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Campaign live: Lindsey Graham backs Ted Cruz for Republican nomination Campaign live: Lindsey Graham backs Ted Cruz for Republican nomination
(35 minutes later)
10.22pm GMT
22:22
Billionaire Republican frontrunner Donald Trump got flack this week for saying that he primarily consults with himself on foreign policy issues, “because I have a very good brain and I’ve said a lot of things.”
Speaking of just who presidential candidates are consulting on international relations, fellow candidate Ted Cruz has chosen an interesting addition to his shadow cabinet of advisers: Frank Gaffney, the founder of think tank Center for Security Policy dubbed “one of America’s most notorious Islamophobes” by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Gaffney, who has speculated that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim and that Saddam Hussein was the mastermind of the Oklahoma City bombing, was the orchestrator of the poll that Trump has used to justify his proposed ban on foreign Muslims from entering the United States. That poll, which purported to show that “25% of [American Muslims] polled agreed that violence against Americans here in the United States is justified as a part of the global jihad” and that 51% of those polled “agreed that Muslims in America should have the choice of being governed according to Shariah,” has been widely lambasted as methodologically incorrect.
Despite the popularity of his work with the Trump campaign, Gaffney has taken on the role of Cruz’s top adviser on national security and foreign policy.
10.16pm GMT
22:16
AP calls Missouri primary for Hillary Clinton
Well, that took ’em long enough.
BREAKING: Hillary Clinton wins Missouri Democratic primary. @AP race call at 6:06 p.m. EST. #Election2016 #APracecall.
9.54pm GMT
21:54
Tom Phillips
When there is upheaval within China’s own borders – riots, protests, vicious political power struggles – hardly a sniff of it will be found in the pages of the country’s heavily-controlled press.
When it happens elsewhere – and particularly when it underscores the perils and pitfalls of democracy – it becomes front-page news.
Such is the case of Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, who, for China’s authoritarian rulers, has become the latest example of how allowing the masses a say in choosing their leaders is a bad idea.
“The rise of a racist in the US political area worries the whole world,” the party-controlled Global Times crowed this week ahead of of Trump’s victory in the latest round of primaries. “He has even been called another Benito Mussolini or Adolf Hitler by some western media.”
It added, darkly: “Mussolini and Hitler came to power through elections, a heavy lesson for western democracy.”
Related: Democracy is a joke, says China – just look at Donald Trump
9.35pm GMT9.35pm GMT
21:3521:35
John Kasich goes on Twitter rampage against Donald Trump's "riot" threatJohn Kasich goes on Twitter rampage against Donald Trump's "riot" threat
Scott BixbyScott Bixby
Donald Trump’s speculation that a contested/brokered/open convention in Cleveland would lead to “riots” in the streets of Cleveland has lead to condemnation of the billionaire frontrunner’s apparent threat - with the sharpest condemnation coming from fellow Republican candidate John Kasich.Donald Trump’s speculation that a contested/brokered/open convention in Cleveland would lead to “riots” in the streets of Cleveland has lead to condemnation of the billionaire frontrunner’s apparent threat - with the sharpest condemnation coming from fellow Republican candidate John Kasich.
In a series of tweets, the Ohio governor excoriated the real estate tycoon for his “implicit acceptance of violence” this afternoon.In a series of tweets, the Ohio governor excoriated the real estate tycoon for his “implicit acceptance of violence” this afternoon.
Donald Trump said there could be riots if he's "denied" the GOP nom in a contested convention. That's more unacceptable language.(1/4) -JohnDonald Trump said there could be riots if he's "denied" the GOP nom in a contested convention. That's more unacceptable language.(1/4) -John
This implicit acceptance of violence is the kind of rhetoric that's pulling people apart. (2/4) -JohnThis implicit acceptance of violence is the kind of rhetoric that's pulling people apart. (2/4) -John
A true leader urges peaceful debate over violence. Leadership requires responsibility (3/4) -JohnA true leader urges peaceful debate over violence. Leadership requires responsibility (3/4) -John
I have faith the American people want civilized debate over violence. It's what's kept our nation the strongest in the world. (4/4) -JohnI have faith the American people want civilized debate over violence. It's what's kept our nation the strongest in the world. (4/4) -John
Criticism of the billionaire’s apparent acceptance - even endorsement - of violence at his campaign rallies has increased after a series of high-profile incidents, including an assault on a protestor, the manhandling of a female reporter by Trump’s campaign manager and the cancellation of a rally in Chicago that threatened to turn into a full-bore riot.Criticism of the billionaire’s apparent acceptance - even endorsement - of violence at his campaign rallies has increased after a series of high-profile incidents, including an assault on a protestor, the manhandling of a female reporter by Trump’s campaign manager and the cancellation of a rally in Chicago that threatened to turn into a full-bore riot.
