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Trump rallies go on as Republican rivals work to survive past Tuesday — as it happened Trump rallies go on as Republican rivals work to survive past Tuesday — as it happened
(6 months later)
10.56pm GMT10.56pm GMT
22:5622:56
This blog has now closed, but we’ll have live coverage of tonight’s Democratic town hall forum right here.This blog has now closed, but we’ll have live coverage of tonight’s Democratic town hall forum right here.
9.36pm GMT9.36pm GMT
21:3621:36
Martin PengellyMartin Pengelly
We’re going to close our blog now – although Paul Owen will be back soon to live-blog the Democratic town hall event in Ohio.We’re going to close our blog now – although Paul Owen will be back soon to live-blog the Democratic town hall event in Ohio.
It has been a day of anticlimax on the campaign trail, which given what went before on Friday and Saturday was absolutely and entirely a good thing.It has been a day of anticlimax on the campaign trail, which given what went before on Friday and Saturday was absolutely and entirely a good thing.
Donald Trump toured the talk shows to insist the violent confrontations and chaos surrounding his recent events were not remotely his fault; later he read an obscure 1970s soul song as a poem. So that was new.Donald Trump toured the talk shows to insist the violent confrontations and chaos surrounding his recent events were not remotely his fault; later he read an obscure 1970s soul song as a poem. So that was new.
John Kasich toured the same talk shows to insist he will win Ohio and then march – with sunny disposition – all the way to the White House. And in Florida, Marco Rubio tried to look on the bright side of what seems the impending end of his campaign, helped by a heckler who claimed the senator had stolen his girlfriend, which if nothing else gave everyone concerned a much-needed laugh.John Kasich toured the same talk shows to insist he will win Ohio and then march – with sunny disposition – all the way to the White House. And in Florida, Marco Rubio tried to look on the bright side of what seems the impending end of his campaign, helped by a heckler who claimed the senator had stolen his girlfriend, which if nothing else gave everyone concerned a much-needed laugh.
On the Democratic side of things, Bernie Sanders did what he usually does on Sundays: spoke to rapturous crowds after telling the talk shows he will not give in to Hillary Clinton and will take his momentum into the northern states at play on “Mega Tuesday”. Yes, we’re calling it that. Hillary – a talk show no-show – just campaigned.On the Democratic side of things, Bernie Sanders did what he usually does on Sundays: spoke to rapturous crowds after telling the talk shows he will not give in to Hillary Clinton and will take his momentum into the northern states at play on “Mega Tuesday”. Yes, we’re calling it that. Hillary – a talk show no-show – just campaigned.
Here’s Oliver Laughland’s wrap of the day and the weekend. Until later.Here’s Oliver Laughland’s wrap of the day and the weekend. Until later.
Related: Donald Trump deflects blame from all sides after weekend of chaos
9.11pm GMT9.11pm GMT
21:1121:11
Sabrina SiddiquiSabrina Siddiqui
With the fate of his presidential campaign two days away, Marco Rubio returned to a retirement community in The Villages in central Florida on Sunday, to urge voters not to give in to the politics of fear.With the fate of his presidential campaign two days away, Marco Rubio returned to a retirement community in The Villages in central Florida on Sunday, to urge voters not to give in to the politics of fear.
Faced with defeat in his home state on Tuesday at the hands of Donald Trump, the senator said violence and altercations at the Republican frontrunner’s rallies presented “third-world images” to the nation.Faced with defeat in his home state on Tuesday at the hands of Donald Trump, the senator said violence and altercations at the Republican frontrunner’s rallies presented “third-world images” to the nation.
“Embrace what made us great to begin with,” Rubio said. “Embrace leaders who do not ask you to give them your vote on fear and hopelessness.”“Embrace what made us great to begin with,” Rubio said. “Embrace leaders who do not ask you to give them your vote on fear and hopelessness.”
The senator was warmly received by the crowd of roughly 400, with an overflow outside. The retirees, most of them old enough to be Rubio’s parents, were also receptive to his criticisms of Trump and the business mogul’s rhetoric.The senator was warmly received by the crowd of roughly 400, with an overflow outside. The retirees, most of them old enough to be Rubio’s parents, were also receptive to his criticisms of Trump and the business mogul’s rhetoric.
Rubio took several shots at his rival, emphasizing in particular his “new brand of leadership that isn’t leadership at all … that says, ‘Yes, get angry.’”Rubio took several shots at his rival, emphasizing in particular his “new brand of leadership that isn’t leadership at all … that says, ‘Yes, get angry.’”
