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Trump's presumptive nomination divides Republicans – campaign live Trump's presumptive nomination divides Republicans – campaign live
(about 1 hour later)
7.33pm BST
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Anguished Republicans began cycling through the five stages of grief on Thursday in the wake of what one leading voice of the establishment called Donald Trump’s “hostile takeover” of their party, write the Guardian’s Dan Roberts and Ben Jacobs.
Here’s a bit from the middle of the piece:
Others in Congress appear ready for bargaining, a phase of seeking to regain control that psychologists describe as a normal reaction to feelings of helplessness after a loss.
“As the presumptive nominee, [Trump] now has the opportunity and the obligation to unite our party around our goals,” wrote the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, in language that made clear his desire to make the best of a bad situation.
But Trump has won landslide after landslide among Republican voters by positioning himself as the ultimate political outsider. There is little evidence he plans to tinker with a winning formula to make congressional leaders feel better.
Read the full piece here:
Related: Republicans plunged into five stages of grief over Trump's unstoppable rise
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Here’s further from Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs on Bob Dole’s novel decision to attend his party’s national convention this year (see earlier):
“Senator Dole is planning to briefly attend the convention in Cleveland,” a spokesperson told the Guardian.
Despite his willingness to attend the convention, Dole did not commit to supporting the Republican nominee in November. “We’ll have to wait and see how the convention plays out,” said Dole’s spokesperson.
Dole, who was also the party’s vice presidential nominee in 1976 in addition to being its 1996 presidential nominee, spent over 30 years as a Republican elected official and served as both Senate Majority Leader and chair of the RNC.
The announcement comes after all four other living former nominees George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney have made clear that they will not attend the party’s convention in Cleveland. Both Bushes have said through spokesmen that they will not endorse in the election while McCain has said he will support the party’s nominee. Romney, who gave a blistering attack on Trump in March has yet to weigh in on whether he will support the party’s presumptive nominee.
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Former Ron Paul aides convictedFormer Ron Paul aides convicted
Three former Ron Paul aides have been found guilty on charges of conspiracy, causing false campaign expenditure reports and engaging in a false statement schemes in a 2012 plan to pay an Iowa state senator $73,000 to switch to Paul from Representative Michele Bachmann before the caucuses.Three former Ron Paul aides have been found guilty on charges of conspiracy, causing false campaign expenditure reports and engaging in a false statement schemes in a 2012 plan to pay an Iowa state senator $73,000 to switch to Paul from Representative Michele Bachmann before the caucuses.
Former Ron Paul campaign manager Jesse Benton, deputy campaign manager Dimitri Kesari and John Tate were convicted on the charges after a jury failed to reach a verdict in a 2015 trial on the same charges.Former Ron Paul campaign manager Jesse Benton, deputy campaign manager Dimitri Kesari and John Tate were convicted on the charges after a jury failed to reach a verdict in a 2015 trial on the same charges.
Both Benton and Tate were advisers to Rand Paul, Ron’s son, during his recent presidential campaign. Benton is now involved with an outside political group supporting Donald Trump.Both Benton and Tate were advisers to Rand Paul, Ron’s son, during his recent presidential campaign. Benton is now involved with an outside political group supporting Donald Trump.
The Guardian has asked Rand Paul’s team for comment.The Guardian has asked Rand Paul’s team for comment.
The Des Moines Register was at the scene at the federal court for the southern district of Iowa:The Des Moines Register was at the scene at the federal court for the southern district of Iowa:
Jurors have found former Ron Paul aides Jesse Benton, Dimitri Kesari and John Tate guilty on all counts in 2012 endorsement payment scandal.Jurors have found former Ron Paul aides Jesse Benton, Dimitri Kesari and John Tate guilty on all counts in 2012 endorsement payment scandal.
In October, a jury found Benton not guilty of lying to FBI agents in 2014 but convicted Kesari on charges of causing a false record. Kesari was found not guilty of obstruction of justice.In October, a jury found Benton not guilty of lying to FBI agents in 2014 but convicted Kesari on charges of causing a false record. Kesari was found not guilty of obstruction of justice.
Former Ron Paul campaign chair Jesse Benton leaves courthouse with wife (who is Paul's granddaughter). No comment. pic.twitter.com/TASi3nmYoMFormer Ron Paul campaign chair Jesse Benton leaves courthouse with wife (who is Paul's granddaughter). No comment. pic.twitter.com/TASi3nmYoM
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Dole to attend Republican conventionDole to attend Republican convention
1996 Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole will attend the national convention, the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs has learned – but Dole’s not all in for Trump quite yet:1996 Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole will attend the national convention, the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs has learned – but Dole’s not all in for Trump quite yet:
SCOOP: Bob Dole will attend RNC in July but WILL NOT commit to voting for the party's nominee in NovemberSCOOP: Bob Dole will attend RNC in July but WILL NOT commit to voting for the party's nominee in November
The convention is scheduled to adjourn on 21 July, the day before Dole’s 93rd birthday.The convention is scheduled to adjourn on 21 July, the day before Dole’s 93rd birthday.
