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Donald Trump 'would love to have Michael Bloomberg run' – politics live Donald Trump 'would love to have Michael Bloomberg run' – politics live
(about 1 hour later)
6.56pm GMT
18:56
Martin Pengelly
Twitter – or at least one of its many denizens, in this case a Guardian UK type – has spoken:
The Seinfeld reboot looks rubbish. pic.twitter.com/STvy9FRKoj
Here’s a thing: close on five years ago, in the middle of the original “birther” furore over Barack Obama’s qualification to be president, Jerry Seinfeld and Donald Trump became involved in a bit of a contretemps.
Seinfeld, you see, called Donald Trump “God’s gift to comedy” and also said: “If God gave comedians the power to invent people, the first person we would invent is Donald Trump.”
The Donald, meanwhile, had a pop at Seinfeld over one of his post-Seinfeld non-Seinfeld projects, writing: “What I do feel badly about is that I agreed to do, and did, your failed show The Marriage Ref, even though I thought it was absolutely terrible.”
So that's nice.
5.45pm GMT5.45pm GMT
17:4517:45
Martin PengellyMartin Pengelly
This just in from Reuters…This just in from Reuters…
The US House of Representatives will not vote on legislation on Tuesday and Wednesday because of the severe winter storm that hit the country’s capital city over the weekend, according to majority leader Kevin McCarthy’s office. The next vote by the congressional chamber is expected on 1 February.The US House of Representatives will not vote on legislation on Tuesday and Wednesday because of the severe winter storm that hit the country’s capital city over the weekend, according to majority leader Kevin McCarthy’s office. The next vote by the congressional chamber is expected on 1 February.
…so that would be no voting on two days this week because of a storm which hit the capital, and indeed the Capitol, three days before the first of those two now voteless days. If you follow.…so that would be no voting on two days this week because of a storm which hit the capital, and indeed the Capitol, three days before the first of those two now voteless days. If you follow.
It’s not as if Congress gets much done these days anyway, of course. Although maybe, as Ben Jacobs writes, it actually does.It’s not as if Congress gets much done these days anyway, of course. Although maybe, as Ben Jacobs writes, it actually does.
4.48pm GMT4.48pm GMT
16:4816:48
Martin PengellyMartin Pengelly
…and that’s that for the talk shows, which the mighty Alan Yuhas watched and blogged so you didn’t have to, which as jobs goes is a bit like being the guy I saw driving a Bobcat in the driveway of a swanky Manhattan co-op yesterday. You drive, you sweat, you work and work and work… and still the snow keeps coming.…and that’s that for the talk shows, which the mighty Alan Yuhas watched and blogged so you didn’t have to, which as jobs goes is a bit like being the guy I saw driving a Bobcat in the driveway of a swanky Manhattan co-op yesterday. You drive, you sweat, you work and work and work… and still the snow keeps coming.
Anyway. One smorgasbord dealt with, here’s another. On the Guardian today, as well as the “he said, she said, we said, you said, we all said while screaming for mercy if not ice cream” back and forth of the shows, we have the following politics fare:Anyway. One smorgasbord dealt with, here’s another. On the Guardian today, as well as the “he said, she said, we said, you said, we all said while screaming for mercy if not ice cream” back and forth of the shows, we have the following politics fare:
In the east, at least, that should keep you reading while other people get on with clearing the snow.In the east, at least, that should keep you reading while other people get on with clearing the snow.
4.23pm GMT4.23pm GMT
16:2316:23
Trump: I would love Bloomberg competitionTrump: I would love Bloomberg competition
And finally, Donald Trump has phoned in to Meet the Press, too. He starts going off on Senator Ted Cruz, his closest rival in Iowa, almost immediately.And finally, Donald Trump has phoned in to Meet the Press, too. He starts going off on Senator Ted Cruz, his closest rival in Iowa, almost immediately.
