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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)
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 GMT6.13pm GMT
18:1318:13
Graham: 'I'm going to help Ted every way I can'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.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.”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/V5kqmKzmHtFirst 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 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.”“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.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 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.”“I’m going to help Ted in every way I can.”
Asked about his past differences with Cruz, Graham says:Asked about his past differences with Cruz, Graham says:
“It tells you a lot about where we are as a party.”“It tells you a lot about where we are as a party.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.17pm GMTat 6.17pm GMT
6.06pm GMT6.06pm GMT
18:0618:06
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?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/Q1Gz2sCLsmzomg. GAME ON. get in here. https://t.co/0t6r4I8cwm pic.twitter.com/Q1Gz2sCLsm
6.00pm GMT6.00pm GMT
18:0018:00
Graham joins Cruz fundraising effortGraham 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.“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.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?"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 GMT5.53pm GMT
17:5317:53
Callout to readers / your top election issuesCallout 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.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 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?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?Open contributions: Which election issue matters most to you?
Thanks for taking the time!Thanks for taking the time!
4.41pm GMT4.41pm GMT
16:4116:41
Ask Al Gore?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?”.@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/Kw6CYiQZMyQuestion every Trump supporter should answer: Would a plurality of Electoral Votes entitle Hillary to presidency? https://t.co/Kw6CYiQZMy
4.09pm GMT4.09pm GMT
16:0916:09
Half of US women have 'very unfavorable' view of TrumpHalf 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: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.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.A big general election challenge for Trump – especially, perhaps, if he’s running against Hillary Clinton. Read the full piece here.
3.21pm GMT3.21pm GMT
15:2115:21
Here’s a piece to go with the video we posted earlier, with expert advice on how to cope with Trump anxiety.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: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 GuardianHere'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 TrumpRelated: Here's why I'm terrified of Donald Trump
3.10pm GMT
15:10
Kerry: 'Daesh is responsible for genocide'
Amanda Holpuch
US secretary of state John Kerry on Thursday declared that acts committed by Islamic State against Christians and other minorities in Iraq and Syria are genocide, reports the Guardian’s Amanda Holpuch:
Kerry did not say how such a declaration would affect US involvement in areas controlled by Isis.
“My purpose in appearing before you today is to assert that in my judgment, Daesh is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control including Yazidis, Christians and Shia Muslims,” Kerry said, using an Arabic acronym for the extremist group. “Daesh is genocidal by self-proclamation, by ideology and by actions, in what it says, in what believes and in what it does.”
Related: John Kerry: Isis is committing genocide in Syria and Iraq
Updated
at 3.15pm GMT
3.05pm GMT
15:05
John Kasich announces the endorsement of Michael Leavitt, former governor of Utah, which will award 40 Republican delegates in voting next Tuesday.
MAJOR UTAH ENDORSEMENT: Utah's fmr. 3-term @GovMikeLeavitt is backing John Kasich for president. pic.twitter.com/yN7iS1k8GB
3.02pm GMT
15:02
Anybody miss Ted Cruz on Megyn Kelly last night? Just in case, let’s review: Cruz told Kelly that Donald Trump finds her “a very very terrifying person” and accused Trump of being “scared to debate.”
The Republicans scheduled a debate for Monday in Salt Lake City but then Trump said he wasn’t going and Kasich followed suit, and the debate was canceled.
“The race has shifted to a terrain that is not favorable for him,” Cruz says. “The closer we get to a one-on-one battle, the worse Donald Trump does.”
2.55pm GMT
14:55
Rubio returns to day job
Marco Rubio returns to his senate office, to warm welcome from staff. The moment was captured by his comms team:
A few minutes ago, @marcorubio U.S. Senate staff welcomed him back to the office: pic.twitter.com/neRSJ1ANMD
Rubio got back to it after only two days. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie withdrew from the race more than a month ago and he still hasn’t gone back to work! (That isn’t strictly true. He has been campaigning for Trump a lot and that has kept him away from his home state. We kid because we love. Without the love part.)
2.50pm GMT
14:50
Haley 'praying' for Cruz victory
South Carolina governor and Donald Trump critic Nikki Haley told the local Post and Courier that she was not prepared to make a new endorsement after her favored presidential candidate, senator Marco Rubio, dropped out of the race Tuesday.
But she is praying for Ted Cruz, Haley said.
“As of now, I strongly believe I will support the Republican nominee,” Haley said. “The only thing I can say now is my hope and my prayer is that senator Cruz can come through this.
“That’s who privately I’m fighting for. I do see a path for him, because I think he’s been solid and strong the entire way. I think that he’s been disciplined in the way that he’s done it.”
