1/ Trump refused to condemn white supremacists during the first presidential debate and instead directed the nation’s biggest domestic terrorist groups to “stand back and stand by.” During the debate, moderator Chris Wallace repeatedly asked Trump if he would condemn white supremacists and militia groups. Trump instead sidestepped the question and responded that “Sure, I’m willing to do anything,” before claiming that the violence in cities like Kenosha and Portland is a “left-wing problem, not a right-wing problem.” Biden then pressed Trump to condemn white supremacists, prompting Trump to ask “Who would you like me to condemn?” Wallace repeated: “White supremacists, white supremacists and right-wing militia.” Trump responded, tell the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” before pivoting to criticizing anti-fascists and “the left.” The Proud Boys, an alt-right self-described “western chauvinist” group, responded on social media by pledging allegiance to Trump and declaring that they are “standing by.” (Washington Post / CNN / Politico / NPR / Associated Press / New York Times / Daily Beast / New York Times / NBC News)
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com/2020/09/30/day-1350/