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Reince Priebus: 'People don't care' about Trump's treatment of women – live Reince Priebus: 'People don't care' about Trump's treatment of women – as it happened
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SummarySummary
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Nevada’s Democratic party is holding its convention this weekend – one part of a multi-stage affair, following the state’s close caucus results – and it has not gone calmly.Nevada’s Democratic party is holding its convention this weekend – one part of a multi-stage affair, following the state’s close caucus results – and it has not gone calmly.
The Hill reports: “Tensions were high at the Democratic convention in Nevada Saturday, with supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders demanding delegate recounts, booing Senator Barbara Boxer and causing other disruptions.”The Hill reports: “Tensions were high at the Democratic convention in Nevada Saturday, with supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders demanding delegate recounts, booing Senator Barbara Boxer and causing other disruptions.”
@SenSanders Demanding a recount! NV convention getting ugly pic.twitter.com/24Fg0t8V0Z@SenSanders Demanding a recount! NV convention getting ugly pic.twitter.com/24Fg0t8V0Z
“The convention ended, hours behind schedule, on a contentious note, with a delegate credentials committee member reading a minority report that said nearly 64 Sanders delegates were excluded from the convention process. A Democratic National Committee (DNC) member said the report would be submitted to the DNC.”“The convention ended, hours behind schedule, on a contentious note, with a delegate credentials committee member reading a minority report that said nearly 64 Sanders delegates were excluded from the convention process. A Democratic National Committee (DNC) member said the report would be submitted to the DNC.”
Calif Sen Barbara Boxer: If you boo me you're booing Bernie Sanders pic.twitter.com/mAAu6YNugZCalif Sen Barbara Boxer: If you boo me you're booing Bernie Sanders pic.twitter.com/mAAu6YNugZ
Clinton now has 20 Nevada delegates, and Sanders 15. The Paris Las Vegas Hotel released a statement after party members were booted from the premises.Clinton now has 20 Nevada delegates, and Sanders 15. The Paris Las Vegas Hotel released a statement after party members were booted from the premises.
NV DEMS get kicked out of Paris hotel after convention chaos. pic.twitter.com/YqIRg6vivBNV DEMS get kicked out of Paris hotel after convention chaos. pic.twitter.com/YqIRg6vivB
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The AP and a new band of campaign reporters are trailing Hillary Clinton through Kentucky, which holds its Democratic primary election on Tuesday. The state could be fertile ground for Bernie Sanders, who’s won disaffected voters to his “political revolution”, but it’s a closed primary – meaning that only registered Democrats can vote and barring many of the unregistered young people and independents who prefer Sanders.The AP and a new band of campaign reporters are trailing Hillary Clinton through Kentucky, which holds its Democratic primary election on Tuesday. The state could be fertile ground for Bernie Sanders, who’s won disaffected voters to his “political revolution”, but it’s a closed primary – meaning that only registered Democrats can vote and barring many of the unregistered young people and independents who prefer Sanders.
Per the AP:Per the AP:
At St. Stephen’s Church in Louisville, Clinton appealed to the congregation for support, saying she hoped to have “the opportunity to serve you as your president.”At St. Stephen’s Church in Louisville, Clinton appealed to the congregation for support, saying she hoped to have “the opportunity to serve you as your president.”
Clinton holds a large lead among delegates going into Tuesday’s primaries in Kentucky and Oregon. But Sanders keeps winning primary contests and has pledged to stay in the race until the July convention.Clinton holds a large lead among delegates going into Tuesday’s primaries in Kentucky and Oregon. But Sanders keeps winning primary contests and has pledged to stay in the race until the July convention.
Clinton is campaigning hard in Kentucky and spending money on television ads. She plans events around the state through Monday.Clinton is campaigning hard in Kentucky and spending money on television ads. She plans events around the state through Monday.
First full day on the @HillaryClinton beat for @NBCNews. Louisville, Ky.! #NBC2016 pic.twitter.com/H1QnbyFiDnFirst full day on the @HillaryClinton beat for @NBCNews. Louisville, Ky.! #NBC2016 pic.twitter.com/H1QnbyFiDn
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Palin on Trump's VP list – reportPalin on Trump's VP list – report
Sarah Palin is on Donald Trump’s list of possible vice-presidential candidates, the Washington Post reports, in the course of a long interview with Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon whom Trump once compared to a child molester and has now put in charge of picking his running mate.Sarah Palin is on Donald Trump’s list of possible vice-presidential candidates, the Washington Post reports, in the course of a long interview with Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon whom Trump once compared to a child molester and has now put in charge of picking his running mate.
Per the Post:Per the Post:
“Who else was on the list?” he asked quietly, maintaining his usual inscrutable calm. The most favorably regarded contenders after himself, he was told, were John Kasich, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Sarah Palin and Chris Christie.“Who else was on the list?” he asked quietly, maintaining his usual inscrutable calm. The most favorably regarded contenders after himself, he was told, were John Kasich, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Sarah Palin and Chris Christie.
“Those are all people on our list,” he said. …“Those are all people on our list,” he said. …
The piece goes on to ponder whether Carson, who does not hold back from voicing unorthodox beliefs – he has stood by his claim that ancient Egyptians built the pyramids to store grain, for instance – could be the worst surrogate for a presidential candidate in history. Earlier this year Carson told a radio show, about Trump: “Are there better people? Probably.”The piece goes on to ponder whether Carson, who does not hold back from voicing unorthodox beliefs – he has stood by his claim that ancient Egyptians built the pyramids to store grain, for instance – could be the worst surrogate for a presidential candidate in history. Earlier this year Carson told a radio show, about Trump: “Are there better people? Probably.”
Last week Palin suggested she would be open to running, again, as the vice-presidential pick. She ran in 2008 with Senator John McCain.Last week Palin suggested she would be open to running, again, as the vice-presidential pick. She ran in 2008 with Senator John McCain.
