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'That's not Bernie': Joe Biden defends Sanders over Nevada chaos - politics live 'That's not Bernie': Joe Biden defends Sanders over Nevada chaos - politics live
(35 minutes later)
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A key ally of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump reassured a local newspaper that the candidate’s signature issue is simply a metaphor.
“I have called it a virtual wall,” New York congressman Chris Collins told the Buffalo News, of Trump’s plans for a “big, beautiful wall” stretching nearly 2,000 miles along the US-Mexico border.
“Maybe we will be building a wall over some aspects of it; I don’t know,” Collins continued.
Collins, the first member of Congress to endorse Trump, also waved away the possibility of another major proposition of Trump’s - the forced repatriation of more than 11 million undocumented immigrants.
“I call it a rhetorical deportation of 12 million people,” Collins said. “They go out that door, they go in that room, they get their work papers, Social Security number, then they come in that door, and they’ve got legal work status but are not citizens of the United States. So there was a virtual deportation as they left that door for processing and came in this door.”
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Sabrina SiddiquiSabrina Siddiqui
The Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui has more on vice president Joe Biden saying Democrats aren’t fundamentally split after a state convention that allegedly “ended in chaos and physical threats” from supporters of Bernie Sanders.The Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui has more on vice president Joe Biden saying Democrats aren’t fundamentally split after a state convention that allegedly “ended in chaos and physical threats” from supporters of Bernie Sanders.
Vice-president Joe Biden on Wednesday downplayed simmering tensions in the Democratic race for president as pressure mounts on Bernie Sanders to condemn supporters who threatened party leaders at a state party convention in Nevadalast weekend.Vice-president Joe Biden on Wednesday downplayed simmering tensions in the Democratic race for president as pressure mounts on Bernie Sanders to condemn supporters who threatened party leaders at a state party convention in Nevadalast weekend.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the battleground state of Ohio, where the vice-president delivered remarks on the economy, Biden said “there’s no fundamental split in the Democratic party”.Speaking to reporters during a visit to the battleground state of Ohio, where the vice-president delivered remarks on the economy, Biden said “there’s no fundamental split in the Democratic party”.
“I’m confident that Bernie will be supportive if Hillary wins, which the numbers indicate will happen. So I’m not worried,” he said, following a retail stop at a local market with Senate candidate Ted Strickland of Ohio.“I’m confident that Bernie will be supportive if Hillary wins, which the numbers indicate will happen. So I’m not worried,” he said, following a retail stop at a local market with Senate candidate Ted Strickland of Ohio.
“Bernie Sanders is a good guy. Let Bernie run the race. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he added, pointing out that Clinton in 2008 remained in the Democratic primary until June.“Bernie Sanders is a good guy. Let Bernie run the race. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he added, pointing out that Clinton in 2008 remained in the Democratic primary until June.
When asked if he had seen video footage of Sanders supporters displaying their frustration with the nominating process in Nevada by throwing chairs and hurling death threats, Biden sought to separate their actions from the senator from Vermont and his candidacy.When asked if he had seen video footage of Sanders supporters displaying their frustration with the nominating process in Nevada by throwing chairs and hurling death threats, Biden sought to separate their actions from the senator from Vermont and his candidacy.
“That’s not Bernie, and what Bernie’s going to have to do if that happens again – he’s going to have to be more aggressive in speaking out about it,” Biden said.The Nevada Democratic party issued a formal complaint on Tuesday in response to the conduct of Sanders supporters, in which it characterized the weekend’s events as “a very dangerous atmosphere that ended in chaos and physical threats to fellow Democrats”.“That’s not Bernie, and what Bernie’s going to have to do if that happens again – he’s going to have to be more aggressive in speaking out about it,” Biden said.The Nevada Democratic party issued a formal complaint on Tuesday in response to the conduct of Sanders supporters, in which it characterized the weekend’s events as “a very dangerous atmosphere that ended in chaos and physical threats to fellow Democrats”.
Biden expressed certainty that despite the fracas, Sanders supporters would eventually come around to Clinton in a general election.Biden expressed certainty that despite the fracas, Sanders supporters would eventually come around to Clinton in a general election.
He also reflected on her vice-presidential choices, observing that Sherrod Brown, the senator from Ohio who accompanied Biden on the trip, would be “a great choice”.He also reflected on her vice-presidential choices, observing that Sherrod Brown, the senator from Ohio who accompanied Biden on the trip, would be “a great choice”.