“Do we really want to live in a country where Americans hate each other?” Rubio said. “If we continue on the road we are on right now, we are going to fracture at the seams.”“Do we really want to live in a country where Americans hate each other?” Rubio said. “If we continue on the road we are on right now, we are going to fracture at the seams.”
The senator has been barnstorming his home state for more than a week in the hopes of salvaging his bid for the Republican nomination. He sunk to new lows in recent primary contests, failing to secure any delegates in several states.The senator has been barnstorming his home state for more than a week in the hopes of salvaging his bid for the Republican nomination. He sunk to new lows in recent primary contests, failing to secure any delegates in several states.
Polling in Florida shows an uphill climb for Rubio, who is trailing Trump by double digits in some surveys and gaining ground in others. A loss would almost certainly force him out of the race.Polling in Florida shows an uphill climb for Rubio, who is trailing Trump by double digits in some surveys and gaining ground in others. A loss would almost certainly force him out of the race.
Rubio placed some of the blame with the media, saying it “covers politics as entertainment instead of serious discourse”.Rubio placed some of the blame with the media, saying it “covers politics as entertainment instead of serious discourse”.
The rally, while mostly uneventful, did include one moment of levity shortly after Rubio took the stage.The rally, while mostly uneventful, did include one moment of levity shortly after Rubio took the stage.
A young man interrupted to complain that Rubio had tried to steal his girlfriend, alleging she was so charmed when she saw the senator in New Hampshire that she no longer looked at him the same way.A young man interrupted to complain that Rubio had tried to steal his girlfriend, alleging she was so charmed when she saw the senator in New Hampshire that she no longer looked at him the same way.
The crowd rose to Rubio’s defense, chanting “Marco! Marco” as the man, who continued to disrupt, was escorted out by security.The crowd rose to Rubio’s defense, chanting “Marco! Marco” as the man, who continued to disrupt, was escorted out by security.
A bemused Rubio laughed off the incident but didn’t skip a beat in contrasting himself to Trump.A bemused Rubio laughed off the incident but didn’t skip a beat in contrasting himself to Trump.
“We don’t rough up hecklers at our rallies,” he said.“We don’t rough up hecklers at our rallies,” he said.
8.35pm GMT8.35pm GMT
20:3520:35
Around the Republican trail, Marco Rubio in Florida.Around the Republican trail, Marco Rubio in Florida.
Rubio now paraphrasing Shylock. "I'm a man. You cut me, I'll bleed. You hurt me, I'll feel pain."Rubio now paraphrasing Shylock. "I'm a man. You cut me, I'll bleed. You hurt me, I'll feel pain."
Ted Cruz in North Carolina: “gentleman, start your engines.”Ted Cruz in North Carolina: “gentleman, start your engines.”
Ted Cruz on stage at last in North Carolina pic.twitter.com/972s3U9RneTed Cruz on stage at last in North Carolina pic.twitter.com/972s3U9Rne
And Donald Trump in the sky on the way to Boca Raton.And Donald Trump in the sky on the way to Boca Raton.
Dark clouds have formed over the scene of the Trump rally in Boca Raton. pic.twitter.com/KAZ7PRunAmDark clouds have formed over the scene of the Trump rally in Boca Raton. pic.twitter.com/KAZ7PRunAm
8.06pm GMT8.06pm GMT
20:0620:06
Megan CarpentierMegan Carpentier
And outside the Cincinnati venue, with Megan Carpentier, as the rally inside ends.And outside the Cincinnati venue, with Megan Carpentier, as the rally inside ends.
A middle-aged woman, with a piece of wet neon poster board reading “Trump is Hitler” on one side and “Hillary Clinton 2016” on the other, has walked up into the crowd of Trump supporters.A middle-aged woman, with a piece of wet neon poster board reading “Trump is Hitler” on one side and “Hillary Clinton 2016” on the other, has walked up into the crowd of Trump supporters.
She started yelling at another middle-aged woman, in English about Trump being “a fascist”, and in Spanish seemingly about the candidate’s failure to support issues important to the African-American, Latino and LGBT communities.She started yelling at another middle-aged woman, in English about Trump being “a fascist”, and in Spanish seemingly about the candidate’s failure to support issues important to the African-American, Latino and LGBT communities.
The protester was quickly surrounded by Trump fans, waving flags and umbrellas at her, as one man scribbled on the back of her sign. The 30-some people shouted “USA, USA, USA” and she quieted, holding her sign aloft.The protester was quickly surrounded by Trump fans, waving flags and umbrellas at her, as one man scribbled on the back of her sign. The 30-some people shouted “USA, USA, USA” and she quieted, holding her sign aloft.
