lebo diseko, bbc news, washington. a little earlier i spoke to michael mcdonald, professor of political science at university of florida and head of the united states elections project, which tracks voter turnout. i began by asking whether any votes were actually being counted yet. well, they are being prepared to be counted, but in some states those preparations can't begin until election day. in a state like laura, actually, election officials are doing everything they can to prepare those words all the way up to the point where they can be counted. so the election has begun, the counting hasn't. what we know than about these people who are out there voting already? well, we have had a record number and, you know, all that grim news that we have just heard, that is a good new story. we were very concerned about the ability to cast votes during a pandemic and, fortu nately, during a pandemic and, fortunately, we are able to do that. we have sent out 85 million male ballots to voters. voters are returning those in reco

lebo diseko, think you very much. i know it is getting quite noisy behind you there but thank you for sticking with us but thank you for sticking with us for that. lebo diseko speaking to us from capitol hill. and just to remind than ever the wrist the breaking news from the united states is that the senate has approved the appointment ofjudge amy coney barrett to the supreme court. it is a lifetime position and the vote went 52 in favour, a8 against. you are watching bbc world news. the world health organization has called for europe to "seriously accelerate" its fight against coronavirus. a string of countries have reported record increases in cases, led by france, which registered more than 50,000 daily infections for the first time. the czech republic has followed spain in introducing a nationwide night time curfew. the who's emergencies expert mike ryan said europe now accounts for a6% of global cases and every citizen needs to take responsibility. if every individual did everything today to reduce their exposure

lebo diseko is there. what are we seeing? what are we hearing? when is going to be taking off? as far as what we are hearing, these supporters that were across these supporters that were across the road, and all of the counter protesters that have come down today, have moved to our side of the road will stub the police have moved everybody in anticipation of donald trump leaving in half an hour's time now, katty, so it is that kind of carnival atmosphere but i think with a slight tension as people wait for the presidents to take off. there has been some reporting, lebo, that he is trying to make an impressive grand exit, leaving through the sort of famous gold fronted doors of walter reed. are you hearing anything about that? we have not heard that at all. jon sopel said in his report that you playjust heard that at all. jon sopel said in his report that you play just a moment ago, we were expecting him to doa moment ago, we were expecting him to do a drive—by yesterday, certainly donald trump is keen to show everybody that he is back to normal, that not only is he back to no

lebo diseko, bbc news, washington. a little earlier, i spoke to michael mcdonald professor of political science at university of florida and head of the united states elections project which tracks voter turnout. i began by asking whether any votes were actually being counted yet. well, they are being prepared to be counted, but in some states those preparations can't begin until election day. in a state like florida, actually, election officials are doing everything they can to prepare those votes all the way up to the point where they can be counted. so the election has begun, the counting hasn't. what we know than about these people who are out there voting already? well, we have had a record number and, you know, all that grim news that we have just heard, that is a good new story. we were very concerned about the ability to cast votes during a pandemic and, fortunately, we are able to do that. we have sent out 85 million mail ballots to voters. voters are returning those in record numbers and they are voting and r

lebo diseko there. let's bring you some breaking news now and the reuters news agency is reporting that another member of the of the white house staff, stephen miller, has tested positive for covid—i9. the latest in a number of white house staff. hope hicks and kayleigh mcenany house staff. hope hicks and kayleigh mcena ny have house staff. hope hicks and kayleigh mcenany have also tested positive in the last few days. president trump laws life, melania trump, also tested positive as well. —— president trump's life. in england, the number of people admitted to hospital with covid—i9 on one day has jumped by nearly a quarter. that's despite local restrictions which have been put in place to try to control the spread of the virus. it's a similar picture across parts of europe, where countries are using targeted lockdowns as a second wave of coronavirus spreads across the continent. in england, manchester now has the highest rate of infections in the country, with just under 530 cases for every 100

now on our world, lebo diseko meets christian voters in the swing state of north carolina and explores how important faith will be in a contest which biden has billed as a battle for america's soul. this is the most important election in the history of our country. america is gearing up for a monumental decision. we are in a battle for the soul of the nation and it is not hyperbole. we really believe that... at the heart of it is the battle for god. in america, we don't turn to government to restore our souls, we put our faith in almighty god. when the president held up the bible at st john's church yesterday — ijust wish he opened it once in awhile instead of brandishing it. both candidates have put faith front and centre, and are showing off their christian credentials. we have got somebody — he's the one. i am lebo diseko and i'm going to discover how faith is shaping the election battle in one crucial state. this is, in my opinion, spiritual warfare. this is good against evil. god is still moving. there is a lot that hinges on this election. i don't think this american democrac