“I am a conservative. But I get along with people. Ted cannot get along with people at all,” he says.“I am a conservative. But I get along with people. Ted cannot get along with people at all,” he says.
I mean, the biggest problem he has, he’s a nasty guy and nobody likes him. Not one Republican senator, he works with them every day, not one Republican senator has endorsed Ted Cruz.I mean, the biggest problem he has, he’s a nasty guy and nobody likes him. Not one Republican senator, he works with them every day, not one Republican senator has endorsed Ted Cruz.
No Republican senators have endorsed Trump, either, though one popular, six-term Iowa senator did show up at a Trump rally on Saturday, and even used the billionaire’s slogan “make America great again”.No Republican senators have endorsed Trump, either, though one popular, six-term Iowa senator did show up at a Trump rally on Saturday, and even used the billionaire’s slogan “make America great again”.
Trump then runs through his breakup with Cruz, who was chummy toward the Donald right until he caught up with him in the polls.Trump then runs through his breakup with Cruz, who was chummy toward the Donald right until he caught up with him in the polls.
Look, he was very nice to me, and I kept saying, ‘When is it going to happen, Ted? When is it going to happen?’ I was waiting, because I wanted counterparts. I don’t want to be the first one. And then during the debate, a debate which everyone said I won, he got very nasty. And he started hitting me and I hit him back.Look, he was very nice to me, and I kept saying, ‘When is it going to happen, Ted? When is it going to happen?’ I was waiting, because I wanted counterparts. I don’t want to be the first one. And then during the debate, a debate which everyone said I won, he got very nasty. And he started hitting me and I hit him back.
And then, you know, since then. But I was saying, he was following along, anything I said was OK to him. Anything I said. And he was really, you know, look, I had some people that have been terrific on the stand. And I like some of the candidates very much on a personal basis. But Ted was very nice. And then I said, and during that period of time, I said, ‘Come on, Ted, when is it going to happen?’ Because I understand Ted. Ted’s a nasty guy, who is not a very well-liked person.And then, you know, since then. But I was saying, he was following along, anything I said was OK to him. Anything I said. And he was really, you know, look, I had some people that have been terrific on the stand. And I like some of the candidates very much on a personal basis. But Ted was very nice. And then I said, and during that period of time, I said, ‘Come on, Ted, when is it going to happen?’ Because I understand Ted. Ted’s a nasty guy, who is not a very well-liked person.
As for Cruz’s accusations that Trump is not a “real conservative”, Trump has two words: “Ronald” and “Reagan”.As for Cruz’s accusations that Trump is not a “real conservative”, Trump has two words: “Ronald” and “Reagan”.
“He was a somewhat liberal Democrat, and over the years, he evolved and he became fairly conservative. Not overly, a fairly conservative Republican.”“He was a somewhat liberal Democrat, and over the years, he evolved and he became fairly conservative. Not overly, a fairly conservative Republican.”
Trump flips the attack around on Cruz: “Ted Cruz was absolutely weak on immigration and then all of a sudden he got stronger.”Trump flips the attack around on Cruz: “Ted Cruz was absolutely weak on immigration and then all of a sudden he got stronger.”
He adds a line about how he doesn’t know if the Texas senator (born a dual Canadian-American citizen) is eligible for president.He adds a line about how he doesn’t know if the Texas senator (born a dual Canadian-American citizen) is eligible for president.
Trump also promises he will release his tax returns – but he won’t say when. Rest assured, though, “I have very big returns and I have everything all approved and very beautiful.”Trump also promises he will release his tax returns – but he won’t say when. Rest assured, though, “I have very big returns and I have everything all approved and very beautiful.”
He wishes politicians wouldn’t give his tax money to Iraq.He wishes politicians wouldn’t give his tax money to Iraq.
