Battling COVID
In case you fast asleep under some rock, social distancing somewhere where there wasn’t any internet connection, President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and a handful of aides and U.S. Senators, have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
While former Vice President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats extended well-wishes to the First Family (all show) some Democratic critics like Florida State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, couldn’t help but to tastefully take a jab at the Commander-In-Chief for taking some time away from his hospital suite to drive by a group of supporters who were out on the street wishing him a speed recovery.
“What part of deadly virus do you not understand?” tweeted Smith.
tweeted Smith after a video was posted of a confined President Trump driving by in an SUV (windows rolled up) waving at supporters.
Rep. Carlitos was probably blinded by his ignorance and couldn’t see that Trump did not put any supporters at risk.
Here is a recap:
World Leaders React To Trump’s COVID-19 Diagnosis
Trump Tweets First Video Remarks Since Revealing COVID-19 Diagnosis
Trump In Second Video Update Says He ‘Learned A Lot’ About Covid Since Being Diagnosed
Biden will be in Miami today and will hold a Townhall meeting hosted by MSNBC
A New FIU poll shows that Cuban-Americans will be voting for Trump, not Biden. READ MORE
Marco Rubio @marcorubio-A significant increase in conspiracy theories & outrageous claims since the President’s diagnosis Lies spread much faster than fact checking This is why we need frequent, detailed & transparent updates from @WhiteHouse And why we should all be skeptical of outlandish rumors
Rick Scott @SenRickScott-Senate Democrats will find any reason to delay the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. We have been doing virtual hearings for months, and I don’t see why this would be a problem now. Republicans are ready to do our jobs.
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell @RepDMP-Flooding is keeping Keys residents from doctors appointments, getting groceries, and it’s making it difficult for loved ones & essential personnel to access the neighborhood. This is why I spend so much time in Congress pushing resilient infrastructure that can withstand floods.
Rep. Ted Deutch@RepTedDeutch-The number of cases from the WH Barrett event show importance of following CDC guidance. Large gatherings w/ few masks make it near impossible to contact trace. @GovRonDeSantis should issue a statewide mask order & let counties enforce safety rules to prevent the spread.
Rep. Val Demings @RepValDemings-Let’s not ignore our eyes and ears. The president has encouraged white supremacy and violence, and any suggestions otherwise are dangerous gaslighting.
Rep. Matt Gaetz @RepMattGaetz-The answer to COVID is not to shut down, hide under the bed, and just hope the virus won't ever find us. We should live our lives, protect the vulnerable, and recognize the critical importance of making progress on therapeutics to become more survivable against COVID-19.
“Pruden defends Trump’s Supreme Court nominee after Deutch’s accusations” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – With Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett being in exactly one week, congressional Democrats are still hoping that the American voter will put enough pressure on their respective senators to derail the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee. Florida Rep. Ted Deutch (D) appeared last week on ABC affiliate Local 10’s “This Week in South Florida,” where he accused Judge Barrett of wanting to “overturn the Affordable Care Act” and “rollback” abortion if and when she is confirmed to the court. “He’s (Trump) going to have a nominee who wants to roll back protections on women’s reproductive rights,” said Rep. Deutch. Deutch points to Senator Marco Rubio’s 2016 call to delay President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, calling Sen. Rubio and Senate Republicans hypocrites for now wanting to “ram” Trump’s nominee down the throats of Americans. Deutch then said that Republicans needed to “stand up for the Constitution, stand up for our Democracy,” adding that the Senate needed to “make sure the people have a say who this next Supreme Court Justice is going to be.”
“Pam Keith : ‘I don’t gotta listen to you’ unless you vote or donate to me (Video)” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – During a 2019 rally, presumably in Florida, that was filmed by the Progressive news outlet Young Turks, congressional candidate Pam Keith gave a rabble-rousing address where she expressed that as a candidate she would only listen to people who either vote for her, or give her money. “As a candidate, I can tell you, we listen to two kinds of people. The people who give us money and the people who give us votes. You don’t give me your vote or your money, I don’t gotta listen to you.”- Pam Keith Keith’s “show me the money” mentality will not play well with everyday American voters and is a stark contradiction to what fellow Progressive Reps. Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have said about representing Americans. Keith’s opponent, Rep. Brian Mast (R) told The Floridian that he sees his constituents as “Americans first” and would help them in any way possible, regardless of their political affiliation, or if they voted for him. Mast also said that Keith sees his constituents “as a commodity.” “I don’t care if you are a Republican or Democrat, have a donkey or an elephant on your shirt, or if that shirt is red or blue,” said Mast. If you come into my office, we will help you in any way possible, and regardless if you have voted for me or donated to my campaign, I will do every single thing within my purview to help you. I see you as an American first, as a constituent first, She clearly sees you as a commodity first.