“I think I’m pretty much as vetted as anybody in the country could be vetted, already,” she said, with a caveat: I wouldn’t want to be a burden on the ticket.”“I think I’m pretty much as vetted as anybody in the country could be vetted, already,” she said, with a caveat: I wouldn’t want to be a burden on the ticket.”
Carson told the Post he’s not interested in doing the job himself.Carson told the Post he’s not interested in doing the job himself.
“He’s not interested,” said Carson’s business manager and friend Armstrong Williams. “But miracles can happen, right?”“He’s not interested,” said Carson’s business manager and friend Armstrong Williams. “But miracles can happen, right?”
Williams added: “But I don’t see that miracle happening.”Williams added: “But I don’t see that miracle happening.”
And then: “But we’ve seen stranger things, right?”And then: “But we’ve seen stranger things, right?”
The retired surgeon also said he didn’t mind the “typical politician” insults of Trump, but that he instead values the moment when they both stood awkwardly in the wings of a debate stage when Carson (and maybe Trump) misheard their names called.The retired surgeon also said he didn’t mind the “typical politician” insults of Trump, but that he instead values the moment when they both stood awkwardly in the wings of a debate stage when Carson (and maybe Trump) misheard their names called.
But Carson saw Trump’s pause as a deliberate gesture to ease his awkwardness.But Carson saw Trump’s pause as a deliberate gesture to ease his awkwardness.
“That showed the kind of person that he is, to stand by me even though it did nothing for him personally,” Carson said.“That showed the kind of person that he is, to stand by me even though it did nothing for him personally,” Carson said.
“They stood together that day like brothers,” said Williams, one of Carson’s closest confidants. “That was a very important moment.”“They stood together that day like brothers,” said Williams, one of Carson’s closest confidants. “That was a very important moment.”
Shortly after dropping out of the race, Carson headed to Mar-a-Lago to have breakfast with Trump. He hadn’t endorsed anyone yet but was leaning toward giving his support to the reality star who cared as little about political correctness — or, some would say, polite discourse — as he did. They sat in an ornate room eating fruit and talking about, as Carson might put it, the fruit salad of each other’s lives.Shortly after dropping out of the race, Carson headed to Mar-a-Lago to have breakfast with Trump. He hadn’t endorsed anyone yet but was leaning toward giving his support to the reality star who cared as little about political correctness — or, some would say, polite discourse — as he did. They sat in an ornate room eating fruit and talking about, as Carson might put it, the fruit salad of each other’s lives.
Here’s that magic moment.Here’s that magic moment.
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Donald Trump and Joe Biden have turned part of west Philadelphia into a de facto secret service convention – both men are attending the graduation ceremony of the University of Pennsylvania’s class of 2016.Donald Trump and Joe Biden have turned part of west Philadelphia into a de facto secret service convention – both men are attending the graduation ceremony of the University of Pennsylvania’s class of 2016.
Trump’s younger daughter, Tiffany, and Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi, are graduating alongside 1,500 other students at the university’s school of arts and sciences. Trump graduated from the Wharton School of Business in 1968, after transferring there from Fordham University in New York.Trump’s younger daughter, Tiffany, and Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi, are graduating alongside 1,500 other students at the university’s school of arts and sciences. Trump graduated from the Wharton School of Business in 1968, after transferring there from Fordham University in New York.
He told CNN last year that it’s “the hardest school to get in,” and “the best school. It’s like super genius stuff.” Also last year, the Daily Beast unearthed an October 1968 article in the UPenn archives that showed Trump did not make the dean’s list of 56 people the year he graduated.He told CNN last year that it’s “the hardest school to get in,” and “the best school. It’s like super genius stuff.” Also last year, the Daily Beast unearthed an October 1968 article in the UPenn archives that showed Trump did not make the dean’s list of 56 people the year he graduated.
Trump has called on Barack Obama to release his college transcripts, but refused to release his own or provide evidence of any honors received at the school.Trump has called on Barack Obama to release his college transcripts, but refused to release his own or provide evidence of any honors received at the school.
The presumptive Republican nominee and the Democratic vice-president are not expected to attend Monday’s main graduation, the AP reports. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Pulitzer-prize winning playwright, will speak at that ceremony and receive an honorary degree.The presumptive Republican nominee and the Democratic vice-president are not expected to attend Monday’s main graduation, the AP reports. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Pulitzer-prize winning playwright, will speak at that ceremony and receive an honorary degree.
Obama is delivering a commencement speech today over the state border to the north, at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He spoke at Howard University last week. For some more memorable commencement addresses – some political, some not – check out the work of my colleague Madhvi Pankhania through the link below.Obama is delivering a commencement speech today over the state border to the north, at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He spoke at Howard University last week. For some more memorable commencement addresses – some political, some not – check out the work of my colleague Madhvi Pankhania through the link below.
Related: The best commencement speeches: from Jill Abramson to Neil GaimanRelated: The best commencement speeches: from Jill Abramson to Neil Gaiman
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Republicans’ new strategy for dealing with Donald Trump’s long history of offensive and strange behavior toward woman: let the voters hold him accountable if they care.Republicans’ new strategy for dealing with Donald Trump’s long history of offensive and strange behavior toward woman: let the voters hold him accountable if they care.
Donald Trump’s new strategy is his old strategy: shoot the messenger.Donald Trump’s new strategy is his old strategy: shoot the messenger.
Everyone is laughing at the @nytimes for the lame hit piece they did on me and women.I gave them many names of women I helped-refused to useEveryone is laughing at the @nytimes for the lame hit piece they did on me and women.I gave them many names of women I helped-refused to use
Why doesn't the failing @nytimes write the real story on the Clintons and women? The media is TOTALLY dishonest!Why doesn't the failing @nytimes write the real story on the Clintons and women? The media is TOTALLY dishonest!
