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/aug/12/donald-trump-republicans-hillary-clinton-us-election-live

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine release tax returns – campaign live Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine release tax returns – campaign live
(35 minutes later)
8.01pm BST
20:01
A man unfurled a Confederate flag with the word ‘Trump’ emblazoned on it at a Florida rally for the Republican candidate on Thursday. The man was soon approached by police officers who asked him to take it down. Later the flag was replaced with an American flag hanging in the same spot.
7.47pm BST
19:47
A protester appears, stopping the rally. Once they are taken away, Trump replies:
“The Bernie Sanders protesters were much much stronger, they had much more passion, I have to say.”
He says protesters are on the same side as him.
“You know it’s interesting, if I can speak to them for like five minutes: we want a strong military, we want to take care of our people, we good housing, we want good education... we’re all in it for the same thing,” says Trump.
7.45pm BST
19:45
Currently Trump hitting his normal talking points at this PA rally: build a wall between Mexico, bad trade deals, special interests controlling Washington and “Crooked” Hillary.
“They’re going to build that plant. Now, if I were here five years ago and if President Obama made me Secretary of Keeping Business in the United States. I like the sound of Secretary of Defense better....I like the Sound of Secretary of the Treasury, I like the Sound of Secretary of State, but would I be good at keeping jobs over here,” says Trump.
7.37pm BST
19:37
Before Trump arrived, Reince Priebus, chairman of the RNC, addresses the crowd, telling them “don’t believe the garbage you read” and says the RNC and Trump were working strongly together.
“We’re going to put him in the White House and save this country together,” says Priebus.
Updated
at 8.04pm BST
7.34pm BST
19:34
Watch: Donald Trump rally in Erie, PA
Donald Trump walks out to Lee Greenwood’s Proud to be an American.
7.32pm BST
19:32
Trump Tower has less stories than Donald Trump would have you believe, because yuge buildings are worth more.
An AP report noted today that Trump conflates his building size as a marketing tool:
When a Virginia teenager attempted to scale the all-glass front of Trump Tower this week, journalists struggled to answer basic questions.
Among them: How tall is the Republican presidential candidate’s namesake Manhattan skyscraper anyway?
The Trump Organization claims in marketing materials that the building is 68 stories tall. But outside groups and city records list Trump Tower at 58 stories.
Trump told The New York Times in 2003 he skipped 10 numbers when labeling the residential floors because the ceilings on lower floors were so tall.
Another New York Times story from this year, which focused on the highest buildings in the city, also pointed out the difference:
“Is Trump known for exaggerating his buildings’ heights?” I asked.
Gerometta replied that he didn’t know about that, but he did know this: Trump was probably one of the first builders to skip floor numbers in order to inflate the total count. “What he markets as the 90th floor is often actually the 72nd floor, just to make it sound more impressive.”
7.07pm BST7.07pm BST
19:0719:07
As we prepare for Trump’s 2pm event in Erie, Pennsylvania to kick off, here’s a little taster, care of a video the Republican nominee tweeted showing him and “America’s Mayor” Rudy Giuliani - to the sound of soaring strings! - visiting a small business and hearing about businesses struggling with the cost of health insurance.As we prepare for Trump’s 2pm event in Erie, Pennsylvania to kick off, here’s a little taster, care of a video the Republican nominee tweeted showing him and “America’s Mayor” Rudy Giuliani - to the sound of soaring strings! - visiting a small business and hearing about businesses struggling with the cost of health insurance.
We will repeal and replace disastrous #Obamacare! #TrumpPence16 pic.twitter.com/Lx4Gdj5zGkWe will repeal and replace disastrous #Obamacare! #TrumpPence16 pic.twitter.com/Lx4Gdj5zGk
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.08pm BSTat 7.08pm BST
6.21pm BST6.21pm BST
18:2118:21
One of Donald Trump’s highest-profile surrogates is doubling down on his belief that there is “no doubt” President Barack Obama is a secret Muslim.One of Donald Trump’s highest-profile surrogates is doubling down on his belief that there is “no doubt” President Barack Obama is a secret Muslim.