“Lois Frankel accused of violating House Ethics and FEC statutes” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) strictly prohibits the use of official congressional legislative resources to be used for any and all campaign practices by the respective member of the U.S. Congress. Florida Rep. Lois Frankel (D) is being accused by her Republican congressional opponent Laura Loomer, who said that Rep. Frankel has admitted to “using her taxpayer-funded congressional office to campaign.” “It’s unfortunate that Lois Frankel sees her job as all about politics as opposed to serving the people of District 21. Her admission of using her taxpayer funded congressional office to campaign raises legal questions regarding House Ethics rules and federal statutes preventing the use of government resources for campaigning”, said Laura Loomer. The allegation against Frankel comes from an interview the lawmaker gave to Forward.com where she all-but said that her congressional office and campaign are one and the same. “My campaign is me doing my job. I don’t have a separate program of me vs. the campaign,” said Frankel.
“World Leaders React To Trump’s COVID-19 Diagnosis” by The Floridian’s Mona Salama – World leaders and officials sent their best wishes to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Friday for a swift recovery after he announced early Friday morning that the First couple tested positive for COVID-19. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted that he and his wife Sara, along with “millions of Israelis” are wishing our “friends a full and speedy recovery.” UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who was hospitalized for a week in April and spent several days in the ICU before recovering tweeted his “best wishes” and hoped for both Trumps to “have a speedy recovery.” India Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished his “friend” a “quick recovery and good health.” Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wished the president and first lady a “speedy recovery.” Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to his U.S. counterpart, wishing Trump a speedy recovery from coronavirus, according to the Kremlin press service. “I am confident that your vital energy, high spirits, and optimism will help you cope with the dangerous virus,” the press service quoted Putin. “I am certain that your inherent vitality, good spirits, and optimism will help you cope with this dangerous virus.” North Korean Dictator Kim Jung Un offered “warm greetings” and hopes Trump will recover “as soon as possible,” according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.
“Trump Tweets First Video Remarks Since Revealing COVID-19 Diagnosis” by The Floridian’s Mona Salama – President Trump on Friday shared a pre-recorded video message on Twitter saying he is “doing very well” and thanked Americans for their overwhelming support following his early morning announcement of his COVID-19 diagnosis. “I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support,” Trump said in the short 18-second tweet video. “I think I’m doing very well but we’re going to make sure that things work out. The first lady is doing very well. So thank you very much. I appreciate it. I will never forget it.” The brief video from Trump was the first remarks he made addressing the nation since disclosing shortly before 1:00 in the morning on Friday that he and First Lady Melania Trump had tested positive for the coronavirus. Since announcing his diagnosis, Trump remained media silent on Twitter for 16 hours. Trump tweeted the video shortly after he departed the White House to board the presidential helicopter, Marine One heading to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, shortly after 6:15 p.m. ET Friday. The president made the brief walk to the helicopter without any help, waving to the media, and didn’t display any signs of weakness. He didn’t stop to talk to reporters like he normally does.
“FIU Poll: Majority of Floridian Cubans Support And Will Vote For Trump” by The Floridian’s Mona Salama – A majority of Cuban Americans in South Florida support President Trump and are planning to vote for him in November, according to the latest Florida International University poll released Friday. According to the FIU Cuba Poll, it found that 59 percent of registered Cuban American voters will vote for Trump next month, compared to only 25 percent who intend to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. Only ten percent of all registered voters currently remain undecided, with the majority of those are being independent voters. “Cubans remain a majority Republican ethnic group and like the majority of Republicans throughout the country, they are supportive of President Trump and his administration’s approach to governing,” Guillermo Grenier, the primary sponsor of the poll said. “He receives high marks on handling all of the measured key national issues as well as his handling of Cuba policy and will receive a strong majority of the Cuban-American vote on Election Day.” A total of 1,002 randomly selected Cuban Americans, primarily in Miami-Dade County were polled from July 7 to Aug. 17. The breakdown of Cuban American voter registration polled was 53 percent were Republicans, 23 percent were registered Democrats and 24 percent being registered as Independents. Out of the 53 percent registered Republicans, it found that 76 percent of those voters arrived in the United States between 2010 and 2015 compared to 67 percent of those who arrived prior to 1959. “It is a natural attraction for those people who come and want to feel part of the community, who want to feel empowered,” Grenier said. “Historically, the Republican Party has been better at talking to Cubans than the Democratic Party.”