9.19pm GMT9.19pm GMT
21:1921:19
We’ll be watching and liveblogging...We’ll be watching and liveblogging...
Yes! Confirmed! @BernieSanders joins me live for his first interview since his tough night in Tuesday's contests. 9PM ET, MSNBC.Yes! Confirmed! @BernieSanders joins me live for his first interview since his tough night in Tuesday's contests. 9PM ET, MSNBC.
9.17pm GMT9.17pm GMT
21:1721:17
Jill AbramsonJill Abramson
The bare knuckle fight over Merrick Garland could sway this election, writes Jill Abramson. Garland’s temperate record magnifies the extremism of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. - and voters will be taking careful note of how the Republicans behave.The bare knuckle fight over Merrick Garland could sway this election, writes Jill Abramson. Garland’s temperate record magnifies the extremism of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. - and voters will be taking careful note of how the Republicans behave.
Garland’s temperate record and demeanor also magnify the extremism of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, the leaders for the GOP presidential nomination who could make their own court nominees if Garland is not confirmed by the election. That could further scare off moderate Republicans.Garland’s temperate record and demeanor also magnify the extremism of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, the leaders for the GOP presidential nomination who could make their own court nominees if Garland is not confirmed by the election. That could further scare off moderate Republicans.
No one has any idea, really, about Trump’s judicial philosophy. His statements about the Court have gyrated, praising Thomas, but calling Chief Justice John Roberts, another conservative, a “disgrace” for voting to uphold President Obama’s health care law. Meanwhile, he has said that his sister, a federal appeals court judge in New Jersey, would be a “phenomenal” pick. But she scares some conservatives because of a pro-abortion ruling. Predicting the candidates Trump might choose for the Court is harder than figuring out who will be left standing on The Apprentice.No one has any idea, really, about Trump’s judicial philosophy. His statements about the Court have gyrated, praising Thomas, but calling Chief Justice John Roberts, another conservative, a “disgrace” for voting to uphold President Obama’s health care law. Meanwhile, he has said that his sister, a federal appeals court judge in New Jersey, would be a “phenomenal” pick. But she scares some conservatives because of a pro-abortion ruling. Predicting the candidates Trump might choose for the Court is harder than figuring out who will be left standing on The Apprentice.
Cruz will seek someone more Scalia than Scalia. The Texan is a strict “originalist” who believes that only the literal words of the Constitution should guide the court’s decisions. His skepticism of federal power has been compared to John Calhoun, the states rights absolutist whose pro-slavery views helped spark the Civil War. Cruz, who, like Garland, graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, prides himself on being a constitutional scholar and was heavily involved in George W Bush’s legal strategy to win the presidency in the contested election of 2000. His record as Texas’s solicitor general and his legal views as a senator put him way out on the right fringe, where he could scare voters more than Trump.Cruz will seek someone more Scalia than Scalia. The Texan is a strict “originalist” who believes that only the literal words of the Constitution should guide the court’s decisions. His skepticism of federal power has been compared to John Calhoun, the states rights absolutist whose pro-slavery views helped spark the Civil War. Cruz, who, like Garland, graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, prides himself on being a constitutional scholar and was heavily involved in George W Bush’s legal strategy to win the presidency in the contested election of 2000. His record as Texas’s solicitor general and his legal views as a senator put him way out on the right fringe, where he could scare voters more than Trump.
Related: The bare knuckle fight over Merrick Garland could sway this election | Jill AbramsonRelated: The bare knuckle fight over Merrick Garland could sway this election | Jill Abramson
8.49pm GMT8.49pm GMT
20:4920:49
Marco Rubio on Garland nomination: “I know enough about his record to know I wouldn’t support him"Marco Rubio on Garland nomination: “I know enough about his record to know I wouldn’t support him"
Sabrina SiddiquiSabrina Siddiqui
Two days after suspending his campaign for president, Marco Rubio wasted no time returning to his day job on Capitol Hill.Two days after suspending his campaign for president, Marco Rubio wasted no time returning to his day job on Capitol Hill.
Rubio, while addressing reporters just before an intelligence committee hearing, was quick to put to rest any immediate speculation over his future.Rubio, while addressing reporters just before an intelligence committee hearing, was quick to put to rest any immediate speculation over his future.
“I’m not going to be anybody’s vice president. I’m not interested in being vice president,” Rubio said. “I’m not running for governor of Florida. I’m going to finish out my term in the senate ... and then I’ll be a private citizen in January.”“I’m not going to be anybody’s vice president. I’m not interested in being vice president,” Rubio said. “I’m not running for governor of Florida. I’m going to finish out my term in the senate ... and then I’ll be a private citizen in January.”
Rubio, who declined to seek re-election for his senate seat while running for president, also ruled out a late entry into the Florida race to hold on to his seat. Comments made by Rubio to his supporters earlier today on the state of the race garnered attention, after the senator reportedly said his former rival Ted Cruz was “the only conservative left in the race.”Rubio, who declined to seek re-election for his senate seat while running for president, also ruled out a late entry into the Florida race to hold on to his seat. Comments made by Rubio to his supporters earlier today on the state of the race garnered attention, after the senator reportedly said his former rival Ted Cruz was “the only conservative left in the race.”
Rubio downplayed their significance while speaking with reporters, adding he was not making any endorsements at this stage.Rubio downplayed their significance while speaking with reporters, adding he was not making any endorsements at this stage.
“Clearly Ted’s positions on issues are conservative, but I don’t have anything further to elaborate on,” Rubio said. He added that he likes Ohio governor John Kasich, too, but was simply stating his opinion on the remainder of the Republican field.“Clearly Ted’s positions on issues are conservative, but I don’t have anything further to elaborate on,” Rubio said. He added that he likes Ohio governor John Kasich, too, but was simply stating his opinion on the remainder of the Republican field.
Rubio also held firm in his opposition to filling the supreme court vacancy left by the late justice Antonin Scalia under Barack Obama. The senator said he didn’t plan to meet with Merrick Garland, the president’s nominee, and even if they spoke it wouldn’t change his mind.Rubio also held firm in his opposition to filling the supreme court vacancy left by the late justice Antonin Scalia under Barack Obama. The senator said he didn’t plan to meet with Merrick Garland, the president’s nominee, and even if they spoke it wouldn’t change his mind.
“I know enough about his record to know I wouldn’t support him and I know enough about the position in general to say I don’t think we should be moving forward on a nominee in the last year of this president’s term,” Rubio said.“I know enough about his record to know I wouldn’t support him and I know enough about the position in general to say I don’t think we should be moving forward on a nominee in the last year of this president’s term,” Rubio said.
8.26pm GMT8.26pm GMT
20:2620:26
Scott BixbyScott Bixby
Onetime gubernatorial candidate and former grand wizard of the Ku Kluz Klan David Duke has declared that the success of Republican billionaire frontrunner Donald Trump could go a long way towards rehabilitating Adolf Hitler’s public image.Onetime gubernatorial candidate and former grand wizard of the Ku Kluz Klan David Duke has declared that the success of Republican billionaire frontrunner Donald Trump could go a long way towards rehabilitating Adolf Hitler’s public image.
Duke, who has endorsed Trump’s bid for the Republican nomination, declared on his radio show this week that “they might be rehabilitating that fellow with the mustache back there in Germany, because I saw a commercial against Donald Trump, a really vicious commercial, comparing what Donald Trump said about preserving America and making America great again to Hitler in Germany preserving Germany and making Germany great again.”Duke, who has endorsed Trump’s bid for the Republican nomination, declared on his radio show this week that “they might be rehabilitating that fellow with the mustache back there in Germany, because I saw a commercial against Donald Trump, a really vicious commercial, comparing what Donald Trump said about preserving America and making America great again to Hitler in Germany preserving Germany and making Germany great again.”
“This war that’s going on against Donald Trump is really a war going on against America, it’s a war going on against the European-American majority,” Duke said later in the program. “The media has incited hatred and violence and repression of Donald Trump and the hundreds of thousands, the millions of people who support him, and that’s what happened in Chicago.”“This war that’s going on against Donald Trump is really a war going on against America, it’s a war going on against the European-American majority,” Duke said later in the program. “The media has incited hatred and violence and repression of Donald Trump and the hundreds of thousands, the millions of people who support him, and that’s what happened in Chicago.”
Trump has gotten heat for dragging his feet on condemning Duke and the Ku Klux Klan, telling CNN that “certainly I would disavow it if I thought there was something wrong.”Trump has gotten heat for dragging his feet on condemning Duke and the Ku Klux Klan, telling CNN that “certainly I would disavow it if I thought there was something wrong.”
Trump subsequently reversed course, tweeting: “As I stated at the press conference on Friday regarding David Duke – I disavow.”Trump subsequently reversed course, tweeting: “As I stated at the press conference on Friday regarding David Duke – I disavow.”
8.07pm GMT8.07pm GMT
20:0720:07
General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, discussed suggestions made by Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump on dealing with Islamic State terrorists, while appearing before the Senate armed services committee today.General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, discussed suggestions made by Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump on dealing with Islamic State terrorists, while appearing before the Senate armed services committee today.
