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Trump gives voice to 'Scalia-was-murdered' conspiracy – campaign live Trump gives voice to 'Scalia-was-murdered' conspiracy – campaign live
(35 minutes later)
9.32pm GMT9.32pm GMT
21:3221:32
Well, that’s one way to win votes in South Carolina...Well, that’s one way to win votes in South Carolina...
America. pic.twitter.com/TeduJkwQF3America. pic.twitter.com/TeduJkwQF3
Bush’s gun appears to be an FN Five-seven pistol, manufactured by Fabrique Nationale d’Armes, a Belgian company.
Updated
at 9.46pm GMT
9.20pm GMT9.20pm GMT
21:2021:20
Nellie BowlesNellie Bowles
The tech industry sees former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is fiscally conservative and socially liberal, as one of its own, writes the Guardian’s Nellie Bowles - the candidate who might be the hero to Donald Trump’s “bad billionaire”:The tech industry sees former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is fiscally conservative and socially liberal, as one of its own, writes the Guardian’s Nellie Bowles - the candidate who might be the hero to Donald Trump’s “bad billionaire”:
Bloomberg may feel that his recent hints at a 2016 run for the White House have barely registered in a presidential year dominated by big characters and unexpected twists.Bloomberg may feel that his recent hints at a 2016 run for the White House have barely registered in a presidential year dominated by big characters and unexpected twists.
After the initial stir caused by news the former New York mayor was considering entering the 2016 race as a centrist, independent candidate, he has quickly receded to the shadows, barely discussed by either Democratic or Republican candidates.After the initial stir caused by news the former New York mayor was considering entering the 2016 race as a centrist, independent candidate, he has quickly receded to the shadows, barely discussed by either Democratic or Republican candidates.
Yet there is one corner of the US still holding out for a Bloomberg candidacy: Silicon Valley. The tech industry sees the billionaire entrepreneur, who is fiscally conservative and socially liberal, as one of its own.Yet there is one corner of the US still holding out for a Bloomberg candidacy: Silicon Valley. The tech industry sees the billionaire entrepreneur, who is fiscally conservative and socially liberal, as one of its own.
“Bloomberg is good billionaire to Trump’s bad billionaire,” former Google executive and current startup founder Mike Dudas said. Or as Twitter’s chief financial officer Anthony Noto recently put it: “Wow!! Please Please @MikeBloomberg”.“Bloomberg is good billionaire to Trump’s bad billionaire,” former Google executive and current startup founder Mike Dudas said. Or as Twitter’s chief financial officer Anthony Noto recently put it: “Wow!! Please Please @MikeBloomberg”.
Related: The 'good billionaire': Silicon Valley roots for Bloomberg for presidentRelated: The 'good billionaire': Silicon Valley roots for Bloomberg for president
8.57pm GMT8.57pm GMT
20:5720:57
Scott BixbyScott Bixby
Onetime Republican frontrunner and current Republican also-ran Ben Carson said earlier today that Muslims who believe that tenets of the faith are compatible with American democracy are “schizophrenic.”Onetime Republican frontrunner and current Republican also-ran Ben Carson said earlier today that Muslims who believe that tenets of the faith are compatible with American democracy are “schizophrenic.”
In an interview with Stephen K. Bannon on Sirius XM’s Breitbart News Daily, the retired pediatric neurosurgeon was asked whether “Muslims that are Sharia-adherent can actually be part of a society, be integrated into a society where you have the rule of law and you are a democratic republic and you believe in the rule of law and separation of church and state no matter what your religious beliefs are?”In an interview with Stephen K. Bannon on Sirius XM’s Breitbart News Daily, the retired pediatric neurosurgeon was asked whether “Muslims that are Sharia-adherent can actually be part of a society, be integrated into a society where you have the rule of law and you are a democratic republic and you believe in the rule of law and separation of church and state no matter what your religious beliefs are?”
Carson’s response: “Only if they’re schizophrenic.”Carson’s response: “Only if they’re schizophrenic.”
“I don’t see how they’re going to do it otherwise,” he continued. “You have two different philosophies warring which are in constant distinction from each other. So, no – that would be very difficult.”“I don’t see how they’re going to do it otherwise,” he continued. “You have two different philosophies warring which are in constant distinction from each other. So, no – that would be very difficult.”
