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Clinton says Trump poses 'immediate dangers' to the US – campaign live Clinton says Trump poses 'immediate dangers' to the US – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
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SummarySummary
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Barack Obama’s longtime speechwriter Jon Favreau chimes in on the string of polls that seem to bode so poorly for Hillary Clinton at this early stage of a de facto general election.Barack Obama’s longtime speechwriter Jon Favreau chimes in on the string of polls that seem to bode so poorly for Hillary Clinton at this early stage of a de facto general election.
Hillary will get a unity bump once Sanders is gone, but either way, the very high percentage of Republicans backing Trump is...depressing.Hillary will get a unity bump once Sanders is gone, but either way, the very high percentage of Republicans backing Trump is...depressing.
And ABC News and the Washington Post find yet one more grim detail for the Clinton campaign.And ABC News and the Washington Post find yet one more grim detail for the Clinton campaign.
New @ABC/WaPo poll finds 20% of Sanders supporters say they'd back Trump over Clinton https://t.co/M0TzTMeq2W pic.twitter.com/fBSARIaQiiNew @ABC/WaPo poll finds 20% of Sanders supporters say they'd back Trump over Clinton https://t.co/M0TzTMeq2W pic.twitter.com/fBSARIaQii
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FiveThirtyEight’s senior political analyst breaks down the new polls that show Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton extremely close in a general election …FiveThirtyEight’s senior political analyst breaks down the new polls that show Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton extremely close in a general election …
Could Trump win? You betcha. Will he win? Probably not. Would I make any ice bucket challenges about it? No. Am I near 140 characters? Yes.Could Trump win? You betcha. Will he win? Probably not. Would I make any ice bucket challenges about it? No. Am I near 140 characters? Yes.
… and the truly daunting challenge Clinton faces at bringing in many Sanders supporters …… and the truly daunting challenge Clinton faces at bringing in many Sanders supporters …
Great breakdown by the NBC/WSJ poll here (Clinton +3 overall). Lots of Sanders holdouts from Clinton right now pic.twitter.com/hohXAyoR96Great breakdown by the NBC/WSJ poll here (Clinton +3 overall). Lots of Sanders holdouts from Clinton right now pic.twitter.com/hohXAyoR96
… while Real Clear Politics’ senior analyst tweets his own take.… while Real Clear Politics’ senior analyst tweets his own take.
We can rationalize it or explain it away however we want, but we did a lot of that in the primary as well. 2/We can rationalize it or explain it away however we want, but we did a lot of that in the primary as well. 2/
So it's probably time to panic.So it's probably time to panic.
Harry also notes: “Clinton has led in 12 polls since Trump clinched the nomination, Trump has led in three of them.”Harry also notes: “Clinton has led in 12 polls since Trump clinched the nomination, Trump has led in three of them.”
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Sanders fundraises against Democrat leaderSanders fundraises against Democrat leader
Bernie Sanders has not only endorsed the primary opponent of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, but has also begun fundraising for him.Bernie Sanders has not only endorsed the primary opponent of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, but has also begun fundraising for him.
Sanders said that if elected he would not re-appoint Wasserman-Schultz to the position.Sanders said that if elected he would not re-appoint Wasserman-Schultz to the position.
The fundraising email reads:The fundraising email reads:
“The political revolution is not just about electing a president. We need a Congress with members who believe, liek Bernie, that we cannot change a corrupt system by taking its money.“The political revolution is not just about electing a president. We need a Congress with members who believe, liek Bernie, that we cannot change a corrupt system by taking its money.
So let me introduce you to Tim Canova, a progressive challenger who is running against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in a Democratic primary in Florida this year.So let me introduce you to Tim Canova, a progressive challenger who is running against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in a Democratic primary in Florida this year.
Tim endorsed Bernie’s presidential campaign, and was inspired to run because of Wasserman Schultz’ support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. His campaign is funded like ours by lots of people giving small amounts of money.Tim endorsed Bernie’s presidential campaign, and was inspired to run because of Wasserman Schultz’ support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. His campaign is funded like ours by lots of people giving small amounts of money.
And on issues like taking on Wall Street, making tuition free at public colleges, and reforming our broken campaign finance system, he is someone you can be proud to support. That’s why Bernie is endorsing Tim’s campaign, and why we’re proud to ask:And on issues like taking on Wall Street, making tuition free at public colleges, and reforming our broken campaign finance system, he is someone you can be proud to support. That’s why Bernie is endorsing Tim’s campaign, and why we’re proud to ask:
Splitting a contribution between Bernie 2016 and Tim Canova for Congress will help elect progressives up and down the ballot while sending an UNMISTAKABLE [sic] message about our political revolution’s commitment to electing candidates who share our values.Splitting a contribution between Bernie 2016 and Tim Canova for Congress will help elect progressives up and down the ballot while sending an UNMISTAKABLE [sic] message about our political revolution’s commitment to electing candidates who share our values.
