US Elections Daily Wrap: Trump develops ‘mild symptoms’ of Covid-19; Biden, wife test negative

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows later told reporters that President Trump was experiencing “mild symptoms” of coronavirus but he was in “good spirits” and “very energetic.” “I’m optimistic that he’ll have a very quick and speedy recovery.”

Trump had earlier cancelled a planned appearance in western Wisconsin after the city reported a surge in Covid-19 cases. Trump, before testing positive was scheduled to hold two rallies, the La Crosse rally in Janesville and a rally in Green Bay on Saturday. His test results are likely to change the face of Republican campaigning in the coming weeks. Throughout the campaigning, Trump rallies were marked by large crowds often flouting coronavirus restrictions.

(Follow US Election LIVE UPDATES here)

Two days after the first presidential debate, Trump Thursday condemned all kinds of white supremacists something which he was hesitant to do during his faceoff with  Democratic rival Joe Biden earlier this week. “I’ve said it many times, and let me be clear again: I condemn the [Ku Klux Klan]. I condemn all white supremacists. I condemn the Proud Boys. I don’t know much about the Proud Boys, almost nothing. But I condemn that,” Trump told Fox News Thursday night.

The next presidential debate is is scheduled for October 15 in Miami.

Here’s some important coverage related to the US Elections from the last 24 hours

Biden and his wife test negative for coronavirus

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden hugs his wife Jill Biden after his speech during the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Joe Biden has tested negative for the coronavirus, his primary care doctor confirmed on Friday. The Democratic presidential nominee and his wife were tested earlier in the day after news of President Donald Trump’s infection was announced.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor released the negative results in a statement issued by the Biden campaign. Biden was on the debate stage with Trump for more than 90 minutes earlier in the week. It’s still unclear if Biden will hold campaign events later in the day.

Biden, in a social media post, thanked his supporters for “messages of concern.” He added: “I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands.”

Modi wishes Trump, Melania quick recovery after they test positive for COVID-19

In this June 26, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wished US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump a quick recovery after both tested positive for the coronavirus.

Taking to Twitter, Modi said, “Wishing my friend @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a quick recovery and good health.”

Wishing my friend @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a quick recovery and good health. https://t.co/f3AOOHLpaQ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2020

Trump and the first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus, the US president tweeted on Friday, a development that is likely to bring to a standstill his hectic election campaign.

Biden shatters fundraising records in September

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has again shattered fundraising records, topping his August cash haul during the month of September, according to analysis done by AP. AP sources informed that Biden surpassed $365 million raised last month through his joint fundraising effort with the Democratic National Committee.

Biden’s success raising money speaks to the enthusiasm of Democratic donors to oust President Donald Trump from office. The money will help him continue to dominate the advertising wars and will position the campaign well for the possibility of a protracted legal fight after the Nov. 3 election.

Texas governor restricts mail-in ballot drop-off locations

Texas governor Greg Abbott Thursday reduced the state’s number of drop-off sites for mail-in ballots, a move the Republican said was needed to ensure election security. The Democrats have attacked Abbott for directly supressing voters.

Abbott’s order limits drop-offs to a single location per county starting Friday, shuttering dozens of sites  across the state in some of Texas’ largest cities which are Democratic strongholds in a state run by Republicans.

Trump has spread falsehoods about mail voting, suggesting without evidence that the process, crucial during the coronavirus pandemic, was vulnerable to fraud.

Trump’s top adviser Hope Hicks tests positive for the coronavirus

Hope Hicks. (Bloomberg Photo)

Hope Hicks, a top adviser to President Donald Trump, has tested positive for the coronavirus, the president confirmed in an interview with Fox News on Thursday, adding that he has been tested and may have to quarantine.

Trump rejects plan to change debate rules after unruly Cleveland encounter

President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign on Thursday rejected calls for new rules to govern the next two debates between him and Democratic challenger Joe Biden but said the president planned on participating in the events.

Following Tuesday night’s debate in Cleveland that saw Trump regularly interrupt and talk over both Biden as well as the moderator, the presidential debates commission said it would adopt changes to allow for a “more orderly discussion.”