It’s not the first time Carson has been skeptical of the patriotism of American Muslims. In September, he told NBC that no Muslim should be president of the United States. “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation,” Carson told Chuck Todd on Meet the Press. “I absolutely would not agree with that.”It’s not the first time Carson has been skeptical of the patriotism of American Muslims. In September, he told NBC that no Muslim should be president of the United States. “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation,” Carson told Chuck Todd on Meet the Press. “I absolutely would not agree with that.”
The candidate was accused of ignorance and bigotry by Islamic advocacy organizations in the United States after that remark, who accused Carson of contributing to “a climate of hostility” in the wake of terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California.The candidate was accused of ignorance and bigotry by Islamic advocacy organizations in the United States after that remark, who accused Carson of contributing to “a climate of hostility” in the wake of terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California.
Perhaps predicting similar criticism for this morning’s remarks, Carson told Bannon that his belief that adherent Muslims can’t be loyal to the United States isn’t rooted in bigotry.Perhaps predicting similar criticism for this morning’s remarks, Carson told Bannon that his belief that adherent Muslims can’t be loyal to the United States isn’t rooted in bigotry.
“When I say things like that, some people say, ‘Oh, you’re Islamophobic,’” he said. “It’s not Islamophobic at all. I grew up in Detroit and had playmates, schoolmates who were Muslims. There’s a difference between Muslims who accept America and accept our constitution and accept our ways and those who want to continue a different method of living. If we’re not sophisticated enough to understand that, then we will lose that war.”“When I say things like that, some people say, ‘Oh, you’re Islamophobic,’” he said. “It’s not Islamophobic at all. I grew up in Detroit and had playmates, schoolmates who were Muslims. There’s a difference between Muslims who accept America and accept our constitution and accept our ways and those who want to continue a different method of living. If we’re not sophisticated enough to understand that, then we will lose that war.”
Carson then doubled down on his belief that Islam isn’t a religion, but a system of government.Carson then doubled down on his belief that Islam isn’t a religion, but a system of government.
“If you accept all the components of Islam, including Sharia, then it is not a religion of peace, it is a religion of domination.”“If you accept all the components of Islam, including Sharia, then it is not a religion of peace, it is a religion of domination.”
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at 8.58pm GMTat 8.58pm GMT
7.21pm GMT7.21pm GMT
19:2119:21
Trump is rallying in North Augusta, South Carolina – here’s a live video stream:Trump is rallying in North Augusta, South Carolina – here’s a live video stream:
7.09pm GMT7.09pm GMT
19:0919:09
Late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia will lie in repose at the Supreme Court on Friday, the court has announced:Late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia will lie in repose at the Supreme Court on Friday, the court has announced:
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., according to sources close to the Scalia family.The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., according to sources close to the Scalia family.
In a tradition that dates back to 1873, Scalia’s Supreme Court chair and bench were draped with black wool crepe today. The court has also placed a black drapery over the courtroom doors.In a tradition that dates back to 1873, Scalia’s Supreme Court chair and bench were draped with black wool crepe today. The court has also placed a black drapery over the courtroom doors.
The last high court justice to lie in repose at the Supreme Court was Chief Justice William Rehnquist in 2005.The last high court justice to lie in repose at the Supreme Court was Chief Justice William Rehnquist in 2005.
Traditionally, the other justices stand on the steps of the high court as a casket is carried into the Great Hall.Traditionally, the other justices stand on the steps of the high court as a casket is carried into the Great Hall.
(h/t: @dmataconis)(h/t: @dmataconis)
7.02pm GMT7.02pm GMT
19:0219:02
The success thus far of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential nominating contest “shows that much of America is tired of rising inequality and these so-called political changes, and intends to revive both a progressive agenda and the American tradition of egalitarianism,” writes Thomas Piketty, the French economist of wealth inequality, in Le Monde:The success thus far of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential nominating contest “shows that much of America is tired of rising inequality and these so-called political changes, and intends to revive both a progressive agenda and the American tradition of egalitarianism,” writes Thomas Piketty, the French economist of wealth inequality, in Le Monde:
How can we interpret the incredible success of the “socialist” candidate Bernie Sanders in the US primaries? The Vermont senator is now ahead of Hillary Clinton among Democratic-leaning voters below the age of 50, and it’s only thanks to the older generation that Clinton has managed to stay ahead in the polls.How can we interpret the incredible success of the “socialist” candidate Bernie Sanders in the US primaries? The Vermont senator is now ahead of Hillary Clinton among Democratic-leaning voters below the age of 50, and it’s only thanks to the older generation that Clinton has managed to stay ahead in the polls.
