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Trump endorsed by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani – campaign live Trump endorsed by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani – campaign live
(35 minutes later)
3.12am BST
03:12
In most states, delegate support is dictated by results in individual counties, congressional districts or, in the case of winner-take-all states, the victor of the state’s support. But in Colorado, Republicans don’t get primaries or caucuses - which means that 21 of the state’s 37 delegates have been up for grabs at district conventions.
Line for 7th Congressional District convention in Colorado pic.twitter.com/nX5BL0q0m9
Each of Colorado’s seven congressional districts picks three delegates and three alternates to attend the national convention in Cleveland this summer. Of the two districts that have already held their conventions, both were swept by Texas senator Ted Cruz, who now has six delegates from Colorado to his name.
Tonight, the Colorado 7th elects its delegates, where the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs reports that certain candidates’ ground operation are showing cracks:
There are three Trump delegates on the campaign's slate card. Only one is on the ballot here.
This is the Kasich slate in Colorado's Seventh District. Notably missing is John Kasich's name pic.twitter.com/MWXWCHFOIn
2.56am BST
02:56
Bernie Sanders on 'qualified' jab: 'I’m responding to attacks being made against me'
Vermont senator and Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders told CBS’s Charlie Rose that his suggestion that former secretary of state Hillary Clinton is not “qualified” to be president was merely a response to attacks from her campaign.
“All I am saying, if the people are gonna attack us, if they’re gonna distort our record, as has been the case time and time again, we’re gonna respond.” Sanders said, defending himself against the argument that the tenor of the Democratic contest has become too heated.
“I have never run a negative ad in my life,” Sanders said. “In this campaign, as I’m sure you can appreciate, every other day people are coming up to me and saying ‘Aren’t you gonna attack Hillary Clinton? Aren’t you gonna attack the Clinton Foundation?’ And you know how many times I’ve done that? Zero.”
When Rose asked Sanders whether he truly felt that Clinton, a former secretary of state, senator and first lady, was unqualified to occupy the Oval Office, Sanders acknowledged that Clinton “has years of experience [and] is extremely intelligent,” and still preferable as a White House occupant over potential Republican nominees Donald Trump and Ted Cruz.
“I think the idea of a Donald Trump or a Ted Cruz presidency would be an unmitigated disaster for this country,” Sanders said. “I will do everything in my power and work as hard as I can to make sure that that does not happen, and if Secretary Clinton is the nominee, I will certainly support her.”
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Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz told CNN’s Dana Bash that an apology to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell for calling him a liar last July “ain’t gonna happen” anytime soon.Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz told CNN’s Dana Bash that an apology to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell for calling him a liar last July “ain’t gonna happen” anytime soon.
Ted Cruz says he will not apologize to Mitch McConnell https://t.co/4AD4sP6IoX https://t.co/faIezBeiDGTed Cruz says he will not apologize to Mitch McConnell https://t.co/4AD4sP6IoX https://t.co/faIezBeiDG
“If the Washington lobbyists want to see that happen, they can hold their breath a long, long time,” Cruz said. “My focus is on the American people.”“If the Washington lobbyists want to see that happen, they can hold their breath a long, long time,” Cruz said. “My focus is on the American people.”
Cruz delivered the broadside in a speech on the Senate floor after claiming that McConnell had given that there was no deal to allow a vote to renew the federal Export-Import Bank.Cruz delivered the broadside in a speech on the Senate floor after claiming that McConnell had given that there was no deal to allow a vote to renew the federal Export-Import Bank.
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Fox News Channel personality Geraldo Rivera accused Texas senator and presidential candidate Ted Cruz of anti-Semitism on The O’Reilly Factor this evening, saying that his now-infamous “New York values” advertisement and commentary was a coded slur against American Jews.Fox News Channel personality Geraldo Rivera accused Texas senator and presidential candidate Ted Cruz of anti-Semitism on The O’Reilly Factor this evening, saying that his now-infamous “New York values” advertisement and commentary was a coded slur against American Jews.
“Aside from the stinking anti-Semitic implications that I see in that whole ‘New York values’ money- and media-coated message that he put out there pandering to those Iowa voters, he also voted against Hurricane Sandy relief,” Rivera said. “He also voted against compensation for 9/11 victims. This is a man whose interests are absolutely antithetical to New York.”“Aside from the stinking anti-Semitic implications that I see in that whole ‘New York values’ money- and media-coated message that he put out there pandering to those Iowa voters, he also voted against Hurricane Sandy relief,” Rivera said. “He also voted against compensation for 9/11 victims. This is a man whose interests are absolutely antithetical to New York.”