“If it acts like a duck, if it walks like a duck, and if it talks like a duck, it’s a duck!” former New York gubernatorial candidate and fellow real estate tycoon Carl Paladino told Fox Business host Connell McShane in a contentious interview on Don Imus’ radio show.“If it acts like a duck, if it walks like a duck, and if it talks like a duck, it’s a duck!” former New York gubernatorial candidate and fellow real estate tycoon Carl Paladino told Fox Business host Connell McShane in a contentious interview on Don Imus’ radio show.
Paladino told the New York Observer last week that “in the mind of the average American, there is no doubt he is a Muslim. He is not a Christian,” Paladino said of the president. “Look at what he’s done with Iran, what he’s done with the Sunni-Shia thing over in Iraq and Iran, and with Isis.”Paladino told the New York Observer last week that “in the mind of the average American, there is no doubt he is a Muslim. He is not a Christian,” Paladino said of the president. “Look at what he’s done with Iran, what he’s done with the Sunni-Shia thing over in Iraq and Iran, and with Isis.”
“Now I assume you don’t believe that. It’s not true,” McShane, who was filling in for Imus, told Paladino this morning.“Now I assume you don’t believe that. It’s not true,” McShane, who was filling in for Imus, told Paladino this morning.
“Wait, how do you know that’s not true?” responded Paladino. “That’s not fair, Connell - you’ve formed a conclusion about a man because he’s told you that, he’s said, ‘No, I’m not a Muslim.’ Oh, that’s great.”“Wait, how do you know that’s not true?” responded Paladino. “That’s not fair, Connell - you’ve formed a conclusion about a man because he’s told you that, he’s said, ‘No, I’m not a Muslim.’ Oh, that’s great.”
“We’re not going to have this ridiculous talk,” McShane responded.“We’re not going to have this ridiculous talk,” McShane responded.
“So there’s no doubt he is? How would you know that that is true?” Paladino said. “This is the same guy who yesterday deprived the American people of an investigation into Hillary Clinton’s foundation.”“So there’s no doubt he is? How would you know that that is true?” Paladino said. “This is the same guy who yesterday deprived the American people of an investigation into Hillary Clinton’s foundation.”
“OK, that’s fine, but that’s different from saying there’s no doubt he’s a Muslim,” McShane shot back.“OK, that’s fine, but that’s different from saying there’s no doubt he’s a Muslim,” McShane shot back.
“If it acts like a duck, if it walks like a duck, and if it talks like a duck, it’s a duck!” Paladino said.“If it acts like a duck, if it walks like a duck, and if it talks like a duck, it’s a duck!” Paladino said.
“That’s just nonsense,” McShane responded dismissively. “It’s just so silly, Carl - you lose everybody on this kind of stuff!”“That’s just nonsense,” McShane responded dismissively. “It’s just so silly, Carl - you lose everybody on this kind of stuff!”
“I don’t lose anybody!” Paladino responded. “I lose the press, that’s all I lose.”“I don’t lose anybody!” Paladino responded. “I lose the press, that’s all I lose.”
6.08pm BST6.08pm BST
18:0818:08
Hillary Clinton’s effective tax rate in 2015: 43.2%Hillary Clinton’s effective tax rate in 2015: 43.2%
Donald Trump’s effective tax rate in 2015: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯Donald Trump’s effective tax rate in 2015: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Related: Hillary Clinton releases 2015 tax return and Tim Kaine unveils 10 years' worthRelated: Hillary Clinton releases 2015 tax return and Tim Kaine unveils 10 years' worth
6.02pm BST6.02pm BST
18:0218:02
From Trump: Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know About Success, Real Estate, and Life:From Trump: Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know About Success, Real Estate, and Life:
If God ever wanted an apartment in Trump Tower, I would immediately offer my best luxury suite at a very special price. I believe God is everywhere and in all of us, and I want every decision I make to reflect well on me when it’s time for me to go to that big boardroom in the sky. When I get permanently fired by the ultimate boss, I want the elevator to heaven to go up, not down.If God ever wanted an apartment in Trump Tower, I would immediately offer my best luxury suite at a very special price. I believe God is everywhere and in all of us, and I want every decision I make to reflect well on me when it’s time for me to go to that big boardroom in the sky. When I get permanently fired by the ultimate boss, I want the elevator to heaven to go up, not down.