now on bbc news lebo diseko meets christian voters in the swing state of north carolina and explores how important faith will be in a contest which biden has billed as a battle for america's soul. this is the most important election in the history of our country. america is gearing up for a monumental decision. we are in a battle for the soul of the nation and it is not hyperbole. we really believe that... at the heart of it is the battle for god. in america, we don't turn to government to restore our souls, we put ourfaith in almighty god. when the president held up the bible at stjohn's church yesterday — ijust wish he opened it once in awhile instead of brandishing it. both candidates have put faith front and centre, and are showing off their christian credentials. now we have got somebody — he's the one. i am lebo diseko and i'm going to discover how faith is shaping the election battle in one crucial state. this is, in my opinion, spiritual warfare. this is good against evil. god is still moving... there is a lot that hinges on this election. i don't think this american demo

lebo diseko, bbc news, washington. a major clean—up has begun at one of syria's most iconic castles. a team of volunteers started clearing vegetation from the fortress, which dates back to 12th century. the plan aims to protect the unesco—listed structure from forest fires which destroyed huge swathes of the coastline earlier this month. soumer daghastani has more. with pickaxes and shovels, this group of young volunteers have been working tirelessly to clean up at one of the worlds best preserved crusader castles. years of neglect and fighting had left their marks on these balls. but recent forest fires in the region ignited fears of further damage and prompted conservationists to act. translation: the wild fires that broke out in the area pushed us to make this plan because they were everywhere. the fires were successfully put out on the 16th of this month. we were scared for the castle, which is like a home to us, so we launched this plan. the fortress was built in the 12th century by a medieval catholic militar

diseko. the president is doing well but his physician wouldn‘t say whether he has received oxygen. journalists pushed on that question but the a nswer pushed on that question but the answer was that he is not an oxygen at the moment. you will hear supporters honking. as they pass the camp outside the hospital. though supporters have been here most of the morning. i suppose it will have been quite a relief to hear such a positive update from the president‘s medical team. something that really stood out to me was when his doctor said the president said ifeel like i could walk right out of here today. a marked difference from his tweet last night which sounded a little bit less like the president that we are all used to hearing from. he had said, "going well, i think." the president‘s team really underlying that they are pleased with his progress. they also said that he is up and about and working as well. and his chief of staff mark meadows is apparently giving him plenty of work to do. l

lebo diseko, bbc news, washington. a little earlier, i spoke to michael mcdonald, he's professor of political science at university of florida and he's head of the united states elections project, which tracks voter turnout. i began by asking whether any votes were actually being counted yet. well, they're being prepared to be counted, but in some states those preparations can't begin until election day. and in a state like florida, actually, election officials are doing everything that they can to prepare those votes, all the way up to the point where they can be counted. so the election has begun, the counting hasn't. what we know than about these people who are out there, voting already? well, we have had a record number and, you know, all that grim news that we have just heard, that is a good new story. we were very concerned about the ability to cast votes during a pandemic and, fortunately, we are able to do that. we have sent out 85 million mail ballots to voters. voters are returning those in record numbers and

lebo diseko reports from washington. thank you, sir. thank you very much. donald trump moments after casting his ballot. no surprises for who. i voted for a guy named trump. after that he was off on a whirlwind of stops in battle ground states. he's hitting rallies in north carolina, ohio and wisconsin. 2016 saw donald trump gaining momentum in the last two weeks. no doubt he's hoping to pull that off again. but today, the candidates presented two contrasting messages on the issue overshadowing this election. turn on television. "covid, covid, covid, covid, covid, covid. " by the way, on november 4th, you won't hear about it any more. forjoe biden, a drive—through rally in pennsylvania, a chance to hit what he sees as his rival‘s achilles' heel. on friday, america reported its highest ever daily number of new coronavirus infections, more than 80,000. what i told in that debate, we're not learning how to live with it, you're asking us to learn how to die with it! and it's wrong! there's going to be a dark winter ahead unless we change our ways! joe biden

lebo diseko is in washington. it is the final push for donald trump andjoe it is the final push for donald trump and joe biden before election day. and they have been hopscotch into the key states that may swing the election for them either way, often called swing states. it's been a hectic day in a hectic election cycle. thank you, sir. thank you very much. donald trump moments after casting his ballot. no surprises for who. i voted for a guy named trump. after that he was off on a whirlwind of stops in battle ground states. he's hitting rallies in north carolina, ohio and wisconsin. 2016 saw donald trump gaining momentum in the last two weeks. no doubt he's hoping to pull that off again. but today the candidates presented two contrasting messages on the issue overshadowing this election. turn on the television. "covid, covid, covid, covid, covid, covid. " by the way, on november 4th you won't hear about it any more. forjoe biden, a drive—through rally in pennsylvania, a chance to hit what he sees as his rival�

now on bbc news, lebo diseko meets christian voters in the swing state of north carolina in this week's edition of our world. this is the most important election in the history of our country. america is gearing up for a monumental decision. we're in a battle for the soul of the nation. and that's not hyperbole. we really believe that, and i think... at the heart of it is the battle for god. in america, we don't turn to government to restore our souls. we put our faith in almighty god. cheering and applause the president held up the bible at st john's church yesterday. ijust wish he opened it once in a while, instead of brandishing it. beginnings are wonderful... both candidates have put faith front and centre and are showing off their christian credentials. now, we've got somebody. he's the one. christianity will have power. i'm lebo diseko, and i'm going to discover how faith is shaping the election battle in one crucial state. this is, in my opinion, spiritual warfare. this is good against evil. god is still moving. there's a lot that hinges on this election. i don't think this ameri

the bbc‘s lebo diseko reports. thank you, sir. thank you very much. donald trump, moments after casting his ballot. no surprises for who. i voted for a guy named trump. laughter. after that he was off on a whirlwind of stops in battleground states. he's hitting rallies in north carolina, ohio, and wisconsin. 2016 saw donald trump gaining momentum in the last two weeks. no doubt he's hoping to pull that off again. chanting: four more years! but today, the candidates presented two contrasting messages on the issue overshadowing this election. turn on television. "covid, covid, covid, covid, covid, covid." by the way, on november 4th, you won't hear about it any more. forjoe biden, a drive—through rally in pennsylvania, a chance to hit what he sees as his rival‘s achilles‘ heel. on friday, america reported its highest ever daily number of new coronavirus infections, more than 80,000. what i told in that debate, we're not learning how to live with it, you're asking us to learn how to die with it! and it's wrong! there's going to be a dark winter ahe

lebo diseko reports from washington. thank you, sir. thank you very much. donald trump moments after casting his ballot. no surprises for who. i voted for a guy named trump. after that he was off on a whirlwind of stops in battle ground states. he's hitting rallies in north carolina, ohio and wisconsin. 2016 saw donald trump gaining momentum in the last two weeks. no doubt he's hoping to pull that off again. but today, the candidates presented two contrasting messages on the issue overshadowing this election. turn on the television. "covid, covid, covid, covid, covid, covid. " by the way, on november 4th, you won't hear about it any more. forjoe biden, a drive—through rally in pennsylvania, a chance to hit what he sees as his rival‘s achilles' heel. on friday, america reported its highest ever daily number of new coronavirus infections, more than 80,000. what i told in that debate, we're not learning how to live with it, you're asking us to learn how to die with it! and it's wrong! there's going to be a dark winter ahead unless we change our ways! joe b

lebo diseko, bbc news, washington. we can now speak to michael mcdonald, professor of political science at university of florida and head of the united states elections project, which tracks voter turnout. thank you very much forjoining us here. your organisation is the one keeping track of all this. more than 50 million people have already voted. are any of those votes actually being counted yet? they are being prepared to be counted. but in some states, those preparations cannot begin until election day. in a state like florida, actually election officials are doing everything they can to prepare those votes all the way up to the point where they can be counted. the election has begun but the counting has not. what do we know that about the people who are out there voting already? we've had a record number. all that grim news that we just heard, that's a good news story. we we re very heard, that's a good news story. we were very concerned about the ability to cast votes in an election during a pandemic. and fortunat

lebo diseko, it certainly is. let‘s speak to our senior north america reporter, anthony zurcher. we have the president‘s physician given a glowing report on his health but then a source close to the president said the vitals were concerning over the last 24 hours in the next 48 hours will be critical in terms of his care. we are still not on a clear path to recovery. what are we to make of the dissidents there? what we are to make of it is that the goal of this press c0 nfe re nce make of it is that the goal of this press conference here on saturday morning was to put the nation‘s mind at ease that the president is doing well, that his medical team is on top of everything and in charge. but that was not a successful mission, all they have done is create more confusion thanks to the conflicting state m e nts confusion thanks to the conflicting statements about how the president is doing, about whether he was on oxygen in the past or not, and also the timeline, as you mentioned earlier, the timeline about whether the —— when the president was diagnosed, 72 hours ago would p

lebo diseko is outside the walter reed national military center in bethesda, close to washington. what is the latest on the present‘s condition? the president's physician last night said he was fatigued but in good spirits and the white house is really stressing that he was admitted out of an abundance of caution. we know that the president is taking multiple therapeutics at the moment, including an antibody cocktail and remdesivir. now president trump tweeted last night saying "going welcome i think. " seems to be trying to maintain and upbeat tone but he is less vociferous, shall we say, than he usually might be. do we know what happens if president trump does become more ill? well, we have to be clear that there is no indication at the moment that there will be a tra nsfer of the moment that there will be a transfer of power. that hasn't happened at all. the next in line would be vice president mike pence. he has received a negative coronavirus, covid—19 test result. after mike pence is nancy pelosi who isa after mike pence is nancy pelosi who is a democrat. but at the mome