One of the reporters responds:One of the reporters responds:
A factually inaccurate tweet: we did interview and quote women his office suggested in the story: https://t.co/Jfu05iK5EtA factually inaccurate tweet: we did interview and quote women his office suggested in the story: https://t.co/Jfu05iK5Et
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The Republican lawmakers join Dickerson on the CBS show next: New York’s Chris Collins, who endorsed Trump months ago, Tennessee’s Marsha Blackburn, who’s come around in recent weeks, and New York’s Peter King, who has said he’ll vote for Trump but wants to see more from the nominee before he’ll campaign for him.The Republican lawmakers join Dickerson on the CBS show next: New York’s Chris Collins, who endorsed Trump months ago, Tennessee’s Marsha Blackburn, who’s come around in recent weeks, and New York’s Peter King, who has said he’ll vote for Trump but wants to see more from the nominee before he’ll campaign for him.
Each of the candidates takes a version of a pro-Trump stump speech out for a spin.Each of the candidates takes a version of a pro-Trump stump speech out for a spin.
Collins talks Trump the chief executive, and how he thinks it’s great to have a candidate who’s “not a career politiciaion and we need someone who’s comign out of the private sector”.Collins talks Trump the chief executive, and how he thinks it’s great to have a candidate who’s “not a career politiciaion and we need someone who’s comign out of the private sector”.
After “the imperial presidency of the last seven and a half years,” he says, Trump will be a relief.After “the imperial presidency of the last seven and a half years,” he says, Trump will be a relief.
The businessman will make jobs, is Collins’ pitch.The businessman will make jobs, is Collins’ pitch.
Blackburn suggests Trump is more moderate than he seems, and that she’s encouraged by his attempt “to find common ground” with congressional Republicans.Blackburn suggests Trump is more moderate than he seems, and that she’s encouraged by his attempt “to find common ground” with congressional Republicans.
King is more cautious than the others. “I’m endorsing him, I’m going to vote for him, but before I actively campaign I’m going to have to see a much more coherent foreign policy.”King is more cautious than the others. “I’m endorsing him, I’m going to vote for him, but before I actively campaign I’m going to have to see a much more coherent foreign policy.”
He lists some of his concerns. “I don’t think his Asia policy is coherent,” he says. He doesn’t see how you can dabble in a trade war with China and then try to use China as leverage with north Korea, “does he know that it costs more to move troops [out of bases] than to leave them?”He lists some of his concerns. “I don’t think his Asia policy is coherent,” he says. He doesn’t see how you can dabble in a trade war with China and then try to use China as leverage with north Korea, “does he know that it costs more to move troops [out of bases] than to leave them?”
He says he’s “very concerned about this romance he seems to have with Putin” and the notion to “let Russia take care of Syria, that’s Barack Obama’s policy.”He says he’s “very concerned about this romance he seems to have with Putin” and the notion to “let Russia take care of Syria, that’s Barack Obama’s policy.”
“The average woman, certainly the average man,” according to King, are most concerned about security. King says he’s confident that Trump can win voters “if he can show women and men, especially suburban mothers [that he can provide] security so that their kids are not killed by terrorists.”“The average woman, certainly the average man,” according to King, are most concerned about security. King says he’s confident that Trump can win voters “if he can show women and men, especially suburban mothers [that he can provide] security so that their kids are not killed by terrorists.”
King is one of the more hawkish members of the House of Representatives, though he has drawn criticism for his long history of support for the IRA.King is one of the more hawkish members of the House of Representatives, though he has drawn criticism for his long history of support for the IRA.
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More from Ed Helmore, watching Fox News Sunday. Next up is Newt Gingrich, former House speaker, former presidential candidate, enthusiastic advocate of lunar colonisation and some say possible Donald Trump vice-presidential pick. Gingrich is on the attack, against the Clintons and those in the media who report on them:More from Ed Helmore, watching Fox News Sunday. Next up is Newt Gingrich, former House speaker, former presidential candidate, enthusiastic advocate of lunar colonisation and some say possible Donald Trump vice-presidential pick. Gingrich is on the attack, against the Clintons and those in the media who report on them:
“The New York Times, this week … decide[s] we need to worry about Donald Trump and women,” he says. “This tells us everything we need to know about the New York Times. They’re in the tank for Hillary.”“The New York Times, this week … decide[s] we need to worry about Donald Trump and women,” he says. “This tells us everything we need to know about the New York Times. They’re in the tank for Hillary.”
He continues: “Trump makes no claims for his life before he ran for office. He’s been a very successful businessman, he’s learned a great deal, and he would do more to change Washington than any other candidate. Now he defeated 16 other people for candidacy and won more votes than any other Republican candidate in history because voters decided he will change Washington.”He continues: “Trump makes no claims for his life before he ran for office. He’s been a very successful businessman, he’s learned a great deal, and he would do more to change Washington than any other candidate. Now he defeated 16 other people for candidacy and won more votes than any other Republican candidate in history because voters decided he will change Washington.”
But, Gingrich is asked, is Trump a traditional conservative?But, Gingrich is asked, is Trump a traditional conservative?
“He’s not a traditional conservative but he has said he will nominate very conservative judges to the supreme court. Hillary Clinton represents eight years of bad government and 100 years of [a] left-leaning supreme court. Trump is a dramatically safer candidate.”“He’s not a traditional conservative but he has said he will nominate very conservative judges to the supreme court. Hillary Clinton represents eight years of bad government and 100 years of [a] left-leaning supreme court. Trump is a dramatically safer candidate.”
Will Gingrich be Trump’s running mate? Gingrich responds positively, oddly seeming to refer to himself, as does the Queen of England, as “we”.Will Gingrich be Trump’s running mate? Gingrich responds positively, oddly seeming to refer to himself, as does the Queen of England, as “we”.
“If he can convince me its doable, he’s serious and we would be able to contribute, we’d be very hard pressed not to say yes. It certainly a great challenge. I don’t know, we could be lured on to a new path.”“If he can convince me its doable, he’s serious and we would be able to contribute, we’d be very hard pressed not to say yes. It certainly a great challenge. I don’t know, we could be lured on to a new path.”