“But there’s a lot of really qualified folks for number two,” he added. “Hillary has a plethora of really good people to pick from, for real.”“But there’s a lot of really qualified folks for number two,” he added. “Hillary has a plethora of really good people to pick from, for real.”
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Amazon CEO and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos today refuted claims by presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump that he has ordered members of the paper’s newsroom to target Trump out of fears that he would bring the retail giant to heel on anti-trust violations if he is elected.Amazon CEO and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos today refuted claims by presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump that he has ordered members of the paper’s newsroom to target Trump out of fears that he would bring the retail giant to heel on anti-trust violations if he is elected.
“My view is that’s not an appropriate way for a presidential candidate to behave,” Bezos said at a Post-sponsored technology conference this afternoon.“My view is that’s not an appropriate way for a presidential candidate to behave,” Bezos said at a Post-sponsored technology conference this afternoon.
Trump had alleged in an on-air interview with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity last week that the paper “is owned as a toy by Jeff Bezos, who controls Amazon,” which is “getting away with murder, tax-wise.”Trump had alleged in an on-air interview with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity last week that the paper “is owned as a toy by Jeff Bezos, who controls Amazon,” which is “getting away with murder, tax-wise.”
“He’s using the Washington Post for power so that the politicians in Washington don’t tax Amazon like they should be taxed,” Trump declared at the time.“He’s using the Washington Post for power so that the politicians in Washington don’t tax Amazon like they should be taxed,” Trump declared at the time.
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Former New Mexico governor and Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson has reportedly found a potential match for the third-party nomination: Former Masachusetts governor Williams Weld.Former New Mexico governor and Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson has reportedly found a potential match for the third-party nomination: Former Masachusetts governor Williams Weld.
The Associated Press reports that Weld, a former Republican governor, will announce plans tomorrow to pursue the Libertarian party’s vice-presidential nomination, joining forces with Johnson in what would be the most politically experienced ticket in the party’s history.The Associated Press reports that Weld, a former Republican governor, will announce plans tomorrow to pursue the Libertarian party’s vice-presidential nomination, joining forces with Johnson in what would be the most politically experienced ticket in the party’s history.
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As Hillary Clinton reminded us, it’s only Wednesday.As Hillary Clinton reminded us, it’s only Wednesday.
“In this week alone, Donald Trump has jeopardized relations with a close ally before setting foot overseas; talked about building a relationship with a reckless dictator; called two diverse American cities more dangerous than war zones like Iraq; and released a list of suggested Supreme Court nominees that includes no people of color, but does include a judge who upheld a law requiring doctors to use scare tactics to impede reproductive rights and another judge who equated homosexual sex to ‘bestiality, pedophilia and necrophilia,’ ” wrote Clinton campaign chair John Podesta. “And it’s only Wednesday.”“In this week alone, Donald Trump has jeopardized relations with a close ally before setting foot overseas; talked about building a relationship with a reckless dictator; called two diverse American cities more dangerous than war zones like Iraq; and released a list of suggested Supreme Court nominees that includes no people of color, but does include a judge who upheld a law requiring doctors to use scare tactics to impede reproductive rights and another judge who equated homosexual sex to ‘bestiality, pedophilia and necrophilia,’ ” wrote Clinton campaign chair John Podesta. “And it’s only Wednesday.”
“At this point, it’s hard to keep up with the myriad reasons Trump should not be president, but the divisive policies and nominees, reckless and uninformed foreign policy positions and offensive views of Americans are just a few,” he continued. “Any one of these things would be troubling. All of them together, in just a few days, is further proof that Donald Trump is a risk we can’t afford.”“At this point, it’s hard to keep up with the myriad reasons Trump should not be president, but the divisive policies and nominees, reckless and uninformed foreign policy positions and offensive views of Americans are just a few,” he continued. “Any one of these things would be troubling. All of them together, in just a few days, is further proof that Donald Trump is a risk we can’t afford.”
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PolitiFact: Allegations of fraud at Democratic convention "false"PolitiFact: Allegations of fraud at Democratic convention "false"
PolitiFact has rated Bernie Sanders’ allegations of misconduct and fraud at the Nevada Democratic convention “False,” dealing a blow to a candidate who has thrown the full force of his campaign behind the idea that the party’s primary system is rigged against him.PolitiFact has rated Bernie Sanders’ allegations of misconduct and fraud at the Nevada Democratic convention “False,” dealing a blow to a candidate who has thrown the full force of his campaign behind the idea that the party’s primary system is rigged against him.
Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver said Nevada Democratic Party leaders ‘hijacked the process on the floor’ of the state convention ‘ignoring the regular procedure and ramming through what they wanted to do.’Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver said Nevada Democratic Party leaders ‘hijacked the process on the floor’ of the state convention ‘ignoring the regular procedure and ramming through what they wanted to do.’
Caucuses and delegate math can be incredibly confusing, and the arcane party structures don’t reflect how most people assume presidential selection works.Caucuses and delegate math can be incredibly confusing, and the arcane party structures don’t reflect how most people assume presidential selection works.
But the howls of unfairness and corruption by the Sanders campaign during Nevada’s state Democratic Convention can’t change the simple fact that Clinton’s supporters simply turned out in larger numbers and helped her solidify her delegate lead in Nevada.But the howls of unfairness and corruption by the Sanders campaign during Nevada’s state Democratic Convention can’t change the simple fact that Clinton’s supporters simply turned out in larger numbers and helped her solidify her delegate lead in Nevada.
There’s no clear evidence the state party ‘hijacked’ the process or ignored ‘regular procedure.’There’s no clear evidence the state party ‘hijacked’ the process or ignored ‘regular procedure.’
We rate this claim False.We rate this claim False.
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Joe Biden backs Bernie Sanders after Nevada convention chaosJoe Biden backs Bernie Sanders after Nevada convention chaos
In a press gaggle following a retail stop in Columbus, Ohio, vice president Joe Biden said that he is unconcerned with rising rancor in the Democratic presidential race, telling reporters that the Democratic apparatus should “let Bernie run the race.”In a press gaggle following a retail stop in Columbus, Ohio, vice president Joe Biden said that he is unconcerned with rising rancor in the Democratic presidential race, telling reporters that the Democratic apparatus should “let Bernie run the race.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Biden said, after appearing with Ohio senate candidate Ted Strickland at a market in the state’s capital.“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Biden said, after appearing with Ohio senate candidate Ted Strickland at a market in the state’s capital.
And as for threats and harassment of Democratic officials by supporters of the Vermont senator, “that’s not Bernie,” Biden continued. “And what Bernie’s going to have to do if that happens again - he’s going to have to be more aggressive in speaking out about it. But here we are in May, as was pointed out, Hillary was still in this in May, in June.”And as for threats and harassment of Democratic officials by supporters of the Vermont senator, “that’s not Bernie,” Biden continued. “And what Bernie’s going to have to do if that happens again - he’s going to have to be more aggressive in speaking out about it. But here we are in May, as was pointed out, Hillary was still in this in May, in June.”
“I’m confident that Bernie will be supportive if Hillary wins, which the numbers indicate will happen,” Biden concluded. “So I’m not worried. There’s no fundamental split in the Democratic Party.”“I’m confident that Bernie will be supportive if Hillary wins, which the numbers indicate will happen,” Biden concluded. “So I’m not worried. There’s no fundamental split in the Democratic Party.”
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Onetime Republican presidential nominee and #NeverTrump advocate Mitt Romney has called off the search for a third-party challenger to take on presumptive nominee Donald Trump, reports Yahoo News, although the former Massachusetts governor is reportedly still hopeful that somebody - anybody - will rise to help keep Trump from winning the White House.Onetime Republican presidential nominee and #NeverTrump advocate Mitt Romney has called off the search for a third-party challenger to take on presumptive nominee Donald Trump, reports Yahoo News, although the former Massachusetts governor is reportedly still hopeful that somebody - anybody - will rise to help keep Trump from winning the White House.
Romney “is not now engaged in an effort to recruit a third-party candidate,” an advisor told Yahoo News, although Romney remains “motivated to help the ‘stop Trump’ cause.”Romney “is not now engaged in an effort to recruit a third-party candidate,” an advisor told Yahoo News, although Romney remains “motivated to help the ‘stop Trump’ cause.”
Over the weekend, the Washington Post reported that the former nominee had been conferring with both former candidate John Kasich and noted anti-Trump advocate Ben Sasse, junior senator from Nebraska, about potentially forming a ticket.Over the weekend, the Washington Post reported that the former nominee had been conferring with both former candidate John Kasich and noted anti-Trump advocate Ben Sasse, junior senator from Nebraska, about potentially forming a ticket.