Related: United States of New York: Bloomberg 2016 talk keeps focus on Big AppleRelated: United States of New York: Bloomberg 2016 talk keeps focus on Big Apple
As for Bloomberg, Trump is all for it. “Michael has been a friend of mine over the years, I don’t know if we’re friends anymore, frankly. But Michael has been a friend of mine. I would love to have Michael Bloomberg run. I would love that competition.”As for Bloomberg, Trump is all for it. “Michael has been a friend of mine over the years, I don’t know if we’re friends anymore, frankly. But Michael has been a friend of mine. I would love to have Michael Bloomberg run. I would love that competition.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.37pm GMTat 4.37pm GMT
4.15pm GMT4.15pm GMT
16:1516:15
Bernie Sanders is also on the NBC talk show, and talking about how much he would love to take on Donald Trump in the general election.Bernie Sanders is also on the NBC talk show, and talking about how much he would love to take on Donald Trump in the general election.
“I would very much look forward to a race against Donald Trump, a guy who doesn’t want to raise the minimum wage but wants to give hundreds of billions of dollars to the top [1] percent.“I would very much look forward to a race against Donald Trump, a guy who doesn’t want to raise the minimum wage but wants to give hundreds of billions of dollars to the top [1] percent.
“There is nothing in this world that I would like more than to face Donald Trump. We would beat him and we would beat him badly.”“There is nothing in this world that I would like more than to face Donald Trump. We would beat him and we would beat him badly.”
Sanders says “what is unique about this race” are the dichotomies appearing: not just a “political establishment” but also “the financial interests in this country”, and “corporate establishment.”Sanders says “what is unique about this race” are the dichotomies appearing: not just a “political establishment” but also “the financial interests in this country”, and “corporate establishment.”
Chuck Todd asks Sanders why he wouldn’t support reparations for slavery, an idea raised by writer Ta-Nehisi Coates in a 2014 essay.Chuck Todd asks Sanders why he wouldn’t support reparations for slavery, an idea raised by writer Ta-Nehisi Coates in a 2014 essay.
Sanders dodges, or, if your being generous, elides. He says he does not support reparations “for the same reason that Barack Obama and for the same reason i believe Hillary Clinton has”.Sanders dodges, or, if your being generous, elides. He says he does not support reparations “for the same reason that Barack Obama and for the same reason i believe Hillary Clinton has”.
He talks about the need to invest in young people and to take on poverty, especially in African American communities, and especially in improving education and reforming the criminal justice system. “We have got to invest in the future. We have got to address poverty … I think our candidacy is the candidacy talking to the issues of the African American community.”He talks about the need to invest in young people and to take on poverty, especially in African American communities, and especially in improving education and reforming the criminal justice system. “We have got to invest in the future. We have got to address poverty … I think our candidacy is the candidacy talking to the issues of the African American community.”
The Clinton campaign has not yet responded to questions from the Guardian about her position on reparations.The Clinton campaign has not yet responded to questions from the Guardian about her position on reparations.
Pressed on the question of some of his more ambitious proposals, he again elides, saying that he believes some of his ideas are possible because of the sheer number of voters who he thinks have been marginalized in the electorate. “That is why billionaires are able to buy elections,” he says. But with young people, minorities and others, he says, “we can raise the minimum wage, we can create jobs.”Pressed on the question of some of his more ambitious proposals, he again elides, saying that he believes some of his ideas are possible because of the sheer number of voters who he thinks have been marginalized in the electorate. “That is why billionaires are able to buy elections,” he says. But with young people, minorities and others, he says, “we can raise the minimum wage, we can create jobs.”
Finally, Sanders gets the Bloomberg question of the day.Finally, Sanders gets the Bloomberg question of the day.