Despite the fact that Bob Dole is attending the RNC this year, he will not commit to voting for the Republican nominee in November.Despite the fact that Bob Dole is attending the RNC this year, he will not commit to voting for the Republican nominee in November.
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Romney skipping Republican conventionRomney skipping Republican convention
In the largest blow to Donald Trump’s campaign since Mitt Romney attacked his “third-grade theatrics” in a speech in March, Mitt Romney has announced he will not be attending Trump’s coronation in Cleveland.In the largest blow to Donald Trump’s campaign since Mitt Romney attacked his “third-grade theatrics” in a speech in March, Mitt Romney has announced he will not be attending Trump’s coronation in Cleveland.
Mitt Romney will skip Trump’s nominating convention in Cleveland https://t.co/zLIWFKv3OSMitt Romney will skip Trump’s nominating convention in Cleveland https://t.co/zLIWFKv3OS
John McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee, also has said he would skip the convention in order to work on his own re-election. We’re kidding about Romney’s absence hurting Trump, but it is remarkable that the two previous Republican nominees and two previous Republican presidents are keeping such a distance from the emergent nominee.John McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee, also has said he would skip the convention in order to work on his own re-election. We’re kidding about Romney’s absence hurting Trump, but it is remarkable that the two previous Republican nominees and two previous Republican presidents are keeping such a distance from the emergent nominee.
Romney and McCain, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush will all be represented at Trump’s convention by four empty chairs.Romney and McCain, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush will all be represented at Trump’s convention by four empty chairs.
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Master strategist Cruz no match for Trump's charismaMaster strategist Cruz no match for Trump's charisma
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
Ted Cruz did everything right in his campaign for the White House, writes Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs:Ted Cruz did everything right in his campaign for the White House, writes Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs:
He built a happy campaign operation that achieved all of its ambitious goals. Cruz elbowed out candidate after candidate to consolidate support among social conservatives, Tea Partiers and libertarians in the Republican field. He raised considerable amounts of money to build a political apparatus unrivalled in the GOP field.He built a happy campaign operation that achieved all of its ambitious goals. Cruz elbowed out candidate after candidate to consolidate support among social conservatives, Tea Partiers and libertarians in the Republican field. He raised considerable amounts of money to build a political apparatus unrivalled in the GOP field.
There was only one problem. Every successful move, every stratagem that took Cruz – who dropped out of the presidential race on Tuesday night after a disastrous loss in Indiana – from an ambitious Ivy Leaguer to one of the final three Republican candidates for the presidency prevented him from attaining the ultimate goal.There was only one problem. Every successful move, every stratagem that took Cruz – who dropped out of the presidential race on Tuesday night after a disastrous loss in Indiana – from an ambitious Ivy Leaguer to one of the final three Republican candidates for the presidency prevented him from attaining the ultimate goal.
The Texas Republican was elected to the Senate in 2012 after winning a bitter primary as a Tea Party candidate. He was positioning himself for a White House bid almost from the get-go, travelling to Iowa for presidential cattle calls less than six months into taking office. In a legislative body that values tradition, Cruz’s undisguised ambition didn’t help him make friends. But what really alienated colleagues was his push to shut down the government in October 2013 in an attempt to defund Obamacare, the president’s signature healthcare reforms. The quixotic effort alienated almost all of his colleagues who were left calling him a “wacko bird” and viewed him as an amoral opportunist who would do anything for his own political gain.The Texas Republican was elected to the Senate in 2012 after winning a bitter primary as a Tea Party candidate. He was positioning himself for a White House bid almost from the get-go, travelling to Iowa for presidential cattle calls less than six months into taking office. In a legislative body that values tradition, Cruz’s undisguised ambition didn’t help him make friends. But what really alienated colleagues was his push to shut down the government in October 2013 in an attempt to defund Obamacare, the president’s signature healthcare reforms. The quixotic effort alienated almost all of his colleagues who were left calling him a “wacko bird” and viewed him as an amoral opportunist who would do anything for his own political gain.
Cruz did nothing to alter his image when he became the first candidate for the White House in 2016 to announce his campaign, in an event at Liberty Universityin Virginia in March last year. He was then racing to beat competitors with stronger roots in Iowa – such as Rand Paul and Mike Huckabee – to be the first out of the starting gate.Cruz did nothing to alter his image when he became the first candidate for the White House in 2016 to announce his campaign, in an event at Liberty Universityin Virginia in March last year. He was then racing to beat competitors with stronger roots in Iowa – such as Rand Paul and Mike Huckabee – to be the first out of the starting gate.
