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| Michael Bloomberg hints at White House run ahead of New Hampshire primary – live coverage | Michael Bloomberg hints at White House run ahead of New Hampshire primary – live coverage |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 10.14pm GMT | |
| 22:14 | |
| Ben Jacobs | |
| Marco Rubio is counting on a strong second-place finish behind Donald Trump to boost momentum, but Ted Cruz, John Kasich and Jeb Bush are close behind, reports Ben Jacobs from Manchester, New Hampshire: | |
| Since 1976, no Republican candidate has won their party’s nomination without winning either the Iowa caucuses or the New Hampshire primary. That means the pressure is on for anyone not named Ted Cruz on Tuesday. After all, if they don’t win in the Granite State, the odds are low that they will win their party’s nomination. | |
| In a year in which the rules of politics have been turned upside down, however, it’s possible that this dictum will join the long list of political certainties disproven by Donald Trump, who has led in every single poll in the state since July. His closest rival, Marco Rubio, stumbled in Saturday night’s debate. When asked by New Jersey governor Chris Christie to prove that he was capable of more than repeating talking points, Rubio repeated talking points. | |
| Yet, despite that stumble, Rubio is still counting on a strong second-place finish to give him momentum going into the next early state primaries in South Carolina and Nevada. New Hampshire’s primary is not just about winning – instead, it’s focused on beating expectations. | |
| Related: Republicans focus on toppling Trump as Sanders holds lead in New Hampshire | |
| 9.46pm GMT | |
| 21:46 | |
| Meanwhile, the Bernie Sanders campaign seems to be going from strength to strength ... | |
| 9.45pm GMT | |
| 21:45 | |
| We’ve just launched today’s Campaign Minute - our daily one-minute update on the 2016 election. Check it out here. It’s best read on the app - you can sign up by going to this link and hitting “Follow this series”. | |
| Related: ‘A special place in hell’ | |
| 9.45pm GMT | |
| 21:45 | |
| Cruz makes closing argument | |
| “I ask everyone to show up tomorrow and vote for me, and bring others, bring your family, bring your friends,” Cruz says. | |
| “There is no force in politics as powerful as We the People. ... We have faced these challenges before, we have faced the abyss before. The people of New Hampshire, 36 years ago, came together and elected Ronald Reagan. We have done this before. | |
| “Thank you.” | |
| Clap clap clap. Kind of golf-clappy. The crowd streams for the exits. | |
| In 1980, Ronald Reagan beat George HW Bush 50-23 in New Hampshire. Now that’s a margin. | |
| 9.36pm GMT | 9.36pm GMT |
| 21:36 | 21:36 |
| Hillary Clinton: 'I’ll need your help tomorrow' | Hillary Clinton: 'I’ll need your help tomorrow' |
| Lauren Gambino | Lauren Gambino |
| “I’ll need you tomorrow for sure,” Hillary Clinton told a female supporter after giving her a hug during a campaign stop at the Velcro Companies in Manchester, New Hampshire, reports Lauren Gambino. | “I’ll need you tomorrow for sure,” Hillary Clinton told a female supporter after giving her a hug during a campaign stop at the Velcro Companies in Manchester, New Hampshire, reports Lauren Gambino. |
| Michelle Dionn said she had come just to see Clinton, and told the Democratic frontrunner her son would be 18 in time to vote for her in November. | Michelle Dionn said she had come just to see Clinton, and told the Democratic frontrunner her son would be 18 in time to vote for her in November. |
| “I’d be honored to be his first vote,” Clinton told him. | “I’d be honored to be his first vote,” Clinton told him. |
| “Good luck,” one table told her. | “Good luck,” one table told her. |
| “Thanks,” she replied. “I’ll need your help tomorrow.” | “Thanks,” she replied. “I’ll need your help tomorrow.” |
| Referring to opponent Bernie Sanders, she said: “Ive got the set of skills and the experience that can actually delivers results. I’m tired of the rhetoric. I’m tired of the blame game and finger pointing.” | Referring to opponent Bernie Sanders, she said: “Ive got the set of skills and the experience that can actually delivers results. I’m tired of the rhetoric. I’m tired of the blame game and finger pointing.” |
| She added later: “I got a list - I got a list, and I’m keeping it. I’m checking it twice and we’re going to find out who’s naughty and nice.” | She added later: “I got a list - I got a list, and I’m keeping it. I’m checking it twice and we’re going to find out who’s naughty and nice.” |
| The table she was speaking to laughed. | The table she was speaking to laughed. |
| Meanwhile, Clinton has responded to the Politico report mentioned earlier that claimed she was considering staffing changes after the New Hampshire primary, having become dissatisfied with her campaign’s messaging and digital operations. | Meanwhile, Clinton has responded to the Politico report mentioned earlier that claimed she was considering staffing changes after the New Hampshire primary, having become dissatisfied with her campaign’s messaging and digital operations. |
| Her campaign chairman, John Podesta, added: | |
| There is zero truth to what you may be reading. It's wrong. Hillary stands behind her team, period. | |
| Updated | |
| at 9.47pm GMT | |
| 9.35pm GMT | 9.35pm GMT |
| 21:35 | 21:35 |
| Cruz compares Isis fight to Cold War | Cruz compares Isis fight to Cold War |
| Cruz calls for the “same focus on radical Islamic terror” that the United States had on the Soviet Union during the Cold War. | Cruz calls for the “same focus on radical Islamic terror” that the United States had on the Soviet Union during the Cold War. |
| He says the United States defeated the Soviet Union, in part, by “unleashing the energy of the American enterprise system.” Passing tax reform and regulatory reform in the United States today, Cruz argues, would be similarly damaging to the terrorist cause. It’s a win-win. | He says the United States defeated the Soviet Union, in part, by “unleashing the energy of the American enterprise system.” Passing tax reform and regulatory reform in the United States today, Cruz argues, would be similarly damaging to the terrorist cause. It’s a win-win. |