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Lauren GambinoLauren Gambino
Donald Trump has unveiled a list of judges he would consider nominating to theUS supreme court should he become president, in an effort to satisfy conservatives who fretted over the type of jurists the mercurial New Yorker might select.Donald Trump has unveiled a list of judges he would consider nominating to theUS supreme court should he become president, in an effort to satisfy conservatives who fretted over the type of jurists the mercurial New Yorker might select.
After the death of Antonin Scalia, which set into motion an election-year battle for control of every branch of government, Republicans began to pressure Trump to prove his conservative credentials by releasing a list of judges he would consider for the vacancy.After the death of Antonin Scalia, which set into motion an election-year battle for control of every branch of government, Republicans began to pressure Trump to prove his conservative credentials by releasing a list of judges he would consider for the vacancy.
In a statement on Wednesday, Trump said the list of potential justices was “representative of the kind of constitutional principles I value” and said he would refer to the list as president to fill the vacancy left by Scalia and any other vacancy, should it occur during his presidency.In a statement on Wednesday, Trump said the list of potential justices was “representative of the kind of constitutional principles I value” and said he would refer to the list as president to fill the vacancy left by Scalia and any other vacancy, should it occur during his presidency.
The list of jurists includes Steven Colloton of Iowa, Allison Eid of Colorado, Raymond Gruender of Missouri, Thomas Hardiman of Pennsylvania, Raymond Kethledge of Michigan, Joan Larsen of Michigan, Thomas Lee of Utah, William Pryor of Alabama, David Stras of Minnesota, Diane Sykes of Wisconsin and Don Willett of Texas.The list of jurists includes Steven Colloton of Iowa, Allison Eid of Colorado, Raymond Gruender of Missouri, Thomas Hardiman of Pennsylvania, Raymond Kethledge of Michigan, Joan Larsen of Michigan, Thomas Lee of Utah, William Pryor of Alabama, David Stras of Minnesota, Diane Sykes of Wisconsin and Don Willett of Texas.
Among them, six are federal circuit judges and five are state supreme court justices, with records of conservative rulings. Trump’s list includes a handful of judges who rose to prominence during the George W Bush era, including Pryor, an appointee of the former president who has written that Roe v Wade “created – out of thin air – a constitutional right to murder an unborn child” and who has upheld a Georgia voter ID law.Among them, six are federal circuit judges and five are state supreme court justices, with records of conservative rulings. Trump’s list includes a handful of judges who rose to prominence during the George W Bush era, including Pryor, an appointee of the former president who has written that Roe v Wade “created – out of thin air – a constitutional right to murder an unborn child” and who has upheld a Georgia voter ID law.
Sykes, whom Trump had previously mentioned as a potential supreme court pick, ruled in favor of the state’s voter ID law and backed federal funding for anti-gay groups that engage in discrimination.Sykes, whom Trump had previously mentioned as a potential supreme court pick, ruled in favor of the state’s voter ID law and backed federal funding for anti-gay groups that engage in discrimination.
The breakout star of Trump’s shortlist was, almost immediately, Willett, the social media-savvy justice on Texas’s highest court. Honored as the state’s “tweeter laureate” thanks to his lively and humorous Twitter feed, the Republican justice has publicly joked about a Trump presidency and his ability to pick a supreme court nominee.The breakout star of Trump’s shortlist was, almost immediately, Willett, the social media-savvy justice on Texas’s highest court. Honored as the state’s “tweeter laureate” thanks to his lively and humorous Twitter feed, the Republican justice has publicly joked about a Trump presidency and his ability to pick a supreme court nominee.
Donald Trump haiku—Who would the DonaldName to #SCOTUS? The mind reels.*weeps—can't finish tweet* pic.twitter.com/a326AP0mN1Donald Trump haiku—Who would the DonaldName to #SCOTUS? The mind reels.*weeps—can't finish tweet* pic.twitter.com/a326AP0mN1
“Donald Trump haiku,” @JusticeWillett tweeted in June, months before Scalia’s death. “Who would the Donald / Name to #SCOTUS? /The mind reels. /*weeps—can’t finish tweet*”.“Donald Trump haiku,” @JusticeWillett tweeted in June, months before Scalia’s death. “Who would the Donald / Name to #SCOTUS? /The mind reels. /*weeps—can’t finish tweet*”.
He has made light of some of Trump’s most outlandish behavior. He defendedHeidi Cruz, the wife former presidential candidate Ted Cruz, after Trump threatened to “spill the beans”on her. “She’s fabulous,” he wrote, embellishing the tweet with fire emojis and a gif of Heidi Cruz wearing glasses. And last summer, after Trump gave out Senator Lindsey Graham’s cellphone number, Willett tweeted a photo of Kanye West with his finger over his lips, captioned: “That time Donald Trump tried to give Kanye my cell number.”He has made light of some of Trump’s most outlandish behavior. He defendedHeidi Cruz, the wife former presidential candidate Ted Cruz, after Trump threatened to “spill the beans”on her. “She’s fabulous,” he wrote, embellishing the tweet with fire emojis and a gif of Heidi Cruz wearing glasses. And last summer, after Trump gave out Senator Lindsey Graham’s cellphone number, Willett tweeted a photo of Kanye West with his finger over his lips, captioned: “That time Donald Trump tried to give Kanye my cell number.”
Cruz, who dropped out of the presidential race earlier this month, repeatedly accused Trump of not being a “true conservative” and warned that as president, the real estate developer would appoint liberal judges to the supreme court. Seeking to mollify conservatives’ concerns, Trump in March said he would work with the conservative Heritage Foundation to help create a list of nominees. He added later that he’d pick a judge that “would look very seriously” at Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state.Cruz, who dropped out of the presidential race earlier this month, repeatedly accused Trump of not being a “true conservative” and warned that as president, the real estate developer would appoint liberal judges to the supreme court. Seeking to mollify conservatives’ concerns, Trump in March said he would work with the conservative Heritage Foundation to help create a list of nominees. He added later that he’d pick a judge that “would look very seriously” at Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state.
Clinton responded to Trump’s list with a tweet:Clinton responded to Trump’s list with a tweet:
You don't need to see who's on Trump's list to know what his Supreme Court would look like. pic.twitter.com/HMWqUMSBIYYou don't need to see who's on Trump's list to know what his Supreme Court would look like. pic.twitter.com/HMWqUMSBIY
The death of Scalia was a stark reminder that that the next president is likely to significantly reshape the nation’s highest court. On the campaign trail, the presidential candidates have embraced the argument, telling voters that the next president will make “at least one” and as many as four appointments to the court over the next eight years.The death of Scalia was a stark reminder that that the next president is likely to significantly reshape the nation’s highest court. On the campaign trail, the presidential candidates have embraced the argument, telling voters that the next president will make “at least one” and as many as four appointments to the court over the next eight years.
Trump supports the Senate’s blockade against Barack Obama’s nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, the chief judge of the US court of appeals for the District of Columbia circuit.Trump supports the Senate’s blockade against Barack Obama’s nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, the chief judge of the US court of appeals for the District of Columbia circuit.
The Democratic candidates, Clinton and Bernie Sanders, have accused Senate Republicans of subverting the president’s authority by refusing to hold hearings on the nominee. Republicans have countered that it is inappropriate for a president to make a lifetime appointment in the twilight of his presidency.The Democratic candidates, Clinton and Bernie Sanders, have accused Senate Republicans of subverting the president’s authority by refusing to hold hearings on the nominee. Republicans have countered that it is inappropriate for a president to make a lifetime appointment in the twilight of his presidency.
In the statement, Trump also remembered Scalia, the leading conservative voice on the court, as a “remarkable person and brilliant supreme court justice”.In the statement, Trump also remembered Scalia, the leading conservative voice on the court, as a “remarkable person and brilliant supreme court justice”.
“His career was defined by his reverence for the constitution and his legacy of protecting Americans’ most cherished freedoms,” Trump said. “He was a justice who did not believe in legislating from the bench and he is a person whom I held in the highest regard and will always greatly respect his intelligence and conviction to uphold the constitution of our country.”“His career was defined by his reverence for the constitution and his legacy of protecting Americans’ most cherished freedoms,” Trump said. “He was a justice who did not believe in legislating from the bench and he is a person whom I held in the highest regard and will always greatly respect his intelligence and conviction to uphold the constitution of our country.”