“Well, my reaction is if Donald Trump wins and Mr Blomberg gets in. you’re going to have multibillionaires running for president of the United States. I don’t think the American people want to see the [US] move toward an oligarchy.”“Well, my reaction is if Donald Trump wins and Mr Blomberg gets in. you’re going to have multibillionaires running for president of the United States. I don’t think the American people want to see the [US] move toward an oligarchy.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.53pm GMTat 4.53pm GMT
4.02pm GMT4.02pm GMT
16:0216:02
Clinton defends speeches to big banksClinton defends speeches to big banks
Hillary Clinton is on NBC’s Meet the Press, where Chuck Todd throws her a softball: what would be your biggest priority as president?Hillary Clinton is on NBC’s Meet the Press, where Chuck Todd throws her a softball: what would be your biggest priority as president?
“There are several really important issues, healthcare being one of them,” she says.“There are several really important issues, healthcare being one of them,” she says.
“I’ve met a man on Friday who can no longer afford to pay for his HIV medication,” she says, and a woman whose prescription costs went from a few hundred to into the thousands. “That really hits my heart, I know what people are going through.”“I’ve met a man on Friday who can no longer afford to pay for his HIV medication,” she says, and a woman whose prescription costs went from a few hundred to into the thousands. “That really hits my heart, I know what people are going through.”
She says she would work to lower prices and “cap those prescription drug companies”. Plus she wants to “fix the job system”, “get more jobs”. It’s very stumpy.She says she would work to lower prices and “cap those prescription drug companies”. Plus she wants to “fix the job system”, “get more jobs”. It’s very stumpy.
Todd asks a more pointed question: how come you took millions in speaking fees from banks?Todd asks a more pointed question: how come you took millions in speaking fees from banks?
I gave speeches to a wide array of groups, from healthcare groups to auto dealers and many many more … what they were interested in … was the world. Coming off of four years as secretary of state in a complicated world … people were interested in what I saw, what I thought.I gave speeches to a wide array of groups, from healthcare groups to auto dealers and many many more … what they were interested in … was the world. Coming off of four years as secretary of state in a complicated world … people were interested in what I saw, what I thought.
There was “a lot of interest in the Bin Laden raid,” she says. “Americans who are doing business in avery aspect of the economy want to know more about the world.”There was “a lot of interest in the Bin Laden raid,” she says. “Americans who are doing business in avery aspect of the economy want to know more about the world.”
So no conflict of interest with the banks? “Absolutely not. I took them on when I was senator.” She says she took on mortgage and investment firms back in 2006 … and then she says that as president she will make sure those same firms “no longer can wreck our economy the way they did in 2008”.So no conflict of interest with the banks? “Absolutely not. I took them on when I was senator.” She says she took on mortgage and investment firms back in 2006 … and then she says that as president she will make sure those same firms “no longer can wreck our economy the way they did in 2008”.
Finally, Clinton says the former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg – who is reportedly thinking about getting in the race – is “a good friend of mine”. But she won’t talk about the hypothetical of his candidacy.Finally, Clinton says the former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg – who is reportedly thinking about getting in the race – is “a good friend of mine”. But she won’t talk about the hypothetical of his candidacy.
“I’m going to do the best i can to make sure that I get the nomination and we’ll go from there,” she says.“I’m going to do the best i can to make sure that I get the nomination and we’ll go from there,” she says.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.09pm GMTat 4.09pm GMT
3.30pm GMT3.30pm GMT
15:3015:30
The camera turns to Florida senator Marco Rubio, the Republican candidate du jour on Fox News Sunday.The camera turns to Florida senator Marco Rubio, the Republican candidate du jour on Fox News Sunday.
Host Chris Wallace asks Rubio about his hot new endorsement from the Des Moines Register, the influential Iowa newspaper. Rubio says it’s all part of the plan. “This is the momentum we need.”Host Chris Wallace asks Rubio about his hot new endorsement from the Des Moines Register, the influential Iowa newspaper. Rubio says it’s all part of the plan. “This is the momentum we need.”
He gets upset when Wallace suggests Rubio doesn’t seem to have so much momentum in the polls, where he’s hovering around third and shows little hope of winning the early states.He gets upset when Wallace suggests Rubio doesn’t seem to have so much momentum in the polls, where he’s hovering around third and shows little hope of winning the early states.
