The White House has revealed it is to end in-person briefings to congressional intelligence committees about foreign election interference, sparking accusations Saturday that it was covering up Russian help for President Donald Trump's reelection.

The move comes two months ahead of the general election, with Trump playing down the threat of foreign interference and accusing Democrats of leaking sensitive information.

US President Donald Trump's new director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, notified the House and Senate intelligence panels on Friday that the office would send written reports instead, giving lawmakers less opportunity to press for details as the November 3 election approaches.

Ratcliffe's office had offered to hold in-person briefings for the House and Senate oversight panels next month, even after concerns surfaced about leaks from previous meetings, a House committee official said. It later rescinded the offer.

The move drew heated rejoinders from Democratic lawmakers who have focussed on foreign efforts to sway the presidential election in 2016 and again this year.

"This is a shocking abdication of its lawful responsibility to keep the Congress currently informed, and a betrayal of the public’s right to know how foreign powers are trying to subvert our democracy," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said in a statement on Saturday.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said this month that Russia, which orchestrated a hacking campaign to sway the 2016 election in Trump's favour, was trying to "denigrate" Trump's 2020 Democratic opponent, Joe Biden. And it said China and Iran were hoping Trump is not re-elected.

Ratcliffe, a close political ally of Trump, is a former member of the House intelligence panel and was a vocal defender of the president during investigations of Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 election. He told senators during his confirmation hearing this year that "the intelligence I deliver will not be subject to outside influence."

The White House has revealed it is to end in-person briefings to congressional intelligence committees about foreign election interference, sparking accusations Saturday that it was covering up Russian help for President Donald Trump's reelection.

The White House has revealed it is to end in-person briefings to congressional intelligence committees about foreign election interference, sparking accusations Saturday that it was covering up Russian help for President Donald Trump's reelection. The move comes two months ahead of the general election, with Trump playing down the threat of foreign interference and accusing Democrats of leaking sensitive information. US President Donald Trump's new director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, notified the House and Senate intelligence panels on Friday that the office would send written reports instead, giving lawmakers less opportunity to press for details as the November 3 election approaches. Ratcliffe's office had offered to hold in-person briefings for the House and Senate oversight panels next month, even after concerns surfaced about leaks from previous meetings, a House committee official said. It later rescinded the offer. The move drew heated rejoinders from Democratic lawmakers who have focussed on foreign efforts to sway the presidential election in 2016 and again this year. "This is a shocking abdication of its lawful responsibility to keep the Congress currently informed, and a betrayal of the public’s right to know how foreign powers are trying to subvert our democracy," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said in a statement on Saturday. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said this month that Russia, which orchestrated a hacking campaign to sway the 2016 election in Trump's favour, was trying to "denigrate" Trump's 2020 Democratic opponent, Joe Biden. And it said China and Iran were hoping Trump is not re-elected. Ratcliffe, a close political ally of Trump, is a former member of the House intelligence panel and was a vocal defender of the president during investigations of Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 election. He told senators during his confirmation hearing this year that "the intelligence I deliver will not be subject to outside influence."

White House halts election security briefings to Congress

Kamala Harris is "not competent" to be president of the United States, incumbent president Donald Trump said as he addressed his supporters at a Republican campaign rally in New Hampshire on Friday.

Trump said he would support seeing a female president in the US but suggested that his daughter and senior White House advisor Ivanka Trump would be a better candidate for such a role.

"You know I want to see the first woman president also, but I don't want to see a woman president get into that position the way she'd do it, and she's not competent," Trump said.

"She's not competent," he said amidst applause from his supporters, a few of whom screamed Ivanka Trump, at an election rally on Friday.

"They're all saying, 'we want Ivanka'. I don't blame you," he said responding to his supporters.

Harris had been a presidential aspirant until last year before she dropped out of the race because of lack of popular support. Harris returned to political limelight after Joe Biden, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, picked her as his running mate in the November 3 election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-people-protesting-in-washington-thursday-were-thugs-323838">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says people protesting in Washington Thursday were 'thugs'</a>

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris is the first Indian-American and first Black woman to be picked by a major American political party for the top post.

This was Trump's first election rally after he formally accepted the nomination of the Republican Party on Thursday for the presidential election.

Trump said Harris withdrew from the Democratic Party's presidential race before primary season kicked off as her popularity dropped down to single digit.

"How about her? Sheer beauty? What a beauty though. They pick a woman who starts off...She (Harris) starts off (her presidential campaign) sort of strong. She's one of the favourites. Within a period of a few months, she goes down, down 15, 12, 11, nine, eight, five, three, two," he said.

"Then she goes, I'm going to leave because I've decided that I want to leave. I want to leave. She left (the race of presidency) because she wouldn't have gotten any votes. She was terrible. And this would be your president possibly. I don't think so. I don't think so," Trump said, speculating on the possibility that Harris could emerge as a Democratic presidential candidate in 2024.

Hours before Trump delivered his acceptance speech from the South Lawn at the White House, Harris alleged that the president's policies have been "a reckless disregard" for the danger a pandemic would pose to American lives.

She said Trump has "failed at the most basic and important job of a President of the United States. He failed to protect the American people".

Kamala Harris is "not competent" to be president of the United States, incumbent president Donald Trump said as he addressed his supporters at a Republican campaign rally in New Hampshire on Friday.

Kamala Harris is "not competent" to be president of the United States, incumbent president Donald Trump said as he addressed his supporters at a Republican campaign rally in New Hampshire on Friday. Trump said he would support seeing a female president in the US but suggested that his daughter and senior White House advisor Ivanka Trump would be a better candidate for such a role. "You know I want to see the first woman president also, but I don't want to see a woman president get into that position the way she'd do it, and she's not competent," Trump said. "She's not competent," he said amidst applause from his supporters, a few of whom screamed Ivanka Trump, at an election rally on Friday. "They're all saying, 'we want Ivanka'. I don't blame you," he said responding to his supporters. Harris had been a presidential aspirant until last year before she dropped out of the race because of lack of popular support. Harris returned to political limelight after Joe Biden, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, picked her as his running mate in the November 3 election. Also read | Trump says people protesting in Washington Thursday were 'thugs' Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris is the first Indian-American and first Black woman to be picked by a major American political party for the top post. This was Trump's first election rally after he formally accepted the nomination of the Republican Party on Thursday for the presidential election. Trump said Harris withdrew from the Democratic Party's presidential race before primary season kicked off as her popularity dropped down to single digit. "How about her? Sheer beauty? What a beauty though. They pick a woman who starts off...She (Harris) starts off (her presidential campaign) sort of strong. She's one of the favourites. Within a period of a few months, she goes down, down 15, 12, 11, nine, eight, five, three, two," he said. "Then she goes, I'm going to leave because I've decided that I want to leave. I want to leave. She left (the race of presidency) because she wouldn't have gotten any votes. She was terrible. And this would be your president possibly. I don't think so. I don't think so," Trump said, speculating on the possibility that Harris could emerge as a Democratic presidential candidate in 2024. Hours before Trump delivered his acceptance speech from the South Lawn at the White House, Harris alleged that the president's policies have been "a reckless disregard" for the danger a pandemic would pose to American lives. She said Trump has "failed at the most basic and important job of a President of the United States. He failed to protect the American people".

Kamala Harris 'not competent' to be US president, Ivanka better: Donald Trump

The White House is compiling a "very large" dossier on a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter and other journalists from the organisation. It said these persons were a "disgrace to journalism and the American people."

This development came after The Post requested comment for a Thursday story David Fahrenthold wrote with two colleagues. The story, co-bylined by reporters Josh Dawsey and Joshua Partlow, detailed how US President Donald Trump's company "charged the US government more than $900,000" for hotel rooms fees among other services at Mar-a-Lago.

In a statement, White House spokesperson Judd Deere accused The Washington Post of "blatantly interfering with the business relationships of the Trump Organization" and demanded "it must stop."

He said, "Please be advised that we are building up a very large 'dossier' on the many false David Fahrenthold and others stories as they are a disgrace to journalism and the American people."

Fahrenthold wrote on Twitter that if anyone knows "anything about a dossier the White House has supposedly compiled" on him, to let him know or provide him a copy.

Fahrenthold won a Pulitzer Prize in 2017 for "casting doubt" on Trump's "generosity toward charities" in his coverage. He has also reported on Trump's businesses.

Last year also, The New York Times reported that allies of the White House had compiled dossiers on hundreds of people who work for top news organisations. 
&nbsp;

The White House is compiling a "very large" dossier on a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter and other journalists from the organisation. It said these persons were a "disgrace to journalism and the American people.

The White House is compiling a "very large" dossier on a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter and other journalists from the organisation. It said these persons were a "disgrace to journalism and the American people." This development came after The Post requested comment for a Thursday story David Fahrenthold wrote with two colleagues. The story, co-bylined by reporters Josh Dawsey and Joshua Partlow, detailed how US President Donald Trump's company "charged the US government more than $900,000" for hotel rooms fees among other services at Mar-a-Lago. In a statement, White House spokesperson Judd Deere accused The Washington Post of "blatantly interfering with the business relationships of the Trump Organization" and demanded "it must stop." He said, "Please be advised that we are building up a very large 'dossier' on the many false David Fahrenthold and others stories as they are a disgrace to journalism and the American people." Fahrenthold wrote on Twitter that if anyone knows "anything about a dossier the White House has supposedly compiled" on him, to let him know or provide him a copy. Fahrenthold won a Pulitzer Prize in 2017 for "casting doubt" on Trump's "generosity toward charities" in his coverage. He has also reported on Trump's businesses. Last year also, The New York Times reported that allies of the White House had compiled dossiers on hundreds of people who work for top news organisations.

White House is creating a dossier on few journalists, terming them a 'disgrace'

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he would follow public health advisors' advice if they called for a national shutdown if the coronavirus had not subsided by the time he takes office.

"I would be prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives. We cannot get the country moving until we control the virus," Biden said in an interview broadcast Sunday night on ABC News.

He even said he would not shy from a national shutdown if scientists said it was necessary.

"I would shut it down," he said.

The former vice president's remarks came in his first joint interview with vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris. The pair accepted their party's nominations during a virtual convention last week. On Monday, Republicans begin their convention to nominate Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for a second term.

When asked about Trump's recent assertion that the only way he'd lose was if the election were rigged, the Democratic challenger dismissed any notions that the incumbent president wouldn't leave the White House voluntarily if he loses.

"The American people will not let that happen," he said.&nbsp;

"No one's going to allow that to happen."&nbsp;

The first Black woman on a major party national ticket, Harris said she and Biden are on the same page on race amid the nation's ongoing reckoning with systemic racism.

"There are real racial disparities that are rooted in systemic racism," Harris said, noting wealth gaps and the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on Black and Hispanic communities.&nbsp;

Biden said they "have the same value set" and are "on same exact page about what the possibilities are right now."&nbsp;

"I signed on to bills that were about great ideas to fix the problem," Harris told ABC, arguing that she and Biden "are completely aligned on " making sure everyone has health care." 
&nbsp;

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he would follow public health advisors' advice if they called for a national shutdown if the coronavirus had not subsided by the time he takes office.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he would follow public health advisors' advice if they called for a national shutdown if the coronavirus had not subsided by the time he takes office. "I would be prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives. We cannot get the country moving until we control the virus," Biden said in an interview broadcast Sunday night on ABC News. He even said he would not shy from a national shutdown if scientists said it was necessary. "I would shut it down," he said. The former vice president's remarks came in his first joint interview with vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris. The pair accepted their party's nominations during a virtual convention last week. On Monday, Republicans begin their convention to nominate Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for a second term. When asked about Trump's recent assertion that the only way he'd lose was if the election were rigged, the Democratic challenger dismissed any notions that the incumbent president wouldn't leave the White House voluntarily if he loses. "The American people will not let that happen," he said. "No one's going to allow that to happen." The first Black woman on a major party national ticket, Harris said she and Biden are on the same page on race amid the nation's ongoing reckoning with systemic racism. "There are real racial disparities that are rooted in systemic racism," Harris said, noting wealth gaps and the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on Black and Hispanic communities. Biden said they "have the same value set" and are "on same exact page about what the possibilities are right now." "I signed on to bills that were about great ideas to fix the problem," Harris told ABC, arguing that she and Biden "are completely aligned on " making sure everyone has health care."

Joe Biden says he'd shut down economy if scientists recommended

President Donald Trump will draw on all his showman's instincts at the Republican convention starting Monday to get Americans to look beyond his handling of the coronavirus crisis and return him to the White House for a second term.

Facing anger over the pandemic and ensuing economic turmoil, Trump badly trails his Democratic opponent Joe Biden in the polls.

But the Republican insists he can replicate his surprise 2016 win -- and hopes the convention, where he will be nominated to seek reelection November 3, will launch the comeback.

Due to COVID-19, the convention will be largely online, the same as the Democrats' unprecedented convention last week. But technical aspects will be only the start of the tradition-wrecking changes brought to the Trump party.

Unlike standard conventions, where the candidate stays mostly out of the way until the last night, Trump is expected to be in the limelight all four days.

His family, which has had an unusual amount of influence and access at the White House during his tumultuous first term, will also be omnipresent.

There'll be First Lady Melania Trump's speech in the Rose Garden on Tuesday and addresses by the president's children, including right-wing firebrand son Don Jr, daughter-advisor Ivanka and daughter-in-law Lara Trump.

On Monday, the convention kicks off with Republican delegates meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, to hear Trump speak.

Trump's climactic speech on Thursday, which the Republicans hope to follow with fireworks, will be delivered at the White House itself -- a show of power trampling over the custom of separating political campaigns from the office of president.

In yet another move raising eyebrows, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a big Trump supporter, will make a speech on his behalf while conducting an official trip to Israel.

It's often said that the Democrats' deep Hollywood connections give them the upper hand in the showbiz side of politics. They put on a well-honed production last week, culminating with Biden's emotional pledge to be an "ally of the light" after what he called the "darkness" of Trump's first term.

Trump, though, also has years of experience in television, quite apart from his decades as a celebrity property developer. So, reports that he has brought in two of the producers on his old reality TV show "The Apprentice" to help out come as no surprise.

- God, jobs and guns -

For all his bullishness, Trump faces an uphill struggle against Biden, who is tapping into massive unhappiness with the president's handling of the pandemic, unrest over racial inequality and fear of longterm economic damage from the coronavirus shutdown.

Beyond bread and butter issues, Trump's abrasive style, his habit of insulting people he doesn't like in public, his demonization of journalists, and almost total inability to talk to Democratic leaders has left the country divided and exhausted.

After the Democrats used their convention to promise national healing, Trump sought to turn the issue on its head, accusing his opponents of being the ones going negative.

"They spent four straight days attacking America as racist and a horrible country that must be redeemed," he said Friday. "Where Joe Biden sees American darkness, I see American greatness."

Asked by Fox News in an interview aired Sunday what to expect at the convention, Trump said "something that is going to be very uplifting and positive."

Trump's number one message is that the economy, reeling from the shock of the nationwide shutdown earlier this year, will come back soon.

He told Fox News he will be promising tax cuts and "the best economy ever."

But the sunny tone is likely to get heavy competition from Trump's other favorite themes -- his often outlandish claims that Democrats want to take away Americans' firearms, unleash anarchy in the streets, encourage mass illegal immigration, and even repress religious freedom.

Earlier this month, Trump told a crowd that Biden will "hurt the Bible, hurt God" -- a statement that quickly drew outrage and ridicule.

Asked by Fox News whether a kinder, gentler kind of Trump might be seen in a second term, the president said: "I'd like it to be calm, too."

But "I have to fight back," he said. "If I don't fight back strong, I would be sitting here right now."

