Inside the Trump-Biden brawl
It’s safe to say the first debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden was historic – in a way that left my jaw on the floor and my body craving a stiff drink once it was all over.
It’s Ashley, let’s dive right in.
But first, a break from politics: Here are the 50 best TV shows to watch on Netflix, from "Evil" to "Schitt's Creek."
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Was that a brawl or debate?
The night voters were waiting for finally arrived: Trump went head-to-head with Biden on Tuesday night in their first debate of the general election. They shouted their views on who should appoint the next Supreme Court justice, their stances on health care and even brought each other’s families into the fray. Borrowing the words of CNN’s Jake Tapper: “That was a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.”
An overwhelming number of you who joined our election text group had a simple request during the debate: More fact checks. Well, ask and you shall receive:
You asked: Should mics have been cut? The Trump-Biden debate was marred by interruptions, and many of you suggested moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News should have had control over the microphones. Wallace struggled to rein in the candidates and admonished Trump for interrupting more frequently than Biden. “Will you shut up, man?” Biden told the president, delivering what is almost certain to be the most-quoted line of the night.
You asked: Did Trump really tell Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by"? Wallace asked Trump if he would tell white supremacist and militia groups to stand down – something Trump has been criticized for not doing. He didn’t do that Tuesday, either. He asked Wallace for a specific group, and when Biden mentioned the Proud Boys, Trump said, “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by.” Wednesday, Trump said he hadn't been aware of the group, but “they need to stand down.”
You asked: Did Biden wear a wire? Some said Biden’s performance was too good to be true. “Why was Joe Biden not fumbling his words?" a Facebook post read. “Joe Biden was wearing a wire.” We rate this claim as false. A high-resolution video shows what social media users speculated was a microphone on his wrist was probably a rosary.
Unsurprisingly, both sides quickly claimed victory after the tense debate. Last night, I asked our text group who YOU thought took the crown during the debate. A total of 72.7% of you declared the winner … Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
What's everyone talking about? The debates, obviously
Read the full transcript from the debate (if you dare).
Trump-Biden brawl in Cleveland prompted the debate commission to consider format changes.
"It was painful. And triggering": Why Ibram X. Kendi, psychologists say debate could be traumatizing.
Opinion: Chris Wallace lost control on a historically bad night of TV.
A mix of truth, misstatements and flat-out falsehoods: Where Biden and Trump landed on COVID-19, campaigning and law and order.
Hillary Clinton, Dana Bash and media pundits weigh in on chaotic debate.
After brain-eating amoeba killed a 6-year-old, it could take months to clean Texas’ water
It may take months for the water in a Texas city to return to normal after a brain-eating amoeba responsible for the death of a 6-year-old was found in its supply. Authorities in Lake Jackson said Tuesday that the boil advisory the city is under could last up to three more weeks. After that, increased levels of chlorine will be pumped through the system to scour and kill any traces of the deadly microbe, which could take an additional 60 days. Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis, an infection that destroys brain tissue and can kill within five days, according to the CDC.
Former FBI Director James Comey defends Russia investigation
Former FBI Director James Comey, whose dismissal by Trump in 2017 unleashed an investigation into the Trump campaign's ties to Russia, on Wednesday defended the inquiry that he helped launch. "Overall, I'm proud of the work," Comey told a Republican-led Senate panel investigating the government's early handling of the Russia investigation. Comey said there were "significant and important failings" in the bureau's repeated pursuit of surveillance authority to track former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, as part of the investigation.
Real quick
Mac Davis, country music singer, songwriter for Elvis Presley and actor, died at 78.
Is Gamma on the way? Forecasters are tracking a tropical wave in the Caribbean Sea that could be the 24th named storm of the season.
A New York couple breathe new life into a hotel known for ghostly encounters – just in time for Halloween.
A judge agrees to a delay in the release of Breonna Taylor grand jury recordings to protect witnesses, lawyers say.
In California wine country, fire-fatigued residents weigh the unthinkable: moving out.
Sunday's Titans-Steelers game is the first NFL matchup to be postponed over COVID-19 after Tennessee players test positive.
Timothy Ray Brown, the first known person cured of HIV, died of cancer at 54.
The layoffs keep coming
In a few days, roughly 40,000 airline workers' jobs are likely to evaporate in an industry by the coronavirus pandemic. Unless Congress acts to help for a second time, United will furlough thousands Thursday, cutting off income and health insurance. Since the pandemic hit, thousands of flight attendants, baggage handlers, gate agents and others have been getting at least partial pay through $25 billion in grants and loans to the nation’s airlines. To receive the aid, companies agreed not to lay off employees through Sept. 30. That “Payroll Support Program” helped many stay on and keep health care and other benefits. But it all runs out Thursday.
The happiest place on Earth it taking a hit, too: Disney announced it would lay off 28,000 staffers. Disney's layoffs will alter already topsy-turvy theme park visits for guests, if they go at all.
A break from the news
🍎 Apple picking this fall? Here's how to stay safe at an apple orchard during the pandemic.
🎃 Spa night? 10 ways to make Halloween fun this year for kids at home.
💰 This 2-for-1 Echo Dot speaker deal for Amazon Prime Day is too good to miss.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump-Biden debate, Texas, Comey, Disney layoffs: Wednesday's news
