elections. 
 
Evans has been all over the internet after he accidentally shared a screen recording of his camera roll consisting of his nude pictures on Instagram. 
 
Chris Evans deleted the video thereafter but the pictures had already gone viral with several celebrities commenting on the leak. 
Fans of the Marvel actor then came out in his support and flooded the internet with his wholesome pictures with his dog to cut the negativity. 
 
Evans took to Twitter to use the attention to urge his fans to vote in the upcoming Presidential elections. "Now that I have your attention .... VOTE Nov 3rd!!!," he tweeted.

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Now that I have your attention 
🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️.... 
 
VOTE Nov 3rd!!!
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/1305681183129436161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet by the `Avengers` star came shortly after long hours of silence.

Days after his nude post on Instagram went viral, Chris Evans has responded and delivered an important message for his fans in America. The 'Captain America' star cleverly used the attention his post got to direct people's attention to the upcoming US Presidential elections.

Days after his nude post on Instagram went viral, Chris Evans has responded and delivered an important message for his fans in America. The 'Captain America' star cleverly used the attention his post got to direct people's attention to the upcoming US Presidential elections. Evans has been all over the internet after he accidentally shared a screen recording of his camera roll consisting of his nude pictures on Instagram. Chris Evans deleted the video thereafter but the pictures had already gone viral with several celebrities commenting on the leak. Fans of the Marvel actor then came out in his support and flooded the internet with his wholesome pictures with his dog to cut the negativity. Evans took to Twitter to use the attention to urge his fans to vote in the upcoming Presidential elections. "Now that I have your attention .... VOTE Nov 3rd!!!," he tweeted. Now that I have your attention 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️.... VOTE Nov 3rd!!! — Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) September 15, 2020 × The tweet by the `Avengers` star came shortly after long hours of silence.

Chris Evans has this to say after his nude image goes viral

US President Donald Trump’s former adviser and also his friend Roger Stone, has suggested that if Trump lose out to Biden in upcoming Presidential elections, then Trump should enforce his power by declaring martial law. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-commutes-longtime-adviser-roger-stones-prison-sentence-312432">Also read | Trump commutes longtime adviser Roger Stone's prison sentence</a> 
 
He also suggested to arrest Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Tim Cook of Apple, Bill and Hillary Clinton and “anybody else who can be proven to be involved in illegal activity”.

“I do not advocate preventive detention, but people who commit crimes and think they can continue to get away with it because we have two-tier justice are just wrong,” he said in an online interview.

Stone also advocated “forming an election day operation using the FBI, federal marshals and Republican state officials across the country to be prepared to file legal objections to results and if necessary to physically stand in the way of criminal activity”.

On July 11 this year, President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone, sparing him from prison after he was convicted of lying under oath to lawmakers investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump’s former adviser and also his friend Roger Stone, has suggested that if Trump lose out to Biden in upcoming Presidential elections, then Trump should enforce his power by declaring martial law.

US President Donald Trump’s former adviser and also his friend Roger Stone, has suggested that if Trump lose out to Biden in upcoming Presidential elections, then Trump should enforce his power by declaring martial law. Also read | Trump commutes longtime adviser Roger Stone's prison sentence He also suggested to arrest Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Tim Cook of Apple, Bill and Hillary Clinton and “anybody else who can be proven to be involved in illegal activity”. “I do not advocate preventive detention, but people who commit crimes and think they can continue to get away with it because we have two-tier justice are just wrong,” he said in an online interview. Stone also advocated “forming an election day operation using the FBI, federal marshals and Republican state officials across the country to be prepared to file legal objections to results and if necessary to physically stand in the way of criminal activity”. On July 11 this year, President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone, sparing him from prison after he was convicted of lying under oath to lawmakers investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. (With inputs from agencies)

US election 2020: Trump ally tells him to bring martial law if he loses election; recommends jailing Clintons, Zuckerberg

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris has said her mother Shyamala Gopalan was her source of inspiration who had guided her throughout her entire life.

"My mother always used to say, ''Don't just sit around and complain about things. Do something''," Harris, 55, wrote in a fundraising email to her supporters on Wednesday. "Her words have guided me through my entire life, pushing me to take action, solve problems and fight for solutions."

The Indian-origin senator said it was not a hard decision when Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called her to be his running mate.

"I knew I had to do exactly what my mother would have wanted me to do. With so much on the line, I had to do something," said Harris, the first Black woman on a major party vice-presidential ticket.

"I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of this ticket, or more humbled by the outpouring of support Joe and I have received over these past few weeks on the trail. And honestly, we're going to need every ounce of it," she said, urging her supporters to chip in with their contribution.

Harris has helped not only enthused the party's base, but also helped the campaign raise record amount of money.

During a virtual fundraiser a day earlier, which was hosted by Indian-American and ''Top Chef'' host Padma Lakshmi and actor Billy Porter, Harris spoke about her parents'' involvement in civil rights marches when she was growing up in Oakland.

Ms Harris also said she still finds time to cook Sunday dinners for her family despite her hectic schedule and nationwide campaigning as. The Senator also spoke about her mother''s cooking, noting that she was an "extraordinary cook".

According to Politico, Harris is an enthusiastic cook who bookmarks recipes from the New York Times'' cooking section and had tried almost all the recipes from Alice Waters'' ''The Art of Simple Food''.

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris has said her mother Shyamala Gopalan was her source of inspiration who had guided her throughout her entire life.

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris has said her mother Shyamala Gopalan was her source of inspiration who had guided her throughout her entire life. "My mother always used to say, ''Don't just sit around and complain about things. Do something''," Harris, 55, wrote in a fundraising email to her supporters on Wednesday. "Her words have guided me through my entire life, pushing me to take action, solve problems and fight for solutions." The Indian-origin senator said it was not a hard decision when Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called her to be his running mate. "I knew I had to do exactly what my mother would have wanted me to do. With so much on the line, I had to do something," said Harris, the first Black woman on a major party vice-presidential ticket. "I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of this ticket, or more humbled by the outpouring of support Joe and I have received over these past few weeks on the trail. And honestly, we're going to need every ounce of it," she said, urging her supporters to chip in with their contribution. Harris has helped not only enthused the party's base, but also helped the campaign raise record amount of money. During a virtual fundraiser a day earlier, which was hosted by Indian-American and ''Top Chef'' host Padma Lakshmi and actor Billy Porter, Harris spoke about her parents'' involvement in civil rights marches when she was growing up in Oakland. Ms Harris also said she still finds time to cook Sunday dinners for her family despite her hectic schedule and nationwide campaigning as. The Senator also spoke about her mother''s cooking, noting that she was an "extraordinary cook". According to Politico, Harris is an enthusiastic cook who bookmarks recipes from the New York Times'' cooking section and had tried almost all the recipes from Alice Waters'' ''The Art of Simple Food''.

US election 2020: 'Her words guided me pushing me to action' — Kamala Harris on mother 

US President Donald Trump has attacked Democratic Vice President nominee Kamala Harris saying "people don't like her" and it would be "an insult" to the US if she becomes President.

"It's very simple to remember - if Biden wins, China wins, it is as simple as that. You have a situation where we build the greatest economy in the history of the world and we were forced to close it because the China plague came in and now we have opened it (the economy)," Trump said at a rally in North Carolina.

"People don't like her (US Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris) - nobody likes her. She can never be the first woman president of the US. It will be an insult to our country," he added.

He further said that "it was clear" why China and the "rioters" want Biden to win because "they know his policies will be the downfall of America".

Further attacking Kamala Harris, Trump said that it was interesting that Biden picked her as his running mate in the upcoming elections even after she "left the race".

"She left the race (for president) and it's interesting that they picked her because, in theory, they should win California but I don't know, we will make them play for that. You always pick someone who is going up in the polls," Trump added.

Trump further said that he views the trade deal with China "much differently" now than he did before. "We signed a great trade deal (with China) but the ink was not dry when the plague (COVID-19) came in so I view that trade deal much differently than I did before," he said.

The US Presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 3, this year.

US President Donald Trump has attacked Democratic Vice President nominee Kamala Harris saying "people don't like her" and it would be "an insult" to the US if she becomes President.

US President Donald Trump has attacked Democratic Vice President nominee Kamala Harris saying "people don't like her" and it would be "an insult" to the US if she becomes President. "It's very simple to remember - if Biden wins, China wins, it is as simple as that. You have a situation where we build the greatest economy in the history of the world and we were forced to close it because the China plague came in and now we have opened it (the economy)," Trump said at a rally in North Carolina. "People don't like her (US Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris) - nobody likes her. She can never be the first woman president of the US. It will be an insult to our country," he added. He further said that "it was clear" why China and the "rioters" want Biden to win because "they know his policies will be the downfall of America". Further attacking Kamala Harris, Trump said that it was interesting that Biden picked her as his running mate in the upcoming elections even after she "left the race". "She left the race (for president) and it's interesting that they picked her because, in theory, they should win California but I don't know, we will make them play for that. You always pick someone who is going up in the polls," Trump added. Trump further said that he views the trade deal with China "much differently" now than he did before. "We signed a great trade deal (with China) but the ink was not dry when the plague (COVID-19) came in so I view that trade deal much differently than I did before," he said. The US Presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 3, this year.

US election 2020: Kamala Harris becoming first woman president will be insult to US, says Trump

US President Donald Trump has slammed the "rhetoric" against the coronavirus vaccine by Democratic US presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Senator Kamala Harris, who he said will "never" be President. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-systems-of-justice-prevail-in-america-says-kamala-harris-325811">Also read | Two systems of justice prevail in America, says Kamala Harris</a> 
 
Trump was apparently responding to a CNN interview by Kamala Harris on Sunday, in which the vice-presidential nominee said she would not trust the president unless there was a credible source of information that talks about the vaccine's efficacy and reliability. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/widespread-covid-19-vaccinations-not-expected-until-mid-2021-who-325216" hreflang="en">Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO</a>

"She (Harris) is talking about disparaging a vaccine so that people don't think the achievement was a great achievement," Trump said at a Labor Day press conference at the White House on Monday.

"I don't want the achievement for myself. I want something (that's) going to make people better, that people aren't going to get sick with," he said. "That includes therapeutics, where we're doing equally as well."

The President asserted that a coronavirus vaccine will be available in a record time, maybe by the end of the year and even before the November 3 presidential election. This, he said, had unnerved his political opponents.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris "should immediately apologise for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now, talking about endangering lives," Trump said.