Wasserman-Schultz has released a statement on Sanders’ opposition to her.Wasserman-Schultz has released a statement on Sanders’ opposition to her.
“Even though Senator Sanders has endorsed my opponent I remain, as I have been from the beginning, neutral in the Presidential Democratic primary,” she said. “I look forward to working together with him for Democratic victories in the fall.”“Even though Senator Sanders has endorsed my opponent I remain, as I have been from the beginning, neutral in the Presidential Democratic primary,” she said. “I look forward to working together with him for Democratic victories in the fall.”
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The duo who lead FiveThirtyEight’s political stats coverage take note about those polls that show Donald Trump in a dead heat with Hillary Clinton in Ohio, Florida and even nationally.The duo who lead FiveThirtyEight’s political stats coverage take note about those polls that show Donald Trump in a dead heat with Hillary Clinton in Ohio, Florida and even nationally.
Wise words. Wise words from a man named Nathaniel Read. pic.twitter.com/ptSeHFWVOMWise words. Wise words from a man named Nathaniel Read. pic.twitter.com/ptSeHFWVOM
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Lois BeckettLois Beckett
The National Rifle Association refused to issue the Guardian US with accreditation for its annual convention, but my colleague Lois Beckett is in Louisville and covering the NRA’s annual meeting nonetheless. Only a day after the group endorsed Donald Trump for president, its chief lobbyist praised Bernie Sanders for his stance on lawsuits against gunmakers.The National Rifle Association refused to issue the Guardian US with accreditation for its annual convention, but my colleague Lois Beckett is in Louisville and covering the NRA’s annual meeting nonetheless. Only a day after the group endorsed Donald Trump for president, its chief lobbyist praised Bernie Sanders for his stance on lawsuits against gunmakers.
During a March debate in Michigan, Sanders said: “If you go to a gun store and you legally purchase a gun, and then, three days later, if you go out and start killing people, is the point of this lawsuit to hold the gun shop owner or the manufacturer of that gun liable?During a March debate in Michigan, Sanders said: “If you go to a gun store and you legally purchase a gun, and then, three days later, if you go out and start killing people, is the point of this lawsuit to hold the gun shop owner or the manufacturer of that gun liable?
“If they are selling a product to a person who buys it legally, what you’re really talking about is ending gun manufacturing in America. I don’t agree with that.”“If they are selling a product to a person who buys it legally, what you’re really talking about is ending gun manufacturing in America. I don’t agree with that.”
A hall full of NRA members gave the clip a smattering of applause. To laughter, Chris Cox, head of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, said: “I don’t say this often … OK, fine, I’ve never said it. But Bernie’s right.A hall full of NRA members gave the clip a smattering of applause. To laughter, Chris Cox, head of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, said: “I don’t say this often … OK, fine, I’ve never said it. But Bernie’s right.
“Holding gun manufacturers liable for the acts of madmen and terrorists will put them out of business overnight.”“Holding gun manufacturers liable for the acts of madmen and terrorists will put them out of business overnight.”
Cox said Clinton’s support of lawsuits against gun companies was a “backdoor” attempt to ban guns by “suing gun manufacturers into bankruptcy”.Cox said Clinton’s support of lawsuits against gun companies was a “backdoor” attempt to ban guns by “suing gun manufacturers into bankruptcy”.
Earlier this year, Sanders suggested that a lawsuit against the companies that sold a gun used in the 2012 Newtown school shooting was “a backdoor way” to ban assault weapons.Earlier this year, Sanders suggested that a lawsuit against the companies that sold a gun used in the 2012 Newtown school shooting was “a backdoor way” to ban assault weapons.
Family members of the 20 children and six adults who died at Sandy Hook elementary school are suing the manufacturer, distributor and dealer of the military-style Bushmaster rifle that was used. Lawyers for the families argue the companies were negligent in selling a dangerous weapon to the general public, and that macho advertising may be designed to target insecure, powerless young men.Family members of the 20 children and six adults who died at Sandy Hook elementary school are suing the manufacturer, distributor and dealer of the military-style Bushmaster rifle that was used. Lawyers for the families argue the companies were negligent in selling a dangerous weapon to the general public, and that macho advertising may be designed to target insecure, powerless young men.
The gun companies in the suit say that they are protected by the 2005 federal shield law that Sanders supported, and that the Sandy Hook tragedy had nothing to do with the type of weapon used, which was legally purchased by the gunman’s mother.The gun companies in the suit say that they are protected by the 2005 federal shield law that Sanders supported, and that the Sandy Hook tragedy had nothing to do with the type of weapon used, which was legally purchased by the gunman’s mother.