Cruz’s message that day was consistent with what the Texas senator would say every day on the campaign trail until the moment he withdrew from the race in Indianapolis on Tuesday. He told a crowd of college students: “I believe in the power of millions of courageous conservatives rising up to reignite the promise of America” and pledged to “reclaim the constitution”.Cruz’s message that day was consistent with what the Texas senator would say every day on the campaign trail until the moment he withdrew from the race in Indianapolis on Tuesday. He told a crowd of college students: “I believe in the power of millions of courageous conservatives rising up to reignite the promise of America” and pledged to “reclaim the constitution”.
In fact, Cruz’s campaign was remarkable for its consistency. There was only one key issue on which Cruz changed his message significantly in the course of the campaign – Donald J Trump.In fact, Cruz’s campaign was remarkable for its consistency. There was only one key issue on which Cruz changed his message significantly in the course of the campaign – Donald J Trump.
Read the full piece here:Read the full piece here:
Related: Ted Cruz, the master strategist, was no match for Trump's cult of personalityRelated: Ted Cruz, the master strategist, was no match for Trump's cult of personality
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Trump and his finance chair are both past Hillary Clinton donors. If Ted Cruz finds out about this there is going to be trouble.Trump and his finance chair are both past Hillary Clinton donors. If Ted Cruz finds out about this there is going to be trouble.
One thing Trump and his new national finance director have in common: They've both donated to @HillaryClinton pic.twitter.com/d4RZtbpC62One thing Trump and his new national finance director have in common: They've both donated to @HillaryClinton pic.twitter.com/d4RZtbpC62
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Boxers turn pre-fight smack talk to TrumpBoxers turn pre-fight smack talk to Trump
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez takes on Amir Khan in Las Vegas on Saturday, and the pair teamed up in their pre-fight news conference to punch back at Donald Trump, reports Guardian sport:Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez takes on Amir Khan in Las Vegas on Saturday, and the pair teamed up in their pre-fight news conference to punch back at Donald Trump, reports Guardian sport:
Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, stoked tensions earlier this year when he condemned Mexican migrants as “rapists and criminals” before vowing to build a “great, great wall” to stop people coming across the border. Álvarez, the WBC middleweight champion, said that Trump’s words were unhelpful.Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, stoked tensions earlier this year when he condemned Mexican migrants as “rapists and criminals” before vowing to build a “great, great wall” to stop people coming across the border. Álvarez, the WBC middleweight champion, said that Trump’s words were unhelpful.
“I don’t really like getting into political issues but it hurts, it offends, I would like [Trump] to understand us,” said Álvarez. “When I’m out running, I see a lot of my countrymen working hard, they have not come here to rob and steal. We want to show him that we Mexicans come here to succeed and be victorious.”“I don’t really like getting into political issues but it hurts, it offends, I would like [Trump] to understand us,” said Álvarez. “When I’m out running, I see a lot of my countrymen working hard, they have not come here to rob and steal. We want to show him that we Mexicans come here to succeed and be victorious.”
Trump has also called for a complete ban on Muslims entering the US, and Khan, a British Muslim, kept a straight face as long as he could before joking: “You never know – this could be the last fight for me and Canelo here. That’s if Donald Trump becomes president.”Trump has also called for a complete ban on Muslims entering the US, and Khan, a British Muslim, kept a straight face as long as he could before joking: “You never know – this could be the last fight for me and Canelo here. That’s if Donald Trump becomes president.”
Oscar De La Hoya, whose company, Golden Boy, is promoting the event, announced that Trump would be attending the fight, but wouldn’t have ringside seats.Oscar De La Hoya, whose company, Golden Boy, is promoting the event, announced that Trump would be attending the fight, but wouldn’t have ringside seats.
Related: Amir Khan and Canelo Álvarez team up against Donald TrumpRelated: Amir Khan and Canelo Álvarez team up against Donald Trump
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Fox apologizes for calling Trump 'ignorant,' 'crazy,' 'egocentric' and 'nasty'Fox apologizes for calling Trump 'ignorant,' 'crazy,' 'egocentric' and 'nasty'
Former Mexican president Vicente Fox has offered an apology to Donald Trump for having called the presumptive Republican nominee ‘ignorant,’ ‘crazy,’ ‘egocentric’ and ‘nasty’. Fox extended an invitation to Trump to “come to Mexico and to see what Mexico is all about.”Former Mexican president Vicente Fox has offered an apology to Donald Trump for having called the presumptive Republican nominee ‘ignorant,’ ‘crazy,’ ‘egocentric’ and ‘nasty’. Fox extended an invitation to Trump to “come to Mexico and to see what Mexico is all about.”
