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Trump and Sanders make final push on day before New Hampshire primary – live coverage Trump and Sanders make final push on day before New Hampshire primary – live coverage
(35 minutes later)
7.43pm GMT
19:43
Ben Jacobs
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 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.
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 GMT7.21pm GMT
19:2119:21
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 situationHillary 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 GMT7.17pm GMT
19:1719:17
Spencer AckermanSpencer 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 GMT6.24pm GMT
18:2418:24
It's gettin' hot in hereIt's gettin' hot in here
Lauren GambinoLauren 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.12pm GMTat 7.12pm GMT
5.42pm GMT5.42pm GMT
17:4217:42
Nadja PopovichNadja 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.
RepublicansRepublicans
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.
DemocratsDemocrats
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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.43pm GMTat 5.43pm GMT
4.51pm GMT4.51pm GMT
16:5116:51
Wait, is that the same shirt?Wait, is that the same shirt?
4.47pm GMT4.47pm GMT
16:4716:47
Jonathan FreedlandJonathan Freedland
For years, they called him the Big Dog. And in a modest, middle school gym in smalltown New Hampshire they finally let him bare his teeth, reports Jonathan Freedland from Milford.For years, they called him the Big Dog. And in a modest, middle school gym in smalltown New Hampshire they finally let him bare his teeth, reports Jonathan Freedland from Milford.
Campaigning for his wife in the state he still credits for rescuing his own presidential bid when it seemed doomed 24 years ago, Bill Clinton tore into Bernie Sanders, the self-styled “democratic socialist” senator who heads into today’s/Tuesday’s vote with a commanding poll lead.Campaigning for his wife in the state he still credits for rescuing his own presidential bid when it seemed doomed 24 years ago, Bill Clinton tore into Bernie Sanders, the self-styled “democratic socialist” senator who heads into today’s/Tuesday’s vote with a commanding poll lead.
The former president, who had previously confined himself to serving as chief character witness to Hillary Clinton, rattled off a list of what he saw as the inconsistencies, hypocrisies and distortions peddled by the Sanders campaign. “When you’re making a revolution, you can’t be too careful with the facts,” he said acidly, nodding to Sanders’ rallying cry for a “political revolution.”The former president, who had previously confined himself to serving as chief character witness to Hillary Clinton, rattled off a list of what he saw as the inconsistencies, hypocrisies and distortions peddled by the Sanders campaign. “When you’re making a revolution, you can’t be too careful with the facts,” he said acidly, nodding to Sanders’ rallying cry for a “political revolution.”
Wearing a lumberjack shirt and dark jeans, and in his trademark conversational style, he cited an episode when Sanders aides had helped themselves to voter data gathered by the Clinton campaign, mocking their defence as equivalent to protesting that it was legitimate to steal a car if the keys had been left in the ignition.Wearing a lumberjack shirt and dark jeans, and in his trademark conversational style, he cited an episode when Sanders aides had helped themselves to voter data gathered by the Clinton campaign, mocking their defence as equivalent to protesting that it was legitimate to steal a car if the keys had been left in the ignition.
He went on to fault the Vermont senator’s campaign for lifting quotations out of context from New Hampshire newspapers – to give the impression those papers had backed Sanders when in fact they backed Clinton – and for using a photograph of a war veteran to suggest the man was a Sanders supporter when he was not.He went on to fault the Vermont senator’s campaign for lifting quotations out of context from New Hampshire newspapers – to give the impression those papers had backed Sanders when in fact they backed Clinton – and for using a photograph of a war veteran to suggest the man was a Sanders supporter when he was not.
The ex-president, now 69, hit back at the repeated Sanders claims that Clinton is too close to the bankers and hedge fund managers, referring to a CNN report which suggested that Sanders too had benefited from corporate donations. “But you’ll never hear her call him a tool of Wall Street.”The ex-president, now 69, hit back at the repeated Sanders claims that Clinton is too close to the bankers and hedge fund managers, referring to a CNN report which suggested that Sanders too had benefited from corporate donations. “But you’ll never hear her call him a tool of Wall Street.”
