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Trump rally draws big crowd on eve of New Hampshire primary – live coverage Trump rally draws big crowd on eve of New Hampshire primary – live coverage
(35 minutes later)
12.38am GMT
00:38
Adam Gabbatt
Ohio governor John Kasich has all his chips riding on a good result in New Hampshire, having put in 100 town hall events in in the state in recent months. And there are signs that his efforts are bearing fruit, writes the Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt:
A poll released on Sunday showed Kasich in second place in the state, behind Donald Trump and just ahead of senator Marco Rubio of Florida. The Monmouth University poll showed Kasich with 14% of the vote. It was a big boost, especially since he is likely to withdraw if he does not manage a breakthrough in Tuesday’s primary.
“He’s said before if he doesn’t emerge out of New Hampshire as a strong viable candidate then he’s not … he has a state to go back to,” Emmalee Kalmbach, Kasich’s New Hampshire spokeswoman, told the Guardian.
Kalmbach, who has also worked for Kasich in Ohio, has been on the ground in New Hampshire for nine weeks. The governor has 15 paid staff members in the state. Kalmbach said he also had “hundreds and hundreds” of volunteers. It seems to be paying off.
“We’re beyond the point of, ‘Kasich, who’s Kasich?’” Kalmbach said. “They know him, they like his experience … and they realise that he has the experience on day one to act and get this country back on track.”
Related: John Kasich supporters feel their man is on the rise in New Hampshire
12.18am GMT
00:18
Meanwhile, in Nashua, New Hampshire, Florida senator Marco Rubio invites – and draws - a significantly smaller crowd:
About 500 people in a community college gym in Nashua for Marco Rubio's final NH rally pic.twitter.com/cfYBcaoZ6R
Updated
at 12.21am GMT
12.14am GMT
00:14
An advisory from the stage at the Trump event:
“Due to severe weather, Mr Trump has been slightly delayed. He is currently en route to the arena, and will arrive shortly.”
Then the crowd gets brief training on how to handle protesters, should any materialize. Trump “supports the first amendment just as much as he supports the second amendment,” the crowd is advised.
“However some people have chosen to take advantage of Mr Trump’s hospitality” by protesting his speeches, the onstage
lackey
operative says. “While they certainly have the right to free speech, this is a private event paid for by Mr Trump.”
The crowd laughs at being informed that there’s a protest area... outside. Baby it’s cold outside! Then the crowd is told “not to touch or harm the protester” but to chant Trump Trump Trump.
12.07am GMT
00:07
With Donald Trump in Manchester, New Hampshire
The blog has just pulled up to a Donald Trump rally at the Verizon Wireless Arena in snow Manchester, New Hampshire.
How snowy? This snowy:
The Verizon arena has variable seating of about 10,000 – and tonight it appears to be about half full.... though it’s still filling. This is an arena rock rally. Here’s a view of the room:
Trump’s scheduled to start any time now. Meanwhile the crowd is treated to the usual Elton John-Beatles-Rolling Stones mix.
11.36pm GMT11.36pm GMT
23:3623:36
Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain took a not-so-subtle shot at current Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump today over the real estate tycoon’s declaration that a Trump administration would do “a hell of a lot worse” to terrorist suspects than waterboarding.Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain took a not-so-subtle shot at current Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump today over the real estate tycoon’s declaration that a Trump administration would do “a hell of a lot worse” to terrorist suspects than waterboarding.
“It is important to remember the facts: that these forms of torture not only failed their purpose to secure actionable intelligence to prevent further attacks on the U.S. and our allies, but compromised our values, stained our national honor and did little practical good,” McCain said. The senator’s comments, which he pegged to “loose talk on the campaign trail,” reflect McCain’s lifelong opposition to so-called “enhanced interrogation.” McCain, a former prisoner of war, was tortured five years while he was detained during the Vietnam War.“It is important to remember the facts: that these forms of torture not only failed their purpose to secure actionable intelligence to prevent further attacks on the U.S. and our allies, but compromised our values, stained our national honor and did little practical good,” McCain said. The senator’s comments, which he pegged to “loose talk on the campaign trail,” reflect McCain’s lifelong opposition to so-called “enhanced interrogation.” McCain, a former prisoner of war, was tortured five years while he was detained during the Vietnam War.