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Fox News poll: Donald Trump tops Hillary ClintonFox News poll: Donald Trump tops Hillary Clinton
Do you hear that ringing sound in your ears? That’s the poll klaxon going off at Hillary Clinton’s Brooklyn headquarters, because a new Fox News poll just released this evening shows presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump beating her in a head-to-head matchup among registered voters nationwide.Do you hear that ringing sound in your ears? That’s the poll klaxon going off at Hillary Clinton’s Brooklyn headquarters, because a new Fox News poll just released this evening shows presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump beating her in a head-to-head matchup among registered voters nationwide.
According to the poll, Trump garners the support of 45% of the electorate, compared to Clinton’s 42%, with a 4% margin of error. The same poll showed Clinton beating Trump 48% to 41% just last month.According to the poll, Trump garners the support of 45% of the electorate, compared to Clinton’s 42%, with a 4% margin of error. The same poll showed Clinton beating Trump 48% to 41% just last month.
Although Clinton leads among female voters by 14 points, 50% to 36%, Trump dominates among male voters, with a massive 22-point margin, 55% to 33%.Although Clinton leads among female voters by 14 points, 50% to 36%, Trump dominates among male voters, with a massive 22-point margin, 55% to 33%.
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Bernie Sanders accepts Fox News debate invitationBernie Sanders accepts Fox News debate invitation
Vermont senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has accepted an offer from Fox News to engage in a debate in California this month, in what would be the first Democratic primary debate on the conservative-leaning network in more than a decade.Vermont senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has accepted an offer from Fox News to engage in a debate in California this month, in what would be the first Democratic primary debate on the conservative-leaning network in more than a decade.
Now he just needs to get his opponent to agree.Now he just needs to get his opponent to agree.
The Sanders campaign is pushing for Hillary Clinton to agree to the debate, with campaign manager Jeff Weaver writing in a statement that “we hope Secretary Clinton will soon make good on her campaign’s commitment and agree to a time and place for a debate.”The Sanders campaign is pushing for Hillary Clinton to agree to the debate, with campaign manager Jeff Weaver writing in a statement that “we hope Secretary Clinton will soon make good on her campaign’s commitment and agree to a time and place for a debate.”
“There are issues of enormous importance facing the people of California and our nation and the people of our largest state deserve to hear the Democratic candidates [sic] opinions.”“There are issues of enormous importance facing the people of California and our nation and the people of our largest state deserve to hear the Democratic candidates [sic] opinions.”
The Clinton campaign has not yet responded to a request for comment on whether the former secretary of state will participate in the debate.The Clinton campaign has not yet responded to a request for comment on whether the former secretary of state will participate in the debate.
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Donald Trump to reach out to Latino evangelicalsDonald Trump to reach out to Latino evangelicals
The candidate perhaps best known for wanting to build walls is hoping to mend fences with Latino voters, after a brutal primary season in which he stereotyped, slurred and otherwise alienated the demographic to the point of an 87% disapproval rating.The candidate perhaps best known for wanting to build walls is hoping to mend fences with Latino voters, after a brutal primary season in which he stereotyped, slurred and otherwise alienated the demographic to the point of an 87% disapproval rating.
Happy #CincoDeMayo! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics! https://t.co/ufoTeQd8yA pic.twitter.com/k01Mc6CuDIHappy #CincoDeMayo! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics! https://t.co/ufoTeQd8yA pic.twitter.com/k01Mc6CuDI
Donald Trump, Bloomberg reports, will address a conference of Latino evangelical Christians via prerecorded video this weekend, the most direct overture the candidate has yet made to a cohort that he has insisted will vote for him in droves in the general election. The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference is the largest such gathering in the country, and one Trump hopes will be amenable to a message highlighting newfound social conservative positions.Donald Trump, Bloomberg reports, will address a conference of Latino evangelical Christians via prerecorded video this weekend, the most direct overture the candidate has yet made to a cohort that he has insisted will vote for him in droves in the general election. The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference is the largest such gathering in the country, and one Trump hopes will be amenable to a message highlighting newfound social conservative positions.
The inclusion of Trump’s remarks, however, is not an endorsement of the candidate, according to Samuel Rodriguez, the conference’s president.The inclusion of Trump’s remarks, however, is not an endorsement of the candidate, according to Samuel Rodriguez, the conference’s president.