lebo diseko, bbc news, washington. we can now speak to paul mitchell, who is vice president of political data inc, a bipartisan voter data firm based in california. thanks for your time here on bbc world news. what is the situation in california, then? talk us through it. every state does it differently, how can people get a male invalid, they want? —— mail—in ballot? how many people tend to vote early in california? california has been transitioning to more voting by mail. in the primary election back in march 75% of the boats came in by mail. so ina way, the boats came in by mail. so in a way, california was more prepared for this than a lot of other states. we have all learned to do things quite differently over the course of this year, and i wonder if the rise of mail—in voting, it‘s huge popularity this year, something that will stay with the us in elections to come. when people get used to voting like this? well, in some states that have liberal methods of voting by mail where they do not require you to

lebo diseko, bbc news. angela denker is a pastor from minneapolis and has written the book red state christians: understanding the voters who elected donald trump. hello to you and thank you for joining us. we have seen from supporters in recent days, praying for the recovery of their president. how strongly does religion feature in politics in the states? usually, of course, that is a bit of interest with you in the uk but i think what we are beginning to see in the united states, especially with president truman, religion is a sort ofa president truman, religion is a sort of a veil to cover over voting preferences that have much more to do with race. —— president trump. and american nationalism that really has very little to do withjesus in the bible. when you travelled around the bible. when you travelled around the us for your book and you interview people and went mostly to republican areas to speak to those who voted for donald trump last time, what did you find? of course, a huge difference from

lebo diseko, thank you so much forjoining us. earlier today, we discovered that the spread of the virus is continuing inside the white house. nicholas luna is reported to have tested positive for coronavirus. he's the director of oval office operations in the white house, and serves as the president's personal attendant. his body man. we've been hearing how many others from the president's inner circle — as well as the larger republican party — have come down with the coronavirus, as well. that includes his re—election campaign manager bill stepien. the chair of the republican national committee, ronna mcdaniel. close aide hope hicks, who travelled with the president on several occasions this week. and the former presidential advisor, kellyanne conway. three republican senators are also affected — they are mike lee of utah, a member of the senate judiciary committee, ron johnson of wisconsin, and thom tillis of north carolina. he too is part of the senate judiciary committee. meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic in the cou

let's get more on today's events from our correspondent in washington, lebo diseko. we heard some of the attacks on her about the health care and abortion, do we know precisely what her position is on those issues? well, i think this is the thing, she herself has been very careful what she has said, particularly around the issue of abortion, and as we heard in that report just now, of abortion, and as we heard in that reportjust now, she also has been really clear in saying that she is going to be an independentjudge, and if she is confirmed, that she is not fair to put forward her personal views, she is there to interpret and follow the law. her critics would point to rulings that she's made in the past that might give hints to what she might do on this supreme court. we heard kamala harris saying that a woman's choice to her own bodyis that a woman's choice to her own body is at stake there. but republicans and amy coney barrett's supporters have said that this is a case of religious intolerance, really, that she's being unfairly criticised for her religious beliefs before her own

our correspondent in washington is lebo diseko. lebo, joe biden they're offering empathy and a degree offering empathy and a degree of hope, the present offering bravado, and what has to be said with astonishing energy. bravado, and what has to be said with astonishing energylj know, said with astonishing energy.” know, it's hard to believe that just a few days ago, this was a man that was in hospital. it's incredible, is to? he spoke for around about an hour. i was watching pictures of him as he got off the stage, he was doing a little dance. certainly, he has demonstrated to his supporters who gathered there that he has energy, not only is he back, but he's back with added vigour. joe biden, in contrast, really bringing home the consequences of the coronavirus. you heard him there really trying to connected to people's personal situations, telling them about the missing chair in their homes, the person that you are missing. so, really contrasting, and i guess really sets out does make very different approaches to the coronaviru

liberty seco, bbc news, washington. —— lebo diseko. mr trump's democratic party rivaljoe biden has been on the campaign trail in florida. speaking at a town hall event in miami he attacked the president for downplaying the wearing of masks. these pictures are from nbc news. anybody who contracts the virus by essentially saying masks don't matter, social distancing doesn't matter, i think is responsible for what happens to them. if these people took off their masks, and they all have them on i noticed, and just all of a sudden got in a gaggle and started talking to one another, well, they're taking responsibility that in fact they should be held responsible for, because every major scientist and doctor and immunologist has said that's a very dangerous thing to do. the particles and droplets can stay in the air for a long time, longer than they thought, it can go beyond ten feet. there's all kinds of things they've learned and know. look, i view wearing this mask, not so much protecting me, but as a patriotic responsibility, and all the