5.41pm BST5.41pm BST
17:4117:41
Mazin SidahmedMazin Sidahmed
The man who climbed Trump Tower has been charged with reckless endangerment and trespassing, police announced on Thursday.The man who climbed Trump Tower has been charged with reckless endangerment and trespassing, police announced on Thursday.
Stephen Rogata, who had recently changed his name from Michael Joseph Ryan, made headlines on Wednesday when he used four suction cups and a series of ropes to attempt to climb Donald Trump’s 58-story building in midtown Manhattan. The incident was livestreamed around the world as police inflated large crash pads and shut down the street in an attempt to get him down. He was eventually apprehended through the window of the building on the 21st floor.Stephen Rogata, who had recently changed his name from Michael Joseph Ryan, made headlines on Wednesday when he used four suction cups and a series of ropes to attempt to climb Donald Trump’s 58-story building in midtown Manhattan. The incident was livestreamed around the world as police inflated large crash pads and shut down the street in an attempt to get him down. He was eventually apprehended through the window of the building on the 21st floor.
The 19-year old from Great Falls, Virginia, later told police he was seeking an “audience” with Donald Trump.The 19-year old from Great Falls, Virginia, later told police he was seeking an “audience” with Donald Trump.
Rogata had reportedly driven from Great Falls to New York on Tuesday night before checking into the Bowery Grand Hotel at 10am on Wednesday.Rogata had reportedly driven from Great Falls to New York on Tuesday night before checking into the Bowery Grand Hotel at 10am on Wednesday.
A video he uploaded to YouTube surfaced shortly afterward, in which he explained his motives: “I am an independent researcher seeking a private audience with you to discuss an important matter. I guarantee that it’s in your interest to honor this request,” he said in the video.A video he uploaded to YouTube surfaced shortly afterward, in which he explained his motives: “I am an independent researcher seeking a private audience with you to discuss an important matter. I guarantee that it’s in your interest to honor this request,” he said in the video.
He is now being held at Bellevue hospital under police supervision where he is currently under psychological evaluation.He is now being held at Bellevue hospital under police supervision where he is currently under psychological evaluation.
The tower is the headquarters for Trump’s campaign and his businesses and is also his residence.The tower is the headquarters for Trump’s campaign and his businesses and is also his residence.
5.12pm BST5.12pm BST
17:1217:12
Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine release tax returnsHillary Clinton, Tim Kaine release tax returns
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has released her 2015 personal tax return, as well as that of her running mate, Virginia senator Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton, who additionally released 10 years of their returns.Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has released her 2015 personal tax return, as well as that of her running mate, Virginia senator Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton, who additionally released 10 years of their returns.
The figures show Hillary and Bill Clinton earned nearly $11m in 2015, and paid a total of 43.2% tax.The figures show Hillary and Bill Clinton earned nearly $11m in 2015, and paid a total of 43.2% tax.
“Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency as she releases her 2015 personal tax return and builds on the Clintons’ tradition of making their returns public since 1977 and Kaine releases 10 years of his returns,” campaign communications director Jenn Palmieri said in a statement.“Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency as she releases her 2015 personal tax return and builds on the Clintons’ tradition of making their returns public since 1977 and Kaine releases 10 years of his returns,” campaign communications director Jenn Palmieri said in a statement.