“Salazar rebukes Shalala’s COVID-19 stimulus vote that defunds police” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – With the latest COVID-19 stimulus bill (Heroes Act) having narrowly passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, House Democrats are now urging Republicans in the Senate to pass the legislation so that those Americans in need of financial help, get it. The original $3.4 trillion dollar bill was summarily rejected by Republicans, so Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats decided to negotiate with their counterparts and find some kind of middle ground so that Americans receive the much-needed bailout. But while the new $2.2 trillion compromise bill stripped out a lot of the ‘goodies’ or non-COVID-related expenditures, it also gutted out $600 million in police funding. Every single member of Florida’s Democratic congressional delegation, including Rep. Donna Shalala, voted in favor of the measure, and in essence, voted against funding police while still keeping politically motivated “wish list” items in place. Rep. Shalala, who is entrenched in a very tight (Toss-up) re-election campaign against TV personality Maria Elvira Salazar, has very vocal in her demand to Republicans to support the original Heroes Act. But in the days leading up to the vote on the COVID bill, Shalala was silent, only making reference to President and Frist Lady Donald Trump’s recent positive testing for COVID.19.
“Republicans call Heroes Act an ‘abomination’ that ‘defunds police’” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – House Democrats continue to be accused of pushing the defund police narrative that the radicalized Black Lives Matter movement has been promoting since the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. Republicans are once again accusing their Democrat colleagues of cutting funding for police, this time their argument is anchored by the recently passed and updated Heroes Act which was written to help Americans deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The original bill, which Democrat Reps. Darren Soto and Stephanie Murphy urged Speaker Pelosi to find a bipartisan solution on, and that Republicans refused to support, was a bulking $3.4 trillion that included $600 million in funding for law enforcement. The new, leaner $2.2 trillion HEROES Act has stripped away that $600 million police funding, prompting Republicans to accuse Democrats of willfully defunding police instead of cutting out “wishlist” items. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is once again targeting freshman Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) saying that she “voted in support” of coronavirus relief bill they call a “sham” and that “eliminates $600 million for policing.” “I voted to pass this Heroes Act because it provides a stimulus check, unemployment benefits, funding for schools & businesses,” tweeted Rep. Mucarsel-Powell. “Democrats have been negotiating in good faith,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz during a House floor speech. Rep. Wasserman Schultz said that House Democrats met Republicans “halfway” about helping Americans during the bill negotiations, and ultimately agreed on the $2.2 trillion.
“Crist Called “one of Florida’s Least Effective Congressmen”” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – After the announcement that President Trump (R) and First Lady Melania Trump had contracted COVID-19, the state of the election hangs on an even tighter balance as the President will most likely not be able to campaign as rigorously as he meant to. This puts the sunshine state in an interesting position, considering that both Trump and former Vice President Biden (D) are vying for Florida’s 29 electoral college points, but the state is also experiencing some of the most high-profile congressional races in the entire country. One such race is the race for Florida’s 13th Congressional district, which has incumbent Rep. Charlie Crist (D) and Republican Anna Paulina Luna duking it out for the seat. As vote-by-mail ballots are arriving in Pinellas County mailboxes, it’s just been announced that American Valor PAC has released its first digital ad called “He’s Changed,” which highlights the ineffectiveness of Crist’s work as the District 13 congressman while also slamming his alleged embrace of the radical left since being elected to congress. Christina Johnson, the spokesperson for American Valor PAC, stated that “Congress has changed Charlie Crist,” adding that “Crist’s record of ineffective leadership shows he won’t stand up to the Democrats’ increasingly extreme agenda; instead, he wholeheartedly embraces it.” Drawing a distinction between Crist and his Republican opponent, Johnson expressed that “Anna Paulina Luna is the independent leader, veteran, and fresh face that District 13 voters deserve to have to fight for them in Washington.” The advertisement argues that “Crist votes with Pelosi 99 percent of the time for higher taxes, and allowing criminals to sue the police.” Moreover, the advertisement says that Crist is “so liberal he’s rated one of Florida’s least effective congressmen… and that’s a shame.”
“Orange County Sees a Surge of Voter Registration” by Spectrum News’ Emily Braun – The Orange County Supervisor of Elections office was closed Sunday, but with the voter registration deadline on Monday, there were lines on Friday. The office even opened on Saturday to meet the demand. In fact, the number of registered voters in Orange County has been climbing since November 2016. Back then it was around 777,000 people By November 2018, that number rose to 798,000. Right now, nearly 850,000 voters are registered in Orange County. Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles said his office has seen a big jump in voter registrations, especially over the past several days. Some of those prospective voters are planning to vote for the first time. “I’m gonna feel grown, to be honest,” high school senior Yaire Torres told Spectrum News 13, explaining that she’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment. "It’s weird because you would always see your parents coming home late, because they just came back from voting. So it’s like ‘okay, I get to go with her this time. It’s kind of cool.”
“Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey Receives Endorsement of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody” by Space Coast Daily – “As Florida’s Attorney General, I have had the unique opportunity to work with law enforcement leaders across our great state,” said Moody. “Wayne Ivey is an exemplary sheriff with proven experience, commitment to excellence and passion to serve his community. His advocacy and innovative approach to the protection of our schools, eliminating violent crime, fighting opioid addiction and developing community partnerships has led to a 42 percent decline in crime victims under his watch over the last eight years. “It is my honor to endorse the re-election of Sheriff Ivey as I am very proud to have him on our team to build a stronger, safer Florida. The citizens of Brevard County are very fortunate to have him serving as their sheriff.” Ivey, a Republican who has served as Brevard County Sheriff since 2012, will face Alton Edmond, 31, a criminal defense attorney from Cocoa in the General Election on Nov. 3. “To have the endorsement of Attorney General Ashley Moody is a very humbling feeling, as she knows exactly what it takes to keep our citizens safe in today’s challenging times,” said Ivey. “I have had the opportunity to partner with Attorney General Moody on several initiatives including battling the opioid epidemic and also protecting our seniors against Identity Theft and Scams. Attorney General Moody is an amazing leader for our entire state and to have her stand with me for re-election is an incredible feeling.”
“Florida forges ahead in lifting curbs amid virus concerns” by Associated Press – As the summer coronavirus spike in Sunbelt states subsides, Florida has gone the furthest in lifting restrictions, especially on restaurants where the burden of ensuring safety has shifted to business owners and residents — raising concerns of a resurgence. In his drive to return the state to normalcy, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted limits on indoor seating at restaurants, saying they can operate at 100% in cities and counties with no restrictions and that other local governments with some restrictions can’t limit indoor seating by more than 50%. In some of Florida’s touristy neighborhoods, patrons have since been flocking to bars and restaurants, filling terraces, defying mask orders — drawing mixed reactions from business owners and other customers. “We’re generally concerned that we’re going to find ourselves on the other side of an inverted curve and erasing all the progress we’ve made,” said Albert Garcia, chairman of the Wynwood Business improvement district, which represents 50 blocks of restaurants and bars in Miami’s trendy arts district. Other Sunbelt states that have been COVID-19 hot spots over the summer haven’t gone as far. In Texas, bars have been closed since June under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s orders, and restaurants can hold up to 75% of their capacity, while face covers are required throughout the state. And in Arizona, restaurants and bars must run at half-capacity.
“For the first time, former felons can vote in Florida…but there’s a catch” by Wink News – Voters approved a change back in the 2018 election stating that former felons can now vote for president or in any other election. So this, for many, is the first time they can vote! However, they have to pay off all fines and fees first. One group is outlining how these former felons could make a huge difference in their communities if the debt requirement wasn’t an obstacle. Neil Volz is just one of the more than 1.5 million Floridians who has had his voting rights restored than to the passage of Amendment 4 in 2018. “I voted for the first time in 16 years last August and it was an overwhelming experience,” Volz said. Lance Wissinger filled out his first ballot just a few weeks ago. “I just voted for the first time ever in my life back in August for the primary and was ecstatic,” Wissinger said. “I had no idea how much of a big deal that was going to be until I actually got to do it and I was visibly shaking.” However, there were over 700,000 former felons who thought seeing their right to vote being restore would be a good thing. Until they all realized they had to pay off fines and fees after serving time. “They went to bed a few months ago thinking they were going to be able to participate in this election and then found out a few weeks ago after a court decision in fact they were not going to be able to participate in democracy,” said Volz, who is the Deputy Director of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
“Florida man who tried to get ballot for dead wife charged with fraud” by Associated Press – Florida authorities say they’ve filed a voter fraud charge against a man who said he said he “wanted to test the system” when he tried to obtain a mail-in ballot for his deceased wife. Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett said he contacted the sheriff’s office after a review of voter rolls. Bennett said his staff reviews the voter rolls for each mail-in ballot request and it was discovered the woman had been deceased for two years. They determined that Wiggins forged his late wife’s name on the ballot request, according to the Bradenton Herald. Wiggins, who was arrested last Thursday on a voter fraud charge, told deputies that he was “testing the system to see if worked.” “Our message is that the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections will prosecute any attempt at voter fraud. If you are caught, we are committed to prosecute,” Bennett said. Bennett said such attempts are unusual in Manatee County. Researchers say that voter fraud in general is rare in the United States.
