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Ted Cruz backs Senate inaction over Merrick Garland – politics live Ted Cruz backs Senate inaction over Merrick Garland – politics live
(35 minutes later)
10.21pm GMT
22:21
Ellen Brait
Scandal is about to get even more dramatic - with the addition of a character inspired by Donald Trump.
During a panel on Tuesday night at PaleyFest at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, the cast revealed the existence of the character in this week’s episode, which they screened for an audience. The character will be entering the show’s ongoing presidential race.
“There will be a candidate who will emerge who has many qualities that Mr Trump has. How could we resist that?” Tony Goldwyn, who plays President Fitz Grant, said during an interview with Variety. “Except I guarantee you there’s no way he will be as outrageous as Trump is.”
Kerry Washington, who plays crisis manager Olivia Pope, joked: “You think the debates you’ve seen in the real world are fun!”
Related: Scandal: Donald Trump-inspired character added to show
10.10pm GMT
22:10
Video: Michelle Obama says that there’s no way she’d run for president
9.41pm GMT9.41pm GMT
21:4121:41
Scott BixbyScott Bixby
With its eyes on the upcoming winner-take-all Republican primary in Arizona, the campaign of Texas senator Ted Cruz has announced a high-profile endorsement in the Grand Canyon State: Congressman David Schweikert, a Tea Party darling who represents parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale.With its eyes on the upcoming winner-take-all Republican primary in Arizona, the campaign of Texas senator Ted Cruz has announced a high-profile endorsement in the Grand Canyon State: Congressman David Schweikert, a Tea Party darling who represents parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale.
“My top priority in Congress has always been to do what the Washington insiders simply refuse to do, and that is to reduce the size and cost of government and save our nation from the crushing debt that the Washington politicians have placed on the backs of each and every citizen of our nation,” Schweikert said in a statement released by the campaign.“My top priority in Congress has always been to do what the Washington insiders simply refuse to do, and that is to reduce the size and cost of government and save our nation from the crushing debt that the Washington politicians have placed on the backs of each and every citizen of our nation,” Schweikert said in a statement released by the campaign.
“Throughout the never ending battles to do this, Ted Cruz has always been a principled leader fighting to do the very same thing,” Schweikert said. “With a federal debt that is quickly approaching an unfathomable $20 trillion, our country’s future economic growth and prosperity are in grave danger unless we elect a principled conservative who is truly committed to stopping the out of control spending and borrowing that has led us to where we are today.”“Throughout the never ending battles to do this, Ted Cruz has always been a principled leader fighting to do the very same thing,” Schweikert said. “With a federal debt that is quickly approaching an unfathomable $20 trillion, our country’s future economic growth and prosperity are in grave danger unless we elect a principled conservative who is truly committed to stopping the out of control spending and borrowing that has led us to where we are today.”
“It’s clear that Ted is the conservative leader that we need as our next president, and my wife Joyce and I are proud to give him our strongest endorsement. In the upcoming Arizona presidential preference primary, Ted is the clear choice for voters who want a conservative president who is truly committed to fixing the mess in Washington,” Schweikert concluded.“It’s clear that Ted is the conservative leader that we need as our next president, and my wife Joyce and I are proud to give him our strongest endorsement. In the upcoming Arizona presidential preference primary, Ted is the clear choice for voters who want a conservative president who is truly committed to fixing the mess in Washington,” Schweikert concluded.
“I am thrilled to have such a passionate fighter for liberty on our team,” Cruz said in the same statement. “David has spent his time in Congress fighting against the Washington Cartel and protecting the interests of the American people. He has worked to rein in Obama’s lawlessness, repeal Obamacare, and stop the President’s illegal executive amnesty. David is a strong addition to our team and I am thankful for his leadership fighting on issues that are most important to conservatives.”“I am thrilled to have such a passionate fighter for liberty on our team,” Cruz said in the same statement. “David has spent his time in Congress fighting against the Washington Cartel and protecting the interests of the American people. He has worked to rein in Obama’s lawlessness, repeal Obamacare, and stop the President’s illegal executive amnesty. David is a strong addition to our team and I am thankful for his leadership fighting on issues that are most important to conservatives.”
