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Sanders leads Clinton in Iowa by eight points in new poll – campaign live Sanders leads Clinton in Iowa by eight points in new poll – campaign latest as it happened
(35 minutes later)
3.33am GMT3.33am GMT
03:3303:33
Good evening from New York City, where we’re wrapping up today’s installment of the Guardian’s 2016 campaign liveblog. For the next 236 days, we’ll keep bringing you minute-by-minute coverage of the campaign trail, from the cornfields of Iowa to the convention halls of Cleveland - and every Trump rally in between.Good evening from New York City, where we’re wrapping up today’s installment of the Guardian’s 2016 campaign liveblog. For the next 236 days, we’ll keep bringing you minute-by-minute coverage of the campaign trail, from the cornfields of Iowa to the convention halls of Cleveland - and every Trump rally in between.
One year before the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States, a flurry of new polls indicated that the race to the Oval Office is becoming more volatile by the day. With only 11 days to go before the Iowa caucuses - and on the heels of a CNN/WMUR poll released that shows Vermont senator Bernie Sanders with a commanding 27-point lead in New Hampshire - a new CNN/ORC poll gave Sanders an eight-point lead over Hillary Clinton in Iowa – 51% to 43%.One year before the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States, a flurry of new polls indicated that the race to the Oval Office is becoming more volatile by the day. With only 11 days to go before the Iowa caucuses - and on the heels of a CNN/WMUR poll released that shows Vermont senator Bernie Sanders with a commanding 27-point lead in New Hampshire - a new CNN/ORC poll gave Sanders an eight-point lead over Hillary Clinton in Iowa – 51% to 43%.
Clinton had led Sanders by 18 points in the same poll last December, 54% to 36%, and the reversal of fortunes in the Hawkeye State could be hugely damaging if CNN’s numbers come to pass. Although Clinton’s numbers are firmer in South Carolina, a one-two loss in the first primary states could mean the beginnings of a domino effect.Clinton had led Sanders by 18 points in the same poll last December, 54% to 36%, and the reversal of fortunes in the Hawkeye State could be hugely damaging if CNN’s numbers come to pass. Although Clinton’s numbers are firmer in South Carolina, a one-two loss in the first primary states could mean the beginnings of a domino effect.
So much for her Demi Lovato-certified confidence.So much for her Demi Lovato-certified confidence.
"I don't think there's a woman more confident than Hillary Clinton," Lovato says, after singing her song 'Confident' pic.twitter.com/nm1YpFaAxe"I don't think there's a woman more confident than Hillary Clinton," Lovato says, after singing her song 'Confident' pic.twitter.com/nm1YpFaAxe
Meanwhile, the same survey gave billionaire Republican frontrunner Donald Trump a double-digit lead among likely Republican caucus-goers, leading Texas senator Ted Cruz 37% to 26%. Florida senator Marco Rubio is in a distant third place at 14%. No other member of the crowded field cracks the double digits - which makes Jeb(!) Bush a real sad sack.Meanwhile, the same survey gave billionaire Republican frontrunner Donald Trump a double-digit lead among likely Republican caucus-goers, leading Texas senator Ted Cruz 37% to 26%. Florida senator Marco Rubio is in a distant third place at 14%. No other member of the crowded field cracks the double digits - which makes Jeb(!) Bush a real sad sack.
Sad sack @JebBush has just done another ad on me, with special interest money, saying I won't beat Hillary - I WILL. But he can't beat me.Sad sack @JebBush has just done another ad on me, with special interest money, saying I won't beat Hillary - I WILL. But he can't beat me.
Permanent second-place Republican candidate Ted Cruz alienated the key “nerd” demographic after refusing to take a “Jedi pledge” to “blow up the Death Star” of Citizens United, the 2010 supreme court ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money in support of political campaigns. Cruz called it a matter of free speech, although it would have been way more on-brand for him to say that he found the questioner’s lack of faith in the judicial branch disturbing.Permanent second-place Republican candidate Ted Cruz alienated the key “nerd” demographic after refusing to take a “Jedi pledge” to “blow up the Death Star” of Citizens United, the 2010 supreme court ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money in support of political campaigns. Cruz called it a matter of free speech, although it would have been way more on-brand for him to say that he found the questioner’s lack of faith in the judicial branch disturbing.
The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs, reporting from the birthplace of deep-fried Oreos, reminded us that despite his precipitous fall in polls, retired pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson still has Secret Service protection. His Secret Service codename: “Eli.”The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs, reporting from the birthplace of deep-fried Oreos, reminded us that despite his precipitous fall in polls, retired pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson still has Secret Service protection. His Secret Service codename: “Eli.”
(Fun fact: Secret Service codenames, a legacy from pre-NSA days when sensitive electronic communications weren’t encrypted, are bestowed by the White House Communications Agency. The first family’s codenames are traditionally alliterative, and Al Gore’s daughter Karenna was codenamed “Smurfette.” If Liveblog Scott were to choose a Secret Service codename, it would either be “Bookbag” or “Stormtrooper.”)(Fun fact: Secret Service codenames, a legacy from pre-NSA days when sensitive electronic communications weren’t encrypted, are bestowed by the White House Communications Agency. The first family’s codenames are traditionally alliterative, and Al Gore’s daughter Karenna was codenamed “Smurfette.” If Liveblog Scott were to choose a Secret Service codename, it would either be “Bookbag” or “Stormtrooper.”)
In more bad news for Clinton, the former secretary of state - Secret Service codename: “Evergreen” - infuriated students at the University of Iowa after speaking for only five minutes after a three-song Demi Lovato concert was held in her honor.In more bad news for Clinton, the former secretary of state - Secret Service codename: “Evergreen” - infuriated students at the University of Iowa after speaking for only five minutes after a three-song Demi Lovato concert was held in her honor.
And in a preview of tomorrow’s highly anticipated anti-Trump editorial from the National Review:And in a preview of tomorrow’s highly anticipated anti-Trump editorial from the National Review:
Welcome to the fight, all. Trump is not a conservative. pic.twitter.com/Fri8reAEx1Welcome to the fight, all. Trump is not a conservative. pic.twitter.com/Fri8reAEx1
That’s it for fear and laughing on the campaign trail today - tune in tomorrow, the day after, and the 235 days after that as our team of reporters file from around the country, trailing the clown car so you don’t have to.That’s it for fear and laughing on the campaign trail today - tune in tomorrow, the day after, and the 235 days after that as our team of reporters file from around the country, trailing the clown car so you don’t have to.
3.23am GMT3.23am GMT
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Demi Lovato won rave reviews at a Clinton campaign rally in Iowa City, according to the Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt. If only the same could be said for Hillary herself...Demi Lovato won rave reviews at a Clinton campaign rally in Iowa City, according to the Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt. If only the same could be said for Hillary herself...
Hillary Clinton left her audience cold in Iowa City on Thursday night, after she spoke for less than five minutes to a crowd of more than a thousand people, some of whom had lined up for over an hour to see her.Hillary Clinton left her audience cold in Iowa City on Thursday night, after she spoke for less than five minutes to a crowd of more than a thousand people, some of whom had lined up for over an hour to see her.
After a day marred by a new poll showing Bernie Sanders leading her by eight points in Iowa, Clinton might have been expected to go for broke at a rally featuring a performance by pop star Demi Lovato.After a day marred by a new poll showing Bernie Sanders leading her by eight points in Iowa, Clinton might have been expected to go for broke at a rally featuring a performance by pop star Demi Lovato.
But Clinton did not reference the Vermont senator in her speech, the length of which appeared to upset many in the crowd.But Clinton did not reference the Vermont senator in her speech, the length of which appeared to upset many in the crowd.
“It was like a political commercial,” said Allisson Steigerwald, a 24-year-old graduate student at the University of Iowa. “I thought she was saying goodbye to Demi and then she’d start her speech. But it never happened.”“It was like a political commercial,” said Allisson Steigerwald, a 24-year-old graduate student at the University of Iowa. “I thought she was saying goodbye to Demi and then she’d start her speech. But it never happened.”
“It was very short,” said Jennifer Marks, 22. “There were a lot of statements. Like: ‘We are we going to make things happen.’,” Marks said. “No actual how.”“It was very short,” said Jennifer Marks, 22. “There were a lot of statements. Like: ‘We are we going to make things happen.’,” Marks said. “No actual how.”
Marks said she felt less inclined to vote for Clinton as a result. “But it wasn’t very likely to begin with,” she added. She plans to vote for Sanders.Marks said she felt less inclined to vote for Clinton as a result. “But it wasn’t very likely to begin with,” she added. She plans to vote for Sanders.
“I just feel bad for the people who got here at 5,” she said.“I just feel bad for the people who got here at 5,” she said.
Clinton took the stage at around 8.15pm, after Lovato had performed three songs from her recent album Confident. Clinton praised Lovato, who has bipolar disorder and is the face of the Be Vocal mental health campaign, for “having the voice to reach out to so many people who need a little bit of help themselves.Clinton took the stage at around 8.15pm, after Lovato had performed three songs from her recent album Confident. Clinton praised Lovato, who has bipolar disorder and is the face of the Be Vocal mental health campaign, for “having the voice to reach out to so many people who need a little bit of help themselves.
“You have set an extraordinary example to so many in the way you have talked about issues that we all find sometimes hard to talk about,” Clinton said.“You have set an extraordinary example to so many in the way you have talked about issues that we all find sometimes hard to talk about,” Clinton said.
The rest of her speech was so short that it is possible to summarize almost all of it in the next six paragraphs.The rest of her speech was so short that it is possible to summarize almost all of it in the next six paragraphs.
Clinton thanked the audience for attending. “I’d be so thrilled and honoured if you can caucus for me,” she said. She then promised to “work as hard as I know how to take it to the Republicans” and win the election.Clinton thanked the audience for attending. “I’d be so thrilled and honoured if you can caucus for me,” she said. She then promised to “work as hard as I know how to take it to the Republicans” and win the election.
Clinton said was proud of the progress made under President Obama and promised to deal “with the big issues” if elected.Clinton said was proud of the progress made under President Obama and promised to deal “with the big issues” if elected.
“Like: how do we get the economy working for everybody, not just those at the top,” she said.“Like: how do we get the economy working for everybody, not just those at the top,” she said.
“How we keep our country safe and lead the world with peace prosperity and security. And how do we deal with a lot of those prelims that people across Iowa talk to me about. How are we going to afford college, how do we get the cost of student debt down?”“How we keep our country safe and lead the world with peace prosperity and security. And how do we deal with a lot of those prelims that people across Iowa talk to me about. How are we going to afford college, how do we get the cost of student debt down?”
She spoke about making prescription drugs more affordable and defending “human rights and women’s rights”. And about how she would “take on those big special interests” if elected.She spoke about making prescription drugs more affordable and defending “human rights and women’s rights”. And about how she would “take on those big special interests” if elected.
“Join us in helping to change our country, keep it on a progressive path, make sure we don’t go backward we go forward with confidence,” Clinton said.“Join us in helping to change our country, keep it on a progressive path, make sure we don’t go backward we go forward with confidence,” Clinton said.
And that was it.And that was it.
Definitely not cool for the summer. Or the winter. Or any season, really.Definitely not cool for the summer. Or the winter. Or any season, really.
2.07am GMT2.07am GMT
02:0702:07
The Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt reports live from Iowa City on the most important story of the night and possibly of the campaign: Singer Demi Lovato’s appearance in Iowa with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton:The Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt reports live from Iowa City on the most important story of the night and possibly of the campaign: Singer Demi Lovato’s appearance in Iowa with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton:
"I don't think there's a woman more confident than Hillary Clinton," Lovato says, after singing her song 'Confident' pic.twitter.com/nm1YpFaAxe"I don't think there's a woman more confident than Hillary Clinton," Lovato says, after singing her song 'Confident' pic.twitter.com/nm1YpFaAxe
We have Demi Lovato! She walked into the hall to applause before joining her band – accoustic guitar, keyboard, drums – on stage.We have Demi Lovato! She walked into the hall to applause before joining her band – accoustic guitar, keyboard, drums – on stage.
“Hello. My name is Demi. I’m so excited to be here!” Lovato said, with typical grace and modesty.“Hello. My name is Demi. I’m so excited to be here!” Lovato said, with typical grace and modesty.
With that she launched into a rousing rendition of recent hit Confident, from the 2015 album of the same name. (Ed.: Yaaass.)With that she launched into a rousing rendition of recent hit Confident, from the 2015 album of the same name. (Ed.: Yaaass.)
The crowd - and I - went wild.The crowd - and I - went wild.
“I don’t think there is a woman more confident than Hillary Clinton,” Lovato said afterwards.“I don’t think there is a woman more confident than Hillary Clinton,” Lovato said afterwards.
Lovato, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 20 1992, then performed Stone Cold. The song is the fifth track on her album Confident, which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard top 100 chart. The album’s eponymous song went platinum.Lovato, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 20 1992, then performed Stone Cold. The song is the fifth track on her album Confident, which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard top 100 chart. The album’s eponymous song went platinum.
“I’ve got one more song for you guys, and the title of this song is why everyone should vote!” Lovato then told her adoring audience.“I’ve got one more song for you guys, and the title of this song is why everyone should vote!” Lovato then told her adoring audience.
The song was Yes, the tenth track from Confident. Confident received a 4.5 star rating (out of five stars) upon its release last October.The song was Yes, the tenth track from Confident. Confident received a 4.5 star rating (out of five stars) upon its release last October.
A mesmerizing performance.A mesmerizing performance.
1.52am GMT1.52am GMT
01:5201:52
More good polling news for Donald Trump: A Zogby Analytics poll of likely Republican primary voters shows the billionaire frontrunner receiving the support of a whopping 45% of the national primary electorate, leading Texas senator Ted Cruz by 32 points.More good polling news for Donald Trump: A Zogby Analytics poll of likely Republican primary voters shows the billionaire frontrunner receiving the support of a whopping 45% of the national primary electorate, leading Texas senator Ted Cruz by 32 points.
According to Zogby, Trump polls wins the lion’s share of male Republican voters with 49% support, women with 41%, as well as Republicans overall with 47%. He also takes 49% of independents - who can only vote in certain primaries, including the Iowa caucuses - 46% of self-described conservatives and 45% of self-described moderates.According to Zogby, Trump polls wins the lion’s share of male Republican voters with 49% support, women with 41%, as well as Republicans overall with 47%. He also takes 49% of independents - who can only vote in certain primaries, including the Iowa caucuses - 46% of self-described conservatives and 45% of self-described moderates.
In speculative head-to head matchups, Trump beats Cruz 59% to 29%, Florida senator Marco Rubio 64% to 27%, former Florida governor Jeb(!) Bush 68% to 22%, Ohio governor John Kasich 73% to 15% and New Jersey governor Chris Christie 69% to 19%.In speculative head-to head matchups, Trump beats Cruz 59% to 29%, Florida senator Marco Rubio 64% to 27%, former Florida governor Jeb(!) Bush 68% to 22%, Ohio governor John Kasich 73% to 15% and New Jersey governor Chris Christie 69% to 19%.
It’s what former president George W. Bush might call “a thumpin’.”It’s what former president George W. Bush might call “a thumpin’.”
Behind Cruz’s distant second-place support at 13%, Rubio commands 8% of the national primary electorate, Jeb Bush wins 6% and every other candidate falls below the margin of error.Behind Cruz’s distant second-place support at 13%, Rubio commands 8% of the national primary electorate, Jeb Bush wins 6% and every other candidate falls below the margin of error.
Of course, a requisite reminder that national polls do not really matter at this stage in the primary race, but given Trump’s standing in the most recent polls in first-in-the-nation states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, Zogby’s results may force the rest of the crowded field of Republican candidates - and the rest of the Republican party, for that matter - to contend with the potential reality of a Donald Trump nomination.Of course, a requisite reminder that national polls do not really matter at this stage in the primary race, but given Trump’s standing in the most recent polls in first-in-the-nation states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, Zogby’s results may force the rest of the crowded field of Republican candidates - and the rest of the Republican party, for that matter - to contend with the potential reality of a Donald Trump nomination.
1.29am GMT1.29am GMT
01:2901:29
Adam GabbattAdam Gabbatt
The Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt, sensing Liveblog Scott’s tedium, has gifted us with a report on the pre-event buildup ahead of Hillary Clinton’s dual appearance in Iowa City with singer/songwriter/actress/model/general icon Demi Lovato.The Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt, sensing Liveblog Scott’s tedium, has gifted us with a report on the pre-event buildup ahead of Hillary Clinton’s dual appearance in Iowa City with singer/songwriter/actress/model/general icon Demi Lovato.
According to Gabbatt, Lovato doesn’t necessarily have the same fervent following among Hawkeye State politicos as she does among, say, twentysomething gay men in New York City:According to Gabbatt, Lovato doesn’t necessarily have the same fervent following among Hawkeye State politicos as she does among, say, twentysomething gay men in New York City:
Big crowd at the University of Iowa to see Hillary Clinton. (That's not Hillary Clinton. I don't know who that is.) pic.twitter.com/dTHXjdNTfaBig crowd at the University of Iowa to see Hillary Clinton. (That's not Hillary Clinton. I don't know who that is.) pic.twitter.com/dTHXjdNTfa
Hillary Clinton’s event in Iowa City hasn’t even begun yet, but some members of the crowd are already in high spirits. The concert hall was almost full thirty minutes before Clinton and pop sensation Demi Lovato were due to appear.Hillary Clinton’s event in Iowa City hasn’t even begun yet, but some members of the crowd are already in high spirits. The concert hall was almost full thirty minutes before Clinton and pop sensation Demi Lovato were due to appear.
Outside the hall, people at the back of snaking line that they faced a 55-minute wait to get in.Outside the hall, people at the back of snaking line that they faced a 55-minute wait to get in.
Jennifer Ettinger, 18, stood dancing at the back of the crowd at 6:30pm. Her friend Avery Rice, 19, was filming a Snapchat video.Jennifer Ettinger, 18, stood dancing at the back of the crowd at 6:30pm. Her friend Avery Rice, 19, was filming a Snapchat video.
“She’s a really good dancer, “ Rice said of her companion. “She did ballet in high school.”“She’s a really good dancer, “ Rice said of her companion. “She did ballet in high school.”
Rice, a first-year student studying business, said she was there primarily to see Clinton. “I like her. I think she would be good in office,” she said. “She’s a cool girl.”Rice, a first-year student studying business, said she was there primarily to see Clinton. “I like her. I think she would be good in office,” she said. “She’s a cool girl.”
Neither of the women were huge Demi Lovato fans. “She’s, like, fine,” Rice said. (Ed.: What.)Neither of the women were huge Demi Lovato fans. “She’s, like, fine,” Rice said. (Ed.: What.)
“Who even is Demi Lovato?” Ettinger asked of the singer who has, quite literally, leant her voice to the Clinton campaign. (Ed.: No, seriously. WHAT.)“Who even is Demi Lovato?” Ettinger asked of the singer who has, quite literally, leant her voice to the Clinton campaign. (Ed.: No, seriously. WHAT.)
“She was on the Disney Channel,” Avery said.“She was on the Disney Channel,” Avery said.
Ettinger said she would have preferred to see Justin Bieber perform. “This place would be so packed if it was Justin Bieber,” she said.Ettinger said she would have preferred to see Justin Bieber perform. “This place would be so packed if it was Justin Bieber,” she said.
12.23am GMT12.23am GMT
00:2300:23
Ben Jacobs revives a three-year-old tweet to show the (presumably retired) license plate of Andy McGuire, who is moderating the CNN town hall on Monday in Des Moines:Ben Jacobs revives a three-year-old tweet to show the (presumably retired) license plate of Andy McGuire, who is moderating the CNN town hall on Monday in Des Moines:
New license plate of Andy McGuire, former Dem candidate for Lt Gov of Iowa and 2008 Hillary co-chair in Iowa pic.twitter.com/SpHkhthJQSNew license plate of Andy McGuire, former Dem candidate for Lt Gov of Iowa and 2008 Hillary co-chair in Iowa pic.twitter.com/SpHkhthJQS
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.11am GMTat 1.11am GMT
12.13am GMT12.13am GMT
00:1300:13
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs files from a Ben Carson campaign event in Glenwood, Iowa, where the neurosurgeon declared that any military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder had better bring a doctor’s note to the VA if they want to be treated:The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs files from a Ben Carson campaign event in Glenwood, Iowa, where the neurosurgeon declared that any military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder had better bring a doctor’s note to the VA if they want to be treated:
Ben Carson indicated that he might be willing to deny support for PTSD to anyone in the military who is an undocumented immigrant.Ben Carson indicated that he might be willing to deny support for PTSD to anyone in the military who is an undocumented immigrant.
In a gaggle in Glenwood, Iowa on Thursday, Carson was asked about Sarah Palin blaming her son Track’s PTSD on Barack Obama. After making clear that “I probably wouldn’t do that, but then again I am not big blamer,” the retired neurosurgeon then discussed the importance of providing those in the military support of potential PTSD. “All of our troops, anyone who signs up for volunteer military, should have a support group that works for them in their entire military career, particularly when they are in combat.”In a gaggle in Glenwood, Iowa on Thursday, Carson was asked about Sarah Palin blaming her son Track’s PTSD on Barack Obama. After making clear that “I probably wouldn’t do that, but then again I am not big blamer,” the retired neurosurgeon then discussed the importance of providing those in the military support of potential PTSD. “All of our troops, anyone who signs up for volunteer military, should have a support group that works for them in their entire military career, particularly when they are in combat.”
When Carson was asked whether this support should be extended to those in the military who are undocumented immigrants, however, he seemed hesitant to do so. After he said “I personally don’t believe anyone who is illegally in the us should be in our military,” Carson added he thought PTSD support groups to illegal immigrants serving in the US military should “be looked at on a case-by-case basis.”When Carson was asked whether this support should be extended to those in the military who are undocumented immigrants, however, he seemed hesitant to do so. After he said “I personally don’t believe anyone who is illegally in the us should be in our military,” Carson added he thought PTSD support groups to illegal immigrants serving in the US military should “be looked at on a case-by-case basis.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.18am GMTat 12.18am GMT
12.05am GMT12.05am GMT
00:0500:05
Good news for Bernie Sanders is bad news for New Hampshire citizens who don’t carpool, according to the Guardian’s Dan Roberts.Good news for Bernie Sanders is bad news for New Hampshire citizens who don’t carpool, according to the Guardian’s Dan Roberts.
It may lack the predictive punch of an 8pt Iowa poll lead, but the car park of every Sanders event in New Hampshire today has been rammed.It may lack the predictive punch of an 8pt Iowa poll lead, but the car park of every Sanders event in New Hampshire today has been rammed.
11.37pm GMT11.37pm GMT
23:3723:37
Looks like Donald Trump has gotten word about his latest poll numbers...Looks like Donald Trump has gotten word about his latest poll numbers...
Thank you, Iowa! #Trump2016 pic.twitter.com/ryhEheTLqNThank you, Iowa! #Trump2016 pic.twitter.com/ryhEheTLqN
11.29pm GMT11.29pm GMT
23:2923:29
David SmithDavid Smith
The Guardian’s David Smith trailed Ted Cruz in New Hampshire today, where the Texas senator juggled Star Wars fans and Bible thumping primary voters in the same afternoon - and pledged to hold a pig roast on the White House lawn:Ted Cruz has been showing his protean talents in New Hampshire, first quipping about Hollywood movies with students at a university campus, then referencing the Bible with a working-class audience in a pizza joint.The Guardian’s David Smith trailed Ted Cruz in New Hampshire today, where the Texas senator juggled Star Wars fans and Bible thumping primary voters in the same afternoon - and pledged to hold a pig roast on the White House lawn:Ted Cruz has been showing his protean talents in New Hampshire, first quipping about Hollywood movies with students at a university campus, then referencing the Bible with a working-class audience in a pizza joint.
The Texas senator was presented with a $5 plastic lightsaber by Andrew Slack, 36, a civic activist and self-described “director of the US rebel alliance”. Cruz, himself a Star Wars fan, played along. He said Han Solo was the coolest character in cinema and anyone who believes Luke Skywalker is instead should be disqualified from running for president.The Texas senator was presented with a $5 plastic lightsaber by Andrew Slack, 36, a civic activist and self-described “director of the US rebel alliance”. Cruz, himself a Star Wars fan, played along. He said Han Solo was the coolest character in cinema and anyone who believes Luke Skywalker is instead should be disqualified from running for president.
But he disappointed Slack by refusing to take a “Jedi pledge” to “blow up the Death Star” of Citizens United, the supreme court’s 2010 ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on campaigning and ushered in the rise of Super Pacs.But he disappointed Slack by refusing to take a “Jedi pledge” to “blow up the Death Star” of Citizens United, the supreme court’s 2010 ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on campaigning and ushered in the rise of Super Pacs.
Cruz said it was a matter of free speech, explaining: “I think Michael Moore’s movies are idiotic. But he’s got a first amendment right to keep making idiotic movies.”Cruz said it was a matter of free speech, explaining: “I think Michael Moore’s movies are idiotic. But he’s got a first amendment right to keep making idiotic movies.”
Asked whom he would invite to a fantasy dinner party, Cruz mentioned Jesus Christ, Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King and Elvis Presley. He also promised to hold a pig roast on the south lawn of the White House.Asked whom he would invite to a fantasy dinner party, Cruz mentioned Jesus Christ, Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King and Elvis Presley. He also promised to hold a pig roast on the south lawn of the White House.
Afterwards he told journalists the Republican establishment is defecting from Marco Rubio to Donald Trump because of the latter’s willingness to cut deals. “The establishment is saying the one guy who scares the heck out of us is Cruz, because Cruz will actually stand with the American people against the career politicians in both parties that get in bed with the lobbyists and special interests.”Afterwards he told journalists the Republican establishment is defecting from Marco Rubio to Donald Trump because of the latter’s willingness to cut deals. “The establishment is saying the one guy who scares the heck out of us is Cruz, because Cruz will actually stand with the American people against the career politicians in both parties that get in bed with the lobbyists and special interests.”
Trump has previously been a donor to the Clinton Foundation and supported Clinton and other leading Democrats, Cruz added. “Every day he is engaging in more and more personal attacks. I have no intention of responding. I like Donald Trump, I respect Donald Trump, I will continue to praise him personally, and so if he wants to engage in insults that’s his prerogative. But I’m going to keep the focus on the issues of substance. I think policy distinctions are fair game.”Trump has previously been a donor to the Clinton Foundation and supported Clinton and other leading Democrats, Cruz added. “Every day he is engaging in more and more personal attacks. I have no intention of responding. I like Donald Trump, I respect Donald Trump, I will continue to praise him personally, and so if he wants to engage in insults that’s his prerogative. But I’m going to keep the focus on the issues of substance. I think policy distinctions are fair game.”
The senator then made his way to Theo’s pizza restaurant, which was standing-room only and in a more febrile mood. Cruz gave a bleaker account of the state of the nation, comparing it with Jimmy Carter’s presidency in the 1970s but noting that this was followed by the glory years of Reagan and the timeworn “shining city on the hill”.The senator then made his way to Theo’s pizza restaurant, which was standing-room only and in a more febrile mood. Cruz gave a bleaker account of the state of the nation, comparing it with Jimmy Carter’s presidency in the 1970s but noting that this was followed by the glory years of Reagan and the timeworn “shining city on the hill”.
He pledged to revoke Obama’s executive orders and actions on gun control and other matters, launch an investigation into Planned Parenthood “and those horrible videos”, protect religious liberty and “rip to shreds this catastrophic Iranian nuclear deal”.He pledged to revoke Obama’s executive orders and actions on gun control and other matters, launch an investigation into Planned Parenthood “and those horrible videos”, protect religious liberty and “rip to shreds this catastrophic Iranian nuclear deal”.
And that would just be his first day in office.And that would just be his first day in office.
He would also move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and “repeal every word of Obamacare”. As for immigration, Cruz said slyly: “We’re going to build a wall - and I got somebody in mind to build it.”He would also move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and “repeal every word of Obamacare”. As for immigration, Cruz said slyly: “We’re going to build a wall - and I got somebody in mind to build it.”
As placard-waving supporters voiced support, Cruz promised to defend the Supreme Court against a liberal majority of justices. Hillary Clinton, he warned, would seek to use it to tear down war memorials which would be “not so far” from removing crosses and stars of David from war graves.As placard-waving supporters voiced support, Cruz promised to defend the Supreme Court against a liberal majority of justices. Hillary Clinton, he warned, would seek to use it to tear down war memorials which would be “not so far” from removing crosses and stars of David from war graves.
He urged the crowd to pray for the nation and each encourage nine friends to vote for him on primary day. “Continue this awakening,” he said.He urged the crowd to pray for the nation and each encourage nine friends to vote for him on primary day. “Continue this awakening,” he said.
11.02pm GMT11.02pm GMT
23:0223:02
Rupert NeateRupert Neate
The glitz! The glamour! The number of people called stupid!The glitz! The glamour! The number of people called stupid!
The Guardian’s Rupert Neate reports from the South Point resort and casino in Las Vegas, where billionaire frontrunner Donald Trump was stumping with the wind of two major polls at his back:The Guardian’s Rupert Neate reports from the South Point resort and casino in Las Vegas, where billionaire frontrunner Donald Trump was stumping with the wind of two major polls at his back:
A lot of people came to see Donald Trump speak in a casino Las Vegas on Thursday, and he demanded the media take note of it. The leading Republican Presidential candidate called the press “scumbags at the back of the room” for, he said, consistently not showing the scale of the crowds that turn out to support his campaign rallies.A lot of people came to see Donald Trump speak in a casino Las Vegas on Thursday, and he demanded the media take note of it. The leading Republican Presidential candidate called the press “scumbags at the back of the room” for, he said, consistently not showing the scale of the crowds that turn out to support his campaign rallies.
Trump, in brilliant pink tie, starts off by attacking the media as "scumbags". 'All they focus on is the protesters' pic.twitter.com/gjh1BwTGbvTrump, in brilliant pink tie, starts off by attacking the media as "scumbags". 'All they focus on is the protesters' pic.twitter.com/gjh1BwTGbv
At one point, Trump, who according to a new poll has captured a double-digit lead in Iowa a mere 11 days before the caucuses, halted his rambling speech until TV cameramen “turn around and show the crowd”. “There’s not been one shot of the crowd,” he said.At one point, Trump, who according to a new poll has captured a double-digit lead in Iowa a mere 11 days before the caucuses, halted his rambling speech until TV cameramen “turn around and show the crowd”. “There’s not been one shot of the crowd,” he said.
So many people (4,000, according to casino security) had turned out to see Trump speak that the casino opened up three overflow rooms to relay his speech on big screens.So many people (4,000, according to casino security) had turned out to see Trump speak that the casino opened up three overflow rooms to relay his speech on big screens.
Many of those who turned out to see Trump had come from Shot Show, the gun industry trade show also being held in Las Vegas, and one of the biggest cheers came as the candidate pledged to “save the Second Amendment”.Many of those who turned out to see Trump had come from Shot Show, the gun industry trade show also being held in Las Vegas, and one of the biggest cheers came as the candidate pledged to “save the Second Amendment”.
“You listen to Hillary, and you’re not going to have a Second Amendment!”“You listen to Hillary, and you’re not going to have a Second Amendment!”
Jerry Springer, 68, (yes his real name, I checked) was one of those who had taken a break from the gun fair to turn out for Trump. Even though not a big fan of Trump, Springer said he would support any Republican who can “take out Hillary”.Jerry Springer, 68, (yes his real name, I checked) was one of those who had taken a break from the gun fair to turn out for Trump. Even though not a big fan of Trump, Springer said he would support any Republican who can “take out Hillary”.
Springer, who wore a sticker on the back of his shirt reading “1.20.17 OBAMA’S LAST DAY IN OFFICE!”, said Obama was “the worst president we have ever had”.Springer, who wore a sticker on the back of his shirt reading “1.20.17 OBAMA’S LAST DAY IN OFFICE!”, said Obama was “the worst president we have ever had”.
“Why? He is changing this country away from what it was. He doesn’t want people to pay for anything. He is giving away food stamps to everyone. He is making it so that people don’t have to pay for anything, and it is people like us that have to pay for everything.”“Why? He is changing this country away from what it was. He doesn’t want people to pay for anything. He is giving away food stamps to everyone. He is making it so that people don’t have to pay for anything, and it is people like us that have to pay for everything.”
Meet Jerry Springer (really, I checked his ID). He's not a fan of Obama, but not hugely keen on Trump either. pic.twitter.com/NiqXUuQwhMMeet Jerry Springer (really, I checked his ID). He's not a fan of Obama, but not hugely keen on Trump either. pic.twitter.com/NiqXUuQwhM
Trump, whose speech concentrated on his favourite topics of immigration, taxation and trade, said “we are being led by stupid people”, and he wanted to lead the country to “make America great again”.Trump, whose speech concentrated on his favourite topics of immigration, taxation and trade, said “we are being led by stupid people”, and he wanted to lead the country to “make America great again”.
He had a lot of fans in the room, including Rhonda Settles, a small business owner who has lived in Vegas since 1975, said Trump was “awesome as usual”.He had a lot of fans in the room, including Rhonda Settles, a small business owner who has lived in Vegas since 1975, said Trump was “awesome as usual”.
“The country is in a downward spiral, and Trump is the only one stepping up to the plate,” she said. “He is the one we can believe he can make America great again. He has a proven record, even though not necessarily in politics.”“The country is in a downward spiral, and Trump is the only one stepping up to the plate,” she said. “He is the one we can believe he can make America great again. He has a proven record, even though not necessarily in politics.”
Settles, who is African American, said she did not believe Trump was racist or prejudice, despite his description of Mexicans as criminals and rapists and his pledge to make Mexico pay for a wall along the border to prevent illegal immigration.Settles, who is African American, said she did not believe Trump was racist or prejudice, despite his description of Mexicans as criminals and rapists and his pledge to make Mexico pay for a wall along the border to prevent illegal immigration.
“Those were not negative [comments],” she said. “We have to protect our country, I don’t think he has anything to do with prejudice or racism. It is about following the laws that exist, but the current government has not been following.”“Those were not negative [comments],” she said. “We have to protect our country, I don’t think he has anything to do with prejudice or racism. It is about following the laws that exist, but the current government has not been following.”
Settles conceded that Trump did not make any real promises in his 45 minute Vegas speech, but said: “We’re at the point where we have to listen not to what they say but how they say it. Donald Trump is ringing true to a lot of people. I don’t need to know every detail. I just need to trust him, and I do.”Settles conceded that Trump did not make any real promises in his 45 minute Vegas speech, but said: “We’re at the point where we have to listen not to what they say but how they say it. Donald Trump is ringing true to a lot of people. I don’t need to know every detail. I just need to trust him, and I do.”
Sharon and Charles Wax, both in their eighties, are also strident Trump supports. “We think he’s absolutely fabulous,” said Sharon wearing a Trump hat, light-up bow tie and a t shirt showing her and Charles meeting Trump at a previous rally. “He thinks what Americans think, our country has gone down the tubes after eight years of Democrats. This is the only man who can bring trade back to America and, as he says, make America great again.”Sharon and Charles Wax, both in their eighties, are also strident Trump supports. “We think he’s absolutely fabulous,” said Sharon wearing a Trump hat, light-up bow tie and a t shirt showing her and Charles meeting Trump at a previous rally. “He thinks what Americans think, our country has gone down the tubes after eight years of Democrats. This is the only man who can bring trade back to America and, as he says, make America great again.”
10.27pm GMT10.27pm GMT
22:2722:27
If Congress handed out superlatives at the end of every session - and if the continued drollery of the Miss America pageant is any indication, it should - Texas senator Ted Cruz would be in no danger of winning “Most Popular.”If Congress handed out superlatives at the end of every session - and if the continued drollery of the Miss America pageant is any indication, it should - Texas senator Ted Cruz would be in no danger of winning “Most Popular.”
A new report from the Associated Press highlights Cruz’s deep unpopularity within the US senate, calling him the “least-favorite colleague” of nearly every Republican senator. But the abhorrence for Cruz’s personal politics and perceived grandstanding is giving way in the upper chamber to panic as members of the senate worry that Cruz’s nomination could spell the end of the party’s control of Congress.A new report from the Associated Press highlights Cruz’s deep unpopularity within the US senate, calling him the “least-favorite colleague” of nearly every Republican senator. But the abhorrence for Cruz’s personal politics and perceived grandstanding is giving way in the upper chamber to panic as members of the senate worry that Cruz’s nomination could spell the end of the party’s control of Congress.
Orrin Hatch of Utah told the Associated Press that he has yet to see “any great desire on [Cruz’s] part to really bring the party along with him, so that’s something that worries me.”Orrin Hatch of Utah told the Associated Press that he has yet to see “any great desire on [Cruz’s] part to really bring the party along with him, so that’s something that worries me.”
Representative Pete King of New York called Cruz a “fraud,” saying that he couldn’t name a single person in Washington “who gets this opposition from his own people. ... I’m talking about people as conservative as he is who just can’t stand him.”Representative Pete King of New York called Cruz a “fraud,” saying that he couldn’t name a single person in Washington “who gets this opposition from his own people. ... I’m talking about people as conservative as he is who just can’t stand him.”
Richard Burr of North Carolina even reportedly told supporters at a campaign fundraiser that he would rather vote for socialist senator Bernie Sanders than Cruz.Richard Burr of North Carolina even reportedly told supporters at a campaign fundraiser that he would rather vote for socialist senator Bernie Sanders than Cruz.
A few of the more glaring highlights that Cruz’s detractors cite in their opposition:A few of the more glaring highlights that Cruz’s detractors cite in their opposition:
And who does the senate seem ready to crown as Miss Congeniality? Florida senator Marco Rubio, who has received the endorsement of four Republican members of the chamber.And who does the senate seem ready to crown as Miss Congeniality? Florida senator Marco Rubio, who has received the endorsement of four Republican members of the chamber.
Cruz has received none.Cruz has received none.
9.53pm GMT9.53pm GMT
21:5321:53
Adam GabbattAdam Gabbatt
Filing from the bustling metropolis of Brooklyn, Adam Gabbatt reports that support for Vermont senator Bernie Sanders is at an alarming low.Filing from the bustling metropolis of Brooklyn, Adam Gabbatt reports that support for Vermont senator Bernie Sanders is at an alarming low.
Wait - scratch that.Wait - scratch that.
Filing from the sleepy cornfields of Brooklyn, Iowa, Adam Gabbatt reports that support for Vermont senator Bernie Sanders is at an alarming low:Filing from the sleepy cornfields of Brooklyn, Iowa, Adam Gabbatt reports that support for Vermont senator Bernie Sanders is at an alarming low:
Is Brooklyn, Iowa, for Bernie? I'm about to find out pic.twitter.com/JCPG0OrU7EIs Brooklyn, Iowa, for Bernie? I'm about to find out pic.twitter.com/JCPG0OrU7E
In Brooklyn, New York, the main industry is independent coffee shops and almond milk. In Brooklyn, Iowa, it is agriculture: corn, soy and dairy milk.In Brooklyn, New York, the main industry is independent coffee shops and almond milk. In Brooklyn, Iowa, it is agriculture: corn, soy and dairy milk.
More than 2.5 million people live in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn, Iowa, has a population of 1,500 people.More than 2.5 million people live in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn, Iowa, has a population of 1,500 people.
Oh – and in Brooklyn, New York, Bernie Sanders is wildly popular. Whereas in the Iowan Brooklyn, no one seems to like him very much.Oh – and in Brooklyn, New York, Bernie Sanders is wildly popular. Whereas in the Iowan Brooklyn, no one seems to like him very much.
“No,” said Marcia Kilmer, 66, when I asked if she would be voting for Sanders. She was having her hair cut in Shear Expressions. “He’s too old. I don’t like his age.” She likes Ted Cruz and Ben Carson.“No,” said Marcia Kilmer, 66, when I asked if she would be voting for Sanders. She was having her hair cut in Shear Expressions. “He’s too old. I don’t like his age.” She likes Ted Cruz and Ben Carson.
“I do not, myself,” said a woman in Brooklyn’s pharmacy, when I asked if she liked Sanders.“I do not, myself,” said a woman in Brooklyn’s pharmacy, when I asked if she liked Sanders.
“I’m not a big fan of spreading the wealth. I think you should get what you earn,” said a man called Paul, when I asked him why he didn’t like Sanders. Paul was sitting in Brooklyn’s grocery store, Seaton’s Flag Foods, with five friends.“I’m not a big fan of spreading the wealth. I think you should get what you earn,” said a man called Paul, when I asked him why he didn’t like Sanders. Paul was sitting in Brooklyn’s grocery store, Seaton’s Flag Foods, with five friends.
None of them supported Bernie Sanders.None of them supported Bernie Sanders.
Stay tuned for more updates from Brooklyn, Iowa...Stay tuned for more updates from Brooklyn, Iowa...
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.56pm GMTat 11.56pm GMT
9.47pm GMT9.47pm GMT
21:4721:47
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
Reporting from the frosty snowfields ofReporting from the frosty snowfields of
ArendelleArendelle
Iowa, the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs points out that the campaign’s favorite pediatric neurosurgeon is well-protected - if not well supported: Iowa, the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs points out that the campaign’s favorite pediatric neurosurgeon is well-protected - if not well supported:
Everyone remembers that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have Secret Service protection - but a third candidate does as well.Everyone remembers that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have Secret Service protection - but a third candidate does as well.
Despite his precipitous fall in polls, Ben Carson still has Secret Service protection. The retired neurosurgeon was given Secret Service protection in November along with Trump, at a point when the two were still neck-and-neck in the polls. Secret Service protection is awarded based a mix of factors, including polling and the number of death threats received. Hillary Clinton has been entitled to a Secret Service detail since the start of the campaign and beyond, due to her status as a former first lady.Despite his precipitous fall in polls, Ben Carson still has Secret Service protection. The retired neurosurgeon was given Secret Service protection in November along with Trump, at a point when the two were still neck-and-neck in the polls. Secret Service protection is awarded based a mix of factors, including polling and the number of death threats received. Hillary Clinton has been entitled to a Secret Service detail since the start of the campaign and beyond, due to her status as a former first lady.
The result is a jarring juxtaposition as one arrives at a Carson event. Despite his diminishing standing in the polls and a crowd that is heavily composed of high school students eager for an excuse to leave class early, there are still agents in suits and earpieces alertly scanning the crowd and a magnetometer at the entrance to the event.The result is a jarring juxtaposition as one arrives at a Carson event. Despite his diminishing standing in the polls and a crowd that is heavily composed of high school students eager for an excuse to leave class early, there are still agents in suits and earpieces alertly scanning the crowd and a magnetometer at the entrance to the event.