“Hillary’s a murderer,” someone shouted.“Hillary’s a murderer,” someone shouted.
“Don’t touch me!” the protester said, as two people walked around her waving shirts.“Don’t touch me!” the protester said, as two people walked around her waving shirts.
“No one wants to touch you,” a young man yelled.“No one wants to touch you,” a young man yelled.
“Maybe if someone did, you wouldn’t be here!” another jeered from the crowd.“Maybe if someone did, you wouldn’t be here!” another jeered from the crowd.
“Build the wall! Build the wall!” the crowd chanted.“Build the wall! Build the wall!” the crowd chanted.
“Hillary kills babies!” yelled another woman, and the crowd started shouting Trump’s name as a police officer finally came over to ask the Clinton supporter to move to the designated protest area.“Hillary kills babies!” yelled another woman, and the crowd started shouting Trump’s name as a police officer finally came over to ask the Clinton supporter to move to the designated protest area.
“It’s our party,” another guy said, “Go back to yours over there.”“It’s our party,” another guy said, “Go back to yours over there.”
Two police officers politely walked her back. Someone tried to get the crowd to sing “Nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey, goodbye”, but nobody else took it up.Two police officers politely walked her back. Someone tried to get the crowd to sing “Nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey, goodbye”, but nobody else took it up.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.44pm GMTat 9.44pm GMT
8.01pm GMT8.01pm GMT
20:0120:01
Trump is taking questions. Someone in the audience asks him “on what day will you send Hillary Clinton to prison?”Trump is taking questions. Someone in the audience asks him “on what day will you send Hillary Clinton to prison?”
This gets a huge ovation.This gets a huge ovation.
The candidate looks amused, but offers a relatively cagey answer, by his standards. He says he wants to beat her in the general election and then he’ll see about criminal charges.The candidate looks amused, but offers a relatively cagey answer, by his standards. He says he wants to beat her in the general election and then he’ll see about criminal charges.
He then rambles a bit about how the US protects Germany and Japan in exchange “for peanuts”.He then rambles a bit about how the US protects Germany and Japan in exchange “for peanuts”.
Then it’s on to motorcycles. “Motorcycle guys love Trump,” he says. “And I’m not too much on the motorcycles, but every place I go there’s hundreds of guys on motorcycles, and they say, ‘I love you, Mr Trump.’”Then it’s on to motorcycles. “Motorcycle guys love Trump,” he says. “And I’m not too much on the motorcycles, but every place I go there’s hundreds of guys on motorcycles, and they say, ‘I love you, Mr Trump.’”
“They want to see a strong country,” he goes on, and “strong infrastructure”.“They want to see a strong country,” he goes on, and “strong infrastructure”.
“I mean if I’m driving a motorcycle I don’t want to be driving over potholes,” he adds.“I mean if I’m driving a motorcycle I don’t want to be driving over potholes,” he adds.
“The motorcycle people love Donald Trump.”“The motorcycle people love Donald Trump.”
A Native American woman asks Trump whether, “after you take the oath” of office, he’ll apologize for the many broken treaties and crimes against indigenous people that litter American history.A Native American woman asks Trump whether, “after you take the oath” of office, he’ll apologize for the many broken treaties and crimes against indigenous people that litter American history.
“Well I’ll certainly look into it,” Trump says. “You know I haven’t been big on apologizing.”“Well I’ll certainly look into it,” Trump says. “You know I haven’t been big on apologizing.”
The crowd laughs.The crowd laughs.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.45pm GMTat 9.45pm GMT
7.54pm GMT7.54pm GMT
19:5419:54
Megan CarpentierMegan Carpentier
Megan Carpentier is still outside the Cincinnati rally, where pro- and anti-Trump bands are acting up.Megan Carpentier is still outside the Cincinnati rally, where pro- and anti-Trump bands are acting up.
As Trump spoke in the venue, roving groups of Trump supporters and protestors milled outside the event, mingling and exchanging insults.As Trump spoke in the venue, roving groups of Trump supporters and protestors milled outside the event, mingling and exchanging insults.
In the designated protest area, a group of young people yelled “Dump Trump!” at passersby, who sometimes responded with insults. “Fuck you, you commie! Go back to Africa!” yelled one, at the most vociferous protestor.In the designated protest area, a group of young people yelled “Dump Trump!” at passersby, who sometimes responded with insults. “Fuck you, you commie! Go back to Africa!” yelled one, at the most vociferous protestor.
“Fuck you, you’re the one voting for a commie!” he yelled back.“Fuck you, you’re the one voting for a commie!” he yelled back.
A group of very young men in American flag clothes rolled up and started blowing an air horn at them, to jeers from the protestors: “Ooh, your mommy bought you an air horn!”A group of very young men in American flag clothes rolled up and started blowing an air horn at them, to jeers from the protestors: “Ooh, your mommy bought you an air horn!”
The woman who’d harassed me pointed at the kids with an air horn and laughed.The woman who’d harassed me pointed at the kids with an air horn and laughed.
7.49pm GMT7.49pm GMT
19:4919:49
Trump is on the stage in Cincinnati, where he waits for protesters to be escorted out and his supporters boo the demonstrators.Trump is on the stage in Cincinnati, where he waits for protesters to be escorted out and his supporters boo the demonstrators.
Once they’re out, they chant: “Trump! Trump! Trump!”Once they’re out, they chant: “Trump! Trump! Trump!”
The candidate kicks off by saying that his wife and daughter asked him not to engage with rivals during the last Republican debate. They asked him to be presidential, Trump says.The candidate kicks off by saying that his wife and daughter asked him not to engage with rivals during the last Republican debate. They asked him to be presidential, Trump says.
“I said, ‘I can’t do that. When they go after you I have to go back at them.’”“I said, ‘I can’t do that. When they go after you I have to go back at them.’”
He criticizes Ohio governor John Kasich, saying, “he ran Lehman Brothers into the ground” and almost destroyed the world’s economy. Kasich made hundreds of thousands while with the financial firm until it collapsed in 2008 – along with the US economy – but Kasich was not at all a central player in running the company.He criticizes Ohio governor John Kasich, saying, “he ran Lehman Brothers into the ground” and almost destroyed the world’s economy. Kasich made hundreds of thousands while with the financial firm until it collapsed in 2008 – along with the US economy – but Kasich was not at all a central player in running the company.
Then it’s on to boasting about elections. “I won evangelicals the day after the pope scolded me,” he says, apparently having missed the 16th-century religious revolution and counter-revolution that separated Protestants from Catholics, and the subsequent centuries of American revivalism that created the loose group of sects we call “evangelicals” today.Then it’s on to boasting about elections. “I won evangelicals the day after the pope scolded me,” he says, apparently having missed the 16th-century religious revolution and counter-revolution that separated Protestants from Catholics, and the subsequent centuries of American revivalism that created the loose group of sects we call “evangelicals” today.
“I said, ‘the pope!?’ I said, ‘well that’s a big problem.’ I said, ‘I like the pope.’”“I said, ‘the pope!?’ I said, ‘well that’s a big problem.’ I said, ‘I like the pope.’”
He’s talking about Pope Francis’s remarks that Trump’s desire to keep out immigrants is “not Christian”. Trump is Presbyterian, and the head of his church also disagrees with him on the issue.He’s talking about Pope Francis’s remarks that Trump’s desire to keep out immigrants is “not Christian”. Trump is Presbyterian, and the head of his church also disagrees with him on the issue.
Then Trump says Pete Rose, the disgraced former athlete who bet on games as a baseball player, “should be in the Hall of Fame”.Then Trump says Pete Rose, the disgraced former athlete who bet on games as a baseball player, “should be in the Hall of Fame”.
Related: Trump's own Christian denomination defies him on immigration policy
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.46pm GMTat 9.46pm GMT
7.23pm GMT7.23pm GMT
19:2319:23
Megan CarpentierMegan Carpentier
Donald Trump has just begun a rally in Cincinnati, Ohio, where my colleague Megan Carpentier is speaking with the fans and protesters outside.Donald Trump has just begun a rally in Cincinnati, Ohio, where my colleague Megan Carpentier is speaking with the fans and protesters outside.
Though Secret Service shut the doors at 1.30pm and Donald Trump didn’t arrive at Cincinnati’s Savannah Center until nearly 3pm, hundreds of people stood out in the intermittent rain just to cheer his arrival.Though Secret Service shut the doors at 1.30pm and Donald Trump didn’t arrive at Cincinnati’s Savannah Center until nearly 3pm, hundreds of people stood out in the intermittent rain just to cheer his arrival.
From under an awning where people were sheltering from the rain – by two men holding a banner reading “THE SILENT MAJORITY IS PISSED!” for attendees to add their signatures and a large Donald Trump impersonators – a yell went up when the motorcade was spotted and bedraggled fans rushed towards the entrance, slipping in the mud and jostling for position.From under an awning where people were sheltering from the rain – by two men holding a banner reading “THE SILENT MAJORITY IS PISSED!” for attendees to add their signatures and a large Donald Trump impersonators – a yell went up when the motorcade was spotted and bedraggled fans rushed towards the entrance, slipping in the mud and jostling for position.
“Trump! Trump! Trump!” some young men shouted, as people held cell phones and selfies sticks over the heads of the crowd and “The Donald”, as one older lady called him, waved at his fans before walking. Inside to take the stage.“Trump! Trump! Trump!” some young men shouted, as people held cell phones and selfies sticks over the heads of the crowd and “The Donald”, as one older lady called him, waved at his fans before walking. Inside to take the stage.
Pictures snapped, some people headed for their cars, while others retreated to the few dry spots to wait it out.Pictures snapped, some people headed for their cars, while others retreated to the few dry spots to wait it out.
Meanwhile, vendors selling both Trump-specific and general conservative swag worked the remaining crowd. “Oh, we’re local vendors,” one leathered older man said. “We offered him a donation, but he said he don’t want our money, just asked for our votes.Meanwhile, vendors selling both Trump-specific and general conservative swag worked the remaining crowd. “Oh, we’re local vendors,” one leathered older man said. “We offered him a donation, but he said he don’t want our money, just asked for our votes.
“He don’t need my money anyway.”“He don’t need my money anyway.”
Meanwhile, a short, middle-aged woman in a Trump shirt followed a trio of younger folks – a white woman in a hoodie, a white man in a blue T-shirt and duck camouflage cap (a popular Ohio print) and a black man with short dreadlocks – and shouted “Yeah, you better put your hoodie up!” at the girl.Meanwhile, a short, middle-aged woman in a Trump shirt followed a trio of younger folks – a white woman in a hoodie, a white man in a blue T-shirt and duck camouflage cap (a popular Ohio print) and a black man with short dreadlocks – and shouted “Yeah, you better put your hoodie up!” at the girl.
As I looked up, she glared at me, too. “How’d you get in here first?” she demanded. I smiled, and told her I hadn’t gotten in anywhere, as I was stuck outside in the rain. Satisfied, she wandered off.As I looked up, she glared at me, too. “How’d you get in here first?” she demanded. I smiled, and told her I hadn’t gotten in anywhere, as I was stuck outside in the rain. Satisfied, she wandered off.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.47pm GMTat 9.47pm GMT
7.00pm GMT7.00pm GMT
19:0019:00
Things are getting weird in Boca Raton, Florida, where the Daily Beast’s Olivia Nuzzi is reporting for a Trump rally set to begin this evening.Things are getting weird in Boca Raton, Florida, where the Daily Beast’s Olivia Nuzzi is reporting for a Trump rally set to begin this evening.
Scene from America, 2016: a woman on a scooter chases a man, dressed as Donald Trump's giant penis, around a park.Scene from America, 2016: a woman on a scooter chases a man, dressed as Donald Trump's giant penis, around a park.
6.48pm GMT6.48pm GMT
18:4818:48
Meanwhile, hamming it up on the campaign trail, Bernie Sanders has a surprise guest in St Louis:Meanwhile, hamming it up on the campaign trail, Bernie Sanders has a surprise guest in St Louis:
WATCH: @DannyDeVito surprises @BernieSanders rally in St. Louis: "We need you, Obi-Wan!" https://t.co/4RUewIWMHThttps://t.co/SvbyJCUt5SWATCH: @DannyDeVito surprises @BernieSanders rally in St. Louis: "We need you, Obi-Wan!" https://t.co/4RUewIWMHThttps://t.co/SvbyJCUt5S
6.38pm GMT6.38pm GMT
18:3818:38
Kasich earlier today dismissed the fact that his name is not on the ballot in Pennsylvania – he did not have enough signatures at the deadline – as “political gibberish”.Kasich earlier today dismissed the fact that his name is not on the ballot in Pennsylvania – he did not have enough signatures at the deadline – as “political gibberish”.
Someone who knows his gibberish has seized on it, though.Someone who knows his gibberish has seized on it, though.
Because Gov. Kasich cannot run in the state of Pennsylvania-he cannot win the nomination- & should not be allowed to compete in Ohio on Tue.Because Gov. Kasich cannot run in the state of Pennsylvania-he cannot win the nomination- & should not be allowed to compete in Ohio on Tue.
6.16pm GMT6.16pm GMT
18:1618:16
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
Ohio and Florida are the states making headlines this week, since they represent John Kasich and Marco Rubio’s last chances to make a dent in Donald Trump’s delegate lead and revive their flagging campaigns. But Ted Cruz, who’s about 100 delegates behind Trump, is aiming at the other states, my colleague Ben Jacobs reports from Concord, North Carolina.Ohio and Florida are the states making headlines this week, since they represent John Kasich and Marco Rubio’s last chances to make a dent in Donald Trump’s delegate lead and revive their flagging campaigns. But Ted Cruz, who’s about 100 delegates behind Trump, is aiming at the other states, my colleague Ben Jacobs reports from Concord, North Carolina.
