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Presidential debate looms as Clinton-Trump race tightens – campaign live Presidential debate looms as Clinton-Trump race tightens – campaign live
(35 minutes later)
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Donald Trump is too 'mentally challenged' for Between Two Ferns, says Zach Galifianakis
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s appearance on Zach Galifianakis’ hit comedy web series Between Two Ferns has shattered viewership records for the show, but that doesn’t mean its host wants a repeat performance with her rival for the presidency.
“No - that doesn’t interest me,” Galifianakis told the Los Angeles Times about doing a segment with Donald Trump. “Doing it the other way doesn’t interest me.”
Trump, Galifianakis said, is “the kind of guy who likes attention - bad attention or good attention. So you’re dealing with a psychosis there that’s a little weird.” He continued: “I wouldn’t have somebody on that’s so mentally challenged. And you can print that.”
Clinton’s willingness to be skewered in Between Two Ferns is not without precedent: in 2014, Barack Obama gamely appeared on the show to talk about healthcare. The interview was watched online more than 11m times on its first day online, increasing traffic to healthcare.gov by 40%.
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This Priorities USA ad might be a little too subtle:This Priorities USA ad might be a little too subtle:
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The government’s key witness in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case testified on Monday that he interpreted an email from one of the defendants that it was “time for some traffic problems” as an order to put a political revenge plot into action and that he immediately told Governor Chris Christie’s campaign manager.The government’s key witness in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case testified on Monday that he interpreted an email from one of the defendants that it was “time for some traffic problems” as an order to put a political revenge plot into action and that he immediately told Governor Chris Christie’s campaign manager.
David Wildstein worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency that operates New York-area bridges, tunnels, ports and airports. He pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to cause traffic gridlock near the bridge to punish Fort Lee’s Democratic mayor for not endorsing the Republican governor.David Wildstein worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency that operates New York-area bridges, tunnels, ports and airports. He pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to cause traffic gridlock near the bridge to punish Fort Lee’s Democratic mayor for not endorsing the Republican governor.
Bridget Kelly, Christie’s former deputy chief of staff, has claimed the email from mid-August 2013 was a joke, but Wildstein testified on Monday that he didn’t take it as one.Bridget Kelly, Christie’s former deputy chief of staff, has claimed the email from mid-August 2013 was a joke, but Wildstein testified on Monday that he didn’t take it as one.
“I understood that to mean it was time to change the lanes configuration at the upper level of the George Washington Bridge in order to create traffic in the borough of Fort Lee,” Wildstein said. “We had had joking emails before. I did not think she was joking.”“I understood that to mean it was time to change the lanes configuration at the upper level of the George Washington Bridge in order to create traffic in the borough of Fort Lee,” Wildstein said. “We had had joking emails before. I did not think she was joking.”
Wildstein also said he told Christie’s campaign manager, Bill Stepien, about the plot within 24 hours of that email and told him that he would create a traffic study as a cover story.Wildstein also said he told Christie’s campaign manager, Bill Stepien, about the plot within 24 hours of that email and told him that he would create a traffic study as a cover story.
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While his running mate goes toe-to-toe with Donald Trump in the first presidential debate of the general election campaign tonight, Virginia senator Tim Kaine will join the Human Rights Campaign for a debate watch party in Orlando tonight, along with former congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly.While his running mate goes toe-to-toe with Donald Trump in the first presidential debate of the general election campaign tonight, Virginia senator Tim Kaine will join the Human Rights Campaign for a debate watch party in Orlando tonight, along with former congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly.
The trio will join HRC president Chad Griffin as part of its #TurnOUT campaign, which aims to register and mobilize LGBTQ voters in battleground states to support pro-gay and pro-gun control candidates.The trio will join HRC president Chad Griffin as part of its #TurnOUT campaign, which aims to register and mobilize LGBTQ voters in battleground states to support pro-gay and pro-gun control candidates.