President Donald Trump will draw on all his showman's instincts at the Republican convention starting Monday to get Americans to look beyond his handling of the coronavirus crisis and return him to the White House for a second term.

President Donald Trump will draw on all his showman's instincts at the Republican convention starting Monday to get Americans to look beyond his handling of the coronavirus crisis and return him to the White House for a second term. Facing anger over the pandemic and ensuing economic turmoil, Trump badly trails his Democratic opponent Joe Biden in the polls. But the Republican insists he can replicate his surprise 2016 win -- and hopes the convention, where he will be nominated to seek reelection November 3, will launch the comeback. Due to COVID-19, the convention will be largely online, the same as the Democrats' unprecedented convention last week. But technical aspects will be only the start of the tradition-wrecking changes brought to the Trump party. Unlike standard conventions, where the candidate stays mostly out of the way until the last night, Trump is expected to be in the limelight all four days. His family, which has had an unusual amount of influence and access at the White House during his tumultuous first term, will also be omnipresent. There'll be First Lady Melania Trump's speech in the Rose Garden on Tuesday and addresses by the president's children, including right-wing firebrand son Don Jr, daughter-advisor Ivanka and daughter-in-law Lara Trump. On Monday, the convention kicks off with Republican delegates meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, to hear Trump speak. Trump's climactic speech on Thursday, which the Republicans hope to follow with fireworks, will be delivered at the White House itself -- a show of power trampling over the custom of separating political campaigns from the office of president. In yet another move raising eyebrows, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a big Trump supporter, will make a speech on his behalf while conducting an official trip to Israel. It's often said that the Democrats' deep Hollywood connections give them the upper hand in the showbiz side of politics. They put on a well-honed production last week, culminating with Biden's emotional pledge to be an "ally of the light" after what he called the "darkness" of Trump's first term. Trump, though, also has years of experience in television, quite apart from his decades as a celebrity property developer. So, reports that he has brought in two of the producers on his old reality TV show "The Apprentice" to help out come as no surprise. - God, jobs and guns - For all his bullishness, Trump faces an uphill struggle against Biden, who is tapping into massive unhappiness with the president's handling of the pandemic, unrest over racial inequality and fear of longterm economic damage from the coronavirus shutdown. Beyond bread and butter issues, Trump's abrasive style, his habit of insulting people he doesn't like in public, his demonization of journalists, and almost total inability to talk to Democratic leaders has left the country divided and exhausted. After the Democrats used their convention to promise national healing, Trump sought to turn the issue on its head, accusing his opponents of being the ones going negative. "They spent four straight days attacking America as racist and a horrible country that must be redeemed," he said Friday. "Where Joe Biden sees American darkness, I see American greatness." Asked by Fox News in an interview aired Sunday what to expect at the convention, Trump said "something that is going to be very uplifting and positive." Trump's number one message is that the economy, reeling from the shock of the nationwide shutdown earlier this year, will come back soon. He told Fox News he will be promising tax cuts and "the best economy ever." But the sunny tone is likely to get heavy competition from Trump's other favorite themes -- his often outlandish claims that Democrats want to take away Americans' firearms, unleash anarchy in the streets, encourage mass illegal immigration, and even repress religious freedom. Earlier this month, Trump told a crowd that Biden will "hurt the Bible, hurt God" -- a statement that quickly drew outrage and ridicule. Asked by Fox News whether a kinder, gentler kind of Trump might be seen in a second term, the president said: "I'd like it to be calm, too." But "I have to fight back," he said. "If I don't fight back strong, I would be sitting here right now."

Showman Trump hopes Republican convention will change America's tune

Donald Trump loves recounting how everyone told him he wouldn't win in 2016, but he now has his work cut out to prove the doubters wrong a second time on November 3.

- Not a popular man -

Pollsters are more wary than four years ago, not least because this time the variables are off the chart.

Election season got into gear just as the coronavirus pandemic began sweeping through the United States, so far killing more than 170,000 people and pushing the previously booming economy off a cliff.

This has also been a summer of mass protests against racism, as the US faces a historic reckoning over racial injustice and police brutality.

And due to coronavirus restrictions, the challenger Joe Biden has barely been out of his Delaware home.

Despite the volatility, there is broad agreement that Trump has no chance of winning the popular vote, just like in 2016.

The Democrats' strongholds of California and New York alone give them millions of extra votes. Also, Trump is a historically unpopular president, with approval ratings jammed in the low 40s.

American University politics professor David Barker rates Trump's chances of a popular vote win at "maybe 1:100."

But US presidents are chosen via the state-by-state electoral college, not overall national tallies.

And in 2016, Hillary Clinton won nearly three million more votes than Trump, yet still lost the electoral college by a whopping margin. The Democrat got just 227 delegates to 304 delegates for Trump.

- Can he turn the tide? -

Trump often claims to have private polls showing him headed for a second term.

"Right now we're leading in so many polls that they refuse to put out," he said again Thursday.

The latest average of public, national polls from fivethirtyeight.com, however, has Trump down at about 43 percent to Biden's 51 percent.

The Economist's model, updated daily, currently gives Biden an 88 percent chance of winning the presidency, while Trump has just 12 percent. Its electoral college counter predicts a Biden landslide of 343 to Trump's 195, with only 270 required to win.

Republicans talk optimistically about a steep economic recovery in the next two months and maybe a dramatically early release of a coronavirus vaccine.

Others muse over the possibility of Biden self-sabotaging. He is renowned for awkward gaffes and has so far faced almost no difficult questioning from journalists.

An even less predictable factor is outside interference or a so-called "October surprise," like the Russian plot to destabilize Clinton's 2016 campaign and offer help to the Trump camp.

Allan Lichtman, an American University history professor whose "13 Keys to the White House" prediction method has worked accurately in every election since 1984 -- including 2016 -- says none of this can save Trump.

"A bolt from the blue is always possible, but it has not changed a prediction before," said Lichtman, whose "keys" look at structural political considerations, not polls.

"Even an improving economy is unlikely to change a key. We have an election-year recession and growth has been so negative that one more quarter is incredibly unlikely to reverse the call," he said.

- Roadmap -

Trump's campaign generals look at the map and still see numerous routes where an upset win here or there would put their man safely over the top.

Trump's collection of safe states alone is far from enough to reach the needed 270 electoral college votes.

So, as nearly always, the election will come down to voters in a handful of big swing states and maybe a scattering of smaller ones.

"We all need to win either Wisconsin or Michigan or Pennsylvania to win this thing again," Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien told reporters.

"If we win any of these three states and the states the president won in 2016, Joe Biden stays in his basement."

Barker says Trump really needs to keep hold of pretty much all the swing states that secured his 2016 win -- Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina and Ohio.

"He could lose one of any of those states and be fine, but not two."

In current polling, however, Biden leads in all those battlegrounds and even threatens in places like Texas where Trump won easily in 2016.

Asked to characterize Trump's path through the mounting electoral minefields, Barker answered: "narrow."

Donald Trump loves recounting how everyone told him he wouldn't win in 2016, but he now has his work cut out to prove the doubters wrong a second time on November 3.

Donald Trump loves recounting how everyone told him he wouldn't win in 2016, but he now has his work cut out to prove the doubters wrong a second time on November 3. - Not a popular man - Pollsters are more wary than four years ago, not least because this time the variables are off the chart. Election season got into gear just as the coronavirus pandemic began sweeping through the United States, so far killing more than 170,000 people and pushing the previously booming economy off a cliff. This has also been a summer of mass protests against racism, as the US faces a historic reckoning over racial injustice and police brutality. And due to coronavirus restrictions, the challenger Joe Biden has barely been out of his Delaware home. Despite the volatility, there is broad agreement that Trump has no chance of winning the popular vote, just like in 2016. The Democrats' strongholds of California and New York alone give them millions of extra votes. Also, Trump is a historically unpopular president, with approval ratings jammed in the low 40s. American University politics professor David Barker rates Trump's chances of a popular vote win at "maybe 1:100." But US presidents are chosen via the state-by-state electoral college, not overall national tallies. And in 2016, Hillary Clinton won nearly three million more votes than Trump, yet still lost the electoral college by a whopping margin. The Democrat got just 227 delegates to 304 delegates for Trump. - Can he turn the tide? - Trump often claims to have private polls showing him headed for a second term. "Right now we're leading in so many polls that they refuse to put out," he said again Thursday. The latest average of public, national polls from fivethirtyeight.com, however, has Trump down at about 43 percent to Biden's 51 percent. The Economist's model, updated daily, currently gives Biden an 88 percent chance of winning the presidency, while Trump has just 12 percent. Its electoral college counter predicts a Biden landslide of 343 to Trump's 195, with only 270 required to win. Republicans talk optimistically about a steep economic recovery in the next two months and maybe a dramatically early release of a coronavirus vaccine. Others muse over the possibility of Biden self-sabotaging. He is renowned for awkward gaffes and has so far faced almost no difficult questioning from journalists. An even less predictable factor is outside interference or a so-called "October surprise," like the Russian plot to destabilize Clinton's 2016 campaign and offer help to the Trump camp. Allan Lichtman, an American University history professor whose "13 Keys to the White House" prediction method has worked accurately in every election since 1984 -- including 2016 -- says none of this can save Trump. "A bolt from the blue is always possible, but it has not changed a prediction before," said Lichtman, whose "keys" look at structural political considerations, not polls. "Even an improving economy is unlikely to change a key. We have an election-year recession and growth has been so negative that one more quarter is incredibly unlikely to reverse the call," he said. - Roadmap - Trump's campaign generals look at the map and still see numerous routes where an upset win here or there would put their man safely over the top. Trump's collection of safe states alone is far from enough to reach the needed 270 electoral college votes. So, as nearly always, the election will come down to voters in a handful of big swing states and maybe a scattering of smaller ones. "We all need to win either Wisconsin or Michigan or Pennsylvania to win this thing again," Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien told reporters. "If we win any of these three states and the states the president won in 2016, Joe Biden stays in his basement." Barker says Trump really needs to keep hold of pretty much all the swing states that secured his 2016 win -- Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina and Ohio. "He could lose one of any of those states and be fine, but not two." In current polling, however, Biden leads in all those battlegrounds and even threatens in places like Texas where Trump won easily in 2016. Asked to characterize Trump's path through the mounting electoral minefields, Barker answered: "narrow."

Can Trump thread the electoral college needle again? It'll be tough

Incumbent US President Donald Trump's sister called him "cruel" and apparently confirmed her niece Mary's previous allegations that he had a friend take his SATs to get into college, according to audio clips secretly recorded by the latter.

The transcripts and audio excerpts have exclusively been obtained by the Washington Post from Mary Trump, author of a recent tell-all book about the US president -- "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created The World's Most Dangerous Man."&nbsp;Some 950,000 copies were sold the day of the memoir's release, with the White House branding the memoir as a "book of falsehoods".

Mary has, in her book, said that Donald Trump is unfit to be the president and has voiced support for his rival Joe Biden. She revealed to the Post that she had secretly taped 15 hours of face-to-face conversations with Maryanne Trump Barry, the president's older sister, in 2018 and 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-mary-trumps-book-is-a-lie-calls-it-stupid-and-vicious-314609">Also read |&nbsp;Donald Trump says Mary Trump's book is a lie; calls it 'stupid' and 'vicious'</a>

"His goddamned tweet and lying, oh my God," Barry says in one of the audio clips.&nbsp;

"I'm talking too freely, but you know. The change of stories. The lack of preparation. The lying. Holy shit."

Barry, a retired federal appellate judge, however, has never spoken publically about disagreements with President Donald Trump.

She goes on to say in another recording: "It's the phoniness of it all. It's the phoniness and this cruelty. Donald is cruel."

About Trump paying someone to take his SATs, the conversation, according to the Washington Post, goes like this: "He went to Fordham for one year and then he got into University of Pennsylvania because he had somebody take the exams."&nbsp;

"I even remember the name. That person was Joe Shapiro," Barry adds.

Mary has, however, said in her book that it was not Joe Shapiro that went to Penn with Donald Trump.

Mary Trump began taping conversations in 2018 with her aunt after she claims that her relatives had lied about the value of the family estate two decades earlier during a legal battle over her inheritance.

On Saturday evening, to this end, the White House provided a statement from Donald Trump. It said, "Every day it's something else, who cares. I miss my brother, and I'll continue to work hard for the American people. Not everyone agrees, but the results are obvious. Our country will soon be stronger than ever before."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-younger-brother-robert-dies-at-71-320888">Also read |&nbsp;Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, dies at 71</a>

'I miss my brother' is in reference to the president's brother Robert Trump who died last week.

Robert Trump had gone&nbsp;to court to try to block its publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather's estate, but to no avail.

Incumbent US President Donald Trump's sister called him "cruel" and apparently confirmed her niece Mary's previous allegations that he had a friend take his SATs to get into college, according to audio clips secretly recorded by the latter.

Incumbent US President Donald Trump's sister called him "cruel" and apparently confirmed her niece Mary's previous allegations that he had a friend take his SATs to get into college, according to audio clips secretly recorded by the latter. The transcripts and audio excerpts have exclusively been obtained by the Washington Post from Mary Trump, author of a recent tell-all book about the US president -- "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created The World's Most Dangerous Man." Some 950,000 copies were sold the day of the memoir's release, with the White House branding the memoir as a "book of falsehoods". Mary has, in her book, said that Donald Trump is unfit to be the president and has voiced support for his rival Joe Biden. She revealed to the Post that she had secretly taped 15 hours of face-to-face conversations with Maryanne Trump Barry, the president's older sister, in 2018 and 2019. Also read | Donald Trump says Mary Trump's book is a lie; calls it 'stupid' and 'vicious' "His goddamned tweet and lying, oh my God," Barry says in one of the audio clips. "I'm talking too freely, but you know. The change of stories. The lack of preparation. The lying. Holy shit." Barry, a retired federal appellate judge, however, has never spoken publically about disagreements with President Donald Trump. She goes on to say in another recording: "It's the phoniness of it all. It's the phoniness and this cruelty. Donald is cruel." About Trump paying someone to take his SATs, the conversation, according to the Washington Post, goes like this: "He went to Fordham for one year and then he got into University of Pennsylvania because he had somebody take the exams." "I even remember the name. That person was Joe Shapiro," Barry adds. Mary has, however, said in her book that it was not Joe Shapiro that went to Penn with Donald Trump. Mary Trump began taping conversations in 2018 with her aunt after she claims that her relatives had lied about the value of the family estate two decades earlier during a legal battle over her inheritance. On Saturday evening, to this end, the White House provided a statement from Donald Trump. It said, "Every day it's something else, who cares. I miss my brother, and I'll continue to work hard for the American people. Not everyone agrees, but the results are obvious. Our country will soon be stronger than ever before." Also read | Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, dies at 71 'I miss my brother' is in reference to the president's brother Robert Trump who died last week. Robert Trump had gone to court to try to block its publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather's estate, but to no avail.

Trump's sister calls him 'cruel' in audio recorded by niece, says report

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives has approved a legislation to&nbsp;provide the cash-strapped Postal Service with $25 billion and block policy changes that have stirred concerns about mail-in balloting ahead of the November 3 election.

The Saturday bill was passed 257-150, largely along party lines, with Democrats supporting it -- defying President Donald Trump, who actively urged Republicans to oppose it.

The vote sent the legislation dubbed the "Delivering for America Act" on to the Republican-controlled Senate.

The Republican-held Senate is unlikely to vote on it -- and hence, the matter won't reach Trump's desk.

The White House also strongly opposes the legislation and has said it would recommend that President Donald Trump veto the measure.