He was especially pointed in his assault on Sanders’ online defenders, the so-called Bernie Bros. He said that those who spoke up for Hillary on line were subjected to “vicious trolling and attacks that are literally too profane often, not to mention sexist, to repeat.” Other Hillary backers were instantly and unfairly deemed to be “a tool of the establishment,” he said.He was especially pointed in his assault on Sanders’ online defenders, the so-called Bernie Bros. He said that those who spoke up for Hillary on line were subjected to “vicious trolling and attacks that are literally too profane often, not to mention sexist, to repeat.” Other Hillary backers were instantly and unfairly deemed to be “a tool of the establishment,” he said.
4.43pm GMT4.43pm GMT
16:4316:43
And here’s a flashback to 1992, when Bill and Hillary Clinton were campaigning at Blakes restaurant in Manchester, New Hampshire.And here’s a flashback to 1992, when Bill and Hillary Clinton were campaigning at Blakes restaurant in Manchester, New Hampshire.
4.11pm GMT4.11pm GMT
16:1116:11
Lauren GambinoLauren Gambino
Hillary and Bill Clinton visited Chez Vachon, a Canadian-American breakfast spot that is a hot spot on the campaign circuit, on Monday morning, Lauren Gambino reports from Manchester, New Hampshire.Hillary and Bill Clinton visited Chez Vachon, a Canadian-American breakfast spot that is a hot spot on the campaign circuit, on Monday morning, Lauren Gambino reports from Manchester, New Hampshire.
Clinton entered the restaurant with a big smile, waving to the roughly three dozen people who were eating breakfast.Clinton entered the restaurant with a big smile, waving to the roughly three dozen people who were eating breakfast.
“I need some fuel,” she told the table closest to her.“I need some fuel,” she told the table closest to her.
The table of four men, complimented her campaign efforts in the state.The table of four men, complimented her campaign efforts in the state.
“I love Manchester. I love New Hampshire,” Clinton said. “For me this is a labor of love.”“I love Manchester. I love New Hampshire,” Clinton said. “For me this is a labor of love.”
“Well nobody could have worked harder,” one man said to her.“Well nobody could have worked harder,” one man said to her.
One woman, Tallie Widness, popped up from her chair for a photo with the Clintons. She said she was still undecided with less than 24 hours before polls open, but is debating between Clinton and Marco Rubio, one of the Republican candidates.One woman, Tallie Widness, popped up from her chair for a photo with the Clintons. She said she was still undecided with less than 24 hours before polls open, but is debating between Clinton and Marco Rubio, one of the Republican candidates.
Widness, a regular, said she had come to the restaurant because she had heard Clinton was on her way and wanted to see what she was like among “normal people”.Widness, a regular, said she had come to the restaurant because she had heard Clinton was on her way and wanted to see what she was like among “normal people”.
“I was impressed,” she said. “She’s really personable and sweet.”“I was impressed,” she said. “She’s really personable and sweet.”
But did Clinton win her over? Widness said she would have to think about it.But did Clinton win her over? Widness said she would have to think about it.
Clinton posed for a photo with a mother and baby, taking charge of the phone and manipulating it sideways.Clinton posed for a photo with a mother and baby, taking charge of the phone and manipulating it sideways.
“I’ve had a lot of practice recently,” she said.“I’ve had a lot of practice recently,” she said.
Bill meanwhile greeted tables and talked to customers asking for his wife’s vote. At one point he slid into a booth next to two older women to pose for a photo.Bill meanwhile greeted tables and talked to customers asking for his wife’s vote. At one point he slid into a booth next to two older women to pose for a photo.
Linda Monahan, a waitress at Chez Vachon, said in her 33 years working there the only person she had not seen come in was Barack Obama. The back wall is covered with framed photos of politicians who have stopped by the restaurant, among them one of Hillary Clinton with Monahan’s young daughter, Kelly Jo, from many years ago during one of Bill Clinton’s primary campaigns in the state.Linda Monahan, a waitress at Chez Vachon, said in her 33 years working there the only person she had not seen come in was Barack Obama. The back wall is covered with framed photos of politicians who have stopped by the restaurant, among them one of Hillary Clinton with Monahan’s young daughter, Kelly Jo, from many years ago during one of Bill Clinton’s primary campaigns in the state.