Ted Cruz will appear in a drag racing venue in suburban Charlotte on Sunday afternoon as part of a conservative extravaganza sponsored by the pro-Cruz Super Pac Keep The Promise.Ted Cruz will appear in a drag racing venue in suburban Charlotte on Sunday afternoon as part of a conservative extravaganza sponsored by the pro-Cruz Super Pac Keep The Promise.
While the winner-take-all states of Florida and Ohio have consumed much of the media attention regarding Tuesday’s Republican contests, the delegate-rich states of Illinois, Missouri and North Carolina also hold GOP primaries. The Tarheel State is the only contest on Tuesday that is entirely proportional. For every 1.39% of the vote that a GOP candidate receives from North Carolina Republicans, he’ll get one of the 72 delegates up for grabs.While the winner-take-all states of Florida and Ohio have consumed much of the media attention regarding Tuesday’s Republican contests, the delegate-rich states of Illinois, Missouri and North Carolina also hold GOP primaries. The Tarheel State is the only contest on Tuesday that is entirely proportional. For every 1.39% of the vote that a GOP candidate receives from North Carolina Republicans, he’ll get one of the 72 delegates up for grabs.
The program, which culminates in an appearance from Cruz, features appearances from a variety of his supporters, including former rival Carly Fiorina, talkshow host Glenn Beck and retired general Jerry Boykin, best known for making a variety of anti-Muslim comments.The program, which culminates in an appearance from Cruz, features appearances from a variety of his supporters, including former rival Carly Fiorina, talkshow host Glenn Beck and retired general Jerry Boykin, best known for making a variety of anti-Muslim comments.
Recent polls of North Carolina show Donald Trump with a double digit lead over Cruz in the state.Recent polls of North Carolina show Donald Trump with a double digit lead over Cruz in the state.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.09pm GMTat 7.09pm GMT
5.45pm GMT5.45pm GMT
17:4517:45
Martin PengellyMartin Pengelly
A video by MSNBC host Rachel Maddow is proving popular this weekend on the web. Much like HBO host John Oliver in a recent video, Maddow has a target – Donald Trump – although she does not attack the Republican frontrunner with humour. Maddow attacks him with barely contained anger.A video by MSNBC host Rachel Maddow is proving popular this weekend on the web. Much like HBO host John Oliver in a recent video, Maddow has a target – Donald Trump – although she does not attack the Republican frontrunner with humour. Maddow attacks him with barely contained anger.
Speaking on Friday night, after violence broke out around a Trump rally in Chicago which was postponed when infiltrated by protesters, Maddow says: “This has turned out to be a night that may go down in history as one of the darker moments in American major politics.Speaking on Friday night, after violence broke out around a Trump rally in Chicago which was postponed when infiltrated by protesters, Maddow says: “This has turned out to be a night that may go down in history as one of the darker moments in American major politics.
“I think we got here by deliberate means,” she says. “I don’t think we got here by accident.”“I think we got here by deliberate means,” she says. “I don’t think we got here by accident.”
Maddow then notes recent unrest over police killings of African Americans including Michael Brown, Laquan McDonald and Tamir Rice, and the cities where they happened.Maddow then notes recent unrest over police killings of African Americans including Michael Brown, Laquan McDonald and Tamir Rice, and the cities where they happened.
She says: “So the St Louis area, Chicago, Cleveland. Those are not the only American cities that have proven to be real tinderboxes around issues of race and racism and policing and violence.She says: “So the St Louis area, Chicago, Cleveland. Those are not the only American cities that have proven to be real tinderboxes around issues of race and racism and policing and violence.
“But those three happen to be the three most recent stops on the itinerary of Republican presidential contender Donald Trump, whose rallies have featured racially charged incidents of violence for months now.”“But those three happen to be the three most recent stops on the itinerary of Republican presidential contender Donald Trump, whose rallies have featured racially charged incidents of violence for months now.”
Maddow accuses Trump of stoking “bloodlust” with “half-serious calls for a tougher America where there are more beatings and anti-Trump protesters should fear for their lives”.Maddow accuses Trump of stoking “bloodlust” with “half-serious calls for a tougher America where there are more beatings and anti-Trump protesters should fear for their lives”.