McCain also added that the US needs a president who understands that “sacrificing our respect for human dignity will make it harder, not easier, to prevail in this war.”McCain also added that the US needs a president who understands that “sacrificing our respect for human dignity will make it harder, not easier, to prevail in this war.”
11.17pm GMT11.17pm GMT
23:1723:17
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
Donald Trump’s rise to the top of the polls has been driven by his large-scale rallies, where frenzied crowds of thousands have captured the national imagination, writes Ben Jacobs:Donald Trump’s rise to the top of the polls has been driven by his large-scale rallies, where frenzied crowds of thousands have captured the national imagination, writes Ben Jacobs:
But Trump’s crowds may also have blinded the Republican presidential frontrunner to key weaknesses in his campaign, and left him vulnerable in New Hampshire to what could be one of the biggest upsets in American political history.But Trump’s crowds may also have blinded the Republican presidential frontrunner to key weaknesses in his campaign, and left him vulnerable in New Hampshire to what could be one of the biggest upsets in American political history.
As organizing tools, Trump rallies are unsuccessful. Part of the blame for this can be laid at the candidate’s door: on Saturday, he admitted to reporters that he “never realized” the importance of building a field organization.As organizing tools, Trump rallies are unsuccessful. Part of the blame for this can be laid at the candidate’s door: on Saturday, he admitted to reporters that he “never realized” the importance of building a field organization.
“It would seem to me that people would just go out and vote,” he said.“It would seem to me that people would just go out and vote,” he said.
Related: Why Donald Trump's blindspot leaves candidate vulnerable in New HampshireRelated: Why Donald Trump's blindspot leaves candidate vulnerable in New Hampshire
10.43pm GMT10.43pm GMT
22:4322:43
Adam GabbattAdam Gabbatt
Ahead of the New Hampshire primary, Adam Gabbatt went to the Chop Shop Pub in Seabrook and found out that the locals don’t mince words when asked why they’re rooting for The Donald. Some choice quotes:Ahead of the New Hampshire primary, Adam Gabbatt went to the Chop Shop Pub in Seabrook and found out that the locals don’t mince words when asked why they’re rooting for The Donald. Some choice quotes:
“Any politician who thinks we’ve got to be disarmed needs to be strung up and killed. Write that.”“Any politician who thinks we’ve got to be disarmed needs to be strung up and killed. Write that.”
“I voted for my daughter from when she was 10 to 13.”“I voted for my daughter from when she was 10 to 13.”
“Trump is the only one who’s going to get my vote because he’s off his goddamn rocker. He’s right, build a goddamn wall. He’s got the right ideas.”“Trump is the only one who’s going to get my vote because he’s off his goddamn rocker. He’s right, build a goddamn wall. He’s got the right ideas.”
“If Trump gets in office I honestly think he’ll be assassinated.”“If Trump gets in office I honestly think he’ll be assassinated.”
Related: Bikers for Trump: 'He'll get my vote because he's off his goddamn rocker'Related: Bikers for Trump: 'He'll get my vote because he's off his goddamn rocker'
10.35pm GMT10.35pm GMT
22:3522:35
Triumph the Insult Comic Dog visited the Democratic presidential debate in Charleston, South Carolina, last week, and got some facetime with the Guardian’s Ed Pilkington:Triumph the Insult Comic Dog visited the Democratic presidential debate in Charleston, South Carolina, last week, and got some facetime with the Guardian’s Ed Pilkington:
10.20pm GMT10.20pm GMT
22:2022:20
Jonathan FreedlandJonathan Freedland
In the final stop of his New Hampshire campaign, Ted Cruz presented himself one last time as the sole true conservative in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, reports Jonathan Freedland in Manchester, NH.In the final stop of his New Hampshire campaign, Ted Cruz presented himself one last time as the sole true conservative in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, reports Jonathan Freedland in Manchester, NH.