9.43pm GMT9.43pm GMT
21:4321:43
Rupert NeateRupert Neate
The Guardian business correspondent Rupert Neate is on the scene in Las Vegas, where Donald Trump is cutting into his best friend and favorite foe, the news media:The Guardian business correspondent Rupert Neate is on the scene in Las Vegas, where Donald Trump is cutting into his best friend and favorite foe, the news media:
Trump, in brilliant pink tie, starts off by attacking the media as "scumbags". 'All they focus on is the protesters' pic.twitter.com/gjh1BwTGbvTrump, in brilliant pink tie, starts off by attacking the media as "scumbags". 'All they focus on is the protesters' pic.twitter.com/gjh1BwTGbv
The room at the South Point resort and casino is filled to capacity - partly, Rupert says, by design:The room at the South Point resort and casino is filled to capacity - partly, Rupert says, by design:
More than 4,000 people were issued tickets to see Donald Trump in Vegas. Capacity is 1,5k. People are angry #trump pic.twitter.com/Jf40Yw3u4fMore than 4,000 people were issued tickets to see Donald Trump in Vegas. Capacity is 1,5k. People are angry #trump pic.twitter.com/Jf40Yw3u4f
9.36pm GMT9.36pm GMT
21:3621:36
Dan RobertsDan Roberts
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders is becoming a bit of a cut-up on the campaign trail, to rave reviews from audiences, reports Washington Bureau chief Dan Roberts:Vermont senator Bernie Sanders is becoming a bit of a cut-up on the campaign trail, to rave reviews from audiences, reports Washington Bureau chief Dan Roberts:
One sign of growing confidence in the Bernie Sanders camp is his willingness to gently mock his reputation for quirky public speaking. In recent days we’ve had quips about his hair and dress sense that do much to endear him to young supporters, but today at Southern New Hampshire University he took on the reputation for giving lectures. “Let me a bit professorial here,” said Sanders to laughter from the students. “Who knows the difference between real unemployment and official unemployment?”, he asked, in an exchange that would not have been out of place in economics class.One sign of growing confidence in the Bernie Sanders camp is his willingness to gently mock his reputation for quirky public speaking. In recent days we’ve had quips about his hair and dress sense that do much to endear him to young supporters, but today at Southern New Hampshire University he took on the reputation for giving lectures. “Let me a bit professorial here,” said Sanders to laughter from the students. “Who knows the difference between real unemployment and official unemployment?”, he asked, in an exchange that would not have been out of place in economics class.
The next assignment concerns the environment - a big theme here where Sanders was joined by campaigner Bill McKibben. “How does that relate to campaign finance?” asked the prof, before explaining his theory of the link between energy industry lobbying and climate change denial among Republicans.The next assignment concerns the environment - a big theme here where Sanders was joined by campaigner Bill McKibben. “How does that relate to campaign finance?” asked the prof, before explaining his theory of the link between energy industry lobbying and climate change denial among Republicans.
It’s not all one way though. After he acknowledged being accused of “Santa Claus” tendencies, one student asks the six-million-dollar question about how Sanders can possibly achieve everything he is proposing. “What am I smoking, you mean?,” he shot back to more laughter.It’s not all one way though. After he acknowledged being accused of “Santa Claus” tendencies, one student asks the six-million-dollar question about how Sanders can possibly achieve everything he is proposing. “What am I smoking, you mean?,” he shot back to more laughter.
(His answer, in case you were wondering, is that all radical change takes people by surprise.)(His answer, in case you were wondering, is that all radical change takes people by surprise.)
9.32pm GMT9.32pm GMT
21:3221:32
More from the Cable News Network’s polling apparatus...More from the Cable News Network’s polling apparatus...
The same survey that showed Hillary Clinton with a devastating eight-point deficit in Iowa indicates additional good news for outsider candidates who are relatively new to their party of choice. Billionaire frontrunner Donald Trump holds a double-digit lead among likely Republican caucus-goers in the Hawkeye State, leading Texas senator Ted Cruz by eleven points, 37% to 26%. The survey, conducted earlier this week, finds Florida senator Marco Rubio in third place at 14%, the only other Republican candidate to hold double digits in the state.The same survey that showed Hillary Clinton with a devastating eight-point deficit in Iowa indicates additional good news for outsider candidates who are relatively new to their party of choice. Billionaire frontrunner Donald Trump holds a double-digit lead among likely Republican caucus-goers in the Hawkeye State, leading Texas senator Ted Cruz by eleven points, 37% to 26%. The survey, conducted earlier this week, finds Florida senator Marco Rubio in third place at 14%, the only other Republican candidate to hold double digits in the state.
Trump jumped four points since the same poll was conducted in late November/early December, while Cruz picked up six points. Fifty-four percent of likely Iowa voters see Trump as the most qualified candidate to handle the economy, and an outright majority of 51% say he’s the best candidate on immigration. He even edges out Cruz on foreign policy, 27% to 25%, although among social conservatives, the Texas senator walks away with a leading 29% who are concerned about same-sex marriage and abortion.Trump jumped four points since the same poll was conducted in late November/early December, while Cruz picked up six points. Fifty-four percent of likely Iowa voters see Trump as the most qualified candidate to handle the economy, and an outright majority of 51% say he’s the best candidate on immigration. He even edges out Cruz on foreign policy, 27% to 25%, although among social conservatives, the Texas senator walks away with a leading 29% who are concerned about same-sex marriage and abortion.
Among the lower tier, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson “leads” with 6% - a quarter of the support he had among likely caucus-goers in October - with Jeb Bush and Mike Huckabee tied for fifth place at 3% each. Kentucky senator Rand Paul, who has put little energy in Iowa, is at 2%, while Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and previous caucus-winner Rick Santorum each pull in only 1% support.Among the lower tier, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson “leads” with 6% - a quarter of the support he had among likely caucus-goers in October - with Jeb Bush and Mike Huckabee tied for fifth place at 3% each. Kentucky senator Rand Paul, who has put little energy in Iowa, is at 2%, while Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and previous caucus-winner Rick Santorum each pull in only 1% support.
Put another way: If supporters of the bottom eight candidates were to coalesce behind a single person, that candidate would be in third place.Put another way: If supporters of the bottom eight candidates were to coalesce behind a single person, that candidate would be in third place.
9.15pm GMT9.15pm GMT
21:1521:15
Hillary Clinton's latest Iowa poll numbers are borderline disastrousHillary Clinton's latest Iowa poll numbers are borderline disastrous
CNN polls are officially on the Clinton hit list.CNN polls are officially on the Clinton hit list.
With only 11 days to go before the Iowa caucuses, a new CNN/ORC poll released Thursday afternoon finds Vermont senator Bernie Sanders with an astonishing eight-point lead over Hillary Clinton in Iowa – 51% to 43%. It’s a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the former secretary of state, who led Sanders by 18 points in the same poll last December, 54% to 36%.With only 11 days to go before the Iowa caucuses, a new CNN/ORC poll released Thursday afternoon finds Vermont senator Bernie Sanders with an astonishing eight-point lead over Hillary Clinton in Iowa – 51% to 43%. It’s a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the former secretary of state, who led Sanders by 18 points in the same poll last December, 54% to 36%.
The poll arrives on the heels of a CNN/WMUR poll released earlier this week that shows Sanders with a commanding 27-point lead in New Hampshire. A one-two loss in both Iowa, originally deemed safe Clinton territory, and New Hampshire could indicate an existential threat to the former secretary of state’s candidacy.The poll arrives on the heels of a CNN/WMUR poll released earlier this week that shows Sanders with a commanding 27-point lead in New Hampshire. A one-two loss in both Iowa, originally deemed safe Clinton territory, and New Hampshire could indicate an existential threat to the former secretary of state’s candidacy.
Key to Sanders’ lead: voters who will be caucusing for the first time. Among Democrats who caucused in 2008, Clinton leads Sanders by a comfortable 17 points, 55% to 38%. The self-declared socialist can also credit his perceived authenticity on economic issues as a major factor in the surge in support. Likely caucus-goers told CNN that they trust Sanders over Clinton on the economy by 22 points – two in three surveyed said they felt he would do more for America’s middle class. A mere 30% felt that way about Clinton.Key to Sanders’ lead: voters who will be caucusing for the first time. Among Democrats who caucused in 2008, Clinton leads Sanders by a comfortable 17 points, 55% to 38%. The self-declared socialist can also credit his perceived authenticity on economic issues as a major factor in the surge in support. Likely caucus-goers told CNN that they trust Sanders over Clinton on the economy by 22 points – two in three surveyed said they felt he would do more for America’s middle class. A mere 30% felt that way about Clinton.