Donald Trump, whose strong rhetoric on immigration will likely strike a cord in the border state, has won the endorsements of Jan Brewer, the popular former governor who bore the brunt of nationwide criticism after she signed a controversial bill requiring immigrants to carry documents proving their legal status, as well as that of Joe Arpaio, “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” whose stances on undocumented immigrants have made him a celebrity in the state.Donald Trump, whose strong rhetoric on immigration will likely strike a cord in the border state, has won the endorsements of Jan Brewer, the popular former governor who bore the brunt of nationwide criticism after she signed a controversial bill requiring immigrants to carry documents proving their legal status, as well as that of Joe Arpaio, “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” whose stances on undocumented immigrants have made him a celebrity in the state.
9.18pm GMT9.18pm GMT
21:1821:18
Daniel HernandezDaniel Hernandez
Billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson may be softening towards Donald Trump’s contentious run for president.Billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson may be softening towards Donald Trump’s contentious run for president.
Video obtained by Israeli political blogger Tal Schneider reportedly shows Adelson at a gala event in Las Vegas on 27 February stating: “Trump is a businessman. I am a businessman. He employs a lot of people. I employed 50,000 people. Why not?”Video obtained by Israeli political blogger Tal Schneider reportedly shows Adelson at a gala event in Las Vegas on 27 February stating: “Trump is a businessman. I am a businessman. He employs a lot of people. I employed 50,000 people. Why not?”
Although far from a gushing endorsement, the remarks suggest that Adelson, a Republican superdonor, may decline to fund a #NeverTrump movement to stop the GOP frontrunner from becoming the party’s nominee. Some establishment Republicans had held out hope that he would.Although far from a gushing endorsement, the remarks suggest that Adelson, a Republican superdonor, may decline to fund a #NeverTrump movement to stop the GOP frontrunner from becoming the party’s nominee. Some establishment Republicans had held out hope that he would.
“It reminds me of [a joke],” Adelson said at the event, according to an article inthe Jewish Journal, which translated the quotes that Schneider posted in Hebrew. “One Jewish man said to another Jewish man, ‘Do you know why Jews always answer a question with a question?’ So the guy said, ‘Why not?’”“It reminds me of [a joke],” Adelson said at the event, according to an article inthe Jewish Journal, which translated the quotes that Schneider posted in Hebrew. “One Jewish man said to another Jewish man, ‘Do you know why Jews always answer a question with a question?’ So the guy said, ‘Why not?’”
Then he reportedly joked: “If I were running I would have endorsed myself.”Then he reportedly joked: “If I were running I would have endorsed myself.”
Related: Billionaire Sheldon Adelson hints at possible support for Trump: 'Why not?'Related: Billionaire Sheldon Adelson hints at possible support for Trump: 'Why not?'
8.57pm GMT8.57pm GMT
20:5720:57
Scott BixbyScott Bixby
The election of Donald Trump to the presidency poses an existential risk to the global economy and the security of the United States, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.The election of Donald Trump to the presidency poses an existential risk to the global economy and the security of the United States, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
“In the event of a Trump victory, his hostile attitude to free trade, and alienation of Mexico and China in particular, could escalate rapidly into a trade war - and at the least scupper the Trans-Pacific Partnership between the US and 11 other American and Asian states signed in February 2016,” the respected economic analytical and risk-management firm declared in its list of top-10 global risks. “His militaristic tendencies towards the Middle East (and ban on all Muslim travel to the US) would be a potent recruitment tool for jihadi groups, increasing their threat both within the region and beyond.”“In the event of a Trump victory, his hostile attitude to free trade, and alienation of Mexico and China in particular, could escalate rapidly into a trade war - and at the least scupper the Trans-Pacific Partnership between the US and 11 other American and Asian states signed in February 2016,” the respected economic analytical and risk-management firm declared in its list of top-10 global risks. “His militaristic tendencies towards the Middle East (and ban on all Muslim travel to the US) would be a potent recruitment tool for jihadi groups, increasing their threat both within the region and beyond.”