diseko is in washington. he is back in the white house, lebo, but already a walk back on what he had been pushing through a few days ago, about a multitrillion dollar deal. yeah. i think a lot of us were taken by surprise when he made that statement on twitter. he has been on twitter all day, really, begins weeding about joe twitter all day, really, begins weeding aboutjoe biden, then twitching a false statement, saying that the seasonal flu was more deadly than coronavirus. that was marked as pulsed by twitter. then came the statement where he said that nancy pelosi and the democrat had been negotiating in bad faith and asa had been negotiating in bad faith and as a result, he was telling his tea m and as a result, he was telling his team to pull out of those negotiations, they would pass their own stimulus deal when they win the election, which seems like quite a gamble to take, really, so close to the election as well. nancy pelosi herself has responded. she said donald trump has shown his true colours wal

lebo diseko is on capitol hill for us. these pictures, of course, likely to play in every republican campaign video from now until the election. for some voters, there really is nothing more important than this. yes, we have just nothing more important than this. yes, we havejust had nothing more important than this. yes, we have just had a statement from the trump campaign actually saying justice amy coney barrett is a reminder to millions of americans why they voted for president trump in the first place. she is now the third conservative justice appointed to the supreme court and you will remember that donald trump had promised conservative voters that he would appoint more justices that aligned with their thinking to the supreme court. he has done that. he has now appointed or nominated one third of the justices on that court which is really historic. people may be wondering, the democrats really had no chance of resisting this in the senate. the republicans had a majority. if they won the election, the democrats could

let's get more from our washington correspondent, lebo diseko. familiar attack lines from donald trump? yes, i think donald trump? yes, i think donald trump's detractors would point out in that tweet where kamala harris made that appeal was something that was done before she was placed on the ticket, on the ticket withjoe biden as the presidential vice president. and the fun to post bailfor people in president. and the fun to post bail for people in minnesota president. and the fun to post bailfor people in minnesota do regardless of what their offences, it is not a special fund just for protesters that we re fund just for protesters that were out at that time. but there were a number of quite familiar lines. interestingly coronavirus, donald trump said the country is rounding the term and is ending... a lot of people would argue with that, find it difficult to see. the us had around 70,000 new cases, new infections. it is one of the highest number since july of daily infection rates. similarly, there are 48 states facing rising numbers of corona

our correspondent lebo diseko in washington has the latest details on how covid—19 is spreading among those close to president trump. yesterday i counted more than a dozen. even more today. as you said, stephen miller announcing that he has tested positive, also today several senior members of the pentagon have had to work at home because there has been someone tested positive there. so itjust seems like every day we have more cases at the top levels of government, the top levels of the republican party, and i am just not sure when it is going to stop really. i'm sure donald trump was hoping it would have done by now. some shock, i think, that the president has cancelled these talks over the stimulus package. he has always pushed the economy as his strongest suit. well, the stock market really reacted to it, as we saw, and the interesting thing is that it came just hours afterjerome powell, the chair of the federal reserve, said that actually what we need is more stimulus. now, donald trump has accused nancy pelosi's side, the democrats, of playing games, and saying that they were nev

the bbc‘s lebo diseko in washington told me more about the spread of the virus in the us. 39 states have an increase in people dying, 800 people dying per day in the us from coronavirus. i think the issue as well as, donald trump said i think the issue as well as, hospitalisations are on the rise. donald trump said that this, we are seeing an increase in numbers because there is an increase in testing. but the data does not prove that to be the case at all. it is something that voters are aware of and of over donald trump was today, polls have shown that again and again, people are not happy about his coronavirus response and joe biden is slightly ahead there, but isn't enough for him to be concerned about? that is why he was there. joe biden certainly trying to make this a referendum of sorts on the presidents handling of the coronavirus and donald trump trying to capitalise on covid—i9 fatigue and the thing is, i'm not sure if fatigue really helps us deal with this. the virus is not interested in whether or not we are tired of it. in six days before the election day turnout is alread

lebo diseko is on capitol hill for us. where are we with this? as you said the senators are at the moment on the senators are at the moment on the floor of the house, they are making speeches and we are expecting in the next half—hour or so they will take that vote and probably ta ke will take that vote and probably take between 15—20 minutes. republicans have a slim majority but they are so confident that they will be able to get this through they have scheduled a press conference for 8pm the vote only starting at 25 past local time and we're hearing from us local media here that there is an event is scheduled at the white house later this evening and that justice clarence white house later this evening and thatjustice clarence thomas will preside over her swearing—in. thatjustice clarence thomas will preside over her swearing-in. there isa preside over her swearing-in. there is a lot being made at the speed with which this is all happening and people pointing out that she could be behind her desk tomorrow. yeah, it has been so quick. you

lebo diseko is in washington for us. how is it looking, would you say? laughter i wish i knew! look, laughter iwish i knew! look, i laughter i wish i knew! look, i think that anybody who was brave enough to predict the outcome of the election at this point isa of the election at this point is a lot braver than me. certainly, both campaigns really pushing, trying to get the last bits of their base energised to get out and vote. even donald trump saying to his supporters in nebraska dots mag sorry, supporters in nebraska dots mag soi’i’y, excuse me, supporters in nebraska dots mag sorry, excuse me, yes, nebraska, they have been to so many, get out and vote, do not ta ke many, get out and vote, do not take it for granted. that was something that president 0bama, former president 0bama pushed home as well. i think every vote counts, they are so close in so many places. interestingly, with georgia, the last time a democratic candidate for president won there, boys two men were in the chart. the factual biden has been there just shows they think they have a chance and are trying

