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Donald Trump to pick Mike Pence as running mate – politics live Donald Trump to pick Mike Pence as running mate – politics live
(35 minutes later)
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Here’s the Newt Gingrich Facebook Live link.
Newt Gingrich tells @NBCNews that Donald Trump has not called him re: VP. #2016 #Veepstakes
Newt still holding out hope? On Facebook Live, he says: "We'll find out what Donald Trump decides to do."
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Well that’s not a very nice thing to say about someone!
ay ay ay those Wikipedia editors have fast fingers… pic.twitter.com/38J5H22WkU
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Five minutes to Gingrich. Will he dispel with this fiction that he might be Trump’s veep pick?
Will host @facebook LIVE on vice presidential picks,VP selection process at 2pET. Submit q's https://t.co/c259s6ITqS pic.twitter.com/r0wyqUCwOY
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This is rich: the White House praises Pence for expanding Medicaid in Indiana under Obamacare – which counts as a significant strike against Pence’s conservative bona fides... not that many people seem concerned about conservative bona fides in this annus trumpus:This is rich: the White House praises Pence for expanding Medicaid in Indiana under Obamacare – which counts as a significant strike against Pence’s conservative bona fides... not that many people seem concerned about conservative bona fides in this annus trumpus:
What does Obama think of Pence? @PressSec says he did "important work" w/admin on expanding Medicaid in his state.What does Obama think of Pence? @PressSec says he did "important work" w/admin on expanding Medicaid in his state.
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“We are a nation of immigrants...”“We are a nation of immigrants...”
More oldies and goodies from Pence’s Twitter feed:More oldies and goodies from Pence’s Twitter feed:
We are a nation of immigrants, I want to celebrate the Hispanic community and all the contributions you have made to INWe are a nation of immigrants, I want to celebrate the Hispanic community and all the contributions you have made to IN
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Look who came for lunch. Via Bloomberg:Look who came for lunch. Via Bloomberg:
Hillary Clinton arrives at the Senate pic.twitter.com/3uo9l3cPV9Hillary Clinton arrives at the Senate pic.twitter.com/3uo9l3cPV9
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Meanwhile, back in Jersey:Meanwhile, back in Jersey:
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Former head of airport, bridge agency and mentor to Chris Christie pleads guilty to corruption countNEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Former head of airport, bridge agency and mentor to Chris Christie pleads guilty to corruption count
The US attorney’s office in New Jersey had been investigating whether David Samson, former Port Authority Director and a political mentor to Republican Chris Christie, had wrongfully used his Port Authority of New York and New Jersey post to get United Airlines to provide direct air service to South Carolina in 2014 to make it easier to get to his vacation home.The US attorney’s office in New Jersey had been investigating whether David Samson, former Port Authority Director and a political mentor to Republican Chris Christie, had wrongfully used his Port Authority of New York and New Jersey post to get United Airlines to provide direct air service to South Carolina in 2014 to make it easier to get to his vacation home.
Trump’s passing him over for veep marks another downward turn in the once scintillating career of Chris Christie, who was reelected governor of New Jersey with 60% of the vote just two-and-a-half years ago.Trump’s passing him over for veep marks another downward turn in the once scintillating career of Chris Christie, who was reelected governor of New Jersey with 60% of the vote just two-and-a-half years ago.
Biggest losers in Trump's VP choice: Sheldon Adelson Sean Hannity Trump's children (who wanted Newt) Newt/Christie (obviously)Biggest losers in Trump's VP choice: Sheldon Adelson Sean Hannity Trump's children (who wanted Newt) Newt/Christie (obviously)
(Adelson and Hannity wanted Gingrich.)(Adelson and Hannity wanted Gingrich.)
Chris Christie clutches Trump's bag of McDonald's against his chest. He weeps as the food grows cold. Is this all life is?He steals a fry.Chris Christie clutches Trump's bag of McDonald's against his chest. He weeps as the food grows cold. Is this all life is?He steals a fry.