As soon as Monahan heard Clinton was coming she called her daughter to ask her to come to the restaurant. The Clintons appeared to ask about Kelly Jo several times before she arrived.As soon as Monahan heard Clinton was coming she called her daughter to ask her to come to the restaurant. The Clintons appeared to ask about Kelly Jo several times before she arrived.
When she arrived, Linda Monahan pushed her daughter to the front and handed Clinton the photo. “She’s old enough to vote now,” Linda said; her daughter explained she would be 18 by November.When she arrived, Linda Monahan pushed her daughter to the front and handed Clinton the photo. “She’s old enough to vote now,” Linda said; her daughter explained she would be 18 by November.
“This is so great,” Clinton said, clutching the photograph and staring at the young girl. Holding the photo, Clinton, Kelly Jo and Bill posed for a new photo.“This is so great,” Clinton said, clutching the photograph and staring at the young girl. Holding the photo, Clinton, Kelly Jo and Bill posed for a new photo.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.12pm GMTat 4.12pm GMT
3.44pm GMT3.44pm GMT
15:4415:44
Sanders’s campaign strategy so far seems to have been based on delivering a jolt to the political system through strong showings in the first two states to vote, Iowa and New Hampshire. He didn’t manage to win Iowa, as we know, although it was incredibly close, but for weeks now he has been way ahead in the polls in New Hampshire.Sanders’s campaign strategy so far seems to have been based on delivering a jolt to the political system through strong showings in the first two states to vote, Iowa and New Hampshire. He didn’t manage to win Iowa, as we know, although it was incredibly close, but for weeks now he has been way ahead in the polls in New Hampshire.
Why is he so popular among Democrats here? The conventional wisdom points to the fact that he represents the next-door state of Vermont, and contrarian New Hampshire residents like to stick it to the establishment, but as Mother Jones’s David Corn reported the other day those explanations don’t quite add up.Why is he so popular among Democrats here? The conventional wisdom points to the fact that he represents the next-door state of Vermont, and contrarian New Hampshire residents like to stick it to the establishment, but as Mother Jones’s David Corn reported the other day those explanations don’t quite add up.
In fact, Corn notes, New Hampshire Democrats backed establishment favourites Hillary Clinton in 2008, John Kerry in 2004 and Al Gore in 2000.In fact, Corn notes, New Hampshire Democrats backed establishment favourites Hillary Clinton in 2008, John Kerry in 2004 and Al Gore in 2000.
In recent decades, the only time that New Hampshire Ds fully embraced an outsider was in 1984, when Senator Gary Hart of Colorado mounted a stunning defeat of former Vice President Walter Mondale .. All told, the usual outcome in New Hampshire is that the preferred candidate of party regulars is fancied. And twice New Hampshire has rescued a Clinton who was close to extinction.In recent decades, the only time that New Hampshire Ds fully embraced an outsider was in 1984, when Senator Gary Hart of Colorado mounted a stunning defeat of former Vice President Walter Mondale .. All told, the usual outcome in New Hampshire is that the preferred candidate of party regulars is fancied. And twice New Hampshire has rescued a Clinton who was close to extinction.
And as for neighbourliness, “last spring, in a series of polls in New Hampshire, Clinton trounced Sanders by between 10 and 44 points. If Sanders’s next-door-enhanced name recognition did not help him at that point, there’s no cause to think it’s doing so now.”And as for neighbourliness, “last spring, in a series of polls in New Hampshire, Clinton trounced Sanders by between 10 and 44 points. If Sanders’s next-door-enhanced name recognition did not help him at that point, there’s no cause to think it’s doing so now.”
So why is Sanders performing so strongly here? Dante Scala of the University of New Hampshire tells Mother Jones that for a “progressive insurgent” Sanders is doing unusually well among moderate Democrats and working-class men, while Sanders’s stance on gun control - one issue on which Clinton stands to his left - may have boosted his popularity.So why is Sanders performing so strongly here? Dante Scala of the University of New Hampshire tells Mother Jones that for a “progressive insurgent” Sanders is doing unusually well among moderate Democrats and working-class men, while Sanders’s stance on gun control - one issue on which Clinton stands to his left - may have boosted his popularity.