“In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns,” Palmieri continued. “He has failed to provide the public with the most basic financial information disclosed by every major candidate in the last 40 years. What is he trying to hide?”“In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns,” Palmieri continued. “He has failed to provide the public with the most basic financial information disclosed by every major candidate in the last 40 years. What is he trying to hide?”
Trump, Clinton’s Republican opponent, has steadfastly refused to release any of his personal tax information, citing legal advice from Trump Organization counsel not to publicly disclose his tax returns before the completion of an audit.Trump, Clinton’s Republican opponent, has steadfastly refused to release any of his personal tax information, citing legal advice from Trump Organization counsel not to publicly disclose his tax returns before the completion of an audit.
In 2015, the Clintons paid an effective federal income tax rate of 34.2% on an adjusted gross income of $10,594,529. Adding an effective state and local income tax rate of 9.0%, the couple’s total tax rate was 43.2%. The Clintons donated $1,042,000, or 9.8% of their adjusted gross income, to charity.In 2015, the Clintons paid an effective federal income tax rate of 34.2% on an adjusted gross income of $10,594,529. Adding an effective state and local income tax rate of 9.0%, the couple’s total tax rate was 43.2%. The Clintons donated $1,042,000, or 9.8% of their adjusted gross income, to charity.
Kaine and Holton had an adjusted gross income of $313,441, and paid a total of 25.6% in tax. The Clinton campaign released a table showing the effective tax rates paid by Kaine and Holton since 2006, although they did not release one for the Clintons:Kaine and Holton had an adjusted gross income of $313,441, and paid a total of 25.6% in tax. The Clinton campaign released a table showing the effective tax rates paid by Kaine and Holton since 2006, although they did not release one for the Clintons:
Presidential candidates are not legally required to release their tax returns, although the practice has been the norm for more than four decades.Presidential candidates are not legally required to release their tax returns, although the practice has been the norm for more than four decades.
Trump’s critics have speculated that the real estate tycoon is hiding his tax returns because they may reveal that he has vastly overstated his personal wealth, has unsavory business ties with the Russians or may be stingy with charitable donations, or some combination thereof. Trump’s tax rate itself has been posited as a possible reason for the campaign’s reticence - the New York Times today floated the possibility that Trump may pay zero federal income tax in some years.Trump’s critics have speculated that the real estate tycoon is hiding his tax returns because they may reveal that he has vastly overstated his personal wealth, has unsavory business ties with the Russians or may be stingy with charitable donations, or some combination thereof. Trump’s tax rate itself has been posited as a possible reason for the campaign’s reticence - the New York Times today floated the possibility that Trump may pay zero federal income tax in some years.
There are no laws prohibiting tax returns under audit from being released. Richard Nixon released his own taxes under audit in 1973, in part because of accusations of tax-dodging that eventually forced the disgraced former president to pay the IRS $476,431 in back taxes.There are no laws prohibiting tax returns under audit from being released. Richard Nixon released his own taxes under audit in 1973, in part because of accusations of tax-dodging that eventually forced the disgraced former president to pay the IRS $476,431 in back taxes.
When asked about his taxes at the time, Nixon willingly released the returns that had been under audit: “I welcome this kind of examination, because people have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I am not a crook.”When asked about his taxes at the time, Nixon willingly released the returns that had been under audit: “I welcome this kind of examination, because people have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I am not a crook.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.34pm BSTat 5.34pm BST
5.05pm BST
17:05
We’re trying!
I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't!
4.44pm BST
16:44
A new clutch of polls released by NBC and Marist College this morning in four key swing states show Donald Trump badly stumbling out of the gate in the first leg of the general election, down by double digits in Virginia and Colorado and with rival Hillary Clinton leading by healthy margins in Florida and North Carolina.
The polls, released at 11.30am ET, shows Clinton increasing her lead in Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia, while maintaining her advantage in Florida.