“This is along slog because there’s a number of people running,” Rubio says, calling the race an “unusual primary”.. He brags: “we have more ads on television than any candidate in Iowa and New Hampshire and South Carolina.” Those ads are shorter, is all. “We’re always looking to save money.”“This is along slog because there’s a number of people running,” Rubio says, calling the race an “unusual primary”.. He brags: “we have more ads on television than any candidate in Iowa and New Hampshire and South Carolina.” Those ads are shorter, is all. “We’re always looking to save money.”
Rubio turns most of the interview into a stump speech about defeating Hillary Clinton, though Wallace manages to prod him about whether he’s more of a mainstream candidate – unpopular types at the moment – or more of the rogue/rabble-rouser type beloved by some conservatives.Rubio turns most of the interview into a stump speech about defeating Hillary Clinton, though Wallace manages to prod him about whether he’s more of a mainstream candidate – unpopular types at the moment – or more of the rogue/rabble-rouser type beloved by some conservatives.
“Most of the establishment said to me, ‘you have to wait, you can’t run,’” Rubio says. He argues that it’s “big money from the establishment” that’s targeting him in negative ads. To show off his outsider bona fides he says he’s the only candidate who’s “ever done anything against Obamacare, not a speech but I actually achieved something … We got rid of the bailout fund, which may very well result in the collapse of Obamacare.”“Most of the establishment said to me, ‘you have to wait, you can’t run,’” Rubio says. He argues that it’s “big money from the establishment” that’s targeting him in negative ads. To show off his outsider bona fides he says he’s the only candidate who’s “ever done anything against Obamacare, not a speech but I actually achieved something … We got rid of the bailout fund, which may very well result in the collapse of Obamacare.”
Wallace points out that he’s basically making this up. “Well, they’re wrong,” says Rubio. He changes the subject: Ted Cruz’s tax plans. Wallace changes the subject again: how about those Bloomberg-for-president rumors?Wallace points out that he’s basically making this up. “Well, they’re wrong,” says Rubio. He changes the subject: Ted Cruz’s tax plans. Wallace changes the subject again: how about those Bloomberg-for-president rumors?
“I don’t agree on his stance on the second amendment and other issues,” Rubio says. “If he decides to be come a candidate I’ll engage.”“I don’t agree on his stance on the second amendment and other issues,” Rubio says. “If he decides to be come a candidate I’ll engage.”
3.13pm GMT3.13pm GMT
15:1315:13
Martin PengellyMartin Pengelly
Tina Fey returned to Saturday Night Live as Sarah Palin and it was…Tina Fey returned to Saturday Night Live as Sarah Palin and it was…
…emotional.…emotional.
Announcing that she was taking a break from her “full-time career writing things on Facebook”, Fey’s Palin endorsed Darrell Hammond’s Trump. And, mere days after Palin-Palin entered the fray in 2016 with a speech for the ages – assuming mankind in its entirety gets to spend those ages in a padded room surrounded by bright, edgeless objects and soothing music – among those who will never forget Fey-Palin’s impact on the 2008 presidential election … there was much rejoicing.Announcing that she was taking a break from her “full-time career writing things on Facebook”, Fey’s Palin endorsed Darrell Hammond’s Trump. And, mere days after Palin-Palin entered the fray in 2016 with a speech for the ages – assuming mankind in its entirety gets to spend those ages in a padded room surrounded by bright, edgeless objects and soothing music – among those who will never forget Fey-Palin’s impact on the 2008 presidential election … there was much rejoicing.
“So many of us have lost our jobs at the factories or on reality shows about Alaska,” Fey-Palin began, in her appeal to a suffering America. “Or seen our own children targeted by the police for no reason other than that they committed some crimes.”“So many of us have lost our jobs at the factories or on reality shows about Alaska,” Fey-Palin began, in her appeal to a suffering America. “Or seen our own children targeted by the police for no reason other than that they committed some crimes.”