Alongside a sharp economic downturn in China and the breakup of the eurozone, Trump’s candidacy is described as a “high-impact” risk to global security. In particular, his “exceptional” hostility to free trade and “exceptionally right-wing stance on the Middle East and jiadhi terrorism, including, among other things, advocating the killing of families of terrorists and launching a land incursion into Syria” are seen as having the potential to destabilize global markets and encourage Islamist terrorism.Alongside a sharp economic downturn in China and the breakup of the eurozone, Trump’s candidacy is described as a “high-impact” risk to global security. In particular, his “exceptional” hostility to free trade and “exceptionally right-wing stance on the Middle East and jiadhi terrorism, including, among other things, advocating the killing of families of terrorists and launching a land incursion into Syria” are seen as having the potential to destabilize global markets and encourage Islamist terrorism.
8.35pm GMT8.35pm GMT
20:3520:35
Ed PilkingtonEd Pilkington
Obama’s nominee for the empty ninth seat on the US supreme court now finds himself in the middle of one of the most intense political and constitutional spats of modern times, writes the Guardian’s Ed Pilkington.Obama’s nominee for the empty ninth seat on the US supreme court now finds himself in the middle of one of the most intense political and constitutional spats of modern times, writes the Guardian’s Ed Pilkington.
He is being fought over like a woollen toy torn between the teeth of Rottweilers – the president seeking to secure his legacy and the Republican majority in the US Senate seeking to preserve the conservative domination of America’s highest court.He is being fought over like a woollen toy torn between the teeth of Rottweilers – the president seeking to secure his legacy and the Republican majority in the US Senate seeking to preserve the conservative domination of America’s highest court.
Related: Merrick Garland: bridge-building judge thrust into the middle of a political warRelated: Merrick Garland: bridge-building judge thrust into the middle of a political war
8.12pm GMT8.12pm GMT
20:1220:12
Mae RyanMae Ryan
The US 2016 election cycle is proving to be a stressful time for citizens across the states. The Guardian sat down with a psychoanalyst, a meditation instructor, a cultural theorist and a massage therapist to find some respite from the vitriol and uncertainty that continues to plague the election cycle.The US 2016 election cycle is proving to be a stressful time for citizens across the states. The Guardian sat down with a psychoanalyst, a meditation instructor, a cultural theorist and a massage therapist to find some respite from the vitriol and uncertainty that continues to plague the election cycle.
7.49pm GMT7.49pm GMT
19:4919:49
Scott BixbyScott Bixby
Retired pediatric neurosurgeon and onetime presidential candidate Ben Carson told Yahoo News today that billionaire Republican frontrunner Donald Trump’s decision to compare him to a child molester was part of the “politics of personal destruction,” - but a canny move nonetheless.Retired pediatric neurosurgeon and onetime presidential candidate Ben Carson told Yahoo News today that billionaire Republican frontrunner Donald Trump’s decision to compare him to a child molester was part of the “politics of personal destruction,” - but a canny move nonetheless.
“If someone like Mr. Trump can call you, an acclaimed and noted neurosurgeon, someone who lacks intellect or is a child molester, doesn’t that alarm as you as to how he can portray other people in this country as well?” asked anchor Bianna Golodryga.“If someone like Mr. Trump can call you, an acclaimed and noted neurosurgeon, someone who lacks intellect or is a child molester, doesn’t that alarm as you as to how he can portray other people in this country as well?” asked anchor Bianna Golodryga.
