This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/may/24/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-poll-campaign-live-sanders-election

The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Bernie Sanders calls for recanvass in Kentucky primary – campaign live Bernie Sanders calls for recanvass in Kentucky primary – campaign live
(35 minutes later)
7.29pm BST
19:29
Republican National Committee (RNC) chair Reince Priebus and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump have announced the candidate’s “Trump Victory” leadership team, which will provide coordinated support to Trump’s campaign.“We are proud to have put together an experienced and motivated leadership team which is going to raise the support our nominee will need to win the White House,” Priebus said in a statement. “We still have a lot of hard work ahead of us to defeat Hillary Clinton and the Democrats, and I know this team is committed to raising the additional resources that will make the difference in producing victory this November.”
“It is my great honor to help raise money for the Republican Party to ensure Hillary Clinton is defeated in November and Republican candidates maintain the majority in the House and Senate,” Trump added. “This is an impressive leadership team comprised of talented individuals working together to unite the party and win what will be the most important election of our lifetime. The money raised is an investment in the Republican Party and the future of our country, which, as President, I am going to make better and stronger than ever before.”
Trump, whose fundraising apparatus is years behind that of his likely general election opponent, will need to raise as much as $1 billion to maintain a competitive campaign against Clinton. With a finance team of some of the Republican party’s most powerful donors finally coalesced, he and Priebus hope that they can hold off Clinton’s financial juggernaut.
The biggest recruit: Woody Johnson, top fundraiser for former nominees Mitt Romney and John McCain, owner of the New York Jets and heir to the Johnson & Johnson consumer products empire. Also making the list are several high-profile Republican donors, including Wisconsin roofing billionaire Diane Hendricks, former Chris Christie finance chief Ray Washburne and former ambassador Ron Weiser.
Tomorrow, the committee will host its first fundraiser at the Los Angeles home of investor Thomas Barrack.
6.44pm BST6.44pm BST
18:4418:44
One of the US’s largest unions has voted to use political pressure to fight climate change, citing events such as Hurricane Sandy, the California drought and the water situation in Flint, Michigan, as examples of how the phenomenon disproportionately affects its members, report the Guardian’s Jana Kasperkevic and Oliver Milman.One of the US’s largest unions has voted to use political pressure to fight climate change, citing events such as Hurricane Sandy, the California drought and the water situation in Flint, Michigan, as examples of how the phenomenon disproportionately affects its members, report the Guardian’s Jana Kasperkevic and Oliver Milman.
Members of the two-million-strong Service Employees International Union (SEIU) voted to add environmental justice to the list of the union’s priorities and to use its powerful voice at the state and federal level to put climate change on the political agenda in 2016.Members of the two-million-strong Service Employees International Union (SEIU) voted to add environmental justice to the list of the union’s priorities and to use its powerful voice at the state and federal level to put climate change on the political agenda in 2016.
The SEIU previously succeeded in making the fight for $15 minimum wage a national issue and was able to get it on the legislative agenda in a handful of US states and cities. Its campaign led to major victories for the minimum wage movement in states including California and New York.The SEIU previously succeeded in making the fight for $15 minimum wage a national issue and was able to get it on the legislative agenda in a handful of US states and cities. Its campaign led to major victories for the minimum wage movement in states including California and New York.
The union now hopes to do the same for climate change – a subject that has been largely absent so far from the 2016 presidential campaign. The proposal could prove controversial with some in the labor movement considering that more than100,000 energy-related jobs have been lost in the last year and a half.The union now hopes to do the same for climate change – a subject that has been largely absent so far from the 2016 presidential campaign. The proposal could prove controversial with some in the labor movement considering that more than100,000 energy-related jobs have been lost in the last year and a half.
According to the SEIU, climate change disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities, where many of its members live. As such, the union is committing its resources to “broadening environmental justice”.According to the SEIU, climate change disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities, where many of its members live. As such, the union is committing its resources to “broadening environmental justice”.
The SEIU international president, Mary Kay Henry, said: “SEIU members live and work in some of the most polluted zip codes in America and are part of communities that are most impacted by climate change. We know first hand that our fights for economic, racial and immigrant justice are inextricably linked to the fight for environmental justice.The SEIU international president, Mary Kay Henry, said: “SEIU members live and work in some of the most polluted zip codes in America and are part of communities that are most impacted by climate change. We know first hand that our fights for economic, racial and immigrant justice are inextricably linked to the fight for environmental justice.