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Third party would be 'suicide mission'Third party would be 'suicide mission'
Reince Priebus has also appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation, where host John Dickerson asks him about the reports that some Republicans, Mitt Romney among them, are trying to set up a third-party candidate for voters who cannot stand Donald Trump.Reince Priebus has also appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation, where host John Dickerson asks him about the reports that some Republicans, Mitt Romney among them, are trying to set up a third-party candidate for voters who cannot stand Donald Trump.
“This is a suicide mission, it is not right,” Priebus says. “And I think what people should do is take the Paul Ryan approach which is to work with Donald Trump and find out whether or not there’s common ground ... as opposed to blowing everything up.”“This is a suicide mission, it is not right,” Priebus says. “And I think what people should do is take the Paul Ryan approach which is to work with Donald Trump and find out whether or not there’s common ground ... as opposed to blowing everything up.”
Preibus argues that a third-party candidate would split the Republican vote and deliver the White House to Hillary Clinton.Preibus argues that a third-party candidate would split the Republican vote and deliver the White House to Hillary Clinton.
Then he fields another question about “John Miller” the pseudonym that Trump has admitted using under oath in the 1990s, and which he apparently used to brag to a reporter about his dating life.Then he fields another question about “John Miller” the pseudonym that Trump has admitted using under oath in the 1990s, and which he apparently used to brag to a reporter about his dating life.
“It’s a little bit odd,” Priebus says, “but I will just tell you that I think of all the things facing this country right now and being through this primary for a year, I can assure you that particular issue is not going to move the electorate.”“It’s a little bit odd,” Priebus says, “but I will just tell you that I think of all the things facing this country right now and being through this primary for a year, I can assure you that particular issue is not going to move the electorate.”
“There’s going to be lots of stories,” he added. “My guess is it’s not going to move the electorate.”“There’s going to be lots of stories,” he added. “My guess is it’s not going to move the electorate.”
He makes a similar argument about Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns, a break with 40 years of presidential candidates.He makes a similar argument about Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns, a break with 40 years of presidential candidates.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if people don’t care,” Priebus says. “Donald Trump has rewritten the traditional playbook in politics, and I don’t know if anyone else could have pulled off what he’s pulled off over the past year.”“I wouldn’t be surprised if people don’t care,” Priebus says. “Donald Trump has rewritten the traditional playbook in politics, and I don’t know if anyone else could have pulled off what he’s pulled off over the past year.”
“People are angry, people want something done right this second and Donald Trump has effectively represented that position.”“People are angry, people want something done right this second and Donald Trump has effectively represented that position.”
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Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions is next on the ABC program: Sessions is one of the few senators to have endorsed Trump, and on the far right of immigration policy. He’s now one of Trump’s foreign policy advisers.Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions is next on the ABC program: Sessions is one of the few senators to have endorsed Trump, and on the far right of immigration policy. He’s now one of Trump’s foreign policy advisers.
His first question is about Trump’s history of insulting women about their bodies.His first question is about Trump’s history of insulting women about their bodies.
“Of course he has to answer,” Sessions says, though he adds: “people have not expected puirty on his part.”“Of course he has to answer,” Sessions says, though he adds: “people have not expected puirty on his part.”
Voters instead care, Sessions says, about “is this somebody who’s strong enough to take on Washington.”Voters instead care, Sessions says, about “is this somebody who’s strong enough to take on Washington.”
Sessions then gets the same question that Priebus just fielded, about who leads the Republican party. At first he dithers, saying Priebus leads the RNC, Paul Ryan the House, Mitch McConnell the Senate. Pressed, he says leadership is ultimately “with the movement Donald Trump is leading.”Sessions then gets the same question that Priebus just fielded, about who leads the Republican party. At first he dithers, saying Priebus leads the RNC, Paul Ryan the House, Mitch McConnell the Senate. Pressed, he says leadership is ultimately “with the movement Donald Trump is leading.”
He too had an optimistic impression of the meeting between the bellicose nominee and Paul Ryan in Washington this week.He too had an optimistic impression of the meeting between the bellicose nominee and Paul Ryan in Washington this week.
“It was a good positive meeting, he talked, they talked,” Sessions says. “He responded appropriately. It was not tense and afterwards people came round and gathered around him and talked informally.:“It was a good positive meeting, he talked, they talked,” Sessions says. “He responded appropriately. It was not tense and afterwards people came round and gathered around him and talked informally.:
Karl finally unloads a question hovering around Sessions’ quick decision to endorse Trump: would you accept an offer to run as his vice-president?Karl finally unloads a question hovering around Sessions’ quick decision to endorse Trump: would you accept an offer to run as his vice-president?
“I don’t expect to be asked,” Sessions says, but “I think it would be a great honor to assist him in any way possible. We’ve got to change America.”“I don’t expect to be asked,” Sessions says, but “I think it would be a great honor to assist him in any way possible. We’ve got to change America.”
He suggests that Trump will enact all the things that conservatives have been agitating for: “the elimination of Obamacare, will appoint a supreme court justice to replace Scalia to keep the court from flipping on gun rights … stand up to our trading partners.”He suggests that Trump will enact all the things that conservatives have been agitating for: “the elimination of Obamacare, will appoint a supreme court justice to replace Scalia to keep the court from flipping on gun rights … stand up to our trading partners.”
What about Trump’s foreign policy – is he capable of leading US forces abroad?What about Trump’s foreign policy – is he capable of leading US forces abroad?
Sessions says he believes Trump has what it takes, but admits: “I think he’s going to need to learn.”Sessions says he believes Trump has what it takes, but admits: “I think he’s going to need to learn.”
“He’s going to need to understand really completely,” he says, “how complex this world really is. … Kurds, al-Anbar, sunni, Shia, Iranians, and so forth. it’s just a very very complex world and you have to be careful when you commit a military force.”“He’s going to need to understand really completely,” he says, “how complex this world really is. … Kurds, al-Anbar, sunni, Shia, Iranians, and so forth. it’s just a very very complex world and you have to be careful when you commit a military force.”