But more than two-dozen House Republicans broke ranks to join Democrats in approving the bill, during a rare Saturday session called by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the middle of the congressional August recess. She&nbsp;had predicted bipartisan support for the USPS legislation ahead of the vote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-may-never-get-election-results-trump-warns-against-vote-count-322329">Also read |&nbsp;You may never get election results: Trump warns against vote count</a>

With mail-in voting expected to surge during the coronavirus pandemic, Trump has alarmed Democrats by repeatedly denouncing mail-in ballots as a possible source of fraud. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy recently suspended cost-cutting measures that have slowed deliveries in recent weeks.

Democrats, who accuse Trump of trying to discourage mail-in balloting to gain an electoral advantage over Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, cast themselves as defenders of a public that relies on the Postal Service for vital deliveries, including prescription drugs.

The fight over the postal service is unfolding as Democrats and the Trump administration have not yet come together to successfully negotiate a new stimulus bill.

Democratic leaders introduced the measure after the Trump administration made policy changes at the USPS. Those moves included cutting overtime for employees, limiting post office hours, and removing some high-volume mail sorting machines from USPS facilities.&nbsp;

As lawmakers prepared to vote, Trump took to Twitter to accuse Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of seeking unnecessary funding for the Postal Service and trying to pull off a "Universal Mail-In Ballot Scam."

"Vote NO to the Pelosi/Schumer money wasting HOAX which is taking place now," the president wrote.

US Postmaster Louis DeJoy told a Senate committee on Friday that the Postal Service would deliver ballots "securely and on time" in the November election but said bigger changes could come after that.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-postmaster-promises-timely-election-mail-dramatic-changes-after-322341">Also read |&nbsp;US postmaster promises timely election mail, 'dramatic' changes after</a>

In fact, the House bill would prevent DeJoy from taking any action that would impede service until after next January or the end of the coronavirus health emergency, whichever comes later.

Pelosi insisted that congressional action is necessary, calling DeJoy's assurances ambiguous and unsatisfactory.&nbsp;

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives has approved a legislation to provide the cash-strapped Postal Service with $25 billion and block policy changes that have stirred concerns about mail-in balloting ahead of the November 3 election.

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives has approved a legislation to provide the cash-strapped Postal Service with $25 billion and block policy changes that have stirred concerns about mail-in balloting ahead of the November 3 election. The Saturday bill was passed 257-150, largely along party lines, with Democrats supporting it -- defying President Donald Trump, who actively urged Republicans to oppose it. The vote sent the legislation dubbed the "Delivering for America Act" on to the Republican-controlled Senate. The Republican-held Senate is unlikely to vote on it -- and hence, the matter won't reach Trump's desk. The White House also strongly opposes the legislation and has said it would recommend that President Donald Trump veto the measure. But more than two-dozen House Republicans broke ranks to join Democrats in approving the bill, during a rare Saturday session called by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the middle of the congressional August recess. She had predicted bipartisan support for the USPS legislation ahead of the vote. Also read | You may never get election results: Trump warns against vote count With mail-in voting expected to surge during the coronavirus pandemic, Trump has alarmed Democrats by repeatedly denouncing mail-in ballots as a possible source of fraud. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy recently suspended cost-cutting measures that have slowed deliveries in recent weeks. Democrats, who accuse Trump of trying to discourage mail-in balloting to gain an electoral advantage over Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, cast themselves as defenders of a public that relies on the Postal Service for vital deliveries, including prescription drugs. The fight over the postal service is unfolding as Democrats and the Trump administration have not yet come together to successfully negotiate a new stimulus bill. Democratic leaders introduced the measure after the Trump administration made policy changes at the USPS. Those moves included cutting overtime for employees, limiting post office hours, and removing some high-volume mail sorting machines from USPS facilities. As lawmakers prepared to vote, Trump took to Twitter to accuse Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of seeking unnecessary funding for the Postal Service and trying to pull off a "Universal Mail-In Ballot Scam." "Vote NO to the Pelosi/Schumer money wasting HOAX which is taking place now," the president wrote. US Postmaster Louis DeJoy told a Senate committee on Friday that the Postal Service would deliver ballots "securely and on time" in the November election but said bigger changes could come after that. Also read | US postmaster promises timely election mail, 'dramatic' changes after In fact, the House bill would prevent DeJoy from taking any action that would impede service until after next January or the end of the coronavirus health emergency, whichever comes later. Pelosi insisted that congressional action is necessary, calling DeJoy's assurances ambiguous and unsatisfactory.

US House approves bill to send $25 billion to Postal Service and block policy changes

US President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of decoupling the American economy from China -- still a major purchaser of their goods.

In a video excerpt from a Fox News interview to be aired on Sunday, Trump initially said “we don’t have to” do business with China, and then later said about decoupling: “Well it’s something that if they don’t treat us right I would certainly, I would certainly do that.”

Trump entered into a high-stakes trade war with China before reaching a partial Phase 1 trade deal in January. Trump has since shut the door on Phase 2 negotiations, saying he was unhappy with Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

In June, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said a decoupling of the American and Chinese economies will result if the companies are not allowed to compete on a fair and level basis in China’s economy.

US President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of decoupling the American economy from China -- still a major purchaser of their goods. In a video excerpt from a Fox News interview to be aired on Sunday, Trump initially said “we don’t have to” do business with China, and then later said about decoupling: “Well it’s something that if they don’t treat us right I would certainly, I would certainly do that.

US President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of decoupling the American economy from China -- still a major purchaser of their goods. In a video excerpt from a Fox News interview to be aired on Sunday, Trump initially said “we don’t have to” do business with China, and then later said about decoupling: “Well it’s something that if they don’t treat us right I would certainly, I would certainly do that.” Trump entered into a high-stakes trade war with China before reaching a partial Phase 1 trade deal in January. Trump has since shut the door on Phase 2 negotiations, saying he was unhappy with Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In June, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said a decoupling of the American and Chinese economies will result if the companies are not allowed to compete on a fair and level basis in China’s economy.

Trump says could 'decouple' and not do business with China

Facebook Inc is considering halting political advertising after US presidential election to curb post-election misinformation.

The company has spoken with experts about potential election scenarios, including the possibility of US President Donald Trump using the platform to dispute election results.

The New York Times reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources, that Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and some company executives met daily about how to minimise ways the platform could be used to dispute the election and have discussed the option of a political ads "kill switch" after the November 3 election.

Twitter has, meanwhile, said it was planning for an election period that effectively continued to Inauguration Day in January and for misinformation policies to cover any unique scenarios.

"We take the learnings from every recent election around the world and use them to improve our election integrity work," Twitter vice president of public policy Jessica Herrera-Flanigan said.

"This includes partnering with the government, civil society and our peer companies to better identify, understand and mitigate threats to the public conversation, both before or after an election."

Last year, Twitter Inc banned political ads, but Facebook has maintained that it does not want to stifle political speech.

In June, Facebook started labeling all posts and ads about voting with links to authoritative information, including those from politicians.

Facebook Inc is considering halting political advertising after US presidential election to curb post-election misinformation. The company has spoken with experts about potential election scenarios, including the possibility of US President Donald Trump using the platform to dispute election results.

Facebook Inc is considering halting political advertising after US presidential election to curb post-election misinformation. The company has spoken with experts about potential election scenarios, including the possibility of US President Donald Trump using the platform to dispute election results. The New York Times reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources, that Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and some company executives met daily about how to minimise ways the platform could be used to dispute the election and have discussed the option of a political ads "kill switch" after the November 3 election. Twitter has, meanwhile, said it was planning for an election period that effectively continued to Inauguration Day in January and for misinformation policies to cover any unique scenarios. "We take the learnings from every recent election around the world and use them to improve our election integrity work," Twitter vice president of public policy Jessica Herrera-Flanigan said. "This includes partnering with the government, civil society and our peer companies to better identify, understand and mitigate threats to the public conversation, both before or after an election." Last year, Twitter Inc banned political ads, but Facebook has maintained that it does not want to stifle political speech. In June, Facebook started labeling all posts and ads about voting with links to authoritative information, including those from politicians.

Facebook mulling halting political ads after US election to curb misinformation

US Postmaster Louis DeJoy on Friday told lawmakers the Postal Service would deliver ballots "securely and on time" in the November presidential election, but indicated he would pursue dramatic operational changes after that date.

DeJoy faced pointed questions at a Senate hearing from Democrats, who have accused the wealthy Republican donor of trying to tilt the election to President Donald Trump.

Republicans largely defended DeJoy, saying the Postal Service needed an overhaul. "I am sorry you are on the targeting end of this political hit piece," Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Ron Johnson told him.

The Postal Service's governing board plans to announce that DeJoy has their "full support," according to a person briefed on the matter.

DeJoy sought to assure Americans that widespread delays caused by cost-cutting measures would not cause their mail ballots to go uncounted in November. DeJoy suspended those service changes this week after facing public outrage.

"The American people should feel comfortable that the Postal Service will deliver on this election," he told the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

But DeJoy insisted that overtime limits and other cost-cutting measures would be needed to shore up the finances of a service that lost $9 billion last year. More sweeping changes could be in store after November, he said.

DeJoy, who has donated $2.7 million to Trump and other Republicans since 2016, rejected charges that he was trying to undermine confidence in the Postal Service ahead of an election in which up to half of US voters could vote by mail partly due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump has repeatedly and without evidence said that an increase in mail-in ballots would lead to a surge in fraud, although he himself has voted by mail. Trump said last week that he opposes additional Postal Service funding because it could lead to wider use of mail voting.

Experts say it is secure as any other method.

DeJoy said he has not spoken with the Trump campaign or White House Staff Mark Meadows about postal service operations.

He said postal workers will deliver 95 percent of election mail within three days, as they did in the 2018 congressional elections. The increased mail volume would not be a problem for the Postal Service, which sees far larger increases ahead of Christmas and Mother's Day, he said.

He added that he would personally vote by mail.

DeJoy, however, said he would not bring back mail-sorting machines and mailboxes that have been pulled from service in recent weeks, saying they were routine responses to changes in mail volume, which has dropped in the pandemic. He said he had not ordered those changes.

After he took the job in June, DeJoy imposed reductions in overtime, cuts in retail hours and restrictions on extra mail transportation trips that resulted in widespread delays nationwide.

Bigger changes could be in store after the election. DeJoy urged regulators to allow the Postal Service to raise prices and pressed lawmakers to lower retirement costs. He said the coronavirus pandemic had cost the service $10 billion.

The Washington Post reported on Friday that DeJoy has proposed setting higher prices for service in some states and requiring election ballots to use First Class postage instead of cheaper bulk-mail service, among other changes.

"We're considering dramatic changes to improve service," he said.

Republican Senator Rand Paul said he should consider laying off some of the service's 630,000 employees. 
Senator Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said he had received more than 7,500 reports of mail delays from people in his home state of Michigan.

"If you plan to continue pursuing these kinds of changes, I think my colleagues, and many of our constituents, will continue to question whether you are the right person to lead this indispensable public institution," Peters said.

Delaware Senator Tom Carper was caught uttering a series of expletives as he struggled with technology issues in the hearing, which was conducted via video.

Six states and the District of Columbia sued DeJoy on Friday, saying the service changes have harmed their ability to conduct free and fair elections.

Dozens of Democrats in the House of Representatives have called for DeJoy to be fired. DeJoy is due to testify there on Monday.

The House is due to vote Saturday on legislation that would provide $25 billion in Postal Service and require DeJoy to reverse his service changes.

 
&nbsp;

US Postmaster Louis DeJoy on Friday told lawmakers the Postal Service would deliver ballots "securely and on time" in the November presidential election, but indicated he would pursue dramatic operational changes after that date.

US Postmaster Louis DeJoy on Friday told lawmakers the Postal Service would deliver ballots "securely and on time" in the November presidential election, but indicated he would pursue dramatic operational changes after that date. DeJoy faced pointed questions at a Senate hearing from Democrats, who have accused the wealthy Republican donor of trying to tilt the election to President Donald Trump. Republicans largely defended DeJoy, saying the Postal Service needed an overhaul. "I am sorry you are on the targeting end of this political hit piece," Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Ron Johnson told him. The Postal Service's governing board plans to announce that DeJoy has their "full support," according to a person briefed on the matter. DeJoy sought to assure Americans that widespread delays caused by cost-cutting measures would not cause their mail ballots to go uncounted in November. DeJoy suspended those service changes this week after facing public outrage. "The American people should feel comfortable that the Postal Service will deliver on this election," he told the Senate Homeland Security Committee. But DeJoy insisted that overtime limits and other cost-cutting measures would be needed to shore up the finances of a service that lost $9 billion last year. More sweeping changes could be in store after November, he said. DeJoy, who has donated $2.7 million to Trump and other Republicans since 2016, rejected charges that he was trying to undermine confidence in the Postal Service ahead of an election in which up to half of US voters could vote by mail partly due to the coronavirus pandemic. Trump has repeatedly and without evidence said that an increase in mail-in ballots would lead to a surge in fraud, although he himself has voted by mail. Trump said last week that he opposes additional Postal Service funding because it could lead to wider use of mail voting. Experts say it is secure as any other method. DeJoy said he has not spoken with the Trump campaign or White House Staff Mark Meadows about postal service operations. He said postal workers will deliver 95 percent of election mail within three days, as they did in the 2018 congressional elections. The increased mail volume would not be a problem for the Postal Service, which sees far larger increases ahead of Christmas and Mother's Day, he said. He added that he would personally vote by mail. DeJoy, however, said he would not bring back mail-sorting machines and mailboxes that have been pulled from service in recent weeks, saying they were routine responses to changes in mail volume, which has dropped in the pandemic. He said he had not ordered those changes. After he took the job in June, DeJoy imposed reductions in overtime, cuts in retail hours and restrictions on extra mail transportation trips that resulted in widespread delays nationwide. Bigger changes could be in store after the election. DeJoy urged regulators to allow the Postal Service to raise prices and pressed lawmakers to lower retirement costs. He said the coronavirus pandemic had cost the service $10 billion. The Washington Post reported on Friday that DeJoy has proposed setting higher prices for service in some states and requiring election ballots to use First Class postage instead of cheaper bulk-mail service, among other changes. "We're considering dramatic changes to improve service," he said. Republican Senator Rand Paul said he should consider laying off some of the service's 630,000 employees. Senator Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said he had received more than 7,500 reports of mail delays from people in his home state of Michigan. "If you plan to continue pursuing these kinds of changes, I think my colleagues, and many of our constituents, will continue to question whether you are the right person to lead this indispensable public institution," Peters said. Delaware Senator Tom Carper was caught uttering a series of expletives as he struggled with technology issues in the hearing, which was conducted via video. Six states and the District of Columbia sued DeJoy on Friday, saying the service changes have harmed their ability to conduct free and fair elections. Dozens of Democrats in the House of Representatives have called for DeJoy to be fired. DeJoy is due to testify there on Monday. The House is due to vote Saturday on legislation that would provide $25 billion in Postal Service and require DeJoy to reverse his service changes.

US postmaster promises timely election mail, 'dramatic' changes after

The Republican Party is to make its case next week for four more years of President Donald Trump after his Democratic opponent Joe Biden wrapped up his party's convention with a vow to end what he called a "chapter of American darkness."

Accepting the Democratic nomination, the 77-year-old Biden said the United States was facing a "life-changing election" in November.

"The current president has cloaked America in darkness for much too long. Too much anger. Too much fear. Too much division," the former vice president said in his acceptance speech in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

"May history be able to say that the end of this chapter of American darkness began here tonight as love and hope and light joined in the battle for the soul of the nation," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-files-emergency-motion-to-block-release-of-his-tax-records-court-denies-bid-322288">Also read |&nbsp;Trump files emergency motion to block release of his tax records, court denies bid</a>

The 74-year-old Trump fired back on Friday, accusing Democrats of holding the "darkest, angriest and gloomiest convention in American history."