Related: Leading US union SEIU makes fighting climate change a campaign priorityRelated: Leading US union SEIU makes fighting climate change a campaign priority
6.22pm BST6.22pm BST
18:2218:22
The Republican Jewish Coalition has, somewhat belatedly, issued a statement regarding what it called the “troubling increase of anti-Semitic invective” aimed toward Jewish journalists covering the presidential campaign, after weeks of antisemitic, vitriolic and threatening messages sent to reporter Julia Ioffe from supporters of Donald Trump.The Republican Jewish Coalition has, somewhat belatedly, issued a statement regarding what it called the “troubling increase of anti-Semitic invective” aimed toward Jewish journalists covering the presidential campaign, after weeks of antisemitic, vitriolic and threatening messages sent to reporter Julia Ioffe from supporters of Donald Trump.
“We abhor any abuse of journalists, commentators and writers whether it be from Sanders, Clinton or Trump supporters,” the statement reads. “There is no room for any of this in any campaign. Journalists, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity should be free to do their jobs without suffering abuses, anti-Semitic or otherwise.”“We abhor any abuse of journalists, commentators and writers whether it be from Sanders, Clinton or Trump supporters,” the statement reads. “There is no room for any of this in any campaign. Journalists, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity should be free to do their jobs without suffering abuses, anti-Semitic or otherwise.”
“At the RJC, we will be making the case that Jewish values are American values and American values are the Republican values of free markets, peace through strength and unwavering support of Israel. Now more than ever our political process should be geared toward a civil discourse focused on solving our most vexing and intractable problems as a country.”“At the RJC, we will be making the case that Jewish values are American values and American values are the Republican values of free markets, peace through strength and unwavering support of Israel. Now more than ever our political process should be geared toward a civil discourse focused on solving our most vexing and intractable problems as a country.”
6.12pm BST6.12pm BST
18:1218:12
Bernie Sanders calls for recanvass in Kentucky primaryBernie Sanders calls for recanvass in Kentucky primary
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign has requested a recanvass in Kentucky, following a razor-thin margin in the state’s presidential primary that has given former secretary of state Hillary Clinton a lead of less than one-half of one percent.Vermont senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign has requested a recanvass in Kentucky, following a razor-thin margin in the state’s presidential primary that has given former secretary of state Hillary Clinton a lead of less than one-half of one percent.
Sanders’ campaign has asked the Kentucky secretary of state to review electronic voting machines and absentee ballots. Clinton currently leads over Sanders by a record 1,924 votes, out of 454,573 votes cast. The race has still not yet been called by the Associated Press, although the Clinton campaign declared victory on the evening of the election.Sanders’ campaign has asked the Kentucky secretary of state to review electronic voting machines and absentee ballots. Clinton currently leads over Sanders by a record 1,924 votes, out of 454,573 votes cast. The race has still not yet been called by the Associated Press, although the Clinton campaign declared victory on the evening of the election.
Under Kentucky state law, a recanvass is essentially a retabulation of votes without reexamining the ballots. Each county board of elections reviews votes, depending on the original method used by voters, meaning that if an electronic voting system was used, all votes would be retabulated. If Sanders were to gain votes during the recanvass, he could ask for a full recount, which would include reexamining ballots for possible tabulation issues.Under Kentucky state law, a recanvass is essentially a retabulation of votes without reexamining the ballots. Each county board of elections reviews votes, depending on the original method used by voters, meaning that if an electronic voting system was used, all votes would be retabulated. If Sanders were to gain votes during the recanvass, he could ask for a full recount, which would include reexamining ballots for possible tabulation issues.
Both Clinton and Sanders received 27 delegates in the primary, although one delegate remains to be allocated.Both Clinton and Sanders received 27 delegates in the primary, although one delegate remains to be allocated.
Updated
at 7.30pm BST
5.51pm BST5.51pm BST
17:5117:51
Clinton accuser to Sean Hannity: 'Rape is the perfect terminology for what happened'Clinton accuser to Sean Hannity: 'Rape is the perfect terminology for what happened'
Three women who have previously accused former president Bill Clinton of sexual misconduct gave a joint interview with conservative pundit Sean Hannity on his radio show on Monday, reiterating their past accusations against the former president and declaring likely Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton complicit in covering up the alleged misconduct.Three women who have previously accused former president Bill Clinton of sexual misconduct gave a joint interview with conservative pundit Sean Hannity on his radio show on Monday, reiterating their past accusations against the former president and declaring likely Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton complicit in covering up the alleged misconduct.
In 1999, former nursing home administrator Juanita Broaddrick alleged that Bill Clinton raped her in 1978 when she was looking to volunteer on his campaign for governor of Arkansas. Clinton’s attorney denied the allegations on his behalf at the time, and Broaddrick herself had testified in a deposition that Clinton did not make unwelcome sexual advances.In 1999, former nursing home administrator Juanita Broaddrick alleged that Bill Clinton raped her in 1978 when she was looking to volunteer on his campaign for governor of Arkansas. Clinton’s attorney denied the allegations on his behalf at the time, and Broaddrick herself had testified in a deposition that Clinton did not make unwelcome sexual advances.