Clinton leads Trump by 14% in Colorado, 46% to 32%, six points higher than the same survey showed last month ahead of the national conventions. After the selection of Tim Kaine as her running mate, Clinton now has a 13% lead in his home state of Virginia, 46% to 33%. In North Carolina, she is polling ahead of Trump 48% to 39%.
Of course, in the most important state in the general election, the race is slightly narrower: Clinton leads in Florida with 44% to Trump’s 39%.
Updated
at 5.28pm BST
4.34pm BST
16:34
Secret Trump voters reverse their support: 'He seems to be insane'
Amber Jamieson
Do the outrageous things Donald Trump says – from insinuating Hillary Clinton should be assassinated for her support of gun control to calling on Russia to hack Clinton’s emails – change the minds of people who had planned to vote for him? Yes, actually – at least some of them.
In the middle of primary season in February, the Guardian called for secret Trump voters to contact us and tell us why they were voting for Trump on the sly. More than 100 reached out – from yoga teachers to immigration lawyers – and we published 12 of those answers. Now that the general election season has well and truly begun, we checked back in with the original anonymous 12 to see if they are still on board the Trump train. We got 10 responses – and four of them have already jumped off.
“At first I was seduced by his showmanship and strong-man persona and charisma, and by his strong borders patriotism and willingness to speak about the problem with Islam, and considering banning all Muslims from coming into the USA,” said a 48-year-old scientist from California.
“But when he said the judge of Mexican heritage wouldn’t be fair in his lawsuit and women should be punished for having abortions, that really turned me off him,” added the scientist, who had been flipping between Bernie Sanders and Trump but will now vote for Clinton.
A retired biomedical engineer from Hawaii, aged 66, says he thought originally that the US needed someone like Trump to create total social upheaval in order to get rid of corruption and paid interests in politics.
“But now – fortunately? – Trump has demonstrated that he is much more than a narcissistic buffoon,” he said.
Related: Secret Trump voters reverse their support: 'He seems to be insane'
3.53pm BST
15:53
Donald Trump’s campaign has vacated his campaign headquarters in New Jersey after vowing to be competitive in the Garden State, with some of its staffers having gone unpaid since June, Politico reports.
“I mean, I love New Jersey,” Trump said to Sean Hannity after the opening of his office there. “I am New Jersey. Like a second home. I have property there. I have a lot of employees there. And frankly, I think we’re going to do well.”
Frankly, he doesn’t seem to be feeling that way any more.
According to Trump’s latest filings with the Federal Election Commission, the campaign last paid rent on the Edison property in May, and Politico quotes two neighboring employees who say that the operation has been a ghost town for at least a month.
3.32pm BST
15:32
Pressure is mounting on Donald Trump to release his tax returns - even from fellow Republicans.
3.21pm BST
15:21
When Donald Trump vowed this week to make childcare more accessible and affordable, it was just the second time during his White House campaign that he’s talked about an issue that affects millions of working Americans with young children.
The first came months ago in Iowa, when the eventual Republican nominee touted his own record as a business owner during a candidate Q&A, telling voters he provided on-site childcare service for his employees.
There is no evidence, however, that any such programs exist.
Trump, who previously voiced his opposition to government-funded universal pre-K programs, said in Newton, Iowa, in November that he had visited many companies that offered workers on-site childcare centers – and added that he offered such programs himself.
“You know, it’s not expensive for a company to do it. You need one person or two people, and you need some blocks, and you need some swings and some toys,” Trump said. “It’s not an expensive thing, and I do it all over. And I get great people because of it. Because it’s a problem with a lot of other companies.”
Trump pointed specifically to two programs: “They call ‘em Trump Kids. Another one calls it Trumpeteers, if you can believe it. I have ‘em. I actually have ‘em, because I have a lot of different businesses.”
Trump went on to describe “a room that’s a quarter of the size of this. And they have all sorts of – you know, it’s beautiful – they have a lot of children there, and we take care of them. And the parent when they leave the job – usually in my case it’s clubs or hotels – when they leave the job, they pick up their child and their child is totally safe.