let's get more from our washington correspondent, lebo diseko. as you said, pennsylvania is absolutely key for both candidates and campaigns are going to see it is crucial to winning and it's got 20 electoral college votes and it's really important state and donald trump wanted by less than a percentage last time. joe biden is ahead there and you will also know that donald trump has been there several times and he is likely to go back again and i'm sure that we will see joe back again and i'm sure that we will seejoe biden too going back there. early voting started today in wisconsin, which is nearby part of that former industrial stripper donald trump was really successful and managed to win a number of states —— industrial strip. where it was not so warm. quite surprising amount of enthusiasm in terms of fortress getting out there. people out here saying that election dates in two weeks' time but that may drive you absolutely mad because people already voting. it does not come down to november the 3rd, doesn't, there are millions and millio

lebo diseko is in washington and explained how difficult it is to predict what will happen on election day. look, i think that anybody who was brave enough to predict the outcome of the election at this point is a lot braver than me. certainly both campaigns really pushing, trying to get the last bits of their base energised to get out and vote. and even donald trump are saying to his supporters in nebraska, get out and vote, don't take it for granted. that was a message president 0bama, former president 0bama pushed home as well. i think every vote counts. they are so close in so many places. interestingly, with georgia, the last time that a democratic candidate won then, boys to men were in the charts then, that is how long ago it was. the fact thatjoe biden has been therejust ago it was. the fact thatjoe biden has been there just goes to show that they think they have a chance and they are trying to get that state as well. and if they sign isn't it at the trump campaign senses trouble when the president appears and states he would not normally be expected to struggle in. nebraska is

i am lebo diseko and i'm going to discover how faith is shaping battle in one crucial state. this is, in my opinion, spiritual warfare. this is good against evil. god is still moving. there is a lot that hinges on this election. i don't think this american democracy will be able to survive four more years. donald trump is a long way from a christian man. conservative christians like myself look and go, how can you possibly? how can you get your head around supporting this man? i brought my bible. north carolina is part of america's bible belt. and the more i realisejust how much god loves me, just how much he cares about me... it's a state where faith matters. but you are my god! it's also a key swing state. the last time a republican won the presidency without winning here was 1956. are you ready? i would describe myself politically as a christian conservative patriot. rhonda allen is a firearms instructor and an evangelical. let's just give it a try and see what happens. in 2016, white evangelicals made up the republican party's largest voting bloc, with around 80% of them

diseko is in washington. stephen miller the latest in a series of high profile names? yesterday i counted more than a dozen. even more today. as you said, stephen miller announcing he tested positive, also today several senior members of the pentagon have had to work at home because someone tested positive there. it seems we have more cases at the top levels of government and the republican party and i am not sure when it is going to stop. i'm sure donald trump was hoping it would have done by now. some shock that he cancelled talks over the stimulus package. he has always pushed the economy as is strongest suit. the stock market really reacted to it, as we saw, and the interesting thing is it came hours after the chair of the federal reserve, john powell, said we need more stimulus. donald trump has accused nancy pelosi and the democrats of playing games, saying they are not in it to help ordinary workers. nancy pelosi accuses donald trump and the republicans not wa nted trump and the republicans not wanted

the bbc‘s lebo diseko in washington told me more about the spread of the virus in the us. 39 states of the increase in people dying, 800 people dying per day in the us from coronavirus. i think the issue as well as, donald trump said that this, we are seeing an increase in numbers because there is an increase in testing. but the data does not prove that to be the case at all. it is something that voters are all. it is something that voters a re aware all. it is something that voters are aware of and of verizon over donald trump was today, polls have shown that again and again, people are not happy about his coronavirus response and joe biden is slightly ahead there, but isn't enough for him to be concerned about? that is why he was there. joe biden certainly trying to make this a referendum of sorts on the presidents handling of the coronavirus and donald trump trying to capitalise on covid—i9 fatigue and the thing is, i'm not sure if fatigue really helps us deal with this. the virus is not interested in whether or not we are tired of it. in six days after the election day turnout is

so will you. 0ur washington correspondent, lebo diseko joined me to discuss this a short time ago. i think that donald trump's detractors would point out in that tweet where kamala harris made that appeal was something that was done before she was placed on the ticket, on the ticket withjoe biden as the vice president candidate. and that also the fund in question posts bail for people in minnesota regardless of what their offence is, it is not a special fund just for protesters that were out at that time. but there were a number of quite familiar lines. interestingly, on coronavirus donald trump said the country is rounding the turn and is ending. a lot of people would argue with that, find it difficult to see. the us had around 70,000 new cases, new infections. it is one of the highest number since july of daily infection rates. similarly, there are 48 states that are facing rising numbers of coronavirus, including neighbouring wisconsin, which is really in trouble, lots of hospitals struggling to cope with the demand. he was in pennsylvania, why there? he said it himself, we win