Reference points: see here, and here.Reference points: see here, and here.
Fey-Palin then gave her version of the “holy rollers, rock and rollers” part of Palin’s speech in support of Trump last week.Fey-Palin then gave her version of the “holy rollers, rock and rollers” part of Palin’s speech in support of Trump last week.
“She’s crazy, isn’t she,” Hammond-Trump said, to camera.“She’s crazy, isn’t she,” Hammond-Trump said, to camera.
And that seemed to be the theme for the cold open: SNL considers Palin “two Corinthians short of a bible”. It’s not biting satire, is it?And that seemed to be the theme for the cold open: SNL considers Palin “two Corinthians short of a bible”. It’s not biting satire, is it?
Fey-Palin’s conclusion, thus:Fey-Palin’s conclusion, thus:
Guess what, America, I don’t really think this guy should be president. I’m just here ’cause he’s promised me a spot in his cabinet. And I belong in a cabinet ’cause I’m full of spice and I’ve got a great rack.Guess what, America, I don’t really think this guy should be president. I’m just here ’cause he’s promised me a spot in his cabinet. And I belong in a cabinet ’cause I’m full of spice and I’ve got a great rack.
SNL writers room haunted by the ghost of Benny Hill? It would be a headline, at least.SNL writers room haunted by the ghost of Benny Hill? It would be a headline, at least.
Related: Apocalypse now: Sarah Palin's bizarre Trump endorsement analyzedRelated: Apocalypse now: Sarah Palin's bizarre Trump endorsement analyzed
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.15pm GMTat 3.15pm GMT
3.00pm GMT3.00pm GMT
15:0015:00
Martin PengellyMartin Pengelly
This just in while simultaneously coming down the track this morning, thanks to the miracle that is Politico’s Playbook email, which has excerpted it.This just in while simultaneously coming down the track this morning, thanks to the miracle that is Politico’s Playbook email, which has excerpted it.
On Thursday, Donald Trump spoke to Howard Kurtz, host of Fox News’ Media Buzz. The conversation goes out at 11am ET today.On Thursday, Donald Trump spoke to Howard Kurtz, host of Fox News’ Media Buzz. The conversation goes out at 11am ET today.
According to the Politico excerpt, Trump was asked about African American voters and his appeal to them. He said:According to the Politico excerpt, Trump was asked about African American voters and his appeal to them. He said:
They are going to like me better than they like Obama. The truth is Obama has done nothing for them.They are going to like me better than they like Obama. The truth is Obama has done nothing for them.
Kurtz attempted to interject, saying “Wait…”Kurtz attempted to interject, saying “Wait…”
But Trump continued:But Trump continued:
He’s African American. He’s done nothing for them.He’s African American. He’s done nothing for them.
Kurtz managed to interject, asking: “Did you just say African Americans are going to like you better than the first African American president?”Kurtz managed to interject, asking: “Did you just say African Americans are going to like you better than the first African American president?”
To which Trump said:To which Trump said:
I think that relatively speaking – I mean, he does have a slight advantage, in all fairness – but I think relatively speaking, when I am finished, I think they will absolutely love Donald Trump.”I think that relatively speaking – I mean, he does have a slight advantage, in all fairness – but I think relatively speaking, when I am finished, I think they will absolutely love Donald Trump.”
Kurtz then asked Trump if he would “tone down your rhetoric” and “reach out to minorities more” if he gained the Republican nomination.Kurtz then asked Trump if he would “tone down your rhetoric” and “reach out to minorities more” if he gained the Republican nomination.
Trump said:Trump said:
Oh, absolutely.Oh, absolutely.
There you have it. The anti-immigrant rhetoric, the anti-Muslim rhetoric… is just a means to an end. He says.There you have it. The anti-immigrant rhetoric, the anti-Muslim rhetoric… is just a means to an end. He says.
