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Ben Carson endorses Donald Trump: 'He's very cerebral' – campaign live Ben Carson endorses Donald Trump: 'He's very cerebral' – campaign live
(35 minutes later)
3.52pm GMT
15:52
MSNBC’s Trymaine Lee is outside a Trump rally in St Louis, where protesters have faced off with supporters.
Battle lines drawn at Trump rally pic.twitter.com/Y9yRTnjOAm
"He's black and he supports Trump!" pic.twitter.com/lxh20YyRxR
Here’s our report at recent violence at Trump rallies:
Related: Trump campaign dogged by violent incidents at rallies
3.32pm GMT
15:32
Ben Jacobs
Carson said he was supporting Trump to stop the Republican party from being torn “irreparably” asunder. But what if the party sunders itself anyway, in an attempt to block candidate Trump at the national convention in July?
“For the first time since the invention of social media and 24-hour cable news, a major party may decide its presidential nominee on the convention floor,” writes Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs.
But what exactly is a contested convention?
Related: How a contested convention could allow Republicans to snatch Trump's crown
In the dark ages of American politics, the elaborate politicking of a presidential primary was once condensed into a political convention. For decades, instead of a long public process during which candidates traipsed from Iowa to New Hampshire and onwards across the country for series of primaries and caucuses, presidential nominees were chosen in overheated convention halls and the smoke-filled rooms in adjacent hotels.
However, as more states instituted primaries to select their delegates, a process that accelerated greatly in the 1970s, the conventions receded in importance. The last political convention to go to more than one ballot was the Democrats’ in 1952, when they nominated Adlai Stevenson. [...]
The problems come in several forms. The first is that since conventions have been long thought to be vestigial parts of American politics, candidates’ campaigns are not fully prepared for the delegate chase – a full scale 50-state scramble. Campaigns have to take care to not just make the ballot in every state but to fill their slates of delegates with names and ensure that those delegates pledged to them are actual supporters and not what veteran Republican strategist John Yob calls “supporters in name only”, or Sinos.
Read the full piece here.
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3.22pm GMT
15:22
This seems important. Hey it’s Friday
JUST LEARNED: Name of the WEWS-TV Cleveland OH reporter covering John Kasich is John Kosich https://t.co/LMSsFkk4Ii pic.twitter.com/MjX1pP4FNd
3.10pm GMT3.10pm GMT
15:1015:10
Here’s a summary of the nice things Ben Carson said about Donald Trump just then:Here’s a summary of the nice things Ben Carson said about Donald Trump just then:
Trump agreed with Carson explicitly about many of his, Trump’s, qualities:Trump agreed with Carson explicitly about many of his, Trump’s, qualities:
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3.05pm GMT3.05pm GMT
15:0515:05
Breitbart stands with its reporter against Trump. The company at first seemed reluctant to register criticism against Trump but then suspended a reporter who gave voice to skepticism over the incident.Breitbart stands with its reporter against Trump. The company at first seemed reluctant to register criticism against Trump but then suspended a reporter who gave voice to skepticism over the incident.
“Trump’s suggestion that Fields made up the incident Tuesday evening contradicts the evidence,” Breitbart says.“Trump’s suggestion that Fields made up the incident Tuesday evening contradicts the evidence,” Breitbart says.
.@BreitbartNews releases statement standing behind @MichelleFields pic.twitter.com/wTmrSBXFUy.@BreitbartNews releases statement standing behind @MichelleFields pic.twitter.com/wTmrSBXFUy
Related: Trump campaign dogged by violent incidents at ralliesRelated: Trump campaign dogged by violent incidents at rallies
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2.57pm GMT2.57pm GMT
14:5714:57
Carson: Trump is 'malleable'Carson: Trump is 'malleable'
Carson is asked whether the “two Donald Trumps” should concern voters.Carson is asked whether the “two Donald Trumps” should concern voters.
“There’s a different persona. Some people have gotten the impression that Donald Trump is a person who is not malleable,” Carson says – a person who can’t take in new information and make wise decisions.“There’s a different persona. Some people have gotten the impression that Donald Trump is a person who is not malleable,” Carson says – a person who can’t take in new information and make wise decisions.
“He’s much more cerebral than that, and a much more reasonable person than comes across.”“He’s much more cerebral than that, and a much more reasonable person than comes across.”