In 1994, former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones sued Clinton for sexual harassment over an alleged 1991 incident in which she said he exposed himself to her. Jones’ lawsuit was thrown out, but during the appeals process, Clinton settled out of court for $850,000 and no admission of misconduct. Jones was characterized as having “won” her lawsuit by Hannity in the interview’s preamble.In 1994, former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones sued Clinton for sexual harassment over an alleged 1991 incident in which she said he exposed himself to her. Jones’ lawsuit was thrown out, but during the appeals process, Clinton settled out of court for $850,000 and no admission of misconduct. Jones was characterized as having “won” her lawsuit by Hannity in the interview’s preamble.
In 1998, former White House volunteer aide Kathleen Willey claimed that the president sexually assaulted her in the Oval Office during his first term in the White House in 1993. Clinton denied Willey’s accusations.In 1998, former White House volunteer aide Kathleen Willey claimed that the president sexually assaulted her in the Oval Office during his first term in the White House in 1993. Clinton denied Willey’s accusations.
In their first joint interview, pegged to Hannity’s interview with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump in which the candidate resurrected those same allegations,In their first joint interview, pegged to Hannity’s interview with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump in which the candidate resurrected those same allegations,
“It’s hard for me to say the word ‘rape.’ I always usually say sexual assault,” said Broaddrick. “But rape is the perfect terminology for what happened.”“It’s hard for me to say the word ‘rape.’ I always usually say sexual assault,” said Broaddrick. “But rape is the perfect terminology for what happened.”
“Hillary Clinton once said that women who make allegations should be believed and trusted,” Hannity said later in the interview. “I guess, except in the case of anybody who makes an accusation against her husband.”“Hillary Clinton once said that women who make allegations should be believed and trusted,” Hannity said later in the interview. “I guess, except in the case of anybody who makes an accusation against her husband.”
“I think it’s just disgusting what she’s saying, and what she’s doing, and I’m so appreciative to Donald Trump for bringing it ... I couldn’t, it’s very difficult to bring it forward.”“I think it’s just disgusting what she’s saying, and what she’s doing, and I’m so appreciative to Donald Trump for bringing it ... I couldn’t, it’s very difficult to bring it forward.”
After a few minutes of flirty banter, during which Jones assured Hannity that he gets “checked out” all the time (“You’re just not noticing!”), Jones hung up the phone after reporting that there was a sheriff’s officer at her door, and Hannity moved on to speak with Willey.After a few minutes of flirty banter, during which Jones assured Hannity that he gets “checked out” all the time (“You’re just not noticing!”), Jones hung up the phone after reporting that there was a sheriff’s officer at her door, and Hannity moved on to speak with Willey.
“When he assaulted Juanita, he was the attorney general,” Hannity said. “When he did this with Paula, he’s the governor. Now he’s the president of the United States. He knew you, correct?”“When he assaulted Juanita, he was the attorney general,” Hannity said. “When he did this with Paula, he’s the governor. Now he’s the president of the United States. He knew you, correct?”
“On top of that we have consensual incidences,” Hannity said. “The affair with Gennifer Flowers and other women, and then the whole Monica Lewinsky thing comes up! So you’re talking about a serial predator. That’s what the three of you are describing, not somebody that’s changed over time.”“On top of that we have consensual incidences,” Hannity said. “The affair with Gennifer Flowers and other women, and then the whole Monica Lewinsky thing comes up! So you’re talking about a serial predator. That’s what the three of you are describing, not somebody that’s changed over time.”
The Clinton campaign has stated that Trump is running a “campaign from the gutter,” but has otherwise not elaborated on the comments by Broaddrick, Jones or Willey.The Clinton campaign has stated that Trump is running a “campaign from the gutter,” but has otherwise not elaborated on the comments by Broaddrick, Jones or Willey.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.44pm BSTat 6.44pm BST
5.12pm BST5.12pm BST
17:1217:12
On a conference call, Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio and Mayor Bob Buckhorn of Tampa, Florida, joined forces with Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in the hopes of raising attention to recent revelations that, prior to the 2008 financial crisis, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had publicly rooted for the collapse of the US housing market.On a conference call, Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio and Mayor Bob Buckhorn of Tampa, Florida, joined forces with Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in the hopes of raising attention to recent revelations that, prior to the 2008 financial crisis, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had publicly rooted for the collapse of the US housing market.
In 2006, Trump said he hoped to “go in and buy like crazy” so he could “make a lot of money” when the real estate and housing markets failed.In 2006, Trump said he hoped to “go in and buy like crazy” so he could “make a lot of money” when the real estate and housing markets failed.
“If there is a bubble burst, as they call it, you know you can make a lot of money,” Trump said in the 2006 audio book, How to Build a Fortune. “If you’re in a good cash position - which I’m in a good cash position today - then people like me would go in and buy like crazy.”“If there is a bubble burst, as they call it, you know you can make a lot of money,” Trump said in the 2006 audio book, How to Build a Fortune. “If you’re in a good cash position - which I’m in a good cash position today - then people like me would go in and buy like crazy.”