“I have said before, that while I will not endorse any candidate, I will continue to seek the candidates’ endorsement of a pro-life, pro-family, religious liberty, immigration reform agenda, which is of utmost importance to Latino evangelical voters,” Rodriguez told Bloomberg. “He must redeem the narrative with Latinos, and in particular people of faith committed to the aforementioned values.”“I have said before, that while I will not endorse any candidate, I will continue to seek the candidates’ endorsement of a pro-life, pro-family, religious liberty, immigration reform agenda, which is of utmost importance to Latino evangelical voters,” Rodriguez told Bloomberg. “He must redeem the narrative with Latinos, and in particular people of faith committed to the aforementioned values.”
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A sizable majority of voters are angling for an independent candidate to make a run for the White House, a strong rebuke of two of the most historically unpopular presumptive nominees in modern American history.A sizable majority of voters are angling for an independent candidate to make a run for the White House, a strong rebuke of two of the most historically unpopular presumptive nominees in modern American history.
According to a new poll from DataTargeting, a Florida market-research outfit, 55% of voters want an independent candidate to take on Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, including a massive 91% of voters under the age of 29. Even more voters - 65% - say they’d be willing to consider voting for such a candidate.According to a new poll from DataTargeting, a Florida market-research outfit, 55% of voters want an independent candidate to take on Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, including a massive 91% of voters under the age of 29. Even more voters - 65% - say they’d be willing to consider voting for such a candidate.
Part of the reason behind the openness to a third-party candidate: Record levels of dissatisfaction with the two likely nominees.Part of the reason behind the openness to a third-party candidate: Record levels of dissatisfaction with the two likely nominees.
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David SmithDavid Smith
A mock confirmation hearing for Merrick Garland, the president’s nominee for the supreme court, had a lopsided appearance as eight Senate Democrats took their places but not one of their political opponents showed up.A mock confirmation hearing for Merrick Garland, the president’s nominee for the supreme court, had a lopsided appearance as eight Senate Democrats took their places but not one of their political opponents showed up.
But if the hour-long stunt was aimed at embarrassing Republicans into finally holding a real hearing for Garland, who has been in limbo for 63 days, that party’s response suggests they are likely to be disappointed.But if the hour-long stunt was aimed at embarrassing Republicans into finally holding a real hearing for Garland, who has been in limbo for 63 days, that party’s response suggests they are likely to be disappointed.
Democrat Patrick Leahy, ranking member of the Senate judiciary committee, chaired the meeting in a packed room on Capitol Hill and called on four witnesses to testify about Garland and the consequences of not filling the supreme court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February. Garland himself was not present.Democrat Patrick Leahy, ranking member of the Senate judiciary committee, chaired the meeting in a packed room on Capitol Hill and called on four witnesses to testify about Garland and the consequences of not filling the supreme court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February. Garland himself was not present.
Former judge Timothy Lewis, who was appointed to the US court of appeals for the third circuit by President George H W Bush, testified that his confirmation in October 1992 by a Democratically-controlled Senate made him “living proof” that a Senate controlled by one party can confirm an opposing party’s nominee to an appellate court in a presidential election year.Former judge Timothy Lewis, who was appointed to the US court of appeals for the third circuit by President George H W Bush, testified that his confirmation in October 1992 by a Democratically-controlled Senate made him “living proof” that a Senate controlled by one party can confirm an opposing party’s nominee to an appellate court in a presidential election year.
Lewis powerfully contrasted Monday’s supreme court non-decision to return a high-profile dispute over access to birth control to lower courts with the landmark 1954 Brown v Board of Education ruling that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. He worried that, split between four conservatives and four liberals, today’s court would have tripped up on Brown v Board of Education, leaving different rules in place in different parts of the country.Lewis powerfully contrasted Monday’s supreme court non-decision to return a high-profile dispute over access to birth control to lower courts with the landmark 1954 Brown v Board of Education ruling that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. He worried that, split between four conservatives and four liberals, today’s court would have tripped up on Brown v Board of Education, leaving different rules in place in different parts of the country.
“Think about the implications for the nation if that case on Monday was Brown versus Board of Education,” he told the half-panel. “Think about that. As an African American and as someone who is, and has always been, committed to issues of social justice and civil rights, I can’t help but think about that and I can’t help but think about it in the context of other cases that are bound to come up through the court during this period.“Think about the implications for the nation if that case on Monday was Brown versus Board of Education,” he told the half-panel. “Think about that. As an African American and as someone who is, and has always been, committed to issues of social justice and civil rights, I can’t help but think about that and I can’t help but think about it in the context of other cases that are bound to come up through the court during this period.
