Connecticut probing Amazon's e-book deals with publishers
(AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)HARTFORD, Conn. โ Connecticut authorities are investigating whether Amazon's e-book deals with certain publishers are anticompetitive and violate antitrust laws, state Attorney General William Tong said Thursday. He said the state attorney general's office has previous taken action against Apple and e-book publishers to protect competition in the marketplace. Amazon has become the dominant force in print book sales and e-book sales in the U.S. Tong's office issued a subpoena to Amazon in 2019 requesting documents about the company's dealings with five book publishers: HarperCollins Publishers, Hachette Book Group, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan. The publishers all settled and signed consent decrees prohibiting them from restricting e-book retailersโ ability to set prices.
First volume of Barack Obama's memoir coming Nov. 17
(Democratic National Convention via AP)NEW YORK โ The first volume of former President Barack Obama's memoir is coming out Nov. 17, two weeks after Election Day. It's called โA Promised Landโ and will cover his swift and historic rise to the White House and his first term in office. Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt likened the enthusiasm for Obama's book, which seems well positioned to become the best-selling presidential memoir in history, to the final volume of J.K. Rowling's โHarry Potterโ series. Because of the pandemic, the former president will likely be unable to match Michelle Obama's spectacular, all-star arena tour. But he had been expected to write just one when Penguin Random House first announced, in February 2017, a multimillion joint publication deal with Barack and Michelle Obama.
Biden, aiming at Trump, says he won't use military as 'prop'
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON Joe Biden said on Saturday that as president, he would never use the military as a prop or private militia and accused President Donald Trump of employing U.S. forces to settle personal vendettas" and violate citizens' rights. Biden has said he's absolutely convinced" the military would escort Trump from the White House if the incumbent lost but refused to leave. "Ill never use the military as a prop or as a private militia to violate rights of fellow citizens. In July, the president deployed federal forces to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, after earlier sending Homeland Security agents to Portland, Oregon.
Texas Republicans had light presence at national convention amid debate over stateโs battleground status
After a Democratic National Convention that raised questions about its limited roles for Texans, the stateโs Republicans kept a light footprint at their national gathering this week โ and seemed just fine with it. Dan Patrick, who chairs President Donald Trump's reelection campaign in Texas, said the lack of Texas speakers showed Republicans were not worried about the state. While every recent public survey shows a tighter race, Patrick's prediction reflected the confidence that Trump's Texas allies are voicing at least publicly ahead of November, when their challenges stretch far below the top of the ticket. Texas was clearly on Trump's mind as he delivered his first set of remarks at the convention Monday morning. Four years ago, one of the defining storylines of the national GOP convention involved Texas.
Harris will be Democrats' main counter to Trump on Thursday
Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Del. Harris will detail a "profound failure of leadership from Trump and highlight proposals by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to control the virus and confront the economic fallout, Biden's campaign told The Associated Press. With Trump planning an evening address from the White House lawn, Harris' afternoon remarks from Washington will be the Democrats' main counter to the president on the final day of the Republicans' convention. Trump narrowly won the state in 2016, in part because turnout among Black Democrats dropped appreciably from 2012. Democrats see Harris as being able to excite Black women and other minority women, but also as a credible messenger to white independents and moderate Republicans unhappy with Trump, especially white college-educated women.
Democratic convention takeaways: Make history, pound Trump
(Democratic National Convention via AP)There has been one persistent theme in the Democratic National Convention so far: to portray President Donald Trump in highly personal ways as one unsuited for the White House both in skills and temperament. Here are some key takeaways from the third night of the convention. Donald Trump hasnt grown into the job because he cant, Obama said, according to his prepared remarks. Thats been a theme of the entire Democratic Convention, but having the most recent former president make it explicit demonstrates that this time Democrats are taking Trump seriously, and literally. The Democratic party is increasingly dependent on female voters, as a gender gap grows in U.S. politics.
WHAT TO WATCH: Joe Biden's big moment at the DNC
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)LAS VEGAS Democratic Party luminaries, rising stars, former presidents and presidential contenders have been making a pitch for Joe Biden over three days of an atypical convention. Biden will speak Thursday night from Wilmington, Delaware, as he closes out the fourth night of the all-virtual Democratic National Convention, starting at 9 p.m. The 78-year-old moderate and former Republican being given a spot to help to close out the Democratic convention is striking. The convention is also available to watch on Twitch, Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV. A celebrity-studded afterparty hosted by Andy Cohen is scheduled to be shown immediately after Bidens speech on the official livestream.
The Latest: Booker warns of Trump 'dirty tricks' in voting
WASHINGTON The Latest on the Democratic National Convention (all times local):7:50 a.m.Sen. Cory Booker says that there may be dirty tricks from President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 general election vote and that the nations voters should be stalwart in their determination to cast ballots. Postal Service funding and access to voting by mail. The Republican president has warned repeatedly without evidence about potential fraud in mail-in voting even though voter fraud is exceedingly rare. Booker speaks on the fourth and final night of Democrats virtual convention Thursday, ahead of former Vice President Joe Bidens first address as the partys official nominee. Cotton says Democrats have to explain why America would be better off with Joe Biden as our president.
Key takeaways from night 2 of the Democratic convention
In this image from video, former Georgia House Democratic leader Stacey Abrams, center, and others, speak during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)Sustaining energy through four days of a political convention is never easy. On the second night of the Democratic National Convention, party leaders tried to blend its past with its future. Here are key takeaways from night two. But the 2020 Democratic convention is notable for the consistency of dire warnings about the other partys leader.
From farm to beach, Democrats across America nominate Biden
(Democratic National Convention via AP)SACRAMENTO, Calif. A Montana cattle range, a California beach, a historic bridge in Alabama. These were the sometimes kitschy, sometimes poignant scenes from the first-ever virtual roll call vote at the Democratic National Convention. Fred Guttenberg spoke about Biden's compassion following the murder of his daughter at the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Each state also cast some votes for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the last Democrat in the race to challenge Biden. Following tradition, Delaware, Biden's home state, was the final state to announce its support for Biden, with Gov.
Democrats hope unconventional travelogue entices viewers
(Democratic National Convention via AP)NEW YORK An unexpected travelogue connected as a television event during the second night of the Democrats' virtual convention, livening up a show that so far is struggling in the ratings. Four years ago, opening night drew just under 26 million viewers. NBC's telecast drew 2.28 million viewers, down from 4.29 million four years ago, Nielsen said. The left-leaning MSNBC, where Rachel Maddow, Joy Reid and Nicolle Wallace were anchors, led the way Monday with 5.1 million viewers, up from four years ago. Fox News Channel's audience was unimpressed; the 2.1 million viewers it reached for its hour of convention coverage compared poorly with the 3.4 million viewers that time slot occupant Laura Ingraham had on an average July day.
Key takeaways from night 2 of the Democratic convention
In this image from video, former Georgia House Democratic leader Stacey Abrams, center, and others, speak during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)Sustaining energy through four days of a political convention is never easy. On the second night of the Democratic National Convention, party leaders tried to blend its past with its future. During the first two days of the Democratic National Convention, the partys luminaries and even some Republicans have grimly warned the public that he represents a fundamental danger to democracy. But the 2020 Democratic convention is notable for the consistency of dire warnings about the other partys leader.
The Latest: Jill Biden defends Joe against Trump's attacks
In this image from video, Jill Biden is joined by her husband, Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, after speaking during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)WASHINGTON The Latest on the Democratic National Convention (all times local):8:30 a.m.Jill Biden is pushing back against President Donald Trump's claims her husband, Joe Biden, lacks the stamina to serve as president and is calling a Trump campaign ad questioning his mental fitness ridiculous.Speaking on NBCs Today" show on Wednesday, Jill Biden defended the Democratic presidential nominee against Trump's allegations. She says Joe Biden is on the phone every single minute of the day talking to governors. Im a teacher thats who I am.Democrats formally nominated Joe Biden as their presidential candidate on Tuesday night. His vice presidential pick, Kamala Harris, speaks at their virtual convention on Wednesday night.
NBC News deletes tweet that Ocasio-Cortez calls misleading
NEW YORK NBC News deleted a tweet early Wednesday about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's brief speech at the Democratic National Convention that she complained was misleading and appalling. Ocasio-Cortez complained via Twitter that NBC's report didn't appear to recognize the purpose of her 90-second commentary: a routine procedural motion to salute Sanders' runner-up campaign. In deleting the tweet and sending out a replacement, NBC said that its original report should have included more detail on the nomination process.That correction didn't satisfy Ocasio-Cortez, however. Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez, said people who criticized the congresswoman for ignoring Biden in her speech were looking to create division when there wasn't any. She said that both Biden and Sanders representatives went over her speech before she recorded it.
A different view of the Democrats on Fox News prime time
NEW YORK Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity are providing television viewers with a distinctly different vision of the Democratic National Convention each night from their perches on Fox News Channel. But as cable rivals CNN and MSNBC devote three hours in prime time to the convention including showing the Democrats' feed virtually uninterrupted Fox will not dislodge its biggest opinion stars. Hannity called the convention a predictable dose of poorly produced, cult-like, psychotic rage (and) hysteria against all things Donald Trump. Hannity had 3.88 million viewers Monday, and many Fox viewers clicked away when news coverage of the convention began. Fox pointed out that its convention coverage schedule was the same as it was in 2016 and will be for next week's Republican national convention.
Democrats use Trump's 'It is what it is' to make their case
Trumps comment came in an interview with Axios on HBO earlier this month, when he was asked how he could say the coronavirus was under control with 1,000 Americans dying every day from it. His wife, Hillary Clinton, will deliver her own spin on Trumps comment Wednesday night. Like, if you want any proactive effort for higher wages, more jobs, addressing the climate crisis, or this pandemic and healthcare crisis, Donald Trumps administration really could be summarized with it is what it is. Littman said Trumps comment stood out because it showed a certain dismissiveness, and Democrats are highlighting it because it shows the president doesnt want to talk about the pandemic. I think what people are highlighting at the convention is that Donald Trump doesnt care about this issue.
TribCast: Texas and the DNC, the fight over police funding and election mailing woes
Protesters march in downtown Austin on July 27, 2020. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) On this week's Tribcast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Alex and Ross about Texans' role at the Democratic National Convention, a new front in the local control fight and what concerns about the U.S Postal Service mean for Texas.
Progressives irked by spotlight on GOP at Dem convention
In this image from video, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., delivers a nominating speech during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)WASHINGTON For nearly three minutes at this week's Democratic National Convention, Cindy McCain recounted Joe Biden's friendship with her late husband, John McCain, the Arizona senator and former Republican presidential candidate. Meanwhile, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most dynamic young stars of the Democratic Party, spoke for just 60 seconds. California Rep. Ro Khanna, head of the California delegation to the convention, said people need to be inspired to vote. Among those who have addressed the convention is Ady Barkin, a progressive activist who after being diagnosed with A.L.S.
WHAT TO WATCH: Democrats adapt roll call, keynote to virus
In this image from video, people from across the U.S. sing the National Anthem during the first night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)LAS VEGAS The pageantry often associated with presidential conventions will be remade again as Democrats gather virtually for a second day. The roll call vote of state delegations, which typically unfolds over several hours of fanfare, will instead be abbreviated Tuesday. BUT FIRST, BILLA speech from Bill Clinton is among the traditions that Democrats are including in Tuesday nights programming. The roll call will go alphabetically through the 57 states, territories and the Democrats Abroad delegation, meaning Alabama will lead off.
What you need to know about Colin Allred and Victoria Neave, two of the DNCs rising stars
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, and state Rep. Victoria Neave, D-Dallas. Two are Texans: U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and state Rep. Victoria Neave. He is one of two Texas U.S. House Democrats whom Republicans say they will target in the fall. She ousted Republican Kenneth Sheets by fewer than 900 votes in the states most expensive state House race in November 2016. Neaves former chief of staff, Rebecca Acua, a Texas Democratic operative who worked for Davis 2014 gubernatorial bid and for various members of the Legislature, was recently named Bidens Texas state director.
5 takeaways from first night of the Democratic convention
In another profound way that the coronavirus pandemic has upended American life, the Democratic National Convention started with no convening. Instead, Democrats opted for the first virtual convention as the party begins the formal process of nominating Joe Biden as its candidate for president. Joe Biden is.Former Ohio Gov. SANDERS, KLOBUCHAR LEAD DEMOCRATIC UNITY FRONTBernie Sanders spoke for the second time in four years as runner-up. He followed a video montage of more than a dozen other Democratic primary contenders introduced by Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Read: Michelle Obamas full speech from the 2020 Democratic National Convention
Former first lady Michelle Obama delivered a straight-forward, taped speech at the Democratic National Convention, and spoke bluntly about President Donald Trump. When my husband left office with Joe Biden at his side, we had a record-breaking stretch of job creation. If we have any hope of ending this chaos, we have got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it. I know Joe. We've got to show up with the same level of passion and hope for Joe Biden.
Milwaukee misses Democratic convention: 'It is a gut punch'
This Aug. 13, 2020 photo shows the skyline of downtown Milwaukee, the location of a scaled down Democratic National Convention. It would have been the first time Milwaukee, a city of 1.6 million, hosted a presidential nominating convention. (AP Photo/Carrie Antlfinger)Downtown Milwaukee restaurant owner Omar Shaikh envisioned overflowing crowds, packed dining rooms and a big payday when the Democratic National Convention came to town. It would have been the first time Milwaukee, a metropolitan area of 1.6 million, hosted a presidential nominating convention. Those who worked to bring the convention to Milwaukee argue the city should be first in line for a future convention.
The Latest: Trump heads to Midwest as Dems open convention
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Washington. Trump is en route to Minnesota and Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)WASHINGTON The Latest on the Democratic National Convention (all times local):10:20 a.m.President Donald Trump says he has no choice but to campaign in Wisconsin this week while the Democratic National Convention goes on, in order to address voters there in what he says is a news media environment hostile to him. Trump plans an afternoon campaign stop at a private air hangar in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a pivotal state in the quest for a majority of the Electoral College votes. The Democratic convention is being held in Milwaukee this week, but mainly features speakers addressing the event virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic.
WATCH LIVE: Democratic National Convention kicks off with Michelle Obama delivering keynote speech
Michelle Obama, whom Gallup determined was the nations most admired woman last year, is delivering the keynote address on Monday. Watch ABCs live coverage of the event in the video below, and see a schedule of speakers under the video. The scheduled Monday speakers include plenty of Democratic politicians:Rep. Jim Clyburn of South CarolinaNew York Gov. Beebe, who has been a nurse in El Pasos Ysleta Independent School District for 16 years, works at Ascarate Elementary School. The school opened for virtual-only instruction Monday, but will soon offer parents the option of having their children learn in-person.
Democrats tested in first party convention of pandemic era
The Democratic National Convention, which formally begins Monday, is not a convention in the traditional sense. Along the way, Biden's party will make history by unveiling the nation's first Black vice presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. Im glad that John and other moderate-type Republicans understand that it is wrong to be supporting Trump, Sanders told The Associated Press. Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist, predicted next week's convention would lack excitement. He said it likely doesn't matter, however, especially as Trump and his party prepare for their convention the following week. As excited as I am about Kamala Harris, the best weapon Democrats have is Donald Trump, Sharpton said.
Trump's counter to Democratic convention? Swing state trips.
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is looking to counter next week's Democratic National Convention with travel to several swing states including Wisconsin, which was to have hosted the Democratic gathering. Trump campaign announced Friday that Trump will host events aimed at attacking his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, on Monday in Wisconsin and Minnesota and on Tuesday in Arizona. Democrats moved their campaign completely virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans also cancelled nearly all of their convention, scheduled for the following week, because of the outbreak. Trump's events in Mankato, Minnesota, and Oshkosh, Wisconsin, are being billed as remarks on Biden's failures on Jobs and the Economy. Tuesday's speech in Yuma, Arizona, is advertised to be on Biden's failures on Immigration and Border Security.
Democrats, Biden still juggling virtual convention details
FILE - In this July 24, 2016, file photo, workers prepare for the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Still unsettled, according to convention organizers, is who gets to speak live and who must be taped. Many other details remain up in the air, organizers said, from specific time slots to how many speakers will be allowed to speak live. Biden is expected to speak live from his home state of Delaware, but advisers have not disclosed a venue. Biden allies said the candidate wanted to feature the full breadth of the party and his supporters.
AP Interview: Clyburn warns US lacks plan to stop virus
Our entire economy is at stake, Clyburn told The Associated Press in a Newsmakers interview. The third-ranking House Democrat said he's hopeful that negotiators on Capitol Hill can reach an agreement soon on a new virus aid package. Weve got a health care crisis wrapped into an economic crisis, and they are so interwoven, Clyburn said. And so that we can have a fair, unfettered election, said Clyburn, who is the House Democratic whip. You know, when I was a child, I spoke as a child and understood as a child.
Democratic National Convention to require masks, distancing
MADISON, Wis. Everyone attending the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee next month will have to wear a face mask, consent to daily testing for COVID-19, fill out questionnaires and maintain a physical distance from others. Organizers of the convention released details of the coronavirus safety plan Monday, three weeks before the Aug. 17 start of the four-day event. Once at the convention, attendees must fill out a daily questionnaire indicating that they are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and have not had contact with anyone who is infected. All convention guests, law enforcement, media, and staff must agree to daily COVID-19 testing, either at the Wisconsin Center or another offsite location. While it is important to protect every person attending the convention, it is also important to protect the entire Milwaukee community," Barrett said.
Democrats first big virtual convention kicks off in Texas
AUSTIN, Texas Democrats will try their first large-scale virtual convention starting Monday in Texas as plans for a traditional national convention this summer remain unsettled because of the coronavirus. Texas Democrats scrapped plans for an in-person convention in San Antonio because of the pandemic. Big gains in 2018 have put them within nine seats of flipping the Texas House for the first time in two decades. The Democratic National Convention has delayed their convention from July until August but are open to the idea of it unfolding virtually. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans are still planning to hold their state convention in-person in July.