| Cruz says the US focus in Syria should not be on toppling president Bashar Assad, which he warns could uncork new regional chaos. | Cruz says the US focus in Syria should not be on toppling president Bashar Assad, which he warns could uncork new regional chaos. |
| Earlier the Republican candidate talked about the breakdown of intelligence-sharing that government studies have faulted for the failure to prevent the September 11 attacks. | Earlier the Republican candidate talked about the breakdown of intelligence-sharing that government studies have faulted for the failure to prevent the September 11 attacks. |
| “It is clear there were plenty of mistakes made on both sides of the aisle in failing to confront the serious threat of radical Islamic terror,” Cruz says. “We had actionable intelligence that should have prevented 9/11, but the relevant parties weren’t talking to one another.” | “It is clear there were plenty of mistakes made on both sides of the aisle in failing to confront the serious threat of radical Islamic terror,” Cruz says. “We had actionable intelligence that should have prevented 9/11, but the relevant parties weren’t talking to one another.” |
| 9.29pm GMT | 9.29pm GMT |
| 21:29 | 21:29 |
| Cruz takes a question about the Iraq war and uses it to describe the dangers of US intervention in the Middle East. He says that “knowing what we know now, I would not” have supported the 2003 invasion. | Cruz takes a question about the Iraq war and uses it to describe the dangers of US intervention in the Middle East. He says that “knowing what we know now, I would not” have supported the 2003 invasion. |
| My approach has been, since I’ve been serving in the Senate I’ve been very critical of this administration... I opposed President Obama’s proposed military unilateral attack in Syria.” The line gets a smattering of applause. | My approach has been, since I’ve been serving in the Senate I’ve been very critical of this administration... I opposed President Obama’s proposed military unilateral attack in Syria.” The line gets a smattering of applause. |
| Cruz says the result of “toppling Middle Eastern governments” is “handing the country over to radical Islamic terrorists.” He points to Libya. | Cruz says the result of “toppling Middle Eastern governments” is “handing the country over to radical Islamic terrorists.” He points to Libya. |
| 9.23pm GMT | 9.23pm GMT |
| 21:23 | 21:23 |
| Michael Bloomberg is 'looking at all the options' for a White House run | Michael Bloomberg is 'looking at all the options' for a White House run |
| Scott Bixby | Scott Bixby |
| Billionaire media titan and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has stated for the first time that he is considering a run for the White House. | Billionaire media titan and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has stated for the first time that he is considering a run for the White House. |
| In an interview with the Financial Times, the three-term mayor of America’s largest city expressed frustration with the current field of candidates from both major parties. “I find the level of discourse and discussion distressingly banal and an outrage and an insult to the voters,” Bloomberg said, declaring that US voters deserve “a lot better” than the current frontrunners in the Democratic and Republican fields. | In an interview with the Financial Times, the three-term mayor of America’s largest city expressed frustration with the current field of candidates from both major parties. “I find the level of discourse and discussion distressingly banal and an outrage and an insult to the voters,” Bloomberg said, declaring that US voters deserve “a lot better” than the current frontrunners in the Democratic and Republican fields. |
| Bloomberg’s comments are the first public expression of interest in a presidential campaign since a New York Times report last month that detailed Bloomberg’s potential plan for an independent campaign. In that report, based on interviews with unidentified persons close to the former mayor, Bloomberg was said to be willing to spend as much as $1bn of his estimated $37bn personal fortune to win the presidency. | Bloomberg’s comments are the first public expression of interest in a presidential campaign since a New York Times report last month that detailed Bloomberg’s potential plan for an independent campaign. In that report, based on interviews with unidentified persons close to the former mayor, Bloomberg was said to be willing to spend as much as $1bn of his estimated $37bn personal fortune to win the presidency. |
| The speculative third-party presidential bid isn’t the first time that rumors of a Bloomberg campaign have reached the public’s ears, but with Bloomberg’s declaration that “I’m listening to what candidates are saying and what the primary voters appear to be doing,” they are by far the most serious. Bloomberg, 73, told the Financial Times that he would need to make a final decision by March, the rough cut-off for an independent candidate to qualify for election ballots in all 50 states. | The speculative third-party presidential bid isn’t the first time that rumors of a Bloomberg campaign have reached the public’s ears, but with Bloomberg’s declaration that “I’m listening to what candidates are saying and what the primary voters appear to be doing,” they are by far the most serious. Bloomberg, 73, told the Financial Times that he would need to make a final decision by March, the rough cut-off for an independent candidate to qualify for election ballots in all 50 states. |
| The New York Times report pegged Bloomberg’s mulling of a presidential bid to the current state of the Republican primaries, dominated by Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, both of whom Bloomberg reportedly considers unelectable. With former secretary of state Hillary Clinton facing a stiffer-than-expected challenge from Vermont senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic race, Bloomberg sees a potential opening for a former mayor with moderate-to-liberal views on social issues but the close-knit relationship with the financial industry that only a billionaire financial mogul can claim. | The New York Times report pegged Bloomberg’s mulling of a presidential bid to the current state of the Republican primaries, dominated by Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, both of whom Bloomberg reportedly considers unelectable. With former secretary of state Hillary Clinton facing a stiffer-than-expected challenge from Vermont senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic race, Bloomberg sees a potential opening for a former mayor with moderate-to-liberal views on social issues but the close-knit relationship with the financial industry that only a billionaire financial mogul can claim. |