Sessions also stumbles into one of the major inconsistencies of Trump’s avowed ideas about the use of military force: his commitment to eliminate the terror group Isis by any means necessary and his reluctance to commit American forces overseas.Sessions also stumbles into one of the major inconsistencies of Trump’s avowed ideas about the use of military force: his commitment to eliminate the terror group Isis by any means necessary and his reluctance to commit American forces overseas.
In Sessions’ terms, within the span of a few minutes: “he has stated that clearly and he will use all our power to effectively destroy Isis.”In Sessions’ terms, within the span of a few minutes: “he has stated that clearly and he will use all our power to effectively destroy Isis.”
But he also believes the US should not be “overextending our troops, committing our troops in a way we can financially afford.”But he also believes the US should not be “overextending our troops, committing our troops in a way we can financially afford.”
“I think that is a healthy view too,” he says.“I think that is a healthy view too,” he says.
Then Sessions calls it “a great, great tragedy that we pulled our troops out of Iraq in 2011”. This withdrawal – which would seem to tack with the “healthy view” against overextending US forces – is according to Sessions “the greatest error of the 21st century”.Then Sessions calls it “a great, great tragedy that we pulled our troops out of Iraq in 2011”. This withdrawal – which would seem to tack with the “healthy view” against overextending US forces – is according to Sessions “the greatest error of the 21st century”.
Sessions voted for the invasion of Iraq in 2002, which Trump has claimed repeatedly and falsely that he opposed. Barack Obama made much of Hillary Clinton’s vote for the war in his 2008 campaign against her, and Trump has similarly used the war and long occupation of that country to criticize “nation building” of the Bush administration.Sessions voted for the invasion of Iraq in 2002, which Trump has claimed repeatedly and falsely that he opposed. Barack Obama made much of Hillary Clinton’s vote for the war in his 2008 campaign against her, and Trump has similarly used the war and long occupation of that country to criticize “nation building” of the Bush administration.
The Alabama senator is unmoved: “we’re going to have to step it up, whatever forces we have,” he says, should be used to “try to put back together this disaster that has occurred since we had a reasonably stable government in 2011.”The Alabama senator is unmoved: “we’re going to have to step it up, whatever forces we have,” he says, should be used to “try to put back together this disaster that has occurred since we had a reasonably stable government in 2011.”
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Republican chair: Trump scandals don't matterRepublican chair: Trump scandals don't matter
What about Trump’s history of womanizing and offensive behavior?What about Trump’s history of womanizing and offensive behavior?
Priebus says, in effect, it doesn’t matter to voters.Priebus says, in effect, it doesn’t matter to voters.
“Well, look, first of all I believe that the American people look at someone like Donald Trump and say OK here’s a guy on the outside, here’s a guy who’s never run for the office … I don’t think the traditional playbook applies, Jon.”“Well, look, first of all I believe that the American people look at someone like Donald Trump and say OK here’s a guy on the outside, here’s a guy who’s never run for the office … I don’t think the traditional playbook applies, Jon.”
“He’s rewritten the playbook. It’s going to be up to the American people. They’re going to have to decide.”“He’s rewritten the playbook. It’s going to be up to the American people. They’re going to have to decide.”
Priebus says that Trump “represents such a massive change to how things are done in Washington that people don’t look at Donald Trump as to how he releases his [taxes].”Priebus says that Trump “represents such a massive change to how things are done in Washington that people don’t look at Donald Trump as to how he releases his [taxes].”
“This person [is] going to cause an earthquake in Washington DC and make something happen. That is it.“This person [is] going to cause an earthquake in Washington DC and make something happen. That is it.
“All these things that we’ve been analyzing for a year, and that Mitt Romney’s obsessing over, it hasn’t done a thing. And that is what I think people are missing about Donald Trump.”“All these things that we’ve been analyzing for a year, and that Mitt Romney’s obsessing over, it hasn’t done a thing. And that is what I think people are missing about Donald Trump.”
“Look I mean these are things that I think he’s going to have to answer for these things.”“Look I mean these are things that I think he’s going to have to answer for these things.”
The chairman says judge not lest ye be judged: “As Christians judging each other is problematic. I think it’s when people live in glass houses and throw stones is when people get in trouble.”The chairman says judge not lest ye be judged: “As Christians judging each other is problematic. I think it’s when people live in glass houses and throw stones is when people get in trouble.”
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Republican party chair Reince Priebus is next, on ABC’s This Week with Jonathan Karl.Republican party chair Reince Priebus is next, on ABC’s This Week with Jonathan Karl.
The first question is about whether Speaker of the House Paul Ryan will endorse Donald Trump. “I get the sense that it was a great meeting, I get the sense that it was everything that both parties wanted it to be,” Priebus says. “I don’t speak for Paul Ryan.”The first question is about whether Speaker of the House Paul Ryan will endorse Donald Trump. “I get the sense that it was a great meeting, I get the sense that it was everything that both parties wanted it to be,” Priebus says. “I don’t speak for Paul Ryan.”
Pressed on the issue, he says: “I would be surprised if he doesn’t get there because he wants to get there and the things that have taken place on Friday seemed to move the ball a long way down the field.”Pressed on the issue, he says: “I would be surprised if he doesn’t get there because he wants to get there and the things that have taken place on Friday seemed to move the ball a long way down the field.”
He doesn’t expect an endorsement tomorrow, though: “I think most people involved , you know, would agree that in a 45 minute meeting, you know, … here’s a big bear hug.”He doesn’t expect an endorsement tomorrow, though: “I think most people involved , you know, would agree that in a 45 minute meeting, you know, … here’s a big bear hug.”
Who leads the party right now?Who leads the party right now?
“I speak for the Republican national committee, Paul speaks for House Republicans, Donald speaks for the millions and millions of people who are voting,” Priebus says.“I speak for the Republican national committee, Paul speaks for House Republicans, Donald speaks for the millions and millions of people who are voting,” Priebus says.