Fox previously took exception to Trump’s plan to build a wall between the United States and Mexico and “make Mexico pay for it.”Fox previously took exception to Trump’s plan to build a wall between the United States and Mexico and “make Mexico pay for it.”
“I’m not going to pay for that fucking wall. He should pay for it. He’s got the money,” Fox told Jorge Ramos on Fusion in February.“I’m not going to pay for that fucking wall. He should pay for it. He’s got the money,” Fox told Jorge Ramos on Fusion in February.
Fox issued an apology in an interview with Breitbart News Wednesday.Fox issued an apology in an interview with Breitbart News Wednesday.
“I apologize,” Fox said. “Forgiveness is one of the greatest qualities that human beings have, is the quality of a compassionate leader. You have to be humble. You have to be compassionate. You have to love thy neighbor.”“I apologize,” Fox said. “Forgiveness is one of the greatest qualities that human beings have, is the quality of a compassionate leader. You have to be humble. You have to be compassionate. You have to love thy neighbor.”
“Love your nation. Love the world,” he added. “Yes, I’m humble enough as leadership be, [a] compassionate leader. If I offended you, I’m sorry. But what about the other way around?”“Love your nation. Love the world,” he added. “Yes, I’m humble enough as leadership be, [a] compassionate leader. If I offended you, I’m sorry. But what about the other way around?”
I don’t think he should follow the strategy of attacking others, offending others, to get to his purpose. There are other ways and means of doing it... I invite him to come to Mexico and to see what Mexico is all about.”I don’t think he should follow the strategy of attacking others, offending others, to get to his purpose. There are other ways and means of doing it... I invite him to come to Mexico and to see what Mexico is all about.”
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Senator writes anti-Trump open letterSenator writes anti-Trump open letter
Junior Nebraska senator Ben Sasse, who’s made a name for himself trashing Trump – being the only senate Republican, not counting growlin’ Lindsey Graham, to do so – has written a letter on Facebook calling for a third candidate in the 2016 race for the White House. Sasse seems to rule himself out, pleading parental duties, but at the same time he seems to reckon himself fit for the role.Junior Nebraska senator Ben Sasse, who’s made a name for himself trashing Trump – being the only senate Republican, not counting growlin’ Lindsey Graham, to do so – has written a letter on Facebook calling for a third candidate in the 2016 race for the White House. Sasse seems to rule himself out, pleading parental duties, but at the same time he seems to reckon himself fit for the role.
The letter begins interestingly, describing the pressure Sasse is under to fall in line on Trump. (This pressure is party-wide: some Republican National Committee staffers were told Wednesday that they should leave by the end of the week if they couldn’t back Trump, the New York Times reported.)The letter begins interestingly, describing the pressure Sasse is under to fall in line on Trump. (This pressure is party-wide: some Republican National Committee staffers were told Wednesday that they should leave by the end of the week if they couldn’t back Trump, the New York Times reported.)
Sasse writes:Sasse writes:
“I’ve ignored my phone most of today, but the voicemail is overflowing with party bosses and politicos telling me that “although Trump is terrible,” we “have to” support him, “because the only choice is Trump or Hillary.”“I’ve ignored my phone most of today, but the voicemail is overflowing with party bosses and politicos telling me that “although Trump is terrible,” we “have to” support him, “because the only choice is Trump or Hillary.”
This open letter aims simply to ask “WHY is that the only choice?”This open letter aims simply to ask “WHY is that the only choice?”
AN OPEN LETTERto those disappointed in both of our presidential candidate choices:https://t.co/vbwOi1UGhgGoodnight.AN OPEN LETTERto those disappointed in both of our presidential candidate choices:https://t.co/vbwOi1UGhgGoodnight.
The letter says most Americans think both Trump and Clinton are bad and then calls for a “thought experiment” on the topic of drafting an “honest leader”:The letter says most Americans think both Trump and Clinton are bad and then calls for a “thought experiment” on the topic of drafting an “honest leader”:
So...let’s have a thought experiment for a few weeks: Why shouldn’t America draft an honest leader who will focus on 70% solutions for the next four years? You know...an adult?So...let’s have a thought experiment for a few weeks: Why shouldn’t America draft an honest leader who will focus on 70% solutions for the next four years? You know...an adult?
(Two notes for reporters:(Two notes for reporters:
**Such a leader should be able to campaign 24/7 for the next six months. Therefore he/she likely can’t be an engaged parent with little kids.**Such a leader should be able to campaign 24/7 for the next six months. Therefore he/she likely can’t be an engaged parent with little kids.
**Although I’m one of the most conservative members of the Senate, I’m not interested in an ideological purity test, because even a genuine consensus candidate would almost certainly be more conservative than either of the two dishonest liberals now leading the two national parties.)**Although I’m one of the most conservative members of the Senate, I’m not interested in an ideological purity test, because even a genuine consensus candidate would almost certainly be more conservative than either of the two dishonest liberals now leading the two national parties.)