O’Reilly, for his part, pushed back against the allegation.O’Reilly, for his part, pushed back against the allegation.
“If he says ‘New York Values’ to a bunch of Evangelicals, its not anti-Semitic,” O’Reilly said.“If he says ‘New York Values’ to a bunch of Evangelicals, its not anti-Semitic,” O’Reilly said.
“He could have very easily said that,” Rivera rebuked. “There’s a million ways he could have said that that he did not.”“He could have very easily said that,” Rivera rebuked. “There’s a million ways he could have said that that he did not.”
1.58am BST1.58am BST
01:5801:58
A White House spokesman has come to the defense of former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, rebutting a claim by her primary opponent Bernie Sanders that she is not “qualified” to be president.A White House spokesman has come to the defense of former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, rebutting a claim by her primary opponent Bernie Sanders that she is not “qualified” to be president.
“The president has said that Secretary Clinton comes into this race with more experience than any other non-vice president in recent campaign history,” White House spokesperson Eric Schultz told reporters aboard Air Force One, according to The Hill.“The president has said that Secretary Clinton comes into this race with more experience than any other non-vice president in recent campaign history,” White House spokesperson Eric Schultz told reporters aboard Air Force One, according to The Hill.
Schultz added the president was “fortunate” enough to have Clinton as his secretary of State for four years, when they “worked together on complicated, on complex issues.”Schultz added the president was “fortunate” enough to have Clinton as his secretary of State for four years, when they “worked together on complicated, on complex issues.”
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Sabrina SiddiquiSabrina Siddiqui
Returning to the institution where he taught constitutional law for over a decade,Barack Obama today said Republicans were pursuing a path that “erodes the institutional integrity of the judicial branch” by refusing to consider his supreme court nominee, Merrick Garland.Returning to the institution where he taught constitutional law for over a decade,Barack Obama today said Republicans were pursuing a path that “erodes the institutional integrity of the judicial branch” by refusing to consider his supreme court nominee, Merrick Garland.
Addressing students in a discussion at the University of Chicago Law School, the president said his pick to replace the late justice Antonin Scalia was “as good of a judge as we have in this country” and deserved a fair hearing.Addressing students in a discussion at the University of Chicago Law School, the president said his pick to replace the late justice Antonin Scalia was “as good of a judge as we have in this country” and deserved a fair hearing.
“He embodies and models what we want to see in our jurisprudence,” Obama said of Garland, chief judge of the US court of appeals for the DC circuit.“He embodies and models what we want to see in our jurisprudence,” Obama said of Garland, chief judge of the US court of appeals for the DC circuit.
His remarks came as the Republican leadership in the US Senate remained steadfast in its opposition to filling the supreme court vacancy under Obama’s watch. Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, declared earlier this week that it was “safe to say” there would be neither a vote nor a hearing on Garland’s nomination.His remarks came as the Republican leadership in the US Senate remained steadfast in its opposition to filling the supreme court vacancy under Obama’s watch. Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, declared earlier this week that it was “safe to say” there would be neither a vote nor a hearing on Garland’s nomination.
That position, Obama warned, threatened the core of American democracy.That position, Obama warned, threatened the core of American democracy.
“If you start getting into a situation in which the process of appointing judges is so broken, so partisan, that an eminently qualified jurist cannot even get a hearing, we are going to see the kind of sharp polarization that has come to characterize our electoral politics seeping into the system,” Obama said.“If you start getting into a situation in which the process of appointing judges is so broken, so partisan, that an eminently qualified jurist cannot even get a hearing, we are going to see the kind of sharp polarization that has come to characterize our electoral politics seeping into the system,” Obama said.
Related: Obama: Republican stance on supreme court risks eroding public confidenceRelated: Obama: Republican stance on supreme court risks eroding public confidence
12.21am BST12.21am BST
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Some bad polling news for Donald Trump: Seven in ten people view the billionaire Republican frontrunner negatively, including almost half of Republicans, according to a new survey from the Associated Press.Some bad polling news for Donald Trump: Seven in ten people view the billionaire Republican frontrunner negatively, including almost half of Republicans, according to a new survey from the Associated Press.