“There are only two parties in this country, we don’t have 12 parties where everyone can fit neatly into a box … We have to be the party of the open door to recognize that differences among each other doesn’t mean that we ask people to leave“There are only two parties in this country, we don’t have 12 parties where everyone can fit neatly into a box … We have to be the party of the open door to recognize that differences among each other doesn’t mean that we ask people to leave
Do you have doubts about Trump’s honesty, what with his impersonation of an imaginary spokesperson and refusal to release tax returns?Do you have doubts about Trump’s honesty, what with his impersonation of an imaginary spokesperson and refusal to release tax returns?
“It doesn’t matter as far as what Ted Cruz or what Lindsey Graham said or what Jeb said or Marco or the whole 17 folks,” Priebus says, about Republicans who’ve called Trump a “pathological liar”, among other things.“It doesn’t matter as far as what Ted Cruz or what Lindsey Graham said or what Jeb said or Marco or the whole 17 folks,” Priebus says, about Republicans who’ve called Trump a “pathological liar”, among other things.
“I have to judge people based on how I have dealt with individuals one on one. I’ve never had a situation where he’s lied to me. I’ve never had a situation where he was not gracious to me.”“I have to judge people based on how I have dealt with individuals one on one. I’ve never had a situation where he’s lied to me. I’ve never had a situation where he was not gracious to me.”
He admits he had a fight with Trump “over the delegate allocation system” but says it turned out OK. “I also believe that people are entiteld to forgiveness and redemption.”He admits he had a fight with Trump “over the delegate allocation system” but says it turned out OK. “I also believe that people are entiteld to forgiveness and redemption.”
Then he tries to flip it around, saying that Hillary Clinton may have been “exchanging cash for favors” through the family’s philanthropic Clinton Foundation. “Whether someone impersonated someone to some dumb story in the Washington Post,” he says, is a trivial matter compared with “four American heroes in Benghazi, I mean, these are issues, guys.”Then he tries to flip it around, saying that Hillary Clinton may have been “exchanging cash for favors” through the family’s philanthropic Clinton Foundation. “Whether someone impersonated someone to some dumb story in the Washington Post,” he says, is a trivial matter compared with “four American heroes in Benghazi, I mean, these are issues, guys.”
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Priebus: people 'don't care' about Trump's treatment of womenPriebus: people 'don't care' about Trump's treatment of women
Edward HelmoreEdward Helmore
Ed is watching Fox News Sunday, so you don’t have to. Therein he finds, unsurprisingly, Reince Priebus, who is asked by host Chris Wallace about Donald Trump’s alleged mistreatment of women, as detailed by the New York Times this weekend:Ed is watching Fox News Sunday, so you don’t have to. Therein he finds, unsurprisingly, Reince Priebus, who is asked by host Chris Wallace about Donald Trump’s alleged mistreatment of women, as detailed by the New York Times this weekend:
Priebus: “We’ve been working on this primary for over a year. People don’t care. The question is, whose going to bring an earthquake to Washington DC?”Priebus: “We’ve been working on this primary for over a year. People don’t care. The question is, whose going to bring an earthquake to Washington DC?”
Wallace: “People don’t care?”Wallace: “People don’t care?”
Priebus: “It’s not that people don’t care, but he represents something much different from the analysis of traditional candidates. Donald Trump is going to have to answer the question but we’re in a year where nothing applies. It’s down to the bigger question: Who is going to blow up the system? That’s what this election is coming down to.Priebus: “It’s not that people don’t care, but he represents something much different from the analysis of traditional candidates. Donald Trump is going to have to answer the question but we’re in a year where nothing applies. It’s down to the bigger question: Who is going to blow up the system? That’s what this election is coming down to.
“The question is, who’s going to bring about a more accountable, effective government – a career politician or a total outsider with potentially some flaws, [a] businessman who gets things done. Is it going to be a race to the bottom? I’m not sure.”“The question is, who’s going to bring about a more accountable, effective government – a career politician or a total outsider with potentially some flaws, [a] businessman who gets things done. Is it going to be a race to the bottom? I’m not sure.”
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John Miller 'may or may not be Trump'John Miller 'may or may not be Trump'
Tapper moves on to Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns: the businessman insists he is worth $10bn but has not provided documents to prove his worth.Tapper moves on to Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns: the businessman insists he is worth $10bn but has not provided documents to prove his worth.
Manafort says the candidate has not refused to release the returns, although he told ABC earlier this week that it’s “none of your business”.Manafort says the candidate has not refused to release the returns, although he told ABC earlier this week that it’s “none of your business”.
“He has said he will release his tax returns he never has changed his position,” Manafort says. He blames the delay on an IRS audit, though the IRS has said repeatedly that there is no legal barrier for someone to release their returns during an audit. “As I understand it the audit is going back for the last eight years,” Manafort says.“He has said he will release his tax returns he never has changed his position,” Manafort says. He blames the delay on an IRS audit, though the IRS has said repeatedly that there is no legal barrier for someone to release their returns during an audit. “As I understand it the audit is going back for the last eight years,” Manafort says.
“Anything going on beyond eight years is not going to be of interest to anyone beyond the media,” he adds. “This is an issue that the media is interested in, it’s not an issue that middle america is interested in.”“Anything going on beyond eight years is not going to be of interest to anyone beyond the media,” he adds. “This is an issue that the media is interested in, it’s not an issue that middle america is interested in.”
He says that any tax attorney who is “not politically motivated” would advise their client not to release the returns. Manafort says he takes Trump at his word: “he’s said there’s nothing in there. i have no basis to believe otherwise.”He says that any tax attorney who is “not politically motivated” would advise their client not to release the returns. Manafort says he takes Trump at his word: “he’s said there’s nothing in there. i have no basis to believe otherwise.”
There are reasons to be suspicious of Trump’s claimed versus actual net worth. He has for instance told federal officials that one New York golf club is worth $50m, but told a judge that the club is worth $1.4m as part of a lawsuit seeking lower taxes on the property.There are reasons to be suspicious of Trump’s claimed versus actual net worth. He has for instance told federal officials that one New York golf club is worth $50m, but told a judge that the club is worth $1.4m as part of a lawsuit seeking lower taxes on the property.