"Numbers are looking unbelievably strong, unbelievably good. So now they'll say, 'Wow Trump's pulled this off. OK, let's disparage the vaccine'. That's so bad for this country. That's so bad for the world to even say that. That's what they're saying," he said.

In response to a question, Trump said: "I watched Kamala's whole numbers drop from 15 to almost zero (during the Democratic primary) and then drop out even before she ran in Iowa (primary elections) because people didn't like it. And I understand why she will never be president," Trump said.

"Although I have to be careful because Obama used to say that about Michelle.... But you have to look at her (Harris) a little bit more closely because obviously Joe is not doing well. So, you're gonna have to look at her a little bit too closely," he said.

Trump asserted that the vaccine -- which could have normally taken two-three years -- will be in the market before the end of the year.

"(We) could even have it during the month of October. Contrary to all of the lies, the vaccine will be very safe and very effective, and it will be delivered very soon," he said.

US President Donald Trump has slammed the "rhetoric" against the coronavirus vaccine by Democratic US presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Senator Kamala Harris, who he said will "never" be President.

US President Donald Trump has slammed the "rhetoric" against the coronavirus vaccine by Democratic US presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Senator Kamala Harris, who he said will "never" be President. Also read | Two systems of justice prevail in America, says Kamala Harris Trump was apparently responding to a CNN interview by Kamala Harris on Sunday, in which the vice-presidential nominee said she would not trust the president unless there was a credible source of information that talks about the vaccine's efficacy and reliability. Also read: Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO "She (Harris) is talking about disparaging a vaccine so that people don't think the achievement was a great achievement," Trump said at a Labor Day press conference at the White House on Monday. "I don't want the achievement for myself. I want something (that's) going to make people better, that people aren't going to get sick with," he said. "That includes therapeutics, where we're doing equally as well." The President asserted that a coronavirus vaccine will be available in a record time, maybe by the end of the year and even before the November 3 presidential election. This, he said, had unnerved his political opponents. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris "should immediately apologise for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now, talking about endangering lives," Trump said. "Numbers are looking unbelievably strong, unbelievably good. So now they'll say, 'Wow Trump's pulled this off. OK, let's disparage the vaccine'. That's so bad for this country. That's so bad for the world to even say that. That's what they're saying," he said. In response to a question, Trump said: "I watched Kamala's whole numbers drop from 15 to almost zero (during the Democratic primary) and then drop out even before she ran in Iowa (primary elections) because people didn't like it. And I understand why she will never be president," Trump said. "Although I have to be careful because Obama used to say that about Michelle.... But you have to look at her (Harris) a little bit more closely because obviously Joe is not doing well. So, you're gonna have to look at her a little bit too closely," he said. Trump asserted that the vaccine -- which could have normally taken two-three years -- will be in the market before the end of the year. "(We) could even have it during the month of October. Contrary to all of the lies, the vaccine will be very safe and very effective, and it will be delivered very soon," he said.

US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump

US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien targetted China as he accused the country of taking&nbsp;"active role" in interfering in US presidential elections.

O'Brien warned everyone trying to do such a thing of "extraordinary consequences". He assured that the US was going to everything to protect the "sanctity" of the elections.

When asked about efforts from other countries to meddle in US elections, O'brien acknowledged that there were always going to be such efforts.

"There's always going to be propaganda. There's always going to be efforts to influence us. And again, we know that the Chinese have taken the most active role but the Russians and the Iranians and other countries are involved as well," he said.

Obrien was addressing the media from the White House podium.

Foreign interference in US elections has become a hot topic since 2016 elections which put Donald Trump in the White House.

There were allegations that Russia had made efforts to influence the election process. A comprehensive investigation was also carried out under special counsel Robert Mueller. The investigation revelaed&nbsp;that Trump campaign had not criminally conspired with Russia to influence the election.

NSA Robert O'Brien on Saturday said that he was continuously monitoring the situation to detect any attempts by other countries to influence US Elections 2020.

US Elections are due in on November 3. Donald Trump will take on Democratic Party's Joe Biden. Current ratings show Trump trails Biden.

(With inputs from Reuters)

US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien targetted China as he accused the country of taking "active role" in interfering in US presidential elections. O'Brien warned everyone trying to do such a thing of "extraordinary consequences".

US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien targetted China as he accused the country of taking "active role" in interfering in US presidential elections. O'Brien warned everyone trying to do such a thing of "extraordinary consequences". He assured that the US was going to everything to protect the "sanctity" of the elections. When asked about efforts from other countries to meddle in US elections, O'brien acknowledged that there were always going to be such efforts. "There's always going to be propaganda. There's always going to be efforts to influence us. And again, we know that the Chinese have taken the most active role but the Russians and the Iranians and other countries are involved as well," he said. Obrien was addressing the media from the White House podium. Foreign interference in US elections has become a hot topic since 2016 elections which put Donald Trump in the White House. There were allegations that Russia had made efforts to influence the election process. A comprehensive investigation was also carried out under special counsel Robert Mueller. The investigation revelaed that Trump campaign had not criminally conspired with Russia to influence the election. NSA Robert O'Brien on Saturday said that he was continuously monitoring the situation to detect any attempts by other countries to influence US Elections 2020. US Elections are due in on November 3. Donald Trump will take on Democratic Party's Joe Biden. Current ratings show Trump trails Biden. (With inputs from Reuters)

US alleges 'active role' by China in election interference

Republicans pressed their case on Tuesday for US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's re-election over Democrat Joe Biden, arguing as their convention opened for a second day that Trump's leadership was vital to the country's economic and political future.

First lady Melania Trump and US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will highlight the program in speeches that have drawn complaints from Democrats for using the White House and a diplomatic trip for partisan purposes.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/takeaways-from-the-first-night-of-the-republican-national-convention-322889">Takeaways from the first night of the Republican National Convention</a>

Hours before&nbsp;Republicans reconvened, the president issued a pardon to a convicted Nevada bank robber, Jon Ponder, who has become an advocate for other inmates and will speak to the convention on Tuesday.

"Jon's life is a beautiful testament to the power of redemption," Trump said in a video.

Also speaking will be Richard Beasley, the FBI agent, now retired, who arrested Ponder in 2004. They are among an array of Americans to testify that Trump's policies have helped them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-warns-american-businesses-to-stop-dealing-with-chinese-companies-322844" hreflang="en">FBI warns American businesses to stop dealing with Chinese companies</a>

"I strongly support President Trump’s re-election. When he sees something isn't right, he’s fearless in fixing it. He listens to working people," Maine lobsterman Jason Joyce was expected to say, according to advance excerpts.

Other Americans speaking in defense of Trump's policies on Tuesday had been expected to include Mary Ann Mendoza, whose police officer son died in a head-on collision with a drunk driver who was in the country illegally. She was pulled from the program after retweeting an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. She later apologised.

Also scheduled to make&nbsp;the case for Trump against his Democratic rival Joe Biden include Trump's son, Eric, and daughter, Tiffany, as well as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and US&nbsp;Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky.

On Monday, the opening day,&nbsp;Republicans painted a dire portrait of a future America under Biden's leadership, with Trump campaign adviser Kimberly Guilfoyle asserting that Democrats want to "destroy this country."

The tone drew complaints from Democrats who said Trump was to blame for mismanaging the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 177,000 Americans - more than any other country in the world - and thrown millions out of work.

"Last night was grim and spiteful and fear-inducing," Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer told reporters in a call.

Adding to the dark picture, parts of Kenosha, Wisconsin, were smoldering after another night of unrest sparked by the shooting of a Black man by police. The man, who remains in intensive care, was shot in the back.

Biden leads in the polls

With 70 days remaining until the November&nbsp;3 election, Biden, 77, who served as vice president under Barack Obama, leads Trump, 74, in opinion polls. Democrats nominated Biden to challenge Trump at their party's convention last week.

A total of 17 million people watched the&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;convention's first night on Monday, according to Nielsen, fewer than the 19.7 million TV viewers who watched the first night of the Democratic National Convention last week.

Republicans pressed their case on Tuesday for US President Donald Trump's re-election over Democrat Joe Biden, arguing as their convention opened for a second day that Trump's leadership was vital to the country's economic and political future.

Republicans pressed their case on Tuesday for US President Donald Trump's re-election over Democrat Joe Biden, arguing as their convention opened for a second day that Trump's leadership was vital to the country's economic and political future. First lady Melania Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will highlight the program in speeches that have drawn complaints from Democrats for using the White House and a diplomatic trip for partisan purposes. Also see: Takeaways from the first night of the Republican National Convention Hours before Republicans reconvened, the president issued a pardon to a convicted Nevada bank robber, Jon Ponder, who has become an advocate for other inmates and will speak to the convention on Tuesday. "Jon's life is a beautiful testament to the power of redemption," Trump said in a video. Also speaking will be Richard Beasley, the FBI agent, now retired, who arrested Ponder in 2004. They are among an array of Americans to testify that Trump's policies have helped them. Also read: FBI warns American businesses to stop dealing with Chinese companies "I strongly support President Trump’s re-election. When he sees something isn't right, he’s fearless in fixing it. He listens to working people," Maine lobsterman Jason Joyce was expected to say, according to advance excerpts. Other Americans speaking in defense of Trump's policies on Tuesday had been expected to include Mary Ann Mendoza, whose police officer son died in a head-on collision with a drunk driver who was in the country illegally. She was pulled from the program after retweeting an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. She later apologised. Also scheduled to make the case for Trump against his Democratic rival Joe Biden include Trump's son, Eric, and daughter, Tiffany, as well as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and US Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. On Monday, the opening day, Republicans painted a dire portrait of a future America under Biden's leadership, with Trump campaign adviser Kimberly Guilfoyle asserting that Democrats want to "destroy this country." The tone drew complaints from Democrats who said Trump was to blame for mismanaging the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 177,000 Americans - more than any other country in the world - and thrown millions out of work. "Last night was grim and spiteful and fear-inducing," Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer told reporters in a call. Adding to the dark picture, parts of Kenosha, Wisconsin, were smoldering after another night of unrest sparked by the shooting of a Black man by police. The man, who remains in intensive care, was shot in the back. Biden leads in the polls With 70 days remaining until the November 3 election, Biden, 77, who served as vice president under Barack Obama, leads Trump, 74, in opinion polls. Democrats nominated Biden to challenge Trump at their party's convention last week. A total of 17 million people watched the Republican convention's first night on Monday, according to Nielsen, fewer than the 19.7 million TV viewers who watched the first night of the Democratic National Convention last week.

Republicans press their case for Trump as party begins Day 2 of convention

Democratic Party's candidate for United States vice-president Kamala Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who instilled in her the values of compassion and service to others as she accepted the historic nomination.

She said the qualities helped her grow as a strong Black woman and be proud of her Indian heritage.

Kamala Harris, 55, scripted history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black and Indian descent individual to be nominated as a vice-presidential candidate of a major political party.

Harris opened her vice-presidential acceptance speech on Wednesday night at the virtual Democratic National Convention by remembering her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, lamenting the fact that she could not be there to see her daughter's achievement.

"My mother taught me that service to others gives life purpose and meaning. And oh, how I wish she were here tonight but I know she's looking down on me from above," she said.

Harris' mother died of cancer in 2009.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-overwhelming-numbers-hillary-clintons-clarion-call-to-americans-321881">Also read |&nbsp;Need overwhelming numbers: Hillary Clinton's clarion call to Americans</a>

"My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that would chart the course of our lives. She raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage,? Harris said. 
In reference to her Indian heritage, Harris used a Tamil expression in speaking of ?my uncles, my aunts ? my chitthis."

Harris in her impressive speech said that her nomination is a testament to the dedication of generations before her. 
Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all, she said.

"This week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. And we celebrate the women who fought for that right. Yet so many of the Black women who helped secure that victory were still prohibited from voting, long after its ratification. But they were undeterred," she said.

Her acceptance speech comes days after the United States commemorated the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment -- known as the Susan B Anthony Amendment -- of women securing the right to vote.

"Without fanfare or recognition, they organised, testified, rallied, marched, and fought not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed," she said.

"There's another woman, whose name isn't known, whose story isn't shared. Another woman whose shoulders I stand on. And that's my mother -- Shyamala Gopalan Harris.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-obamas-to-clintons-top-speakers-at-us-democratic-national-convention-321424">IN PICTURES |&nbsp;From Obamas to Clintons — Top speakers at US Democratic National convention</a>

"She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. At the University of California Berkeley, she met my father, Donald Harris -- who had come from Jamaica to study economics," Harris said.

The two fell in love in that most American way -- while marching together for justice in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

"In the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, I got a strollers-eye view of people getting into what the great John Lewis called good trouble," she said.

John Lewis was an American statesman and civil-rights leader.

"When I was 5, my parents split and my mother raised us mostly on her own," she said.

Harris said like so many other women, her mother worked around the clock to make it work.

"Helping us with homework at the kitchen table and shuttling us to church for choir practice," said the Indian-American Senator from California.

She made it look easy, though I know it never was, Harris said, adding that her mother raised them to be proud, strong Black women.

"She taught us to put family first -- the family you're born into and the family you choose," she said.

"Family, is my husband Doug, who I met on a blind date set up by my best friend. Family is our beautiful children, Cole and Ella, who as you just heard, call me Momala. Family is my sister. Family is my best friend, my nieces and my godchildren. Family is my uncles, my aunts, my chitthis," Harris said.

Harris said that even as her mother taught them to keep the family at the centre of their world, she also pushed them to see a world beyond themselves.

"She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility," she said.

And that led her to become a lawyer, a District Attorney, Attorney General, and the United States Senator.

"And at every step of the way, I've been guided by the words I spoke from the first time I stood in a courtroom: Kamala Harris, For the People," she said, adding that she has fought for children and survivors of sexual assault. 
Harris added that she often thinks about what her mother must have thought when she first gave birth at 25-years old at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California.

"On that day, she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words: I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States of America," she said.

Democratic Party's candidate for United States vice-president Kamala Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who instilled in her the values of compassion and service to others as she accepted the historic nomination.

Democratic Party's candidate for United States vice-president Kamala Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who instilled in her the values of compassion and service to others as she accepted the historic nomination. She said the qualities helped her grow as a strong Black woman and be proud of her Indian heritage. Kamala Harris, 55, scripted history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black and Indian descent individual to be nominated as a vice-presidential candidate of a major political party. Harris opened her vice-presidential acceptance speech on Wednesday night at the virtual Democratic National Convention by remembering her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, lamenting the fact that she could not be there to see her daughter's achievement. "My mother taught me that service to others gives life purpose and meaning. And oh, how I wish she were here tonight but I know she's looking down on me from above," she said. Harris' mother died of cancer in 2009. Also read | Need overwhelming numbers: Hillary Clinton's clarion call to Americans "My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that would chart the course of our lives. She raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage,? Harris said. In reference to her Indian heritage, Harris used a Tamil expression in speaking of ?my uncles, my aunts ? my chitthis." Harris in her impressive speech said that her nomination is a testament to the dedication of generations before her. Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all, she said. "This week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. And we celebrate the women who fought for that right. Yet so many of the Black women who helped secure that victory were still prohibited from voting, long after its ratification. But they were undeterred," she said. Her acceptance speech comes days after the United States commemorated the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment -- known as the Susan B Anthony Amendment -- of women securing the right to vote. "Without fanfare or recognition, they organised, testified, rallied, marched, and fought not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed," she said. "There's another woman, whose name isn't known, whose story isn't shared. Another woman whose shoulders I stand on. And that's my mother -- Shyamala Gopalan Harris. IN PICTURES | From Obamas to Clintons — Top speakers at US Democratic National convention "She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. At the University of California Berkeley, she met my father, Donald Harris -- who had come from Jamaica to study economics," Harris said. The two fell in love in that most American way -- while marching together for justice in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. "In the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, I got a strollers-eye view of people getting into what the great John Lewis called good trouble," she said. John Lewis was an American statesman and civil-rights leader. "When I was 5, my parents split and my mother raised us mostly on her own," she said. Harris said like so many other women, her mother worked around the clock to make it work. "Helping us with homework at the kitchen table and shuttling us to church for choir practice," said the Indian-American Senator from California. She made it look easy, though I know it never was, Harris said, adding that her mother raised them to be proud, strong Black women. "She taught us to put family first -- the family you're born into and the family you choose," she said. "Family, is my husband Doug, who I met on a blind date set up by my best friend. Family is our beautiful children, Cole and Ella, who as you just heard, call me Momala. Family is my sister. Family is my best friend, my nieces and my godchildren. Family is my uncles, my aunts, my chitthis," Harris said. Harris said that even as her mother taught them to keep the family at the centre of their world, she also pushed them to see a world beyond themselves. "She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility," she said. And that led her to become a lawyer, a District Attorney, Attorney General, and the United States Senator. "And at every step of the way, I've been guided by the words I spoke from the first time I stood in a courtroom: Kamala Harris, For the People," she said, adding that she has fought for children and survivors of sexual assault. Harris added that she often thinks about what her mother must have thought when she first gave birth at 25-years old at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California. "On that day, she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words: I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States of America," she said.

'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother

As Eva Longoria took centre stage on Monday night as the emcee of the first night of the Democratic National Convention, she got cheered from her peers in Hollywood as well as fans. 
 
Dressed in white, Longoria briefly addressed the viewers at home and eventually conducted remote interviews with four ordinary Americans.

Longoria's hosting duties were lauded by many. 
 
"@EvaLongoria was the PERFECT choice! Seeing her was like a warm hug! And she’s a great interviewer. #DNC2020," wrote actress Yvette Nicole Brown.

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. <a href="https://twitter.com/EvaLongoria?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EvaLongoria</a> was the PERFECT choice! Seeing her was like a warm hug! And she’s a great interviewer. ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/3QSSAkWRYz">https://t.co/3QSSAkWRYz</a>
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) <a href="https://twitter.com/YNB/status/1295530841099997184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Eva Longoria is a natural. Very impressed," said one Twitter user.

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Eva Longoria is a natural. Very impressed.
— THE ACCOUNTANT (@LinkedHD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LinkedHD/status/1295536101411627009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hey, um, real talk: has Eva Longoria thought of running for office? Because she's pretty amazing.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC2020</a>
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️‍🌈 (@cmclymer) <a href="https://twitter.com/cmclymer/status/1295528139876184066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There were some, though, who did raise objection to her hosting the historic event as a lot of people said they could not relate to her. 
 
Brilliant move! No one is more in touch with the challenges &amp; obstacles faced by everyday Americans than actors &amp; celebrities," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Flor, said.

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Brilliant move! No one is more in touch with the challenges &amp; obstacles faced by everyday Americans than actors &amp; celebrities. <a href="https://t.co/nzHOniMHPN">https://t.co/nzHOniMHPN</a>
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1295530141481865216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"When I think of who in the United States is best positioned to present a major party's nominating convention, the first person that comes to mind is definitely Eva Longoria," journalist Michael Tracey tweeted.

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When I think of who in the United States is best positioned to present a major party's nominating convention, the first person that comes to mind is definitely Eva Longoria
— Michael Tracey (@mtracey) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtracey/status/1295530219844009986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Fans and supporters of the Democrats were quick to shoot down the criticism with counter tweets.

Apart from Longoria, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington and Julia Louis-Dreyfus will also take on hosting duties in the coming days.

As Eva Longoria took centre stage on Monday night as the emcee of the first night of the Democratic National Convention, she got cheered from her peers in Hollywood as well as fans.

As Eva Longoria took centre stage on Monday night as the emcee of the first night of the Democratic National Convention, she got cheered from her peers in Hollywood as well as fans. Dressed in white, Longoria briefly addressed the viewers at home and eventually conducted remote interviews with four ordinary Americans. Longoria's hosting duties were lauded by many. "@EvaLongoria was the PERFECT choice! Seeing her was like a warm hug! And she’s a great interviewer. #DNC2020," wrote actress Yvette Nicole Brown. . @EvaLongoria was the PERFECT choice! Seeing her was like a warm hug! And she’s a great interviewer. ❤️ #DNC2020 https://t.co/3QSSAkWRYz — yvette nicole brown (@YNB) August 18, 2020 × "Eva Longoria is a natural. Very impressed," said one Twitter user. Eva Longoria is a natural. Very impressed. — THE ACCOUNTANT (@LinkedHD) August 18, 2020 × Hey, um, real talk: has Eva Longoria thought of running for office? Because she's pretty amazing.#DNC2020 — Charlotte Clymer 🏳️‍🌈 (@cmclymer) August 18, 2020 × There were some, though, who did raise objection to her hosting the historic event as a lot of people said they could not relate to her. Brilliant move! No one is more in touch with the challenges & obstacles faced by everyday Americans than actors & celebrities," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Flor, said. Brilliant move! No one is more in touch with the challenges & obstacles faced by everyday Americans than actors & celebrities. https://t.co/nzHOniMHPN — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) August 18, 2020 × "When I think of who in the United States is best positioned to present a major party's nominating convention, the first person that comes to mind is definitely Eva Longoria," journalist Michael Tracey tweeted. When I think of who in the United States is best positioned to present a major party's nominating convention, the first person that comes to mind is definitely Eva Longoria — Michael Tracey (@mtracey) August 18, 2020 × Fans and supporters of the Democrats were quick to shoot down the criticism with counter tweets. Apart from Longoria, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington and Julia Louis-Dreyfus will also take on hosting duties in the coming days.