"Where Joe Biden sees American darkness, I see American greatness," he said.

Vice President Mike Pence also took aim at the four-day Democratic convention which was rife with attacks on Trump's character and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic which has left more than 174,000 people dead in the United States.

"I found not just those words by Joe Biden last night, but so many of the speeches at the Democratic national convention were so negative," Pence said on "CBS This Morning." "They presented such a grim vision for America."

"Joe Biden last night said that democracy's on the ballot, that character's on the ballot," Pence said. "The economy's on the ballot.

"The economy is coming back," the vice president said. "The only real threat to our economy is a Joe Biden presidency."

'WE MUST COME TOGETHER'

The Republican convention begins in North Carolina on Monday, and like the Democratic event it is going to be mostly online because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Pence is to address the convention on Wednesday and Trump is going to accept the Republican nomination in a speech at the White House on Thursday, shrugging off criticism over the use of the presidential residence for campaign purposes.

Trump dismissed Biden's acceptance speech in a tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-democratic-convention-ends-all-eyes-set-on-trumps-nomination-amid-tax-ruling-and-more-322261">Also read |&nbsp;As Democratic Convention ends, all eyes set on Trump's nomination amid tax ruling and more</a>

"In 47 years, Joe did none of the things of which he now speaks. He will never change, just words!" Trump said, alluding to Biden's long record in politics as a senator from Delaware and Barack Obama's vice president for eight years.

Unlike four years ago, when Hillary Clinton emerged as the Democratic nominee after a bitter primary battle with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, the Democrats appear more united this time around.

Sanders, who also challenged Biden for the nomination and remains the favorite of the progressive wing of the party, has unabashedly thrown his support behind the nominee this time.

"We must come together, defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president," Sanders said. "My friends, the price of failure is just too great to imagine."

Also making the case for Biden at the party convention were three former presidents -- Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Obama -- along with a host of Democratic luminaries and Republicans such as former secretary of state Colin Powell who are disenchanted with Trump.

Biden's White House run -- his third -- features a historic first with his choice of a black woman, California Senator Harris, to be his running mate.

The latest RealClearPolitics average of national polls has Biden with a 7.4 point advantage over Trump and slight leads in several of the battleground states which are a key to victory in the Electoral College.

The Republican Party is to make its case next week for four more years of President Donald Trump after his Democratic opponent Joe Biden wrapped up his party's convention with a vow to end what he called a "chapter of American darkness.

The Republican Party is to make its case next week for four more years of President Donald Trump after his Democratic opponent Joe Biden wrapped up his party's convention with a vow to end what he called a "chapter of American darkness." Accepting the Democratic nomination, the 77-year-old Biden said the United States was facing a "life-changing election" in November. "The current president has cloaked America in darkness for much too long. Too much anger. Too much fear. Too much division," the former vice president said in his acceptance speech in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. "May history be able to say that the end of this chapter of American darkness began here tonight as love and hope and light joined in the battle for the soul of the nation," he said. Also read | Trump files emergency motion to block release of his tax records, court denies bid The 74-year-old Trump fired back on Friday, accusing Democrats of holding the "darkest, angriest and gloomiest convention in American history." "Where Joe Biden sees American darkness, I see American greatness," he said. Vice President Mike Pence also took aim at the four-day Democratic convention which was rife with attacks on Trump's character and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic which has left more than 174,000 people dead in the United States. "I found not just those words by Joe Biden last night, but so many of the speeches at the Democratic national convention were so negative," Pence said on "CBS This Morning." "They presented such a grim vision for America." "Joe Biden last night said that democracy's on the ballot, that character's on the ballot," Pence said. "The economy's on the ballot. "The economy is coming back," the vice president said. "The only real threat to our economy is a Joe Biden presidency." 'WE MUST COME TOGETHER' The Republican convention begins in North Carolina on Monday, and like the Democratic event it is going to be mostly online because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Pence is to address the convention on Wednesday and Trump is going to accept the Republican nomination in a speech at the White House on Thursday, shrugging off criticism over the use of the presidential residence for campaign purposes. Trump dismissed Biden's acceptance speech in a tweet. Also read | As Democratic Convention ends, all eyes set on Trump's nomination amid tax ruling and more "In 47 years, Joe did none of the things of which he now speaks. He will never change, just words!" Trump said, alluding to Biden's long record in politics as a senator from Delaware and Barack Obama's vice president for eight years. Unlike four years ago, when Hillary Clinton emerged as the Democratic nominee after a bitter primary battle with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, the Democrats appear more united this time around. Sanders, who also challenged Biden for the nomination and remains the favorite of the progressive wing of the party, has unabashedly thrown his support behind the nominee this time. "We must come together, defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president," Sanders said. "My friends, the price of failure is just too great to imagine." Also making the case for Biden at the party convention were three former presidents -- Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Obama -- along with a host of Democratic luminaries and Republicans such as former secretary of state Colin Powell who are disenchanted with Trump. Biden's White House run -- his third -- features a historic first with his choice of a black woman, California Senator Harris, to be his running mate. The latest RealClearPolitics average of national polls has Biden with a 7.4 point advantage over Trump and slight leads in several of the battleground states which are a key to victory in the Electoral College.

Republicans to make case for Trump after Democrats endorse Biden

U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and closely allied Democratic groups raised $70 million during their four-day convention this week, Biden`s election campaign said on Friday.

The convention`s broadcasts drew 122 million views across 15 digital platform livestreams and also attracted 85.1 million to television broadcasts, the campaign said in an emailed statement.

Republican President Donald Trump’s campaign and closely allied groups pulled in $165 million during the typically sluggish political fundraising month of July, more than Democratic rival Joe Biden’s $140 million, Trump`s campaign said earlier this month.

That result allows Trump to enter the final stretch of the U.S. presidential campaign with a slim, but intact, cash advantage.

Trump and party-backed groups now have more than $300 million to spend on advertisement, door-knocking organizers and other political expenses, they said, compared with Biden’s $294 million.

The virtual Democratic convention wrapped up on Thursday night with Biden accepting his party`s nomination during a speech in which he accused Trump of a chaotic and divisive presidency.

The convention`s closing night attracted roughly 24.6 million primetime television viewers, the largest audience of the week, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency.

Trump`s four-day nominating convention, a mix of virtual and live events, starts on Monday.

U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and closely allied Democratic groups raised $70 million during their four-day convention this week, Biden`s election campaign said on Friday.

U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and closely allied Democratic groups raised $70 million during their four-day convention this week, Biden`s election campaign said on Friday. The convention`s broadcasts drew 122 million views across 15 digital platform livestreams and also attracted 85.1 million to television broadcasts, the campaign said in an emailed statement. Republican President Donald Trump’s campaign and closely allied groups pulled in $165 million during the typically sluggish political fundraising month of July, more than Democratic rival Joe Biden’s $140 million, Trump`s campaign said earlier this month. That result allows Trump to enter the final stretch of the U.S. presidential campaign with a slim, but intact, cash advantage. Trump and party-backed groups now have more than $300 million to spend on advertisement, door-knocking organizers and other political expenses, they said, compared with Biden’s $294 million. The virtual Democratic convention wrapped up on Thursday night with Biden accepting his party`s nomination during a speech in which he accused Trump of a chaotic and divisive presidency. The convention`s closing night attracted roughly 24.6 million primetime television viewers, the largest audience of the week, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency. Trump`s four-day nominating convention, a mix of virtual and live events, starts on Monday.

Biden and allies raised $70 million during Democratic convention, campaign says

A federal appeals court refused to give US President Donald Trump immediate relief to stop his accounting records from being turned over to a New York state grand jury. He had filed an emergency motion with the court to stop the release of his tax returns after a lower court judge denied his request to halt the sharing of his tax documents.

The appeals court has now scheduled arguments for September 1 over whether the subpoena of Trump's records should be paused.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals' schedule raises the possibility Trump's records could go to the grand jury before the hearing unless the President seeks help from the Supreme Court.

Lawyers for Trump had filed an emergency request Friday for the court to put a subpoena for his financial documents and tax returns on hold until the higher court can weigh in on the matter.

The filing followed a ruling by US District Judge Victor Marrero, who denied Trump's request to delay letting Manhattan's district attorney obtain his tax returns for a criminal investigation into his family's real estate business while Trump pursues an appeal.

US District Judge Victor Marrero issued his decision a day after rejecting Trump's arguments that the grand jury subpoena from district attorney Cyrus Vance to obtain his tax returns from the accounting firm Mazars USA was "wildly overbroad."

In refusing to delay the subpoena, Marrero said Trump had failed to show his appeal would likely succeed, or that he would be irreparably harmed absent a stay.

Vance, a Democrat, will not obtain Trump's tax returns immediately, after the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan scheduled oral arguments for September 1 on the Republican president's request for a stay.

In Thursday's ruling, Marrero said throwing out the subpoena would effectively give the president immunity from Vance's criminal probe to which the US Supreme Court in July declared he was not entitled.

The legal battle and grand jury secrecy rules make it unlikely the tax returns will become public before the November 3 election in which Trump is seeking a second term.

Unlike other recent presidents, Trump has refused to release his tax returns.

Vance's investigation into Trump and his Trump Organisation was spurred by disclosures of hush money payments to pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who said they had sexual relationships with Trump. He has denied their claims.

(with inputs from agencies)

A federal appeals court refused to give US President Donald Trump immediate relief to stop his accounting records from being turned over to a New York state grand jury.

A federal appeals court refused to give US President Donald Trump immediate relief to stop his accounting records from being turned over to a New York state grand jury. He had filed an emergency motion with the court to stop the release of his tax returns after a lower court judge denied his request to halt the sharing of his tax documents. The appeals court has now scheduled arguments for September 1 over whether the subpoena of Trump's records should be paused. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals' schedule raises the possibility Trump's records could go to the grand jury before the hearing unless the President seeks help from the Supreme Court. Lawyers for Trump had filed an emergency request Friday for the court to put a subpoena for his financial documents and tax returns on hold until the higher court can weigh in on the matter. The filing followed a ruling by US District Judge Victor Marrero, who denied Trump's request to delay letting Manhattan's district attorney obtain his tax returns for a criminal investigation into his family's real estate business while Trump pursues an appeal. US District Judge Victor Marrero issued his decision a day after rejecting Trump's arguments that the grand jury subpoena from district attorney Cyrus Vance to obtain his tax returns from the accounting firm Mazars USA was "wildly overbroad." In refusing to delay the subpoena, Marrero said Trump had failed to show his appeal would likely succeed, or that he would be irreparably harmed absent a stay. Vance, a Democrat, will not obtain Trump's tax returns immediately, after the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan scheduled oral arguments for September 1 on the Republican president's request for a stay. In Thursday's ruling, Marrero said throwing out the subpoena would effectively give the president immunity from Vance's criminal probe to which the US Supreme Court in July declared he was not entitled. The legal battle and grand jury secrecy rules make it unlikely the tax returns will become public before the November 3 election in which Trump is seeking a second term. Unlike other recent presidents, Trump has refused to release his tax returns. Vance's investigation into Trump and his Trump Organisation was spurred by disclosures of hush money payments to pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who said they had sexual relationships with Trump. He has denied their claims. (with inputs from agencies)

Trump files emergency motion to block release of his tax records, court denies bid

When Joe Biden was elected as one of the youngest US senators in 1972, one of the first letters that he received was from Mumbai, with the sender having the same last name as his.

About five years ago, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee learned that there are five Bidens living in Mumbai, but is probably yet to make a connection with them.

The 'Biden from Mumbai', then known as Bombay, had congratulated Biden on his election as the senator from Delaware and told him that they were related to each other.

Biden, then 29, wanted to follow up on the letter and get in touch with the 'Biden from Mumbai'. However, his family and active life in politics meant that this wish remained a wish, something he still wants to fulfil nearly five decades later.

The wish may have remained unfulfilled, but the 77-year-old Biden never misses a chance to narrate the 'Biden from Mumbai' story when he meets Indian-Americans and the Indian leaders.

The former vice president assures them that he too has an India connection, however, distant it might be. 
In his address to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai, on July 24, 2013, during his maiden visit to India as the Vice President of the US, he went off-script to narrate his story of the 'Biden from Mumbai'.

"It's an honour to be back in India and to be here in Mumbai. Off script for a second here, I was reminded - I was elected to the United States Senate when I was a 29-year-old kid back in 1972, and one of the first letters I received and I regret I never followed up on it. Maybe, some genealogist in audience can follow up for me, but I received a letter from a gentleman named Biden - Biden, my name - from Mumbai, asserting that we were related," Biden had told the audience amidst peals of laughter.

"Seriously. Suggesting that our mutual, great, great, great, something or other worked for the East India Trading Company back in the 1700s and came to Mumbai," Biden said.

A few years later at another speech in Washington DC, Biden said that their forefathers were same, who worked for the East India Company and visited India then.

"He (Biden from Mumbai) went back to our mutual great, great, great grandfather, 1848, who was a British captain in the East India Tea Company. And he married I believe an Indian woman. And he settled in India," Biden said in his address to the US India Business Council on September 21, 2015.

"And so I was thinking about it, if that's true, I might run here in India for office. I might be qualified (to run for elected office in India). But I've never followed up on it (the letter from Biden from Mumbai)," Biden told the Mumbai audience in 2013, who could not stop laughing at it.

"But now that I'm back for the multiple times, I'm going to follow up to find out whether there is a Biden and whether we're related. I hope he's in good standing if we are," he said, evoking bouts of laughter from the audience.

In the Washington DC event hosted by US Indian Business Council, Biden said that a day after his Mumbai speech, a journalist gave him a list of five Bidens living in Mumbai.

"The next day the press, I guess trying to prove that I was probably making this up - because I never followed up. It was right after I got elected, and then some things happened in my family, and I never followed up. One reporter stood up and gave me the names of five Bidens in Mumbai," he said.

"So, show me more respect," Biden has told the Washington DC audience while asserting his Indian connection 
"You know what I mean? I didn't realise I had so many... And I haven't actually followed up and embarrassed the Bidens in Mumbai. But the point is, it makes it even clearer what a small, small world this is and how this global economy is suited for, quite frankly, the two largest democracies in the world," Biden said in 2015.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

When Joe Biden was elected as one of the youngest US senators in 1972, one of the first letters that he received was from Mumbai, with the sender having the same last name as his.