The Clinton campaign has highlighted the case, and she has won endorsement from some family members of victims from Sandy Hook victims and other mass shootings.The Clinton campaign has highlighted the case, and she has won endorsement from some family members of victims from Sandy Hook victims and other mass shootings.
The Sandy Hook families have won a series of small technical victories in recent months, with a Connecticut judge ruling in early May that gun companies should begin the discovery process. Whether the case can move forward despite the federal shield law will be decided in October.The Sandy Hook families have won a series of small technical victories in recent months, with a Connecticut judge ruling in early May that gun companies should begin the discovery process. Whether the case can move forward despite the federal shield law will be decided in October.
Sanders backed off from his support of the 2005 shield law earlier this year, with his campaign saying he would now support a repeal. But as Clinton and some family members of Sandy Hook victims have criticized his stance on the gun industry, he has repeated his support for the central tenet of the law: that gun companies should not be held responsible if they sell a gun lawfully and it is later used in a crime.Sanders backed off from his support of the 2005 shield law earlier this year, with his campaign saying he would now support a repeal. But as Clinton and some family members of Sandy Hook victims have criticized his stance on the gun industry, he has repeated his support for the central tenet of the law: that gun companies should not be held responsible if they sell a gun lawfully and it is later used in a crime.
Cox told NRA members that Clinton’s support for lawsuits against gun companies had nothing to do with safety “and everything to do with banning your guns”.Cox told NRA members that Clinton’s support for lawsuits against gun companies had nothing to do with safety “and everything to do with banning your guns”.
“When a criminal knocks out a convenience store clerk with a baseball bat, you don’t sue Louisville Slugger,” he said.“When a criminal knocks out a convenience store clerk with a baseball bat, you don’t sue Louisville Slugger,” he said.
Related: NRA lobbyist: 'Bernie's right' about lawsuits against gunmakersRelated: NRA lobbyist: 'Bernie's right' about lawsuits against gunmakers
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Republican reconciliation.Republican reconciliation.
.@realDonaldTrump Let me hasten to admit: I underestimated your skills as a demagogue and the credulity of some of the American public..@realDonaldTrump Let me hasten to admit: I underestimated your skills as a demagogue and the credulity of some of the American public.
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Earlier this morning Hillary Clinton said she puts no weight on polls so early into an election – technically still a primary – a point her campaign will broadcast loud and clear, if also a little reluctantly, whenever anyone points out a string of new polls.Earlier this morning Hillary Clinton said she puts no weight on polls so early into an election – technically still a primary – a point her campaign will broadcast loud and clear, if also a little reluctantly, whenever anyone points out a string of new polls.
Trump now leads Clinton in the RCP average for the first time. pic.twitter.com/VQGKxi2tKnTrump now leads Clinton in the RCP average for the first time. pic.twitter.com/VQGKxi2tKn
New Wa Po/ABC poll shows Trump/Clinton with identical favorable/unfavorable numbers: https://t.co/XPoowQ9wjG pic.twitter.com/YG9nTKWjHgNew Wa Po/ABC poll shows Trump/Clinton with identical favorable/unfavorable numbers: https://t.co/XPoowQ9wjG pic.twitter.com/YG9nTKWjHg
Donald Trump, meanwhile, has done this.Donald Trump, meanwhile, has done this.
Trump seemed almost frightened, confused: "Now they're remaking Ghostbusters with only women! What's going on!?" pic.twitter.com/fcZk5Fs4cQTrump seemed almost frightened, confused: "Now they're remaking Ghostbusters with only women! What's going on!?" pic.twitter.com/fcZk5Fs4cQ
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Cuban: unthinking Trump is 'scary'Cuban: unthinking Trump is 'scary'
Finally, Todd asks Cuban whether he’d be interested in running as anyone’s vice-presidential candidate. Clinton, for instance?Finally, Todd asks Cuban whether he’d be interested in running as anyone’s vice-presidential candidate. Clinton, for instance?
“Absolutely,” Cuban says. “But the key would be that she’d have to go more to center.“Absolutely,” Cuban says. “But the key would be that she’d have to go more to center.
“I like the fact that Senator Clinton has thought out proposals. That’s a good thing because at least we get to see exactly where she stands. But I think Senator Sanders has dragged her a little bit too far to the left. Things like college tuition and, you know, other business elements that really I think could hurt the economy.“I like the fact that Senator Clinton has thought out proposals. That’s a good thing because at least we get to see exactly where she stands. But I think Senator Sanders has dragged her a little bit too far to the left. Things like college tuition and, you know, other business elements that really I think could hurt the economy.
If she’s willing to listen, if she’s willing to, you know, hear other sides of things, then I’m wide open to discussing it.If she’s willing to listen, if she’s willing to, you know, hear other sides of things, then I’m wide open to discussing it.
What about Trump?What about Trump?