Who does Sasse have in mind? Is he aware of the Texas deadline on Monday? Texas’ rules for running for president as an independent state:Who does Sasse have in mind? Is he aware of the Texas deadline on Monday? Texas’ rules for running for president as an independent state:
Independent candidates for President file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must be submitted with a petition, and both documents must be filed no later than May 9, 2016.Independent candidates for President file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must be submitted with a petition, and both documents must be filed no later than May 9, 2016.
Or does Sasse mean this third candidate once chosen would then somehow be nominated as a Republican?Or does Sasse mean this third candidate once chosen would then somehow be nominated as a Republican?
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Trumps appoints banker with Hollwood ties finance chairmanTrumps appoints banker with Hollwood ties finance chairman
Donald Trump is wasting no time building that finance organization he was talking about yesterday. Trump has appointed Steven Mnuchin, like Trump a New York scion, as national finance chairman.Donald Trump is wasting no time building that finance organization he was talking about yesterday. Trump has appointed Steven Mnuchin, like Trump a New York scion, as national finance chairman.
Mnuchin founded and runs Dune Capital Management LP, a private investment firm.Mnuchin founded and runs Dune Capital Management LP, a private investment firm.
Mnuchin dabbled in Hollywood and scored some big wins – including none other than Avatar – before losing up to $80m for himself and partners in an investment in a Beverly Hills studio that filed for bankruptcy in August 2015, Variety reported:Mnuchin dabbled in Hollywood and scored some big wins – including none other than Avatar – before losing up to $80m for himself and partners in an investment in a Beverly Hills studio that filed for bankruptcy in August 2015, Variety reported:
The son of a prominent New York banker and arts patron, Mnuchin spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs building a fortune reportedly worth $46 million, before forming his own firm, Dune Capital, that would bring him even more luster. By the mid-2000s, Dune was providing financing for batches of winning movies, like the “X-Men” franchise and “Avatar,” Hollywood’s all-time box-office champion. [...]The son of a prominent New York banker and arts patron, Mnuchin spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs building a fortune reportedly worth $46 million, before forming his own firm, Dune Capital, that would bring him even more luster. By the mid-2000s, Dune was providing financing for batches of winning movies, like the “X-Men” franchise and “Avatar,” Hollywood’s all-time box-office champion. [...]
With Relativity’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last week, those high hopes have been dashed, and Mnuchin has been left in a particularly uncomfortable position. The money-man and fellow investors in a Dune Capital fund are said to have lost as much as $80 million — equity that is almost certain to be lost for good, said two sources familiar with the situation. And disgruntled Relativity investors privately are questioning how a bank Mnuchin once headed –OneWest Bank of Pasadena – was allowed by Relativity to drain $50 million from the studio just weeks prior to the July 30 insolvency filing.With Relativity’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last week, those high hopes have been dashed, and Mnuchin has been left in a particularly uncomfortable position. The money-man and fellow investors in a Dune Capital fund are said to have lost as much as $80 million — equity that is almost certain to be lost for good, said two sources familiar with the situation. And disgruntled Relativity investors privately are questioning how a bank Mnuchin once headed –OneWest Bank of Pasadena – was allowed by Relativity to drain $50 million from the studio just weeks prior to the July 30 insolvency filing.
“It’s a great privilege to be working with Mr. Trump to create a world class finance organization to support the campaign in the general election,” a Trump statement quoted Mnuchin as saying.“It’s a great privilege to be working with Mr. Trump to create a world class finance organization to support the campaign in the general election,” a Trump statement quoted Mnuchin as saying.
“Steven is a professional at the highest level with an extensive and very successful financial background,” the statement said Trump said. “He brings unprecedented experience and expertise to a fundraising operation that will benefit the Republican Party and ultimately defeat Hillary Clinton.”“Steven is a professional at the highest level with an extensive and very successful financial background,” the statement said Trump said. “He brings unprecedented experience and expertise to a fundraising operation that will benefit the Republican Party and ultimately defeat Hillary Clinton.”
Looks like Mnuchin's given to many D's - Clinton, Obama, Kerry, Schumer - as well as R's. Definitely a Trumpian pick https://t.co/ofE44w4XVsLooks like Mnuchin's given to many D's - Clinton, Obama, Kerry, Schumer - as well as R's. Definitely a Trumpian pick https://t.co/ofE44w4XVs
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David Cameron suggests Donald Trump ‘deserves our respect’ – videoDavid Cameron suggests Donald Trump ‘deserves our respect’ – video
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Donald Trump has announced two campaign stops for Friday: one in Omaha, Nebraska, which votes on Tuesday, and one in Eugene, Oregon, which votes the Tuesday after.Donald Trump has announced two campaign stops for Friday: one in Omaha, Nebraska, which votes on Tuesday, and one in Eugene, Oregon, which votes the Tuesday after.