“As he heads into these tinderbox cities,” she continues, “I just want you to watch how that part of candidate Trump’s rhetoric has escalated.”“As he heads into these tinderbox cities,” she continues, “I just want you to watch how that part of candidate Trump’s rhetoric has escalated.”
Maddow then presents a chronological, date-stamped sequence of utterances by Trump which she says represent “a deliberate act which created what happened tonight in Chicago”.Maddow then presents a chronological, date-stamped sequence of utterances by Trump which she says represent “a deliberate act which created what happened tonight in Chicago”.
“It really is like nothing we’ve ever seen in mainstream American politics before,” she says, comparing Trump’s rhetoric and the behaviour of crowds at his rallies to “skinhead events” in the 1980s.“It really is like nothing we’ve ever seen in mainstream American politics before,” she says, comparing Trump’s rhetoric and the behaviour of crowds at his rallies to “skinhead events” in the 1980s.
The video sequence begins with Trump in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on 1 February, asking fans: “If you see someone getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them, would you?”The video sequence begins with Trump in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on 1 February, asking fans: “If you see someone getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them, would you?”
It ends with footage from the Fayetteville, North Carolina rally this week in which a protester being led out was sucker-punched by a Trump supporter.It ends with footage from the Fayetteville, North Carolina rally this week in which a protester being led out was sucker-punched by a Trump supporter.
Maddow then shows Trump speaking in St Louis earlier on Friday, at a rally he was advised by local officials to cancel, due to the threat of protests, but did not.Maddow then shows Trump speaking in St Louis earlier on Friday, at a rally he was advised by local officials to cancel, due to the threat of protests, but did not.
“There are no consequences to protesting anymore,” Trump says from the podium, as protesters are taken out. “Our country has to toughen up, folks, we have to toughen up. These people are bringing us down … these people are so bad for our country, you have no idea, folks. You have no idea.”“There are no consequences to protesting anymore,” Trump says from the podium, as protesters are taken out. “Our country has to toughen up, folks, we have to toughen up. These people are bringing us down … these people are so bad for our country, you have no idea, folks. You have no idea.”
To a raucous reception, he adds: “Go home to mommy. Go home and get a job.”To a raucous reception, he adds: “Go home to mommy. Go home and get a job.”
Maddow concludes: “If you want to know what led up to Chicago today, that was Donald Trump’s display of leadership and calming the waters.”Maddow concludes: “If you want to know what led up to Chicago today, that was Donald Trump’s display of leadership and calming the waters.”
Over footage of the violence in Chicago, she adds: “This is the work of an American presidential candidate who deliberately made this happen.Over footage of the violence in Chicago, she adds: “This is the work of an American presidential candidate who deliberately made this happen.
“And the Republican party is going to nominate this man for president.”“And the Republican party is going to nominate this man for president.”
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at 7.13pm GMTat 7.13pm GMT
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On the Democratic side of the election, Bernie Sanders’ campaign has taken Hillary Clinton to task for questioning where the senator (then a congressman) was during her 1990s campaign to reform healthcare.On the Democratic side of the election, Bernie Sanders’ campaign has taken Hillary Clinton to task for questioning where the senator (then a congressman) was during her 1990s campaign to reform healthcare.
His deputy communications director has dug up a personal note from Clinton (then the first lady), thanking Sanders for his help.His deputy communications director has dug up a personal note from Clinton (then the first lady), thanking Sanders for his help.
"with thanks for your commitment to real health care access for all Americans" - 1993 @amychozick pic.twitter.com/HDyUMtiNph"with thanks for your commitment to real health care access for all Americans" - 1993 @amychozick pic.twitter.com/HDyUMtiNph
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Donald Trump does not believe all the things he says, according to Ben Carson, the Republican’s erstwhile rival, who sat down with the Hill for an interview this weekend.Donald Trump does not believe all the things he says, according to Ben Carson, the Republican’s erstwhile rival, who sat down with the Hill for an interview this weekend.
The news site asked the retired neurosurgeon why he would endorse the “very cerebral” billionaire last week, and Carson said needed to talk with the man himself to answer that question.The news site asked the retired neurosurgeon why he would endorse the “very cerebral” billionaire last week, and Carson said needed to talk with the man himself to answer that question.
“I needed to know that he could listen to other people, that he could change his opinions, and that some of the more outlandish things that he’s said, that he didn’t really believe those things,” Carson said.“I needed to know that he could listen to other people, that he could change his opinions, and that some of the more outlandish things that he’s said, that he didn’t really believe those things,” Carson said.
When asked which statements Trump might back away from, Carson demurred.When asked which statements Trump might back away from, Carson demurred.