“Well, he said it was political,” Carson responded. “He was concerned about the fact that he couldn’t shake me. I understand politics, and particularly the politics of personal destruction, and you have to admit to some degree that it did work. A lot of people believed him... unfortunately, we live in a society where that kind of thing works.”“Well, he said it was political,” Carson responded. “He was concerned about the fact that he couldn’t shake me. I understand politics, and particularly the politics of personal destruction, and you have to admit to some degree that it did work. A lot of people believed him... unfortunately, we live in a society where that kind of thing works.”
Carson has endorsed Trump’s bid for the Republican presidential nomination, in part because Trump has promised him a position in a potential administration.Carson has endorsed Trump’s bid for the Republican presidential nomination, in part because Trump has promised him a position in a potential administration.
7.20pm GMT7.20pm GMT
19:2019:20
Michelle Obama: "I will not run for president"Michelle Obama: "I will not run for president"
Lanre BakareLanre Bakare
Michelle Obama spoke about finding the courage to overcome doubters on the South Side of Chicago, her love of Stevie Wonder and why she won’t run for president, during an engaging and wide-ranging Q&A session at SXSW.Michelle Obama spoke about finding the courage to overcome doubters on the South Side of Chicago, her love of Stevie Wonder and why she won’t run for president, during an engaging and wide-ranging Q&A session at SXSW.
The biggest cheer from the crowd, who had to wait three hours and go through airport-style security checks, came when Latifah asked if Michelle Obama would ever consider a presidential run.The biggest cheer from the crowd, who had to wait three hours and go through airport-style security checks, came when Latifah asked if Michelle Obama would ever consider a presidential run.
“I’m going to continue to work with young people all over the world,” she said before pausing. “Not as president. I will not run for president.” After a chorus of playful jeers from the crowd she explained that one of the reasons was that so her children – Malia and Sasha – would no longer be in the spotlight.“I’m going to continue to work with young people all over the world,” she said before pausing. “Not as president. I will not run for president.” After a chorus of playful jeers from the crowd she explained that one of the reasons was that so her children – Malia and Sasha – would no longer be in the spotlight.
“No, no not going to do it. One of the reasons why is that I’ve got these two young people at home. Being the kids, the daughters of a president, just think about it. Come on young people, not so easy. They’ve handled it with grace and with poise, but there are so many ways to impact the world and you don’t have to be president of the United States to do them.”“No, no not going to do it. One of the reasons why is that I’ve got these two young people at home. Being the kids, the daughters of a president, just think about it. Come on young people, not so easy. They’ve handled it with grace and with poise, but there are so many ways to impact the world and you don’t have to be president of the United States to do them.”
She said she was planning to continue her advocacy work, with a special focus on working with young people, after her time at the White House and that she wanted a new generation of engaged young people to get into politics.She said she was planning to continue her advocacy work, with a special focus on working with young people, after her time at the White House and that she wanted a new generation of engaged young people to get into politics.
“I just know that if I can do this and be here and have gone to great colleges and have all these wonderful experiences, you can do it too,” she said.“I just know that if I can do this and be here and have gone to great colleges and have all these wonderful experiences, you can do it too,” she said.
“Experiencing this journey with our young people of all ages, I’ll miss that, but I’m going to keep doing it for the rest of my life.”“Experiencing this journey with our young people of all ages, I’ll miss that, but I’m going to keep doing it for the rest of my life.”
Related: Michelle Obama says 'I will not run for president' in SXSW speechRelated: Michelle Obama says 'I will not run for president' in SXSW speech
6.30pm GMT6.30pm GMT
18:3018:30
Cruz backs Senate inaction on GarlandCruz backs Senate inaction on Garland
Ted Cruz responds to the Garland nomination:Ted Cruz responds to the Garland nomination:
Merrick Garland is exactly the type of #SCOTUS nominee you get when you make deals in Washington D.C. https://t.co/Y8xrwMKpFxMerrick Garland is exactly the type of #SCOTUS nominee you get when you make deals in Washington D.C. https://t.co/Y8xrwMKpFx
Merrick Garland is exactly the type of Supreme Court nominee you get when you make deals in Washington D.C. A so-called ‘moderate’ Democrat nominee is precisely the kind of deal that Donald Trump has told us he would make – someone who would rule along with other liberals on the bench like Justices Ginsburg and Sotomayor. ...Merrick Garland is exactly the type of Supreme Court nominee you get when you make deals in Washington D.C. A so-called ‘moderate’ Democrat nominee is precisely the kind of deal that Donald Trump has told us he would make – someone who would rule along with other liberals on the bench like Justices Ginsburg and Sotomayor. ...