| An independent candidate for president has never won the White House, although they have proved to be kingmakers of a kind on occasion. In 1912, former president Theodore Roosevelt split the votes of progressives and Republicans, boosting the chances of eventual victor Democrat Woodrow Wilson. In 1992, Texas billionaire Ross Perot helped Bill Clinton win the presidency by siphoning votes from incumbent George HW Bush, and perennial Green party candidate Ralph Nader was been accused of helping doom Al Gore’s efforts against Bush’s son George W in the 2000 election. | An independent candidate for president has never won the White House, although they have proved to be kingmakers of a kind on occasion. In 1912, former president Theodore Roosevelt split the votes of progressives and Republicans, boosting the chances of eventual victor Democrat Woodrow Wilson. In 1992, Texas billionaire Ross Perot helped Bill Clinton win the presidency by siphoning votes from incumbent George HW Bush, and perennial Green party candidate Ralph Nader was been accused of helping doom Al Gore’s efforts against Bush’s son George W in the 2000 election. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.25pm GMT | at 9.25pm GMT |
| 9.19pm GMT | 9.19pm GMT |
| 21:19 | 21:19 |
| Here’s video of Cruz urging voters to hold him accountable – and to get out the vote whatever it takes, even if it means they have to “crawl over broken glass with a knife between their teeth:” | Here’s video of Cruz urging voters to hold him accountable – and to get out the vote whatever it takes, even if it means they have to “crawl over broken glass with a knife between their teeth:” |
| 9.16pm GMT | 9.16pm GMT |
| 21:16 | 21:16 |
| Cruz quotes Reagan: “Freedom is not passed down in the bloodstream from one generation to the next. Every generation must stand up.” | Cruz quotes Reagan: “Freedom is not passed down in the bloodstream from one generation to the next. Every generation must stand up.” |
| Then he returns to an exhortation for voters to turn out tomorrow: | Then he returns to an exhortation for voters to turn out tomorrow: |
| If we turn out conservatives and evangelicals and libertarians and Reagan Democrats ... if we turn out everyone now, with the bipartisan corruption in Washington, we will shock [the country]. | If we turn out conservatives and evangelicals and libertarians and Reagan Democrats ... if we turn out everyone now, with the bipartisan corruption in Washington, we will shock [the country]. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.17pm GMT | at 9.17pm GMT |
| 9.12pm GMT | 9.12pm GMT |
| 21:12 | 21:12 |
| Cruz encourages voters to brave snow | Cruz encourages voters to brave snow |
| Cruz is talking about when he comes back here as president next year. “If I haven’t done even one word of what I said I would do, stand up and say Ted, why didn’t you do it?!’” Cruz says. | Cruz is talking about when he comes back here as president next year. “If I haven’t done even one word of what I said I would do, stand up and say Ted, why didn’t you do it?!’” Cruz says. |
| “We’re just a little over 24 hours out,” Cuz says. “At this point it’s all about voting.” | “We’re just a little over 24 hours out,” Cuz says. “At this point it’s all about voting.” |
| If it keeps snowing, it’ll be easier not to show up and vote. The men and women in this room love this country... this race now is going to be decided, not by TV ads – you’ve already seen plenty of those... but by New Hampshire person to New Hampshire person, one at a time. | If it keeps snowing, it’ll be easier not to show up and vote. The men and women in this room love this country... this race now is going to be decided, not by TV ads – you’ve already seen plenty of those... but by New Hampshire person to New Hampshire person, one at a time. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.17pm GMT | at 9.17pm GMT |
| 9.07pm GMT | 9.07pm GMT |
| 21:07 | 21:07 |
| What’s the feeling in the room? It feels like about half media. It seems strange there are no ashtrays, at this particular venue. | What’s the feeling in the room? It feels like about half media. It seems strange there are no ashtrays, at this particular venue. |
| “When have you taken on not just Democrats but leaders of your own party? | “When have you taken on not just Democrats but leaders of your own party? |
| Don’t test character when it’s easy,” Cruz says. As an example of his character he proffers his stated opposition, on the stump in ethanol-enthusiastic Iowa, to ethanol fuel subsidies. | Don’t test character when it’s easy,” Cruz says. As an example of his character he proffers his stated opposition, on the stump in ethanol-enthusiastic Iowa, to ethanol fuel subsidies. |
| The crowd appreciates the example – biggest applause line so far, though still more polite than properly excited. | The crowd appreciates the example – biggest applause line so far, though still more polite than properly excited. |
| Cruz says opposing ethanol in Iowa is “almost like coming to New Hampshire and campaigning against the New England Patriots.” | Cruz says opposing ethanol in Iowa is “almost like coming to New Hampshire and campaigning against the New England Patriots.” |
| Which to be clear I’m not doing – I’m not that crazy. | Which to be clear I’m not doing – I’m not that crazy. |
| A laugh line. This guy is a cut-up. | A laugh line. This guy is a cut-up. |
| The bar chatter grows in volume as Cruz grows in volume. It’s a bit like being at an open mic night, with a singer-songwriter having a hard time breaking through. | The bar chatter grows in volume as Cruz grows in volume. It’s a bit like being at an open mic night, with a singer-songwriter having a hard time breaking through. |
| 9.05pm GMT | 9.05pm GMT |
| 21:05 | 21:05 |
| Ted Cruz on "standing up to Washington" #NHPrimary https://t.co/QyVUuCpHPc | Ted Cruz on "standing up to Washington" #NHPrimary https://t.co/QyVUuCpHPc |
| 9.02pm GMT | 9.02pm GMT |
| 21:02 | 21:02 |