Same, Cuban says, calling himself “fiercely independent”. And it’s that lack of independence that he finds “scary” about Trump.Same, Cuban says, calling himself “fiercely independent”. And it’s that lack of independence that he finds “scary” about Trump.
“I’d have the same conversation for Donald. I think Donald has a real chance to win, and that’s scary to a lot of people. But what’s scary about it to me is that you can see him now trying to do what he thinks is right to unify the party.“I’d have the same conversation for Donald. I think Donald has a real chance to win, and that’s scary to a lot of people. But what’s scary about it to me is that you can see him now trying to do what he thinks is right to unify the party.
And he’s listening to everybody, which is fine on the surface. But what’s also happening is it’s coming across as if he’s proposing things based off the last person he talks to.And he’s listening to everybody, which is fine on the surface. But what’s also happening is it’s coming across as if he’s proposing things based off the last person he talks to.
He uses the supreme court vacancy as an example, noting Trump’s list of 11 judges – one of whom frequently mocks Trump on Twitter. “I bet you if you asked him about any one of them and then to discuss any one of their findings, he wouldn’t be able to do it,” Cuban says. “And to me, that’s a problem.”He uses the supreme court vacancy as an example, noting Trump’s list of 11 judges – one of whom frequently mocks Trump on Twitter. “I bet you if you asked him about any one of them and then to discuss any one of their findings, he wouldn’t be able to do it,” Cuban says. “And to me, that’s a problem.”
And so if he asked me, I’d be, like, “Okay, Donald. That’s great. Let’s talk about it. But we’re both going to have to dig in and really look and understand the issues so we can come up with solutions.”And so if he asked me, I’d be, like, “Okay, Donald. That’s great. Let’s talk about it. But we’re both going to have to dig in and really look and understand the issues so we can come up with solutions.”
Finally he talks about temperament, noting that he’ll throw a temper tantrum during a basketball game and scream it out, “but the other 23 hours a day or 22 hours a day, what you see now has always been my temperament.”Finally he talks about temperament, noting that he’ll throw a temper tantrum during a basketball game and scream it out, “but the other 23 hours a day or 22 hours a day, what you see now has always been my temperament.”
“With Donald, could he change? You know, it’s possible for anybody to change. But, you know, I just don’t see evidence that he wants to change. I think he’s trying to do what he thinks is the right thing right now. But there’s just so much coming at him at once, he’s looking for shortcuts. And this is just not a job where there’re shortcuts.”“With Donald, could he change? You know, it’s possible for anybody to change. But, you know, I just don’t see evidence that he wants to change. I think he’s trying to do what he thinks is the right thing right now. But there’s just so much coming at him at once, he’s looking for shortcuts. And this is just not a job where there’re shortcuts.”
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“Assess the Obama presidency,” Chuck Todd commands Mark Cuban.“Assess the Obama presidency,” Chuck Todd commands Mark Cuban.
“I think he’s done a lot of good things, contrary to what some think,” he says. “I think he’s made a lot of mistakes as well.”“I think he’s done a lot of good things, contrary to what some think,” he says. “I think he’s made a lot of mistakes as well.”
Todd asks what the president’s healthcare act has done for Cuban’s businesses. The billionaire says it hasn’t made a much of a difference for his companies, though it has done more for others.Todd asks what the president’s healthcare act has done for Cuban’s businesses. The billionaire says it hasn’t made a much of a difference for his companies, though it has done more for others.
“From an entrepreneur’s perspective, it’s given entrepreneurs the chance to leave jobs they were stuck in and get insurance where they otherwise might not have had it. And really, to me, what it’s accomplished, I have a saying that I live by in a lot of my thinking. It’s called the risk doesn’t lead the systems.“From an entrepreneur’s perspective, it’s given entrepreneurs the chance to leave jobs they were stuck in and get insurance where they otherwise might not have had it. And really, to me, what it’s accomplished, I have a saying that I live by in a lot of my thinking. It’s called the risk doesn’t lead the systems.
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Basketball billionaire Mark Cuban is next up on NBC, a guest of host Chuck Todd because he was reportedly the object of some Republicans’ desire for a third-party, non-Trump campaign.Basketball billionaire Mark Cuban is next up on NBC, a guest of host Chuck Todd because he was reportedly the object of some Republicans’ desire for a third-party, non-Trump campaign.
Todd asks whether Cuban still believes, as he said last year, that Trump is “a great thing for politics” and good for the US.Todd asks whether Cuban still believes, as he said last year, that Trump is “a great thing for politics” and good for the US.
“In some respects, yeah,” Cuban says. “On a longer term basis, absolutely. I think he’s opened the door to non-traditional candidates, which is a great thing. I think he’s taken out the traditional, you know, bullet points and political speak. That’s a good thing. But those are longer term issues.“In some respects, yeah,” Cuban says. “On a longer term basis, absolutely. I think he’s opened the door to non-traditional candidates, which is a great thing. I think he’s taken out the traditional, you know, bullet points and political speak. That’s a good thing. But those are longer term issues.