On the call, Ryan and Buckhorn discussed how Trump’s “cheerleading” of the economic crisis “disqualified” him from serving as president.On the call, Ryan and Buckhorn discussed how Trump’s “cheerleading” of the economic crisis “disqualified” him from serving as president.
“Trump said he was excited about the housing market collapse in 2007,” Ryan said. “We don’t know if Trump ever made money... because he refuses to release his tax returns, something all major candidates have done for decades.”“Trump said he was excited about the housing market collapse in 2007,” Ryan said. “We don’t know if Trump ever made money... because he refuses to release his tax returns, something all major candidates have done for decades.”
“These are real human beings in real communities that are just trying to get ahead, and they need a president who will root for them, not against them,” he concluded.“These are real human beings in real communities that are just trying to get ahead, and they need a president who will root for them, not against them,” he concluded.
“This crisis was disastrous for middle-classers and the working class,” Buckhorn said, highlighting the impact of the sub-prime mortgage crisis on his Florida constituents. “We were ground-zero for this mortgage meltdown... housing prices wiped out 51%.”“This crisis was disastrous for middle-classers and the working class,” Buckhorn said, highlighting the impact of the sub-prime mortgage crisis on his Florida constituents. “We were ground-zero for this mortgage meltdown... housing prices wiped out 51%.”
“In the middle of this calamity, Trump aimed to do what Trump does best - he put himself above all,” Buckhorn continued. “The last time information about his tax returns went public, we found that he paid zero federal income taxes - let me say that again, zero - for multiple years.”“In the middle of this calamity, Trump aimed to do what Trump does best - he put himself above all,” Buckhorn continued. “The last time information about his tax returns went public, we found that he paid zero federal income taxes - let me say that again, zero - for multiple years.”
“Donald Trump is only out for himself at the expense of working families,” Buckhorn said, and that a proper steward of the American economy doesn’t “root for it to fail so that you can make a quick buck.”“Donald Trump is only out for himself at the expense of working families,” Buckhorn said, and that a proper steward of the American economy doesn’t “root for it to fail so that you can make a quick buck.”
The call is part of a series of activities in more than half a dozen battleground states, including Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Hampshire, Iowa, Colorado and Nevada, as well as a new Hillary for America web video, highlighting Trump’s history with sub-prime mortgage loans.The call is part of a series of activities in more than half a dozen battleground states, including Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Hampshire, Iowa, Colorado and Nevada, as well as a new Hillary for America web video, highlighting Trump’s history with sub-prime mortgage loans.
4.47pm BST4.47pm BST
16:4716:47
Illinois congresswoman and US senate candidate Tammy Duckworth has called out secretary of veteran’s affairs Bob McDonald for what she called his “unbelievably tone-deaf” remarks comparing wait times for appointments at VA hospitals to lines at Disneyland.Illinois congresswoman and US senate candidate Tammy Duckworth has called out secretary of veteran’s affairs Bob McDonald for what she called his “unbelievably tone-deaf” remarks comparing wait times for appointments at VA hospitals to lines at Disneyland.
“Comparing abhorrent wait times to a trip to Disneyland is unbelievably tone-deaf and hurtful to American heroes desperately in need of care,” said Duckworth, a combat veteran of the Iraq War and former assistant secretary of veteran’s affairs. “Our troops didn’t make us wait before putting their lives at risk to keep us safe, and it is simply not acceptable for the VA to make them wait for the care they have earned.”“Comparing abhorrent wait times to a trip to Disneyland is unbelievably tone-deaf and hurtful to American heroes desperately in need of care,” said Duckworth, a combat veteran of the Iraq War and former assistant secretary of veteran’s affairs. “Our troops didn’t make us wait before putting their lives at risk to keep us safe, and it is simply not acceptable for the VA to make them wait for the care they have earned.”
“As I urged when I sat down with him last week, the Secretary needs to comprehensively address the VA’s systemic problems - and that means reducing wait times, improving care and increasing patient satisfaction,” she said in her statement.“As I urged when I sat down with him last week, the Secretary needs to comprehensively address the VA’s systemic problems - and that means reducing wait times, improving care and increasing patient satisfaction,” she said in her statement.
During a Christian Science Monitor breakfast in Washington yesterday, McDonald compared the time it takes for veterans to receive medical treatment to the “experience” of Disneyland guests waiting for a ride.During a Christian Science Monitor breakfast in Washington yesterday, McDonald compared the time it takes for veterans to receive medical treatment to the “experience” of Disneyland guests waiting for a ride.