| Cruz is telling the VFW crowd to judge candidates by their actions. “We get burned over and over and over again” by double-talking politicians, Cruz says. | Cruz is telling the VFW crowd to judge candidates by their actions. “We get burned over and over and over again” by double-talking politicians, Cruz says. |
| He singles out the topics of Obamacare and immigration reform. | He singles out the topics of Obamacare and immigration reform. |
| “Where were you in 2013 when the Rubio-Schumer amnesty bill was being debated?” Cruz asks, rhetorically. | “Where were you in 2013 when the Rubio-Schumer amnesty bill was being debated?” Cruz asks, rhetorically. |
| Um, sponsoring amendments to block a path to citizenship but allow legal status for some undocumented migrants? | Um, sponsoring amendments to block a path to citizenship but allow legal status for some undocumented migrants? |
| 8.58pm GMT | 8.58pm GMT |
| 20:58 | 20:58 |
| Cruz is talking about how “fabulous” New Hampshire is, for carrying out its responsibility as the first-in-the-nation primary state to pick the next president. | Cruz is talking about how “fabulous” New Hampshire is, for carrying out its responsibility as the first-in-the-nation primary state to pick the next president. |
| Cruz gets a bit of a laugh with an old New Hampshire politics joke: | Cruz gets a bit of a laugh with an old New Hampshire politics joke: |
| Q: Are you voting for so-and-so for president? | Q: Are you voting for so-and-so for president? |
| A: No, I couldn’t possibly. I’ve only met him five times! | A: No, I couldn’t possibly. I’ve only met him five times! |
| It went over nicely in person! | It went over nicely in person! |
| 8.56pm GMT | 8.56pm GMT |
| 20:56 | 20:56 |
| Cruz immediately lays into the monarchy and says the “American dream does not arise from the largesse of Washington but rather having the power of the people to stand on their feet.” | Cruz immediately lays into the monarchy and says the “American dream does not arise from the largesse of Washington but rather having the power of the people to stand on their feet.” |
| Cruz gets a bit of applause at the front of the room. At the back of the room the bar chatter proceeds. Some mild marveling among the elbow-benders at how packed full of cameras and suits the room is. | Cruz gets a bit of applause at the front of the room. At the back of the room the bar chatter proceeds. Some mild marveling among the elbow-benders at how packed full of cameras and suits the room is. |
| 8.54pm GMT | 8.54pm GMT |
| 20:54 | 20:54 |
| Ted Cruz in Manchester, New Hampshire - "Trus-Ted" #NHPrimary pic.twitter.com/BxYpzRl6bu | Ted Cruz in Manchester, New Hampshire - "Trus-Ted" #NHPrimary pic.twitter.com/BxYpzRl6bu |
| 8.52pm GMT | 8.52pm GMT |
| 20:52 | 20:52 |
| With Ted Cruz in Manchester, New Hampshire | With Ted Cruz in Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Tom McCarthy | Tom McCarthy |
| We’re set up now inside the VFW hall in Manchester, New Hampshire, where Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is due to speak momentarily. | We’re set up now inside the VFW hall in Manchester, New Hampshire, where Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is due to speak momentarily. |
| But he won’t be here for a bit. We know this because we passed his campaign bus on snowy state 101, forty or so miles back. With five or so inches of snow having fallen in the area since late morning, the going’s a bit tricky, for a big bus. | But he won’t be here for a bit. We know this because we passed his campaign bus on snowy state 101, forty or so miles back. With five or so inches of snow having fallen in the area since late morning, the going’s a bit tricky, for a big bus. |
| Cruz’s introductory speakers are drawing it out before a crowd of a couple hundred packed – shoehorned – into the front of the hall. | Cruz’s introductory speakers are drawing it out before a crowd of a couple hundred packed – shoehorned – into the front of the hall. |
| At the back, however, under the trophy case (strong softball team it appears) past the packed midafternoon bar, there’s some room to spread out. | At the back, however, under the trophy case (strong softball team it appears) past the packed midafternoon bar, there’s some room to spread out. |
| One of the warmup speakers asks all veterans at the VFW hall to stand up. | One of the warmup speakers asks all veterans at the VFW hall to stand up. |
| “That’s a dumb thing to ask for,” says a guy at the bar, laughing. | “That’s a dumb thing to ask for,” says a guy at the bar, laughing. |
| “Everybody stand up!” jokes his foil. | “Everybody stand up!” jokes his foil. |
| And here’s Cruz! That bus driver must be an accustomed local. | And here’s Cruz! That bus driver must be an accustomed local. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.54pm GMT | at 8.54pm GMT |
| 8.37pm GMT | 8.37pm GMT |
| 20:37 | 20:37 |
| Adam Gabbatt | Adam Gabbatt |
| John Kasich supporters feel their man is on the rise in New Hampshire | John Kasich supporters feel their man is on the rise in New Hampshire |
| John Kasich recently held his 100th town hall in New Hampshire. The Ohio governor is staking his presidential hopes on success here, after a poor showing in Iowa. There are signs that his efforts are bearing fruit. A poll released on Sunday showed Kasich in second place in the state, behind Donald Trump and just ahead of senator Marco Rubio of Florida. | John Kasich recently held his 100th town hall in New Hampshire. The Ohio governor is staking his presidential hopes on success here, after a poor showing in Iowa. There are signs that his efforts are bearing fruit. A poll released on Sunday showed Kasich in second place in the state, behind Donald Trump and just ahead of senator Marco Rubio of Florida. |
| The Monmouth University poll showed Kasich with 14% of the vote. It was a big boost, especially since he is likely to withdraw if he does not manage a breakthrough in Tuesday’s primary. | The Monmouth University poll showed Kasich with 14% of the vote. It was a big boost, especially since he is likely to withdraw if he does not manage a breakthrough in Tuesday’s primary. |
| “He’s said before if he doesn’t emerge out of New Hampshire as a strong viable candidate then he’s not … he has a state to go back to,” Emmalee Kalmbach, Kasich’s New Hampshire spokeswoman, told the Guardian. | “He’s said before if he doesn’t emerge out of New Hampshire as a strong viable candidate then he’s not … he has a state to go back to,” Emmalee Kalmbach, Kasich’s New Hampshire spokeswoman, told the Guardian. |