2.56pm GMT2.56pm GMT
14:5614:56
Body language expert Dr David Givens examines Republican candidate Ben Carson’s strange reluctance to take the stage at Saturday’s GOP debate:Body language expert Dr David Givens examines Republican candidate Ben Carson’s strange reluctance to take the stage at Saturday’s GOP debate:
After viewing the video several times, my analysis of Carson’s strange behavior – conjectural and based on body language alone – points in two directions: either severe stage fright or momentary confusion, possibly brought on by sedation.After viewing the video several times, my analysis of Carson’s strange behavior – conjectural and based on body language alone – points in two directions: either severe stage fright or momentary confusion, possibly brought on by sedation.
You can read the full piece here:You can read the full piece here:
Related: Ben Carson's strange debate entrance – stage fright or sedation?Related: Ben Carson's strange debate entrance – stage fright or sedation?
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.56pm GMTat 2.56pm GMT
2.26pm GMT2.26pm GMT
14:2614:26
One of the women who has accused former US president Bill Clinton of sexual assault says she has agreed to work for an anti-Clinton political group being formed by a former advisor to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Reuters reports.One of the women who has accused former US president Bill Clinton of sexual assault says she has agreed to work for an anti-Clinton political group being formed by a former advisor to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Reuters reports.
Kathleen Willey, a former White House volunteer who says Bill Clinton groped her in an Oval Office hallway in 1993 when she came to him seeking a paid job, said she had agreed to become a paid national spokeswoman for a group being created by Roger Stone.Kathleen Willey, a former White House volunteer who says Bill Clinton groped her in an Oval Office hallway in 1993 when she came to him seeking a paid job, said she had agreed to become a paid national spokeswoman for a group being created by Roger Stone.
Stone, a Republican strategist, said the group would become active should Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton’s wife, win the Democratic nomination in the 2016 race for the White House.Stone, a Republican strategist, said the group would become active should Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton’s wife, win the Democratic nomination in the 2016 race for the White House.
“This gives me more of an opportunity to get this message out to young voters who weren’t even born or don’t even remember what happened and to the women who have suffered,” Willey told Reuters.“This gives me more of an opportunity to get this message out to young voters who weren’t even born or don’t even remember what happened and to the women who have suffered,” Willey told Reuters.
Willey said she will give interviews and speeches and appear in political advertisements to ensure the accusations remain part of the political discourse during the election campaign.Willey said she will give interviews and speeches and appear in political advertisements to ensure the accusations remain part of the political discourse during the election campaign.
Spokesmen for Hillary and Bill Clinton did not respond to questions about Willey.Spokesmen for Hillary and Bill Clinton did not respond to questions about Willey.
Stone’s political action committee, which can raise virtually unlimited funds to advocate for or against candidates, was originally created last year under the name Women Against Hillary. It was renamed in January as the Rape Accountability Project for Education PAC, or RAPE PAC.Stone’s political action committee, which can raise virtually unlimited funds to advocate for or against candidates, was originally created last year under the name Women Against Hillary. It was renamed in January as the Rape Accountability Project for Education PAC, or RAPE PAC.
In a 1998 deposition, Clinton “emphatically” denied Willey’s accusation he groped her, describing her as having “been through a lot” in reference to her family’s financial woes and her husband’s suicide on the day Willey says her encounter with Clinton happened.In a 1998 deposition, Clinton “emphatically” denied Willey’s accusation he groped her, describing her as having “been through a lot” in reference to her family’s financial woes and her husband’s suicide on the day Willey says her encounter with Clinton happened.
Several Republican candidates, particularly Donald Trump, have reminded voters of the previous allegations against Clinton while campaigning. The Clintons and their staff have dismissed this as dirty politics.Several Republican candidates, particularly Donald Trump, have reminded voters of the previous allegations against Clinton while campaigning. The Clintons and their staff have dismissed this as dirty politics.
When asked at a campaign event in New Hampshire in December about accusations by Willey and others, including Juanita Broaddrick, who has accused Clinton of rape, Hillary Clinton - who has said victims of sexual assault have the “right to be believed” - replied that people who say they were sexually assaulted should be “believed at first until they are disbelieved based on evidence”.When asked at a campaign event in New Hampshire in December about accusations by Willey and others, including Juanita Broaddrick, who has accused Clinton of rape, Hillary Clinton - who has said victims of sexual assault have the “right to be believed” - replied that people who say they were sexually assaulted should be “believed at first until they are disbelieved based on evidence”.