Addressing a packed American Legion post in Manchester, the Texas senator said New Hampshire voters faced a choice: “Do they want to go with a campaign conservative or a consistent conservative?” He defined the former as those who say what they know voters want to hear on the election trail, only to revert to type once in office. Only he had stayed true to the conservative faith, day and night.Addressing a packed American Legion post in Manchester, the Texas senator said New Hampshire voters faced a choice: “Do they want to go with a campaign conservative or a consistent conservative?” He defined the former as those who say what they know voters want to hear on the election trail, only to revert to type once in office. Only he had stayed true to the conservative faith, day and night.
In the first of many invocations of the bible, Cruz – his rise-and-fall cadences familiar to anyone who has seen a TV evangelist in action – urged voters to follow the biblical test: “You should know them by their fruits.”In the first of many invocations of the bible, Cruz – his rise-and-fall cadences familiar to anyone who has seen a TV evangelist in action – urged voters to follow the biblical test: “You should know them by their fruits.”
He suggested his Republican rivals talked the talk, but only he had taken a stand by fighting Barack Obama’s healthcare reform, his moves on gun laws and a proposed amnesty for illegal immigrants.He suggested his Republican rivals talked the talk, but only he had taken a stand by fighting Barack Obama’s healthcare reform, his moves on gun laws and a proposed amnesty for illegal immigrants.
He mimicked his rivals: “‘Gosh diddly, I’m opposed to amnesty.’ Real easy to say that on the campaign trail.”He mimicked his rivals: “‘Gosh diddly, I’m opposed to amnesty.’ Real easy to say that on the campaign trail.”
And later he mocked his fellow candidates for always claiming to be conservative. “They run pretending to be us,” he said, presuming his audience was comprised of the committed faithful. “They never say ‘Hi, I’m an establishment moderate squish.’”And later he mocked his fellow candidates for always claiming to be conservative. “They run pretending to be us,” he said, presuming his audience was comprised of the committed faithful. “They never say ‘Hi, I’m an establishment moderate squish.’”
He did not name names, except for a fleeting mention of Marco Rubio as the co-author of proposed amnesty legislation and a not-very-coded pop at Donald Trump – “a fellow from New York City” – whom Cruz accused of pandering to voters in Iowa.He did not name names, except for a fleeting mention of Marco Rubio as the co-author of proposed amnesty legislation and a not-very-coded pop at Donald Trump – “a fellow from New York City” – whom Cruz accused of pandering to voters in Iowa.
Cruz is not heavily fancied here in New Hampshire, where his undiluted brand of Christian conservatism finds fewer takers than in Iowa, where he won last week. But it was clear that he believes he has a core constituency which, if mobilized, could deliver a creditable showing.Cruz is not heavily fancied here in New Hampshire, where his undiluted brand of Christian conservatism finds fewer takers than in Iowa, where he won last week. But it was clear that he believes he has a core constituency which, if mobilized, could deliver a creditable showing.
“It’s all about turnout,” he said. “That’s the whole game.” He urged his supporters to speak, “neighbour to neighbour, pastor to pastor” and bring a result that will “shock and astonish the world” – perhaps an admission that he knows he is very unlikely to win tomorrow.“It’s all about turnout,” he said. “That’s the whole game.” He urged his supporters to speak, “neighbour to neighbour, pastor to pastor” and bring a result that will “shock and astonish the world” – perhaps an admission that he knows he is very unlikely to win tomorrow.
Besides the usual brew on social issues – marriage, religious liberty and guns –Cruz stirred in a strong dose of personal testimony. He mentioned the half-sister he had lost to drug addiction, the father who had arrived in the US as an “immigrant with nothing” and the battle his father endured with alcoholism until “he came to the Lord”.Besides the usual brew on social issues – marriage, religious liberty and guns –Cruz stirred in a strong dose of personal testimony. He mentioned the half-sister he had lost to drug addiction, the father who had arrived in the US as an “immigrant with nothing” and the battle his father endured with alcoholism until “he came to the Lord”.