Because he is facing the Clinton machine, as well as the conservatism of mainstream media, Sanders might not win the race. But it has now been demonstrated that another Sanders – possibly younger and less white – could one day soon win the US presidential elections and change the face of the country. In many respects, we are witnessing the end of the politico-ideological cycle opened by the victory of Ronald Reagan at the 1980 elections.Because he is facing the Clinton machine, as well as the conservatism of mainstream media, Sanders might not win the race. But it has now been demonstrated that another Sanders – possibly younger and less white – could one day soon win the US presidential elections and change the face of the country. In many respects, we are witnessing the end of the politico-ideological cycle opened by the victory of Ronald Reagan at the 1980 elections.
Read the full piece here:Read the full piece here:
Related: Thomas Piketty on the rise of Bernie Sanders: the US enters a new political eraRelated: Thomas Piketty on the rise of Bernie Sanders: the US enters a new political era
And here is a take on the Sanders campaign from a Guardian letter-writer:And here is a take on the Sanders campaign from a Guardian letter-writer:
Related: Bernie Sanders and the change that politics needs | LettersRelated: Bernie Sanders and the change that politics needs | Letters
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at 7.03pm GMTat 7.03pm GMT
6.52pm GMT6.52pm GMT
18:5218:52
It’s been an eventful day so far in the national politics, with the Republican candidates duking it out in South Carolina, Hillary Clinton making a pilgrimage to New York to meet with Al Sharpton and Bernie Sanders drawing big crowds in the Palmetto state (more on that to come).It’s been an eventful day so far in the national politics, with the Republican candidates duking it out in South Carolina, Hillary Clinton making a pilgrimage to New York to meet with Al Sharpton and Bernie Sanders drawing big crowds in the Palmetto state (more on that to come).
This afternoon looks action-packed, with three big events for Sanders, Clinton and Trump. Sanders holds a town hall meeting in Charleston, South Carolina, beginning at 3pm – our Adam Gabbatt will be there.This afternoon looks action-packed, with three big events for Sanders, Clinton and Trump. Sanders holds a town hall meeting in Charleston, South Carolina, beginning at 3pm – our Adam Gabbatt will be there.
Also at 3pm, Clinton is scheduled to give a speech in Harlem on “systemic racism.” Just before that event, Trump is scheduled to appear at a campaign rally in North Augusta, South Carolina.Also at 3pm, Clinton is scheduled to give a speech in Harlem on “systemic racism.” Just before that event, Trump is scheduled to appear at a campaign rally in North Augusta, South Carolina.
6.34pm GMT6.34pm GMT
18:3418:34
Clinton on Sharpton: 'my lips are sealed'Clinton on Sharpton: 'my lips are sealed'
Lauren GambinoLauren Gambino
Will the Rev. Al Sharpton endorse Hillary Clinton? That’s the question the political organizer and activist seems intent on dodging, at least for the moment, reports the Guardian’s Lauren Gambino:Will the Rev. Al Sharpton endorse Hillary Clinton? That’s the question the political organizer and activist seems intent on dodging, at least for the moment, reports the Guardian’s Lauren Gambino:
Sharpton met with Clinton in downtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning, just a week after he had breakfast in Harlem with her rival, Vermont senator Bernie Sanders.Sharpton met with Clinton in downtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning, just a week after he had breakfast in Harlem with her rival, Vermont senator Bernie Sanders.
“I have not decided who I will support personally but I’m committed to making sure our agenda remains front and center,” Sharpton said at a brief press conference outside the National Urban League headquarters.“I have not decided who I will support personally but I’m committed to making sure our agenda remains front and center,” Sharpton said at a brief press conference outside the National Urban League headquarters.
But moments before, Sharpton gave a slightly different response.But moments before, Sharpton gave a slightly different response.
“She’s trying to ask whether I’m endorsing,” Sharpton said to Clinton, referring to Politico reporter Annie Karni, who was a part of the small pool of reporters covering the exchange inside.“She’s trying to ask whether I’m endorsing,” Sharpton said to Clinton, referring to Politico reporter Annie Karni, who was a part of the small pool of reporters covering the exchange inside.
“My lips are sealed!” Clinton said with a smile.“My lips are sealed!” Clinton said with a smile.