The voter antipathy cuts across nearly every demographic: men, women, whites, blacks, young people, old people, conservatives, moderates and liberals all told the Associated Press that they have an unfavorable view of Trump. Even among white voters with no college degree, often seen as the backbone of Trump’s support, the candidate is viewed negatively by 55% of likely voters.The voter antipathy cuts across nearly every demographic: men, women, whites, blacks, young people, old people, conservatives, moderates and liberals all told the Associated Press that they have an unfavorable view of Trump. Even among white voters with no college degree, often seen as the backbone of Trump’s support, the candidate is viewed negatively by 55% of likely voters.
It’s an 11-point increase since the same question was asked in February.It’s an 11-point increase since the same question was asked in February.
11.29pm BST11.29pm BST
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More candidates pile on Ted Cruz's 'New York values' commentsMore candidates pile on Ted Cruz's 'New York values' comments
Scott BixbyScott Bixby
Texas senator Ted Cruz is getting a hefty dose of New York attitude from opponents eager to hamper his efforts in the Empire State’s upcoming Republican primary.Texas senator Ted Cruz is getting a hefty dose of New York attitude from opponents eager to hamper his efforts in the Empire State’s upcoming Republican primary.
After lambasting billionaire frontrunner - and Queens native - Donald Trump in a February campaign ad that knocked his “New York values,” and doubling down on the remarks in a high-profile debate dustup with the real-estate tycoon, Cruz’s words are coming back to bite him.After lambasting billionaire frontrunner - and Queens native - Donald Trump in a February campaign ad that knocked his “New York values,” and doubling down on the remarks in a high-profile debate dustup with the real-estate tycoon, Cruz’s words are coming back to bite him.
Trump, whose remarks in support of New York’s spirit after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were a rare moment of idealism from the candidate, has been keen to rip on Cruz for his past derogations against the state. During a rally in Bethpage, Long Island, last night, Trump highlighted those remarks to the 12,000-strong audience of supporters.Trump, whose remarks in support of New York’s spirit after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were a rare moment of idealism from the candidate, has been keen to rip on Cruz for his past derogations against the state. During a rally in Bethpage, Long Island, last night, Trump highlighted those remarks to the 12,000-strong audience of supporters.
“Do you remember during the debate when he started lecturing me on New York values, like we’re no good?” Trump asked. “We all know people that died, and I’ve got this guy looking at me with scorn in his face, with hatred of New York! So, folks, I think you can forget about him.”“Do you remember during the debate when he started lecturing me on New York values, like we’re no good?” Trump asked. “We all know people that died, and I’ve got this guy looking at me with scorn in his face, with hatred of New York! So, folks, I think you can forget about him.”
Even the non-New Yorker in the Republican field is now pressing Cruz on his remarks. In a new ad titled Values put out by the campaign of Ohio governor John Kasich, a narrator reminds viewers that “Cruz sneered at our New York values,” with the camera panning over such New York icons as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and the Tribute in Light.Even the non-New Yorker in the Republican field is now pressing Cruz on his remarks. In a new ad titled Values put out by the campaign of Ohio governor John Kasich, a narrator reminds viewers that “Cruz sneered at our New York values,” with the camera panning over such New York icons as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and the Tribute in Light.
“Ted Cruz divides to get a vote,” the narrator says. “John Kasich unites to get things done.”“Ted Cruz divides to get a vote,” the narrator says. “John Kasich unites to get things done.”
If the reaction of real New Yorkers is any indication, the attacks are working.If the reaction of real New Yorkers is any indication, the attacks are working.
At Trump’s Long Island rally, the crowd responded to reminders about Cruz’s “New York values” comments by chanting “Lyin’ Ted! Lyin’ Ted! Lyin’ Ted!” The mayor of New York lambasted him for “hypocrisy”; one of the city’s iconic tabloids told him to take the “FU Train”; a planned visit to a Bronx high school was cancelled after a highly organized student group threatened to walk out of class if the senator appeared on campus.At Trump’s Long Island rally, the crowd responded to reminders about Cruz’s “New York values” comments by chanting “Lyin’ Ted! Lyin’ Ted! Lyin’ Ted!” The mayor of New York lambasted him for “hypocrisy”; one of the city’s iconic tabloids told him to take the “FU Train”; a planned visit to a Bronx high school was cancelled after a highly organized student group threatened to walk out of class if the senator appeared on campus.