I proudly stand with my Republican colleagues in our shared belief – our advice and consent – that we should not vote on any nominee until the next president is sworn into office. The People will decide.I proudly stand with my Republican colleagues in our shared belief – our advice and consent – that we should not vote on any nominee until the next president is sworn into office. The People will decide.
6.20pm GMT6.20pm GMT
18:2018:20
Sanders: Clinton has hit 'high water mark'Sanders: Clinton has hit 'high water mark'
The Bernie Sanders camp says in a fundraising email that Clinton has hit “the high water mark” and Sanders will win a string of upcoming states.The Bernie Sanders camp says in a fundraising email that Clinton has hit “the high water mark” and Sanders will win a string of upcoming states.
The demographics bear him out on the “upcoming states” part, with favorable conditions for Sanders in seven of the next eight states, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis... followed by gentle winds for Clinton in six of the last seven.The demographics bear him out on the “upcoming states” part, with favorable conditions for Sanders in seven of the next eight states, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis... followed by gentle winds for Clinton in six of the last seven.
Of note: Sanders does not appear to have a path to overtake Clinton in the delegates race, barring an earthquake twist.Of note: Sanders does not appear to have a path to overtake Clinton in the delegates race, barring an earthquake twist.
From the Sanders fundraising statement:From the Sanders fundraising statement:
What you will not hear from the political and media establishment is that, based on the primary and caucus schedule for the rest of the race, this is the high water mark for the Clinton campaign. Starting today, the map now shifts dramatically in our favor. [...]What you will not hear from the political and media establishment is that, based on the primary and caucus schedule for the rest of the race, this is the high water mark for the Clinton campaign. Starting today, the map now shifts dramatically in our favor. [...]
That means we have an extremely good chance to win nearly every state that votes in the next month. If we continue to stand together, we’re just getting started for our political revolution.That means we have an extremely good chance to win nearly every state that votes in the next month. If we continue to stand together, we’re just getting started for our political revolution.
5.35pm GMT5.35pm GMT
17:3517:35
Video: McConnell reaffirms opposition to supreme court nominationVideo: McConnell reaffirms opposition to supreme court nomination
5.33pm GMT5.33pm GMT
17:3317:33
Michelle Obama has appeared on a panel at the South by Southwest festival alongside Missy Elliott to promote a charity benefit song, This Is for My Girls, commissioned by the first lady, written by Dianne Warren and feat. Elliott, Kelly Clarkson, Lea Michele, Kelly Rowland, Zendaya, and Janelle Monáe.Michelle Obama has appeared on a panel at the South by Southwest festival alongside Missy Elliott to promote a charity benefit song, This Is for My Girls, commissioned by the first lady, written by Dianne Warren and feat. Elliott, Kelly Clarkson, Lea Michele, Kelly Rowland, Zendaya, and Janelle Monáe.
The song is in support of the 62 Million Girls project to support education for girls around the world.The song is in support of the 62 Million Girls project to support education for girls around the world.
"This is For My Girls" available now 👉🏾https://t.co/EQ8RAp583F I am grateful to be apart of this movement with @FLOTUS🙏🏾#62millionsgirls"This is For My Girls" available now 👉🏾https://t.co/EQ8RAp583F I am grateful to be apart of this movement with @FLOTUS🙏🏾#62millionsgirls
(h/t: @holpuch)(h/t: @holpuch)
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.37pm GMTat 5.37pm GMT