The atmosphere of a revivalist meeting was completed by Cruz’s closing, where he asked “everyone here to pray for this nation”. Given his less than stellar poll numbers in New Hampshire, Cruz will be praying more intently than most.The atmosphere of a revivalist meeting was completed by Cruz’s closing, where he asked “everyone here to pray for this nation”. Given his less than stellar poll numbers in New Hampshire, Cruz will be praying more intently than most.
10.14pm GMT10.14pm GMT
22:1422:14
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
Marco Rubio is counting on a strong second-place finish behind Donald Trump to boost momentum, but Ted Cruz, John Kasich and Jeb Bush are close behind, reports Ben Jacobs from Manchester, New Hampshire:Marco Rubio is counting on a strong second-place finish behind Donald Trump to boost momentum, but Ted Cruz, John Kasich and Jeb Bush are close behind, reports Ben Jacobs from Manchester, New Hampshire:
Since 1976, no Republican candidate has won their party’s nomination without winning either the Iowa caucuses or the New Hampshire primary. That means the pressure is on for anyone not named Ted Cruz on Tuesday. After all, if they don’t win in the Granite State, the odds are low that they will win their party’s nomination.Since 1976, no Republican candidate has won their party’s nomination without winning either the Iowa caucuses or the New Hampshire primary. That means the pressure is on for anyone not named Ted Cruz on Tuesday. After all, if they don’t win in the Granite State, the odds are low that they will win their party’s nomination.
In a year in which the rules of politics have been turned upside down, however, it’s possible that this dictum will join the long list of political certainties disproven by Donald Trump, who has led in every single poll in the state since July. His closest rival, Marco Rubio, stumbled in Saturday night’s debate. When asked by New Jersey governor Chris Christie to prove that he was capable of more than repeating talking points, Rubio repeated talking points.In a year in which the rules of politics have been turned upside down, however, it’s possible that this dictum will join the long list of political certainties disproven by Donald Trump, who has led in every single poll in the state since July. His closest rival, Marco Rubio, stumbled in Saturday night’s debate. When asked by New Jersey governor Chris Christie to prove that he was capable of more than repeating talking points, Rubio repeated talking points.
Yet, despite that stumble, Rubio is still counting on a strong second-place finish to give him momentum going into the next early state primaries in South Carolina and Nevada. New Hampshire’s primary is not just about winning – instead, it’s focused on beating expectations.Yet, despite that stumble, Rubio is still counting on a strong second-place finish to give him momentum going into the next early state primaries in South Carolina and Nevada. New Hampshire’s primary is not just about winning – instead, it’s focused on beating expectations.
Related: Republicans focus on toppling Trump as Sanders holds lead in New HampshireRelated: Republicans focus on toppling Trump as Sanders holds lead in New Hampshire
9.46pm GMT9.46pm GMT
21:4621:46
Meanwhile, the Bernie Sanders campaign seems to be going from strength to strength ...Meanwhile, the Bernie Sanders campaign seems to be going from strength to strength ...
9.45pm GMT9.45pm GMT
21:4521:45
We’ve just launched today’s Campaign Minute - our daily one-minute update on the 2016 election. Check it out here. It’s best read on the app - you can sign up by going to this link and hitting “Follow this series”.We’ve just launched today’s Campaign Minute - our daily one-minute update on the 2016 election. Check it out here. It’s best read on the app - you can sign up by going to this link and hitting “Follow this series”.
Related: ‘A special place in hell’Related: ‘A special place in hell’
9.45pm GMT9.45pm GMT
21:4521:45
Cruz makes closing argumentCruz makes closing argument
“I ask everyone to show up tomorrow and vote for me, and bring others, bring your family, bring your friends,” Cruz says.“I ask everyone to show up tomorrow and vote for me, and bring others, bring your family, bring your friends,” Cruz says.
“There is no force in politics as powerful as We the People. ... We have faced these challenges before, we have faced the abyss before. The people of New Hampshire, 36 years ago, came together and elected Ronald Reagan. We have done this before.“There is no force in politics as powerful as We the People. ... We have faced these challenges before, we have faced the abyss before. The people of New Hampshire, 36 years ago, came together and elected Ronald Reagan. We have done this before.
“Thank you.”“Thank you.”