Eva Longoria hosts first day of Democratic National Convention, leaves Twitter divided

Pop star Taylor Swift has slammed US President Donald Trump for his opinion on US Postal Service and limiting of mail-in voting. 
 
Swift took to Twitter on Sunday and wrote, "Trump’s calculated dismantling of USPS proves one thing clearly: He is WELL AWARE that we do not want him as our president. He’s chosen to blatantly cheat and put millions of Americans’ lives at risk in an effort to hold on to power." 
 
Last week, Trump stated that he would not be releasing any money for the Postal agency which has been cash-starved for a long time. 
 
Later, while speaking to Fox News, Trump had said that he would offer the US $25 billion for the US Postal Services, including $3.5 billion in election resources only if Democrats were willing to listen on some of the demands Trump has voiced. 
 
“Sure, if they give us what we want,” the president said during a press conference. “And it's not what I want, it's what the American people want.” 
 
Trump has criticized mail-in voting for months. On Thursday, he blamed Democrats for holding up a deal on the coronavirus relief package. 
 
“The items are the post office and the $3.5 billion for mail-in voting,” Trump said at the conference. “If we don’t make the deal, that means can’t have the money, that means they can’t have universal mail-in voting. It just can’t happen.” 
 
Reacting to Trump's stand Swift tweeted demanding for an early vote. "And he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early," Swift wrote in another tweet.

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Donald Trump’s ineffective leadership gravely worsened the crisis that we are in and he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) <a href="https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/status/1294685438528159749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This isn't the first time that Swift has openly criticised the US President. 
 
Back in May, the singer blasted Trump for threatening violence against the Black Lives Matter protesters following George Floyd's death. 
 
“After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? ‘When the looting starts the shooting starts’??? We will vote you out in November. @realdonaldtrump," Swift tweeted, in response to a tweet by Trump which suggested that police could shoot anyone who loots.

Pop star Taylor Swift has slammed US President Donald Trump for his opinion on US Postal Service and limiting of mail-in voting. Swift took to Twitter on Sunday and wrote, "Trump’s calculated dismantling of USPS proves one thing clearly: He is WELL AWARE that we do not want him as our president.

Pop star Taylor Swift has slammed US President Donald Trump for his opinion on US Postal Service and limiting of mail-in voting. Swift took to Twitter on Sunday and wrote, "Trump’s calculated dismantling of USPS proves one thing clearly: He is WELL AWARE that we do not want him as our president. He’s chosen to blatantly cheat and put millions of Americans’ lives at risk in an effort to hold on to power." Last week, Trump stated that he would not be releasing any money for the Postal agency which has been cash-starved for a long time. Later, while speaking to Fox News, Trump had said that he would offer the US $25 billion for the US Postal Services, including $3.5 billion in election resources only if Democrats were willing to listen on some of the demands Trump has voiced. “Sure, if they give us what we want,” the president said during a press conference. “And it's not what I want, it's what the American people want.” Trump has criticized mail-in voting for months. On Thursday, he blamed Democrats for holding up a deal on the coronavirus relief package. “The items are the post office and the $3.5 billion for mail-in voting,” Trump said at the conference. “If we don’t make the deal, that means can’t have the money, that means they can’t have universal mail-in voting. It just can’t happen.” Reacting to Trump's stand Swift tweeted demanding for an early vote. "And he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early," Swift wrote in another tweet. Donald Trump’s ineffective leadership gravely worsened the crisis that we are in and he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early. — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) August 15, 2020 × This isn't the first time that Swift has openly criticised the US President. Back in May, the singer blasted Trump for threatening violence against the Black Lives Matter protesters following George Floyd's death. “After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? ‘When the looting starts the shooting starts’??? We will vote you out in November. @realdonaldtrump," Swift tweeted, in response to a tweet by Trump which suggested that police could shoot anyone who loots.

Taylor Swift slams Trump over the downfall of US Postal Services, says he wants to 'hold on to power'

President Donald Trump said Thursday he had heard Democratic vice-presidential running mate&nbsp;Kamala&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;was not eligible to serve, stoking a false claim echoing the baseless "birther" theory he promoted about Barack Obama.

At a White House news conference, Trump was asked about "claims circulating on social media" that&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;was not eligible and whether he could say she met the legal requirements for vice president.

"I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements. And, by the way, the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified, very talented lawyer.&nbsp;I have no idea if that's right," Trump said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-kamala-harris-gets-less-sexist-media-coverage-hillary-clinton-320352" hreflang="en">Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton</a>

"I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president," he said.

"But that's a very serious, you're saying that, they're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-presidential-election-trump-holds-up-coronavirus-aid-to-block-funding-for-mail-in-voting-320339" hreflang="en">Ahead of presidential election, Trump holds up coronavirus aid to block funding for mail-in voting</a>

The reporter replied that&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;was born in the United States but her parents might not have been permanent residents at the time.

Trump appeared to be referring to a Newsweek op-ed by a conservative law professor wrongly claiming the California senator was not eligible to serve as vice president or president because of the immigration status of her parents when she was born.

Harris&nbsp;was born in Oakland, California in 1964 to a father from Jamaica and a mother from India.

Trump earned national political prominence by promoting the "birther" lie that Obama, America's first black president, was not born in the United States.

He grudgingly acknowledged late in his 2016 presidential campaign that Obama was born in the United States.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he had heard Democratic vice-presidential running mate Kamala Harris was not eligible to serve, stoking a false claim echoing the baseless "birther" theory he promoted about Barack Obama.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he had heard Democratic vice-presidential running mate Kamala Harris was not eligible to serve, stoking a false claim echoing the baseless "birther" theory he promoted about Barack Obama. At a White House news conference, Trump was asked about "claims circulating on social media" that Harris was not eligible and whether he could say she met the legal requirements for vice president. "I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements. And, by the way, the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified, very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump said. Also read: Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton "I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president," he said. "But that's a very serious, you're saying that, they're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country." Also read: Ahead of presidential election, Trump holds up coronavirus aid to block funding for mail-in voting The reporter replied that Harris was born in the United States but her parents might not have been permanent residents at the time. Trump appeared to be referring to a Newsweek op-ed by a conservative law professor wrongly claiming the California senator was not eligible to serve as vice president or president because of the immigration status of her parents when she was born. Harris was born in Oakland, California in 1964 to a father from Jamaica and a mother from India. Trump earned national political prominence by promoting the "birther" lie that Obama, America's first black president, was not born in the United States. He grudgingly acknowledged late in his 2016 presidential campaign that Obama was born in the United States.

Donald Trump promotes false birther theory about Kamala Harris

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that some men may feel "insulted" by his Democratic rival Joe Biden's committment to choose a woman as his vice presidential candidate.

"He roped himself into a certain group of people.&nbsp;Some people would say men are insulted by that and some people would say it is fine," Trump said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-expected-to-announce-us-presidential-running-mate-this-week-source-319628" hreflang="en">Biden expected to announce US presidential running mate this week: Source</a>

Declaring that he wants a government as diverse as the country itself, Biden committed early in his campaign, in March, that he would name a woman on the ticket. He is expected to announce his choice this week.

Only two other women have been nominated vice presidential candidates, Sarah Palin by the Republican party in 2008 and Geraldine Ferraro by the Democrats in 1984, and neither made it into the White House. No woman has won the presidency either.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-is-considering-four-black-women-for-vice-president-315084">Joe Biden is considering four Black women for vice-president</a>

Trump, who is seeking re-election in the November&nbsp;3 US&nbsp;election, also said his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping has frayed in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic and that he has not spoken to his Chinese counterpart in a long time.

"I used to have a very good relationship with him," Trump said in an interview, citing their Phase One trade deal last year. "I had a great relationship with President Xi. I like him, but I don't feel the same way now."

Trump made challenging China a key part of his 2016 presidential campaign and touted his friendly ties with Xi during much of his first term in office as he sought to make good on his trade deal promises.

But he said on Tuesday that the fallout from the outbreak was worse than the conflict over trade. "This is a thousand times the trade deal what happened with all of the death and ... the world had to shutdown. It's a disgrace," he told Fox.

First reports of the virus emerged from China in late 2019 and it has now infected more than 20 million people and killed at least 735,369 worldwide, including at least 5.1 million cases and at least 163,160 deaths in the United States.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that some men may feel "insulted" by his Democratic rival Joe Biden's committment to choose a woman as his vice presidential candidate.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that some men may feel "insulted" by his Democratic rival Joe Biden's committment to choose a woman as his vice presidential candidate. "He roped himself into a certain group of people. Some people would say men are insulted by that and some people would say it is fine," Trump said. Also read: Biden expected to announce US presidential running mate this week: Source Declaring that he wants a government as diverse as the country itself, Biden committed early in his campaign, in March, that he would name a woman on the ticket. He is expected to announce his choice this week. Only two other women have been nominated vice presidential candidates, Sarah Palin by the Republican party in 2008 and Geraldine Ferraro by the Democrats in 1984, and neither made it into the White House. No woman has won the presidency either. Also read: Joe Biden is considering four Black women for vice-president Trump, who is seeking re-election in the November 3 US election, also said his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping has frayed in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic and that he has not spoken to his Chinese counterpart in a long time. "I used to have a very good relationship with him," Trump said in an interview, citing their Phase One trade deal last year. "I had a great relationship with President Xi. I like him, but I don't feel the same way now." Trump made challenging China a key part of his 2016 presidential campaign and touted his friendly ties with Xi during much of his first term in office as he sought to make good on his trade deal promises. But he said on Tuesday that the fallout from the outbreak was worse than the conflict over trade. "This is a thousand times the trade deal what happened with all of the death and ... the world had to shutdown. It's a disgrace," he told Fox. First reports of the virus emerged from China in late 2019 and it has now infected more than 20 million people and killed at least 735,369 worldwide, including at least 5.1 million cases and at least 163,160 deaths in the United States.

Men may be 'insulted' by Biden's female vice president pledge, says Trump

US rapper Kanye West broke down in tears on Sunday at the chaotic launch of his unlikely campaign to oust Donald Trump as president in November elections. 
 