lebo diseko meets christian voters in the swing state of north carolina, and explores how important faith will be in a contest which biden has billed as a battle for america's soul. this is the most important election in the history of our country. america is gearing up for a monumental decision. we are ina for a monumental decision. we are in a battle for the soul of the nation and it is not hyperbole. we really believe that... at the heart of it is the battle for gold. in america, we don't turn to government to restore our souls, we put ourfaith in almighty god. will the president held up the bible at stjohn‘s church yesterday. i just wish she opened it once in awhile instead of its. both candidates have put faith front and centre and are showing off their christian credentials. we have got somebody, he is the one. i am going to discover how faith is shaping the election battle in one crucial state. this is, in my opinion, spiritual warfare. good against evil. god is still moving... there is a lot that hinges on the selection. i don't think this american democracy will be able to surv

let's speak to our washington correspondent lebo diseko called me and him a disaster, the doctors been speaking to bbc but not the president for about two weeks. he did talk to us about two weeks. he did talk to us about the rallies and the data. he set the data speaks for itself. and today, mike, he has been saying things are likely to get worse. if you do not change the way we're doing things, they are going to get worse and more people are going to die. cases are going up in a number of ways the hospitalizations are going up as well. an interestingly, polls are showing that people are quite upset about the president's approach to coronavirus. they are not happy with it and you see thatjoe biden isjust with it and you see thatjoe biden is just slightly ahead there and he really should be a safe republican seat, donald trump wanted by a substantial lead to less time in this time, it is in play. donald trump also hoping to flip the state next door and that is nevada and held one of his rallies across the river from and held one of his rallies across the riverfrom nevada because the siz

lebo diseko, thanks very much. more announcements on harris's state m e nts announcements on harris's statements tojudge barrett in the next few hours here on bbc. hello. some sunshine on the way for the majority of us today albeit with some showers coming in from the east as the day pans out. it will be quite a chilly breeze as well again coming in from the north—east and that is what will drive the showers a little bit further westwards through the course of the day, but overall what we're looking at in terms of our weather pattern for the next few days is high pressure coming to dominate. so, it will become increasingly quiet through the end of the week and into the weekend. first thing wednesday, a little bit more in the way of persistent rain with stubborn cloud across southern scotland. it should get brighter here for the afternoon. but you can see the showers here pushing into eastern england on the north—easterly breeze even through the morning and then it will get far away westwards come the afternoon.

lebo diseko is on capitol hill for us. i guess people who are not staying completely across american politics will wonder why we are making such a fuss about the appointment of a judge, but it is a very big deal. absolutely. the supreme court rules on things that really impact on americans' lives, like the rights for women to have access to abortion, brown versus education, all sorts of things that really impact day—to—day life. there are a number of cases that are scheduled to come to the supreme court in the coming months, on immigration, the right of same—sex couples to adopt children, also on the affordable care act, also known as obamacare. so these are legacy issues, issues that shape people's lives for decades and generations to come so decades and generations to come so that's why it is important. with the recent appointments, the court was already leaning towards a more conservative point of view. amy coney ba rrett‘s point of view. amy coney barrett's appointment absolutely cements that. absolutely. donal

our correspondent lebo diseko spent the day at the walter reed medical centre, where mr trump is being treated. she spoke to trump supporters there about how they feel about the president's condition. i think you can probably hear some of their enthusiasm larry, some supporters of the president basically telling me that this could happen to anybody. he has a fighter and they think that he will definitely overcome. one man told me that he flew an overnight to show his support for donald john. there is a whole range of different age groups they are, senior citizens, younger people. quite interesting as there have been a few moments of tension with supporters ofjoe biden. i guess that's kind of indicative of some of the passions we see in the country. overall his supporters were really good—natured and telling me that theyjust want him to overcome. and they believe he will do it. my reaction was kind of shocked but then again it seems to be most people are getting it at some point. i guess i was kind not waiting to find out i thought it have it at some point, you know. are you worried?