It wasn’t exclusively bad news for the former secretary of state, who leads on foreign policy among likely Iowa voters, viewed as more trustworthy on the issue by a margin of 40 points. Additionally, despite what appear to be massive weaknesses in early states, Clinton is seen as the candidate most likely to win the general election in November, 60% to 38%.It wasn’t exclusively bad news for the former secretary of state, who leads on foreign policy among likely Iowa voters, viewed as more trustworthy on the issue by a margin of 40 points. Additionally, despite what appear to be massive weaknesses in early states, Clinton is seen as the candidate most likely to win the general election in November, 60% to 38%.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.21pm GMTat 9.21pm GMT
8.53pm GMT8.53pm GMT
20:5320:53
It may have flown under the radar, but an unexpectedly popular presidential candidate has picked up a huge (yuge?) endorsement from a vanguard of his adopted party’s activist wing.It may have flown under the radar, but an unexpectedly popular presidential candidate has picked up a huge (yuge?) endorsement from a vanguard of his adopted party’s activist wing.
No, not Donald Trump. Obviously, you heard all about that endorsement.No, not Donald Trump. Obviously, you heard all about that endorsement.
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders picked up the endorsement of The Nation, the oldest continuously published weekly magazine in the US and self-described “flagship of the left,” earlier this month. Now, Katrina vanden Heuvel, The Nation’s editor and publisher, has come out in an interview explaining the progressive magazine’s decision to endorse a primary candidate for only the third time in its 150-year history.Vermont senator Bernie Sanders picked up the endorsement of The Nation, the oldest continuously published weekly magazine in the US and self-described “flagship of the left,” earlier this month. Now, Katrina vanden Heuvel, The Nation’s editor and publisher, has come out in an interview explaining the progressive magazine’s decision to endorse a primary candidate for only the third time in its 150-year history.
“It is a statement of commitment to issues we believe in above all,” said vanden Heuvel in the magazine’s podcast Start Making Sense. Sanders, vanden Heuvel said, “lifts up, amplifies the issues that have animated The Nation over these last decades.”“It is a statement of commitment to issues we believe in above all,” said vanden Heuvel in the magazine’s podcast Start Making Sense. Sanders, vanden Heuvel said, “lifts up, amplifies the issues that have animated The Nation over these last decades.”
“The key issue... is inequality,” she elaborated. “There are many kinds of inequality, but Bernie Sanders is an unbought and passionate fighter against a rigged system and metastasizing inequality, economic and political.”“The key issue... is inequality,” she elaborated. “There are many kinds of inequality, but Bernie Sanders is an unbought and passionate fighter against a rigged system and metastasizing inequality, economic and political.”
“Above all, it was his commitment to exposing a rigged system” that prompted The Nation to give the self-declared socialist its endorsement in the Democratic primary.“Above all, it was his commitment to exposing a rigged system” that prompted The Nation to give the self-declared socialist its endorsement in the Democratic primary.
An endorsement from The Nation is a rare event - the periodical has previously endorsed Ulysses S. Grant in 1868, Norman Thomas in 1943 and Franklin Delano Roosevelt in each of his four campaigns - and even rarer in a primary campaign. It’s the second time that the magazine has endorsed Hillary Clinton’s main rival in the Democratic primary, having bestowed the honor upon then-senator Barack Obama in 2008.An endorsement from The Nation is a rare event - the periodical has previously endorsed Ulysses S. Grant in 1868, Norman Thomas in 1943 and Franklin Delano Roosevelt in each of his four campaigns - and even rarer in a primary campaign. It’s the second time that the magazine has endorsed Hillary Clinton’s main rival in the Democratic primary, having bestowed the honor upon then-senator Barack Obama in 2008.
Listen to the full interview, in which vanden Heuvel (pronounced “VAN-din HOY-vul,” in case you were stumped) praises Sanders’ ability to raise millions almost exclusively from small donors, calling him “liberated” to pursue progressive policies without fear of political reprisal.Listen to the full interview, in which vanden Heuvel (pronounced “VAN-din HOY-vul,” in case you were stumped) praises Sanders’ ability to raise millions almost exclusively from small donors, calling him “liberated” to pursue progressive policies without fear of political reprisal.
8.06pm GMT8.06pm GMT
20:0620:06
Dan RobertsDan Roberts
Despite some new polls showing Bernie Sanders ahead in New Hampshire by as much as 27 points, there is an air of realism at his first campaign stop since the latest surge captured headlines here, writes Guardian Washington bureau chief Dan Roberts:Despite some new polls showing Bernie Sanders ahead in New Hampshire by as much as 27 points, there is an air of realism at his first campaign stop since the latest surge captured headlines here, writes Guardian Washington bureau chief Dan Roberts:
The meeting with seniors at the Peterborough community center reflected a conscious push by the campaign to bolster support among older voters, whose undeniable interest in the 74-year-old has been somewhat eclipsed by the more vocal enthusiasm Sanders generally receives from students and younger voters.The meeting with seniors at the Peterborough community center reflected a conscious push by the campaign to bolster support among older voters, whose undeniable interest in the 74-year-old has been somewhat eclipsed by the more vocal enthusiasm Sanders generally receives from students and younger voters.
“He cares about us older folks – he is one of us you know,” says Merry Stockwell, a volunteer who introduced the senator from neighbouring Vermont to this retirement community an hour or so north of Boston.“He cares about us older folks – he is one of us you know,” says Merry Stockwell, a volunteer who introduced the senator from neighbouring Vermont to this retirement community an hour or so north of Boston.
“I believe in what he is saying, I’m just not sure how much of it he is going to be able to achieve,” said Ruth, a 68-year-old retired educator from the nearby town of Antrim, who is one of the many voters in the state still to make up their minds.“I believe in what he is saying, I’m just not sure how much of it he is going to be able to achieve,” said Ruth, a 68-year-old retired educator from the nearby town of Antrim, who is one of the many voters in the state still to make up their minds.
Though equally sceptical about Hillary Clinton – “Hillary has got a lot of baggage” – she shrugs when asked what might convince her that Sanders can realistically take on Republicans and win the White House.Though equally sceptical about Hillary Clinton – “Hillary has got a lot of baggage” – she shrugs when asked what might convince her that Sanders can realistically take on Republicans and win the White House.
Read the full piece here.Read the full piece here.
Related: Bernie Sanders cites New Hampshire lead as he makes case for White HouseRelated: Bernie Sanders cites New Hampshire lead as he makes case for White House
7.57pm GMT7.57pm GMT
19:5719:57
Snyder to face CongressSnyder to face Congress
Congress wants to hear from the governor of Michigan about poisonous drinking water in the town of Flint:Congress wants to hear from the governor of Michigan about poisonous drinking water in the town of Flint:
BREAKING: Rick Snyder will testify in front of Congress on Feb. 3 https://t.co/iwW2OzfjuGBREAKING: Rick Snyder will testify in front of Congress on Feb. 3 https://t.co/iwW2OzfjuG
Read Joanna Walters’ profile of Snyder here:Read Joanna Walters’ profile of Snyder here:
Related: Flint water crisis: governor's brand of corporate politics set stage for disasterRelated: Flint water crisis: governor's brand of corporate politics set stage for disaster