| Kalmbach, who has also worked for Kasich in Ohio, has been on the ground in New Hampshire for nine weeks. The governor has 15 paid staff members in the state. Kalmbach said he also had “hundreds and hundreds” of volunteers. It seems to be paying off. | Kalmbach, who has also worked for Kasich in Ohio, has been on the ground in New Hampshire for nine weeks. The governor has 15 paid staff members in the state. Kalmbach said he also had “hundreds and hundreds” of volunteers. It seems to be paying off. |
| “We’re beyond the point of, ‘Kasich, who’s Kasich?’” Kalmbach said. “They know him, they like his experience … and they realise that he has the experience on day one to act and get this country back on track.” | “We’re beyond the point of, ‘Kasich, who’s Kasich?’” Kalmbach said. “They know him, they like his experience … and they realise that he has the experience on day one to act and get this country back on track.” |
| Related: John Kasich supporters feel their man is on the rise in New Hampshire | Related: John Kasich supporters feel their man is on the rise in New Hampshire |
| 8.09pm GMT | 8.09pm GMT |
| 20:09 | 20:09 |
| What do British readers think of the New Hampshire primary? The Guardian’s DC bureau chief Dan Roberts weighs in for New Hampshire Public Radio. | What do British readers think of the New Hampshire primary? The Guardian’s DC bureau chief Dan Roberts weighs in for New Hampshire Public Radio. |
| 8.00pm GMT | 8.00pm GMT |
| 20:00 | 20:00 |
| Lauren Gambino | Lauren Gambino |
| In the final hours before polls open in New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton let her imagination wander, writes Lauren Gambino from Manchester: | In the final hours before polls open in New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton let her imagination wander, writes Lauren Gambino from Manchester: |
| With a reworked stump speech that was softer and sunnier, Hillary Clinton told a packed gymnasium in Manchester to “imagine” the future they could create together. | With a reworked stump speech that was softer and sunnier, Hillary Clinton told a packed gymnasium in Manchester to “imagine” the future they could create together. |
| “I have an active imagination,” she said, before listing the number of issues she would tackle as president: overturning Citizens United, ending LGBT workplace discrimination, reforming the Veteran’s Affairs office, ending the era of mass incarceration, reining in Wall Street, ensuring women’s access to safe and legal abortion, and finally securing equal pay for equal work. | “I have an active imagination,” she said, before listing the number of issues she would tackle as president: overturning Citizens United, ending LGBT workplace discrimination, reforming the Veteran’s Affairs office, ending the era of mass incarceration, reining in Wall Street, ensuring women’s access to safe and legal abortion, and finally securing equal pay for equal work. |
| "Imagine a time when we end discrimination against the LGBT community." Clinton said. | "Imagine a time when we end discrimination against the LGBT community." Clinton said. |
| Tipped to place second in New Hampshire behind senator Bernie Sanders from neighboring Vermont, Clinton made a forceful case for herself against her opponent, leaning heavily on a feminist message while the crowd chanted “We believe that she will win” and “Madam President”. | Tipped to place second in New Hampshire behind senator Bernie Sanders from neighboring Vermont, Clinton made a forceful case for herself against her opponent, leaning heavily on a feminist message while the crowd chanted “We believe that she will win” and “Madam President”. |
| Clinton was introduced by former president Bill Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea Clinton. The former president criticized Clinton’s opponent for labeling her “establishment”. | Clinton was introduced by former president Bill Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea Clinton. The former president criticized Clinton’s opponent for labeling her “establishment”. |
| “It bothers me to be in an election where debate is impossible because if you disagree you’re just part of the establishment,” Bill Clinton said. The former president spoke one day after he attacked Sanders supporters for making “sexist” and “profane” remarks. | “It bothers me to be in an election where debate is impossible because if you disagree you’re just part of the establishment,” Bill Clinton said. The former president spoke one day after he attacked Sanders supporters for making “sexist” and “profane” remarks. |
| On Monday morning, Bill Clinton seemed to acknowledge those comments. | On Monday morning, Bill Clinton seemed to acknowledge those comments. |
| “I wish I was just a former president and just for a few months not the spouse of the next one ... because I have to be careful what I say,” he said. | “I wish I was just a former president and just for a few months not the spouse of the next one ... because I have to be careful what I say,” he said. |
| 7.43pm GMT | 7.43pm GMT |
| 19:43 | 19:43 |
| Ben Jacobs | Ben Jacobs |
| The absence of the Ames Straw Poll is being felt in New Hampshire | The absence of the Ames Straw Poll is being felt in New Hampshire |
| The unusually crowded Republican field right now is due in part to the end of the Ames Straw Poll, a longtime political tradition held in Ames, Iowa. The once-quadrennial event served as an organizational test for candidates who would bus in supporters from across the state, buy them tickets, ply them with food and hope that they would cast a ballot in the non-binding vote. | The unusually crowded Republican field right now is due in part to the end of the Ames Straw Poll, a longtime political tradition held in Ames, Iowa. The once-quadrennial event served as an organizational test for candidates who would bus in supporters from across the state, buy them tickets, ply them with food and hope that they would cast a ballot in the non-binding vote. |