our correspondent lebo diseko in washington has the latest details on how covid—19 is spreading among those close to president trump. yesterday i counted more than a dozen. even more today. as you said, stephen miller announcing that he has tested positive. also today several senior members of the pentagon have had to work at home because there has been someone that tested positive there. so itjust seems like every day we have more cases at the top levels of government, the top levels of the republican party, and i am just not sure when it is going to stop really. i'm sure donald trump was hoping it would have done by now. some shock, i think, that the president has cancelled these talks over the stimulus package. he has always pushed the economy as his strongest suit. well, the stock market really reacted to it, as we saw, and the interesting thing is that it came just hours afterjerome powell, the chair of the federal reserve, said that actually what we need is more stimulus. now, donald trump has accused nancy pelosi's side, the democrats, of playing games, and saying that they wer

lebo diseko is in washington and explained how difficult it is to predict what will happen on election day. i think that anybody that was brave enough to predict the outcome of the election at this point is a lot braver than me. certainly, both campaigns really pushing, trying to get the last bits of their base energised to get out and vote. even donald trump saying to his supporters in nebraska, get out and vote, don't take it for granted. that was a message that president 0bama, former president 0bama, pushed home as well. i think every full to counts. they are so close in so many places. interestingly, with georgia, the last time a democratic candidate for president won there, boys two men were in the charts. that's how long ago it was. the factual biden has been there just goes to show that they think they have a chance and they are trying to get that state as well. a sign that the trump campaign sensed trouble when the president appears in states he would not normally campaign in. nebraska is interesting because unlike most of the other states, nebraska and maine split the number

our correspondent, lebo diseko, told us how important this supreme court appointment could be for the president's election campaign. we've just had a statement from the trump campaign actually saying justice amy coney barrett is a reminder to millions of americans why they voted for president trump in the first place. she's now the third conservative justice appointed to the supreme court and you will remember that donald trump had promised conservative voters that he would appoint more justices that aligned with their thinking to the supreme court. he has done that. he has now appointed or nominated a third of the justices on that court which is really, really historic. people may be wondering, the democrats really had no chance of resisting this in the senate. the republicans had a majority. if they won the election, the democrats could fight back against this, couldn't they? they could rule that there should be more justices on the supreme court, impose term limits on the people who are there, they are noticably very reluctant to be drawn on this at the moment. why? this is the que

lebo diseko is in washington for us. just on that last point, still quite a bit of concern about i suppose, there is no other way to put it, intimidation at the polls. yeah, absolutely. there is also a lot of concern about whether people will get their votes counted or not. but of voting is becoming the latest battle ground between the two sides. there are cases in wisconsin, the democrats lost a case which had been taken to the supreme court trying to extend the amount of time for counting those postal votes. also pennsylvania, the republican party is taking a case again to the supreme court trying to challenge extra time that has been given to counting ballots there. and, of course, you will know there is a new justice on the supreme court, amy coney barrett, a trump nominee, someone amy coney barrett, a trump nominee, someone appointed and put forward by donald trump, softwa re put forward by donald trump, software democrats, they are worried about whether that will impact on how the court will rule. 0ne impact on how

don't let it dominate your life". 0ur correspondent lebo diseko has spent much of the day outside the walter reed hospital where mr trump was being treated butjoins me now from our washington studio. talk now from our washington studio. us through what happening. talk us through what has been happening. donald trump certainly knows how to make an exit and certainly knows how to make an exitand an certainly knows how to make an exit and an entrance. watching him leave on marine 0ne exit and an entrance. watching him leave on marine one was quite something. a lot of his supporters were out there to see him take off and then he arrived at the white house, walked up the stairs to a balcony. he was wearing a mask then. he looked almost defined then. he looked almost defined then taking it off and giving then taking it off and giving the thumbs up signal to the waiting press and to people watching. whether you are a physician or not, the president is for certain still infection and you have to worry about his health but also so many people around him. it was really interesting. 0n around hi

i'm joined now by our correspondent lebo diseko who's outside walter reed national military medical center in bethesda. the medical center in bethesda. last statement we got 11:30pm the last statement we got was at 11:30pm last night. what did it say about the president was my condition? the white house said he is in good spirits. he was tweeting last night, certainly an attempt to reassure americans, it is something people will be quite worried about, certainly from the experience in the uk when boris johnson certainly from the experience in the uk when borisjohnson was sick, it isa uk when borisjohnson was sick, it is a very frightening time when the leader of the country is hospitalised. the line, really, is to reassure people. donald trump certainly taking that tone in the tweet that you mentioned. as jon sopel said, what a number of people will be asking is why he has had to be hospitalised when he has access to medicalfacilities at be hospitalised when he has access to medical facilities at the white house. what is the atmosphere like that are outside the medical centre with the worl

diseko. i see that washington correspondents are tweeting that the white house who is arrive there. does that mean a briefing on his condition could be imminent? we are expecting an update very soon. we are not sure exactly when that might be but certainly thatis when that might be but certainly that is the indication we have. i am smiling because as we came to air there was music blasting out behind me. the gentleman had what looked like a big pile. the supporters who have come out here to show their support for donald trump r and a good mood. some swept overnight. 0ne senior couple told me they were here even before i was this morning. we wanted to be here before first light. we are definitely supporters of the president. we have here in the area. my husband is retired navy and we have been here to vet hospital many times for medical procedures, so it is familiar territory. i am here along with everybody else to support our president in his recovery. he has been here for us since before thi