“Trump and Biden supporters out in force across the swing state of Florida with election one month away” by Fox News’ Nick Givas – Supporters of President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden held rallies throughout the swing state of Florida on Saturday, as the November election fast approaches. Many gathered in north-central Florida to hold events for their preferred candidate, WCJB reported. “For one thing, I want other supporters to know that there’s a lot of us out here, that we’re all in this together," Sheila Derossett, a Trump supporter, told WCJB. "Also, to anyone who is on the other side or maybe on the fence know to do their research." Supporters of the commander-in-chief reportedly drove around the county with a parade of over 30 cars. Biden supporters, on the other hand, gathered in Ocala, for a rally hosted by “Vote Common Good.” Doug Pagitt, executive director "Vote Common Good," said, “We’re not trying to convince Republicans not to be Republicans we do want them not to vote for this Republican in this next election. We’re calling them to something deeper in their life, and that is what do they hold most sincerely." One protestor showed up at a Biden event, but to peacefully voice his support for Trump. “Our President has done a stellar job. While he may have yes made some people mad, the only thing he has done is held politicians red and blue accountable," Brady Adkins told WCJB. "All he is asking them to do is do their job, and it is upsetting career politicians that have had 30 and 40 years to make a difference and haven’t done it. Plain and simple."
“This Week in South Florida: Miami-Dade mayoral candidates Daniela Levina Cava and Steve Bovo” by Local 10’s Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg – The next mayor of Miami-Dade County will be one of two current county commissioners running for the job. The candidates, Steve Bovo and Daniella Levine Cava, come from opposite ends of the political spectrum. They are vying to become the chief executive officer of a government with a $9 billion budget and around 27,000 employees. Bovo is from Hialeah and a former state representative. Levine Cava is an attorney from South Miami-Dade with a background as a social work executive. The two candidates joined This Week in South Florida virtually for a lively discussion ahead of next month’s election. The full video can be seen at the top of this page.
“VIDEO: Facing South Florida: 1-On-1 With Rep. Donna Shalala” by CBS Miami’s Jim DeFede – Jim DeFede interviewed Democratic Congresswoman Donna Shalala, who is seeking a second term in November. The congresswoman, among other things, responded to some of the allegations made by her opponent Maria Elvira Salazar last week on Facing. All this comes ahead of a planned debate later in the month between the two candidates.
“Voting rights groups speed payments to help ex-felons in Florida ahead of registration deadline” by CNN’s Fredreka Schouten – A group working to restore voting rights to former felons in the battleground state of Florida is racing to deliver money to court clerks to help pay off court fees and fines as a voter-registration deadline and Election Day itself fast approach. But that effort alone may not be enough to make a difference in this year's election. Leaders of the nonpartisan Florida Rights Restoration Coalition say an influx of donations in recent months -- aided, in part, by a big fundraising boost from former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and his team -- has dramatically expanded their ability to help Floridians whose outstanding financial obligations have barred them from casting ballots. So far, the group has raised enough money to help about 20,000 people pay their court debts. "It's certainly going to help at the margins, getting some people registered, and it's the right thing to do," Daniel Smith, a political science professor at the University of Florida at Gainesville, said of the new push to pay off outstanding legal bills. "But this is not going to tip Florida to Democrats," he said. Smith, who offered expert testimony in a federal trial over felony voting rights in the state, last year estimated that more than 774,000 former felons in Florida have outstanding fines and fees that prevented them from voting.
“Florida Supreme Court to take unusual second look at 2016 medical marijuana amendment” by News Service of Florida – In an unusual move, the Florida Supreme Court is poised to hold a second round of arguments in a high-stakes case about whether the state has properly carried out a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana. Justices heard arguments in May in a lawsuit filed by Florigrown, a Tampa-based firm that has challenged the constitutionality of a 2017 law that was designed to carry out the constitutional amendment. The case centers on parts of the law related to the licensing of companies to operate in the medical-marijuana industry. But in July, the Supreme Court scheduled another round of arguments on an issue that was not a focus of the first hearing —- whether the 2017 law is what is known as an unconstitutional “special” law. Justices will hear arguments Wednesday. The Florida Constitution bars “special” laws that, generally, are intended to benefit specific entities. Florigrown, which has unsuccessfully sought a medical-marijuana license, contends that parts of the 2017 law improperly limited the firms that could take part in the industry. “This (Supreme) Court has repeatedly held that the controlling question in evaluating whether a law is an unconstitutional special law is whether the class in the law is ‘closed,’” Florigrown lawyers wrote in a brief. “Here, the classes are so clearly closed, the Legislature might as well have named the licensees in the statute.”