“In the short term, there’s a lot of divisiveness and a lot of uncertainty and that’s not necessarily a good thing.”“In the short term, there’s a lot of divisiveness and a lot of uncertainty and that’s not necessarily a good thing.”
The host asks then if Cuban is thinking about getting in the game. “Well, it’s certainly more of a consideration than it was,” Cuban replies, since “you don’t have to be the perfect Stepford candidate like you would’ve been in the past.”The host asks then if Cuban is thinking about getting in the game. “Well, it’s certainly more of a consideration than it was,” Cuban replies, since “you don’t have to be the perfect Stepford candidate like you would’ve been in the past.”
But he’s planning on getting involved anytime soon.But he’s planning on getting involved anytime soon.
It’s too late for this election. I mean, just to try to wing it, just to try to shake things up, you know, the law of unintended consequences tends to create a lot more problems than it solves.”It’s too late for this election. I mean, just to try to wing it, just to try to shake things up, you know, the law of unintended consequences tends to create a lot more problems than it solves.”
Cuban adds that he understands while Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York and a fellow billionaire, didn’t mount a third-party campaign.Cuban adds that he understands while Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York and a fellow billionaire, didn’t mount a third-party campaign.
If you don’t think you can win, then your decision making is impacted by that. It’s the same in sports, it’s the same in politics, it’s the same in business. If you don’t think you’re going to succeed, I think voters in this case would see right through it and see that that’s the case.If you don’t think you can win, then your decision making is impacted by that. It’s the same in sports, it’s the same in politics, it’s the same in business. If you don’t think you’re going to succeed, I think voters in this case would see right through it and see that that’s the case.
“So you can’t go into it not willing to do the work, not willing to grind. And so, you know, and it’s his choice to make.”“So you can’t go into it not willing to do the work, not willing to grind. And so, you know, and it’s his choice to make.”
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Sanders calls for open partySanders calls for open party
Sanders made one last appearance, on CBS’s Face the Nation with John Dickerson.Sanders made one last appearance, on CBS’s Face the Nation with John Dickerson.
Sanders makes a number of the same calls he voiced earlier today, saying that the Democratic party should aim to be as inclusive as possible. He describes the milieu of Hillary Clinton and her allies in the Democratic leadership as “such a different world” from that of his supporters.Sanders makes a number of the same calls he voiced earlier today, saying that the Democratic party should aim to be as inclusive as possible. He describes the milieu of Hillary Clinton and her allies in the Democratic leadership as “such a different world” from that of his supporters.
“It really is like two parallel universes,” he says, for people who attend “fancy dinners” and working class voters and young people.“It really is like two parallel universes,” he says, for people who attend “fancy dinners” and working class voters and young people.
Then he goes back to the calls that have girded his campaign from the start: taking on “the entire political establishment” the “financial establishment” and “the media establishment”.Then he goes back to the calls that have girded his campaign from the start: taking on “the entire political establishment” the “financial establishment” and “the media establishment”.
He admits that “if I were insulting somebody it would get a lot of attention”, but says “real attention” deserves to go to climate change and why the middle class is shrinking and wealth being siphoned off toward the wealthiest Americans and corporations.He admits that “if I were insulting somebody it would get a lot of attention”, but says “real attention” deserves to go to climate change and why the middle class is shrinking and wealth being siphoned off toward the wealthiest Americans and corporations.
But the only way Democrats can do this is by lowering the gates to the American people writ large, as his campaign has done with young people, he argues.But the only way Democrats can do this is by lowering the gates to the American people writ large, as his campaign has done with young people, he argues.
“That’s the kind of party we need to be, a vital party, of working people who are hurting, of young people who have a dream that this country can be greater, not just the party where we have our folks raising our money for wealthy people.”“That’s the kind of party we need to be, a vital party, of working people who are hurting, of young people who have a dream that this country can be greater, not just the party where we have our folks raising our money for wealthy people.”
“If you want votes you’ve got to talk to the needs of the people.”“If you want votes you’ve got to talk to the needs of the people.”
He says that he wants Democrats to adopt a platform that reflects working class needs, and to reform the primary. “I want changes in the rules of the Democratic primary process such that we have open primaries.”He says that he wants Democrats to adopt a platform that reflects working class needs, and to reform the primary. “I want changes in the rules of the Democratic primary process such that we have open primaries.”
“There’s a lot of work to be done whether or not I am the nominee.”“There’s a lot of work to be done whether or not I am the nominee.”
But he will not run a third-party campaign: “Donald Trump is a disaster and I will do everything, as candidate or not, that I can do to [stop him].”But he will not run a third-party campaign: “Donald Trump is a disaster and I will do everything, as candidate or not, that I can do to [stop him].”