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Tow truck driver ditches disabled woman because of Sanders stickerTow truck driver ditches disabled woman because of Sanders sticker
A tow truck driver outside Asheville, North Carolina, responded to a stranded vehicle call Monday from a driver with disabilities, but when he saw her Bernie Sanders sticker he aborted the pick-up and left her on the side of the highway, Fox Carolina reported:A tow truck driver outside Asheville, North Carolina, responded to a stranded vehicle call Monday from a driver with disabilities, but when he saw her Bernie Sanders sticker he aborted the pick-up and left her on the side of the highway, Fox Carolina reported:
Kenneth Shupe said he was called to pick up a woman stranded on I-26 in Asheville on Monday.Kenneth Shupe said he was called to pick up a woman stranded on I-26 in Asheville on Monday.
When he saw “a bunch of Bernie Sanders stuff” he said he told the woman, “very politely,” that he could’t tow her car because she was “obviously a socialist” and advised her to “call the government” for a tow.When he saw “a bunch of Bernie Sanders stuff” he said he told the woman, “very politely,” that he could’t tow her car because she was “obviously a socialist” and advised her to “call the government” for a tow.
“Every business dealing in recent history with a socialist minded person I have not gotten paid,” Shupe said. “Every time I deal with these people I get ‘Berned’ with an ‘e’ not a ‘u’.”“Every business dealing in recent history with a socialist minded person I have not gotten paid,” Shupe said. “Every time I deal with these people I get ‘Berned’ with an ‘e’ not a ‘u’.”
Shupe, who runs Shupee Max Towing in Travelers Rest, said he is a conservative Christian who supports Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.Shupe, who runs Shupee Max Towing in Travelers Rest, said he is a conservative Christian who supports Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The Huffington Post reported the driver, Cassandra McWade, “collects disability payments and has psoriatic arthritis, impaired mobility, early stage Crohn’s disease, severe fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.”The Huffington Post reported the driver, Cassandra McWade, “collects disability payments and has psoriatic arthritis, impaired mobility, early stage Crohn’s disease, severe fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.”
McWade’s mother wrote about the incident on Facebook:McWade’s mother wrote about the incident on Facebook:
Heads up, friends.... Cass had a wreck in Asheville yesterday. She is fine, but the car was not driveable. We called our mechanic who was tied up in Easley at the time, so he sent ShupeeMax Towing to get her. Kenneth Shupee drove from Travelers Rest to Asheville, hooked up her car, and when he went around to the back, he came back and told her that he wouldn’t tow her because she had a Bernie sticker on the back of the car. HE LEFT HER ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE IN NC, and DROVE AWAY. Spread this bigot’s story far & wide. Btw, I’m guessing he’s a Trump supporter. The only difference is that the Don would have taken the money, because he at least realizes that liberals’ money spends just the same as anyone else’s. Dumb (expletive) cost himself money driving all the way to Asheville & back for nothing. (Expletive).Heads up, friends.... Cass had a wreck in Asheville yesterday. She is fine, but the car was not driveable. We called our mechanic who was tied up in Easley at the time, so he sent ShupeeMax Towing to get her. Kenneth Shupee drove from Travelers Rest to Asheville, hooked up her car, and when he went around to the back, he came back and told her that he wouldn’t tow her because she had a Bernie sticker on the back of the car. HE LEFT HER ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE IN NC, and DROVE AWAY. Spread this bigot’s story far & wide. Btw, I’m guessing he’s a Trump supporter. The only difference is that the Don would have taken the money, because he at least realizes that liberals’ money spends just the same as anyone else’s. Dumb (expletive) cost himself money driving all the way to Asheville & back for nothing. (Expletive).
Read the full piece here. H/t Dana Liebelson / Huffington PostRead the full piece here. H/t Dana Liebelson / Huffington Post
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Trump reverses on self-fundingTrump reverses on self-funding
During the primary season, Donald Trump has claimed to self-fund his campaign while accepting individual contributions, which he has explained are too small to send back. But since Trump has not built or encouraged the growth of a Super Pac superstructure around his candidacy – or made the kinds of repeated appeals for donations that most candidates do, and has personally loaned his campaign millions – his claims to self-funding are not four-Pinnochios-false.During the primary season, Donald Trump has claimed to self-fund his campaign while accepting individual contributions, which he has explained are too small to send back. But since Trump has not built or encouraged the growth of a Super Pac superstructure around his candidacy – or made the kinds of repeated appeals for donations that most candidates do, and has personally loaned his campaign millions – his claims to self-funding are not four-Pinnochios-false.