The dislike appears to have borne out in polling, as well. Cruz falls behind both Trump and Kasich in the most recent polling of likely New York Republican voters.The dislike appears to have borne out in polling, as well. Cruz falls behind both Trump and Kasich in the most recent polling of likely New York Republican voters.
11.00pm BST11.00pm BST
23:0023:00
New Hampshire senator Kelly Ayotte told a home-state radio host today that she would back billionaire Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump if he were to become the party’s nominee.New Hampshire senator Kelly Ayotte told a home-state radio host today that she would back billionaire Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump if he were to become the party’s nominee.
“What I have said is that, at this point, I plan to support our Republican nominee,” Ayotte said. “That said, I gotta tell you, I don’t know who that’s gonna be. I think that this is far from over, this process still has to play out, and I want to see what happens at this convention, obviously.”“What I have said is that, at this point, I plan to support our Republican nominee,” Ayotte said. “That said, I gotta tell you, I don’t know who that’s gonna be. I think that this is far from over, this process still has to play out, and I want to see what happens at this convention, obviously.”
When pressed by host Dan Mitchell to say whether she would support Trump, Ayotte stood firm. “I plan to support our Republican nominee.”When pressed by host Dan Mitchell to say whether she would support Trump, Ayotte stood firm. “I plan to support our Republican nominee.”
It’s a bold stance for a senator whose seat has been seen as one of the most vulnerable in the upcoming general election. Although Trump won the New Hampshire primary with the support of 35% of the electorate, his presence at the top of the ticket may pose a threat to the Republican majority in the senate.It’s a bold stance for a senator whose seat has been seen as one of the most vulnerable in the upcoming general election. Although Trump won the New Hampshire primary with the support of 35% of the electorate, his presence at the top of the ticket may pose a threat to the Republican majority in the senate.
10.12pm BST10.12pm BST
22:1222:12
Alan YuhasAlan Yuhas
The Indian Point Energy Center, a controversial and ageing nuclear plant near New York City, has split the Democratic presidential candidates.The Indian Point Energy Center, a controversial and ageing nuclear plant near New York City, has split the Democratic presidential candidates.
As campaigning continues, Bernie Sanders called the facility “a catastrophe waiting to happen”. Hillary Clinton said only that it needed more oversight.As campaigning continues, Bernie Sanders called the facility “a catastrophe waiting to happen”. Hillary Clinton said only that it needed more oversight.
“In my view, we cannot sit idly by and hope that the unthinkable will never happen,” Sanders said in a statement. “It makes no sense to me to continue to operate a decaying nuclear reactor within 25 miles of New York City where nearly 10 million people live.”“In my view, we cannot sit idly by and hope that the unthinkable will never happen,” Sanders said in a statement. “It makes no sense to me to continue to operate a decaying nuclear reactor within 25 miles of New York City where nearly 10 million people live.”
The Vermont senator elaborated on his stance, calling for the US to phase out nuclear plants along with more polluting resources such as fossil fuels.The Vermont senator elaborated on his stance, calling for the US to phase out nuclear plants along with more polluting resources such as fossil fuels.
“Nuclear power is and always has been a dangerous idea because there is no good way to store nuclear waste,” he said.“Nuclear power is and always has been a dangerous idea because there is no good way to store nuclear waste,” he said.
Related: New York nuclear plant's future further divides Sanders and ClintonRelated: New York nuclear plant's future further divides Sanders and Clinton
Clinton, a former New York senator, accused Sanders of tardiness in his attention to the controversial plant.Clinton, a former New York senator, accused Sanders of tardiness in his attention to the controversial plant.
“I’m glad he discovered Indian Point,” she told a local talkshow, Capital Tonight. “We also have to be realistic and say, ‘You get 25% of the electricity in the greater New York City area from Indian Point.’“I’m glad he discovered Indian Point,” she told a local talkshow, Capital Tonight. “We also have to be realistic and say, ‘You get 25% of the electricity in the greater New York City area from Indian Point.’
“I don’t want middle-class taxpayers to see a huge rate increase. So this needs to be done in a careful, thoughtful way.”“I don’t want middle-class taxpayers to see a huge rate increase. So this needs to be done in a careful, thoughtful way.”