“They even come in during the day during lunch to see their child. It really works out well,” he said.
But the two programs Trump cited – “Trump Kids” and “Trumpeteers” – are programs catering to patrons of Trump’s hotels and golf club. They are not for Trump’s employees, according to staff at Trump’s hotels and clubs across the country.
Related: Trump says he offers childcare services to employees, but there's no evidence
3.10pm BST
15:10
“SARCASM” is now trending on Twitter.
I suppose they also failed to get your sarcasm about building a wall, banning Muslims & insulting Gold Star parents. https://t.co/hvZbausdbZ
2.51pm BST
14:51
Donald Trump: I was being sarcastic about Obama and Isis
Paul Owen
Donald Trump has walked back his false claim that Barack Obama founded Isis, tweeting on Friday morning that he was only being sarcastic.
Focusing on CNN’s reports on his original comments, the Republican candidate wrote:
Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?
On Thursday, Trump had refused to take the opportunity to reframe his remark to mean that Obama had created the context for the Islamic State’s growth. Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt told him: “I know what you meant – you meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace.”
But Trump disagreed. “No, I meant that he’s the founder of Isis, I do,” he said. “He was the most valuable player – I gave him the most valuable player award. I give her too, by the way,” he added of his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.
Trump did acknowledge that the root of his argument was that if Obama “had done things properly, you wouldn’t have had Isis”, but he repeated: “Therefore, he was the founder of Isis.”
Related: Donald Trump: I was being sarcastic about Obama and Isis
2.35pm BST
14:35
A scoop in this morning’s Politico Playbook:
Hours before a highly anticipated meeting between the campaign and the Republican National Committee, Donald Trump has personally demanded that the RNC open field offices in all 50 states, from true-blue Massachusetts to blood-red Alaska, a decision that an RNC staffer called “a complete waste of resources.”
Playbook cites RNC sources dismissing Trump’s request as an ego-driven “fool’s errand” for a candidate who enjoys nothing more than the right to brag about the historic nature of his candidacy. For the roughly 25 states that are neither competitive for Trump nor have contentious congressional races, the RNC will open volunteer-staffed officers at the cost of up to $90,000 a pop.
2.20pm BST
14:20
Donald Trump to hold 'emergency' meeting with RNC
After nearly two weeks of a campaign in crisis, Donald Trump’s presidential campaign will reportedly sit down with Republican National Committee officials in Orlando, Florida, today for what one official told Politico will be a “come-to-Jesus” meeting to discuss the state of Trump’s campaign.
Although campaign staffers have dismissed the meeting as a low-key discussion about the campaign’s strategy in swing-state Florida, others involved in the planning of the Orlando meeting have told multiple outlets that the sitdown amounts to pulling the emergency brake on a candidate who has careened from one self-inflicted controversy to another.
The meeting couldn’t come at a time of greater tension between Trump’s campaign and the Republican party. On Thursday evening, more than 70 Republicans published an open letter to RNC chair Reince Priebus calling on the RNC to redirect money pegged for the Trump campaign to be used instead for vulnerable congressional races – in effect abandoning the party’s presidential nominee.
The signatories – including former New Hampshire senator Gordon Humphrey, former congressmen Mickey Edwards and Christopher Shays and numerous former RNC staff members – wrote that Trump’s “divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide, and only the immediate shift of all available RNC resources to vulnerable Senate and House races will prevent the GOP from drowning with a Trump-emblazoned anchor around its neck ...
“This should not be a difficult decision, as Donald Trump’s chances of being elected president are evaporating by the day,” the signatories state. Citing numerous controversies over the course of Trump’s candidacy, from the mockery of a reporter with a disability to his feud with the family of an army captain killed in action, the letter asserts that Trump has shown “dangerous authoritarian tendencies”.
Should make for an interesting sitdown.
Here’s what’s on the docket for today:
Updated
at 3.12pm BST