| The event served as major fundraiser for the Republican Party of Iowa in the past, but was discontinued because it was also, in the words of one top Iowa Republican, “a goat rodeo.” (Ed.: Do a Google Image search for “goat rodeo. Go on - we’ll wait.) | The event served as major fundraiser for the Republican Party of Iowa in the past, but was discontinued because it was also, in the words of one top Iowa Republican, “a goat rodeo.” (Ed.: Do a Google Image search for “goat rodeo. Go on - we’ll wait.) |
| While the event measured organizational capacity, it had also become an almost farcical carnival with free food, celebrities and millions of dollars spent all for a demonstration of strength which might not mean anything. The 2012 winner of the straw poll, Michele Bachmann, finished sixth on caucus night. In contrast, Tim Pawlenty’s third-place showing in Ames drove the well-respected establishment candidate out of the race. The result was that the state party let the straw poll die this cycle. | While the event measured organizational capacity, it had also become an almost farcical carnival with free food, celebrities and millions of dollars spent all for a demonstration of strength which might not mean anything. The 2012 winner of the straw poll, Michele Bachmann, finished sixth on caucus night. In contrast, Tim Pawlenty’s third-place showing in Ames drove the well-respected establishment candidate out of the race. The result was that the state party let the straw poll die this cycle. |
| The absence of the straw poll, however, prevented any winnowing from taking place. No candidates would have their strength tested in Iowa until caucus night and, in a 16-person field, that meant that everyone who wasn’t broke could afford to stay in the race. The result is that a crowded, confused field has stayed even more packed and logjammed than it might be in years past. | The absence of the straw poll, however, prevented any winnowing from taking place. No candidates would have their strength tested in Iowa until caucus night and, in a 16-person field, that meant that everyone who wasn’t broke could afford to stay in the race. The result is that a crowded, confused field has stayed even more packed and logjammed than it might be in years past. |
| 7.21pm GMT | 7.21pm GMT |
| 19:21 | 19:21 |
| Hillary Clinton is considering staffing changes after the New Hampshire primary, having become dissatisfied with her campaign’s messaging and digital operations, according to Politico, citing “a half-dozen people with direct knowledge of the situation | Hillary Clinton is considering staffing changes after the New Hampshire primary, having become dissatisfied with her campaign’s messaging and digital operations, according to Politico, citing “a half-dozen people with direct knowledge of the situation |
| “The Clintons are not happy, and have been letting all of us know that,” said one Democratic official who speaks regularly to both. “The idea is that we need a more forward-looking message, for the primary – but also for the general election too… There’s no sense of panic, but there is an urgency to fix these problems right now.” | “The Clintons are not happy, and have been letting all of us know that,” said one Democratic official who speaks regularly to both. “The idea is that we need a more forward-looking message, for the primary – but also for the general election too… There’s no sense of panic, but there is an urgency to fix these problems right now.” |
| Ultimately, the disorganization is the candidate’s own decision-making, which lurches from hands-off delegation in times of success to hands-around-the-throat micromanagement when things go south. | Ultimately, the disorganization is the candidate’s own decision-making, which lurches from hands-off delegation in times of success to hands-around-the-throat micromanagement when things go south. |
| At the heart of problem this time, staffers, donors and Clinton-allied operatives say, was the Clinton’s decision not to appoint a single empowered chief strategist – a role the forceful but controversial Mark Penn played in 2008 – and disperse decision-making responsibility to a sprawling team with fuzzy lines of authority. | At the heart of problem this time, staffers, donors and Clinton-allied operatives say, was the Clinton’s decision not to appoint a single empowered chief strategist – a role the forceful but controversial Mark Penn played in 2008 – and disperse decision-making responsibility to a sprawling team with fuzzy lines of authority. |
| They piece includes this great quote from a “former Obama 2008 aide”: “They better worked this shit out fast because who ever the Republicans pick is going to be 29 times tougher than Bernie.” | They piece includes this great quote from a “former Obama 2008 aide”: “They better worked this shit out fast because who ever the Republicans pick is going to be 29 times tougher than Bernie.” |
| 7.17pm GMT | 7.17pm GMT |
| 19:17 | 19:17 |
| Spencer Ackerman | Spencer Ackerman |
| John McCain has denounced a call from Donald Trump to return waterboarding and other torture techniques to the interrogations palette for US troops and intelligence operatives, reports Spencer Ackerman in New York. | John McCain has denounced a call from Donald Trump to return waterboarding and other torture techniques to the interrogations palette for US troops and intelligence operatives, reports Spencer Ackerman in New York. |
| “Sacrificing our respect for human dignity will make it harder, not easier, to prevail in this war,” said McCain, the Arizona Republican senator who endured over five years of torture at a North Vietnamese prison camp. | “Sacrificing our respect for human dignity will make it harder, not easier, to prevail in this war,” said McCain, the Arizona Republican senator who endured over five years of torture at a North Vietnamese prison camp. |
| At the GOP debate in New Hampshire and later in a CNN interview, Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination, pledged to “bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding”. | At the GOP debate in New Hampshire and later in a CNN interview, Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination, pledged to “bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding”. |