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The next question about a running mate, or at least about what Clinton learned from when her husband chose Al Gore as his vice-presidential pick in 1992.The next question about a running mate, or at least about what Clinton learned from when her husband chose Al Gore as his vice-presidential pick in 1992.
“Well, the most important thing is to pick someone who you have absolute confidence in can be president,” she says.“Well, the most important thing is to pick someone who you have absolute confidence in can be president,” she says.
“That’s more important than any characteristic. And then someone you can work with.“That’s more important than any characteristic. And then someone you can work with.
Someone that you believe will be a good partner, not just to you, but to the rest of the government. Someone who can go around the country, as Joe Biden has done very well, and explaining and advocating for the policies of the Obama administration.”Someone that you believe will be a good partner, not just to you, but to the rest of the government. Someone who can go around the country, as Joe Biden has done very well, and explaining and advocating for the policies of the Obama administration.”
Todd: “Mark Cuban.”Todd: “Mark Cuban.”
He’s saying the basketball billionaire’s name because Cuban said he’d be open to running as somebody’s vice-presidential pick.He’s saying the basketball billionaire’s name because Cuban said he’d be open to running as somebody’s vice-presidential pick.
Clinton is noncommittal. “I think we should look widely and broadly. It’s not just people in elective office. It is successful business people. I am very interested in that. And I appreciate his openness to it.”Clinton is noncommittal. “I think we should look widely and broadly. It’s not just people in elective office. It is successful business people. I am very interested in that. And I appreciate his openness to it.”
She contrasts “successful business people who are really successful as opposed to pretend successful” – and we’re back to Trump. Clinton says he needs to release his tax returns.She contrasts “successful business people who are really successful as opposed to pretend successful” – and we’re back to Trump. Clinton says he needs to release his tax returns.
“The only two we have show that he hasn’t paid a penny in taxes. And yet he goes around talking about ‘Make America great.’ You know? That means paying for our military. That means paying for our roads. That means paying for the VA.“The only two we have show that he hasn’t paid a penny in taxes. And yet he goes around talking about ‘Make America great.’ You know? That means paying for our military. That means paying for our roads. That means paying for the VA.
“That means a lot of things. And if you’ve got someone running for president who’s afraid to release his tax returns, because it will expose the fact that he pays no federal income tax, I think that’s a big problem.”“That means a lot of things. And if you’ve got someone running for president who’s afraid to release his tax returns, because it will expose the fact that he pays no federal income tax, I think that’s a big problem.”
But Todd asks whether there’s anything worth praising about Trump at all.But Todd asks whether there’s anything worth praising about Trump at all.
“We’ll find out,” Clinton says. “Because we have to get below the hype. We have to find what the reality is.”“We’ll find out,” Clinton says. “Because we have to get below the hype. We have to find what the reality is.”
Do we really not know that yet?Do we really not know that yet?
Clinton: “I don’t think the country knows it.”Clinton: “I don’t think the country knows it.”
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Clinton defends the 90sClinton defends the 90s
Todd asks Clinton what she meant when she said she would make her husband, Bill, an adviser on economic issues. What did she mean?Todd asks Clinton what she meant when she said she would make her husband, Bill, an adviser on economic issues. What did she mean?
Clinton says “there are parts of our country that have been left out and left behind for too long,” using West Virginia and Kentucky as examples.Clinton says “there are parts of our country that have been left out and left behind for too long,” using West Virginia and Kentucky as examples.
“I am going to ask my husband, who has a great track record in creating jobs, putting people to work, revitalizing communities, to be in an advisory role working with me, working with our cabinet, to try to figure out what we can do.”“I am going to ask my husband, who has a great track record in creating jobs, putting people to work, revitalizing communities, to be in an advisory role working with me, working with our cabinet, to try to figure out what we can do.”
“You know, every first lady has taken on special projects. And I think my husband’s understanding of how to get this economy moving in places that have been left behind will be incredibly valuable.”“You know, every first lady has taken on special projects. And I think my husband’s understanding of how to get this economy moving in places that have been left behind will be incredibly valuable.”
Todd points out that Clinton has a rather mixed – or at least highly debated – economic legacy, for instance deregulating Wall Street and signing free trade deals.Todd points out that Clinton has a rather mixed – or at least highly debated – economic legacy, for instance deregulating Wall Street and signing free trade deals.
She defends her the former president, saying Trump and Sanders are “not running against 23 million new jobs. They’re not running against incomes going up for every American, not just those at the top. They’re not running against median family income going up 17%, and for African-Americans 33%, and living more people out of poverty. And ending up with a balanced budget and a surplus.”She defends her the former president, saying Trump and Sanders are “not running against 23 million new jobs. They’re not running against incomes going up for every American, not just those at the top. They’re not running against median family income going up 17%, and for African-Americans 33%, and living more people out of poverty. And ending up with a balanced budget and a surplus.”