“When you go to Disney, do they measure the number of hours you wait in line? Or what’s important?” McDonald said. “What’s important is, what’s your satisfaction with the experience?”“When you go to Disney, do they measure the number of hours you wait in line? Or what’s important?” McDonald said. “What’s important is, what’s your satisfaction with the experience?”
4.28pm BST4.28pm BST
16:2816:28
Barack Obama has urged Vietnam to abandon authoritarianism, saying basic human rights would not jeopardise its stability, after Hanoi barred several dissidents from meeting the US leader.Barack Obama has urged Vietnam to abandon authoritarianism, saying basic human rights would not jeopardise its stability, after Hanoi barred several dissidents from meeting the US leader.
In a sweeping speech, which harked back to the bloody war that defined both nations but also looked to the future, Obama insisted that “upholding rights is not a threat to stability”.In a sweeping speech, which harked back to the bloody war that defined both nations but also looked to the future, Obama insisted that “upholding rights is not a threat to stability”.
Vietnam ruthlessly cracks down on protests, jails dissidents, bans trade unions and controls local media.Vietnam ruthlessly cracks down on protests, jails dissidents, bans trade unions and controls local media.
But the US leader, speaking to a packed auditorium including Communist party officials, said bolstering rights “actually reinforces stability and is the foundation of progress”.But the US leader, speaking to a packed auditorium including Communist party officials, said bolstering rights “actually reinforces stability and is the foundation of progress”.
The visit is Obama’s first to the country and the third by a sitting US president since the end of the Vietnam war in 1975. Direct US involvement in the conflict ended in 1973.The visit is Obama’s first to the country and the third by a sitting US president since the end of the Vietnam war in 1975. Direct US involvement in the conflict ended in 1973.
Related: Obama urges Vietnam to respect human rights as 'the foundation of progress'Related: Obama urges Vietnam to respect human rights as 'the foundation of progress'
4.12pm BST4.12pm BST
16:1216:12
Tim Kaine mum on potential vice presidential nodTim Kaine mum on potential vice presidential nod
David SmithDavid Smith
Tim Kaine, the Virginia senator tipped as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton, has said it is “of existential importance” that she wins the presidential election.Tim Kaine, the Virginia senator tipped as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton, has said it is “of existential importance” that she wins the presidential election.
The Democrat gave a speech about cybersecurity this morning at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Afterwards he was asked about a possible run for the vice-presidency under Clinton.The Democrat gave a speech about cybersecurity this morning at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Afterwards he was asked about a possible run for the vice-presidency under Clinton.
“It’s just speculation,” he told the Guardian. “The only role I’m playing for the campaign is just to get out on the trail and help her win, especially in Virginia because if she wins Virginia, she’s going to be president.”“It’s just speculation,” he told the Guardian. “The only role I’m playing for the campaign is just to get out on the trail and help her win, especially in Virginia because if she wins Virginia, she’s going to be president.”
“I think she will win Virginia. I like what I do, I’m not looking for another post, but her winning is of existential importance to me and to the nation right now.”“I think she will win Virginia. I like what I do, I’m not looking for another post, but her winning is of existential importance to me and to the nation right now.”
Despite playing down the running-mate talk, Kaine offered a glimpse of his battle readiness for the contest with Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump.Despite playing down the running-mate talk, Kaine offered a glimpse of his battle readiness for the contest with Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump.
“Just thinking about values like religious freedom - we have this tradition of no one is punished or preferred because of how they worship or not,” Kaine said. “Trump’s proposals would take that first amendment and subvert it.”“Just thinking about values like religious freedom - we have this tradition of no one is punished or preferred because of how they worship or not,” Kaine said. “Trump’s proposals would take that first amendment and subvert it.”
“Bringing torture back: That’s an existential choice that we would have to make as a country,” he continued. “Do we want to have a commander in chief who goes around saying the American military is a disaster? I don’t think our 1.6m people who serve who want a commander in chief who talks about them with disrespect. So there’s all of these issues that are stark and I know all of us up there feel that way.”“Bringing torture back: That’s an existential choice that we would have to make as a country,” he continued. “Do we want to have a commander in chief who goes around saying the American military is a disaster? I don’t think our 1.6m people who serve who want a commander in chief who talks about them with disrespect. So there’s all of these issues that are stark and I know all of us up there feel that way.”
Pressed on what his response would be if Clinton called, the affable Kaine replied: “I like my job and I’m not looking for another one.”Pressed on what his response would be if Clinton called, the affable Kaine replied: “I like my job and I’m not looking for another one.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.17pm BSTat 4.17pm BST
3.59pm BST3.59pm BST
15:5915:59
Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat currently under federal investigation over potentially illegal campaign contributions, is attempting to distance the FBI probe from his ties to likely Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat currently under federal investigation over potentially illegal campaign contributions, is attempting to distance the FBI probe from his ties to likely Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
“There are no wrongdoing allegations that have been made,” McAuliffe told reporters at the State Arboretum of Virginia this morning. “If you read the story yesterday, they have some questions about a donor - my legal team fully vetted this individual, he’s been a green card holder since 2007, so we’re very confident.”“There are no wrongdoing allegations that have been made,” McAuliffe told reporters at the State Arboretum of Virginia this morning. “If you read the story yesterday, they have some questions about a donor - my legal team fully vetted this individual, he’s been a green card holder since 2007, so we’re very confident.”