2.15pm GMT2.15pm GMT
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Jonathan FreedlandJonathan Freedland
Jonathan Freedland saw Jeb Bush make his closing argument at a town hall meeting in Salem, New Hampshire, on Sunday, offering himself as the candidate of quiet competence - and an alternative to what he called the damaging “divisiveness” of Donald Trump.Jonathan Freedland saw Jeb Bush make his closing argument at a town hall meeting in Salem, New Hampshire, on Sunday, offering himself as the candidate of quiet competence - and an alternative to what he called the damaging “divisiveness” of Donald Trump.
Fielding questions on everything from climate change to foster care, student loans to drug treatment, his pitch was that of the capable executive steeped in policy substance. Voters were all handed a copy of “Jeb’s Plan for America” as they arrived.Fielding questions on everything from climate change to foster care, student loans to drug treatment, his pitch was that of the capable executive steeped in policy substance. Voters were all handed a copy of “Jeb’s Plan for America” as they arrived.
Like his fellow governors, Ohio’s John Kasich and Chris Christie of New Jersey, Bush made great play of his hands-on, everyday executive experience – even describing how he helped one Florida constituent get rid of a varmint in her attic. “If you want someone who has a servant’s heart,” he was the man to choose, he said.Like his fellow governors, Ohio’s John Kasich and Chris Christie of New Jersey, Bush made great play of his hands-on, everyday executive experience – even describing how he helped one Florida constituent get rid of a varmint in her attic. “If you want someone who has a servant’s heart,” he was the man to choose, he said.
But he combined that executive pitch with a heavy dose of policy detail, each answer peppered with acronyms, pilot schemes or policies that had been tried and tested in Florida or elsewhere. Unusually for a US presidential campaign, Luxembourg got a mention.But he combined that executive pitch with a heavy dose of policy detail, each answer peppered with acronyms, pilot schemes or policies that had been tried and tested in Florida or elsewhere. Unusually for a US presidential campaign, Luxembourg got a mention.
For some that worked. Deb Gurry, 51, said afterwards, “I’m a results person. I want to see a plan. I’m not looking for an entertainer for president. I watch movies for that.” Others offered similar reasons to prefer Bush over Trump.For some that worked. Deb Gurry, 51, said afterwards, “I’m a results person. I want to see a plan. I’m not looking for an entertainer for president. I watch movies for that.” Others offered similar reasons to prefer Bush over Trump.
But few described themselves as excited by Jeb. The most gushing praise Tom Hilse, 58, could offer was to say that Trump was “more palatable than the other candidates.”But few described themselves as excited by Jeb. The most gushing praise Tom Hilse, 58, could offer was to say that Trump was “more palatable than the other candidates.”
The trouble for Bush, in this year of voter anger, is that people are looking for more than palatable competence. As the candidate himself said in one telling aside, “For whatever reason, policy doesn’t have the priority it should this year.” That’s one explanation for why the onetime presumed frontrunner is now fighting to break into the Republican top tier on Tuesday - before it’s too late.The trouble for Bush, in this year of voter anger, is that people are looking for more than palatable competence. As the candidate himself said in one telling aside, “For whatever reason, policy doesn’t have the priority it should this year.” That’s one explanation for why the onetime presumed frontrunner is now fighting to break into the Republican top tier on Tuesday - before it’s too late.
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Donald Trump was just interviewed down the line on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, which has almost become his second home over the last few months.Donald Trump was just interviewed down the line on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, which has almost become his second home over the last few months.
He repeated many of his usual talking points, and called Jeb Bush “a stiff”, but asked about his message to the voters of New Hampshire, he mentioned the heroin problem in the state.He repeated many of his usual talking points, and called Jeb Bush “a stiff”, but asked about his message to the voters of New Hampshire, he mentioned the heroin problem in the state.
You don’t think of New Hampshire as having that problem … It’s a massive problem up here.You don’t think of New Hampshire as having that problem … It’s a massive problem up here.