Clinton met privately with the heads of leading civil rights organizations, including NAACP president Cornell Brooks and National Bar Association president, Benjamin Crump, who is expected to formally endorse Hillary Clinton. Afterward, Clinton met with 30 “emerging leaders” in the civil rights movement.Clinton met privately with the heads of leading civil rights organizations, including NAACP president Cornell Brooks and National Bar Association president, Benjamin Crump, who is expected to formally endorse Hillary Clinton. Afterward, Clinton met with 30 “emerging leaders” in the civil rights movement.
Clinton was scheduled to give a speech on “systemic racism” in Harlem on Tuesday afternoon.Clinton was scheduled to give a speech on “systemic racism” in Harlem on Tuesday afternoon.
Sharpton called the meeting with Clinton “very candid” and thanked Clinton for speaking with the movement’s leaders. He said he was looking forward to her remarks later.Sharpton called the meeting with Clinton “very candid” and thanked Clinton for speaking with the movement’s leaders. He said he was looking forward to her remarks later.
“With the first black family leaving the White House in American history – at the end of the year – concerns of our community cannot be marginalized and ignored,” Sharpton said at the press conference. “And for her to spend this morning hearing from the leading organization heads as well as the emerging youth leaders of our organization was important.”“With the first black family leaving the White House in American history – at the end of the year – concerns of our community cannot be marginalized and ignored,” Sharpton said at the press conference. “And for her to spend this morning hearing from the leading organization heads as well as the emerging youth leaders of our organization was important.”
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at 6.35pm GMTat 6.35pm GMT
6.21pm GMT6.21pm GMT
18:2118:21
Ranch owner: Scalia had pillow 'over his head, not over his face'Ranch owner: Scalia had pillow 'over his head, not over his face'
We may have detected a flaw in the Scalia-was-murdered-with-a-pillow theory that has gained so much traction on the right in the last 24 hours that radio host Michael Savage had Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump agreeing that the circumstances of Scalia’s death were “pretty unusual.”We may have detected a flaw in the Scalia-was-murdered-with-a-pillow theory that has gained so much traction on the right in the last 24 hours that radio host Michael Savage had Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump agreeing that the circumstances of Scalia’s death were “pretty unusual.”
CNN’s Jake Tapper passes on further comment by the ranch owner whose account of Scalia being found “in bed, a pillow over his head” set off the whole thing.CNN’s Jake Tapper passes on further comment by the ranch owner whose account of Scalia being found “in bed, a pillow over his head” set off the whole thing.
The pillow was “over his head, not his face,” the owner, John Poindexter, clarified.The pillow was “over his head, not his face,” the owner, John Poindexter, clarified.
owner of the Cibolo Creek Ranch explains Scalia "had a pillow over his head, not over his face.... against the headboard and over his head"owner of the Cibolo Creek Ranch explains Scalia "had a pillow over his head, not over his face.... against the headboard and over his head"
It appears that the paranoic right – including the Republican presidential frontrunner – has, in this case, recklessly latched onto a tantalizingly dramatic but cockamamie idea and drawn wildly inappropriate and far-reaching conclusions it then insists everyone share.It appears that the paranoic right – including the Republican presidential frontrunner – has, in this case, recklessly latched onto a tantalizingly dramatic but cockamamie idea and drawn wildly inappropriate and far-reaching conclusions it then insists everyone share.
It’s the kind of thinking that could Make America great again! In fantasyland.It’s the kind of thinking that could Make America great again! In fantasyland.
FYI, you live in a world where this guy is the GOP front-runner to be presidenthttps://t.co/krOPpFPExc pic.twitter.com/PLgYF984njFYI, you live in a world where this guy is the GOP front-runner to be presidenthttps://t.co/krOPpFPExc pic.twitter.com/PLgYF984nj
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.25pm GMTat 6.25pm GMT
6.08pm GMT6.08pm GMT
18:0818:08
From the comments / Clinton barksFrom the comments / Clinton barks
We asked and you answered: What dog breed was Clinton imitating at that Nevada rally?We asked and you answered: What dog breed was Clinton imitating at that Nevada rally?
Hang on – actually you have not answered. Nowhere among us was there one to venture a guess as to what breed of dog Clinton sounded like. Perhaps that owed to the vapidity of the question, for which we sincerely apologize.Hang on – actually you have not answered. Nowhere among us was there one to venture a guess as to what breed of dog Clinton sounded like. Perhaps that owed to the vapidity of the question, for which we sincerely apologize.