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Journey canceled for Republican conventionJourney canceled for Republican convention
Journey was supposed to play at a big bash at Cleveland’s State Theatre at the end of the Republican convention, but now that’s not happening, venue sources say:Journey was supposed to play at a big bash at Cleveland’s State Theatre at the end of the Republican convention, but now that’s not happening, venue sources say:
And in other news, GOP convention organizers and officials at Cleveland theater where JOURNEY was to play confirm they're NOT coming now.And in other news, GOP convention organizers and officials at Cleveland theater where JOURNEY was to play confirm they're NOT coming now.
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It’s not just whether Muslims should be permitted to enter the United States. Here’s another point of divergence between Pence and Trump: free trade.It’s not just whether Muslims should be permitted to enter the United States. Here’s another point of divergence between Pence and Trump: free trade.
Trade means jobs, but trade also means security. The time has come for all of us to urge the swift adoption of the Trans Pacific PartnershipTrade means jobs, but trade also means security. The time has come for all of us to urge the swift adoption of the Trans Pacific Partnership
The tweet does not represent temporary thinking on Pence’s part. In his decade in Congress, Pence voted for every piece of free-trade legislation that came his way.The tweet does not represent temporary thinking on Pence’s part. In his decade in Congress, Pence voted for every piece of free-trade legislation that came his way.
Vice presidential also-ran Newt Gingrich, who shepherded the North American free trade agreement into law, showed some flexibility on the issue when he began to compete seriously for the running mate slot. We’ll see what Pence does.Vice presidential also-ran Newt Gingrich, who shepherded the North American free trade agreement into law, showed some flexibility on the issue when he began to compete seriously for the running mate slot. We’ll see what Pence does.
(h/t @aretting)(h/t @aretting)
Update: good point:Update: good point:
Of course, Trump has contradicted his own policy positions probably even more than Pence hashttps://t.co/9Qb58ucUjtOf course, Trump has contradicted his own policy positions probably even more than Pence hashttps://t.co/9Qb58ucUjt
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Republicans cut deal to avoid floor fight over TrumpRepublicans cut deal to avoid floor fight over Trump
Ben JacobsBen Jacobs
The Republican National Committee has offered a deal to conservative grassroots activists to prevent a floor fight over the nomination of Donald Trump, Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs writes:The Republican National Committee has offered a deal to conservative grassroots activists to prevent a floor fight over the nomination of Donald Trump, Guardian politics reporter Ben Jacobs writes:
The RNC has offered to ban independents and Democrats from participating in the first four Republican primaries in the future and to allocate delegate bonuses to states that hold “closed primaries” with only registered Republicans participating.The RNC has offered to ban independents and Democrats from participating in the first four Republican primaries in the future and to allocate delegate bonuses to states that hold “closed primaries” with only registered Republicans participating.
In return, conservative activists would avoid disrupting the Republican rules committee’s proceedings and not participate in any attempt to deny the nomination to Trump.In return, conservative activists would avoid disrupting the Republican rules committee’s proceedings and not participate in any attempt to deny the nomination to Trump.
Trump’s opponents had hoped to “unbind” delegates so that they would not be obligated to cast their votes by the primary election results. Instead, they would be able to vote their conscience and theoretically vote against Trump.Trump’s opponents had hoped to “unbind” delegates so that they would not be obligated to cast their votes by the primary election results. Instead, they would be able to vote their conscience and theoretically vote against Trump.
The deal would likely enhance the role of social conservatives in selecting future nominees and make it more difficult for establishment candidates to become the GOP nominee.The deal would likely enhance the role of social conservatives in selecting future nominees and make it more difficult for establishment candidates to become the GOP nominee.
The offer was made to a group led by former Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli, a former top aide to Ted Cruz. Cuccinelli previously spearheaded Cruz’s delegate operations in preparation for a contested convention. After Cruz dropped out, he switched his focus to an effort to empower the party grassroots in future contests and decentralize power from the RNC.The offer was made to a group led by former Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli, a former top aide to Ted Cruz. Cuccinelli previously spearheaded Cruz’s delegate operations in preparation for a contested convention. After Cruz dropped out, he switched his focus to an effort to empower the party grassroots in future contests and decentralize power from the RNC.
The potential deal came after the RNC rules committee meeting was recessed shortly after beginning on Thursday morning because of an alleged printer issue. It turned out that was an excuse to enable negotiations.The potential deal came after the RNC rules committee meeting was recessed shortly after beginning on Thursday morning because of an alleged printer issue. It turned out that was an excuse to enable negotiations.