9.56pm BST9.56pm BST
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After calling on Vermont senator Bernie Sanders to correct a statement he made to the New York Daily News regarding casualties in the 2014 war in Gaza, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has released a statement welcoming Sanders’ “clarification” on the issue.After calling on Vermont senator Bernie Sanders to correct a statement he made to the New York Daily News regarding casualties in the 2014 war in Gaza, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has released a statement welcoming Sanders’ “clarification” on the issue.
“The Anti-Defamation League today welcomed the clarification by presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of his misstatement about Palestinian casualties during the 2014 conflict between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas,” the non-profit, which combats anti-Semitism, said in a statement.“The Anti-Defamation League today welcomed the clarification by presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of his misstatement about Palestinian casualties during the 2014 conflict between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas,” the non-profit, which combats anti-Semitism, said in a statement.
Sanders reportedly held a phone conversation with ADL chief Jonathan A. Greenblatt in which he “clarified” his recollection that there were 10,000 civilian deaths, calling them inaccurate.Sanders reportedly held a phone conversation with ADL chief Jonathan A. Greenblatt in which he “clarified” his recollection that there were 10,000 civilian deaths, calling them inaccurate.
“The senator assured me that he did not mean his remarks to be a definitive statement and that he would make every effort to set the record straight,” Greenblatt said in the release. “We appreciate his responsiveness on this issue, especially at a time when there are many false and incendiary reports blaming Israel for applying disproportionate force in its struggle for self-defense.”“The senator assured me that he did not mean his remarks to be a definitive statement and that he would make every effort to set the record straight,” Greenblatt said in the release. “We appreciate his responsiveness on this issue, especially at a time when there are many false and incendiary reports blaming Israel for applying disproportionate force in its struggle for self-defense.”
The United Nations’ independent commission of inquiry into the 2014 Gaza conflict found that 2,251 were killed in Gaza. Roughly 65% were estimated to be civilians.The United Nations’ independent commission of inquiry into the 2014 Gaza conflict found that 2,251 were killed in Gaza. Roughly 65% were estimated to be civilians.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.52pm BSTat 11.52pm BST
9.18pm BST9.18pm BST
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Alan YuhasAlan Yuhas
Bill Clinton struggled to handle protesters in Philadelphia on Thursday, after a group briefly took the spotlight from him with chants and signs against the Clintons’ politics.Bill Clinton struggled to handle protesters in Philadelphia on Thursday, after a group briefly took the spotlight from him with chants and signs against the Clintons’ politics.
The mostly African-American demonstrators shouted down the former president at several moments, and said that he and spouse Hillary Clinton contributed to the surge of incarcerations in the 1990s, mostly of black men. Clinton signed a crime bill in 1994 that sharply increased sentences for minor offenses, and last year the former president himself said the law did too much harm.The mostly African-American demonstrators shouted down the former president at several moments, and said that he and spouse Hillary Clinton contributed to the surge of incarcerations in the 1990s, mostly of black men. Clinton signed a crime bill in 1994 that sharply increased sentences for minor offenses, and last year the former president himself said the law did too much harm.
He admitted no regret in Philadelphia, however, and defended the bill from protesters who held signs reading “Clinton Crime Bill Destroyed Our Communities”. Another held a sign that said “Black Youth Are Not Super Predators”, an allusion to his wife’s 1996 remark about “the kinds of kids that are called super predators”.He admitted no regret in Philadelphia, however, and defended the bill from protesters who held signs reading “Clinton Crime Bill Destroyed Our Communities”. Another held a sign that said “Black Youth Are Not Super Predators”, an allusion to his wife’s 1996 remark about “the kinds of kids that are called super predators”.
“No conscience, no empathy,” the then-first lady said at the time, referring to a debunked and racially charged theory. “We can talk about why they ended up that way, but first we have to bring them to heel.”“No conscience, no empathy,” the then-first lady said at the time, referring to a debunked and racially charged theory. “We can talk about why they ended up that way, but first we have to bring them to heel.”
Twenty years later and after a confrontation with a protester, Clinton acknowledged the words were poorly chosen. “Looking back, I shouldn’t have used those words, and I wouldn’t use them today,” she said in a statement.Twenty years later and after a confrontation with a protester, Clinton acknowledged the words were poorly chosen. “Looking back, I shouldn’t have used those words, and I wouldn’t use them today,” she said in a statement.