Clap clap clap. Kind of golf-clappy. The crowd streams for the exits.Clap clap clap. Kind of golf-clappy. The crowd streams for the exits.
In 1980, Ronald Reagan beat George HW Bush 50-23 in New Hampshire. Now that’s a margin.In 1980, Ronald Reagan beat George HW Bush 50-23 in New Hampshire. Now that’s a margin.
9.36pm GMT9.36pm GMT
21:3621:36
Hillary Clinton: 'I’ll need your help tomorrow'Hillary Clinton: 'I’ll need your help tomorrow'
Lauren GambinoLauren Gambino
“I’ll need you tomorrow for sure,” Hillary Clinton told a female supporter after giving her a hug during a campaign stop at the Velcro Companies in Manchester, New Hampshire, reports Lauren Gambino.“I’ll need you tomorrow for sure,” Hillary Clinton told a female supporter after giving her a hug during a campaign stop at the Velcro Companies in Manchester, New Hampshire, reports Lauren Gambino.
Michelle Dionn said she had come just to see Clinton, and told the Democratic frontrunner her son would be 18 in time to vote for her in November.Michelle Dionn said she had come just to see Clinton, and told the Democratic frontrunner her son would be 18 in time to vote for her in November.
“I’d be honored to be his first vote,” Clinton told him.“I’d be honored to be his first vote,” Clinton told him.
“Good luck,” one table told her.“Good luck,” one table told her.
“Thanks,” she replied. “I’ll need your help tomorrow.”“Thanks,” she replied. “I’ll need your help tomorrow.”
Referring to opponent Bernie Sanders, she said: “Ive got the set of skills and the experience that can actually delivers results. I’m tired of the rhetoric. I’m tired of the blame game and finger pointing.”Referring to opponent Bernie Sanders, she said: “Ive got the set of skills and the experience that can actually delivers results. I’m tired of the rhetoric. I’m tired of the blame game and finger pointing.”
She added later: “I got a list - I got a list, and I’m keeping it. I’m checking it twice and we’re going to find out who’s naughty and nice.”She added later: “I got a list - I got a list, and I’m keeping it. I’m checking it twice and we’re going to find out who’s naughty and nice.”
The table she was speaking to laughed.The table she was speaking to laughed.
Meanwhile, Clinton has responded to the Politico report mentioned earlier that claimed she was considering staffing changes after the New Hampshire primary, having become dissatisfied with her campaign’s messaging and digital operations.Meanwhile, Clinton has responded to the Politico report mentioned earlier that claimed she was considering staffing changes after the New Hampshire primary, having become dissatisfied with her campaign’s messaging and digital operations.
Her campaign chairman, John Podesta, added:Her campaign chairman, John Podesta, added:
There is zero truth to what you may be reading. It's wrong. Hillary stands behind her team, period.There is zero truth to what you may be reading. It's wrong. Hillary stands behind her team, period.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.47pm GMTat 9.47pm GMT
9.35pm GMT9.35pm GMT
21:3521:35
Cruz compares Isis fight to Cold WarCruz compares Isis fight to Cold War
Cruz calls for the “same focus on radical Islamic terror” that the United States had on the Soviet Union during the Cold War.Cruz calls for the “same focus on radical Islamic terror” that the United States had on the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
He says the United States defeated the Soviet Union, in part, by “unleashing the energy of the American enterprise system.” Passing tax reform and regulatory reform in the United States today, Cruz argues, would be similarly damaging to the terrorist cause. It’s a win-win.He says the United States defeated the Soviet Union, in part, by “unleashing the energy of the American enterprise system.” Passing tax reform and regulatory reform in the United States today, Cruz argues, would be similarly damaging to the terrorist cause. It’s a win-win.
Cruz says the US focus in Syria should not be on toppling president Bashar Assad, which he warns could uncork new regional chaos.Cruz says the US focus in Syria should not be on toppling president Bashar Assad, which he warns could uncork new regional chaos.
Earlier the Republican candidate talked about the breakdown of intelligence-sharing that government studies have faulted for the failure to prevent the September 11 attacks.Earlier the Republican candidate talked about the breakdown of intelligence-sharing that government studies have faulted for the failure to prevent the September 11 attacks.