When Joe Biden was elected as one of the youngest US senators in 1972, one of the first letters that he received was from Mumbai, with the sender having the same last name as his. About five years ago, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee learned that there are five Bidens living in Mumbai, but is probably yet to make a connection with them. The 'Biden from Mumbai', then known as Bombay, had congratulated Biden on his election as the senator from Delaware and told him that they were related to each other. Biden, then 29, wanted to follow up on the letter and get in touch with the 'Biden from Mumbai'. However, his family and active life in politics meant that this wish remained a wish, something he still wants to fulfil nearly five decades later. The wish may have remained unfulfilled, but the 77-year-old Biden never misses a chance to narrate the 'Biden from Mumbai' story when he meets Indian-Americans and the Indian leaders. The former vice president assures them that he too has an India connection, however, distant it might be. In his address to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai, on July 24, 2013, during his maiden visit to India as the Vice President of the US, he went off-script to narrate his story of the 'Biden from Mumbai'. "It's an honour to be back in India and to be here in Mumbai. Off script for a second here, I was reminded - I was elected to the United States Senate when I was a 29-year-old kid back in 1972, and one of the first letters I received and I regret I never followed up on it. Maybe, some genealogist in audience can follow up for me, but I received a letter from a gentleman named Biden - Biden, my name - from Mumbai, asserting that we were related," Biden had told the audience amidst peals of laughter. "Seriously. Suggesting that our mutual, great, great, great, something or other worked for the East India Trading Company back in the 1700s and came to Mumbai," Biden said. A few years later at another speech in Washington DC, Biden said that their forefathers were same, who worked for the East India Company and visited India then. "He (Biden from Mumbai) went back to our mutual great, great, great grandfather, 1848, who was a British captain in the East India Tea Company. And he married I believe an Indian woman. And he settled in India," Biden said in his address to the US India Business Council on September 21, 2015. "And so I was thinking about it, if that's true, I might run here in India for office. I might be qualified (to run for elected office in India). But I've never followed up on it (the letter from Biden from Mumbai)," Biden told the Mumbai audience in 2013, who could not stop laughing at it. "But now that I'm back for the multiple times, I'm going to follow up to find out whether there is a Biden and whether we're related. I hope he's in good standing if we are," he said, evoking bouts of laughter from the audience. In the Washington DC event hosted by US Indian Business Council, Biden said that a day after his Mumbai speech, a journalist gave him a list of five Bidens living in Mumbai. "The next day the press, I guess trying to prove that I was probably making this up - because I never followed up. It was right after I got elected, and then some things happened in my family, and I never followed up. One reporter stood up and gave me the names of five Bidens in Mumbai," he said. "So, show me more respect," Biden has told the Washington DC audience while asserting his Indian connection "You know what I mean? I didn't realise I had so many... And I haven't actually followed up and embarrassed the Bidens in Mumbai. But the point is, it makes it even clearer what a small, small world this is and how this global economy is suited for, quite frankly, the two largest democracies in the world," Biden said in 2015.

Joe Biden's elusive quest for 'Biden from Mumbai' continues

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden praised his running mate Kamala Harris during his nomination acceptance speech, describing the Indian-American as a "powerful voice" in the US.

Biden added the California Senator's "story is the American story."

Harris&nbsp;scripted history in US politics as she became the first Indian-American and Black woman to get a major party's vice presidential nomination on the third day of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

"It will be the work of the next president to restore the promise of America to everyone. And I am not going to have to do it alone. I will have a great vice president at my side," Biden said in his acceptance speech on Thursday.

He touted Harris' diverse family, her parents are Jamaican and Indian, heritage and her perseverance to "overcome every obstacle she has ever faced."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/let-american-darkness-end-here-joe-biden-formally-accepts-us-democratic-presidential-nomination-322054">Also read | Let American darkness end here: Joe Biden formally accepts US Democratic Presidential nomination</a>

"Her story is the American story. She knows about all of the obstacles thrown in the way of so many in our country. Women, Black women, Black Americans, South Asian Americans, immigrants. The left out and the left behind. She has overcome every obstacle she has ever faced," he said.

"No one has been tougher on big banks and the gun lobby. No one has been tougher on calling out the current administration for its extremism, its failure to follow the law, it's failure to simply tell the truth. Kamala and I both draw from our families. That is where we get our strength. For Kamala, it is Doug, and their families. For me, it is Jill, and ours," Biden said.

Introducing herself as the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants at the virtual convention on Wednesday, Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who she said taught her two daughters to "be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people" and to believe that "the fight for justice is a shared responsibility."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oh-how-i-wish-my-mother-was-here-kamala-harris-remembers-indian-born-mother-321869">Also read | 'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-the-momala-of-her-blended-american-family-321912">Also read | Kamala Harris, the 'Momala' of her blended American family</a>

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden praised his running mate Kamala Harris during his nomination acceptance speech, describing the Indian-American as a "powerful voice" in the US.

Democratic Party's presidential nominee Joe Biden praised his running mate Kamala Harris during his nomination acceptance speech, describing the Indian-American as a "powerful voice" in the US. Biden added the California Senator's "story is the American story." Harris scripted history in US politics as she became the first Indian-American and Black woman to get a major party's vice presidential nomination on the third day of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. "It will be the work of the next president to restore the promise of America to everyone. And I am not going to have to do it alone. I will have a great vice president at my side," Biden said in his acceptance speech on Thursday. He touted Harris' diverse family, her parents are Jamaican and Indian, heritage and her perseverance to "overcome every obstacle she has ever faced." Also read | Let American darkness end here: Joe Biden formally accepts US Democratic Presidential nomination "Her story is the American story. She knows about all of the obstacles thrown in the way of so many in our country. Women, Black women, Black Americans, South Asian Americans, immigrants. The left out and the left behind. She has overcome every obstacle she has ever faced," he said. "No one has been tougher on big banks and the gun lobby. No one has been tougher on calling out the current administration for its extremism, its failure to follow the law, it's failure to simply tell the truth. Kamala and I both draw from our families. That is where we get our strength. For Kamala, it is Doug, and their families. For me, it is Jill, and ours," Biden said. Introducing herself as the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants at the virtual convention on Wednesday, Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who she said taught her two daughters to "be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people" and to believe that "the fight for justice is a shared responsibility." Also read | 'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother Also read | Kamala Harris, the 'Momala' of her blended American family

At DNC, Joe Biden was full of praise for running mate Kamala Harris

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Friday has formally accepted the Democratic Presidential nomination. In his nomination acceptance speech, he said, “This campaign isn’t about winning votes, it’s about winning the heart and soul of America,”. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fewer-summits-tighter-sanctions-same-standoff-biden-on-north-korea-322031">Alo read | Fewer summits, tighter sanctions, same standoff: Biden on North Korea</a> 
 
"It is with great honor and humility I accept this nomination for president of the United States of America," the former vice president tweeted.

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It is with great honor and humility that I accept this nomination for President of the United States of America.
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“The question for us is simple, are we ready? I know we are,” said Biden. “This is a life-changing election, this will determine what America will look like for a long time,” he added. “The choice couldn’t be clearer,” the former Vice President said. “Let American darkness, end here, tonight,” Biden said.

In his speech, he slammed Donald Trump on his response to Covid-19 and lashed out at him for his response to racial justice protests.

"What we know about this president is if he's given four more years, he’ll be what he's been for the last four years. A president who takes no responsibility refuses to lead, blames others, cozies up to dictators and fans the flames of hate and division. He'll wake up every day believing the job is all about him, never about you. Is that the America you want for you, your family, your children?" he said.

"I see a different America. One that's generous and strong, selfless and humble. It's an America we can rebuild together. As president, the first step I will take will be to get control of the virus that has ruined so many lives, because I understand something this president hasn't from the beginning, we will never get our economy back on track," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Friday has formally accepted the Democratic Presidential nomination. In his nomination acceptance speech, he said, “This campaign isn’t about winning votes, it’s about winning the heart and soul of America,”.

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Friday has formally accepted the Democratic Presidential nomination. In his nomination acceptance speech, he said, “This campaign isn’t about winning votes, it’s about winning the heart and soul of America,”. Alo read | Fewer summits, tighter sanctions, same standoff: Biden on North Korea "It is with great honor and humility I accept this nomination for president of the United States of America," the former vice president tweeted. It is with great honor and humility that I accept this nomination for President of the United States of America. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 21, 2020 × “The question for us is simple, are we ready? I know we are,” said Biden. “This is a life-changing election, this will determine what America will look like for a long time,” he added. “The choice couldn’t be clearer,” the former Vice President said. “Let American darkness, end here, tonight,” Biden said. In his speech, he slammed Donald Trump on his response to Covid-19 and lashed out at him for his response to racial justice protests. "What we know about this president is if he's given four more years, he’ll be what he's been for the last four years. A president who takes no responsibility refuses to lead, blames others, cozies up to dictators and fans the flames of hate and division. He'll wake up every day believing the job is all about him, never about you. Is that the America you want for you, your family, your children?" he said. "I see a different America. One that's generous and strong, selfless and humble. It's an America we can rebuild together. As president, the first step I will take will be to get control of the virus that has ruined so many lives, because I understand something this president hasn't from the beginning, we will never get our economy back on track," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Let American darkness end here: Joe Biden formally accepts US Democratic Presidential nomination

Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Indian-origin Senator and vice presidential nominee of the Democratic Party Kamala Harris, has said that his wife has been fighting for justice every day for the people and will make a "great" vice president of America.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Emhoff, 55, was raised in Los Angeles where he works as an attorney in the entertainment industry. Currently, he is on leave from his company to campaign for his wife.

He made two public appearances on Thursday, a day after Harris, 55, made history by becoming the first Black person to be nominated as the vice presidential candidate of a major political party.

"She's gonna make a great vice president. I am so confident of that. She and Joe are gonna do such an amazing job," said Emhoff, who has been married with the Indian-origin Senator for six years.

If Biden and Harris win the November presidential elections, Emhoff, a divorcee with two kids, would be America's first Second Gentlemen.

"Every day, Kamala has been fighting for justice on behalf of the only client she's ever had: the people," he said at one of the events.

At both the events, LGBTQ caucus and grassroots fundraising event, he urged Democrats to join Biden's campaign online, and double-check that they are registered to vote.

"We need to do more than win. We need a mandate. We need a mandate that shows this so-called president doesn't define who our country is and who we should be," he said.

The grassroots fund raiser was hosted by Kim and James Taylor, where he talked more about how it felt to watch Harris deliver her speech last night.

On their life during the COVID-19 pandemic, Emhoff said, "It's been tough. As Jim (Taylor) said, he was marooned.

We've been marooned in DC both working from home, but she's kept up both Zoom and phone calls with the kids."

He said Harris' entire career had been "remarkable and inspiring".

"I was right there. I got to see it," he said.

"When she took on (judge) Brett Kavanaugh, I've never been prouder. She's never been afraid to back down from a fight," he said.

Kavanaugh went on to become a US Supreme Court Judge.

"Last night ? I can't even tell you how that felt. I got to watch it with Joe and Jill and the whole Biden family. It was kind of a culmination, Kim, of all those moments. Just standing on the side of that stage with the Bidens watching her do this, it was incredible," he said.

"We've all come together to do this with the Biden family. It's just been incredible," Emhoff said.

Making his first appearance after the historic night, Emhoff said he never expected that he would be doing this.

"Time for some real talk first. Being out here on the presidential campaign trail talking about Joe and Kamala is not something I've ever really expected to be doing," he said.

Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Indian-origin Senator and vice presidential nominee of the Democratic Party Kamala Harris, has said that his wife has been fighting for justice every day for the people and will make a "great" vice president of America.

Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Indian-origin Senator and vice presidential nominee of the Democratic Party Kamala Harris, has said that his wife has been fighting for justice every day for the people and will make a "great" vice president of America. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Emhoff, 55, was raised in Los Angeles where he works as an attorney in the entertainment industry. Currently, he is on leave from his company to campaign for his wife. He made two public appearances on Thursday, a day after Harris, 55, made history by becoming the first Black person to be nominated as the vice presidential candidate of a major political party. "She's gonna make a great vice president. I am so confident of that. She and Joe are gonna do such an amazing job," said Emhoff, who has been married with the Indian-origin Senator for six years. If Biden and Harris win the November presidential elections, Emhoff, a divorcee with two kids, would be America's first Second Gentlemen. "Every day, Kamala has been fighting for justice on behalf of the only client she's ever had: the people," he said at one of the events. At both the events, LGBTQ caucus and grassroots fundraising event, he urged Democrats to join Biden's campaign online, and double-check that they are registered to vote. "We need to do more than win. We need a mandate. We need a mandate that shows this so-called president doesn't define who our country is and who we should be," he said. The grassroots fund raiser was hosted by Kim and James Taylor, where he talked more about how it felt to watch Harris deliver her speech last night. On their life during the COVID-19 pandemic, Emhoff said, "It's been tough. As Jim (Taylor) said, he was marooned. We've been marooned in DC both working from home, but she's kept up both Zoom and phone calls with the kids." He said Harris' entire career had been "remarkable and inspiring". "I was right there. I got to see it," he said. "When she took on (judge) Brett Kavanaugh, I've never been prouder. She's never been afraid to back down from a fight," he said. Kavanaugh went on to become a US Supreme Court Judge. "Last night ? I can't even tell you how that felt. I got to watch it with Joe and Jill and the whole Biden family. It was kind of a culmination, Kim, of all those moments. Just standing on the side of that stage with the Bidens watching her do this, it was incredible," he said. "We've all come together to do this with the Biden family. It's just been incredible," Emhoff said. Making his first appearance after the historic night, Emhoff said he never expected that he would be doing this. "Time for some real talk first. Being out here on the presidential campaign trail talking about Joe and Kamala is not something I've ever really expected to be doing," he said.

Kamala Harris has been fighting for justice every day, will be a 'great' VP, says her husband

If Joe Biden is elected US president, American policy toward North Korea is likely to see less emphasis on personal dealings with leader Kim Jong Un, and more focus on allies and working-level diplomacy, campaign advisers and former officials say.

That also means there would be no more "Little Rocket Man", exchanging love letters or summit pageantry.

The incumbent US president, Donald Trump, has said he would make deals with North Korea "very quickly" if re-elected on November 3.

Pyongyang officials, however, have said while Kim still has a good relationship with Trump, they have to look ahead to a time when Trump isn't president.

Last year, North Korea lashed out at Biden, calling him a "rabid dog" that should "be beaten to death" for comments seen as disparaging of Kim.

Biden, who has a solid lead in most opinion polls, cited those threats in January when he said he would not meet with Kim unless unspecified preconditions are met.

Trump became the first sitting US president to meet with a North Korean leader when he held a summit with Kim in Singapore in 2018 -- although this happened after months of trading threats and insults where Kim was "Little Rocket Man" and Trump a "deranged US dotard".&nbsp;

The two leaders met twice more, and exchanged what Trump called "beautiful letters", but failed to resolve a standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons.

Biden told The New York Times he would not continue the personal diplomacy with Kim, calling the meetings a "vanity project" that should only happen if coupled with "an actual strategy that moves the ball forward on denuclearisation."

Biden would not shut the door to diplomacy, but instead "empower negotiators and implement a sustained and a coordinated effort with allies and partners" to pressure and incentivise North Korea to denuclearize, while also drawing attention the country's human rights abuses in a way that has been lacking in current US policy, the Biden adviser said.

Biden was vice president under Barack Obama, and some parts of his policy would likely be similar to Obama's "strategic patience", which sought to isolate North Korea and not offer diplomatic rewards for its provocations.

Biden's promise to work more closely with allies may be complicated by South Korean President Moon Jae-in's push for more engagement with North Korea and looser sanctions, while downplaying human rights issues.

Kim has also made significant progress in advancing his military capabilities since Biden last held office, successfully testing North Korea's largest nuclear bomb and missiles capable of striking anywhere in the United States.

The US arms control community is likely to have a strong voice in a Biden administration and will argue it is time to accept the idea that North Korea is now a nuclear power.

If Joe Biden is elected US president, American policy toward North Korea is likely to see less emphasis on personal dealings with leader Kim Jong Un, and more focus on allies and working-level diplomacy, campaign advisers and former officials say.