“These are matters that should be of critical importance to all of us on both sides of the aisle. The future really is at stake … elections matter. The duly elected president of the United States has nominated a highly qualified person to a position of great importance. That matters. Not the future president; this president, with almost a year left, nominated Merrick Garland to this position. Elections matter, decisions matter.”“These are matters that should be of critical importance to all of us on both sides of the aisle. The future really is at stake … elections matter. The duly elected president of the United States has nominated a highly qualified person to a position of great importance. That matters. Not the future president; this president, with almost a year left, nominated Merrick Garland to this position. Elections matter, decisions matter.”
Related: Mock hearing for Merrick Garland yields disappointing Republican responseRelated: Mock hearing for Merrick Garland yields disappointing Republican response
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Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs has more on Donald Trump’s most recent financial declaration, which reveals that he holds bonds in companies he has attacked.The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs has more on Donald Trump’s most recent financial declaration, which reveals that he holds bonds in companies he has attacked.
The filing demonstrates a number of interesting investments by Trump. Despite his frequent tirades against Oreo cookies for moving some production to Mexico and his pledge to boycott the popular cookie, Trump earned between $5,000 and $15,000 in interest on bonds in Mondelez, the holding company which owns Oreo. Trump also earned between $2,500 and $5,000 in interest in bonds in United Technologies Corporation, the owner of Carrier Air Conditioning. On the campaign trail in Indiana, Trump repeatedly attacked Carrier for moving manufacturing jobs overseas and out of the state.The filing demonstrates a number of interesting investments by Trump. Despite his frequent tirades against Oreo cookies for moving some production to Mexico and his pledge to boycott the popular cookie, Trump earned between $5,000 and $15,000 in interest on bonds in Mondelez, the holding company which owns Oreo. Trump also earned between $2,500 and $5,000 in interest in bonds in United Technologies Corporation, the owner of Carrier Air Conditioning. On the campaign trail in Indiana, Trump repeatedly attacked Carrier for moving manufacturing jobs overseas and out of the state.
Trump also made significant sums of money from the 16 books he has authored. His newest tome, Crippled America, earned the presumptive nominee between $1m and $5m, while The Art Of The Deal – which Trump has called his second favorite book after the Bible – netted him between $50,000 and $100,000.Trump also made significant sums of money from the 16 books he has authored. His newest tome, Crippled America, earned the presumptive nominee between $1m and $5m, while The Art Of The Deal – which Trump has called his second favorite book after the Bible – netted him between $50,000 and $100,000.
The real estate mogul also reported that he made $49.3m from selling his share of the Miss Universe pageant as well as earning nearly $30m from his ownership of the Mar A Lago resort in Palm Beach.The real estate mogul also reported that he made $49.3m from selling his share of the Miss Universe pageant as well as earning nearly $30m from his ownership of the Mar A Lago resort in Palm Beach.
Trump also had to list all 564 positions he holds outside the United States government, all linked to being President of Trump ICE LLC and president, director and chairman of Trump World Productions.Trump also had to list all 564 positions he holds outside the United States government, all linked to being President of Trump ICE LLC and president, director and chairman of Trump World Productions.
Related: Trump financial declaration reveals he holds bonds in companies he attackedRelated: Trump financial declaration reveals he holds bonds in companies he attacked
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Our cup runneth over with anti-Donald Trump tweets from Texas supreme court justice Don Willett, who really, really seems disinterested in serving as a supreme court nominee under the hypothetical Trump administration.Our cup runneth over with anti-Donald Trump tweets from Texas supreme court justice Don Willett, who really, really seems disinterested in serving as a supreme court nominee under the hypothetical Trump administration.
"I just want to thank my coaches at Trump University summer basketball camp."—Kris Jenkins #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/Xrvk79ViWO"I just want to thank my coaches at Trump University summer basketball camp."—Kris Jenkins #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/Xrvk79ViWO
Low-energy Trump University has never made it to #MarchMadness. Or even to the #NIT. Sad! 🏀 pic.twitter.com/DWcfJOZkPuLow-energy Trump University has never made it to #MarchMadness. Or even to the #NIT. Sad! 🏀 pic.twitter.com/DWcfJOZkPu