2.37pm GMT
14:37
Deputies disciplined for 'failure to act' at Trump rally where protester sucker-punched
Three North Carolina sheriff’s deputies have been demoted and two suspended without pay for “unsatisfactory performance” at a 9 March Donald Trump rally at which a protester was sucker punched – leading deputies to pounce on the protester, ignoring his assailant.
The disciplinary measures were announced on the Facebook page of Cumberland County sheriff Earl “Moose” Butler.
“We have disciplined five deputies following a professional standards investigation arising from the events at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville,” the statement said.
“Three deputies were demoted in rank, and they were suspended for a period of five days each without pay for unsatisfactory performance and failing to discharge the duties and policies of the Office of Sheriff.
“Two other deputies were suspended for a period of three days without pay for unsatisfactory performance and the failure to discharge their duties.”
Here’s video of the incident:
The assailant, John McGraw, was later charged with assault and battery. In an interview at the rally he warned that the protester, Rakeem Jones, might be an Isis member and “the next time we see him, we might have to kill him.”
Jones is not an Isis member. He told local media that he was “satisfied” with the disciplining of the deputies but that his life had changed.
“When I was threatened on national TV, this man was saying, ‘we are going to have to kill him’,” Jones told TWCNews. “Though I’m satisfied with the discipline of the sheriffs, I would like to know who is ‘we’”.
The five disciplined deputies were placed on probationary status for a year, the sheriff’s statement said.
“The actions of the deputies and their failures to act in situations such as that which occurred during the Trump rally at the Crown Coliseum have never been and will not ever be tolerated under the policies of this office,” the statement said.
Updated
at 3.17pm GMT
2.20pm GMT
14:20
Carson, Rubio, Trump warn of brokered convention dangers
Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson told CNN last night that there would be “a lot of turmoil” if Donald Trump was nudged aside by the Republican party in a brokered convention, should Trump’s lead in the nominating race remain strong.
“There’s no question that there would be a lot of turmoil if the establishment tries to thwart the will of the people, recognizing that millions of new voters have come into the Republican fold, largely as a result of Donald Trump,” Carson said.
Carson’s remarks were prompted by a warning by Trump Tuesday that if he holds a big lead going into the convention but not a full majority of delegates, and the party nominated someone else, “I think you’d have riots.”
Rubio also warned of potential chaos from a brokered convention, in a conference call late Wednesday with supporters.
“Winning a general election with a nominee that a significant percentage of the base thinks stole it, even though you did it through the rules of the RNC, would be pretty much fatal for the party,” Rubio said.
2.04pm GMT
14:04
Rubio: Cruz 'only conservative left in the race'
Former presidential candidate Marco Rubio has told Minnesota supporters on a conference call that he thinks fellow senator Ted Cruz is the “the only conservative left in the race,” the Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports.
Rubio did not endorse Cruz on the call. He did warn of the dangers of potentially elevating a trailing candidate to nominee in a brokered convention.
Rubio’s comments followed an assessment late Wednesday by Ben Carson, also a former candidate, that “turmoil” would attend a contested convention.
“Winning a general election with a nominee that a significant percentage of the base thinks stole it, even though you did it through the rules of the RNC, would be pretty much fatal for the party,” Rubio said.
“This election was entirely driven by national media coverage, in many ways,” he said. “When the media narrative goes negative on you, and all the news is bad, it kind of knocks us off.”
Read the full piece here.
1.54pm GMT
13:54
Video – How to cope with anxiety caused by Donald Trump: experts lend advice
Related: How to cope with anxiety caused by Donald Trump: experts lend advice
1.14pm GMT
13:14
Hello and welcome to our live-wire coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. It’s an active morning of foreign policy headlines with the sentencing in North Korea of an American student to 15 years of hard labor for trying to swipe a hotel poster ... and secretary of state John Kerry expected to announce this morning the administration’s finding that Islamic State fighters have committed genocide against Christians, Yazidis and Shia Muslims in Iraq and Syria.
A genocide against Christians may be a topic the presidential candidates feel inclined to weigh in on. Meanwhile the Hillary Clinton camp continued its slow starboard turn away from Democratic rival Bernie Sanders to take on anticipated – or current – rival Donald Trump:
Trump is fanning the flames of chaos and violence. That's not leadership—it’s dangerous. https://t.co/wGsfs9ZS8R pic.twitter.com/4ICA9VzSLI
Trump: making a joke of democracy – or revealing the power of the people?
Related: Democracy is a joke, says China – just look at Donald Trump
Obama is heading to Cuba next week:
Related: Obama's address to Cuban people will be highlight of historic visit
‘President Trump’ judged major threat to global economy:
Related: 'President Trump' as big a threat as jihadi terror to global economy - EIU
Thanks for joining us for all our politics coverage today. What news lines are you following this morning? Let us know in the comments!
Updated
at 1.50pm GMT