His solution veered quickly back towards his signature policy to build a wall along the US-Mexican border. “I’m going to stop the borders. We’re not going to have the drugs coming up here. The cost of the drugs is so cheap, it’s like buying bubble gum.”His solution veered quickly back towards his signature policy to build a wall along the US-Mexican border. “I’m going to stop the borders. We’re not going to have the drugs coming up here. The cost of the drugs is so cheap, it’s like buying bubble gum.”
Later he was asked why NH voters might vote for him. “They have a tremendous vet problem ... and they know what I do for the veterans,” Trump said.Later he was asked why NH voters might vote for him. “They have a tremendous vet problem ... and they know what I do for the veterans,” Trump said.
Trump also discussed the differences between Iowa’s caucus system and New Hampshire’s more typical primary voting in a way perhaps characteristic of his own approach to policy.Trump also discussed the differences between Iowa’s caucus system and New Hampshire’s more typical primary voting in a way perhaps characteristic of his own approach to policy.
[In New Hampshire] you walk in and you pull the trigger and you vote and go home, as opposed to sitting around for hours discussing things.[In New Hampshire] you walk in and you pull the trigger and you vote and go home, as opposed to sitting around for hours discussing things.
He added of the snow forecast here over the next couple of days: “I don’t know what it means if the snow comes - does it mean maybe people don’t come out and vote? I guess maybe some people won’t.”He added of the snow forecast here over the next couple of days: “I don’t know what it means if the snow comes - does it mean maybe people don’t come out and vote? I guess maybe some people won’t.”
Asked about Florida senator Marco Rubio’s much-mocked repetition of a phrase about Barack Obama in the Republican debate on Saturday night, Trump said:Asked about Florida senator Marco Rubio’s much-mocked repetition of a phrase about Barack Obama in the Republican debate on Saturday night, Trump said:
I have a good memory … I heard him make the statement, and that was fine. And then he made it a second time. And that was sort of fine, you know, that was OK. And then he made it a third and a fourth and a fifth time, and I’m thinking: am I hearing things? What’s going on over here?I have a good memory … I heard him make the statement, and that was fine. And then he made it a second time. And that was sort of fine, you know, that was OK. And then he made it a third and a fourth and a fifth time, and I’m thinking: am I hearing things? What’s going on over here?
He added uncharitably: “I like Marco but Marco has a tendency to sweat, perhaps at a record-setting level.” He said of the whole incident: “I think it could have a pretty big impact on him, I just don’t know what.”He added uncharitably: “I like Marco but Marco has a tendency to sweat, perhaps at a record-setting level.” He said of the whole incident: “I think it could have a pretty big impact on him, I just don’t know what.”
Earlier ex-Florida governor Jeb Bush was asked whether Rubio was robotic.Earlier ex-Florida governor Jeb Bush was asked whether Rubio was robotic.
“No,” said Bush. “ I know him as a bright, charismatic leader that hasn’t been tested, hasn’t gone through the - all of the things that people that have been governors have gone through, but I don’t - I don’t consider him that at all. I thought it was really weird because that’s not who he is that I know.”“No,” said Bush. “ I know him as a bright, charismatic leader that hasn’t been tested, hasn’t gone through the - all of the things that people that have been governors have gone through, but I don’t - I don’t consider him that at all. I thought it was really weird because that’s not who he is that I know.”
Their fellow Republican candidate New Jersey governor Chris Christie had offered praise for Bernie Sanders, the Democratic frontrunner in New Hampshire, calling him “incredible - guy’s an incredible politician. He would be an awful socialist president - but incredible politician.Their fellow Republican candidate New Jersey governor Chris Christie had offered praise for Bernie Sanders, the Democratic frontrunner in New Hampshire, calling him “incredible - guy’s an incredible politician. He would be an awful socialist president - but incredible politician.
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Good morning from New Hampshire, with one day to go before the crucial primary which could see Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders convert their insurgencies against the party establishments into electoral success.Good morning from New Hampshire, with one day to go before the crucial primary which could see Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders convert their insurgencies against the party establishments into electoral success.
For some of the Republican candidates, such as New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Ohio governor John Kasich and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, a poor showing tomorrow could be the end of their presidential ambitions.For some of the Republican candidates, such as New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Ohio governor John Kasich and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, a poor showing tomorrow could be the end of their presidential ambitions.