Her husband defended her today, saying: “I don’t know how you would characterize the gang leaders who got 13 year old kids hopped up on crack, and sent them out onto the street to murder other African-American children.”Her husband defended her today, saying: “I don’t know how you would characterize the gang leaders who got 13 year old kids hopped up on crack, and sent them out onto the street to murder other African-American children.”
“Maybe you thought they were good citizens. She didn’t.”“Maybe you thought they were good citizens. She didn’t.”
Clinton also defended his own achievements at length, including an expired ban on assault weapons and welfare reform bill that is now criticized for unwise cuts that have actually contributed to increased poverty. Chief among those critics is Bernie Sanders, the rival candidate for Democratic nominee and a champion of fighting inequality.Clinton also defended his own achievements at length, including an expired ban on assault weapons and welfare reform bill that is now criticized for unwise cuts that have actually contributed to increased poverty. Chief among those critics is Bernie Sanders, the rival candidate for Democratic nominee and a champion of fighting inequality.
“They say the welfare reform bill increased poverty,” Clinton said. “Then why did we have the largest drop in African American poverty in history when I was president?”“They say the welfare reform bill increased poverty,” Clinton said. “Then why did we have the largest drop in African American poverty in history when I was president?”
The number of families living in extreme poverty has increased by 130% since 1996, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan. Some groups, including single-mother households, benefited more from the reform bill than others.The number of families living in extreme poverty has increased by 130% since 1996, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan. Some groups, including single-mother households, benefited more from the reform bill than others.
The former president also noted that his wife had no voting power in the government at the time. “Hillary didn’t vote for that bill cause she wasn’t in the Senate, she was spending her time trying to get healthcare for poor kids.”The former president also noted that his wife had no voting power in the government at the time. “Hillary didn’t vote for that bill cause she wasn’t in the Senate, she was spending her time trying to get healthcare for poor kids.”
Clinton admitted “it’s also true that there are too many people” in federal and state prisons, and said that his wife, along with Sanders and Republicans, are eager to reform the justice system.Clinton admitted “it’s also true that there are too many people” in federal and state prisons, and said that his wife, along with Sanders and Republicans, are eager to reform the justice system.
Eventually, Clinton gave up on his various attempts to engage, placate and rebut the protesters, and opted for changing the subject: “I’ll tell you another story about where black lives matter: Africa.”Eventually, Clinton gave up on his various attempts to engage, placate and rebut the protesters, and opted for changing the subject: “I’ll tell you another story about where black lives matter: Africa.”
One of the protesters spoke with reporters after the rally, saying she resented the treatment showed her by the former president and Clinton supporters. “We silently held our signs up and we have a right to do that,” Erica Miles said. “People attack us and we become the thugs.”One of the protesters spoke with reporters after the rally, saying she resented the treatment showed her by the former president and Clinton supporters. “We silently held our signs up and we have a right to do that,” Erica Miles said. “People attack us and we become the thugs.”
“I’m not here to say that Bill Clinton or Hillary Clinton is not a good person. Their politics have hurt the black community, that’s all that is. This is not about whether I like them.”“I’m not here to say that Bill Clinton or Hillary Clinton is not a good person. Their politics have hurt the black community, that’s all that is. This is not about whether I like them.”
8.53pm BST8.53pm BST
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Senate pro tem Orrin Hatch told reporters this afternoon that there is “potential” for Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to be picked as a compromise candidate at a contested Republican national convention this July, calling him “one of the great leaders” that would unify a divided party.Senate pro tem Orrin Hatch told reporters this afternoon that there is “potential” for Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to be picked as a compromise candidate at a contested Republican national convention this July, calling him “one of the great leaders” that would unify a divided party.
“I think it’s just natural that that speculation would happen because he’s one of the great leaders here on Capitol Hill and one of the people who brings both sides, all sides together, I should say,” Hatch said, according to The Hill.“I think it’s just natural that that speculation would happen because he’s one of the great leaders here on Capitol Hill and one of the people who brings both sides, all sides together, I should say,” Hatch said, according to The Hill.