Wearing a bullet-proof jacket marked "security," West gave a rambling speech in which he claimed he had wanted his wife, Kim Kardashian, to get an abortion and that renowned American abolitionist Harriet Tubman "never actually freed the slaves." 
 
West told the event in Charleston, South Carolina, how he had wanted his wife to get an abortion when she was pregnant with North, their oldest daughter. He then revealed his father also had wanted to abort him. 
 
"My dad wanted to abort me. My mom saved my life. There would've been no Kanye West because my dad was too busy," West said, bursting into tears. 
 
He later shouted, "I almost killed my daughter! I almost killed my daughter!" 
 
At another point during his speech, he said, "Harriet Tubman never actually freed the slaves, she just had the slaves go work for other white people." 
 
West's speech, clips of which went viral on social media, provoked confusion, anger and concern for the musician's mental health. 
 
The event was for registered guests only, and all attendees were required to sign a COVID-19 liability release form as well as wear masks and practice social distancing, US media reported. 
 
Less than four months ahead of November's election, West, 43, raised eyebrows on July 4 when he announced on Twitter he would challenge Trump. 
 
He has offered virtually no details about his campaign, but the hip-hop star -- who famously wore a "Make America Great Again" cap to a 2018 Oval Office meeting with Trump -- said he no longer supports the president. 
 
Reports began circulating in US media last week that West had dropped out of the race. 
 
He missed the deadline in several states to be listed on the presidential ballot, but he is listed on the ballot in Oklahoma.

&nbsp;

US rapper Kanye West broke down in tears on Sunday at the chaotic launch of his unlikely campaign to oust Donald Trump as president in November elections. Wearing a bullet-proof jacket marked "security," West gave a rambling speech in which he claimed he had wanted his wife, Kim Kardashian, to get an abortion and that renowned American abolitionist Harriet Tubman "never actually freed the slaves.

US rapper Kanye West broke down in tears on Sunday at the chaotic launch of his unlikely campaign to oust Donald Trump as president in November elections. Wearing a bullet-proof jacket marked "security," West gave a rambling speech in which he claimed he had wanted his wife, Kim Kardashian, to get an abortion and that renowned American abolitionist Harriet Tubman "never actually freed the slaves." West told the event in Charleston, South Carolina, how he had wanted his wife to get an abortion when she was pregnant with North, their oldest daughter. He then revealed his father also had wanted to abort him. "My dad wanted to abort me. My mom saved my life. There would've been no Kanye West because my dad was too busy," West said, bursting into tears. He later shouted, "I almost killed my daughter! I almost killed my daughter!" At another point during his speech, he said, "Harriet Tubman never actually freed the slaves, she just had the slaves go work for other white people." West's speech, clips of which went viral on social media, provoked confusion, anger and concern for the musician's mental health. The event was for registered guests only, and all attendees were required to sign a COVID-19 liability release form as well as wear masks and practice social distancing, US media reported. Less than four months ahead of November's election, West, 43, raised eyebrows on July 4 when he announced on Twitter he would challenge Trump. He has offered virtually no details about his campaign, but the hip-hop star -- who famously wore a "Make America Great Again" cap to a 2018 Oval Office meeting with Trump -- said he no longer supports the president. Reports began circulating in US media last week that West had dropped out of the race. He missed the deadline in several states to be listed on the presidential ballot, but he is listed on the ballot in Oklahoma.

Kanye West holds chaotic opening of 2020 presidential bid

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week.

The social media platform said Stone and his associates, including a prominent supporter of the right-wing Proud Boys group in Stone’s home state of Florida, had used fake accounts and followers to promote Stone’s books and posts.

Facebook moved against Stone on the same day it took down accounts tied to employees of the family of Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro and two other networks connected to domestic political operations in Ecuador and Ukraine.

Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the removals were meant to show that artificially inflating engagement for political impact would be stopped, no matter how well connected the practitioners.

“It doesn’t matter what they’re saying, and it doesn’t matter who they are,” Gleicher told Reuters before the announcement on the company's blog bit.ly/2Z7QSzc. “We expect we’re going to see more political actors cross this line and use coordinated inauthentic behaviour to try to influence public debate.”

Facebook officials said they took down Stone’s personal Facebook and Instagram pages and his Stone Cold Truth Facebook page, which had 141,000 followers. A total of 54 Facebook accounts and 50 pages were removed for misbehaviour, including the creation of fake accounts. The accounts spent more than $300,000 on advertisements over the past few years, Facebook said.

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg was briefed on the actions beforehand, officials said.

The removals risk further angering Trump and other conservatives who accuse Facebook of suppressing right-wing voices. Facebook last month took down a Trump re-election ad that included a Nazi symbol, and it pledged to steer users to facts on voting when Trump, or anyone else, touches on the topic.

Facebook is under pressure from civil rights advocates and allied groups as well, and hundreds of advertisers have joined a boycott demanding the company crackdown on hateful and divisive messages.

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week.

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week. The social media platform said Stone and his associates, including a prominent supporter of the right-wing Proud Boys group in Stone’s home state of Florida, had used fake accounts and followers to promote Stone’s books and posts. Facebook moved against Stone on the same day it took down accounts tied to employees of the family of Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro and two other networks connected to domestic political operations in Ecuador and Ukraine. Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the removals were meant to show that artificially inflating engagement for political impact would be stopped, no matter how well connected the practitioners. “It doesn’t matter what they’re saying, and it doesn’t matter who they are,” Gleicher told Reuters before the announcement on the company's blog bit.ly/2Z7QSzc. “We expect we’re going to see more political actors cross this line and use coordinated inauthentic behaviour to try to influence public debate.” Facebook officials said they took down Stone’s personal Facebook and Instagram pages and his Stone Cold Truth Facebook page, which had 141,000 followers. A total of 54 Facebook accounts and 50 pages were removed for misbehaviour, including the creation of fake accounts. The accounts spent more than $300,000 on advertisements over the past few years, Facebook said. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg was briefed on the actions beforehand, officials said. The removals risk further angering Trump and other conservatives who accuse Facebook of suppressing right-wing voices. Facebook last month took down a Trump re-election ad that included a Nazi symbol, and it pledged to steer users to facts on voting when Trump, or anyone else, touches on the topic. Facebook is under pressure from civil rights advocates and allied groups as well, and hundreds of advertisers have joined a boycott demanding the company crackdown on hateful and divisive messages.

Facebook takes down accounts and pages of Trump ally Roger Stone

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that rapper Kanye West's declaration that he is running for president was "very interesting." 
 
Responding to West's claim that he would run against Trump -- for whom the musician has expressed support in the past, Trump told reporters at the White House, "He may." &nbsp;

The declaration by West, 43, on Twitter that he was gunning for the highest office in the land was retweeted half a million times and 'liked' a million. 
 
"If he did it, he would have to view this as a trial run for what's going to happen in four years," said Trump, noting that it may be too late for West to register in some states, and that he lacks the infrastructure for a presidential bid. 
 
West, who visited Trump in the Oval Office in 2018 and donned a trademark 'Make America Great Again' red baseball cap, announced his proposed run on Saturday, as the country celebrated Independence Day. 
 
"We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future," the music and fashion mogul said. 
 
"I am running for president of the United States," he said, with an icon of a US flag and the hashtag '2020Vision.' He has not provided any details about his alleged campaign.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/imagine-kim-kardashian-as-the-first-lady-twitterati-has-a-field-day-as-kanye-west-announces-he-contest-for-presidents-post-310836">Also read: 'Imagine Kim Kardashian as the first lady': Twitterati has a field day as Kanye West announces he contest for President's post</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/what-would-kanye-west-have-to-do-to-launch-a-late-white-house-bid-310957">Also read: What would Kanye West have to do to launch a late White House bid?</a>

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that rapper Kanye West's declaration that he is running for president was "very interesting." Responding to West's claim that he would run against Trump -- for whom the musician has expressed support in the past, Trump told reporters at the White House, "He may.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that rapper Kanye West's declaration that he is running for president was "very interesting." Responding to West's claim that he would run against Trump -- for whom the musician has expressed support in the past, Trump told reporters at the White House, "He may." The declaration by West, 43, on Twitter that he was gunning for the highest office in the land was retweeted half a million times and 'liked' a million. "If he did it, he would have to view this as a trial run for what's going to happen in four years," said Trump, noting that it may be too late for West to register in some states, and that he lacks the infrastructure for a presidential bid. West, who visited Trump in the Oval Office in 2018 and donned a trademark 'Make America Great Again' red baseball cap, announced his proposed run on Saturday, as the country celebrated Independence Day. "We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future," the music and fashion mogul said. "I am running for president of the United States," he said, with an icon of a US flag and the hashtag '2020Vision.' He has not provided any details about his alleged campaign. Also read: 'Imagine Kim Kardashian as the first lady': Twitterati has a field day as Kanye West announces he contest for President's post Also read: What would Kanye West have to do to launch a late White House bid?

Donald Trump terms Kanye West's White House bid as 'interesting'

US President Donald Trump tried to get China's Xi Jinping to help him secure re-election, ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton's claims in new book.

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Trump met with Xi at a summit last June when he "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win," Bolton says.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-government-files-lawsuit-to-prevent-publication-of-boltons-book-306373">Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book</a>

The allegation that Trump asked the leader of a major US adversary to help him win the next election will reverberate across Washington six months after Trump was impeached on charges he sought help from Ukraine with his reelection bid.

The United States on Tuesday sued Bolton, seeking to block him from publishing a book about his time in the White House that it said contained classified information and would compromise national security.

The civil lawsuit came one day after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said&nbsp;Bolton&nbsp;would be breaking the law if the book were published.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-bolton-hopes-his-book-is-not-suppressed-by-white-house-281298">Bolton hopes his book is not 'suppressed' by White House</a>

The book, entitled The Room Where It Happened, is due to be released on 23 June.

Bolton also addresses the claims that formed a central part of the president's impeachment trial.

In January, President Trump was impeached for withholding military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into starting a corruption investigation into Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

The president denied the reports and&nbsp;Trump was acquitted after a two-week trial&nbsp;in the Republican-controlled Senate, which did not include any witnesses.

Bolton says the inquiry might have had a different outcome if it had gone beyond Ukraine and investigated other instances of political interference.

He had joined the White House in April 2018 and left in September the following year, saying he had decided to quit as national security adviser.&nbsp;President Trump, however, said he had fired Bolton&nbsp;because he disagreed "strongly" with him.
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US President Donald Trump tried to get China's Xi Jinping to help him secure re-election, ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton's claims in new book. Trump met with Xi at a summit last June when he "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win," Bolton says.