But she now says she wants to renegotiate the Nafta trade deal, and opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Barack Obama supports. But the 90s were great, she insists.But she now says she wants to renegotiate the Nafta trade deal, and opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Barack Obama supports. But the 90s were great, she insists.
“But I ask people, when you criticize the 90s, what do they criticize? The peace, or the prosperity? Because I think a lot of Americans, as I travel around the country, think of that as being a time when they thought they were getting ahead. Then we ran smack dab into the failed Republican economic policy.”“But I ask people, when you criticize the 90s, what do they criticize? The peace, or the prosperity? Because I think a lot of Americans, as I travel around the country, think of that as being a time when they thought they were getting ahead. Then we ran smack dab into the failed Republican economic policy.”
Related: Clintons continue to tout legacy where others see era of mistakes and scandalRelated: Clintons continue to tout legacy where others see era of mistakes and scandal
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Clinton: Trump poses 'immediate dangers'Clinton: Trump poses 'immediate dangers'
The next question to Clinton is whether she’s considered some of Bernie Sanders’ calls to change the party, for instance opening primary elections to independents.The next question to Clinton is whether she’s considered some of Bernie Sanders’ calls to change the party, for instance opening primary elections to independents.
Clinton demurs: “Well, certainly we’re going to talk with him when he’s ready to talk, and listen to him. And we will take into account what he is asking for.”Clinton demurs: “Well, certainly we’re going to talk with him when he’s ready to talk, and listen to him. And we will take into account what he is asking for.”
Todd asks whether she would support getting rid of superdelegates. Clinton says she won’t talk about this here: “I’m not going to negotiate with him today on your show.”Todd asks whether she would support getting rid of superdelegates. Clinton says she won’t talk about this here: “I’m not going to negotiate with him today on your show.”
Then she makes a familiar call to unify the party: “I’m going to say when it’s time, I am reaching out to do my part to try to unify the party. I expect him to do the same. I did that when I lost a much closer race to Senator Obama.Then she makes a familiar call to unify the party: “I’m going to say when it’s time, I am reaching out to do my part to try to unify the party. I expect him to do the same. I did that when I lost a much closer race to Senator Obama.
“Because I knew that whatever our differences were, just as whatever our differences are between me and Senator Sanders, they pale in comparison to Donald Trump and the Republicans. And I think most of Senator Sanders’ supporters understand that as well.”“Because I knew that whatever our differences were, just as whatever our differences are between me and Senator Sanders, they pale in comparison to Donald Trump and the Republicans. And I think most of Senator Sanders’ supporters understand that as well.”
She adds that she hasn’t thought about doing another debate with Sanders, in California ahead of that state’s primary. They bring it back around to Donald Trump.She adds that she hasn’t thought about doing another debate with Sanders, in California ahead of that state’s primary. They bring it back around to Donald Trump.
Clinton says she believes “deeply” that Trump is “unqualified to be president”, and that this is not a normal election. She says his ideas are “beyond the pale”.Clinton says she believes “deeply” that Trump is “unqualified to be president”, and that this is not a normal election. She says his ideas are “beyond the pale”.
“And I do not want Americans, and you know, good thinking Republicans, as well as Democrats and independents to start to believe that this is a normal candidacy. It isn’t.“And I do not want Americans, and you know, good thinking Republicans, as well as Democrats and independents to start to believe that this is a normal candidacy. It isn’t.
“What he is advocating – look what he’s done this past week. You know, attacking our closest ally, England. Heaping praise on a dangerous dictator in North Korea. Reiterating his call to pull out of Nato, our strong military alliance.“What he is advocating – look what he’s done this past week. You know, attacking our closest ally, England. Heaping praise on a dangerous dictator in North Korea. Reiterating his call to pull out of Nato, our strong military alliance.
“Talking about letting other countries have nuclear weapons. Advocating a return to torture, and even murdering the families of suspected terrorists. That is beyond the pale. And it poses immediate dangers.“Talking about letting other countries have nuclear weapons. Advocating a return to torture, and even murdering the families of suspected terrorists. That is beyond the pale. And it poses immediate dangers.
Then she says she hears from people around the country, from Republicans, from women who can’t stand Trump’s “demeaning comments” to a Texas businessman who’s defecting from party ranks, about how reprehensible Trump is.Then she says she hears from people around the country, from Republicans, from women who can’t stand Trump’s “demeaning comments” to a Texas businessman who’s defecting from party ranks, about how reprehensible Trump is.
“There’s no evidence he has any ideas about making America great, as he advertises. He seems to be particularly focused on making himself appear great.”“There’s no evidence he has any ideas about making America great, as he advertises. He seems to be particularly focused on making himself appear great.”