“I’ll let him talk about that because I don’t think it’s fair for me to relay a private conversation,” he said.“I’ll let him talk about that because I don’t think it’s fair for me to relay a private conversation,” he said.
You can read my colleague Mona Chalabi’s take on the importance of endorsements down through the link below.You can read my colleague Mona Chalabi’s take on the importance of endorsements down through the link below.
Related: Ben Carson's endorsement of Trump may be more impactful than you think
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Trump reads 70s song as terrorism fableTrump reads 70s song as terrorism fable
Trump ends his rally with an appropriately surreal choice: “a song” that is also “a poem” – about “terrorism”. “Just listen, you’re going to love this.”Trump ends his rally with an appropriately surreal choice: “a song” that is also “a poem” – about “terrorism”. “Just listen, you’re going to love this.”
“On her way to work one morning, Down the path along the lake, A tender hearted women,Saw a poor half frozen snake.“On her way to work one morning, Down the path along the lake, A tender hearted women,Saw a poor half frozen snake.
“His pretty colored skin had been all frosted with the dewI’ll take care of youTake me in oh tender woman, Take me in for heaven’s sake Sighed the broken snake.“His pretty colored skin had been all frosted with the dewI’ll take care of youTake me in oh tender woman, Take me in for heaven’s sake Sighed the broken snake.
“She wrapped him up all cozy, In a curvature of silk, And then laid him by the fireside,With some honey and some milk.“She wrapped him up all cozy, In a curvature of silk, And then laid him by the fireside,With some honey and some milk.
The woman finds the snake “totally revived”. She “clutched it to her bosom / You’re so beautiful she cried.”The woman finds the snake “totally revived”. She “clutched it to her bosom / You’re so beautiful she cried.”
The twist: “instead of saying thank you, that snake gave her vicious bite.”The twist: “instead of saying thank you, that snake gave her vicious bite.”
“Oh shut up silly woman, Said the reptile with a grin, You knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in.”“Oh shut up silly woman, Said the reptile with a grin, You knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in.”
He didn’t write the poem. He urges the crowd to vote. “Right? Does everybody sort of get it?”He didn’t write the poem. He urges the crowd to vote. “Right? Does everybody sort of get it?”
*The poem is actually the Al Wilson 70s song “The Snake,” my colleague Jon Swaine points out. It’s not about terrorism. Get it?*The poem is actually the Al Wilson 70s song “The Snake,” my colleague Jon Swaine points out. It’s not about terrorism. Get it?
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“Me, the lobbyists won’t even call,” the billionaire rambles on. He says that his daughter Ivanka and his wife Melania often tell him he needs to act more “presidential”.“Me, the lobbyists won’t even call,” the billionaire rambles on. He says that his daughter Ivanka and his wife Melania often tell him he needs to act more “presidential”.
“I don’t care if it’s not presidential,” he says. He’s talking about how he has harsh words for businesses who plan to move manufacturing outside the United States. “I want Carrier not to leave our country. I want Nabisco not to leave our country. I want Ford not to leave our country.”“I don’t care if it’s not presidential,” he says. He’s talking about how he has harsh words for businesses who plan to move manufacturing outside the United States. “I want Carrier not to leave our country. I want Nabisco not to leave our country. I want Ford not to leave our country.”
He’s back onto trade deals, referring to the Obama administration’s signature agreement with Pacific nations: “TPP doesn’t even discuss monetary devaluation, and that’s the key weapon, that’s why we’re [losing to] China.”He’s back onto trade deals, referring to the Obama administration’s signature agreement with Pacific nations: “TPP doesn’t even discuss monetary devaluation, and that’s the key weapon, that’s why we’re [losing to] China.”
“We can’t lose $500bn a year to China. We can’t lose a fortune to Japan.”“We can’t lose $500bn a year to China. We can’t lose a fortune to Japan.”
He says a trade war is better “than losing all of this money”. The US “rebuilt” China, according to the billionaire. “I love China. I have many Chinese friends. They can’t believe they got away with this.”He says a trade war is better “than losing all of this money”. The US “rebuilt” China, according to the billionaire. “I love China. I have many Chinese friends. They can’t believe they got away with this.”
A fair amount of self-praise and vague promises follow, in typical stream-of-consciousness fashion and non sequitur flourishes, eg Trump’s assertion that he would have been given “the electric chair” were he to use “the F-bomb”.A fair amount of self-praise and vague promises follow, in typical stream-of-consciousness fashion and non sequitur flourishes, eg Trump’s assertion that he would have been given “the electric chair” were he to use “the F-bomb”.