US President Donald Trump tried to get China's Xi Jinping to help him secure re-election, ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton's claims in new book. Trump met with Xi at a summit last June when he "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win," Bolton says. Also read: Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book The allegation that Trump asked the leader of a major US adversary to help him win the next election will reverberate across Washington six months after Trump was impeached on charges he sought help from Ukraine with his reelection bid. The United States on Tuesday sued Bolton, seeking to block him from publishing a book about his time in the White House that it said contained classified information and would compromise national security. The civil lawsuit came one day after US President Donald Trump said Bolton would be breaking the law if the book were published. Also read: Bolton hopes his book is not 'suppressed' by White House The book, entitled The Room Where It Happened, is due to be released on 23 June. Bolton also addresses the claims that formed a central part of the president's impeachment trial. In January, President Trump was impeached for withholding military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into starting a corruption investigation into Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The president denied the reports and Trump was acquitted after a two-week trial in the Republican-controlled Senate, which did not include any witnesses. Bolton says the inquiry might have had a different outcome if it had gone beyond Ukraine and investigated other instances of political interference. He had joined the White House in April 2018 and left in September the following year, saying he had decided to quit as national security adviser. President Trump, however, said he had fired Bolton because he disagreed "strongly" with him.

Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would affix labels to political ads shared by users on their own feeds, closing what critics have said for years was a glaring loophole in the company’s election transparency measures.

The world’s biggest social network has attached a “paid for by” disclaimer to political ads since 2018, after facing a backlash for failing to stop Russia from using its platforms to influence the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/facebook-removes-hundreds-more-accounts-as-right-wing-violence-spreads-306406" hreflang="en">Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads</a>

But the label disappeared once people shared the ads to their own feeds, which critics said undermined its utility and allowed misinformation to continue spreading unchecked.

<p content="The new feature will be implemented on both Facebook and Instagram and will be rolled out to everyone in the US over the next few weeks. FB aims to make it available in other countries where the company has enforcement on ads about social issues, elections and politics later this fall." data-reactid="13" type="text">The new feature will be implemented on both Facebook and Instagram and will be rolled out to everyone in the US over the next few weeks. FB aims to make it available in other countries where the company has enforcement on ads about social issues, elections and politics later this fall.

Ads can be turned off either on Facebook or Instagram directly from any political or social issue ad or through each platform’s ad settings.

“Previously the thinking here was that these were organic posts, and so these posts did not necessarily need to contain information about ads,” said Sarah Schiff, a Facebook product manager overseeing the change.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-will-review-its-content-policies-says-zuckerberg-after-backlash-303746">Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash</a>

After receiving feedback, Schiff said, the company now considers it important to disclose if a post “was at one point an ad.”

Facebook introduced a similar labeling approach for state news media earlier this month, but that label also sometimes drops off with sharing and does not appear when users post their own links to those outlets.

The company is facing demands to do more to combat false viral information before the November&nbsp;3 presidential election, including by presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who last week called on Zuckerberg to reverse his decision to exempt political ads from fact-checking.

Zuckerberg has touted transparency tools in response, arguing that voters should be able to examine statements from would-be political leaders unimpeded.

In a USA Today op-ed on Tuesday, he pledged to display a Voting Information Center at the top of US&nbsp;users’ news feeds. He also said the company would aim to help 4 million people register to vote, double its goal for 2016.

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would affix labels to political ads shared by users on their own feeds, closing what critics have said for years was a glaring loophole in the company’s election transparency measures.

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would affix labels to political ads shared by users on their own feeds, closing what critics have said for years was a glaring loophole in the company’s election transparency measures. The world’s biggest social network has attached a “paid for by” disclaimer to political ads since 2018, after facing a backlash for failing to stop Russia from using its platforms to influence the 2016 US presidential election. Also read: Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads But the label disappeared once people shared the ads to their own feeds, which critics said undermined its utility and allowed misinformation to continue spreading unchecked. The new feature will be implemented on both Facebook and Instagram and will be rolled out to everyone in the US over the next few weeks. FB aims to make it available in other countries where the company has enforcement on ads about social issues, elections and politics later this fall. Ads can be turned off either on Facebook or Instagram directly from any political or social issue ad or through each platform’s ad settings. “Previously the thinking here was that these were organic posts, and so these posts did not necessarily need to contain information about ads,” said Sarah Schiff, a Facebook product manager overseeing the change. Also read: Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash After receiving feedback, Schiff said, the company now considers it important to disclose if a post “was at one point an ad.” Facebook introduced a similar labeling approach for state news media earlier this month, but that label also sometimes drops off with sharing and does not appear when users post their own links to those outlets. The company is facing demands to do more to combat false viral information before the November 3 presidential election, including by presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who last week called on Zuckerberg to reverse his decision to exempt political ads from fact-checking. Zuckerberg has touted transparency tools in response, arguing that voters should be able to examine statements from would-be political leaders unimpeded. In a USA Today op-ed on Tuesday, he pledged to display a Voting Information Center at the top of US users’ news feeds. He also said the company would aim to help 4 million people register to vote, double its goal for 2016.

Facebook sharpens transparency rule to close political-ad loophole

White House infectious disease expert&nbsp;Anthony Fauci&nbsp;has said his advice to people who want to attend US president&nbsp;Donald Trump’s&nbsp;campaign rallies is the same for Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump protestors.

He said the gatherings are “a danger” and “risky.” He urged those attending wear a mask and use hand sanitiser.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-holding-first-rally-in-months-on-juneteenth-in-tulsa-305494">Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa</a>

Fauci made the comments during an interview. “You know, it’s a danger to the people who are trying to control the demonstration,” he said. “And it’s a danger to the people who are demonstrating. So at the end of the day, it is a risky procedure.” When asked whether his advice applied to Trump campaign rallies, Fauci said “I am consistent. I stick by what I say.”

Trump announced his campaign rallies are planned for 19 June, known as Juneteenth in the US, a holiday marking the end of slavery. Trump has insisted he did not choose the date on purpose.

Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-says-supporters-should-attend-his-rally-at-their-own-risk-305266">:&nbsp;Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk'</a>

“The fact that I’m having a rally on that day,&nbsp;you can really think about that very positively as a celebration,” Trump said.

“Because a rally to me is a celebration. It’s an interesting date. It wasn’t done for that reason, but it’s an interesting date.”

Amid protests against racial injustice, President Donald Trump is defending his decision to schedule his first campaign rally in months on a day commemorating the end of US&nbsp;slavery and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city where white mobs massacred African-Americans a century ago.

Trump, seeking re-election on November&nbsp;3, scheduled the Tulsa rally for June 19, a day celebrated as Juneteenth. On that date in 1865, Texas became the last of the pro-slavery Confederate states forced to comply with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War declaring all people held as slaves free.

White House infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci has said his advice to people who want to attend US president Donald Trump’s campaign rallies is the same for Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump protestors.

White House infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci has said his advice to people who want to attend US president Donald Trump’s campaign rallies is the same for Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump protestors. He said the gatherings are “a danger” and “risky.” He urged those attending wear a mask and use hand sanitiser. Also read: Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa Fauci made the comments during an interview. “You know, it’s a danger to the people who are trying to control the demonstration,” he said. “And it’s a danger to the people who are demonstrating. So at the end of the day, it is a risky procedure.” When asked whether his advice applied to Trump campaign rallies, Fauci said “I am consistent. I stick by what I say.” Trump announced his campaign rallies are planned for 19 June, known as Juneteenth in the US, a holiday marking the end of slavery. Trump has insisted he did not choose the date on purpose. Also read: Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk' “The fact that I’m having a rally on that day, you can really think about that very positively as a celebration,” Trump said. “Because a rally to me is a celebration. It’s an interesting date. It wasn’t done for that reason, but it’s an interesting date.” Amid protests against racial injustice, President Donald Trump is defending his decision to schedule his first campaign rally in months on a day commemorating the end of US slavery and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city where white mobs massacred African-Americans a century ago. Trump, seeking re-election on November 3, scheduled the Tulsa rally for June 19, a day celebrated as Juneteenth. On that date in 1865, Texas became the last of the pro-slavery Confederate states forced to comply with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War declaring all people held as slaves free.

US lead virus expert warns Trump allies; says attending rallies 'dangerous'

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;said on Thursday the United States has no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs, and it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly, state media reported.

The statement comes after the US&nbsp;State Department said it was disappointed at&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;for suspending communication hotlines with South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-take-legal-action-against-defectors-sending-messages-to-the-north-304816" hreflang="en">South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North</a>

"If the US&nbsp;pokes its nose into others' affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with," Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for U.S. affairs at&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea’s Foreign Ministry, said in comments carried by state news agency KCNA.

The United States should "hold its tongue" and address its own domestic problems unless it wants to "experience a hair-raiser," he said.

"It would be good not only for the US&nbsp;interests but also for the easy holding of upcoming presidential election."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-cut-communications-with-enemy-south-in-row-over-leafleting-304397">North Korea to cut communications with 'enemy' South in row over leafleting</a>

It is unclear what&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;would do to disrupt the election or cause problems for US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's re-election campaign, said James Kim, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

"If anything, there’s a chance that provocation may even rally the country around the incumbent," he said.

After a series of historic summits in 2018 and 2019 between Trump and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un, little progress has been made in dismantling the&nbsp;North's nuclear weapons programme, and Pyongyang has expressed increasing frustration with Washington's refusal to ease sanctions.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;said on Tuesday it would sever hotlines with South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;after days of lashing out at Seoul for not stopping defectors from sending leaflets and other material into the&nbsp;North.

On Wednesday, South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct such operations.

(with inputs from Reuters)

North Korea said on Thursday the United States has no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs, and it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly, state media reported.

North Korea said on Thursday the United States has no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs, and it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly, state media reported. The statement comes after the US State Department said it was disappointed at North Korea for suspending communication hotlines with South Korea on Tuesday. Also read: South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North "If the US pokes its nose into others' affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with," Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for U.S. affairs at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, said in comments carried by state news agency KCNA. The United States should "hold its tongue" and address its own domestic problems unless it wants to "experience a hair-raiser," he said. "It would be good not only for the US interests but also for the easy holding of upcoming presidential election." Also read: North Korea to cut communications with 'enemy' South in row over leafleting It is unclear what North Korea would do to disrupt the election or cause problems for US President Donald Trump's re-election campaign, said James Kim, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. "If anything, there’s a chance that provocation may even rally the country around the incumbent," he said. After a series of historic summits in 2018 and 2019 between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, little progress has been made in dismantling the North's nuclear weapons programme, and Pyongyang has expressed increasing frustration with Washington's refusal to ease sanctions. North Korea said on Tuesday it would sever hotlines with South Korea after days of lashing out at Seoul for not stopping defectors from sending leaflets and other material into the North. On Wednesday, South Korea said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct such operations. (with inputs from Reuters)

US meddling in inter-Korean affairs can affect election: North Korea

US House Of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Joe Biden for president, joining a list of top Democrats, who have recently thrown their support behind the former vice president.