Todd points out that Trump and Sanders have their striking “big ideas” – does Clinton?Todd points out that Trump and Sanders have their striking “big ideas” – does Clinton?
She doesn’t really say. She’s after unity and jobs and “even nonpartisan foreign policy”.She doesn’t really say. She’s after unity and jobs and “even nonpartisan foreign policy”.
“You know, slogans come and go, and all the rest of it. But when I look at where we are in our country together, we need to unify the country.”“You know, slogans come and go, and all the rest of it. But when I look at where we are in our country together, we need to unify the country.”
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Clinton: Sanders can run as he likesClinton: Sanders can run as he likes
Hillary Clinton is next on NBC’s Meet the Press, with host Chuck Todd, who asks her off the bat whether Democratic rival Bernie Sanders is helping Republican Donald Trump.Hillary Clinton is next on NBC’s Meet the Press, with host Chuck Todd, who asks her off the bat whether Democratic rival Bernie Sanders is helping Republican Donald Trump.
Clinton says she doesn’t think so. “I don’t think so. I think that Senator Sanders has every right to finish off his campaign however he chooses.”Clinton says she doesn’t think so. “I don’t think so. I think that Senator Sanders has every right to finish off his campaign however he chooses.”
“I do think there will then be the obvious need for us to unify the party. I faced the same challenge in 2008. I will certainly do my part, reaching out to Senator Sanders, reaching out to his supporters. And I expect him to do his. And he said about a week ago, he was going to spend seven days a week trying to defeat Donald Trump. And I believe that’s the case.”“I do think there will then be the obvious need for us to unify the party. I faced the same challenge in 2008. I will certainly do my part, reaching out to Senator Sanders, reaching out to his supporters. And I expect him to do his. And he said about a week ago, he was going to spend seven days a week trying to defeat Donald Trump. And I believe that’s the case.”
Why the sudden confidence that you’re going to be the nominee, Todd asks, when a week ago you wouldn’t say?Why the sudden confidence that you’re going to be the nominee, Todd asks, when a week ago you wouldn’t say?
Clinton says that her declaration that she will be the nominee comes from her experience in 2008, when she lost a closer race to Barack Obama, and her from an increasingly urgent demand: confronting Donald Trump.Clinton says that her declaration that she will be the nominee comes from her experience in 2008, when she lost a closer race to Barack Obama, and her from an increasingly urgent demand: confronting Donald Trump.
And I want to spend a lot of my time, as you’ve seen me do, really taking on Trump. Because I find what he says, the kind of candidacy he’s presenting, to pose a danger to our country.And I want to spend a lot of my time, as you’ve seen me do, really taking on Trump. Because I find what he says, the kind of candidacy he’s presenting, to pose a danger to our country.
Related: Hillary Clinton: Trump presidency will put 'kids at risk of violence and bigotry'Related: Hillary Clinton: Trump presidency will put 'kids at risk of violence and bigotry'
Todd brings his question back around to Bernie Sanders, asking whether he might be more electable: polls consistently show Sanders is better liked than Clinton and Trump, and that he has a higher margin of support than Trump in a hypothetical general election.Todd brings his question back around to Bernie Sanders, asking whether he might be more electable: polls consistently show Sanders is better liked than Clinton and Trump, and that he has a higher margin of support than Trump in a hypothetical general election.
Clinton responds by pointing out that she is winning the Democratic primary in the popular vote, pledged and “super” delegates both. “It’s also fair to say that I have been vetted and tested, and I think that that puts me in a very strong position”Clinton responds by pointing out that she is winning the Democratic primary in the popular vote, pledged and “super” delegates both. “It’s also fair to say that I have been vetted and tested, and I think that that puts me in a very strong position”
Todd stops her for a second: “You don’t think Bernie Sanders’ been vetted? You don’t think this one long year of campaign, your campaign against him, has vetted him?”Todd stops her for a second: “You don’t think Bernie Sanders’ been vetted? You don’t think this one long year of campaign, your campaign against him, has vetted him?”
Clinton makes a striking claim: “Let me say that I don’t think he’s had a single negative ad ever run against him. And that’s fine. But we know what we’re going into, and we understand what it’s going to take to win in the fall.”Clinton makes a striking claim: “Let me say that I don’t think he’s had a single negative ad ever run against him. And that’s fine. But we know what we’re going into, and we understand what it’s going to take to win in the fall.”
Then she says she doesn’t care about polls. “I would say that, you know, polls this far out mean nothing. They certainly mean nothing to me. And I think if people go back and look, they really mean nothing in terms of analyzing what’s going to happen in the fall.”Then she says she doesn’t care about polls. “I would say that, you know, polls this far out mean nothing. They certainly mean nothing to me. And I think if people go back and look, they really mean nothing in terms of analyzing what’s going to happen in the fall.”