The senior senator noted that although Ryan, a former vice presidential nominee, is “a very, very fine human being,” there was no organized effort to draft him into openly campaigning for the nomination.The senior senator noted that although Ryan, a former vice presidential nominee, is “a very, very fine human being,” there was no organized effort to draft him into openly campaigning for the nomination.
A Rasmussen survey released earlier today may put a damper on Hatch’s enthusiasm, however: In hypothetical head-to-head match-ups with former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, Ryan loses the general election by a minimum of six points.A Rasmussen survey released earlier today may put a damper on Hatch’s enthusiasm, however: In hypothetical head-to-head match-ups with former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, Ryan loses the general election by a minimum of six points.
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Trump: Giuliani nod 'such a great honor'Trump: Giuliani nod 'such a great honor'
Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs sends along this statement from Donald Trump on the news of the Rudy GiulianiGuardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs sends along this statement from Donald Trump on the news of the Rudy Giuliani
endorsementendorsement
profession of intent to vote for Trump (it’s not an endorsement, Giuliani says). Statement via the Trump campaign:profession of intent to vote for Trump (it’s not an endorsement, Giuliani says). Statement via the Trump campaign:
Everyone has tremendous respect for Rudy Giuliani and this is such a great honor. Rudy knows me well and therefore it is an even greater honor than it would normally be.Everyone has tremendous respect for Rudy Giuliani and this is such a great honor. Rudy knows me well and therefore it is an even greater honor than it would normally be.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.35pm BSTat 8.35pm BST
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Bill Clinton heckled in PhiladelphiaBill Clinton heckled in Philadelphia
Bill Clinton appeared in Philadelphia this afternoon to stump for Hillary Clinton. But then he was confronted by a heckler with a “Hillary Clinton is a murderer” sign –which developed into what appears to have been a pretty intense showdown with the crowd.Bill Clinton appeared in Philadelphia this afternoon to stump for Hillary Clinton. But then he was confronted by a heckler with a “Hillary Clinton is a murderer” sign –which developed into what appears to have been a pretty intense showdown with the crowd.
We have video and a longer report on the way...We have video and a longer report on the way...
Woman with a "Hillary Clinton is a murderer" sign heckles @billclinton and he launches into diatribe about everything he's done for country.Woman with a "Hillary Clinton is a murderer" sign heckles @billclinton and he launches into diatribe about everything he's done for country.
Bill Clinton getting protested hard in Philly over the crime & welfare bills.This is going to get its own headlines pic.twitter.com/JMyiTWuJm3Bill Clinton getting protested hard in Philly over the crime & welfare bills.This is going to get its own headlines pic.twitter.com/JMyiTWuJm3
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Giuliani backs Trump– reportGiuliani backs Trump– report
“I support Trump. I’m gonna vote for Trump,” former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani told The New York Post on Thursday, the newspaper reported.“I support Trump. I’m gonna vote for Trump,” former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani told The New York Post on Thursday, the newspaper reported.
The 9/11 mayor and former Republican presidential candidate had kept his preference in the race a secret, against intense media interest and, one assumes, no small amount of lobbying by the candidates.The 9/11 mayor and former Republican presidential candidate had kept his preference in the race a secret, against intense media interest and, one assumes, no small amount of lobbying by the candidates.
There’s reason to think that Giuliani could help Trump gain traction among Republicans voting in the primary. But if Trump makes the general, the kiss of Rudy may decline in value.There’s reason to think that Giuliani could help Trump gain traction among Republicans voting in the primary. But if Trump makes the general, the kiss of Rudy may decline in value.
Republicans polled in 2013 after Giuliani endorsed Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota (who would go on to lose to Bill de Blasio) said Giuliani’s endorsement made a difference in a positive way.Republicans polled in 2013 after Giuliani endorsed Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota (who would go on to lose to Bill de Blasio) said Giuliani’s endorsement made a difference in a positive way.
“Most Republicans — 72% — say a Giuliani endorsement makes them more likely to vote for Lhota while 8% report it makes them less inclined to support him,” a Marist poll found. “Among Democrats, 57% think Giuliani’s backing makes them less likely to cast their ballot for Lhota.”“Most Republicans — 72% — say a Giuliani endorsement makes them more likely to vote for Lhota while 8% report it makes them less inclined to support him,” a Marist poll found. “Among Democrats, 57% think Giuliani’s backing makes them less likely to cast their ballot for Lhota.”