US House Of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Joe Biden for president, joining a list of top Democrats, who have recently thrown their support behind the former vice president. Pelosi's endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate follows that of US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, former president Barack Obama and former vice president Al Gore, who all threw their weight behind Biden earlier this month. In a video statement released on Monday, Pelosi cited Biden's experience in government, including his role in passing the Affordable Care Act, as an evidence of his leadership qualities. She said Biden is well-positioned to lead the country amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. "As we face coronavirus, Joe has been a voice of reason and resilience, with a clear path to lead us out of this crisis," Pelosi said in her endorsement. The endorsement comes at an opportune time for Biden, who has struggled to maintain a high profile during the COVID-19 pandemic and sustain the momentum he had built up in his lightning-quick run toward becoming the Democratic nominee. Besides current and past Democratic leaders, Biden has also won endorsements from some other key stakeholders like Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, a prominent climate change campaigner, and the 400,000-member United Auto Workers union. The endorsements have given Biden a series of headlines at a time when his campaign is effectively on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak - and when US President Donald Trump has captured media attention with his combative White House briefings. The Democrats are eager to project unity heading into the presidential race against Trump for the Nov. 3 general election. In recent weeks, the more moderate Biden has made attempts to win the support of the liberal backers of Sanders and Warren.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorses Joe Biden for president

Joe Biden won the Arizona primary over Bernie Sanders, giving him a sweep of the three US states which voted on Tuesday to choose a Democratic candidate to face President Donald Trump in November.

As the United States grappled with combating the spreading coronavirus pandemic, voters handed the former vice president victory in delegate-rich Florida, as well as Illinois and Arizona.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-scores-big-wins-in-florida-and-illinois-primaries-blighted-by-coronavirus-287091">Biden scores big wins in Florida and Illinois primaries blighted by coronavirus</a>

In Florida, the 77-year-old won 62 per cent to 23 per cent against Sanders, a 78-year-old self-described "democratic socialist" senator from Vermont.

Biden was ahead by 23 percentage points in Illinois, with 89 per cent of precincts reporting.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-appoint-a-woman-as-vice-president-if-elected-president-biden-286568">I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden</a>

"Our campaign has had a very good night. We've moved closer to securing the Democratic Party's nomination for president, and we're doing it by building a broad coalition that we need to win in November,"&nbsp;Biden said in televised remarks from his home in Delaware.

Biden now has a commanding lead in the all-important race for the delegates needed to become the nominee.

On Tuesday Biden's delegate count stood at 1,147 compared to Sanders's 861. A candidate needs 1,991 delegates to secure the Democratic nomination and face Trump in the November election.

Biden has long said that Americans want pragmatic results, not the political "revolution" advocated by Sanders.

Joe Biden won the Arizona primary over Bernie Sanders, giving him a sweep of the three US states which voted on Tuesday to choose a Democratic candidate to face President Donald Trump in November.

Joe Biden won the Arizona primary over Bernie Sanders, giving him a sweep of the three US states which voted on Tuesday to choose a Democratic candidate to face President Donald Trump in November. As the United States grappled with combating the spreading coronavirus pandemic, voters handed the former vice president victory in delegate-rich Florida, as well as Illinois and Arizona. Also read: Biden scores big wins in Florida and Illinois primaries blighted by coronavirus In Florida, the 77-year-old won 62 per cent to 23 per cent against Sanders, a 78-year-old self-described "democratic socialist" senator from Vermont. Biden was ahead by 23 percentage points in Illinois, with 89 per cent of precincts reporting. Also read: I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden "Our campaign has had a very good night. We've moved closer to securing the Democratic Party's nomination for president, and we're doing it by building a broad coalition that we need to win in November," Biden said in televised remarks from his home in Delaware. Biden now has a commanding lead in the all-important race for the delegates needed to become the nominee. On Tuesday Biden's delegate count stood at 1,147 compared to Sanders's 861. A candidate needs 1,991 delegates to secure the Democratic nomination and face Trump in the November election. Biden has long said that Americans want pragmatic results, not the political "revolution" advocated by Sanders.

Joe Biden wins Arizona for Democratic primary sweep

The fight in this week’s Democratic primaries may have been about who confronts Donald J Trump in November’s US presidential election, Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden. But irrespective of who wins the primaries and the election, one thing is certain: the next American leader will preside over fundamental changes in the US military commitment to the Gulf and what a new regional security architecture will look like.

No doubt, a President Sanders, based on his electoral campaign promises, would likely oversee the most fundamental shift in US policy towards the Gulf and the rest of the Middle East in decades.

Yet, even if Sanders fails to become the Democratic candidate in the November election, or loses to Trump, significant elements of his thinking are certain to be at the core of the next administration’s policy, reflecting a broader trend in US attitudes towards foreign engagements in general and the Middle East in particular.

It’s hard to think of anything that Sanders and Trump would agree on. And even if there is something, like a reduced commitment to Gulf security, they would do everything to deny that there is any common ground.

Yet, that is perhaps the only thing they agree on.

However, the difference between the two men is that Trump, who lacks a policy vision that goes beyond slogans like “Make America Great Again” and “Why should the United States shoulder the responsibility of others?”, has no issue with repeatedly reversing himself and sees Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel as his guardrails.

Irrespective of whether one agrees with Sanders or not, or how realistic one thinks his vision is, it is beyond doubt that he has thought through a concept of what American policy towards the Middle East should be.

As a result, a Sanders presidency, viewed with apprehension by countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, whom the Democrats’ most left-wing hopeful has targetted, could prove to be either the most constructive US government in changing the region’s political landscape or the most divisive and destructive.

The changing landscape is likely to be driven by the US desire to reduce its military commitment and nagging Gulf doubts about US reliability. Doubts that began with US President Barak Obama’s support for the 2011 popular Arab revolts and his nuclear deal with Iran and were later reinforced by Trump’s unpredictability and refusal to respond forcefully to multiple Iranian provocations, including last September’s attack on two key Saudi oil facilities.

The killing in January by US drones of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was seen by Gulf states as the welcome taking out of a feared and wily opponent but also as an operation that risked dragging the region into a full-fledged war.

Trump has further raised questions with his insistence that his withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal that curbed Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions-driven maximum pressure campaign are producing results.

As a result, a move towards a multilateral security architecture looks increasingly attractive given the regional uncertainty about the outcome of the US election and the fact that neither China nor Russia is willing or capable on their own of replacing the US as the Gulf’s security guarantor.

While Biden has ruffled few Middle Eastern feathers even though he is expected to hue closer to&nbsp;Obama’s approach,&nbsp;Sanders has raised alarms in Riyadh and Jerusalem with his campaign promise to re-join the nuclear agreement on the first day of his presidency even though, in theory, a return could facilitate achieving some kind of regional non-aggression understanding.

Such an understanding is at the core of Russian and Iranian proposals for a multilateral arrangement that would embed the current unipolar US defence umbrella that was designed to protect the conservative Gulf states against Iran.

The degree to which Sanders’ intention to revive the agreement with Iran facilitates a broader agreement or complicates a transition to a multilateral arrangement is nonetheless likely to depend on whether and how Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE respond to&nbsp;Sanders’ policy.

The glass is half full or half empty on that count.

The Saudis, Emiratis, and Israelis were opposed to the original agreement.

A sense in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi that Saudi and UAE interests had been ignored during the negotiations with Iran and that the US could no longer be fully trusted prompted them to embark on a series of reckless policies. That perception of mistrust sparked the disastrous war in Yemen and persuaded them to forge close albeit informal ties with Israel, which views the regime in Tehran as an existential threat.

A Sanders administration that takes the Gulf states to task on human rights issues, and targets economic structures that enable the oil-rich states’ dollar diplomacy—even if it embraces Palestinian national rights—could convince them to do what it takes to counter the new president and thwart his initiatives.

By the same token, Trump’s perceived unreliability prompted the UAE and Saudi Arabia to reach out to Iran. The Emiratis appear to have made progress in lowering tensions while indirect Saudi-Iranian contacts broke down with the Soleimani killing.

A progressive US military disengagement from the Gulf and Iraq, as well as, a halt to support of the Saudi engagement in Yemen under Sanders could blow new life into regional efforts to create an environment conducive to a rejiggered security architecture.

(This was first published on <a href="https://insidearabia.com/biden-sanders-or-trump-us-policy-towards-the-gulf-will-change-regardless/">Inside Arabia</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The fight in this week’s Democratic primaries may have been about who confronts Donald J Trump in November’s US presidential election, Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden.