"He's a much more reasonable person than comes across," says Ben Carson of Donald Trump, in a ringing endorsement"He's a much more reasonable person than comes across," says Ben Carson of Donald Trump, in a ringing endorsement
Carson blames the media for creating a fake Trump. Does this exculpate the media from the charge of being played by Mr Trump?Carson blames the media for creating a fake Trump. Does this exculpate the media from the charge of being played by Mr Trump?
Trump thanks the crowd and invites them to coffee and drinks outside.Trump thanks the crowd and invites them to coffee and drinks outside.
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2.52pm GMT2.52pm GMT
14:5214:52
Carson on Trump decision: 'I prayed about it a lot'Carson on Trump decision: 'I prayed about it a lot'
Carson is back. He says if party operatives succeeded at stopping Trump, it would “fracture the party irreparably and it would hand the election to the Democrats.Carson is back. He says if party operatives succeeded at stopping Trump, it would “fracture the party irreparably and it would hand the election to the Democrats.
“It’s not about me, it’s not about Mr Trump,” Carson says. It’s about America.“It’s not about me, it’s not about Mr Trump,” Carson says. It’s about America.
Carson is asked about Ted Cruz, accused of spreading a rumor that Carson had dropped out in advance of the Iowa caucuses. Did that play a role in this morning’s decision? Carson doesn’t answer directly.Carson is asked about Ted Cruz, accused of spreading a rumor that Carson had dropped out in advance of the Iowa caucuses. Did that play a role in this morning’s decision? Carson doesn’t answer directly.
“I feel that Mr Trump is willing to do what needs to be done to break the stranglehold of special interest groups and the political class,” he says.“I feel that Mr Trump is willing to do what needs to be done to break the stranglehold of special interest groups and the political class,” he says.
“I’ve completely forgiven him. That’s my duty as a Christian.”“I’ve completely forgiven him. That’s my duty as a Christian.”
Then Carson is asked what role God played in his decision to support Trump.Then Carson is asked what role God played in his decision to support Trump.
“I prayed about it a lot” and got a lot of signals of which way to go, Carson says.“I prayed about it a lot” and got a lot of signals of which way to go, Carson says.
These included people he hadn’t’ talked to in a long time calling him up and saying things like, “I had this dream about you and Donald Trump. It’s just amazing.”These included people he hadn’t’ talked to in a long time calling him up and saying things like, “I had this dream about you and Donald Trump. It’s just amazing.”
2.47pm GMT2.47pm GMT
14:4714:47
Trump says Clinton lacks stamina to fix trade dealsTrump says Clinton lacks stamina to fix trade deals
Trump says Hillary Clinton does not have what it takes to fix US trade deals. “She has no business instinct. She doesn’t have the energy or the strength to get these deals made. You need strength and you need stamina.”Trump says Hillary Clinton does not have what it takes to fix US trade deals. “She has no business instinct. She doesn’t have the energy or the strength to get these deals made. You need strength and you need stamina.”
2.45pm GMT2.45pm GMT
14:4514:45
Trump: 'I think I'll beat John Kasich' in OhioTrump: 'I think I'll beat John Kasich' in Ohio
“The Republican party lost its way,” Trump says. But he says he’s made something happen. “Call it a miracle,” call it what you will.“The Republican party lost its way,” Trump says. But he says he’s made something happen. “Call it a miracle,” call it what you will.
“We’re going to have Democrats for Trump,” he says. He says his friends in Hollywood are all voting for him but won’t admit it. They like his stances on crime and the border, Trump says. “They’re liberal people but they’re voting for Trump.”“We’re going to have Democrats for Trump,” he says. He says his friends in Hollywood are all voting for him but won’t admit it. They like his stances on crime and the border, Trump says. “They’re liberal people but they’re voting for Trump.”
Then Trump starts hammering Ohio governor John Kasich, a rival.Then Trump starts hammering Ohio governor John Kasich, a rival.
Whoever has the most delegates at the end of this trip should win... Ohio should be great to me... I think I’ll beat John Kasich. John Kasich has been an absentee governor. He lived in New Hampshire...Whoever has the most delegates at the end of this trip should win... Ohio should be great to me... I think I’ll beat John Kasich. John Kasich has been an absentee governor. He lived in New Hampshire...
Trump says Ohio “got lucky” with of oil discoveries and implies the economic vigor of the state is an accident, not tied to good government.Trump says Ohio “got lucky” with of oil discoveries and implies the economic vigor of the state is an accident, not tied to good government.
Trump’s asked if he’ll ditch a planned debate on March 21 in Salt Lake City.Trump’s asked if he’ll ditch a planned debate on March 21 in Salt Lake City.