CNN reported yesterday that the FBI, as well as the Justice Department’s public integrity unit, is investigating a $120,000 campaign donations to McAuliffe’s 2013 gubernatorial campaign from Chinese businessman, as well as McAuliffe’s role on the Clinton Global Initiative.CNN reported yesterday that the FBI, as well as the Justice Department’s public integrity unit, is investigating a $120,000 campaign donations to McAuliffe’s 2013 gubernatorial campaign from Chinese businessman, as well as McAuliffe’s role on the Clinton Global Initiative.
McAuliffe, however, was quick to dismiss any connection.McAuliffe, however, was quick to dismiss any connection.
“This has nothing to do with the Clinton Foundation,” McAuliffe said. “This was an allegation of a gentlemen who gave a check to my campaign. I didn’t bring the donor in, I didn’t bring him into the Clinton Foundation, I don’t even know if I’ve ever met the person.”“This has nothing to do with the Clinton Foundation,” McAuliffe said. “This was an allegation of a gentlemen who gave a check to my campaign. I didn’t bring the donor in, I didn’t bring him into the Clinton Foundation, I don’t even know if I’ve ever met the person.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.00pm BSTat 4.00pm BST
3.35pm BST3.35pm BST
15:3515:35
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump may dismiss climate change and sea-level rise as “very expensive bullshit” on Twitter, but according to Politico, the real estate tycoon is more circumspect on the issue when it comes to risk-management for one of his coastal properties.Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump may dismiss climate change and sea-level rise as “very expensive bullshit” on Twitter, but according to Politico, the real estate tycoon is more circumspect on the issue when it comes to risk-management for one of his coastal properties.
The candidate’s company has applied to construct a coastal seawall that would protect the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, in County Clare, from “global warming and its effects.”The candidate’s company has applied to construct a coastal seawall that would protect the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, in County Clare, from “global warming and its effects.”
Citing a major storm that hit the course days after Trump acquired it in 2014 that eroded as much as eight meters of frontage from the resort, Trump submitted a planning application in the hopes of gaining approval for construction of the two-mile wall. The application included environmental impact statement declaring that erosion along the coast will only accelerate with sea-level rise associated with melting ice caps and climate change.Citing a major storm that hit the course days after Trump acquired it in 2014 that eroded as much as eight meters of frontage from the resort, Trump submitted a planning application in the hopes of gaining approval for construction of the two-mile wall. The application included environmental impact statement declaring that erosion along the coast will only accelerate with sea-level rise associated with melting ice caps and climate change.
The application filings run counter to opinions the candidate has had on the validity of climate-change science in the past and present:The application filings run counter to opinions the candidate has had on the validity of climate-change science in the past and present:
The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.
We should be focused on clean and beautiful air-not expensive and business closing GLOBAL WARMING-a total hoax!We should be focused on clean and beautiful air-not expensive and business closing GLOBAL WARMING-a total hoax!
This very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bullshit has got to stop. Our planet is freezing, record low temps,and our GW scientists are stuck in iceThis very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bullshit has got to stop. Our planet is freezing, record low temps,and our GW scientists are stuck in ice
3.05pm BST3.05pm BST
15:0515:05
Marco Rubio: 'It’s not that we lost, it’s that Donald Trump won'Marco Rubio: 'It’s not that we lost, it’s that Donald Trump won'
Sabrina SiddiquiSabrina Siddiqui
Marco Rubio, the Florida senator who suspended his presidential campaign after losing his home state, reflects on where it went wrong, what he learned and what’s next with the Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui.Marco Rubio, the Florida senator who suspended his presidential campaign after losing his home state, reflects on where it went wrong, what he learned and what’s next with the Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui.
While Donald Trump was wrapping up the Republican nomination for president at the beginning of this month, Marco Rubio was more than 6,000 miles away, touring the Middle East and far removed from the process that had engulfed the past 11 months of his political career.While Donald Trump was wrapping up the Republican nomination for president at the beginning of this month, Marco Rubio was more than 6,000 miles away, touring the Middle East and far removed from the process that had engulfed the past 11 months of his political career.