The Real Clear Politics polling average has Trump ahead by 17 points, with Florida senator Marco Rubio, Texas senator Ted Cruz and Kasich jostling for a fairly distant second. The polls could be wrong, as they were in Iowa, but they would have to be very wrong to deny the New York businessman and reality TV star victory.The Real Clear Politics polling average has Trump ahead by 17 points, with Florida senator Marco Rubio, Texas senator Ted Cruz and Kasich jostling for a fairly distant second. The polls could be wrong, as they were in Iowa, but they would have to be very wrong to deny the New York businessman and reality TV star victory.
For the Democrats, Sanders is nearly 13 points ahead of Hillary Clinton, although once the race moves to South Carolina and further afield the former secretary of state, for now at least, has substantial leads over the Vermont senator.For the Democrats, Sanders is nearly 13 points ahead of Hillary Clinton, although once the race moves to South Carolina and further afield the former secretary of state, for now at least, has substantial leads over the Vermont senator.
Snow is forecast here throughout the day, which might affect the candidates’ plans as they attempt to crisscross the state after a bit of a break for the Super Bowl on Sunday evening. Well, some of them had a break. Other campaign staff found it harder to take time out:Snow is forecast here throughout the day, which might affect the candidates’ plans as they attempt to crisscross the state after a bit of a break for the Super Bowl on Sunday evening. Well, some of them had a break. Other campaign staff found it harder to take time out:
Almost every Super Bowl commercial so far has urged Americans to embrace the future. Bad news for @HillaryClinton. Good news for @TeamMarcoAlmost every Super Bowl commercial so far has urged Americans to embrace the future. Bad news for @HillaryClinton. Good news for @TeamMarco
Almost every Super Bowl commercial so far has been 30 seconds and pre-scripted. Good news for @TeamMarco https://t.co/tS5wEoYFtyAlmost every Super Bowl commercial so far has been 30 seconds and pre-scripted. Good news for @TeamMarco https://t.co/tS5wEoYFty
The pro-Rubio Conservative Solutions pac and the pro-Bush Right to Rise super pac also interrupted the coronation of Beyoncé as Super Bowl champion – in New Hampshire at least – with an ad for Rubio featuring jaunty Seinfeld-type music (perhaps aiming to take the Sanders vote), and an ad for Bush starring his brother George W, which I would have considered a slightly risky move. He must have been elevated to the status of national treasure without me noticing.The pro-Rubio Conservative Solutions pac and the pro-Bush Right to Rise super pac also interrupted the coronation of Beyoncé as Super Bowl champion – in New Hampshire at least – with an ad for Rubio featuring jaunty Seinfeld-type music (perhaps aiming to take the Sanders vote), and an ad for Bush starring his brother George W, which I would have considered a slightly risky move. He must have been elevated to the status of national treasure without me noticing.
“He knows how to bring the world together against terror,” noted W, reassuringly – he should know!“He knows how to bring the world together against terror,” noted W, reassuringly – he should know!
As usual, Guardian staff will be fanning out across the state all day, with Lauren Gambino following Clinton, Ben Jacobs on the trail of Trump, Sabrina Siddiqui catching up with Rubio and Dan Roberts spending time with Sanders, ending the day at a concert in Durham featuring the dreaded Vermont “jam band” Phish.As usual, Guardian staff will be fanning out across the state all day, with Lauren Gambino following Clinton, Ben Jacobs on the trail of Trump, Sabrina Siddiqui catching up with Rubio and Dan Roberts spending time with Sanders, ending the day at a concert in Durham featuring the dreaded Vermont “jam band” Phish.
I’m feeling the Bern as much as the next crazed Sandernista, but you would have to pay me the combined income of the entire 99% to get me to that gig. Instead, Tom McCarthy and I will catch up with Cruz this afternoon and Trump tonight in Manchester. Jonathan Freedland will be catching as many events as he can, too.I’m feeling the Bern as much as the next crazed Sandernista, but you would have to pay me the combined income of the entire 99% to get me to that gig. Instead, Tom McCarthy and I will catch up with Cruz this afternoon and Trump tonight in Manchester. Jonathan Freedland will be catching as many events as he can, too.
Stick with us for live coverage throughout the day.Stick with us for live coverage throughout the day.
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