“It is clear there were plenty of mistakes made on both sides of the aisle in failing to confront the serious threat of radical Islamic terror,” Cruz says. “We had actionable intelligence that should have prevented 9/11, but the relevant parties weren’t talking to one another.”“It is clear there were plenty of mistakes made on both sides of the aisle in failing to confront the serious threat of radical Islamic terror,” Cruz says. “We had actionable intelligence that should have prevented 9/11, but the relevant parties weren’t talking to one another.”
9.29pm GMT9.29pm GMT
21:2921:29
Cruz takes a question about the Iraq war and uses it to describe the dangers of US intervention in the Middle East. He says that “knowing what we know now, I would not” have supported the 2003 invasion.Cruz takes a question about the Iraq war and uses it to describe the dangers of US intervention in the Middle East. He says that “knowing what we know now, I would not” have supported the 2003 invasion.
My approach has been, since I’ve been serving in the Senate I’ve been very critical of this administration... I opposed President Obama’s proposed military unilateral attack in Syria.” The line gets a smattering of applause.My approach has been, since I’ve been serving in the Senate I’ve been very critical of this administration... I opposed President Obama’s proposed military unilateral attack in Syria.” The line gets a smattering of applause.
Cruz says the result of “toppling Middle Eastern governments” is “handing the country over to radical Islamic terrorists.” He points to Libya.Cruz says the result of “toppling Middle Eastern governments” is “handing the country over to radical Islamic terrorists.” He points to Libya.
9.23pm GMT9.23pm GMT
21:2321:23
Michael Bloomberg is 'looking at all the options' for a White House runMichael Bloomberg is 'looking at all the options' for a White House run
Scott BixbyScott Bixby
Billionaire media titan and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has stated for the first time that he is considering a run for the White House.Billionaire media titan and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has stated for the first time that he is considering a run for the White House.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the three-term mayor of America’s largest city expressed frustration with the current field of candidates from both major parties. “I find the level of discourse and discussion distressingly banal and an outrage and an insult to the voters,” Bloomberg said, declaring that US voters deserve “a lot better” than the current frontrunners in the Democratic and Republican fields.In an interview with the Financial Times, the three-term mayor of America’s largest city expressed frustration with the current field of candidates from both major parties. “I find the level of discourse and discussion distressingly banal and an outrage and an insult to the voters,” Bloomberg said, declaring that US voters deserve “a lot better” than the current frontrunners in the Democratic and Republican fields.
Bloomberg’s comments are the first public expression of interest in a presidential campaign since a New York Times report last month that detailed Bloomberg’s potential plan for an independent campaign. In that report, based on interviews with unidentified persons close to the former mayor, Bloomberg was said to be willing to spend as much as $1bn of his estimated $37bn personal fortune to win the presidency.Bloomberg’s comments are the first public expression of interest in a presidential campaign since a New York Times report last month that detailed Bloomberg’s potential plan for an independent campaign. In that report, based on interviews with unidentified persons close to the former mayor, Bloomberg was said to be willing to spend as much as $1bn of his estimated $37bn personal fortune to win the presidency.
The speculative third-party presidential bid isn’t the first time that rumors of a Bloomberg campaign have reached the public’s ears, but with Bloomberg’s declaration that “I’m listening to what candidates are saying and what the primary voters appear to be doing,” they are by far the most serious. Bloomberg, 73, told the Financial Times that he would need to make a final decision by March, the rough cut-off for an independent candidate to qualify for election ballots in all 50 states.The speculative third-party presidential bid isn’t the first time that rumors of a Bloomberg campaign have reached the public’s ears, but with Bloomberg’s declaration that “I’m listening to what candidates are saying and what the primary voters appear to be doing,” they are by far the most serious. Bloomberg, 73, told the Financial Times that he would need to make a final decision by March, the rough cut-off for an independent candidate to qualify for election ballots in all 50 states.