Conservative activists declined to speak to reporters about negotiations as they left a convention center conference room on Thursday afternoon.Conservative activists declined to speak to reporters about negotiations as they left a convention center conference room on Thursday afternoon.
Related: RNC offers deal to anti-Trump activists to avoid floor fight at conventionRelated: RNC offers deal to anti-Trump activists to avoid floor fight at convention
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Clinton made an unannounced stop to pay tribute at a law enforcement officers memorial before proceeding to a lunch with Senate Democrats and then an event with Virginia senator Tim Kaine.Clinton made an unannounced stop to pay tribute at a law enforcement officers memorial before proceeding to a lunch with Senate Democrats and then an event with Virginia senator Tim Kaine.
Hillary Clinton makes an unannounced stop at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington. pic.twitter.com/UYQm3bHbLjHillary Clinton makes an unannounced stop at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington. pic.twitter.com/UYQm3bHbLj
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National Review editor Rich Lowry earlier this week identified a potential problem with the Pence pick: will Pence, a practiced communicator but not known for improvisation on his feet, be able to defend the wild things Trump says?National Review editor Rich Lowry earlier this week identified a potential problem with the Pence pick: will Pence, a practiced communicator but not known for improvisation on his feet, be able to defend the wild things Trump says?
I understand the impulse for Trump to pick Pence — an experienced pol, in good standing with conservatives, and not much of a lightning rod, at least not yet (the Left tends to make any GOP pick a lightning rod). But Trump’s running mate will have to be extremely deft at explaining away and deflecting Trump controversies. There is no reason to believe that Pence will be good at this, and I’m guessing he won’t be. Christie (comfortable at defending anything) and especially Newt (one of the most glib politicians of the last 30 years) would be much better by this metric. They both have downsides. No one will be excited by Christie, certainly not conservatives. Newt is famously ill-disciplined. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the Trump team thinks it’s getting a safe choice in Pence and then when he inevitably has trouble defending Trump (he has never operated on this kind of national stage), it won’t look so safe anymore.I understand the impulse for Trump to pick Pence — an experienced pol, in good standing with conservatives, and not much of a lightning rod, at least not yet (the Left tends to make any GOP pick a lightning rod). But Trump’s running mate will have to be extremely deft at explaining away and deflecting Trump controversies. There is no reason to believe that Pence will be good at this, and I’m guessing he won’t be. Christie (comfortable at defending anything) and especially Newt (one of the most glib politicians of the last 30 years) would be much better by this metric. They both have downsides. No one will be excited by Christie, certainly not conservatives. Newt is famously ill-disciplined. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the Trump team thinks it’s getting a safe choice in Pence and then when he inevitably has trouble defending Trump (he has never operated on this kind of national stage), it won’t look so safe anymore.
(h/t @benjysarlin)(h/t @benjysarlin)
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The Trump campaign has issued a statement saying Trump “will be announcing his vice presidential candidate” at an event beginning at noon tomorrow at the New York Hilton Midtown.The Trump campaign has issued a statement saying Trump “will be announcing his vice presidential candidate” at an event beginning at noon tomorrow at the New York Hilton Midtown.
Were no Trump properties available?Were no Trump properties available?
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Mike Pence’s withdrawal from his gubernatorial re-election bid leaves a vacuum in Indiana state politics – one that will not be filled by popular former Republican governor Mitch Daniels.Mike Pence’s withdrawal from his gubernatorial re-election bid leaves a vacuum in Indiana state politics – one that will not be filled by popular former Republican governor Mitch Daniels.
Daniels, currently president of Purdue University, tells the Journal and Courier that he is not running.Daniels, currently president of Purdue University, tells the Journal and Courier that he is not running.
Daniels sent this in an email to the paper this morning:Daniels sent this in an email to the paper this morning:
Ordinarily, it’s neither necessary nor good practice to comment on hypothetical questions. But this year and the current political situation in Indiana is extraordinary to say the least. So I think it is appropriate that I make plain today that, should there be a sudden need to name a new nominee for governor, I will not present myself as a candidate nor would I accept the nomination if offered.Ordinarily, it’s neither necessary nor good practice to comment on hypothetical questions. But this year and the current political situation in Indiana is extraordinary to say the least. So I think it is appropriate that I make plain today that, should there be a sudden need to name a new nominee for governor, I will not present myself as a candidate nor would I accept the nomination if offered.