Related: How Trump’s $50m golf club became $1.4m when it came time to pay taxRelated: How Trump’s $50m golf club became $1.4m when it came time to pay tax
Tapper then asks Manafort about Trump’s use of pseudonyms, “John Baron” and “John Miller”, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Washington Post published a recording from Trump during that time in which a “John Miller”, sounding very much like Trump, brags about Trump’s dating life.Tapper then asks Manafort about Trump’s use of pseudonyms, “John Baron” and “John Miller”, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Washington Post published a recording from Trump during that time in which a “John Miller”, sounding very much like Trump, brags about Trump’s dating life.
Trump has admitted under oath that he used these names, and the speaker on the recording uses distinctive language (“tremendously successful”, “you people do a great job”, “totally unanimous”).Trump has admitted under oath that he used these names, and the speaker on the recording uses distinctive language (“tremendously successful”, “you people do a great job”, “totally unanimous”).
Manafort looks uncomfortable. “I could barely understand it. I couldn’t tell who it us. Donald Trump says it isn’t him.”Manafort looks uncomfortable. “I could barely understand it. I couldn’t tell who it us. Donald Trump says it isn’t him.”
He says he believes him, and questions why the press has brought this up. “That may or may not be Trump,” he says. “It’s 25 years old.”He says he believes him, and questions why the press has brought this up. “That may or may not be Trump,” he says. “It’s 25 years old.”
“It’s not focusing on the interests that Trump is trying to talk about today which is jobs, terrorism …“It’s not focusing on the interests that Trump is trying to talk about today which is jobs, terrorism …
Tapper interrupts to point out that Trump has made a great fuss about the infidelities of Bill Clinton in the 1990s, also 20-30 years ago, and criticized Hillary Clinton for “enabling” her husband.Tapper interrupts to point out that Trump has made a great fuss about the infidelities of Bill Clinton in the 1990s, also 20-30 years ago, and criticized Hillary Clinton for “enabling” her husband.
Manafort says it’s a different situation, but does not provide detail: “she was an enabler and made the victims of those dalliances into a really bad situation.”Manafort says it’s a different situation, but does not provide detail: “she was an enabler and made the victims of those dalliances into a really bad situation.”
“The tape has not proven that it’s him,” he says. “I’ve been working for Donald Trump for six weeks, I’m using words he uses.”“The tape has not proven that it’s him,” he says. “I’ve been working for Donald Trump for six weeks, I’m using words he uses.”
Finally Tapper questions Manafort about his former clients, including Kremlin ally and twice-deposed president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. Is there a dangerous conflict with Trump receiving classified national security briefings, as nominees do, and your past with world leaders of dubious integrity?Finally Tapper questions Manafort about his former clients, including Kremlin ally and twice-deposed president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. Is there a dangerous conflict with Trump receiving classified national security briefings, as nominees do, and your past with world leaders of dubious integrity?
“I don’t see classified briefings,” Manafort says. “I’m not in the room when he receives them.”“I don’t see classified briefings,” Manafort says. “I’m not in the room when he receives them.”
“Secondly I have no clients now, I have one client, Donald Trump.”“Secondly I have no clients now, I have one client, Donald Trump.”
He says “if you do any fact checking” he’ll learn that Manafort was involved in negotiating “the framework” to make sure “Ukraine is now a part of Europe”.He says “if you do any fact checking” he’ll learn that Manafort was involved in negotiating “the framework” to make sure “Ukraine is now a part of Europe”.
Ukraine is not a part of the European Union. Yanukovych ultimately balked from a EU deal that would’ve drawn Ukraine closer to western Europe in 2013, leading to mass protests, a shaky 2014 deal brokered by western and Russian officials, and eventually Yanukovych’s flight from the country after more than 100 people died in violence between protesters and riot police.Ukraine is not a part of the European Union. Yanukovych ultimately balked from a EU deal that would’ve drawn Ukraine closer to western Europe in 2013, leading to mass protests, a shaky 2014 deal brokered by western and Russian officials, and eventually Yanukovych’s flight from the country after more than 100 people died in violence between protesters and riot police.
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Manafort: Trump won't changeManafort: Trump won't change
First up this morning is Paul Manafort, the chief adviser for Donald Trump. He’s on CNN’s State of the Union with host Jake Tapper, who asks him about how the presumptive nominee’s meeting with the most powerful Republican in Washington – Paul Ryan – went earlier this week.First up this morning is Paul Manafort, the chief adviser for Donald Trump. He’s on CNN’s State of the Union with host Jake Tapper, who asks him about how the presumptive nominee’s meeting with the most powerful Republican in Washington – Paul Ryan – went earlier this week.
Trump “was not asked by the leadership to change”, Manafort says, “and there’s no reason for him to change [after] beating 16 qualified candidates”.Trump “was not asked by the leadership to change”, Manafort says, “and there’s no reason for him to change [after] beating 16 qualified candidates”.
He insists: “Trump in the primaries was appealing to the broader electorate”.He insists: “Trump in the primaries was appealing to the broader electorate”.
“That’s not to say Paul Ryan didn’t talk about policy,” he goes on. “They actually got along very well.”“That’s not to say Paul Ryan didn’t talk about policy,” he goes on. “They actually got along very well.”
But he doesn’t get into any specifics, eg how Trump wants tariffs and Ryan wants free trade, Trump a wall, Ryan immigration reform. “Trump agenda’s to make America great again and Paul Ryan’s agenda to restore prosperity” have a lot of overlap, is all Manafort says.But he doesn’t get into any specifics, eg how Trump wants tariffs and Ryan wants free trade, Trump a wall, Ryan immigration reform. “Trump agenda’s to make America great again and Paul Ryan’s agenda to restore prosperity” have a lot of overlap, is all Manafort says.