The New York Times report pegged Bloomberg’s mulling of a presidential bid to the current state of the Republican primaries, dominated by Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, both of whom Bloomberg reportedly considers unelectable. With former secretary of state Hillary Clinton facing a stiffer-than-expected challenge from Vermont senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic race, Bloomberg sees a potential opening for a former mayor with moderate-to-liberal views on social issues but the close-knit relationship with the financial industry that only a billionaire financial mogul can claim.The New York Times report pegged Bloomberg’s mulling of a presidential bid to the current state of the Republican primaries, dominated by Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, both of whom Bloomberg reportedly considers unelectable. With former secretary of state Hillary Clinton facing a stiffer-than-expected challenge from Vermont senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic race, Bloomberg sees a potential opening for a former mayor with moderate-to-liberal views on social issues but the close-knit relationship with the financial industry that only a billionaire financial mogul can claim.
An independent candidate for president has never won the White House, although they have proved to be kingmakers of a kind on occasion. In 1912, former president Theodore Roosevelt split the votes of progressives and Republicans, boosting the chances of eventual victor Democrat Woodrow Wilson. In 1992, Texas billionaire Ross Perot helped Bill Clinton win the presidency by siphoning votes from incumbent George HW Bush, and perennial Green party candidate Ralph Nader was been accused of helping doom Al Gore’s efforts against Bush’s son George W in the 2000 election.An independent candidate for president has never won the White House, although they have proved to be kingmakers of a kind on occasion. In 1912, former president Theodore Roosevelt split the votes of progressives and Republicans, boosting the chances of eventual victor Democrat Woodrow Wilson. In 1992, Texas billionaire Ross Perot helped Bill Clinton win the presidency by siphoning votes from incumbent George HW Bush, and perennial Green party candidate Ralph Nader was been accused of helping doom Al Gore’s efforts against Bush’s son George W in the 2000 election.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.25pm GMTat 9.25pm GMT
9.19pm GMT9.19pm GMT
21:1921:19
Here’s video of Cruz urging voters to hold him accountable – and to get out the vote whatever it takes, even if it means they have to “crawl over broken glass with a knife between their teeth:”Here’s video of Cruz urging voters to hold him accountable – and to get out the vote whatever it takes, even if it means they have to “crawl over broken glass with a knife between their teeth:”
9.16pm GMT9.16pm GMT
21:1621:16
Cruz quotes Reagan: “Freedom is not passed down in the bloodstream from one generation to the next. Every generation must stand up.”Cruz quotes Reagan: “Freedom is not passed down in the bloodstream from one generation to the next. Every generation must stand up.”
Then he returns to an exhortation for voters to turn out tomorrow:Then he returns to an exhortation for voters to turn out tomorrow:
If we turn out conservatives and evangelicals and libertarians and Reagan Democrats ... if we turn out everyone now, with the bipartisan corruption in Washington, we will shock [the country].If we turn out conservatives and evangelicals and libertarians and Reagan Democrats ... if we turn out everyone now, with the bipartisan corruption in Washington, we will shock [the country].
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.17pm GMTat 9.17pm GMT
9.12pm GMT9.12pm GMT
21:1221:12
Cruz encourages voters to brave snowCruz encourages voters to brave snow
Cruz is talking about when he comes back here as president next year. “If I haven’t done even one word of what I said I would do, stand up and say Ted, why didn’t you do it?!’” Cruz says.Cruz is talking about when he comes back here as president next year. “If I haven’t done even one word of what I said I would do, stand up and say Ted, why didn’t you do it?!’” Cruz says.
“We’re just a little over 24 hours out,” Cuz says. “At this point it’s all about voting.”“We’re just a little over 24 hours out,” Cuz says. “At this point it’s all about voting.”
If it keeps snowing, it’ll be easier not to show up and vote. The men and women in this room love this country... this race now is going to be decided, not by TV ads – you’ve already seen plenty of those... but by New Hampshire person to New Hampshire person, one at a time.If it keeps snowing, it’ll be easier not to show up and vote. The men and women in this room love this country... this race now is going to be decided, not by TV ads – you’ve already seen plenty of those... but by New Hampshire person to New Hampshire person, one at a time.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.17pm GMTat 9.17pm GMT
9.07pm GMT9.07pm GMT
21:0721:07
What’s the feeling in the room? It feels like about half media. It seems strange there are no ashtrays, at this particular venue.What’s the feeling in the room? It feels like about half media. It seems strange there are no ashtrays, at this particular venue.