If Joe Biden is elected US president, American policy toward North Korea is likely to see less emphasis on personal dealings with leader Kim Jong Un, and more focus on allies and working-level diplomacy, campaign advisers and former officials say. That also means there would be no more "Little Rocket Man", exchanging love letters or summit pageantry. The incumbent US president, Donald Trump, has said he would make deals with North Korea "very quickly" if re-elected on November 3. Pyongyang officials, however, have said while Kim still has a good relationship with Trump, they have to look ahead to a time when Trump isn't president. Last year, North Korea lashed out at Biden, calling him a "rabid dog" that should "be beaten to death" for comments seen as disparaging of Kim. Biden, who has a solid lead in most opinion polls, cited those threats in January when he said he would not meet with Kim unless unspecified preconditions are met. Trump became the first sitting US president to meet with a North Korean leader when he held a summit with Kim in Singapore in 2018 -- although this happened after months of trading threats and insults where Kim was "Little Rocket Man" and Trump a "deranged US dotard". The two leaders met twice more, and exchanged what Trump called "beautiful letters", but failed to resolve a standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons. Biden told The New York Times he would not continue the personal diplomacy with Kim, calling the meetings a "vanity project" that should only happen if coupled with "an actual strategy that moves the ball forward on denuclearisation." Biden would not shut the door to diplomacy, but instead "empower negotiators and implement a sustained and a coordinated effort with allies and partners" to pressure and incentivise North Korea to denuclearize, while also drawing attention the country's human rights abuses in a way that has been lacking in current US policy, the Biden adviser said. Biden was vice president under Barack Obama, and some parts of his policy would likely be similar to Obama's "strategic patience", which sought to isolate North Korea and not offer diplomatic rewards for its provocations. Biden's promise to work more closely with allies may be complicated by South Korean President Moon Jae-in's push for more engagement with North Korea and looser sanctions, while downplaying human rights issues. Kim has also made significant progress in advancing his military capabilities since Biden last held office, successfully testing North Korea's largest nuclear bomb and missiles capable of striking anywhere in the United States. The US arms control community is likely to have a strong voice in a Biden administration and will argue it is time to accept the idea that North Korea is now a nuclear power.

Fewer summits, tighter sanctions, same standoff: Biden on North Korea

Oprah Winfrey wants all workers in her company to vote in this US presidential election. According to reports, Oprah has given everyone at her network a holiday on election day which is on November 3. 
 
Winfrey said she hopes to honor "those who fought and continue to fight for our rights." 
 
In a video posted on Instagram, Winfrey said, "This will give my team the necessary time to put on their masks, get to the polls, cast their ballots, and volunteer. I challenge other companies to do the same because this might be the most important election of our lives. Together we can overcome all obstacles in order to exercise our right to vote."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEDRXDsBM-G/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Today marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women – although not all women – the right to vote. In honor of those who fought and continue to fight for our rights, I’m announcing that November 3rd, Election Day, will be a company holiday at @owntv. This will give my team the necessary time to put on their masks, get to the polls, cast their ballots, and volunteer. I challenge other companies to do the same because this might be the most important election of our lives. Together we can overcome all obstacles in order to exercise our right to vote. Follow @ownyourvote for more updates this election season 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oprah/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Oprah</a> (@oprah) on <time datetime="2020-08-19T00:42:01+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 18, 2020 at 5:42pm PDT</time>
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A press release issued by the Oprah Winfrey Network said the day off would be a paid holiday and will be for both national and presidential elections. 
 
The network recently initiated its own election campaign titled 'OWN Your Vote'. The campaign is meant to help "connect our viewers to urgent political issues, gives their concerns a powerful microphone, and places a spotlight on key community issues," said a press release.

Oprah Winfrey wants all workers in her company to vote in this US presidential election. According to reports, Oprah has given everyone at her network a holiday on election day which is on November 3.

Oprah Winfrey wants all workers in her company to vote in this US presidential election. According to reports, Oprah has given everyone at her network a holiday on election day which is on November 3. Winfrey said she hopes to honor "those who fought and continue to fight for our rights." In a video posted on Instagram, Winfrey said, "This will give my team the necessary time to put on their masks, get to the polls, cast their ballots, and volunteer. I challenge other companies to do the same because this might be the most important election of our lives. Together we can overcome all obstacles in order to exercise our right to vote." View this post on Instagram Today marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women – although not all women – the right to vote. In honor of those who fought and continue to fight for our rights, I’m announcing that November 3rd, Election Day, will be a company holiday at @owntv. This will give my team the necessary time to put on their masks, get to the polls, cast their ballots, and volunteer. I challenge other companies to do the same because this might be the most important election of our lives. Together we can overcome all obstacles in order to exercise our right to vote. Follow @ownyourvote for more updates this election season 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 A post shared by Oprah (@oprah) on Aug 18, 2020 at 5:42pm PDT × A press release issued by the Oprah Winfrey Network said the day off would be a paid holiday and will be for both national and presidential elections. The network recently initiated its own election campaign titled 'OWN Your Vote'. The campaign is meant to help "connect our viewers to urgent political issues, gives their concerns a powerful microphone, and places a spotlight on key community issues," said a press release.

Oprah Winfrey to make election day a holiday for company employees

As Barack Obama tore into US President Donald Trump at the Democratic National Convention, his successor hit back with a barrage of angry tweets, saying the former president spied on his campaign and got caught.

Trump went live with his tweeting as Obama and Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris delivered their speeches at the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

"HE SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN, AND GOT CAUGHT!" Trump said in an all-cap tweet.

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HE SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN, AND GOT CAUGHT!
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Trump was referring to the charges that his campaign was being spied on in 2016.

As Obama asked Americans to vote for Joe Bide, the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, Trump fired another tweet in caps.

"WHY DID HE REFUSE TO ENDORSE SLOW JOE UNTIL IT WAS ALL OVER, AND EVEN THEN WAS VERY LATE? WHY DID HE TRY TO GET HIM NOT TO RUN?? he asked.

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WHY DID HE REFUSE TO ENDORSE SLOW JOE UNTIL IT WAS ALL OVER, AND EVEN THEN WAS VERY LATE? WHY DID HE TRY TO GET HIM NOT TO RUN?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1296275840649625601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Obama stayed out of the 2020 primary race and did not endorse until the race was all but over.

Trump continued with his tweets as Harris was delivering her acceptance speech.

"BUT DIDN'T SHE CALL HIM A RACIST??? DIDN'T SHE SAY HE WAS INCOMPETENT???? the president said, referring to the criticism by Harris of Biden during the primaries.

At the start of the third day of the convention, Trump welcomed Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the election campaign.

"Welcome, Barack and Crooked Hillary. See you on the field of battle!" he tweeted.

The president also directed his ire at former first lady Michelle Obama after she took the virtual stage on Monday and accused her of being "over her head" after she encouraged Americans to vote him out of office.

Trump has repeatedly accused Obama of spying on his 2016 campaign. Attorney General William Barr told Congress last year he believed "spying" did take place during a probe into Russian meddling.

Obama launched a scathing attack on his predecessor in his convention speech, saying: "Donald Trump hasn't grown into the job because he can't."

"For close to four years now, he's shown no interest in putting in the work; no interest in finding common ground; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves," he said.

Obama's remarks, live from at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, were unusual and even unprecedented in their criticism of a presidential successor.

Obama also used the speech to lay out the case for Biden and his running mate Harris.

As Barack Obama tore into US President Donald Trump at the Democratic National Convention, his successor hit back with a barrage of angry tweets, saying the former president spied on his campaign and got caught.

As Barack Obama tore into US President Donald Trump at the Democratic National Convention, his successor hit back with a barrage of angry tweets, saying the former president spied on his campaign and got caught. Trump went live with his tweeting as Obama and Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris delivered their speeches at the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. "HE SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN, AND GOT CAUGHT!" Trump said in an all-cap tweet. HE SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN, AND GOT CAUGHT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 20, 2020 × Trump was referring to the charges that his campaign was being spied on in 2016. As Obama asked Americans to vote for Joe Bide, the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, Trump fired another tweet in caps. "WHY DID HE REFUSE TO ENDORSE SLOW JOE UNTIL IT WAS ALL OVER, AND EVEN THEN WAS VERY LATE? WHY DID HE TRY TO GET HIM NOT TO RUN?? he asked. WHY DID HE REFUSE TO ENDORSE SLOW JOE UNTIL IT WAS ALL OVER, AND EVEN THEN WAS VERY LATE? WHY DID HE TRY TO GET HIM NOT TO RUN? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 20, 2020 × Obama stayed out of the 2020 primary race and did not endorse until the race was all but over. Trump continued with his tweets as Harris was delivering her acceptance speech. "BUT DIDN'T SHE CALL HIM A RACIST??? DIDN'T SHE SAY HE WAS INCOMPETENT???? the president said, referring to the criticism by Harris of Biden during the primaries. At the start of the third day of the convention, Trump welcomed Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the election campaign. "Welcome, Barack and Crooked Hillary. See you on the field of battle!" he tweeted. The president also directed his ire at former first lady Michelle Obama after she took the virtual stage on Monday and accused her of being "over her head" after she encouraged Americans to vote him out of office. Trump has repeatedly accused Obama of spying on his 2016 campaign. Attorney General William Barr told Congress last year he believed "spying" did take place during a probe into Russian meddling. Obama launched a scathing attack on his predecessor in his convention speech, saying: "Donald Trump hasn't grown into the job because he can't." "For close to four years now, he's shown no interest in putting in the work; no interest in finding common ground; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves," he said. Obama's remarks, live from at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, were unusual and even unprecedented in their criticism of a presidential successor. Obama also used the speech to lay out the case for Biden and his running mate Harris.

Barack Obama's rare rebuke raises Donald Trump's hackles

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

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a strong clarion call to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the 2020 presidential election. This, she said, would ensure that the incumbent president, Donald Trump, is not able to "sneak or steal his way to victory".

Clinton also warned that Trump's re-election will make things "even worse" for the United States.

"I wish Donald Trump had been a better president. Because America needs a better president than this," Clinton, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump, said in her remarks on Wednesday to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, being held virtually due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Clinton made a passionate plea to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the November election, warning that Democratic nominees Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can still lose even if they win three million more votes, a reference to her own election run when she had won the popular vote by about three million votes but still lost the election to Trump, who won in the Electoral College.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oh-how-i-wish-my-mother-was-here-kamala-harris-remembers-indian-born-mother-321869">Also read |&nbsp;'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother</a>

"Remember: Joe and Kamala can win 3 million more votes and still lose. Take it from me. We need numbers so overwhelming Trump can't sneak or steal his way to victory," she said adding that Americans must also vote to make sure "we -- not a foreign adversary -- choose our president," alluding to allegations that Russia had meddled in the 2016 elections.

Clinton also made a reference to Trump's remarks in 2016 when he had said -- 'What do you have to lose?'

"Well, now we know: our health, our jobs, even our lives. Our leadership in the world and, yes, our post office. As Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders warned us on Monday: If Trump is re-elected, it will get even worse. My friends, we need unity now more than ever," Clinton said.

Clinton said the 2020 election is not just about "getting one man out of the White House" but it will be a vote for job creation, emergency relief for small businesses and hardworking people, for parents struggling to balance their child's education and their safety, for health care workers fighting COVID-19 with no help from the White House, for law enforcement that serves and respects communities of colour and for justice for African-Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, killed by police officers.

<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>

The former first lady said that in the four years since the last election, people have told her that they didn't realise how dangerou Trump was and expressed regret over voting for him and not voting at all.

She noted that while the nation owes Trump an open mind and the chance to lead when he won the 2016 elections, he has not put his own interests and ego aside.

Asserting that America needs a president who shows the same compassion, determination, and leadership in the White House that can be seen in US communities, Clinton said the US needs leaders equal to this moment.

"We need Joe Biden and Kamala Harris," Clinton concluded.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a strong clarion call to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the 2020 presidential election. This, she said, would ensure that the incumbent president, Donald Trump, is not able to "sneak or steal his way to victory".

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a strong clarion call to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the 2020 presidential election. This, she said, would ensure that the incumbent president, Donald Trump, is not able to "sneak or steal his way to victory". Clinton also warned that Trump's re-election will make things "even worse" for the United States. "I wish Donald Trump had been a better president. Because America needs a better president than this," Clinton, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump, said in her remarks on Wednesday to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, being held virtually due to the COVID19 pandemic. Clinton made a passionate plea to Americans to overwhelmingly vote in the November election, warning that Democratic nominees Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can still lose even if they win three million more votes, a reference to her own election run when she had won the popular vote by about three million votes but still lost the election to Trump, who won in the Electoral College. Also read | 'Oh, how I wish my mother was here': Kamala Harris remembers Indian-born mother "Remember: Joe and Kamala can win 3 million more votes and still lose. Take it from me. We need numbers so overwhelming Trump can't sneak or steal his way to victory," she said adding that Americans must also vote to make sure "we -- not a foreign adversary -- choose our president," alluding to allegations that Russia had meddled in the 2016 elections. Clinton also made a reference to Trump's remarks in 2016 when he had said -- 'What do you have to lose?' "Well, now we know: our health, our jobs, even our lives. Our leadership in the world and, yes, our post office. As Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders warned us on Monday: If Trump is re-elected, it will get even worse. My friends, we need unity now more than ever," Clinton said. Clinton said the 2020 election is not just about "getting one man out of the White House" but it will be a vote for job creation, emergency relief for small businesses and hardworking people, for parents struggling to balance their child's education and their safety, for health care workers fighting COVID-19 with no help from the White House, for law enforcement that serves and respects communities of colour and for justice for African-Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, killed by police officers. IN PICTURES | From Obamas to Clintons — Top speakers at US Democratic National convention The former first lady said that in the four years since the last election, people have told her that they didn't realise how dangerou Trump was and expressed regret over voting for him and not voting at all. She noted that while the nation owes Trump an open mind and the chance to lead when he won the 2016 elections, he has not put his own interests and ego aside. Asserting that America needs a president who shows the same compassion, determination, and leadership in the White House that can be seen in US communities, Clinton said the US needs leaders equal to this moment. "We need Joe Biden and Kamala Harris," Clinton concluded.

Need overwhelming numbers: Hillary Clinton's clarion call to Americans

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House back into session over the crisis at the US Postal Service, setting up a political showdown. This comes ahead of the November presidential election, amid growing concerns that the Trump White House is trying to undermine the agency ahead of the election.

President Donald Trump's new postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, has sparked nationwide outcry over delays, new prices and cutbacks just as millions of Americans will be trying to vote by mail to avoid polling places during the coronavirus outbreak.

"In a time of a pandemic, the Postal Service is Election Central," Pelosi wrote Sunday in a letter to colleagues, who had been expected to be out of session until September.

Voting in the House will highlight the issue after the weeklong convention nominating Joe Biden as the party's presidential pick and pressure the Republican-held Senate to respond.

Earlier Sunday, Democratic lawmakers demanded that leaders of the Postal Service testify at an emergency oversight hearing August 24 on mail delays.

With heightened scrutiny of its operations, the Postal Service is now requesting a temporary preelection rate increase, from mid-October through Christmas, although not for first-class letters.

House Democrats are expected to discuss the lawmakers' schedule details on a conference call on Monday and were likely to be in session next Saturday.

The legislation being prepared for the vote, the "Delivering for America Act", would prohibits the Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service it had in place on January 1.

Trump said last week that he was blocking a $25 billion emergency injection sought by the Postal Service, as well as a Democratic proposal to provide $3.6 billion in additional election money to the states. The Republican president worries that mail-in voting could cost him reelection.

The president's critics were not appeased, contending that Trump has made the calculation that a lower voter turnout would improve his chances of winning a second term.

Trump, who spent the weekend at his New Jersey golf club, has derided universal mail-in voting as a "scam" and defended DeJoy as the right person to 'streamline the post office and make it great again.'