Trump has spotlighted the self-funding that he has done as a central virtue of his candidacy. “I’m self-funding and I am going to take care of the people – not the special interests and insurance companies like the other candidates,” he said in February.Trump has spotlighted the self-funding that he has done as a central virtue of his candidacy. “I’m self-funding and I am going to take care of the people – not the special interests and insurance companies like the other candidates,” he said in February.
That’s over now, with Trump telling the Wall Street Journal Wednesday that he will create a “world-class finance organization” to power his campaign.That’s over now, with Trump telling the Wall Street Journal Wednesday that he will create a “world-class finance organization” to power his campaign.
“I’ll be putting up money, but won’t be completely self-funding, as I did during the primaries,” Trump said.“I’ll be putting up money, but won’t be completely self-funding, as I did during the primaries,” Trump said.
If you visit the Trump web site you can donate now to make America great again. About 10.7m people have voted for Trump so far, indicative of what might develop into a grassroots donor network (about 12.5m people have voted for Clinton). Here’s the New York Times’ campaign funding correspondent:If you visit the Trump web site you can donate now to make America great again. About 10.7m people have voted for Trump so far, indicative of what might develop into a grassroots donor network (about 12.5m people have voted for Clinton). Here’s the New York Times’ campaign funding correspondent:
He has not ruled out taking public financing, but also said he wants to raise a billion dollars for the general, which, better hurry dude.He has not ruled out taking public financing, but also said he wants to raise a billion dollars for the general, which, better hurry dude.
I suspect Trump could reach Sanders volume (and beyond) on small donor $ if he actually tried to raise it. Which would be interesting.I suspect Trump could reach Sanders volume (and beyond) on small donor $ if he actually tried to raise it. Which would be interesting.
And here’s a roundup of Trump’s previous opinions about candidates who take money or are boosted by money from outside political groups:And here’s a roundup of Trump’s previous opinions about candidates who take money or are boosted by money from outside political groups:
As Trump prepares to start fundraising, here are some of the ways he's bashed fundraising as corrupt. via@EveryVoice pic.twitter.com/2n2f5kvLssAs Trump prepares to start fundraising, here are some of the ways he's bashed fundraising as corrupt. via@EveryVoice pic.twitter.com/2n2f5kvLss
It is tempting to say that there would appear to be little chance that Trump’s course-change on dark money in politics represents a risk for him politically, if one admits as evidence his previous course changes on abortion, health care and guns.It is tempting to say that there would appear to be little chance that Trump’s course-change on dark money in politics represents a risk for him politically, if one admits as evidence his previous course changes on abortion, health care and guns.
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McCain caught on tape: Trump damages my bidMcCain caught on tape: Trump damages my bid
John McCain, Donald Trump’s forebear as a Republican presidential nominee who is running for his seventh term in the senate, has been captured on audio tape admitting that Trump’s presence on the ticket poses an obstacle to his re-election.John McCain, Donald Trump’s forebear as a Republican presidential nominee who is running for his seventh term in the senate, has been captured on audio tape admitting that Trump’s presence on the ticket poses an obstacle to his re-election.
McCain had previously dismissed such a link.McCain had previously dismissed such a link.
“If Donald Trump is at the top of the ticket, here in Arizona, with over 30 percent of the vote being the Hispanic vote, no doubt that this may be the race of my life,” McCain said, according to a recording of the event obtained by Politico. “If you listen or watch Hispanic media in the state and in the country, you will see that it is all anti-Trump. The Hispanic community is roused and angry in a way that I’ve never seen in 30 years.”“If Donald Trump is at the top of the ticket, here in Arizona, with over 30 percent of the vote being the Hispanic vote, no doubt that this may be the race of my life,” McCain said, according to a recording of the event obtained by Politico. “If you listen or watch Hispanic media in the state and in the country, you will see that it is all anti-Trump. The Hispanic community is roused and angry in a way that I’ve never seen in 30 years.”
Read the full piece at Politico here.Read the full piece at Politico here.
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Cameron: Trump deserves respectCameron: Trump deserves respect
Heather StewartHeather Stewart
David Cameron has said he “respects” the controversial presidential candidate Donald Trump for making it through the grueling Republican primary process, writes the Guardian’s Heather Stewart:David Cameron has said he “respects” the controversial presidential candidate Donald Trump for making it through the grueling Republican primary process, writes the Guardian’s Heather Stewart:
The prime minister refused to retract his claim, made when a Trump candidacy still seemed an unlikely prospect, that the billionaire’s proposal for banning Muslims from the US was “stupid, divisive and wrong”.The prime minister refused to retract his claim, made when a Trump candidacy still seemed an unlikely prospect, that the billionaire’s proposal for banning Muslims from the US was “stupid, divisive and wrong”.