The Florida senator, who suspended his presidential campaign in March after losing his home state, was no longer beholden to the grueling schedule that required him to barnstorm as many as three states in one day in the pursuit of votes. And so he made use of a weeklong recess from the US Senate to instead travel from Qatar to Iraq to Turkey, to apprise himself of the latest developments in the battle against the Islamic State and discuss the deep-rooted sectarian divisions in the region.The Florida senator, who suspended his presidential campaign in March after losing his home state, was no longer beholden to the grueling schedule that required him to barnstorm as many as three states in one day in the pursuit of votes. And so he made use of a weeklong recess from the US Senate to instead travel from Qatar to Iraq to Turkey, to apprise himself of the latest developments in the battle against the Islamic State and discuss the deep-rooted sectarian divisions in the region.
It was an official trip that had all the trimmings of a presidential visit, from sitdowns with local officials to a meet-and-greet with American troops. But even if Rubio will not be the next commander-in-chief, the senator seems at peace.It was an official trip that had all the trimmings of a presidential visit, from sitdowns with local officials to a meet-and-greet with American troops. But even if Rubio will not be the next commander-in-chief, the senator seems at peace.
During a recent interview in his Senate office, Rubio reflected on where his campaign went wrong, what he learned from his recent overseas trip and why he would rather make the most of his remaining seven months in federal office than opine about the state of the 2016 race.During a recent interview in his Senate office, Rubio reflected on where his campaign went wrong, what he learned from his recent overseas trip and why he would rather make the most of his remaining seven months in federal office than opine about the state of the 2016 race.
“A lot of times it feels almost like the guy who built this really strong building,” Rubio said of the Republican contest, “and it was in the right place, and it was the way these buildings have always been built, but he got hit by a Category 5 hurricane.“A lot of times it feels almost like the guy who built this really strong building,” Rubio said of the Republican contest, “and it was in the right place, and it was the way these buildings have always been built, but he got hit by a Category 5 hurricane.
“It’s not that we lost, it’s that Donald Trump won … It was just a very unusual political year.”“It’s not that we lost, it’s that Donald Trump won … It was just a very unusual political year.”
Related: Marco Rubio: 'It’s not that we lost, it’s that Donald Trump won'Related: Marco Rubio: 'It’s not that we lost, it’s that Donald Trump won'
2.52pm BST2.52pm BST
14:5214:52
Ken Starr, the former independent counsel whose investigation into then-president Bill Clinton led to the president’s impeachment, has praised Clinton’s “redemptive process” and lambasted the populism that, he said, has divided the county, according to the New York Times.Ken Starr, the former independent counsel whose investigation into then-president Bill Clinton led to the president’s impeachment, has praised Clinton’s “redemptive process” and lambasted the populism that, he said, has divided the county, according to the New York Times.
“His genuine empathy for human beings is absolutely clear,” Starr said at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia last week. “It is powerful, it is palpable and the folks of Arkansas really understood that about him - that he genuinely cared. The ‘I feel your pain’ is absolutely genuine.”“His genuine empathy for human beings is absolutely clear,” Starr said at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia last week. “It is powerful, it is palpable and the folks of Arkansas really understood that about him - that he genuinely cared. The ‘I feel your pain’ is absolutely genuine.”
Describing the years-long investigation into Clinton’s professional and personal life, which eventually lead to his impeachment by the House of Representatives, as “the unpleasantness,” Starr complimented Clinton as “the most gifted politician of the baby boomer generation.”Describing the years-long investigation into Clinton’s professional and personal life, which eventually lead to his impeachment by the House of Representatives, as “the unpleasantness,” Starr complimented Clinton as “the most gifted politician of the baby boomer generation.”
“There are certain tragic dimensions which we all lament,” Starr said of the controversies of Clinton’s administration. “That having been said, the idea of this redemptive process afterwards, we have certainly seen that powerfully ... President Carter set a very high standard, which President Clinton clearly continues to follow.”“There are certain tragic dimensions which we all lament,” Starr said of the controversies of Clinton’s administration. “That having been said, the idea of this redemptive process afterwards, we have certainly seen that powerfully ... President Carter set a very high standard, which President Clinton clearly continues to follow.”
Clinton’s tenure has been under increased scrutiny since presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Clinton’s personal history as a way to discredit his wife, former secretary of state and likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.Clinton’s tenure has been under increased scrutiny since presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Clinton’s personal history as a way to discredit his wife, former secretary of state and likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
2.41pm BST2.41pm BST
14:4114:41
Fiscal responsibility is a hard line to take when your ill-fated presidential campaign is still $900,000 in debt nine months after you threw in the towel.Fiscal responsibility is a hard line to take when your ill-fated presidential campaign is still $900,000 in debt nine months after you threw in the towel.
The latest federal filings shows that Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, who famously won three elections in four years in a blue state, still has nearly $900,000 in debt from his unsuccessful run for the Republican nomination. Walker, who is likely to attempt for a third term as the Badger State’s governor in 2018, planned on paying off his campaign debt by the end of this year - but if the slowdown in donations to retire that debt are any indication, he may not have such an easy time.The latest federal filings shows that Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, who famously won three elections in four years in a blue state, still has nearly $900,000 in debt from his unsuccessful run for the Republican nomination. Walker, who is likely to attempt for a third term as the Badger State’s governor in 2018, planned on paying off his campaign debt by the end of this year - but if the slowdown in donations to retire that debt are any indication, he may not have such an easy time.