The fight in this week’s Democratic primaries may have been about who confronts Donald J Trump in November’s US presidential election, Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden. But irrespective of who wins the primaries and the election, one thing is certain: the next American leader will preside over fundamental changes in the US military commitment to the Gulf and what a new regional security architecture will look like. No doubt, a President Sanders, based on his electoral campaign promises, would likely oversee the most fundamental shift in US policy towards the Gulf and the rest of the Middle East in decades. Yet, even if Sanders fails to become the Democratic candidate in the November election, or loses to Trump, significant elements of his thinking are certain to be at the core of the next administration’s policy, reflecting a broader trend in US attitudes towards foreign engagements in general and the Middle East in particular. It’s hard to think of anything that Sanders and Trump would agree on. And even if there is something, like a reduced commitment to Gulf security, they would do everything to deny that there is any common ground. Yet, that is perhaps the only thing they agree on. However, the difference between the two men is that Trump, who lacks a policy vision that goes beyond slogans like “Make America Great Again” and “Why should the United States shoulder the responsibility of others?”, has no issue with repeatedly reversing himself and sees Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel as his guardrails. Irrespective of whether one agrees with Sanders or not, or how realistic one thinks his vision is, it is beyond doubt that he has thought through a concept of what American policy towards the Middle East should be. As a result, a Sanders presidency, viewed with apprehension by countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, whom the Democrats’ most left-wing hopeful has targetted, could prove to be either the most constructive US government in changing the region’s political landscape or the most divisive and destructive. The changing landscape is likely to be driven by the US desire to reduce its military commitment and nagging Gulf doubts about US reliability. Doubts that began with US President Barak Obama’s support for the 2011 popular Arab revolts and his nuclear deal with Iran and were later reinforced by Trump’s unpredictability and refusal to respond forcefully to multiple Iranian provocations, including last September’s attack on two key Saudi oil facilities. The killing in January by US drones of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was seen by Gulf states as the welcome taking out of a feared and wily opponent but also as an operation that risked dragging the region into a full-fledged war. Trump has further raised questions with his insistence that his withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal that curbed Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions-driven maximum pressure campaign are producing results. As a result, a move towards a multilateral security architecture looks increasingly attractive given the regional uncertainty about the outcome of the US election and the fact that neither China nor Russia is willing or capable on their own of replacing the US as the Gulf’s security guarantor. While Biden has ruffled few Middle Eastern feathers even though he is expected to hue closer to Obama’s approach, Sanders has raised alarms in Riyadh and Jerusalem with his campaign promise to re-join the nuclear agreement on the first day of his presidency even though, in theory, a return could facilitate achieving some kind of regional non-aggression understanding. Such an understanding is at the core of Russian and Iranian proposals for a multilateral arrangement that would embed the current unipolar US defence umbrella that was designed to protect the conservative Gulf states against Iran. The degree to which Sanders’ intention to revive the agreement with Iran facilitates a broader agreement or complicates a transition to a multilateral arrangement is nonetheless likely to depend on whether and how Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE respond to Sanders’ policy. The glass is half full or half empty on that count. The Saudis, Emiratis, and Israelis were opposed to the original agreement. A sense in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi that Saudi and UAE interests had been ignored during the negotiations with Iran and that the US could no longer be fully trusted prompted them to embark on a series of reckless policies. That perception of mistrust sparked the disastrous war in Yemen and persuaded them to forge close albeit informal ties with Israel, which views the regime in Tehran as an existential threat. A Sanders administration that takes the Gulf states to task on human rights issues, and targets economic structures that enable the oil-rich states’ dollar diplomacy—even if it embraces Palestinian national rights—could convince them to do what it takes to counter the new president and thwart his initiatives. By the same token, Trump’s perceived unreliability prompted the UAE and Saudi Arabia to reach out to Iran. The Emiratis appear to have made progress in lowering tensions while indirect Saudi-Iranian contacts broke down with the Soleimani killing. A progressive US military disengagement from the Gulf and Iraq, as well as, a halt to support of the Saudi engagement in Yemen under Sanders could blow new life into regional efforts to create an environment conducive to a rejiggered security architecture. (This was first published on Inside Arabia) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump, US policy towards the Gulf will change regardless

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will reassess the future of his Democratic presidential campaign after his disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, but a campaign official said that did not mean his candidacy would end on Wednesday.

"As our campaign manager said before the polls closed tonight, any campaign would reassess after tonight, after next week, after any time there was a vote," said Bloomberg national press secretary Julie Wood.

Results in the 14 Super Tuesday nominating contests showed the billionaire businessman gaining little traction with voters.

Watch: US Presidential Elections 2020: Joe Biden celebrates a 'Super Tuesday' with big wins

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Bloomberg adopted a novel strategy for his White House bid, opting out of the first four nominating contests and hoping a $500 million-plus ad blitz would generate a momentum-building series of wins on Super Tuesday.

Another campaign official told Reuters it was inaccurate to suggest Bloomberg’s presidential run could end on Wednesday.

Bloomberg was unlikely to win any states, although he will likely pick up some of the 1,357 pledged delegates available. He was projected to win in American Samoa, a US&nbsp;territory that awards a total of six delegates. He also picked up some delegates in Colorado and early results showed him No. 2 in delegate-rich California.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-moves-ahead-in-us-presidential-race-scores-big-wins-on-super-tuesday-284077">Joe Biden moves ahead in US presidential race; scores big wins on Super Tuesday</a>

"As the results come in, here’s what is clear: No matter how many delegates we win tonight, we have done something no one thought was possible," Bloomberg told supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday evening.

"In just three months, we’ve gone from 1 per cent&nbsp;in the polls to being a contender for the Democratic nomination for president."

After entering the race in November, more than six months after his main competitors, Bloomberg spent nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars on his campaign, much of it on ads arguing that he could defeat Republican President Donald Trump in the November election.

He hired thousands of staffers and mounted a vigorous national tour focused on Super Tuesday states, and began to rise in national opinion polls.

But Bloomberg was dogged by criticism of his past support as mayor of "stop and frisk," a policy that encouraged police to stop and search pedestrians and ensnared disproportionate numbers of blacks and Latinos. He was also slammed in two Democratic debates for past sexist remarks.

Joe Biden's decisive win in South Carolina on Saturday and the subsequent endorsements of former rivals Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar led to a surge in support for the former vice president, who was projected to win at least eight states on Tuesday.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will reassess the future of his Democratic presidential campaign after his disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, but a campaign official said that did not mean his candidacy would end on Wednesday.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will reassess the future of his Democratic presidential campaign after his disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, but a campaign official said that did not mean his candidacy would end on Wednesday. "As our campaign manager said before the polls closed tonight, any campaign would reassess after tonight, after next week, after any time there was a vote," said Bloomberg national press secretary Julie Wood. Results in the 14 Super Tuesday nominating contests showed the billionaire businessman gaining little traction with voters. Watch: US Presidential Elections 2020: Joe Biden celebrates a 'Super Tuesday' with big wins Bloomberg adopted a novel strategy for his White House bid, opting out of the first four nominating contests and hoping a $500 million-plus ad blitz would generate a momentum-building series of wins on Super Tuesday. Another campaign official told Reuters it was inaccurate to suggest Bloomberg’s presidential run could end on Wednesday. Bloomberg was unlikely to win any states, although he will likely pick up some of the 1,357 pledged delegates available. He was projected to win in American Samoa, a US territory that awards a total of six delegates. He also picked up some delegates in Colorado and early results showed him No. 2 in delegate-rich California. Also read: Joe Biden moves ahead in US presidential race; scores big wins on Super Tuesday "As the results come in, here’s what is clear: No matter how many delegates we win tonight, we have done something no one thought was possible," Bloomberg told supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday evening. "In just three months, we’ve gone from 1 per cent in the polls to being a contender for the Democratic nomination for president." After entering the race in November, more than six months after his main competitors, Bloomberg spent nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars on his campaign, much of it on ads arguing that he could defeat Republican President Donald Trump in the November election. He hired thousands of staffers and mounted a vigorous national tour focused on Super Tuesday states, and began to rise in national opinion polls. But Bloomberg was dogged by criticism of his past support as mayor of "stop and frisk," a policy that encouraged police to stop and search pedestrians and ensnared disproportionate numbers of blacks and Latinos. He was also slammed in two Democratic debates for past sexist remarks. Joe Biden's decisive win in South Carolina on Saturday and the subsequent endorsements of former rivals Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar led to a surge in support for the former vice president, who was projected to win at least eight states on Tuesday.

Bloomberg to reassess campaign as ad blitz fails to win Super Tuesday voters

Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay US presidential candidate from a major party, on Sunday ended his campaign to be the Democratic nominee in the November election against Donald Trump, US media said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-breaking-news-update-meet-Pete-Buttigieg-the-man-who-shocked-Sanders-Biden-in-Iowa-caucus">Also read: Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus</a> 
 
The 38-year-old had risen rapidly from being a virtual unknown to becoming a national political figure, but he scored poorly in the latest primary in South Carolina, coming fourth with just eight per cent.

He was scheduled to address supporters later Sunday in South Bend, Indiana, where he was previously the mayor.

Buttigieg took centre stage when securing a narrow victory in the Iowa caucuses and earned national attention for his unflustered and professional approach in an often bitter Democratic nomination race.

But his showing in South Carolina on Saturday confirmed polls suggesting he struggled to attract support among black voters -- a key demographic.

Joe Biden's resounding victory in South Carolina has thrust him back into the race just days before voters go to the polls in 14 "Super Tuesday" states. &nbsp;

With 48 per cent of the vote in South Carolina, the former vice president more than doubled the 20 per cent won by national frontrunner Bernie Sanders, reviving Biden's campaign and positioning him as the leftist senator's main rival.

Trump responded rapidly on Twitter, claiming that the Democratic party leadership would act to halt Sanders winning.

"Pete Buttigieg is OUT. All of his SuperTuesday votes will go to Sleepy Joe Biden. Great timing. This is the REAL beginning of the Dems taking Bernie out of play," Trump wrote.

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Pete Buttigieg is OUT. All of his SuperTuesday votes will go to Sleepy Joe Biden. Great timing. This is the REAL beginning of the Dems taking Bernie out of play - NO NOMINATION, AGAIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1234263037110083587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay US presidential candidate from a major party, on Sunday ended his campaign to be the Democratic nominee in the November election against Donald Trump, US media said.

Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay US presidential candidate from a major party, on Sunday ended his campaign to be the Democratic nominee in the November election against Donald Trump, US media said. Also read: Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus The 38-year-old had risen rapidly from being a virtual unknown to becoming a national political figure, but he scored poorly in the latest primary in South Carolina, coming fourth with just eight per cent. He was scheduled to address supporters later Sunday in South Bend, Indiana, where he was previously the mayor. Buttigieg took centre stage when securing a narrow victory in the Iowa caucuses and earned national attention for his unflustered and professional approach in an often bitter Democratic nomination race. But his showing in South Carolina on Saturday confirmed polls suggesting he struggled to attract support among black voters -- a key demographic. Joe Biden's resounding victory in South Carolina has thrust him back into the race just days before voters go to the polls in 14 "Super Tuesday" states. With 48 per cent of the vote in South Carolina, the former vice president more than doubled the 20 per cent won by national frontrunner Bernie Sanders, reviving Biden's campaign and positioning him as the leftist senator's main rival. Trump responded rapidly on Twitter, claiming that the Democratic party leadership would act to halt Sanders winning. "Pete Buttigieg is OUT. All of his SuperTuesday votes will go to Sleepy Joe Biden. Great timing. This is the REAL beginning of the Dems taking Bernie out of play," Trump wrote. Pete Buttigieg is OUT. All of his SuperTuesday votes will go to Sleepy Joe Biden. Great timing. This is the REAL beginning of the Dems taking Bernie out of play - NO NOMINATION, AGAIN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2020 ×

Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay US presidential candidate, drops out of race