Speaking at a joint press conference at 10 Downing Street alongside his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, Cameron said, having come through the tough primary process, Trump “deserves our respect”.Speaking at a joint press conference at 10 Downing Street alongside his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, Cameron said, having come through the tough primary process, Trump “deserves our respect”.
“Knowing the grueling nature of the primaries, what you have to go through to go on and represent your party in a general election – anyone who makes it through that deserves our respect,” Cameron said.“Knowing the grueling nature of the primaries, what you have to go through to go on and represent your party in a general election – anyone who makes it through that deserves our respect,” Cameron said.
Read the full piece here:Read the full piece here:
Related: David Cameron: Donald Trump deserves respectRelated: David Cameron: Donald Trump deserves respect
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Hello, and welcome to our live-wire coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. Donald Trump appears to have called some of the Republican party to heel, as his last rival for the nomination, John Kasich, dropped out of the race Wednesday and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell released a statement of support.Hello, and welcome to our live-wire coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. Donald Trump appears to have called some of the Republican party to heel, as his last rival for the nomination, John Kasich, dropped out of the race Wednesday and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell released a statement of support.
But there’s one big exception: the two former presidents Bush. “Neither George HW nor George W Bush, the only two living former Republican presidents of the United States, will endorse Donald Trump,” writes Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs:But there’s one big exception: the two former presidents Bush. “Neither George HW nor George W Bush, the only two living former Republican presidents of the United States, will endorse Donald Trump,” writes Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs:
In statements released to the Guardian on Wednesday evening, spokesmen for both former presidents said they would be sitting out the 2016 election. Freddy Ford, a spokesman for George W Bush, told the Guardian: “President George W Bush does not plan to participate in or comment on the presidential campaign.”In statements released to the Guardian on Wednesday evening, spokesmen for both former presidents said they would be sitting out the 2016 election. Freddy Ford, a spokesman for George W Bush, told the Guardian: “President George W Bush does not plan to participate in or comment on the presidential campaign.”
The statement by the 43rd president was echoed in one released by his father. Jim McGrath, a spokesman for George HW Bush, told the Guardian: “At age 91, President Bush is retired from politics. He naturally did a few things to help Jeb, but those were the ‘exceptions that proved the rule’.”The statement by the 43rd president was echoed in one released by his father. Jim McGrath, a spokesman for George HW Bush, told the Guardian: “At age 91, President Bush is retired from politics. He naturally did a few things to help Jeb, but those were the ‘exceptions that proved the rule’.”
Is the current nominee’s failure to win the support of the two previous Republican presidents a sign of faultlines within the Republican party? Submit your think pieces in the comments, please. And read more here:Is the current nominee’s failure to win the support of the two previous Republican presidents a sign of faultlines within the Republican party? Submit your think pieces in the comments, please. And read more here:
Related: Neither George HW nor George W Bush will endorse Donald TrumpRelated: Neither George HW nor George W Bush will endorse Donald Trump
McConnell is not sitting the race out, but his statement in support of Trump as the nominee is more fatalist than fawning:McConnell is not sitting the race out, but his statement in support of Trump as the nominee is more fatalist than fawning:
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issues statement backing Donald Trump as GOP nominee pic.twitter.com/CYf9potXLwSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issues statement backing Donald Trump as GOP nominee pic.twitter.com/CYf9potXLw
While it appears that fears (hopes?) of a contested Republican convention have been laid to rest, Ted Cruz’s spokesman has signaled that Cruz, for one, does not expect to spend four days in Cleveland at the Donald Trump Show. “The convention is about more than one person,” he tweeted:While it appears that fears (hopes?) of a contested Republican convention have been laid to rest, Ted Cruz’s spokesman has signaled that Cruz, for one, does not expect to spend four days in Cleveland at the Donald Trump Show. “The convention is about more than one person,” he tweeted:
The convention is about more than one person. We need a conservative platform and rules. Cruz will have a voice in both.The convention is about more than one person. We need a conservative platform and rules. Cruz will have a voice in both.
Watching accommodation & capitulation by McConnell, Rubio et al, one concludes:This is the way the GOP ends, not with a bang but a whimper.Watching accommodation & capitulation by McConnell, Rubio et al, one concludes:This is the way the GOP ends, not with a bang but a whimper.
Being president is weird sometimes:Being president is weird sometimes:
Hillary Clinton will be campaigning in Los Angeles today, ahead of next month’s California primary, while her opponent, Bernie Sanders, hits Charleston and Morgantown in West Virginia. Trump will be in Charleston, too, this evening, and Ben Jacobs will join him.Hillary Clinton will be campaigning in Los Angeles today, ahead of next month’s California primary, while her opponent, Bernie Sanders, hits Charleston and Morgantown in West Virginia. Trump will be in Charleston, too, this evening, and Ben Jacobs will join him.
Thanks as always for reading and please join us in the comments.Thanks as always for reading and please join us in the comments.