“What we do between now and Election Day will determine the kind of America we wake up to November 9th,” Griffin said in a statement. “Our ground game is stronger than ever. But we’ve also dedicated significant resources to actionable and effective online organizing efforts - from tweet-ups, and Snapchat filters, geo-targeted ads, and more, HRC is fighting to ensure the voice of our community is heard loud and clear this November.”“What we do between now and Election Day will determine the kind of America we wake up to November 9th,” Griffin said in a statement. “Our ground game is stronger than ever. But we’ve also dedicated significant resources to actionable and effective online organizing efforts - from tweet-ups, and Snapchat filters, geo-targeted ads, and more, HRC is fighting to ensure the voice of our community is heard loud and clear this November.”
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How are Clinton and Trump polling before the first debate?How are Clinton and Trump polling before the first debate?
Mona ChalabiMona Chalabi
In January, I wrote that “in the first 26 days of this year, 186 political polls were released”. Since then, I’ve lost count.In January, I wrote that “in the first 26 days of this year, 186 political polls were released”. Since then, I’ve lost count.
New numbers are released every day by different organizations (some academic, some corporate and some media businesses themselves), and they all depict a slightly different political reality.New numbers are released every day by different organizations (some academic, some corporate and some media businesses themselves), and they all depict a slightly different political reality.
To state the obvious, in 2016 political reality is very different from that of previous presidential elections. And not just because the two remaining candidates are the least popular for more than 30 years. It’s also because polls, which have come to be the manna of political analysts, now offer less help in making sense of it all.To state the obvious, in 2016 political reality is very different from that of previous presidential elections. And not just because the two remaining candidates are the least popular for more than 30 years. It’s also because polls, which have come to be the manna of political analysts, now offer less help in making sense of it all.
In past elections, the polls had settled down by Labor Day. This year, they continue to point all over the place. On Sunday, a survey by the Economist and YouGov found that Hillary Clinton had a lead of 4%. Less than 24 hours later, a poll from the LA Times and USC Tracking put Donald Trump 4% ahead.In past elections, the polls had settled down by Labor Day. This year, they continue to point all over the place. On Sunday, a survey by the Economist and YouGov found that Hillary Clinton had a lead of 4%. Less than 24 hours later, a poll from the LA Times and USC Tracking put Donald Trump 4% ahead.
Both pollsters are considered credible, which makes this even more confusing.Both pollsters are considered credible, which makes this even more confusing.
This series is intended to help you make sense of the ceaseless onslaught of numbers by taking a closer look at just one poll. But to start us off, I want to talk about a crucial tool in polling analysis: the average.This series is intended to help you make sense of the ceaseless onslaught of numbers by taking a closer look at just one poll. But to start us off, I want to talk about a crucial tool in polling analysis: the average.
The site Real Clear Politics (RCP) takes the average of all recent credible polls to create a moving average. Right now, RCP has Clinton with 45.9% of the vote while Trump has 43.8%, meaning that the Democratic nominee is ahead by 2.1%.The site Real Clear Politics (RCP) takes the average of all recent credible polls to create a moving average. Right now, RCP has Clinton with 45.9% of the vote while Trump has 43.8%, meaning that the Democratic nominee is ahead by 2.1%.
Notice how Democrats aren’t singing from the rooftops or gloating on Twitter? It’s because 2.1% means nothing.Notice how Democrats aren’t singing from the rooftops or gloating on Twitter? It’s because 2.1% means nothing.
It’s so small, it could be down to errors in the ways that polls are conducted. It’s so narrow, it could easily be reversed by individuals who change their mind or who are not honestly disclosing how they plan to vote.It’s so small, it could be down to errors in the ways that polls are conducted. It’s so narrow, it could easily be reversed by individuals who change their mind or who are not honestly disclosing how they plan to vote.
The takeaway? Going into tonight’s debate, the two candidates are neck and neck.The takeaway? Going into tonight’s debate, the two candidates are neck and neck.
But how much do debates matter? As my former colleague Lauren Leatherby haspointed out, they have hurt candidates in the polls (see Barack Obama in 2012 and George Bush in 2004). But ultimately those candidates have been able to recover by election day (see, uh, the same candidates).But how much do debates matter? As my former colleague Lauren Leatherby haspointed out, they have hurt candidates in the polls (see Barack Obama in 2012 and George Bush in 2004). But ultimately those candidates have been able to recover by election day (see, uh, the same candidates).
So even if tonight produces a clear loser, the November vote is not a done deal.So even if tonight produces a clear loser, the November vote is not a done deal.
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Monmouth poll: Clinton has 4-point lead over TrumpMonmouth poll: Clinton has 4-point lead over Trump
Eight hours before going toe-to-toe at the first presidential debate of the general election campaign, Hillary Clinton has a four-point lead over Donald Trump among likely voters nationwide, according to a just-released Monmouth University poll. It’s a three-point drop from her lead one month ago, but a more positive position than the latest numbers from Bloomberg, which show Trump taking the lead in race that includes third-party candidates.Eight hours before going toe-to-toe at the first presidential debate of the general election campaign, Hillary Clinton has a four-point lead over Donald Trump among likely voters nationwide, according to a just-released Monmouth University poll. It’s a three-point drop from her lead one month ago, but a more positive position than the latest numbers from Bloomberg, which show Trump taking the lead in race that includes third-party candidates.
Clinton is currently polling at 46% among likely voters, according to Monmouth, while Trump commands the support of 42% of likely voters. Libertarian party nominee Gary Johnson is polling at 8% in the survey and Green nominee Jill Stein is at 2%. Among all registered voters, and not just those most likely to vote in the upcoming election, Clinton leads with 45%, while Trump falls slightly further behind with 40% Trump.Clinton is currently polling at 46% among likely voters, according to Monmouth, while Trump commands the support of 42% of likely voters. Libertarian party nominee Gary Johnson is polling at 8% in the survey and Green nominee Jill Stein is at 2%. Among all registered voters, and not just those most likely to vote in the upcoming election, Clinton leads with 45%, while Trump falls slightly further behind with 40% Trump.
Among her compatriots in the Democratic party, Clinton has the support of 91% of party members, while Trump has won 85% of Republicans. This is an improvement for Trump, who previously counted only one-in-four Republican voters in his corner. Monmouth’s polling suggests that independents are cutting right, supporting Trump over Clinton by 39% to 33%, a precipitous drop for the former secretary of state, who held a five-point lead among independent voters in late August.Among her compatriots in the Democratic party, Clinton has the support of 91% of party members, while Trump has won 85% of Republicans. This is an improvement for Trump, who previously counted only one-in-four Republican voters in his corner. Monmouth’s polling suggests that independents are cutting right, supporting Trump over Clinton by 39% to 33%, a precipitous drop for the former secretary of state, who held a five-point lead among independent voters in late August.
The generation gaps are in keeping with previous polling. Clinton leads among millennial voters under the age of 35 by 48% to Trump’s 28%, while voters 35 to 54 support Trump at and Clinton at 41%. For voters older than 55, support is similarly divided, with 47% supporting Clinton and 46% supporting Trump.The generation gaps are in keeping with previous polling. Clinton leads among millennial voters under the age of 35 by 48% to Trump’s 28%, while voters 35 to 54 support Trump at and Clinton at 41%. For voters older than 55, support is similarly divided, with 47% supporting Clinton and 46% supporting Trump.
“Clinton’s support has softened since the summer, but she has still managed to grab a share of those who tend to vote Republican,” Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said in a statement.“Clinton’s support has softened since the summer, but she has still managed to grab a share of those who tend to vote Republican,” Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said in a statement.