“I didn’t know there was a next debate,” Trump says.“I didn’t know there was a next debate,” Trump says.
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2.41pm GMT2.41pm GMT
14:4114:41
What does Trump think about reports that senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is advising colleagues with vulnerable seats on how to run away from Trump?What does Trump think about reports that senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is advising colleagues with vulnerable seats on how to run away from Trump?
“I’m sure that will change,” Trump says.“I’m sure that will change,” Trump says.
2.39pm GMT2.39pm GMT
14:3914:39
Trump: 'I will get states that are unbelievable'Trump: 'I will get states that are unbelievable'
Trump says he would win Michigan in a general election and he might even win New York.Trump says he would win Michigan in a general election and he might even win New York.
“With me, I add a lot of states that aren’t even in play for anybody else,” Trump says, mentioning the Rust Belt. “I will get states that are unbelievable, that are unthinkable for the Republican party.”“With me, I add a lot of states that aren’t even in play for anybody else,” Trump says, mentioning the Rust Belt. “I will get states that are unbelievable, that are unthinkable for the Republican party.”
2.37pm GMT2.37pm GMT
14:3714:37
Trump: 'we’ve had enough debates'Trump: 'we’ve had enough debates'
“I think we’ve had enough debates. I mean how many times do you have to give the same answer to the same question? Same questions, same people, same everything.“I think we’ve had enough debates. I mean how many times do you have to give the same answer to the same question? Same questions, same people, same everything.
I don’t think there’s any reason for the debates. I know they’re getting very big ratings. And by the way the Democrats aren’t getting ratings at all.I don’t think there’s any reason for the debates. I know they’re getting very big ratings. And by the way the Democrats aren’t getting ratings at all.
Trump is asked about his call for the GOP to embrace his candidacy.Trump is asked about his call for the GOP to embrace his candidacy.
“The Republican party should come together and embrace these millions of people that are coming out and voting.... there’s something happening that’s really beautiful to see.”“The Republican party should come together and embrace these millions of people that are coming out and voting.... there’s something happening that’s really beautiful to see.”
2.34pm GMT
14:34
Like seemingly every Trump appearance, this one has turned into a news conference. Trump said the debate last night was “elegant” and “dignified.”
He says he’d leave the door open on accepting contributions during a potential general election campaign.
Trump is asked again about the “two Donald Trumps.”
Q: Is the real Donald Trump your public persona or your private self?
A: It’s an interesting question. I don’t like to over-analyze myself. I try to be who I am... I try to give a straight answer more than a politically correct answer. I answer truthfully... like the question on Islam... there is a problem.
Trump said yesterday that “I think Islam hates us.”
“I want to answer questions honestly and forthrightly,” Trump says.
Q: Why are there two Donald Trumps? Is it a conscience thing?
A: “I don’t think there are two Donald Trumps. I think there’s one Donald Trump,” in direct contradiction of what he said 5 minutes ago.
“I am a thinker... I’m a very deep thinker. I know what’s happening, OK?”
2.28pm GMT
14:28
Trump blames violence at his rallies on protesters. “We’ve had some violent people at protests. These are people that punch. These are violent people.”
“We’ve had a couple that were really violent... a guy who was swinging, was very loud and then started swinging at the audience. And you know what, the audience swung back.
“If you want to know the truth, the police were very very restrained.”
2.27pm GMT
14:27
Trump on troop deployments: 'It's going to be up to the generals'
Islamic state question. Last night Trump said he would commit 20,000-30,000 troops to beat the perceived threat.
“They’re going to get back real soon. We have to get rid of Isis. It’s going to be up to the generals. The generals are going to play their own game.”
We’ve got to get the right general, Trump says.
Does he regret anything he said about Carson?
“It’s a funny thing,” Trump says. “I was thinking about that yesterday.” He talks about polling last fall. The “one person that just kept sneaking up on me, I couldn’t lose him, was DR Ben Carson,” Trump says.
“I couldn’t lose him, I couldn’t shake him... and I hit him hard. .. but he handled it with such dignity.”
The difference was that people voted for Trump.
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2.23pm GMT
14:23
Trump: 'we’ve been contacted by many of the biggest people in Republican politics'
Trump is asked whether he is making outreach efforts to Capitol Hill.
“We have been called by the biggest people in politics, not only Republican politics.”
Trump says House speaker Paul Ryan “reached out”. “Terrific guy, I’ve always liked him, I’ve always respected him.”
“Many other people at the top top level... we’ve been contacted by many of the biggest people in Republican politics. They’re really reaching out to us.”