“When have you taken on not just Democrats but leaders of your own party?“When have you taken on not just Democrats but leaders of your own party?
Don’t test character when it’s easy,” Cruz says. As an example of his character he proffers his stated opposition, on the stump in ethanol-enthusiastic Iowa, to ethanol fuel subsidies.Don’t test character when it’s easy,” Cruz says. As an example of his character he proffers his stated opposition, on the stump in ethanol-enthusiastic Iowa, to ethanol fuel subsidies.
The crowd appreciates the example – biggest applause line so far, though still more polite than properly excited.The crowd appreciates the example – biggest applause line so far, though still more polite than properly excited.
Cruz says opposing ethanol in Iowa is “almost like coming to New Hampshire and campaigning against the New England Patriots.”Cruz says opposing ethanol in Iowa is “almost like coming to New Hampshire and campaigning against the New England Patriots.”
Which to be clear I’m not doing – I’m not that crazy.Which to be clear I’m not doing – I’m not that crazy.
A laugh line. This guy is a cut-up.A laugh line. This guy is a cut-up.
The bar chatter grows in volume as Cruz grows in volume. It’s a bit like being at an open mic night, with a singer-songwriter having a hard time breaking through.The bar chatter grows in volume as Cruz grows in volume. It’s a bit like being at an open mic night, with a singer-songwriter having a hard time breaking through.
9.05pm GMT9.05pm GMT
21:0521:05
Ted Cruz on "standing up to Washington" #NHPrimary https://t.co/QyVUuCpHPcTed Cruz on "standing up to Washington" #NHPrimary https://t.co/QyVUuCpHPc
9.02pm GMT9.02pm GMT
21:0221:02
Cruz is telling the VFW crowd to judge candidates by their actions. “We get burned over and over and over again” by double-talking politicians, Cruz says.Cruz is telling the VFW crowd to judge candidates by their actions. “We get burned over and over and over again” by double-talking politicians, Cruz says.
He singles out the topics of Obamacare and immigration reform.He singles out the topics of Obamacare and immigration reform.
“Where were you in 2013 when the Rubio-Schumer amnesty bill was being debated?” Cruz asks, rhetorically.“Where were you in 2013 when the Rubio-Schumer amnesty bill was being debated?” Cruz asks, rhetorically.
Um, sponsoring amendments to block a path to citizenship but allow legal status for some undocumented migrants?Um, sponsoring amendments to block a path to citizenship but allow legal status for some undocumented migrants?
8.58pm GMT8.58pm GMT
20:5820:58
Cruz is talking about how “fabulous” New Hampshire is, for carrying out its responsibility as the first-in-the-nation primary state to pick the next president.Cruz is talking about how “fabulous” New Hampshire is, for carrying out its responsibility as the first-in-the-nation primary state to pick the next president.
Cruz gets a bit of a laugh with an old New Hampshire politics joke:Cruz gets a bit of a laugh with an old New Hampshire politics joke:
Q: Are you voting for so-and-so for president?Q: Are you voting for so-and-so for president?
A: No, I couldn’t possibly. I’ve only met him five times!A: No, I couldn’t possibly. I’ve only met him five times!
It went over nicely in person!It went over nicely in person!
8.56pm GMT8.56pm GMT
20:5620:56
Cruz immediately lays into the monarchy and says the “American dream does not arise from the largesse of Washington but rather having the power of the people to stand on their feet.”Cruz immediately lays into the monarchy and says the “American dream does not arise from the largesse of Washington but rather having the power of the people to stand on their feet.”
Cruz gets a bit of applause at the front of the room. At the back of the room the bar chatter proceeds. Some mild marveling among the elbow-benders at how packed full of cameras and suits the room is.Cruz gets a bit of applause at the front of the room. At the back of the room the bar chatter proceeds. Some mild marveling among the elbow-benders at how packed full of cameras and suits the room is.