| Barack Obama in 2009 banned so-called “enhanced interrogation techniques”, including waterboarding and stress positions, by CIA personnel. The ban built on earlier work by McCain in 2005 to prevent the US military from using similar torture techniques, following the revelations of torture at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison. | Barack Obama in 2009 banned so-called “enhanced interrogation techniques”, including waterboarding and stress positions, by CIA personnel. The ban built on earlier work by McCain in 2005 to prevent the US military from using similar torture techniques, following the revelations of torture at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison. |
| While not naming Trump specifically, McCain hit out at “loose talk on the campaign trail about reviving waterboarding and other inhumane interrogation techniques” in a Monday statement. | While not naming Trump specifically, McCain hit out at “loose talk on the campaign trail about reviving waterboarding and other inhumane interrogation techniques” in a Monday statement. |
| “These forms of torture not only failed their purpose to secure actionable intelligence to prevent further attacks on the US and our allies, but compromised our values, stained our national honor, and did little practical good,” McCain said, noting that the US has “tried, convicted, and executed foreign combatants who employed methods of torture, including waterboarding, against American prisoners of war”. | “These forms of torture not only failed their purpose to secure actionable intelligence to prevent further attacks on the US and our allies, but compromised our values, stained our national honor, and did little practical good,” McCain said, noting that the US has “tried, convicted, and executed foreign combatants who employed methods of torture, including waterboarding, against American prisoners of war”. |
| Trump shocked observers in July by belittling McCain’s wartime heroism in Vietnam. As a Navy lieutenant captured after his A-4 Skyhawk was shot down in 1967, McCain refused the opportunity for early return that his captors extended him due to his rank and his position as a scion of a distinguished Navy family. | Trump shocked observers in July by belittling McCain’s wartime heroism in Vietnam. As a Navy lieutenant captured after his A-4 Skyhawk was shot down in 1967, McCain refused the opportunity for early return that his captors extended him due to his rank and his position as a scion of a distinguished Navy family. |
| A voice against torture in a party that has often fetishized its effects or belittled its consequences, McCain has used his personal experience in arguing its futility as well as its immorality: the senator has said that under torture, the names he gave his captors as important intelligence targets were names of offensive linemen for the Green Bay Packers. After a Senate investigation documented the extent of CIA torture during the Bush administration, McCain teamed up with leading Democrat Dianne Feinstein last year to formally ban a return to torture, adding an amendment to a critical defense spending bill mandating the use of rapport-based techniques. The amendment passed by a wide and bipartisan margin, 91-3. | A voice against torture in a party that has often fetishized its effects or belittled its consequences, McCain has used his personal experience in arguing its futility as well as its immorality: the senator has said that under torture, the names he gave his captors as important intelligence targets were names of offensive linemen for the Green Bay Packers. After a Senate investigation documented the extent of CIA torture during the Bush administration, McCain teamed up with leading Democrat Dianne Feinstein last year to formally ban a return to torture, adding an amendment to a critical defense spending bill mandating the use of rapport-based techniques. The amendment passed by a wide and bipartisan margin, 91-3. |
| McCain added a faith-based appeal against torture, stating that “Americans of conscience” needed to remember that even terrorism-related detainees are “endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights”. | McCain added a faith-based appeal against torture, stating that “Americans of conscience” needed to remember that even terrorism-related detainees are “endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights”. |
| 6.24pm GMT | 6.24pm GMT |
| 18:24 | 18:24 |
| It's gettin' hot in here | It's gettin' hot in here |
| Lauren Gambino | Lauren Gambino |
| The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino watches former president Bill Clinton introduce Hillary Clinton at a rally in New Hampshire. | The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino watches former president Bill Clinton introduce Hillary Clinton at a rally in New Hampshire. |
| Clinton says: | Clinton says: |
| The hotter this election gets, the more I wish I was just a former president, not spouse of the next one ... because I have to be careful what I say.” | The hotter this election gets, the more I wish I was just a former president, not spouse of the next one ... because I have to be careful what I say.” |
| The Hillary Clinton campaign must appreciate the restraint. In 2008, Bill Clinton drew fire for remarks made in apparent frustration during then-Senator Clinton’s run against Barack Obama. In the wake of Obama’s win in the South Carolina primary, Bill Clinton drew accusations of racially tinged messaging after he heatedly pointed out that Jesse Jackson had won the state in 1984. | The Hillary Clinton campaign must appreciate the restraint. In 2008, Bill Clinton drew fire for remarks made in apparent frustration during then-Senator Clinton’s run against Barack Obama. In the wake of Obama’s win in the South Carolina primary, Bill Clinton drew accusations of racially tinged messaging after he heatedly pointed out that Jesse Jackson had won the state in 1984. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.12pm GMT | at 7.12pm GMT |
| 5.42pm GMT | 5.42pm GMT |
| 17:42 | 17:42 |
| Nadja Popovich | Nadja Popovich |
| As Republican candidate Donald Trump mentioned earlier, drug addiction has emerged as a central issue on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, writes Nadja Popovich in New York. In town hall meetings across the state, residents have shared personal stories and asked presidential hopefuls how they would address a growing drug abuse crisis. | As Republican candidate Donald Trump mentioned earlier, drug addiction has emerged as a central issue on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, writes Nadja Popovich in New York. In town hall meetings across the state, residents have shared personal stories and asked presidential hopefuls how they would address a growing drug abuse crisis. |