“Trump and Biden supporters out in force across the swing state of Florida with election one month away” by Fox News’ Nick Givas – Supporters of President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden held rallies throughout the swing state of Florida on Saturday, as the November election fast approaches.Many gathered in north-central Florida to hold events for their preferred candidate, WCJB reported. “For one thing, I want other supporters to know that there’s a lot of us out here, that we’re all in this together," Sheila Derossett, a Trump supporter, told WCJB. "Also, to anyone who is on the other side or maybe on the fence know to do their research." Supporters of the commander-in-chief reportedly drove around the county with a parade of over 30 cars. Biden supporters, on the other hand, gathered in Ocala, for a rally hosted by “Vote Common Good.” Doug Pagitt, executive director "Vote Common Good," said, “We’re not trying to convince Republicans not to be Republicans we do want them not to vote for this Republican in this next election. We’re calling them to something deeper in their life, and that is what do they hold most sincerely." One protestor showed up at a Biden event, but to peacefully voice his support for Trump. “Our President has done a stellar job. While he may have yes made some people mad, the only thing he has done is held politicians red and blue accountable," Brady Adkins told WCJB. "All he is asking them to do is do their job, and it is upsetting career politicians that have had 30 and 40 years to make a difference and haven’t done it. Plain and simple."
“US Supreme Court to begin new term Monday amid vacancy battle” by Fox News’ Angelica Stabile – The U.S. Supreme Court is set to begin its new term on Monday while the raging political battle over the vacancy left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wages on. President Trump’s nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett is still on track to fill the seat before the election, with the Senate planning to hold her confirmation hearing next week despite coronavirus diagnoses among White House staff. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ar., told Fox News on Sunday that there should be no interference in holding the hearing, even though Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is pushing to postpone it. "If it’s not safe for the Senate to meet in session, it’s not safe for the hearings to go forward," Schumer said during a Sunday press conference. Democrats continue to criticize Republicans' decision to fill the seat before the November general election, claiming hypocrisy after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell held up the confirmation of Merrick Garland in 2016 following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Although Democrats can’t stop Judge Barrett’s confirmation, senators have prepared tactics to slow the process like impeaching the president, denying a quorum, or delaying the final committee vote. Court-packing has also been an ongoing and ominous threat from the left. Even though Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden refuses to acknowledge the possibility, other officials like Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., has publicly expressed the motion. Court-packing has also been an ongoing and ominous threat from the left. Even though Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden refuses to acknowledge the possibility, other officials like Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., has publicly expressed the motion.
“Trump furious at chief of staff for contradicting White House physician, sources say” by CNN’s Jim Acosta – President Donald Trump is furious with chief of staff Mark Meadows after the top West Wing official contradicted the White House physician's assessment Saturday of the President's health, two sources with knowledge of the situation told CNN on Sunday. Meadows is now widely known inside the White House to be the unnamed source who spoke to reporters following the medical briefing Saturday and offered a more dire assessment than Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley had given shortly before. That reporting was initially given to a pool of reporters attributed to an official familiar with the President's condition. Later, the Associated Press and the New York Times identified that official as Meadows. "The President's vitals over the last 24 hours were very concerning and the next 48 hours will be critical in terms of his care. We are still not on a clear path to a full recovery," Meadows said to reporters. Trump is outraged at Meadows over the botched message, according to a senior Trump adviser. Officials in the Trump White House have carefully calibrated their statements about the President's health over the past few days. Meadows' statement on Saturday capped a 24-hour period of mixed messages from the administration that raised major questions about the President's health. CNN previously reported that the President was unhappy with Meadows.
A separate White House official confirmed Trump is unhappy with Meadows, as the chief of staff is now viewed by Trump advisers as having damaged the credibility of the current medical briefings on the President's bout with the coronavirus.
“Trump Took Steroid as Oxygen Levels Dropped, Doctors Say” by WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia and Catherine Lucey – Doctors said President Trump’s condition was improving on Sunday, two days after he checked into the hospital, though they also noted that his blood oxygen level had dropped on Saturday and that he was taking a steroid that has typically been given to Covid-19 patients who are seriously ill. Doctors said on Sunday the president could be sent back to the White House as soon as Monday, as they sought to clarify his condition after several days of contradictory information from doctors and advisers. Dr. Sean Conley, the president’s physician, said at a news conference on Sunday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center that Mr. Trump’s condition “continues to improve.” But he also said Mr. Trump’s symptoms had been serious, adding that he tried to provide an “upbeat” assessment in a Saturday briefing. Dr. Conley said the president experienced two drops in oxygen saturation levels. Late Friday morning, before he was admitted to the hospital, it dropped below 94%, and he was given supplemental oxygen for about an hour. He experienced a high fever at the time, Dr. Conley said, without specifying his temperature. The 74-year-old president’s oxygen level also dropped on Saturday, this time to about 93%, his physicians said. A mildly obese patient of Mr. Trump’s age with oxygen saturation below 94% would typically be given supplemental oxygen for a half or full day and would be monitored to see if levels return to normal, said Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease specialist and professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco. Normal blood oxygen saturation levels range between 95% and 100%.