Tapper asks about the record-breaking negative feeling about Trump in the polls, for instance among women. “This is one of these conventional wisdom facts that are not correct,” Manafort says. “Yes there are some high negatives on Trump right now, who’s just come out of a a very spirited contest,” he adds, but “Hllary Clinton has some very high negatives too.”Tapper asks about the record-breaking negative feeling about Trump in the polls, for instance among women. “This is one of these conventional wisdom facts that are not correct,” Manafort says. “Yes there are some high negatives on Trump right now, who’s just come out of a a very spirited contest,” he adds, but “Hllary Clinton has some very high negatives too.”
Manafort isn’t wrong: Clinton would be the most disliked candidate in modern history were it not for Trump who is even more disliked. But Manafort makes a slightly less tenuous addition to this argument, saying: the “real gender gap is a male gender gap on the part of Clinton”.Manafort isn’t wrong: Clinton would be the most disliked candidate in modern history were it not for Trump who is even more disliked. But Manafort makes a slightly less tenuous addition to this argument, saying: the “real gender gap is a male gender gap on the part of Clinton”.
He admits that Trump is struggling with women voters. “It’s an issue, it’ll be dealt with. We’re coming to a healing process,” he says. “This is way early and still already we’re seeing convergence on the party of the electorate on Donald Trump.”He admits that Trump is struggling with women voters. “It’s an issue, it’ll be dealt with. We’re coming to a healing process,” he says. “This is way early and still already we’re seeing convergence on the party of the electorate on Donald Trump.”
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Hello and welcome to our rolling coverage of the 2016 presidential election, two days out from the Oregon primaries and the Kentucky Democratic primary – and 10 days into a de facto, surreal general election between a former reality TV star and a former secretary of state.Hello and welcome to our rolling coverage of the 2016 presidential election, two days out from the Oregon primaries and the Kentucky Democratic primary – and 10 days into a de facto, surreal general election between a former reality TV star and a former secretary of state.
Hillary Clinton has not yet locked up the Democratic primary election against Bernie Sanders, though she stands on the verge of doing so, with only 143 bound or unbound delegates needed for the party’s nomination. Clinton faces unexpected challenges among young and progressive voters of the west – eg: the Oregon progressives who appreciate Sanders’ liberal message – and the disaffected voters of Appalachia, who’ve been wooed in earnest by a man who wants to make coal great again.Hillary Clinton has not yet locked up the Democratic primary election against Bernie Sanders, though she stands on the verge of doing so, with only 143 bound or unbound delegates needed for the party’s nomination. Clinton faces unexpected challenges among young and progressive voters of the west – eg: the Oregon progressives who appreciate Sanders’ liberal message – and the disaffected voters of Appalachia, who’ve been wooed in earnest by a man who wants to make coal great again.
But with her nomination nearly assured, Clinton has retreated from the media – it’s one of her possible vice-presidential picks who will appear on the shows this morning, while Sanders faces the press himself. He’ll talk about his plan for America’s future, with an impressive number of delegates who will help him rewrite the Democrats’ priorities with or without a clear path to the nomination.But with her nomination nearly assured, Clinton has retreated from the media – it’s one of her possible vice-presidential picks who will appear on the shows this morning, while Sanders faces the press himself. He’ll talk about his plan for America’s future, with an impressive number of delegates who will help him rewrite the Democrats’ priorities with or without a clear path to the nomination.
Republicans remain the strangest story of 2016: riven by factions and taken over by a businessman who claims billions but refuses to prove it in tax forms, whose positions are reduced to “suggestions” and who has admitted, in court, to posing as an imaginary public relations person in order to brag about his dating exploits.Republicans remain the strangest story of 2016: riven by factions and taken over by a businessman who claims billions but refuses to prove it in tax forms, whose positions are reduced to “suggestions” and who has admitted, in court, to posing as an imaginary public relations person in order to brag about his dating exploits.
The crisis facing Republicans is whether they can unite around this presumptive nominee, who managed to defeat 16 rivals in an orange avalanche of personal attacks, incendiary rhetoric and proposals that voters loved and congressmen loathed.The crisis facing Republicans is whether they can unite around this presumptive nominee, who managed to defeat 16 rivals in an orange avalanche of personal attacks, incendiary rhetoric and proposals that voters loved and congressmen loathed.
Seven have endorsed him. Many, including the most powerful Republican in Congress, have inched toward supporting him. And a few holdouts, ex-presidents and an ex-nominee among them, have rejected him unequivocally. At least one of his rivals won’t even say his name. Republicans in May 2016 face an unenviable dilemma: can they rally around a man who once asked a stranger whether his 16-year-old daughter was “hot, right?”Seven have endorsed him. Many, including the most powerful Republican in Congress, have inched toward supporting him. And a few holdouts, ex-presidents and an ex-nominee among them, have rejected him unequivocally. At least one of his rivals won’t even say his name. Republicans in May 2016 face an unenviable dilemma: can they rally around a man who once asked a stranger whether his 16-year-old daughter was “hot, right?”
The Republican National Committee chairman, Reince Priebus, will attempt to answer that question at least three times today. Priebus met with the presumptive nominee earlier this week, and is charged with organizing a party convention around the three-day owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant.The Republican National Committee chairman, Reince Priebus, will attempt to answer that question at least three times today. Priebus met with the presumptive nominee earlier this week, and is charged with organizing a party convention around the three-day owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant.
The former steak salesman is not scheduled to appear this morning. In his place are supporter Jeff Sessions, a long-time Alabama senator who does not want immigration reform, Paul Manafort, a campaign adviser who recently contracted with a twice-deposed president of Ukraine, and Newt Gingrich, a supporter and former speaker of the House who wants to build a US base on the moon.The former steak salesman is not scheduled to appear this morning. In his place are supporter Jeff Sessions, a long-time Alabama senator who does not want immigration reform, Paul Manafort, a campaign adviser who recently contracted with a twice-deposed president of Ukraine, and Newt Gingrich, a supporter and former speaker of the House who wants to build a US base on the moon.
Representing the conflicted class is Peter King, a New York representative who says he wants to see what the presumptive nominee has to offer. What could go wrong?Representing the conflicted class is Peter King, a New York representative who says he wants to see what the presumptive nominee has to offer. What could go wrong?
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