| The topic is hard to avoid in a state where drug overdose deaths have more than doubled in two years. | The topic is hard to avoid in a state where drug overdose deaths have more than doubled in two years. |
| At least 399 people died from drug overdoses in New Hampshire last year, according to the latest data from the state’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. | At least 399 people died from drug overdoses in New Hampshire last year, according to the latest data from the state’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. |
| The vast majority of those deaths — 365, or one every day — were attributed to opioid drugs, including prescription painkillers, heroin, and, most frequently, fentanyl, a drug 80-100 times more potent than morphine and up to 50 times more potent than heroin. | The vast majority of those deaths — 365, or one every day — were attributed to opioid drugs, including prescription painkillers, heroin, and, most frequently, fentanyl, a drug 80-100 times more potent than morphine and up to 50 times more potent than heroin. |
| Fentanyl is legally prescribed to treat severe and chronic pain, often to cancer patients. But since 2013, it has exploded in popularity as a street drug, taken on its own or cut into heroin for a stronger but more dangerous high. | Fentanyl is legally prescribed to treat severe and chronic pain, often to cancer patients. But since 2013, it has exploded in popularity as a street drug, taken on its own or cut into heroin for a stronger but more dangerous high. |
| Presidential hopefuls from both parties have confronted the opioid epidemic while in New Hampshire. By and large, they have moved away from the tough rhetoric of the “war on drugs” to address addiction as a disease, something some observers have contrasted with the punitive response to drug issues that affect the African-American community. | Presidential hopefuls from both parties have confronted the opioid epidemic while in New Hampshire. By and large, they have moved away from the tough rhetoric of the “war on drugs” to address addiction as a disease, something some observers have contrasted with the punitive response to drug issues that affect the African-American community. |
| Republicans | Republicans |
| Carly Fiorina, Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush each shared personal stories of drug abuse in their families while on the campaign trail. Bush also outlined a plan for combatting drug abuse in a Medium post, though he gave few specifics on implementation or cost. | Carly Fiorina, Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush each shared personal stories of drug abuse in their families while on the campaign trail. Bush also outlined a plan for combatting drug abuse in a Medium post, though he gave few specifics on implementation or cost. |
| A heartfelt speech by Chris Christie recounting a friend’s painkiller addiction and eventual death while in New Hampshire went viral last year. “We need to start treating people in this country and not jailing them,” he said at the time. More recently, the New Jersey governor put his money where his mouth was when he unveiled a $100m plan for combating drug addiction in his home state. | A heartfelt speech by Chris Christie recounting a friend’s painkiller addiction and eventual death while in New Hampshire went viral last year. “We need to start treating people in this country and not jailing them,” he said at the time. More recently, the New Jersey governor put his money where his mouth was when he unveiled a $100m plan for combating drug addiction in his home state. |
| Ohio governor John Kasich has pointed to his own record at home, including the decision to expand Medicaid, to show that he takes drug addiction seriously. Last fall, Kasich also signed legislation that makes Naloxone, a drug that can reverse opioid overdose, available without a prescription and put $1.5m towards an automated system to track patients’ prescription histories. | Ohio governor John Kasich has pointed to his own record at home, including the decision to expand Medicaid, to show that he takes drug addiction seriously. Last fall, Kasich also signed legislation that makes Naloxone, a drug that can reverse opioid overdose, available without a prescription and put $1.5m towards an automated system to track patients’ prescription histories. |
| Cruz and Trump, meanwhile, have mostly focused on securing the US-Mexico border as the main solution to the nation’s addiction crisis. | Cruz and Trump, meanwhile, have mostly focused on securing the US-Mexico border as the main solution to the nation’s addiction crisis. |
| Democrats | Democrats |
| Bernie Sanders called addiction “a disease, not a criminal activity,” and took aim at pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid epidemic during a debate earlier this year. Sanders argued that his plan for universal healthcare would help expand mental health and addiction treatment programs. But the Vermont senator has offered few concrete details on how his administration would tackle drug abuse. | Bernie Sanders called addiction “a disease, not a criminal activity,” and took aim at pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid epidemic during a debate earlier this year. Sanders argued that his plan for universal healthcare would help expand mental health and addiction treatment programs. But the Vermont senator has offered few concrete details on how his administration would tackle drug abuse. |
| Hillary Clinton proposed a comprehensive plan for combating drug addiction and overdose deaths in the New Hampshire Union Leader last September. She is the only candidate whose plan comes with a real world price tag: $10bn, the majority of which would go towards new federal-state partnerships over 10 years. | Hillary Clinton proposed a comprehensive plan for combating drug addiction and overdose deaths in the New Hampshire Union Leader last September. She is the only candidate whose plan comes with a real world price tag: $10bn, the majority of which would go towards new federal-state partnerships over 10 years. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.43pm GMT | at 5.43pm GMT |