“Trump thanks supporters gathered outside hospital: 'I'm about to make a little surprise visit'” by Fox News’ Andrew O’Reilly – President Trump tweeted out a video of himself at Walter Reed Medical Center on Sunday where he said he's learned a lot about the novel coronavirus and promised his supporters gathered out side the hospital "a little surprise." "We're going to pay a little surprise to some of the great patriots that we have," Trump said. "They've been out there for a long time and they've got Trump flags and they love our country so I'm not telling anybody but you but I'm about to make a little surprise visit." Shortly after sending out his tweet, the president made his surprise appearance when he briefly left the hospital and drove by, waved and gave a thumbs up to the groups of supporters gathered outside in Maryland before returning to Walter Reed shortly after. The White House said that "appropriate precautions" were taken for Trump's trip and that the drive was cleared by the medical staff at Walter Reed. “Appropriate precautions were taken in the execution of this movement to protect the President and all those supporting it, including PPE," White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said in a statement. "The movement was cleared by the medical team as safe to do.” Earlier in the day, the president offered his thanks to the supporters for rallying outside Walter Reed, where he is battling a case of the novel coronavirus. "I really appreciate all of the fans and supporters outside of the hospital," the president tweeted Sunday. "The fact is, they really love our Country and are seeing how we are MAKING IT GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!"
“Top aides to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have accused him of bribery and abuse of office” by CNN’s Dakin Andone and Chuck Johnston – Seven top aides to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have accused him of bribery, abuse of office and other potentially criminal offenses, according to a letter obtained Saturday by the Austin American-Statesman and television station KVUE. The letter, signed by the officials and dated Thursday, said it was a notice to Paxton's office that the aides had reported a "potential violation of law" by Paxton to the "appropriate law enforcement authority." "We have a good faith belief that the Attorney General is violating federal and/or state law, including prohibitions relating to improper influence, abuse of office, bribery and other potential criminal offenses," the letter says.
Additional details on the allegations were not included, the Statesman reported. CNN has not obtained a copy of the letter. In a statement sent to CNN Sunday, Paxton's office denied the allegations and said they were meant to obstruct an inquiry into alleged criminal behavior by other officials. "The complaint filed against Attorney General Paxton was done to impede an ongoing investigation into criminal wrongdoing by public officials including employees of this office," the statement said. "Making false claims is a very serious matter and we plan to investigate this to the fullest extent of the law." The attorney general's office said it would not comment further, citing the "ongoing investigation." Paxton, a Republican, was first elected attorney general in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. According to the Statesman, the letter was sent to human resources and signed by First Assistant Attorney General Jeff Mateer, who resigned on Friday. CNN has reached out to Mateer for comment but has not heard back.
“Sexting, Covid-19 Throw North Carolina Senate Race Into Disarray” by WSJ’s Natalie Andrews – The battle for the Senate seat in North Carolina that could determine which party controls the U.S. Senate next year has been cast into disarray, with incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis quarantined after a positive Covid-19 test and Democratic candidate Cal Cunningham facing a sexting scandal. Mr. Tillis revealed on Friday that he had tested positive for Covid-19, days after he attended a crowded event at the White House nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. He closed his Charlotte campaign headquarters, canceled all in-person events and announced plans to quarantine. The same day, Mr. Cunningham, a married father of two, apologized for text messages with a Democratic strategist in which he called the woman “historically sexy” and discussed plans to meet with her, though it is unclear if they did. He has no plans to drop out of the race. Mr. Cunningham hasn’t discussed details of the relationship. “We have, as a society, taken ‘October surprise’ much too far,” said John Aldrich, a political-science professor at Duke University, when asked about the past 48 hours of the campaign. Headlines reflected the tumult. “Cal Cunningham admits to sexting with a Calif. Strategist” was splashed across the top of The Charlotte Observer’s front page. The Raleigh News and Observer did a split screen with “Senate Race Turmoil” in all capital letters and a story dedicated to each candidate. Democrats have targeted the state as a must-win in their bid to control of the Senate. With Republicans’ 53-47 majority and Democrats expected to lose Sen. Doug Jones’ seat in Alabama, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) likely needs to pick up four seats to gain control of the chamber.
“Biden plans to attend next debate, hopes Trump will be able to participate, campaign says” by Fox News’ Andrew O’Reilly – Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden will travel to Florida to participate in the next debate and hopes that President Trump will be able to join him despite the president testing positive for the novel coronavirus late last week. Symone Sanders, a senior campaign adviser to Biden, said on Sunday that the former vice president is “looking forward” to the Oct. 15 town hall-style debate in Miami and that he is hoping Trump will be well enough to attend. "We are looking forward to the debate on Oct. 15 in Miami," Sanders said during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” "It’s a town hall and, as you know, Vice President Biden loves a good town hall." Sanders added: “And we are hoping President Trump can participate. We're hoping that he's medically able to participate, and that is up to his doctors to clear him. But Joe Biden will be at that debate." Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden will travel to Florida to participate in the next debate and hopes that President Trump will be able to join him despite the president testing positive for the novel coronavirus late last week. Symone Sanders, a senior campaign adviser to Biden, said on Sunday that the former vice president is “looking forward” to the Oct. 15 town hall-style debate in Miami and that he is hoping Trump will be well enough to attend. "We are looking forward to the debate on Oct. 15 in Miami," Sanders said during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” "It’s a town hall and, as you know, Vice President Biden loves a good town hall." Sanders added: “And we are hoping President Trump can participate. We're hoping that he's medically able to participate, and that is up to his doctors to clear him. But Joe Biden will be at that debate."
“Pelosi says she's not being briefed on Trump's health” by CNN’s Paul LeBlanc – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said she has not been briefed on President Donald Trump's health since his Covid-19 diagnosis despite her position as second in the presidential line of succession behind Vice President Mike Pence. "We're getting our information the way everyone else is -- in the media," Pelosi said during an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation."
"But in terms of the succession, that's an ongoing process. Sadly at this time, it comes to the forefront.” Pelosi, who tested negative for Covid-19 on Friday, added that she's praying for "good health" and a "speedy recovery" for Trump while hoping that the episode will serve as "a signal that we really have to do better in preventing the spread of this virus." Her comments come as the President remains at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment after being moved there Friday. In a news conference Sunday, Trump's doctors said that even though the President has had at least two concerning drops in oxygen levels, they are hoping he could be discharged as early as Monday. Pelosi said Sunday that the doctors treating Trump must provide trustworthy information to the public. "We have to have confidence in the judgment of the doctors who are treating him, that not only do they give a presentation -- notice, when they give a presentation to the press, it has to be approved by the President," she said, adding: "That's not very scientific." While at Walter Reed, Trump waded into the ongoing coronavirus stimulus negotiations, tweeting Saturday, "OUR GREAT USA WANTS & NEEDS STIMULUS. WORK TOGETHER AND GET IT DONE. Thank you!"
“Why Biden Would Start Tax Increases at $400,000 a Year” by WSJ’s Richard Rubin – Joe Biden’s magic number for tax policy is $400,000. Households earning less than that in adjusted gross income won’t pay a nickel more in direct taxes, the Democratic presidential nominee promises. Higher-earning households will pay more—in some cases, much more. The dividing line is no accident: It was intentionally set to far exceed any definition of the middle class. And it spares much of the coastal professional class that is an important part of the Democratic coalition. “Anyone making over $400,000 can comfortably be classified as a group that can afford to pay a bit more,” said Ben Harris, a campaign economic adviser. The promise attempts to emphasize that the party’s tax-increase plans are focused so squarely at the top of the income distribution that the U.S. can expand government programs without imposing a burden on most voters. Republicans counter that Mr. Biden’s plan to raise taxes on companies would also harm many middle-income households and question whether he would really keep this pledge. The $400,000 threshold spares all but 1.8% of households, a group projected to earn 24.8% of adjusted gross income in 2021, according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model. Above that line, tax increases would begin to bite. The top 0.1% of households would see their personal effective tax rates jump to 38.4% from 27.8%. The Biden promise helps set the tax-policy parameters of the presidential election, with one party saying 100% of households shouldn’t have a tax increase and the other arguing 98.2% of households shouldn’t have one.
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump- PROTECT PREEXISTING CONDITIONS. VOTE!
Adam Schiff @RepAdamSchiff-It was a simple question: Will you condemn white supremacy? Trump repeatedly refused.
Stand by for what?
His own FBI said far right extremist groups are the most serious domestic terrorist threat to America.
Trump’s coddling them is dangerous and disgraceful.