Walker’s presidential campaign took a mere $71,000 in April, down nearly half from the $128,000 received in March.Walker’s presidential campaign took a mere $71,000 in April, down nearly half from the $128,000 received in March.
2.21pm BST2.21pm BST
14:2114:21
Donald Trump may be making an appearance in Albuquerque tonight, but the state’s high-profile Republican governor has told local news that she’s going to sit this one out.Donald Trump may be making an appearance in Albuquerque tonight, but the state’s high-profile Republican governor has told local news that she’s going to sit this one out.
New Mexico governor Susana Martinez, whose name has been floated as a potential vice presidential pick since before the Republican party had even settled on a nominee, told NBC affiliate KOB4 that she’s too busy to see the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.New Mexico governor Susana Martinez, whose name has been floated as a potential vice presidential pick since before the Republican party had even settled on a nominee, told NBC affiliate KOB4 that she’s too busy to see the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
“I’m really busy and I’m the governor of New Mexico and I’m really focused on what’s going on here in New Mexico,” she said, citing employment announcements and education initiatives. “I mean, those are the things I’m concentrating on and I’m going to keep concentrating on.”“I’m really busy and I’m the governor of New Mexico and I’m really focused on what’s going on here in New Mexico,” she said, citing employment announcements and education initiatives. “I mean, those are the things I’m concentrating on and I’m going to keep concentrating on.”
Asked if Trump’s campaign had reached out to her, Martinez responded, “No, he has not.”Asked if Trump’s campaign had reached out to her, Martinez responded, “No, he has not.”
1.36pm BST1.36pm BST
13:3613:36
Today's campaign agendaToday's campaign agenda
Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s politics liveblog, where we’re expecting an escalation of hostilities between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the presumptive and likely nominees for the Republican and Democratic parties, after Trump doubled down on his decision to make Clinton’s marriage a target of his latest attack ad.Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s politics liveblog, where we’re expecting an escalation of hostilities between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the presumptive and likely nominees for the Republican and Democratic parties, after Trump doubled down on his decision to make Clinton’s marriage a target of his latest attack ad.
The advert is on Instagram, and it raises allegations of sexual harassment or assault by Bill Clinton.The advert is on Instagram, and it raises allegations of sexual harassment or assault by Bill Clinton.
In 1999, Juanita Broaddrick, one of the women whose voice was used in the Trump ad, alleged that Bill Clinton raped her in 1978 when she was looking to volunteer on his Arkansas gubernatorial campaign. Clinton’s attorney denied the allegations on his behalf. Kathleen Willey, whose voice was also used, has claimed that the president sexually assaulted her during his first term in the White House. Clinton settled out of court with Jones for $850,000, and denied Willey’s accusations.In 1999, Juanita Broaddrick, one of the women whose voice was used in the Trump ad, alleged that Bill Clinton raped her in 1978 when she was looking to volunteer on his Arkansas gubernatorial campaign. Clinton’s attorney denied the allegations on his behalf. Kathleen Willey, whose voice was also used, has claimed that the president sexually assaulted her during his first term in the White House. Clinton settled out of court with Jones for $850,000, and denied Willey’s accusations.
Trump defended his use of unsubstantiated rumors and personal attacks on his likely opponent’s spouse on The O’Reilly Factor last night, telling host Bill O’Reilly that the Clintons were “dirty players” who had backed him into a corner.Trump defended his use of unsubstantiated rumors and personal attacks on his likely opponent’s spouse on The O’Reilly Factor last night, telling host Bill O’Reilly that the Clintons were “dirty players” who had backed him into a corner.
“I don’t like doing that, but I have no choice,” Trump said. “When she hits me on things, I just have no choice. So you have to do it. It’s unfair. And you know they’re dirty players. they’ve been dirty players historically, and I have to fight back the way I have to fight back.”“I don’t like doing that, but I have no choice,” Trump said. “When she hits me on things, I just have no choice. So you have to do it. It’s unfair. And you know they’re dirty players. they’ve been dirty players historically, and I have to fight back the way I have to fight back.”
O’Reilly didn’t ask about Trump’s decision to raise conspiracy theories that the suicide of White House counsel Vince Foster was actually murder.O’Reilly didn’t ask about Trump’s decision to raise conspiracy theories that the suicide of White House counsel Vince Foster was actually murder.
Here’s what to expect from today:Here’s what to expect from today:
Stick with us for live coverage throughout the day ...Stick with us for live coverage throughout the day ...
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.01pm BSTat 2.01pm BST