PBS News Hour - Politics

It has been more than three weeks since Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and President Trump squared off on the debate stage. Since then, 47 million Americans have voted. But for those who haven't, Thursday's Nashville debate represents the final chance to see the candidates face off before Election Day. Kate Bedingfield, Biden's deputy campaign manager, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Former Senator Joseph McCarthy died more than 60 years ago, but a recently published book offers a new examination of the notorious Wisconsin crusader's life and lasting political legacy. New York Times bestselling author Larry Tye joins Judy Woodruff to discuss why he chose to write about the controversial senator. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Both presidential campaigns were focused on North Carolina Wednesday, with Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, making a stop in Asheville and President Trump heading to Charlotte for an evening rally. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama campaigned on behalf of Joe Biden and Harris in Philadelphia in an effort to mobilize Black voters. Yamiche Alcindor reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In a new documentary, Pope Francis makes remarks that represent an increased level of support for same-sex unions and legal protections. The statements seem to be at odds with official teachings of the Catholic Church, whose doctrine still contends that marriage is between a man and a woman. William Brangham reports and talks to Fordham University's David Gibson, who has long covered the Vatican. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

One of the most criticized policies of the Trump administration has been its decision to separate members of families illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in 2018. A federal judge put a stop to the practice and ordered the government to reunite families. But hundreds of them remain separated even now, with no prospect of reunion anytime soon. Amna Nawaz talks to the ACLU's Lee Gelernt.

PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Where do President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden stand on dealing with China? The Trump administration calls itself tough on Beijing, but Trump has praised Xi Jinping on a personal level. Biden believes the U.S. and China benefit from economic cooperation. Nick Schifrin talks to the Hudson Institute's Michael Pillsbury and Christopher Hill, a former assistant secretary of state. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

With just under two weeks remaining before voting in the 2020 presidential election ends, we turn to the view from three battleground states. North Carolina Public Radio's Jeff Tiberii, Ohio Public Radio and Television's Karen Kasler and Mary Lahammer of Twin Cities PBS in Minnesota join Judy Woodruff to discuss the voter behavior they are seeing in their states -- and what's motivating it. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Is time running out for economic stimulus before Election Day? The informal deadline set by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is passing Tuesday. She and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin held more talks about pandemic relief but did not yet reach agreement. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell seems to oppose making a deal before the election. Lisa Desjardins joins Judy Woodruff to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Justice Department is suing Google for allegedly leveraging its market power to block competition illegally. In the most significant challenge to a big tech company in decades, prosecutors say Google pays phone manufacturers to make its search engine users' default, among other charges. Amna Nawaz talks to Dipayan Ghosh of the Harvard Kennedy School's Digital Platforms & Democracy Project. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

With only two weeks before the election, the rules around voting in some states are still being determined. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court couldn't agree whether to stop Pennsylvania from counting mail-in ballots postmarked by November 3rd but that arrive after Election Day. William Brangham talks to Nate Persily of Stanford Law School about this important decision and other looming cases.

PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders