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Obama: Republicans face identity crisis over 'what they represent' – campaign live Obama: Republicans face identity crisis over 'what they represent' – campaign live
(35 minutes later)
6.16pm BST
18:16
Obama: 'this is not a reality show'
In Barack Obama’s turn in the briefing room this afternoon, the taco bowl question did not follow directly on the president’s remark that “this is not a reality show.” Nevertheless...
Greatest moments in the WH press briefing room: pic.twitter.com/46fu6TLIp0
6.04pm BST
18:04
Who are the Democratic superdelegates?
Mona Chalabi
At first glance, with 13 primary races still to go on the Democratic side, it might look like Bernie Sanders is still in contention of winning the nomination - he is only trailing Hillary Clinton by 321 pledged delegates.
But one reason why Sanders’s chances are so slim – apart from the difficulty of making up ground quickly in the Democrat’s system of proportional delegate distribution – is that Clinton has an added lead of 483 super delegates, unbound Democrats who are free to change their minds about who they vote for at the national convention in July.
In 2008, to the detriment of Clinton, most super delegates stuck to the candidate that voters in their state selected. If the reverse proves true this time, Sanders could still have a chance. But there’s bad news for Bernie.
This week, DNC data analyzed by Pew shows that only 1 in 4 super delegates are undecided - probably not enough to get Sanders to the finish line of the 2,383 delegates needed for nomination (just 6% of the super delegates said they were committed to Sanders and the rest were supporting Clinton).
There’s also a little demographic information about these individuals that have so much sway in deciding the final nominee for the party. Of the 713 super delegates, 193 are US representatives, 47 are Senators, 21 are Governors while most of the rest are party members. Overall, 62% of super delegates are white and 58% are men.
5.42pm BST5.42pm BST
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That’s it for Obama. Press secretary Josh Earnest takes the lectern.That’s it for Obama. Press secretary Josh Earnest takes the lectern.
5.37pm BST5.37pm BST
17:3717:37
Obama is asked about Trump’s taco bowl / Cinco de Mayo / “I love Hispanics” tweet.Obama is asked about Trump’s taco bowl / Cinco de Mayo / “I love Hispanics” tweet.
“I have no thoughts on Mr Trump’s tweets. As a general rule I don’t pay attention to Mr Trump’s tweets,” the president says.“I have no thoughts on Mr Trump’s tweets. As a general rule I don’t pay attention to Mr Trump’s tweets,” the president says.
He’s asked what he thinks Democratic voters should think about the ongoing investigation of Clinton’s emails.He’s asked what he thinks Democratic voters should think about the ongoing investigation of Clinton’s emails.
Obama says he does not want to “meddle in the primaries” that have yet to play out.Obama says he does not want to “meddle in the primaries” that have yet to play out.
“Let the process play out,” he says. “We’ll know soon enough, it’s not going to be that much longer.”“Let the process play out,” he says. “We’ll know soon enough, it’s not going to be that much longer.”
5.35pm BST5.35pm BST
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Obama: 'Republican women voters are going to have to decide'Obama: 'Republican women voters are going to have to decide'
The president is asked about Ryan’s hesitancy about Trump.The president is asked about Ryan’s hesitancy about Trump.
I think you have to ask Speaker Ryan what the implications of his comments are. There is no doubt that there is a debate that’s taking place within the Republican party about who they are and what they represent.I think you have to ask Speaker Ryan what the implications of his comments are. There is no doubt that there is a debate that’s taking place within the Republican party about who they are and what they represent.
Then the president muses on the Republican identity crisis: “Their standard bearer at the moment is Donald Trump and I think that not just Republican officials but Republican voters are” going to have to decide.Then the president muses on the Republican identity crisis: “Their standard bearer at the moment is Donald Trump and I think that not just Republican officials but Republican voters are” going to have to decide.
Republican women voters are going to have to decide, is that the guy who I feel comfortable with, and representing me, and what I care about?Republican women voters are going to have to decide, is that the guy who I feel comfortable with, and representing me, and what I care about?
He also says that stewards of finance will have to ask whether Trump’s budgets work.He also says that stewards of finance will have to ask whether Trump’s budgets work.
As far as Democrats, I think we run on what we’re for, not just what we’re against.As far as Democrats, I think we run on what we’re for, not just what we’re against.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.41pm BSTat 5.41pm BST
5.33pm BST5.33pm BST
17:3317:33
Obama on Sanders: 'let the process play out'Obama on Sanders: 'let the process play out'
Obama is taking questions in the White House briefing room. He’s running down a list of things Clinton and Sanders agree on.Obama is taking questions in the White House briefing room. He’s running down a list of things Clinton and Sanders agree on.
If you look at 95% of the issues, there’s strong agreement there. You don’t see the kinds of strong divisions between the two Democratic candidates that remain and what you saw in some of the Republican debates.If you look at 95% of the issues, there’s strong agreement there. You don’t see the kinds of strong divisions between the two Democratic candidates that remain and what you saw in some of the Republican debates.
5.02pm BST5.02pm BST
17:0217:02
Clinton going after Bush donorsClinton going after Bush donors
Hillary Clinton’s campaign has been reaching out to Bush family donors to try to win their support with the pitch that she’s closer to their values than Trump is, reports Ben White in Politico:Hillary Clinton’s campaign has been reaching out to Bush family donors to try to win their support with the pitch that she’s closer to their values than Trump is, reports Ben White in Politico:
Top targets for the Clinton team include people like Woody Johnson, Jeb Bush’s former finance chair and the owner of the New York Jets.Top targets for the Clinton team include people like Woody Johnson, Jeb Bush’s former finance chair and the owner of the New York Jets.
One person close to Clinton said supporters of the former secretary of state drew up a list of Wall Street donors who supported Jeb Bush and other unsuccessful Republican candidates months ago but wanted to wait until Trump locked down the nomination before beginning to make the calls.One person close to Clinton said supporters of the former secretary of state drew up a list of Wall Street donors who supported Jeb Bush and other unsuccessful Republican candidates months ago but wanted to wait until Trump locked down the nomination before beginning to make the calls.
“When you think about it there is no downside to making these calls, including for Hillary herself to make then,” this person said. “They may say no but they will talk to her for half an hour about their view of the world and probably say nice things when asked about her publicly. And they might stay away from Trump.”“When you think about it there is no downside to making these calls, including for Hillary herself to make then,” this person said. “They may say no but they will talk to her for half an hour about their view of the world and probably say nice things when asked about her publicly. And they might stay away from Trump.”
Read the full piece here.Read the full piece here.
4.48pm BST4.48pm BST
16:4816:48
Obama to speak on economyObama to speak on economy
The White House has announced a previously unscheduled address by the president on the economy, to begin at noon ET – in just more than 10 minutes.The White House has announced a previously unscheduled address by the president on the economy, to begin at noon ET – in just more than 10 minutes.
“The US economy showed further signs of a slowdown on Friday as the US Department of Labor announced just 160,000 new jobs had been created in April, 40,000 fewer than had been expected,” wrote the Guardian’s Jana Kasperkevic. “The US unemployment rate remained steady at 5%.”“The US economy showed further signs of a slowdown on Friday as the US Department of Labor announced just 160,000 new jobs had been created in April, 40,000 fewer than had been expected,” wrote the Guardian’s Jana Kasperkevic. “The US unemployment rate remained steady at 5%.”
Related: US economy adds just 160,000 jobs in April – further sign of a slowdownRelated: US economy adds just 160,000 jobs in April – further sign of a slowdown
4.45pm BST4.45pm BST
16:4516:45
What’s behind Ryan’s hesitancy about Trump? The Washington Examiner quotes an unnamed “person familiar” as saying it’s the whole bigotry + violence thing:What’s behind Ryan’s hesitancy about Trump? The Washington Examiner quotes an unnamed “person familiar” as saying it’s the whole bigotry + violence thing:
Person familiar says look at occasions Ryan publicly rebuked Trump: 1) Muslim ban, 2) Duke/KKK, 3) violence at rallies.Person familiar says look at occasions Ryan publicly rebuked Trump: 1) Muslim ban, 2) Duke/KKK, 3) violence at rallies.
Below is video Ryan condemning Trump – not by name – over his slowness to disclaim former KKK leader David Duke’s enthusiastic endorsement.Below is video Ryan condemning Trump – not by name – over his slowness to disclaim former KKK leader David Duke’s enthusiastic endorsement.
“If a person wants to be a nominee of the Republican party, there can be no evasion and no games,” Ryan said. “They must reject any group or cause that is built on bigotry. This party does not prey on people’s prejudices. We appeal to their highest ideals.”“If a person wants to be a nominee of the Republican party, there can be no evasion and no games,” Ryan said. “They must reject any group or cause that is built on bigotry. This party does not prey on people’s prejudices. We appeal to their highest ideals.”
Then he says “I hope this is the last time I have to speak out on this race” LOL.Then he says “I hope this is the last time I have to speak out on this race” LOL.
4.40pm BST4.40pm BST
16:4016:40
The Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt, on assignment in Pennsylvania with a presidential candidate running on a platform of no booze for you:The Guardian’s Adam Gabbatt, on assignment in Pennsylvania with a presidential candidate running on a platform of no booze for you:
4.34pm BST4.34pm BST
16:3416:34
Rand Paul backs TrumpRand Paul backs Trump
Asked Thursday whether he backs Trump, Republican senator Rand Paul affirmed that indeed he would.Asked Thursday whether he backs Trump, Republican senator Rand Paul affirmed that indeed he would.
“I’ve always said I will endorse the nominee,” Paul told a radio show, with audio published by BuzzFeed. “To me it’s most important that people know that for Kentucky, the Clintons would be terrible.”“I’ve always said I will endorse the nominee,” Paul told a radio show, with audio published by BuzzFeed. “To me it’s most important that people know that for Kentucky, the Clintons would be terrible.”
When he was still running for president himself, Paul called Trump a “bully,” an “empty suit” and “a delusional narcissist and an orange-faced windbag.”When he was still running for president himself, Paul called Trump a “bully,” an “empty suit” and “a delusional narcissist and an orange-faced windbag.”
Paul is up for reelection as Kentucky senator this year. Trump beat Ted Cruz in Kentucky 36-32, back when Marco Rubio was still in the race.Paul is up for reelection as Kentucky senator this year. Trump beat Ted Cruz in Kentucky 36-32, back when Marco Rubio was still in the race.
4.23pm BST4.23pm BST
16:2316:23
Trump aide: Ryan has insulted 'millions of Americans'Trump aide: Ryan has insulted 'millions of Americans'
A senior Trump adviser says that House speaker Paul Ryan’s withholding support insults “millions of Americans”:A senior Trump adviser says that House speaker Paul Ryan’s withholding support insults “millions of Americans”:
.@SpeakerRyan not supporting @realDonaldTrump - is an insult to the millions of Americans who VOTED for him (in record #'s.) #Trump2016.@SpeakerRyan not supporting @realDonaldTrump - is an insult to the millions of Americans who VOTED for him (in record #'s.) #Trump2016
I'll give it two months before these clowns are telling us to wear armbands. https://t.co/ubcmNmF7vhI'll give it two months before these clowns are telling us to wear armbands. https://t.co/ubcmNmF7vh
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16:0416:04
Clinton: 2016 is 2008 'on steroids'Clinton: 2016 is 2008 'on steroids'
Addressing Bernie Sanders’ continued presence in the Democratic nominating race Thursday, Hillary Clinton, who holds a lead of 321 pledged delegates over Sanders, recalled her own withdrawal from the 2008 nominating competition (as she has in the past) and said that this year the choice between Democrats and Republicans is especially stark, suggesting that achieving Democratic unity is especially urgent.Addressing Bernie Sanders’ continued presence in the Democratic nominating race Thursday, Hillary Clinton, who holds a lead of 321 pledged delegates over Sanders, recalled her own withdrawal from the 2008 nominating competition (as she has in the past) and said that this year the choice between Democrats and Republicans is especially stark, suggesting that achieving Democratic unity is especially urgent.
“I did that when I pulled out in ’08. Some of you remember,” Clinton said at the California African American Museum, in remarks quoted by the Los Angeles Times. She continued:“I did that when I pulled out in ’08. Some of you remember,” Clinton said at the California African American Museum, in remarks quoted by the Los Angeles Times. She continued:
A much, much smaller margin than what we see in this race, but I knew that [Obama] had won, because it matters how many delegates you have. So I withdrew, I endorsed him, I campaigned with him, I nominated him at the convention, I went to the floor of the convention and moved that he be nominated by acclimation, because I knew then that whatever differences we might have had in the campaign, they were nothing compared to the differences between us and the Republicans. Now if that was true in ‘08, that is true on steroids today.A much, much smaller margin than what we see in this race, but I knew that [Obama] had won, because it matters how many delegates you have. So I withdrew, I endorsed him, I campaigned with him, I nominated him at the convention, I went to the floor of the convention and moved that he be nominated by acclimation, because I knew then that whatever differences we might have had in the campaign, they were nothing compared to the differences between us and the Republicans. Now if that was true in ‘08, that is true on steroids today.
Sanders has echoed Clinton’s language in calling for unity, telling a West Virginia crowd last Tuesday that “the American people understand that coming together always trumps dividing us up” and “at the end of the day, love always trumps hatred.”Sanders has echoed Clinton’s language in calling for unity, telling a West Virginia crowd last Tuesday that “the American people understand that coming together always trumps dividing us up” and “at the end of the day, love always trumps hatred.”
3.49pm BST3.49pm BST
15:4915:49
The Guardian’s Xan Brooks interviewed the novelist Don DeLillo (who has a new book out, Zero K) and who should come up but Donald Trump.The Guardian’s Xan Brooks interviewed the novelist Don DeLillo (who has a new book out, Zero K) and who should come up but Donald Trump.
DeLillo shares a memorable assessment. From Xan’s report:DeLillo shares a memorable assessment. From Xan’s report:
It transpires that the apartment is the home of his agent, and it’s taking me a moment to get my bearings. The table is heaped with copies of Zero K, together with a stack of magazines that all bear the image of a grinning Donald Trump. After a brief hesitation, I place my coffee on the mags.It transpires that the apartment is the home of his agent, and it’s taking me a moment to get my bearings. The table is heaped with copies of Zero K, together with a stack of magazines that all bear the image of a grinning Donald Trump. After a brief hesitation, I place my coffee on the mags.
“Trump,” says DeLillo. “Our national hallucination.”“Trump,” says DeLillo. “Our national hallucination.”
Related: Don DeLillo: ‘I think of myself as the kid from the Bronx’Related: Don DeLillo: ‘I think of myself as the kid from the Bronx’
3.38pm BST3.38pm BST
15:3815:38
Carson to Ryan: 'you don't have another choice'Carson to Ryan: 'you don't have another choice'
Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who is helping Donald Trump pick a running mate, said “we would look at everybody” but that picking an elected official “makes sense.”Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who is helping Donald Trump pick a running mate, said “we would look at everybody” but that picking an elected official “makes sense.”
“It kind of makes sense that if you’re a political outsider that you would want to have someone within your administration that was very familiar with the inner workings of the party,” Carson said in an interview with MSNBC.“It kind of makes sense that if you’re a political outsider that you would want to have someone within your administration that was very familiar with the inner workings of the party,” Carson said in an interview with MSNBC.
“Somebody who can work very well with the Senate. As president of the senate obviously you need to know what all the rules are...”“Somebody who can work very well with the Senate. As president of the senate obviously you need to know what all the rules are...”
Trump rules out picking a Democrat as his running mate (VIDEO)https://t.co/YPXSCC2gpz pic.twitter.com/yhRVEMiiehTrump rules out picking a Democrat as his running mate (VIDEO)https://t.co/YPXSCC2gpz pic.twitter.com/yhRVEMiieh
Carson also called on House speaker Paul Ryan to support Trump because “you don’t have another choice”:Carson also called on House speaker Paul Ryan to support Trump because “you don’t have another choice”:
People have to look at that rather than their personal feelings. So I hope speaker Ryan and many others as time goes on will begin to understand that, realize that we have to work together.People have to look at that rather than their personal feelings. So I hope speaker Ryan and many others as time goes on will begin to understand that, realize that we have to work together.
It’s not that you – you don’t have another choice. So you get behind the choice that you have, whether you personally like them or not. If in fact you’re a believer.It’s not that you – you don’t have another choice. So you get behind the choice that you have, whether you personally like them or not. If in fact you’re a believer.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.43pm BSTat 3.43pm BST
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Trump's debt solution: squeeze creditorsTrump's debt solution: squeeze creditors
Donald Trump told a cable interviewer Thursday that “you can’t lose” by running a national debt because if the economy gets in trouble you could just tell creditors you’re not paying them back in full.Donald Trump told a cable interviewer Thursday that “you can’t lose” by running a national debt because if the economy gets in trouble you could just tell creditors you’re not paying them back in full.
“I would borrow, knowing that if the economy crashed, you could make a deal,” Trump said on CNBC, in remarks quoted in the New York Times. “And if the economy was good, it was good. So, therefore, you can’t lose.”“I would borrow, knowing that if the economy crashed, you could make a deal,” Trump said on CNBC, in remarks quoted in the New York Times. “And if the economy was good, it was good. So, therefore, you can’t lose.”
Economists expressed concern that reneging on debt could damage the US credit rating, end the government’s ability to borrow money at low rates, radically squeeze taxpayers and threaten the status of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency.Economists expressed concern that reneging on debt could damage the US credit rating, end the government’s ability to borrow money at low rates, radically squeeze taxpayers and threaten the status of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency.
The Time’s Binyamin Applebaum quotes Lou Crandall, chief economist at Wrightson ICAP:The Time’s Binyamin Applebaum quotes Lou Crandall, chief economist at Wrightson ICAP:
“No one on the other side would pick up the phone if the secretary of the U.S. Treasury tried to make that call,” Crandall said. “Why should they? They have a contract” requiring payment in full.“No one on the other side would pick up the phone if the secretary of the U.S. Treasury tried to make that call,” Crandall said. “Why should they? They have a contract” requiring payment in full.
Making America great again by running it like a failing Atlantic City casino ...Making America great again by running it like a failing Atlantic City casino ...
Trump did not comment on whether he would be willing as president to cooperate with a Congress that might refuse to raise the debt ceiling. Read the full piece here.Trump did not comment on whether he would be willing as president to cooperate with a Congress that might refuse to raise the debt ceiling. Read the full piece here.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.06pm BSTat 4.06pm BST
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Notably different styles of attack here between Trump and Clinton.Notably different styles of attack here between Trump and Clinton.
Crooked Hillary has ZERO leadership ability. As Bernie Sanders says, she has bad judgement. Constantly playing the women's card - it is sad!Crooked Hillary has ZERO leadership ability. As Bernie Sanders says, she has bad judgement. Constantly playing the women's card - it is sad!
This is the man the @GOP has selected to be their nominee for president. https://t.co/rm4BjlPhkkThis is the man the @GOP has selected to be their nominee for president. https://t.co/rm4BjlPhkk
1.59pm BST1.59pm BST
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Hello and welcome to our live-wire coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is spoiling for a fight this morning with Paul Ryan, the House speaker, after Ryan said Thursday that he was not ready to endorse Trump.Hello and welcome to our live-wire coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is spoiling for a fight this morning with Paul Ryan, the House speaker, after Ryan said Thursday that he was not ready to endorse Trump.
Here’s how Trump started his day:Here’s how Trump started his day:
So many great endorsements yesterday, except for Paul Ryan! We must put America first and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!So many great endorsements yesterday, except for Paul Ryan! We must put America first and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
Paul Ryan said that I inherited something very special, the Republican Party. Wrong, I didn't inherit it, I won it with millions of voters!Paul Ryan said that I inherited something very special, the Republican Party. Wrong, I didn't inherit it, I won it with millions of voters!
Lest there is any doubt that the Trump army is making a run on Washington Republicans, Trump’s spokeswoman, Katrina Pierson, said that Ryan should not be speaker if he cannot endorse Trump for president:Lest there is any doubt that the Trump army is making a run on Washington Republicans, Trump’s spokeswoman, Katrina Pierson, said that Ryan should not be speaker if he cannot endorse Trump for president:
JUST NOW: asked Trump spokersperson @KatrinaPierson if Paul Ryan should be Speaker if he doesn't support Trump. Her answer? "NO." @NewDayJUST NOW: asked Trump spokersperson @KatrinaPierson if Paul Ryan should be Speaker if he doesn't support Trump. Her answer? "NO." @NewDay
The mystery of how the Republican leadership and the presumptive Republican nominee for president will come together deepened in an interview Friday morning that party chair Reince Priebus gave to Politico’s Mike Allen.The mystery of how the Republican leadership and the presumptive Republican nominee for president will come together deepened in an interview Friday morning that party chair Reince Priebus gave to Politico’s Mike Allen.
Priebus rejected a central plank of Trump’s platform – a ban on Muslims entering the United States – suggested that Trump release a list of “five to 10 names” of potential supreme court nominees to reassure conservatives and said that he, Priebus, had received a phone call from Trump moments after Ryan finished his non-endorsement.Priebus rejected a central plank of Trump’s platform – a ban on Muslims entering the United States – suggested that Trump release a list of “five to 10 names” of potential supreme court nominees to reassure conservatives and said that he, Priebus, had received a phone call from Trump moments after Ryan finished his non-endorsement.
It’s not easy being Reince. Time’s Zeke Miller tweeted some of the interview lines:It’s not easy being Reince. Time’s Zeke Miller tweeted some of the interview lines:
.@Reince on Trump Muslim ban: ‘It’s not something that I believe in or our party believes in...we are the party of the open door”.@Reince on Trump Muslim ban: ‘It’s not something that I believe in or our party believes in...we are the party of the open door”
.@mikeallen: Is it Trump’s party? @Reince: “It’s the party’s party.”.@mikeallen: Is it Trump’s party? @Reince: “It’s the party’s party.”
Trump held a boisterous campaign appearance on Thursday night in West Virginia, which votes on Tuesday. He told supporters to “save your vote for the general election” and wore a hard hat onstage. The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs was there:Trump held a boisterous campaign appearance on Thursday night in West Virginia, which votes on Tuesday. He told supporters to “save your vote for the general election” and wore a hard hat onstage. The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs was there:
Related: Confident Donald Trump tells his West Virginia supporters: don't bother votingRelated: Confident Donald Trump tells his West Virginia supporters: don't bother voting
To get started, read Jessica Valenti on Ivanka Trump:To get started, read Jessica Valenti on Ivanka Trump:
This week, Americans had their long-held security blanket of denial ripped from their arms: Donald Trump is the Republican nominee for president. A candidate whose history of disdain for women borders on the psychopathic will likely run against the first female to top the Democratic ticket. This is really happening.This week, Americans had their long-held security blanket of denial ripped from their arms: Donald Trump is the Republican nominee for president. A candidate whose history of disdain for women borders on the psychopathic will likely run against the first female to top the Democratic ticket. This is really happening.
Related: Ivanka Trump wants women to vote for her dad. But why should we? | Jessica ValentiRelated: Ivanka Trump wants women to vote for her dad. But why should we? | Jessica Valenti
And read Dave Schilling on Donald Trump’s taco bowl:And read Dave Schilling on Donald Trump’s taco bowl:
Related: Donald Trump's taco bowl: what the hell is he eating – and is that his ex-wife?Related: Donald Trump's taco bowl: what the hell is he eating – and is that his ex-wife?
.@reince on Trump taco bowl tweet: "he's trying. Honestly I think he's trying".@reince on Trump taco bowl tweet: "he's trying. Honestly I think he's trying"
Thanks for reading as always and please join us in the comments ...Thanks for reading as always and please join us in the comments ...