While Trump was not mentioned by name, the general said asking members of the military to “target civilian non-combatants and engage in techniques such as waterboarding” – both of which have been championed by Trump – would have “many adverse effects”, including on force morale.While Trump was not mentioned by name, the general said asking members of the military to “target civilian non-combatants and engage in techniques such as waterboarding” – both of which have been championed by Trump – would have “many adverse effects”, including on force morale.
7.40pm GMT7.40pm GMT
19:4019:40
David SmithDavid Smith
Republican opposition to the nomination of a supreme court justice is crumbling now that the “stellar” Merrick Garland has been put forward, senate Democrats claimed on Thursday.Republican opposition to the nomination of a supreme court justice is crumbling now that the “stellar” Merrick Garland has been put forward, senate Democrats claimed on Thursday.
The Republican leadership is holding out against senate confirmation hearings or a vote after Barack Obama named Garland to replace conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last month. Republican senators insist that the next president should make the selection.The Republican leadership is holding out against senate confirmation hearings or a vote after Barack Obama named Garland to replace conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last month. Republican senators insist that the next president should make the selection.
But Chuck Schumer, Democratic senator for New York, said in response to a question from the Guardian on Thursday: “We are seeing cracks on the Republican side. About five or six members have agreed already to meet with the nominee and I think what happened is they saw how stellar the nominee was and they realised how bad it would be not to ... They’re feeling the heat and we believe we’ll see many more cracks over the next two weeks.”But Chuck Schumer, Democratic senator for New York, said in response to a question from the Guardian on Thursday: “We are seeing cracks on the Republican side. About five or six members have agreed already to meet with the nominee and I think what happened is they saw how stellar the nominee was and they realised how bad it would be not to ... They’re feeling the heat and we believe we’ll see many more cracks over the next two weeks.”
Schumer and other Democratic senators addressed reporters outside the supreme court ahead of Garland’s first meetings on Capitol Hill on Thursday afternoon. He was due to make courtesy calls on Democrats Harry Reid and Patrick Leahy but not on Republicans.Schumer and other Democratic senators addressed reporters outside the supreme court ahead of Garland’s first meetings on Capitol Hill on Thursday afternoon. He was due to make courtesy calls on Democrats Harry Reid and Patrick Leahy but not on Republicans.
Related: Democrats see 'cracks' in Republican block of Merrick Garland confirmationRelated: Democrats see 'cracks' in Republican block of Merrick Garland confirmation
7.16pm GMT7.16pm GMT
19:1619:16
Billionaire Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has discovered Twitter’s polling function...Billionaire Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has discovered Twitter’s polling function...
Who should star in a reboot of Liar Liar- Hillary Clinton or Ted Cruz? Let me know. https://t.co/ESdiEftWGsWho should star in a reboot of Liar Liar- Hillary Clinton or Ted Cruz? Let me know. https://t.co/ESdiEftWGs
6.55pm GMT6.55pm GMT
18:5518:55
Video – Top military official says Trump’s plans would have ‘adverse effects’Video – Top military official says Trump’s plans would have ‘adverse effects’
6.42pm GMT
18:42
Kasich announces he will contest Utah, where Ted Cruz is expected to make a strong run among conservatives and Mormon voters.
John Kasich announces a Utah swing, well timed to deny Cruz the 50% threshold to get all the state's delegates.
Some observers raise an eyebrow, noting that by Utah’s rules, a candidate who takes a majority of the vote wins all 40 of the state’s Republican delegates. Wouldn’t that be a better outcome than a split verdict in which Trump snags some delegates from the state, bringing him closer to the coveted 1,237 majority?
The Kasich camp says the point is still to keep Trump out of the delegates – by keeping him below a 15% threshold for winning any delegates.
@ForecasterEnten @NickRiccardi Wrong. We can win delegates and keep Trump under the 15 percent threshold for getting any delegates.
Update: it’s not clear that Kasich plan is so solid. Because the 15% threshold ceases to apply if only two candidates clear it. Who is the Kasich camp counting on to clear it, apart from Cruz and Kasich?
@TeamJohnKasich @ForecasterEnten @NickRiccardi But 15% threshold doesn't apply if only 2 candidates above it: https://t.co/wvilPWseWb
Updated
at 6.47pm GMT
6.33pm GMT
18:33
Rubio rules out VP run
Florida senator Marco Rubio, who is still a senator for 10 months, has announced on Capitol Hill that he would not join a Republican ticket as anyone’s vice presidential running mate; that “I’m not running for [Florida] governor,” and that he would not run for reelection to the senate, according to various media reports.