2.38pm GMT2.38pm GMT
14:3814:38
Bush: 'I admire Rick Snyder'Bush: 'I admire Rick Snyder'
Next on the carousel is former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who looks sad to be here in this interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.Next on the carousel is former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who looks sad to be here in this interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
“I hope to be the nominee,” he says, perhaps unnecessarily in context. “I think Donald Trump would be a disaster as the nominee because he’s a conservative. Ted Cruz is certainly a conservative but he doesn’t have a proven record.”“I hope to be the nominee,” he says, perhaps unnecessarily in context. “I think Donald Trump would be a disaster as the nominee because he’s a conservative. Ted Cruz is certainly a conservative but he doesn’t have a proven record.”
Bush is fifth in the aggregate of national polls, below retired neurosurgeon and pyramid truther Ben Carson, with around 5%. His losing for now is just part of the process, he says.Bush is fifth in the aggregate of national polls, below retired neurosurgeon and pyramid truther Ben Carson, with around 5%. His losing for now is just part of the process, he says.
We need to let the process work … This will sort itself out … I feel good about where we are. The reason Donald Trump does well is there’s a perception of strength … It’s not strong to insult women. It’s not strong to insult Hispanics.We need to let the process work … This will sort itself out … I feel good about where we are. The reason Donald Trump does well is there’s a perception of strength … It’s not strong to insult women. It’s not strong to insult Hispanics.
He adds that it’s not strong to insult prisoners of war or the disabled (Trump went after Senator John McCain and a reporter with a disability last year). “He’s not the strong horse,” Bush says. “He’s insecure. He’s weak.”He adds that it’s not strong to insult prisoners of war or the disabled (Trump went after Senator John McCain and a reporter with a disability last year). “He’s not the strong horse,” Bush says. “He’s insecure. He’s weak.”
Bush argues that he doesn’t need to be popular to win a national election. Hey, his brother did it. “That’s the problem with chasing popularity, because it changes.”Bush argues that he doesn’t need to be popular to win a national election. Hey, his brother did it. “That’s the problem with chasing popularity, because it changes.”
Tapper asks about the possibility of a Bloomberg candidacy, again. Bush says it’s not gonna happen.Tapper asks about the possibility of a Bloomberg candidacy, again. Bush says it’s not gonna happen.
“Mike Bloomberg is a good man. We disagree on a whole lot of things but he’s a good person, he’s a patriot.”“Mike Bloomberg is a good man. We disagree on a whole lot of things but he’s a good person, he’s a patriot.”
Related: United States of New York: Bloomberg 2016 talk keeps focus on Big AppleRelated: United States of New York: Bloomberg 2016 talk keeps focus on Big Apple
Bush says he just wants to be the conservative candidate of choice and can’t do much about the other guys competing with him for the job.Bush says he just wants to be the conservative candidate of choice and can’t do much about the other guys competing with him for the job.
“I can’t follow all of this stuff,” he says, perhaps too honestly. “This is how politics works. This is pretty tame compared to previous elections. I can’t control what I can’t control.”“I can’t follow all of this stuff,” he says, perhaps too honestly. “This is how politics works. This is pretty tame compared to previous elections. I can’t control what I can’t control.”
Finally Tapper asks about the crisis involving lead-poisoned water in Flint, Michigan. Emails show that Republican governor Rick Snyder ignored and dismissed the problem more than a year ago, even as children began showing signs of irreparable lead poisoning. Bush says we should probably blame big government.Finally Tapper asks about the crisis involving lead-poisoned water in Flint, Michigan. Emails show that Republican governor Rick Snyder ignored and dismissed the problem more than a year ago, even as children began showing signs of irreparable lead poisoning. Bush says we should probably blame big government.
