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US politics: Trump grabs commanding lead in latest poll – live updates US politics: Trump grabs commanding lead in latest poll – live updates
(35 minutes later)
8.33pm GMT20:33
The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino is in position in Brooklyn for Hillary Clinton’s speech on immigration policy:
.@HillaryClinton will outline her immigration agenda at the NII conference in Brooklyn this afternoon pic.twitter.com/rv4Mitrynl
8.18pm GMT20:188.18pm GMT20:18
Video: Barack Obama: We are hitting Isis harder than everVideo: Barack Obama: We are hitting Isis harder than ever
Read earlier coverage hereRead earlier coverage here
8.16pm GMT20:168.16pm GMT20:16
#feeltheBern#feeltheBern
Democratic challenger Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator, is captured in Iowa talking up his support among young people in the state.Democratic challenger Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator, is captured in Iowa talking up his support among young people in the state.
“Now I don’t know quite what’s going on with the older people – we’re going to have to figure that one out,” he says.“Now I don’t know quite what’s going on with the older people – we’re going to have to figure that one out,” he says.
WATCH: @BernieSanders talks up his appeal to young voters at Iowa field office: https://t.co/HzdmvTSlr4WATCH: @BernieSanders talks up his appeal to young voters at Iowa field office: https://t.co/HzdmvTSlr4
8.05pm GMT20:058.05pm GMT20:05
The apparent strength of Donald Trump nationally – if Monmouth University’s latest polling is to be believed – is undercut by the sense among people in a position to know that Ted Cruz, the Texas senator, is in position to eclipse the New Yorker in Iowa and perhaps more broadly.The apparent strength of Donald Trump nationally – if Monmouth University’s latest polling is to be believed – is undercut by the sense among people in a position to know that Ted Cruz, the Texas senator, is in position to eclipse the New Yorker in Iowa and perhaps more broadly.
Who’s in a position to know? The one to watch in Iowa is Ann Selzer, who conducts polling for the Des Moines register and national outlets. Selzer’s reputation was cinched on the eve of the 2008 caucuses when she published an outlier poll showing Barack Obama cleaning up in the state. The Hillary Clinton and John Edwards campaigns ridiculed the survey. Then it came true.Who’s in a position to know? The one to watch in Iowa is Ann Selzer, who conducts polling for the Des Moines register and national outlets. Selzer’s reputation was cinched on the eve of the 2008 caucuses when she published an outlier poll showing Barack Obama cleaning up in the state. The Hillary Clinton and John Edwards campaigns ridiculed the survey. Then it came true.
On Saturday, the Register and Bloomberg Politics published a Selzer poll showing Cruz with nothing less than a 10-point lead in the Hawkeye State. More ominously for Trump, the Iowa polling averages as measured by Real Clear Politics now show Cruz with a slight lead – and all the momentum – in the state.On Saturday, the Register and Bloomberg Politics published a Selzer poll showing Cruz with nothing less than a 10-point lead in the Hawkeye State. More ominously for Trump, the Iowa polling averages as measured by Real Clear Politics now show Cruz with a slight lead – and all the momentum – in the state.
Update:Update:
Another Iowa poll... Cruz 30, Trump 23, Carson 10, Rubio 10 https://t.co/hkAHNthHaNAnother Iowa poll... Cruz 30, Trump 23, Carson 10, Rubio 10 https://t.co/hkAHNthHaN
The tightening of the race has produced some friction between the once frictionless Trump and Cruz campaigns. Trump called Cruz a “little bit of a maniac” in the Senate. Cruz responded by tweeting a medley scene from Flashdance, in probably the sharpest social media move so far by a 2016 candidate, Mike Huckabee’s invocation of figure skater Tonya Harding notwithstanding.The tightening of the race has produced some friction between the once frictionless Trump and Cruz campaigns. Trump called Cruz a “little bit of a maniac” in the Senate. Cruz responded by tweeting a medley scene from Flashdance, in probably the sharpest social media move so far by a 2016 candidate, Mike Huckabee’s invocation of figure skater Tonya Harding notwithstanding.
In honor of my friend @realDonaldTrump and good-hearted #Maniacs everywhere: https://t.co/KOPIi4XTVtIn honor of my friend @realDonaldTrump and good-hearted #Maniacs everywhere: https://t.co/KOPIi4XTVt
Whatever happens next will in part happen in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, at the next Republican presidential debate. CNN has stuck Trump at the center of its stage, with Cruz on one side and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at the other.Whatever happens next will in part happen in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, at the next Republican presidential debate. CNN has stuck Trump at the center of its stage, with Cruz on one side and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at the other.
Updated at 8.12pm GMTUpdated at 8.12pm GMT
6.56pm GMT18:566.56pm GMT18:56
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
Vain attempts by skeptics of Donald Trump’s candidacy for the White House to somehow wish away his commanding lead received another blow on Monday.Vain attempts by skeptics of Donald Trump’s candidacy for the White House to somehow wish away his commanding lead received another blow on Monday.
A new poll from Monmouth University shows Trump with the support of 41% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters nationally, up a whopping 27% on his nearest competitor, Ted Cruz. Cruz mustered the support of only 14% of GOP voters.A new poll from Monmouth University shows Trump with the support of 41% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters nationally, up a whopping 27% on his nearest competitor, Ted Cruz. Cruz mustered the support of only 14% of GOP voters.
The poll is not perfect –there is no national presidential primary, and the sample of 385 voters is less than robust. However, the survey marks an important benchmark in the race, even if it could be an outlier.The poll is not perfect –there is no national presidential primary, and the sample of 385 voters is less than robust. However, the survey marks an important benchmark in the race, even if it could be an outlier.
Trump has now become the first candidate to receive the support of over 40% of Republicans in any national poll, a landmark that Mitt Romney only reached once before April in the 2012 primary against a far smaller and less distinguished field.Trump has now become the first candidate to receive the support of over 40% of Republicans in any national poll, a landmark that Mitt Romney only reached once before April in the 2012 primary against a far smaller and less distinguished field.
Trump also has built a strong grassroots organization in early primary states, is neck and neck with Ted Cruz in Iowa and consistently leads the Republican field in New Hampshire.Trump also has built a strong grassroots organization in early primary states, is neck and neck with Ted Cruz in Iowa and consistently leads the Republican field in New Hampshire.
It has long been fashionable for Acela corridor elites to dismiss Trump as a sideshow and a carnival barker, but it’s clear they so at their own risk. Trump could still implode. It’s quite possible to envision him losing Iowa and doing his own version of the famous Dean scream from 2004.It has long been fashionable for Acela corridor elites to dismiss Trump as a sideshow and a carnival barker, but it’s clear they so at their own risk. Trump could still implode. It’s quite possible to envision him losing Iowa and doing his own version of the famous Dean scream from 2004.
But, in the meantime, as unlikely as it may seem, Trump has been a consistent frontrunner for the Republican nomination for nearly six months, has built up commanding leads in early primary states and has a message that resonates with Republican voters.But, in the meantime, as unlikely as it may seem, Trump has been a consistent frontrunner for the Republican nomination for nearly six months, has built up commanding leads in early primary states and has a message that resonates with Republican voters.
He shouldn’t start writing his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention – let alone start measuring the drapes in the Oval Office – but the time to scorn Trump as a novelty act has long since passed.He shouldn’t start writing his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention – let alone start measuring the drapes in the Oval Office – but the time to scorn Trump as a novelty act has long since passed.
Updated at 6.57pm GMTUpdated at 6.57pm GMT
6.47pm GMT18:476.47pm GMT18:47
Trump's doctor says Trump would be healthiest president of all timeTrump's doctor says Trump would be healthiest president of all time
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
The Trump campaign has released a note from his doctor attesting to the candidate’s general health and well being.The Trump campaign has released a note from his doctor attesting to the candidate’s general health and well being.
Trump shows “astonishingly excellent” test results and would “be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency,” the doctor writes.Trump shows “astonishingly excellent” test results and would “be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency,” the doctor writes.
See for yourself:See for yourself:
Update: Trump: ‘I have been blessed with great genes’Update: Trump: ‘I have been blessed with great genes’
The candidate releases a statement reacting to his doctor’s statement.The candidate releases a statement reacting to his doctor’s statement.
I am proud to share this report, written by the highly respected Dr. Jacob Bornstein of Lenox Hill Hospital, stating that I am in excellent health. I am fortunate to have been blessed with great genes --- both of my parents had very long and productive lives. I have truly enjoyed working on the campaign trail with one objective in mind, to Make America Great Again! People have been impressed by my stamina, but to me it has been easy because I am truly doing something that I love. Our country will soon be better and stronger than ever before. – Donald J. TrumpI am proud to share this report, written by the highly respected Dr. Jacob Bornstein of Lenox Hill Hospital, stating that I am in excellent health. I am fortunate to have been blessed with great genes --- both of my parents had very long and productive lives. I have truly enjoyed working on the campaign trail with one objective in mind, to Make America Great Again! People have been impressed by my stamina, but to me it has been easy because I am truly doing something that I love. Our country will soon be better and stronger than ever before. – Donald J. Trump
Worth noting Trump's doctor's note doesn't mention the foot issues which got him a draft deferment during the Vietnam WarWorth noting Trump's doctor's note doesn't mention the foot issues which got him a draft deferment during the Vietnam War
Updated at 7.01pm GMTUpdated at 7.01pm GMT
6.20pm GMT18:206.20pm GMT18:20
Mike Huckabee, the TV and radio personality who formerly governed Arkansas and who currently is running for president, doesn’t have the polling juice to make it into the mainstage debate tomorrow night.Mike Huckabee, the TV and radio personality who formerly governed Arkansas and who currently is running for president, doesn’t have the polling juice to make it into the mainstage debate tomorrow night.
He also doesn’t have a communications director anymore, according to multiple media reports.He also doesn’t have a communications director anymore, according to multiple media reports.
#Scoop: @GovMikeHuckabee communications director, @alicetweet, has left his pres. campaign, @foxnews has learned according to Huck insider.#Scoop: @GovMikeHuckabee communications director, @alicetweet, has left his pres. campaign, @foxnews has learned according to Huck insider.
Huckabee won the Iowa Republican caucuses in 2008 and a handful of other states besides. That was then, it looks like.Huckabee won the Iowa Republican caucuses in 2008 and a handful of other states besides. That was then, it looks like.
6.08pm GMT18:086.08pm GMT18:08
SummarySummary
The president has spoken at the Pentagon on the effort to defeat the Islamic state group. Here’s what happened:The president has spoken at the Pentagon on the effort to defeat the Islamic state group. Here’s what happened:
5.55pm GMT17:555.55pm GMT17:55
Obama wraps. No questions this time. Presser ends.Obama wraps. No questions this time. Presser ends.
5.55pm GMT17:555.55pm GMT17:55
Obama dispatches Carter to Middle EastObama dispatches Carter to Middle East
The president says the defense secretary will leave to the Middle East as soon as the news conference is through to raise coalition support for the war effort.The president says the defense secretary will leave to the Middle East as soon as the news conference is through to raise coalition support for the war effort.
All this said, we recognize that progress needs to keep coming faster,” Obama says. “Just as the United States is doing more in this fight... so must others. And that’s why I’ve asked secretary Carter to go to the Middle East... to work with our coalition partners on securing more aid on this front.”All this said, we recognize that progress needs to keep coming faster,” Obama says. “Just as the United States is doing more in this fight... so must others. And that’s why I’ve asked secretary Carter to go to the Middle East... to work with our coalition partners on securing more aid on this front.”
Updated at 6.00pm GMTUpdated at 6.00pm GMT
5.52pm GMT17:525.52pm GMT17:52
Obama: 'Our next message to them is simple: you are next'Obama: 'Our next message to them is simple: you are next'
In keeping with the setting, Obama assumes a more bellicose posture. He says the air strikes campaign against Isil has intensified. He names the group’s leaders killed in Syria, Iraq and Libya. He says the group has no new significant battlefield gains.In keeping with the setting, Obama assumes a more bellicose posture. He says the air strikes campaign against Isil has intensified. He names the group’s leaders killed in Syria, Iraq and Libya. He says the group has no new significant battlefield gains.