Rubio tells reporters on Capitol Hill he won't run for reelection to the Senate or for Florida governor. No interest in being veep.
What will he do?
Updated
at 6.36pm GMT
6.21pm GMT
18:21
You won’t hear us say this much. But. This probably calls for gifs.
Lindsey Graham, immediately after he endorsed Ted Cruz pic.twitter.com/9Eif7FLgj7
Breaking footage of Cruz accepting Graham's endorsement pic.twitter.com/4bDz94twdi
Bernie Sanders reacts to breaking news that Lindsey Graham has thrown support to Ted Cruz. https://t.co/E0gLQwos1Z pic.twitter.com/5n5bMwscF0
6.13pm GMT
18:13
Graham: 'I'm going to help Ted every way I can'
Here is video of senator Graham telling CNN’s Dana Bash about his decision to back Cruz.
He stops short of calling it an endorsement. “John Kasich I think is the most viable general election candidate, I just don’t see how John gets through the primary,” Graham says. “This is an outsider year, he’s seen as an insider.”
First on CNN: Lindsey Graham to fundraise for Ted Cruz's presidential bid https://t.co/0OE9FZCjfL via @DanaBashCNN https://t.co/V5kqmKzmHt
“I think [Cruz is] the best alternative to Donald Trump, he’s certainly not my preference, senator Cruz is not,” Graham says. “But he’s a reliable Republican conservative, of which I’ve had many differences with.
“I doubt Donald Trump’s conservatism and I think he’d be a disaster for the party, so I’m going to try to raise money for senator Cruz in the pro-Israel community.”
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is holding its annual policy conference in Washington next week. Graham was to host a fundraiser Monday night.
“I think the best alternative to Donald Trump, to stop him from getting to 1,237, is Ted Cruz,” Graham continued.
“I’m going to help Ted in every way I can.”
Asked about his past differences with Cruz, Graham says:
“It tells you a lot about where we are as a party.”
Updated
at 6.17pm GMT
6.06pm GMT
18:06
Is it any coincidence that just as news breaks of Lindsey Graham’s support for Ted Cruz, a bald eagle hatchling emerged from its shell in Washington, DC?
zomg. GAME ON. get in here. https://t.co/0t6r4I8cwm pic.twitter.com/Q1Gz2sCLsm
6.00pm GMT
18:00
Graham joins Cruz fundraising effort
“If you kill Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody could convict you,” Republican senator Lindsey Graham joked at a press club foundation dinner last month.
That was then. Graham, heretofore one of Cruz’s most vocal detractors in the senate, now plans to host a fundraiser for Cruz on Monday, CNN reports.
Actual quote from Lindsey Graham on choosing Trump vs Cruz in January: “It’s like being shot or poisoned. What does it really matter?"
5.53pm GMT
17:53
Callout to readers / your top election issues
By now we know a bit about the presidential candidates, and more about state rules for delegate allocation than we’d care to.
But we’re trying to get a read on which issues matter most to you, our readers, this election cycle. It’s plain from your comments that income and wealth inequality, social issues, civil liberties, and US conduct on the international stage are central concerns.
But if you have a second we’d like for you to tell us: which election issue matters most to you?
Open contributions: Which election issue matters most to you?
Thanks for taking the time!
4.41pm GMT
16:41
Ask Al Gore?
.@TuckerCarlson: “The man w/ the most delegates is going to be the nominee...Question is what kind if fight will D.C. GOP Party put up?”
Question every Trump supporter should answer: Would a plurality of Electoral Votes entitle Hillary to presidency? https://t.co/Kw6CYiQZMy
4.09pm GMT
16:09
Half of US women have 'very unfavorable' view of Trump
Half of US women say they have a “very unfavorable” view of Donald Trump, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, up from the 40% who felt that way in October. The survey was taken from March 1-15, and included 5,400 respondents. Reuters expands:
The rise in anti-Trump sentiment among women could pose a problem for the New York billionaire in his quest for the White House. Women form just over half of the U.S. population, and they have turned out at higher rates than men in every election since 1996, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
A big general election challenge for Trump – especially, perhaps, if he’s running against Hillary Clinton. Read the full piece here.
3.21pm GMT
15:21
Here’s a piece to go with the video we posted earlier, with expert advice on how to cope with Trump anxiety.
A Muslim-American, a woman, an African-American, a journalist and a Mexican-American describe what about Trump concerns them:
Here's why I'm terrified of Donald Trump https://t.co/kVrjl9DqR9 ... A laundry list of fear complements of The Guardian
Related: Here's why I'm terrified of Donald Trump