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Sanders leads Clinton in Iowa by eight points in new poll – campaign latest as it happened Sanders leads Clinton in Iowa by eight points in new poll – campaign latest as it happened
(about 1 month 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 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.
Updated
at 1.36pm GMT
3.23am GMT3.23am GMT
03:2303:23
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.”