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2.22pm GMT
14:22
Trump: 'I’m a big thinker'
“Ben’s going to have a big, big, part,” Trump says. “Maybe Ben doesn’t know that yet. But he’s going to have a big part.”
Trump’s asked whether he agrees with Carson’s view that there are “two Donald Trumps.”
“I probably do agree. I think there are two Donald Trumps. There’s the public version... but it’s probably different than the personal Donald Trump.
“Somebody that is a thinker. I’m a big thinker.”
2.20pm GMT
14:20
Trump now takes the lectern. He says he and Carson discussed education policy yesterday.
“It was so right on. It was so good. I said Ben, congratulations, you just have to get involved with us on education.”
He makes it sound like a job offer. “Ben is going to get very much involved in that, and he’s going to get involved in health care where he’s an expert.”
But Trump says there was no job offer. “He just wants to help.”
“It’s such an honor to have Ben. He’s a friend, he’s become a friend and I really appreciate the endorsement.”
They hug. Briefly.
Updated
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2.19pm GMT
14:19
Carson says a house divided against itself cannot stand and together the country will “ascend to a much higher pinnacle” than anyone expects.
2.18pm GMT
14:18
Carson sees spiritual alignment with Trump
Carson’s speaking at a Trump event in Palm Beach. Trump is waiting in the wings. Carson’s standing behind a Trump-branded lectern in front of Trump’s usual backdrop of American flags.
“There’s a lot more alignment, philosophically and spiritually, than I ever thought there was,” Carson says of himself and Trump.
“I’m appealing to the media, as well. You’re part of America, too,” Carson advises. He says the job of the media should be not to divide or sow conflict, but to unite.
“Donald Trump talks a lot about making America great, but it’s not just talk – he means it,” Carson says.
2.15pm GMT
14:15
Carson endorses Trump: he's 'very cerebral'
“I’ll tell you why. First of all, I’ve come to know Donald Trump ... he is actually a very intelligent man who cares deeply about America.”
Carson says there are two Trumps. One you see onstage and a secret Trump backstage, who Carson says is “very cerebral”.
“Some people said he said terrible things about you ... well first of all we buried the hatchet. ... That happens in American politics.
“There’s a lot more alignment, philosophically and spiritually, than I ever thought there was,” Carson says.
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1.21pm GMT
13:21
Hello and welcome to our live-wire coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. Retired brain surgeon Ben Carson will endorse Donald Trump this morning in an appearance in Florida, Trump announced from the debate stage last night.
Carson said on Thursday that it was important for the Republican party to get behind its nominee to ensure the defeat of the Democrats in November. Carson also said he believed that Trump was attracting new voters to the GOP.
But some longtime Carson supporters expressed disappointment that a leader they had valued for his even temperament and Christian values would now get behind a candidate not known for either.
“Let’s hope it is just a bad rumor, otherwise a lot of Dr Carson fans will be heartbroken,” said old Carson friend and former campaign organizer Terry Giles in a statement to the Guardian on Thursday evening. (Read the full statement here.)
Ever since the Carson endorsement plan was announced, those who care have busied themselves disinterring Trump’s greatest hits against Carson, including this one:
With Ben Carson wanting to hit his mother on head with a hammer, stab a friend and Pyramids built for grain storage - don't people get it?
In other news, Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, continued overnight to attack Michelle Fields, the reporter he is accused of physically assaulting this week. “You are totally delusional,” Lewandowski tweeted at Fields. “I never touched you.”
Lewandowski’s account contradicts that of a reporter who witnessed the incident, an audio recording of the incident and a photo of her bruises.
“Perhaps she made the story up,” Trump himself said after the debate last night. “I think that’s what happened.”
But the new audio recording that emerged overnight added to the evidence that Fields was not lying but instead was manhandled by Lewandowski. “That was insane,” Fields appears to say. “You should have felt how hard he grabbed me.”
“He literally almost threw you on the ground,” Washington Post reporter Ben Terris appears to reply.
Related: Donald Trump accuses reporter in assault row of 'making the story up'
Did you watch last night’s Republican debate in Miami? It was a staid affair, more reminiscent of action on the Senate floor (“I’d like to thank my colleague from Manhattan for that gracious speech and only would add these supporting points …”) than a Republican debate hall.
“If we nominate Donald Trump, Hillary wins,” Ted Cruz warned. Read all about it here:
Related: Republican debate: Trump, Rubio and Cruz put bickering behind them
There’s a lot more happening on the campaign trail – thanks for joining us. What’s on your political mind today?
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