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House back into session over the crisis at the US Postal Service, setting up a political showdown. This comes ahead of the November presidential election, amid growing concerns that the Trump White House is trying to undermine the agency ahead of the election.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House back into session over the crisis at the US Postal Service, setting up a political showdown. This comes ahead of the November presidential election, amid growing concerns that the Trump White House is trying to undermine the agency ahead of the election. President Donald Trump's new postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, has sparked nationwide outcry over delays, new prices and cutbacks just as millions of Americans will be trying to vote by mail to avoid polling places during the coronavirus outbreak. "In a time of a pandemic, the Postal Service is Election Central," Pelosi wrote Sunday in a letter to colleagues, who had been expected to be out of session until September. Voting in the House will highlight the issue after the weeklong convention nominating Joe Biden as the party's presidential pick and pressure the Republican-held Senate to respond. Earlier Sunday, Democratic lawmakers demanded that leaders of the Postal Service testify at an emergency oversight hearing August 24 on mail delays. With heightened scrutiny of its operations, the Postal Service is now requesting a temporary preelection rate increase, from mid-October through Christmas, although not for first-class letters. House Democrats are expected to discuss the lawmakers' schedule details on a conference call on Monday and were likely to be in session next Saturday. The legislation being prepared for the vote, the "Delivering for America Act", would prohibits the Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service it had in place on January 1. Trump said last week that he was blocking a $25 billion emergency injection sought by the Postal Service, as well as a Democratic proposal to provide $3.6 billion in additional election money to the states. The Republican president worries that mail-in voting could cost him reelection. The president's critics were not appeased, contending that Trump has made the calculation that a lower voter turnout would improve his chances of winning a second term. Trump, who spent the weekend at his New Jersey golf club, has derided universal mail-in voting as a "scam" and defended DeJoy as the right person to 'streamline the post office and make it great again.'

Speaker Pelosi to call US House back into session to vote on Postal Service bill

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States.

The incumbent US president, in his campaign tirade against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, had amplified the theory about the latter's running mate that critics decry as racist.

"They're going to engage in an attempt to distract from the real issues that are impacting the American people. And I expect that they will engage in dirty tactics. And this is going to be a knockdown, drag-out. And we're ready," Harris told media outlet TheGrio in an interview released on Sunday.

If elected, Harris would be the first Black and South Asian American vice president.

The conspiracy theory about Harris started following a Newsweek Op-Ed by Dr John Eastman, who ran in the Republican primary to be California's attorney general in 2010. Eastman, who lost the race to Harris, a Democrat, said that there are some questions about the eligibility for the position. The theory was also circulated on social media.

The Biden campaign called opinion piece racist.

"I just heard that. 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, who has pushed similar conspiracies about former President Barack Obama, said in response to a question during a press conference at the White House on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stokes-birtherism-conspiracy-theory-about-kamala-harris-320351">Also read | Trump stokes birtherism conspiracy theory about Kamala Harris</a>

On Saturday, Trump called him a "brilliant lawyer."

Eastman, on the other hand, received resounding criticism for the article.&nbsp;

Newsweek editors have since apologised, writing, "This op-Ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newsweek-apologises-for-op-ed-questioning-kamala-harris-birthright-320877">Also read | Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright</a>

Kamala Harris, however, is no stranger to accusations about her race.

Speaking to TheGrio in an interview taped on Saturday, she said, "I'm very clear-eyed about the fact that they are going to engage, as you said, in what they have done throughout his administration, which is, let's just be very candid and straightforward: They're going to engage in lies. They're going to engage in deception."

"Nothing that we have ever achieved that has been about progress has come without a fight," she later added.

"There's no question that we need immediate change and drastic change and that's so much of what the Biden-Harris platform and what the Biden-Harris administration will be about," Harris said.&nbsp;

"It's about saying, we need to immediately address a number of issues that demand priority and immediate attention. And that relates to getting people back to work. It means investing in infrastructure and creating millions of new jobs. It means fighting for healthcare for all people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-addresses-indian-american-community-reflects-on-indian-heritage-320892">Also read | Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage</a>

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States.

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States. The incumbent US president, in his campaign tirade against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, had amplified the theory about the latter's running mate that critics decry as racist. "They're going to engage in an attempt to distract from the real issues that are impacting the American people. And I expect that they will engage in dirty tactics. And this is going to be a knockdown, drag-out. And we're ready," Harris told media outlet TheGrio in an interview released on Sunday. If elected, Harris would be the first Black and South Asian American vice president. The conspiracy theory about Harris started following a Newsweek Op-Ed by Dr John Eastman, who ran in the Republican primary to be California's attorney general in 2010. Eastman, who lost the race to Harris, a Democrat, said that there are some questions about the eligibility for the position. The theory was also circulated on social media. The Biden campaign called opinion piece racist. "I just heard that. 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, who has pushed similar conspiracies about former President Barack Obama, said in response to a question during a press conference at the White House on Thursday. Also read | Trump stokes birtherism conspiracy theory about Kamala Harris On Saturday, Trump called him a "brilliant lawyer." Eastman, on the other hand, received resounding criticism for the article. Newsweek editors have since apologised, writing, "This op-Ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise." Also read | Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright Kamala Harris, however, is no stranger to accusations about her race. Speaking to TheGrio in an interview taped on Saturday, she said, "I'm very clear-eyed about the fact that they are going to engage, as you said, in what they have done throughout his administration, which is, let's just be very candid and straightforward: They're going to engage in lies. They're going to engage in deception." "Nothing that we have ever achieved that has been about progress has come without a fight," she later added. "There's no question that we need immediate change and drastic change and that's so much of what the Biden-Harris platform and what the Biden-Harris administration will be about," Harris said. "It's about saying, we need to immediately address a number of issues that demand priority and immediate attention. And that relates to getting people back to work. It means investing in infrastructure and creating millions of new jobs. It means fighting for healthcare for all people." Also read | Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage

'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks

Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, died on Saturday night, a day after the US president visited him in a New York hospital. He was 71.

"It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight. He was not just my brother, he was my best friend. He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace," Trump said in a statement.

The president was expected to attend the funeral, an aide said. He has a busy travel schedule in coming days with plans to visit four battleground states as part of his re-election campaign.

Robert Trump was a business executive and real estate developer.

Trump made a visit to see his ailing brother on Friday at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Centre. He told reporters that his brother was "having a hard time" with an undisclosed illness.

In June, Robert Trump had won a temporary restraining order against his and the president's niece, Mary Trump, to stop her from publishing a tell-all book that offered an unflattering look of the US president and his family. He said the book, “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man,” would violate a confidentiality agreement tied to the estate of his father Fred Trump Sr, who died in 1999.

A state supreme court judge in Poughkeepsie, New York, later denied a request to stop publication and cancelled the temporary restraining order.

CORRECTION: This headline and story have been updated to correct Robert Trump's age. He was 71.

Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, died on Saturday night, a day after the US president visited him in a New York hospital. He was 71. "It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight.

Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, died on Saturday night, a day after the US president visited him in a New York hospital. He was 71. "It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight. He was not just my brother, he was my best friend. He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace," Trump said in a statement. The president was expected to attend the funeral, an aide said. He has a busy travel schedule in coming days with plans to visit four battleground states as part of his re-election campaign. Robert Trump was a business executive and real estate developer. Trump made a visit to see his ailing brother on Friday at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Centre. He told reporters that his brother was "having a hard time" with an undisclosed illness. In June, Robert Trump had won a temporary restraining order against his and the president's niece, Mary Trump, to stop her from publishing a tell-all book that offered an unflattering look of the US president and his family. He said the book, “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man,” would violate a confidentiality agreement tied to the estate of his father Fred Trump Sr, who died in 1999. A state supreme court judge in Poughkeepsie, New York, later denied a request to stop publication and cancelled the temporary restraining order. CORRECTION: This headline and story have been updated to correct Robert Trump's age. He was 71.

Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, dies at 71

If voted to power in the November general elections, a Biden administration will reform the H-1B visa system and work towards eliminating the country-quota for green cards, his campaign has said, in a move to woo the influential Indian-American community.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

In a major policy document for Indian-Americans released on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day on Saturday, the Biden Campaign also emphasised its support to family-based immigration system and streamlining processing for religious worker visas.

The administration will also take steps to stem the rising tide of hate and bigotry, address the security needs of house of worship, eliminate language barriers and honour the diversity and contributions of Indian-Americans, it said.

This is for the first time that a Democratic presidential candidate has come out with an exclusive policy document for Indian-Americans. There are 1.3 million eligible Indian-American voters across eight battleground states.&nbsp;

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is scheduled to address the Indian-American community in a video message later in the day.

Biden will support family-based immigration and preserve family unification as a core principle of our immigration system, which includes reducing the family visa backlog, his campaign said.

"He will increase the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration based on macroeconomic conditions and exempt from any cap recent graduates of PhD programmes in STEM fields," the campaign said.

"And, he will support first reforming the temporary visa system for high-skill, specialty jobs to protect wages and workers, then expanding the number of visas offered and eliminating the limits on employment-based green cards by country, which have kept so many Indian families in waiting for too long," it said.

According to the policy document, Biden will restore and defend the naturalisation process for Green Card holders. A Green Card allows a non-US citizen to live and work permanently in America.

"He will increase the number of refugees we welcome into this country by setting the annual global refugee admissions target to 125,000 and seek to raise it over time to commensurate with our responsibility, our values, and the unprecedented global need," it said.

"He will also work with Congress to establish a minimum admissions number of 95,000 refugees annually. Biden will remove the uncertainty for Dreamers by reinstating the DACA programme and explore all legal options to protect their families from inhumane separation," the campaign said.

It said Biden will end workplace raids and protect other sensitive locations from immigration enforcement actions. 
As a largely immigrant community, but in some cases with American roots reaching back generations, Indian-Americans know firsthand the strength and resilience that immigrants bring to the US, the campaign said.

"But President Trump has waged an unrelenting assault on our values and our history as a nation of immigrants. It's wrong, and it stops when Biden is president," it alleged.

"Biden will rescind Trump's Muslim ban on day one and reverse the detrimental asylum policies that are causing chaos and a humanitarian crisis at our border," the campaign said.

"He will immediately begin working with Congress to pass legislative immigration reform that modernises our system, with a priority on keeping families together by providing a roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants -- including more than 500,000 from India," it said.

Indian-Americans of all backgrounds -- Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, and others -- have been subjected to bullying and xenophobic attacks and need now, more than ever, a reassurance that the US leaders in Washington will have their backs, it said.

During the Obama-Biden administration, the FBI expanded its hate crime statistics programme to include Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists. As President, Biden will directly address the rise in hateful attacks and enact legislation prohibiting someone convicted of a hate crime from purchasing or possessing a firearm, it said.

"Biden will appoint leaders at the Department of Justice who will prioritise the prosecution of hate crimes, and he will order his Justice Department to focus additional resources to combat hate crimes -- including religion-based hate crimes -- and to confront white nationalist terrorism," it said.

"He will also seek legislation that increases the potential sentence for certain hate crimes that occur in houses of worship and other religious community sites, such as gurudwaras, mandirs, temples, and mosques. And, he will use his executive power to ensure that the Department of Justice pursues such heinous acts of violence against houses of worship to the fullest extent of the law," the campaign said.

Noting that in 2012, the Sikh community suffered a terrible tragedy when a white supremacist opened fire in an Oak Creek, Wisconsin, gurdwara, ultimately killing seven and wounding four, the campaign added that in January 2019, a Hindu temple was the victim of a horrific act of vandalism and destruction, with windows shattered and xenophobic messages spray-painted across the walls.&nbsp;

If voted to power in the November general elections, a Biden administration will reform the H-1B visa system and work towards eliminating the country-quota for green cards, his campaign has said, in a move to woo the influential Indian-American community.

If voted to power in the November general elections, a Biden administration will reform the H-1B visa system and work towards eliminating the country-quota for green cards, his campaign has said, in a move to woo the influential Indian-American community. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. In a major policy document for Indian-Americans released on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day on Saturday, the Biden Campaign also emphasised its support to family-based immigration system and streamlining processing for religious worker visas. The administration will also take steps to stem the rising tide of hate and bigotry, address the security needs of house of worship, eliminate language barriers and honour the diversity and contributions of Indian-Americans, it said. This is for the first time that a Democratic presidential candidate has come out with an exclusive policy document for Indian-Americans. There are 1.3 million eligible Indian-American voters across eight battleground states. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is scheduled to address the Indian-American community in a video message later in the day. Biden will support family-based immigration and preserve family unification as a core principle of our immigration system, which includes reducing the family visa backlog, his campaign said. "He will increase the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration based on macroeconomic conditions and exempt from any cap recent graduates of PhD programmes in STEM fields," the campaign said. "And, he will support first reforming the temporary visa system for high-skill, specialty jobs to protect wages and workers, then expanding the number of visas offered and eliminating the limits on employment-based green cards by country, which have kept so many Indian families in waiting for too long," it said. According to the policy document, Biden will restore and defend the naturalisation process for Green Card holders. A Green Card allows a non-US citizen to live and work permanently in America. "He will increase the number of refugees we welcome into this country by setting the annual global refugee admissions target to 125,000 and seek to raise it over time to commensurate with our responsibility, our values, and the unprecedented global need," it said. "He will also work with Congress to establish a minimum admissions number of 95,000 refugees annually. Biden will remove the uncertainty for Dreamers by reinstating the DACA programme and explore all legal options to protect their families from inhumane separation," the campaign said. It said Biden will end workplace raids and protect other sensitive locations from immigration enforcement actions. As a largely immigrant community, but in some cases with American roots reaching back generations, Indian-Americans know firsthand the strength and resilience that immigrants bring to the US, the campaign said. "But President Trump has waged an unrelenting assault on our values and our history as a nation of immigrants. It's wrong, and it stops when Biden is president," it alleged. "Biden will rescind Trump's Muslim ban on day one and reverse the detrimental asylum policies that are causing chaos and a humanitarian crisis at our border," the campaign said. "He will immediately begin working with Congress to pass legislative immigration reform that modernises our system, with a priority on keeping families together by providing a roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants -- including more than 500,000 from India," it said. Indian-Americans of all backgrounds -- Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, and others -- have been subjected to bullying and xenophobic attacks and need now, more than ever, a reassurance that the US leaders in Washington will have their backs, it said. During the Obama-Biden administration, the FBI expanded its hate crime statistics programme to include Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists. As President, Biden will directly address the rise in hateful attacks and enact legislation prohibiting someone convicted of a hate crime from purchasing or possessing a firearm, it said. "Biden will appoint leaders at the Department of Justice who will prioritise the prosecution of hate crimes, and he will order his Justice Department to focus additional resources to combat hate crimes -- including religion-based hate crimes -- and to confront white nationalist terrorism," it said. "He will also seek legislation that increases the potential sentence for certain hate crimes that occur in houses of worship and other religious community sites, such as gurudwaras, mandirs, temples, and mosques. And, he will use his executive power to ensure that the Department of Justice pursues such heinous acts of violence against houses of worship to the fullest extent of the law," the campaign said. Noting that in 2012, the Sikh community suffered a terrible tragedy when a white supremacist opened fire in an Oak Creek, Wisconsin, gurdwara, ultimately killing seven and wounding four, the campaign added that in January 2019, a Hindu temple was the victim of a horrific act of vandalism and destruction, with windows shattered and xenophobic messages spray-painted across the walls.

Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli".

Harris, 55, who is the first black to be selected as a vice-presidential candidate of a major party, took a trip down the memory lane, mentioning her "long walks" in Madras (now Chennai) with her grandfather who would tell her about the "heroes" responsible for the birth of the world's largest democracy.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3.

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in line of succession after Biden.

"Today on August 15, 2020. I stand before you as the first candidate for vice president of the United States of South Asian descent," Harris said in her address organised by Indians for Biden National Council.

Joined by Biden, she greeted Indian Americans on the occasion of India's Independence Day.

"To the people of India and to Indian Americans all across the US, I want to wish you a happy Indian Independence Day. On August 15, 1947, men and women all over India rejoiced in the declaration of the independence of the country of India," Harris said during the virtual inaugural meet of the council.

Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica.

"When my mother, Shyamala stepped off the plane in California as 19 years old, she didn't have much in the way of belongings. But she carried with her lessons from back home, including ones she learned from her parents, my grandmother Rajan, and her father, my grandfather P V Gopalan. They taught her that when you see injustice in the world, you have an obligation to do something about it," Harris said.

"Which is what inspired my mother to march and shout on the streets of Oakland, at the height of the civil rights movement, a movement where leaders including Dr Martin Luther King Jr, were themselves inspired by the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi," she said.

Harris said it was during those protests that her mother met her father. The rest, as they say, is history, she said. 
"Growing up, my mother would take my sister Maya and me back to what was then called Madras because she wanted us to understand where she had come from and where we had ancestry. And of course, she always wanted to instill in us, a love of good idli," Harris said.

"In Madras I would go on long walks with my grandfather, who at that point was retired. We would take morning walks where I'd hold his hand and he would tell me about the heroes who are responsible for the birth of the world's biggest democracy. He would explain that it's on us to pick up where they left off. Those lessons are a big reason why I am who I am today,? Harris said explaining the deep influence of the Indian heritage on her.

"Our community is bound together by so much more than our shared history and culture," she said.

The reason there is a kinship between everyone who are a product of the South Asian diaspora, no matter how diverse our backgrounds may be, "is because we also share a set of values: values forged by overcoming colonial past, not only in one nation but in two", Harris said.

"Values like tolerance pluralism, and diversity and reflecting on the past 73 years it's remarkable how much progress, people have made in the fight for justice. And should be proud. But we wouldn't be if we didn't commit ourselves to building an even better future. So, I hope you celebrate today, and then tomorrow, I hope you join me in getting to work," she said.&nbsp;

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli".

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli". Harris, 55, who is the first black to be selected as a vice-presidential candidate of a major party, took a trip down the memory lane, mentioning her "long walks" in Madras (now Chennai) with her grandfather who would tell her about the "heroes" responsible for the birth of the world's largest democracy. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in line of succession after Biden. "Today on August 15, 2020. I stand before you as the first candidate for vice president of the United States of South Asian descent," Harris said in her address organised by Indians for Biden National Council. Joined by Biden, she greeted Indian Americans on the occasion of India's Independence Day. "To the people of India and to Indian Americans all across the US, I want to wish you a happy Indian Independence Day. On August 15, 1947, men and women all over India rejoiced in the declaration of the independence of the country of India," Harris said during the virtual inaugural meet of the council. Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica. "When my mother, Shyamala stepped off the plane in California as 19 years old, she didn't have much in the way of belongings. But she carried with her lessons from back home, including ones she learned from her parents, my grandmother Rajan, and her father, my grandfather P V Gopalan. They taught her that when you see injustice in the world, you have an obligation to do something about it," Harris said. "Which is what inspired my mother to march and shout on the streets of Oakland, at the height of the civil rights movement, a movement where leaders including Dr Martin Luther King Jr, were themselves inspired by the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi," she said. Harris said it was during those protests that her mother met her father. The rest, as they say, is history, she said. "Growing up, my mother would take my sister Maya and me back to what was then called Madras because she wanted us to understand where she had come from and where we had ancestry. And of course, she always wanted to instill in us, a love of good idli," Harris said. "In Madras I would go on long walks with my grandfather, who at that point was retired. We would take morning walks where I'd hold his hand and he would tell me about the heroes who are responsible for the birth of the world's biggest democracy. He would explain that it's on us to pick up where they left off. Those lessons are a big reason why I am who I am today,? Harris said explaining the deep influence of the Indian heritage on her. "Our community is bound together by so much more than our shared history and culture," she said. The reason there is a kinship between everyone who are a product of the South Asian diaspora, no matter how diverse our backgrounds may be, "is because we also share a set of values: values forged by overcoming colonial past, not only in one nation but in two", Harris said. "Values like tolerance pluralism, and diversity and reflecting on the past 73 years it's remarkable how much progress, people have made in the fight for justice. And should be proud. But we wouldn't be if we didn't commit ourselves to building an even better future. So, I hope you celebrate today, and then tomorrow, I hope you join me in getting to work," she said.

Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may recall lawmakers from a summer recess to address changes at the Postal Service that have prompted anger among Democrats and alarm about possible impact on the 2020 election.

A Democratic congressional aide confirmed a Politico report that Pelosi could call back the U.S. House later this month, well ahead of the scheduled resumption of votes in mid-September. The aide confirmed Pelosi held a call with other top Democrats on Saturday to discuss the idea.

"The President, his cronies and Republicans in Congress continue to wage their all-out assault on the Postal Service and its role in ensuring the integrity of the 2020 election," Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday.

This week, Representative Carolyn Maloney, the Democratic chair of a House panel that oversees the Postal Service, introduced legislation to prohibit the service from implementing any changes to the operations or level of service it had in place in January 2020, until the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.

It is possible the House could vote on that measure, the aide said.

The struggling Post Office has suffered increasing delays following cost-cutting measures imposed by President Donald Trump`s new Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy.

DeJoy`s downsizing drive - which has included curbs on overtime and removal of post boxes - has become a major concern for Democrats who accuse Trump of asphyxiating the Post Office to disrupt the Nov. 3 election, which is expected to feature an unprecedented wave of postal voting due to the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

The disruption is driving an unusual amount of anger at DeJoy from otherwise middle-of-the-road politicians, with even some Republicans expressing worry amid reports that medical deliveries were being slowed.

Tennessee Democratic Representative Jim Cooper, a member of the centrist "Blue Dog" coalition, said he was among those who had called on Pelosi to reconvene Congress and that lawmakers should subpoena the postmaster general. 
"If he fails to appear, we should send the Sgt at Arms to arrest him," Cooper said in a Twitter post.

Trump offered qualified support for DeJoy on Saturday, saying he was a "very talented man" who was trying to streamline the Postal Service and only wanted to "make it great again" - a play on his 2016 campaign slogan.

On the other hand, Trump tried to put some distance between himself and the problems at the Post Office since DeJoy took over, telling reporters, "I don`t know what he`s doing," when asked about DeJoy`s cuts.

On Friday, the Postal Service`s inspector general said it would be investigating the cuts - as well as potential conflicts of interest related to DeJoy`s ownership of millions of dollars in stock in Postal Service rivals and customers, according to a financial disclosure form filed by his wife.

Early on Saturday, protesters gathered outside DeJoy`s upscale condominium in Washington to chant, bang pots and wave placards that denounced him as "Postmaster Saboteur."

One sign read, "Deliver DeMail, Depose DeJoy."

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may recall lawmakers from a summer recess to address changes at the Postal Service that have prompted anger among Democrats and alarm about possible impact on the 2020 election.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may recall lawmakers from a summer recess to address changes at the Postal Service that have prompted anger among Democrats and alarm about possible impact on the 2020 election. A Democratic congressional aide confirmed a Politico report that Pelosi could call back the U.S. House later this month, well ahead of the scheduled resumption of votes in mid-September. The aide confirmed Pelosi held a call with other top Democrats on Saturday to discuss the idea. "The President, his cronies and Republicans in Congress continue to wage their all-out assault on the Postal Service and its role in ensuring the integrity of the 2020 election," Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday. This week, Representative Carolyn Maloney, the Democratic chair of a House panel that oversees the Postal Service, introduced legislation to prohibit the service from implementing any changes to the operations or level of service it had in place in January 2020, until the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. It is possible the House could vote on that measure, the aide said. The struggling Post Office has suffered increasing delays following cost-cutting measures imposed by President Donald Trump`s new Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy. DeJoy`s downsizing drive - which has included curbs on overtime and removal of post boxes - has become a major concern for Democrats who accuse Trump of asphyxiating the Post Office to disrupt the Nov. 3 election, which is expected to feature an unprecedented wave of postal voting due to the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The disruption is driving an unusual amount of anger at DeJoy from otherwise middle-of-the-road politicians, with even some Republicans expressing worry amid reports that medical deliveries were being slowed. Tennessee Democratic Representative Jim Cooper, a member of the centrist "Blue Dog" coalition, said he was among those who had called on Pelosi to reconvene Congress and that lawmakers should subpoena the postmaster general. "If he fails to appear, we should send the Sgt at Arms to arrest him," Cooper said in a Twitter post. Trump offered qualified support for DeJoy on Saturday, saying he was a "very talented man" who was trying to streamline the Postal Service and only wanted to "make it great again" - a play on his 2016 campaign slogan. On the other hand, Trump tried to put some distance between himself and the problems at the Post Office since DeJoy took over, telling reporters, "I don`t know what he`s doing," when asked about DeJoy`s cuts. On Friday, the Postal Service`s inspector general said it would be investigating the cuts - as well as potential conflicts of interest related to DeJoy`s ownership of millions of dollars in stock in Postal Service rivals and customers, according to a financial disclosure form filed by his wife. Early on Saturday, protesters gathered outside DeJoy`s upscale condominium in Washington to chant, bang pots and wave placards that denounced him as "Postmaster Saboteur." One sign read, "Deliver DeMail, Depose DeJoy."

US House Speaker considering recalling Congress over Post Office woes

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US.

The 77-year old is challenging the incumbent president, Donald Trump, in the US presidential election that will be held on November 3.

"Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India. I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a safer place," Biden, who was vice-president in the Obama administration, said while addressing the Indian-American community on India's Independence Day.

If elected president, Biden said, he would continue to believe this and also continue to stand with India against the threats it faces from its own region and along its borders.

He said he would work on expanding two-way trade between the two nations and take on big global challenges like climate change and global health security. He also said he would work to strengthen the democracies where diversity is the mutual strength.

On this day, let us "continue to deepen the bond that endures between our nation's and our people,? Biden said. 
He said that "as President, I'll also continue to rely on the Indian-American diaspora, that keeps our two nations together, as I have throughout my career".

"My constituents in Delaware, my staff in the Senate, the Obama administration that had more Indian-Americans than any other administration in the history of this country, and this campaign with Indian Americans at senior levels, which of course includes the top of the heap, our dear friend (Kamala Harris) who will be the first Indian American vice president in the history of the United States of America," Biden said.

Early this week, Biden zeroed in on Indian origin Senator Harris, 55, as his running mate in the US presidential election. Harris, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is the first-ever Black vice-presidential nominee.

"We all know she's smart, she's tested, she's prepared. But another thing that makes Kamala so inspiring is her mother's immigrant story to the US that started in India, with pure courage that brought her daughters to this moment. I know the pride you feel. It's your story too," Biden said.

"For your sacrifices, and your family's courage, you became pillars of our community and our country. You're patriots and the frontlines of this pandemic. In this reckoning of systemic racism, you're making real real promise that America is a place where people of all races and religions can live together in peace," he said.

"But I know it's hard. I heart goes out to all those of you who have been the targets in a rise in hate crimes, and the crackdown of legal immigration, including a sudden and harmful actions on H-1B visas. That for decades have made America stronger and brought our nation's closer," Biden said.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

"While it's sometimes may not feel like the US of your dreams, we will overcome and build back better than ever. Like (former President) Barack Obama had asked to me, I'm asking Kamala Harris, to be the last person in the room to ask the tough questions of me, provide counsel, most of all to always represent the belief in possibilities," the former US vice president said.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US. The 77-year old is challenging the incumbent president, Donald Trump, in the US presidential election that will be held on November 3. "Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India. I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a safer place," Biden, who was vice-president in the Obama administration, said while addressing the Indian-American community on India's Independence Day. If elected president, Biden said, he would continue to believe this and also continue to stand with India against the threats it faces from its own region and along its borders. He said he would work on expanding two-way trade between the two nations and take on big global challenges like climate change and global health security. He also said he would work to strengthen the democracies where diversity is the mutual strength. On this day, let us "continue to deepen the bond that endures between our nation's and our people,? Biden said. He said that "as President, I'll also continue to rely on the Indian-American diaspora, that keeps our two nations together, as I have throughout my career". "My constituents in Delaware, my staff in the Senate, the Obama administration that had more Indian-Americans than any other administration in the history of this country, and this campaign with Indian Americans at senior levels, which of course includes the top of the heap, our dear friend (Kamala Harris) who will be the first Indian American vice president in the history of the United States of America," Biden said. Early this week, Biden zeroed in on Indian origin Senator Harris, 55, as his running mate in the US presidential election. Harris, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is the first-ever Black vice-presidential nominee. "We all know she's smart, she's tested, she's prepared. But another thing that makes Kamala so inspiring is her mother's immigrant story to the US that started in India, with pure courage that brought her daughters to this moment. I know the pride you feel. It's your story too," Biden said. "For your sacrifices, and your family's courage, you became pillars of our community and our country. You're patriots and the frontlines of this pandemic. In this reckoning of systemic racism, you're making real real promise that America is a place where people of all races and religions can live together in peace," he said. "But I know it's hard. I heart goes out to all those of you who have been the targets in a rise in hate crimes, and the crackdown of legal immigration, including a sudden and harmful actions on H-1B visas. That for decades have made America stronger and brought our nation's closer," Biden said. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. "While it's sometimes may not feel like the US of your dreams, we will overcome and build back better than ever. Like (former President) Barack Obama had asked to me, I'm asking Kamala Harris, to be the last person in the room to ask the tough questions of me, provide counsel, most of all to always represent the belief in possibilities," the former US vice president said.

If elected, will stand with India in confronting threats facing it: Joe Biden

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed.

They questioned the US citizenship of Harris -- a necessity to run for the US president post. Harris' mother was born in India and her father was born in Jamaica.

"This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise," read Newsweek's editor's note on Friday, which replaced the magazine's earlier detailed defence of the op-ed.

"We entirely failed to anticipate the ways in which the essay would be interpreted, distorted and weaponised," read the apology, signed by Josh Hammer, opinion editor, and Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief.&nbsp;

But they ended the note by saying that the op-ed would remain on the site, with their note attached.

The op-ed was written by John Eastman, a conservative attorney who argues that the US Constitution doesn't grant birthright citizenship. Eastman sowed doubt about Harris' eligibility based on her parents' immigration status.

Newsweek earlier defended the piece, arguing that Eastman "was focussing on a long-standing, somewhat arcane legal debate" about the 14th Amendment and not trying to "ignite a racist conspiracy theory around Kamala Harris' candidacy."

According to constitution lawyers, Harris, who was tapped by Joe Biden to serve as his running mate on the Democratic ticket, was born in Oakland, California, and is eligible for both the vice presidency and presidency under the constitutional requirements.

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed.

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed. They questioned the US citizenship of Harris -- a necessity to run for the US president post. Harris' mother was born in India and her father was born in Jamaica. "This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise," read Newsweek's editor's note on Friday, which replaced the magazine's earlier detailed defence of the op-ed. "We entirely failed to anticipate the ways in which the essay would be interpreted, distorted and weaponised," read the apology, signed by Josh Hammer, opinion editor, and Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief. But they ended the note by saying that the op-ed would remain on the site, with their note attached. The op-ed was written by John Eastman, a conservative attorney who argues that the US Constitution doesn't grant birthright citizenship. Eastman sowed doubt about Harris' eligibility based on her parents' immigration status. Newsweek earlier defended the piece, arguing that Eastman "was focussing on a long-standing, somewhat arcane legal debate" about the 14th Amendment and not trying to "ignite a racist conspiracy theory around Kamala Harris' candidacy." According to constitution lawyers, Harris, who was tapped by Joe Biden to serve as his running mate on the Democratic ticket, was born in Oakland, California, and is eligible for both the vice presidency and presidency under the constitutional requirements.

Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright