BIDEN: Rioting is not protesting, looting is not protesting ... it's lawlessness plain and simple. And those who do it, should be prosecuted.
Violence will not bring change, it will only bring destruction. It must end.
...We have a president who fans the flames.
BIDEN: Is flipping Trump's narrative on him.
"Does anyone believe there will be less violence in America (if Trump wins)?"
Argues *Trump's* election would make the country less safe.
BIDEN ADDRESSING TRUMP'S WORDS STRAIGHT ON: You know me, you know my story, my family, ask yourself, 'Do I look like a radical socialist with a softs pot for rioters?'
"Really??"
"The truth is Donald Trump failed to protect America, so now he is trying to scare America."
BIDEN pushing back at Trump, sharply, but also trying to raise awareness, broaden his compassion argument: "I've spoken to George Floyd's family, to Jacob Blake's family.
I know their pain and so do you."
"I'd be looking to lower the temperature in this country, not raise it"
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BREAKING here - U.S. team in quake zone told they are fired, per source.
The 3-person disaster assessment team sent to Myanmar for the U.S. received termination notices while staying/sleeping outside — US AID workers were told on an all hands call today, per a source familiar.
I am told these are PSC’s - personal service contractors.
They are still on the ground in Myanmar now. I do not know the date their termination takes effect. But they have been told they are being fired.
I have asked the State Dept for comment.
Also told by this source that the State Dept has begun cancelling awards/aid programs in disaster zones that can be life and death, including food aid. Some programs have been cancelled in *Yemen, Syria, Gaza*. The source said this is contrary to State's waiver policy.
NEW:
- some 2000 perm. federal workers in US to be laid off - RIF’d - at USAID
- nearly all USAID workers to be placed on administrative leave starting midnight.
- this, per email sent to agency workers in past hour or so shared with me from mult. sources.
1/
USAID shuttering - real time:
- All USAID direct hires to be put on leave tonight, with exceptions of an unknown # designated as necessary for "mission-critical functions"
- Not clear what functions that includes.
- Those RIF'd are to receive notice today, per the email.
2/
What about USAID workers assigned overseas?
- Per email, the agency "intends" to launch a program to pay for their return home, if they wish.
- Details TBD.
- They will keep access to systems and security until they return home.
3/