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Mike Pence endorsed senator Ted Cruz in advance of the Indiana Republican primary, which Trump won handily.Mike Pence endorsed senator Ted Cruz in advance of the Indiana Republican primary, which Trump won handily.
Last December, Mike Pence called Trump’s proposed Muslim ban “offensive and unconstitutional.”Last December, Mike Pence called Trump’s proposed Muslim ban “offensive and unconstitutional.”
Calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. are offensive and unconstitutional.Calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. are offensive and unconstitutional.
“The Indiana governor and former congressman Mike Pence might seem, in many ways, Donald Trump’s opposite,” wrote the Guardian’s Megan Carpentier before today’s announcement:“The Indiana governor and former congressman Mike Pence might seem, in many ways, Donald Trump’s opposite,” wrote the Guardian’s Megan Carpentier before today’s announcement:
The evangelical Christian governor, beloved by the Trump-skeptical Koch brothers, is an unabashed advocate of the free-trade policies which Trump deplores.The evangelical Christian governor, beloved by the Trump-skeptical Koch brothers, is an unabashed advocate of the free-trade policies which Trump deplores.
He voted to restrict Medicare from negotiating drug prices (which Trump supports) and was in favor of both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (Trump has opposed the Iraq war during the campaign, though his position on Afghanistan is less clear).He voted to restrict Medicare from negotiating drug prices (which Trump supports) and was in favor of both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (Trump has opposed the Iraq war during the campaign, though his position on Afghanistan is less clear).
And unlike the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, who prefers more visceral appeals to voters, Pence is fond of saying: “I’m a conservative, but I’m not angry about it.”And unlike the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, who prefers more visceral appeals to voters, Pence is fond of saying: “I’m a conservative, but I’m not angry about it.”
Related: Mike Pence: potential Trump VP pick could be asset despite clashing viewsRelated: Mike Pence: potential Trump VP pick could be asset despite clashing views
And on Tuesday night at a joint event in his home state, Pence gave the impression that he was a man who really wanted the job. Describing Trump as “a fighter, a builder and a patriot”, Pence said: “We will not rest, we will not relent, until we make this good man our president.”And on Tuesday night at a joint event in his home state, Pence gave the impression that he was a man who really wanted the job. Describing Trump as “a fighter, a builder and a patriot”, Pence said: “We will not rest, we will not relent, until we make this good man our president.”
If their opposing views on trade, healthcare and war seem to jar, Pence and Trump do have a few commonalities: in Pence’s unsuccessful second campaign for the House of Representatives in 1990, Federal Election Commission disclosures revealed that Pence was subsidizing his personal income with campaign contributions – to the tune of nearly $10,000, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis.If their opposing views on trade, healthcare and war seem to jar, Pence and Trump do have a few commonalities: in Pence’s unsuccessful second campaign for the House of Representatives in 1990, Federal Election Commission disclosures revealed that Pence was subsidizing his personal income with campaign contributions – to the tune of nearly $10,000, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis.
Pence, at the time, told the Chicago Tribune that he’d had to suspend his law practice to take a second run at the congressional seat, and that, according to campaign finance laws at the time, he was “completely legally right, and it is morally right for a man to provide for his family”. (Federal law still, in fact, allows candidates’ campaigns to pay them salaries, as long as they aren’t paid more than they earned immediately prior to their candidacies.)Pence, at the time, told the Chicago Tribune that he’d had to suspend his law practice to take a second run at the congressional seat, and that, according to campaign finance laws at the time, he was “completely legally right, and it is morally right for a man to provide for his family”. (Federal law still, in fact, allows candidates’ campaigns to pay them salaries, as long as they aren’t paid more than they earned immediately prior to their candidacies.)
He added: “And there is a larger principle that, unless we can do this, then only the wealthy and the incumbent can run.”He added: “And there is a larger principle that, unless we can do this, then only the wealthy and the incumbent can run.”
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