He warns other Isis leaders that they face the fate of their peers:He warns other Isis leaders that they face the fate of their peers:
Our next message to them is simple: you are next.Our next message to them is simple: you are next.
5.50pm GMT17:505.50pm GMT17:50
Obama calls his meeting with the national security council a “regular” meeting.Obama calls his meeting with the national security council a “regular” meeting.
He says the United States is leading a coalition embarked on a four-pronged strategy to defeat the Islamic state group:He says the United States is leading a coalition embarked on a four-pronged strategy to defeat the Islamic state group:
• hunting down and taking out terrorists;• hunting down and taking out terrorists;
• training and equipping the Syrian opposition;• training and equipping the Syrian opposition;
• disrupt recruitment, financing and propaganda;• disrupt recruitment, financing and propaganda;
• diplomacy to end Syrian civil war• diplomacy to end Syrian civil war
Obama tries out some vivid imagery:Obama tries out some vivid imagery:
As we squeeze its heart, it will make it harder for Isil to pump its propaganda and terror to the world.As we squeeze its heart, it will make it harder for Isil to pump its propaganda and terror to the world.
5.47pm GMT17:475.47pm GMT17:47
Here comes the president.Here comes the president.
5.35pm GMT17:355.35pm GMT17:35
The Pentagon briefing room is full as we wait for the president. Watch it live here:The Pentagon briefing room is full as we wait for the president. Watch it live here:
5.00pm GMT17:005.00pm GMT17:00
Hello, and welcome to the day in politics. Today we’ve got the Republican candidates gearing up for what looks to be a dramatic debate on Tuesday in Las Vegas, where our Sabrina Siddiqui, Paul Lewis and Jeb Lund will hit the ground Trumping. And on the other side of the country, Hillary Clinton is preparing to deliver what’s being billed as a major Democratic policy speech on immigration in Brooklyn. (Lauren Gambino will be reporting live, with a little of Ben Jacobs on the ground in Iowa for good measure.)Hello, and welcome to the day in politics. Today we’ve got the Republican candidates gearing up for what looks to be a dramatic debate on Tuesday in Las Vegas, where our Sabrina Siddiqui, Paul Lewis and Jeb Lund will hit the ground Trumping. And on the other side of the country, Hillary Clinton is preparing to deliver what’s being billed as a major Democratic policy speech on immigration in Brooklyn. (Lauren Gambino will be reporting live, with a little of Ben Jacobs on the ground in Iowa for good measure.)
The first order of business, however, is a public statement from Barack Obama at the Pentagon, following meetings there this morning on the threat posed by the Islamic State group and associated terror threats.The first order of business, however, is a public statement from Barack Obama at the Pentagon, following meetings there this morning on the threat posed by the Islamic State group and associated terror threats.
That appearance is scheduled to begin momentarily. It comes just a week after the president used a rare Oval Office appearance to tamp down talk of a new ground war in Syria and warn against religious intolerance. Polling meanwhile has registered a spike in anxiety about terrorism among Americans. (We’ll have a lot more on polls – from data editor Mona Chalabi on the latest in the rise of Ted Cruz – throughout the day.)That appearance is scheduled to begin momentarily. It comes just a week after the president used a rare Oval Office appearance to tamp down talk of a new ground war in Syria and warn against religious intolerance. Polling meanwhile has registered a spike in anxiety about terrorism among Americans. (We’ll have a lot more on polls – from data editor Mona Chalabi on the latest in the rise of Ted Cruz – throughout the day.)
Meanwhile, here’s our coverage of what the president said last week on the topic:Meanwhile, here’s our coverage of what the president said last week on the topic:
Related: Obama's Oval Office address: president resists pressure for 'ground war' on IsisRelated: Obama's Oval Office address: president resists pressure for 'ground war' on Isis
Updated at 5.05pm GMTUpdated at 5.05pm GMT