But you did reply on the topic all the same and we herewith pin these comments with gratitude for all your participation below the line:But you did reply on the topic all the same and we herewith pin these comments with gratitude for all your participation below the line:
I thought the barking was kinda funny. Still doesn't qualify her as POTUS. Same as George bush being a jolly old guy didn't qualify himI thought the barking was kinda funny. Still doesn't qualify her as POTUS. Same as George bush being a jolly old guy didn't qualify him
If she wants a dog that'll bark when the republicans lie, well... doesn't she just need a dog that barks a lot? It just has to yap anytime they open their mouths, and it'll have, what, 90% accuracy?If she wants a dog that'll bark when the republicans lie, well... doesn't she just need a dog that barks a lot? It just has to yap anytime they open their mouths, and it'll have, what, 90% accuracy?
Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton barked like a dog at a rally in Nevada Monday.Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton barked like a dog at a rally in Nevada Monday.
Unleashing the dogs of war?..Unleashing the dogs of war?..
5.56pm GMT5.56pm GMT
17:5617:56
The Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui has taken in a Marco Rubio rally in Summerville, South Carolina. Rubio has reason to think that he may perform better on Saturday in the Palmetto state than the polling averages – which show him 20 points behind Trump and a couple points behind Cruz – would have it.The Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui has taken in a Marco Rubio rally in Summerville, South Carolina. Rubio has reason to think that he may perform better on Saturday in the Palmetto state than the polling averages – which show him 20 points behind Trump and a couple points behind Cruz – would have it.
That PPP poll of South Carolina voters we’ve been talking so much about today shows Rubio with the second-highest favorability rating in the state of any Republican candidate, behind Ben Carson.That PPP poll of South Carolina voters we’ve been talking so much about today shows Rubio with the second-highest favorability rating in the state of any Republican candidate, behind Ben Carson.
And of voters who say they are either undecided or “support one of the also rans- Bush, Carson, Kasich- 37% say they would move to Rubio compared to 19% for Trump and 13% for Cruz if they had to choose one of the top three,” PPP reports.And of voters who say they are either undecided or “support one of the also rans- Bush, Carson, Kasich- 37% say they would move to Rubio compared to 19% for Trump and 13% for Cruz if they had to choose one of the top three,” PPP reports.
Sabrina gets in a couple questions for Rubio in Summerville:Sabrina gets in a couple questions for Rubio in Summerville:
Asked when he’ll release his tax returns, Rubio says “momentarily,” adding: “You won’t be very impressed, I can promise you.”Asked when he’ll release his tax returns, Rubio says “momentarily,” adding: “You won’t be very impressed, I can promise you.”
I asked Rubio if he regrets role in Gang of 8. "No ... I tried to make a difference," he said, pointing to constraints of Dem-led Senate.I asked Rubio if he regrets role in Gang of 8. "No ... I tried to make a difference," he said, pointing to constraints of Dem-led Senate.
Rubio in SC: “Building a hotel overseas is not foreign policy experience.” cc: @realDonaldTrumpRubio in SC: “Building a hotel overseas is not foreign policy experience.” cc: @realDonaldTrump
"You'll never hear me attack anyone personally," Rubio says, turning immediately to Ted Cruz's record on national security."You'll never hear me attack anyone personally," Rubio says, turning immediately to Ted Cruz's record on national security.
Another boost for Rubio – popular South Carolina representative Trey Gowdy, who chairs the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi, Libya, has cut a new ad on behalf of his congressional colleague, endorsing Rubio directly to camera:Another boost for Rubio – popular South Carolina representative Trey Gowdy, who chairs the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi, Libya, has cut a new ad on behalf of his congressional colleague, endorsing Rubio directly to camera:
Rubio has been barnstorming South Carolina, telling supporters in Rock Hill on Monday that his conservative voting record was substantial – in tacit contrast perhaps with Trump. Urging the audience to help him campaign in the state, Rubio warned against giving up on conservative principles, saying, “We don’t have to do that”:Rubio has been barnstorming South Carolina, telling supporters in Rock Hill on Monday that his conservative voting record was substantial – in tacit contrast perhaps with Trump. Urging the audience to help him campaign in the state, Rubio warned against giving up on conservative principles, saying, “We don’t have to do that”:
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at 6.02pm GMTat 6.02pm GMT