“I admire Rick Snyder for stepping up,” Bush says. He likes that Snyder has “fired people, accepted responsiblitiy for trying to fix this”. He doesn’t like that city and state and federal officials weren’t talking more, and blames “20th-century regulation in a 21st-century world”.“I admire Rick Snyder for stepping up,” Bush says. He likes that Snyder has “fired people, accepted responsiblitiy for trying to fix this”. He doesn’t like that city and state and federal officials weren’t talking more, and blames “20th-century regulation in a 21st-century world”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.30pm GMTat 3.30pm GMT
2.25pm GMT2.25pm GMT
14:2514:25
First up on the morning talk shows is governor Chris Christie, who tells CNN’s Jake Tapper that he did a dandy job managing the snowstorm in New Jersey, nothing to fear from icy flooding in coastal cities here. Then they talk politics.First up on the morning talk shows is governor Chris Christie, who tells CNN’s Jake Tapper that he did a dandy job managing the snowstorm in New Jersey, nothing to fear from icy flooding in coastal cities here. Then they talk politics.
Tapper asks Christie why should Americans elect him president when the governor has a 31% approval rating from New Jerseyans, his lowest ever. That’s only because he’s running for president, Christie says.Tapper asks Christie why should Americans elect him president when the governor has a 31% approval rating from New Jerseyans, his lowest ever. That’s only because he’s running for president, Christie says.
When you start looking for another job your current employer gets a little miffed. But i think they saw yesterday what strong effective leadership can do in the midst of a crisis.When you start looking for another job your current employer gets a little miffed. But i think they saw yesterday what strong effective leadership can do in the midst of a crisis.
He says that his rating has been as a high as 75% “and every place in between”. “I don’t govern for approval ratings I govern for results … when the chips are down I deliver.”He says that his rating has been as a high as 75% “and every place in between”. “I don’t govern for approval ratings I govern for results … when the chips are down I deliver.”
Tapper asks about the possibility of a Bloomberg candidacy. Christie says he can’t judge until the former mayor hits the “relentless nature” of the campaign trail. “That tells you a lot about what kind of person the president will be … when you’re not a candidate you don’t deserve to be evaluated as whether you’d make a good president or not.”Tapper asks about the possibility of a Bloomberg candidacy. Christie says he can’t judge until the former mayor hits the “relentless nature” of the campaign trail. “That tells you a lot about what kind of person the president will be … when you’re not a candidate you don’t deserve to be evaluated as whether you’d make a good president or not.”
But was he a good mayor? “Oh yeah, he was a good mayor, sure.”But was he a good mayor? “Oh yeah, he was a good mayor, sure.”
How about your rival, senator Marco Rubio? Not so much.How about your rival, senator Marco Rubio? Not so much.
Rubio “has never been responsible for anything … I don’t expect senator Rubio to understand that because he’s never had to make a decision of any consequence.”Rubio “has never been responsible for anything … I don’t expect senator Rubio to understand that because he’s never had to make a decision of any consequence.”
He says that life as a US senator reminds him of a school in which everyone does as they’ve been told.He says that life as a US senator reminds him of a school in which everyone does as they’ve been told.
But don’t misunderstand this as being negative about anybody, Christie says. “Governor Kasich has been negative, senator Rubio has been relentlessly negative … Mr Trump has been negative. “We’re simply not going to engage in that game.”But don’t misunderstand this as being negative about anybody, Christie says. “Governor Kasich has been negative, senator Rubio has been relentlessly negative … Mr Trump has been negative. “We’re simply not going to engage in that game.”
“We will punch back if we feel like we need to but we’re certainly not going to initiate that kind of thing … I think we’re doing just fine.”“We will punch back if we feel like we need to but we’re certainly not going to initiate that kind of thing … I think we’re doing just fine.”
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Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. Today’s abbreviated, Sunday edition of the politics blog will take in the talk shows so you don’t have to, plus the highs and lows of a weekend on the trail. Here’s what’s happened over the weekend:Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. Today’s abbreviated, Sunday edition of the politics blog will take in the talk shows so you don’t have to, plus the highs and lows of a weekend on the trail. Here’s what’s happened over the weekend:
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