The historically unpopular major-party candidates are still viewed negatively by large majorities of the electorate. According to the survey, 36% of voters view Clinton positively, while 54% view her negatively. Trump fares even worse - 32% of voters view him positively, and 57% view him negatively.The historically unpopular major-party candidates are still viewed negatively by large majorities of the electorate. According to the survey, 36% of voters view Clinton positively, while 54% view her negatively. Trump fares even worse - 32% of voters view him positively, and 57% view him negatively.
Three-in-four voters (75%) plan to watch tonight’s debate, but that doesn’t mean the debate will necessarily change minds: Only 48% of undecided voters or those supporting a third-party candidate plan to watch tonight, while eight-in-ten supporters of Clinton and Trump hope to watch.Three-in-four voters (75%) plan to watch tonight’s debate, but that doesn’t mean the debate will necessarily change minds: Only 48% of undecided voters or those supporting a third-party candidate plan to watch tonight, while eight-in-ten supporters of Clinton and Trump hope to watch.
“Pundits expect that a lot will be riding on the first debate. The voters? Not so much,” said Murray.“Pundits expect that a lot will be riding on the first debate. The voters? Not so much,” said Murray.
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Dan RobertsDan Roberts
Five awkward questions Hillary Clinton might field tonight:Five awkward questions Hillary Clinton might field tonight:
What single policy should your campaign be known for?Harder than it sounds, or should be, this question gets at a weakness which many critics feels lies at the heart of the campaign. Instead of one signature issue, Clinton has dozens of detailed policies on a host of subjects. It may make her a great president one day, but for now voters struggle to understand what slogans such as “stronger together” mean in practice. If Clinton were forced to pick one concrete thing for viewers to remember her for, what would it be?What single policy should your campaign be known for?Harder than it sounds, or should be, this question gets at a weakness which many critics feels lies at the heart of the campaign. Instead of one signature issue, Clinton has dozens of detailed policies on a host of subjects. It may make her a great president one day, but for now voters struggle to understand what slogans such as “stronger together” mean in practice. If Clinton were forced to pick one concrete thing for viewers to remember her for, what would it be?
Do you believe in globalisation?Over many years in public life, the former secretary of state has understandably embraced an evolving set of economic positions. But few have come further than Clinton on the subject of free trade deals and the damage they may or may not have done to American manufacturing. She says she opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership now proposed by Obama, but is it a principled opposition or a mere pragmatic response to Trump? Are there limits to the benefits of globalisation for US workers?Do you believe in globalisation?Over many years in public life, the former secretary of state has understandably embraced an evolving set of economic positions. But few have come further than Clinton on the subject of free trade deals and the damage they may or may not have done to American manufacturing. She says she opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership now proposed by Obama, but is it a principled opposition or a mere pragmatic response to Trump? Are there limits to the benefits of globalisation for US workers?
How would your counter-terrorism policy differ from Obama’s?In the face of continued terrorist attacks, the issue of “defending America” will be top of Monday’s agenda. Yet Clinton risks being caught between defending the legacy of an Obama administration in which she served and acknowledging that not everything is working out well right now. How would she defeat Islamic State? Would she be more or less hawkish in Iraq and Afghanistan? If nothing changes, then Trump may be able to pin her to a range of foreign policy failures.How would your counter-terrorism policy differ from Obama’s?In the face of continued terrorist attacks, the issue of “defending America” will be top of Monday’s agenda. Yet Clinton risks being caught between defending the legacy of an Obama administration in which she served and acknowledging that not everything is working out well right now. How would she defeat Islamic State? Would she be more or less hawkish in Iraq and Afghanistan? If nothing changes, then Trump may be able to pin her to a range of foreign policy failures.
Why are you so secretive?From emails to pneumonia, Clinton has repeatedly got herself into trouble by going out of her way to hide information from the public. The obvious question is: what does she have to hide? The usual explanation is that Clinton has been on the receiving end of so many smears over the years that she has learned to be cautious, but this should also teach her to be wary of cover-ups. Why should someone who ignores medical advice to rest, or legal advice to keep email on government servers, be trusted to take wise decisions in office?Why are you so secretive?From emails to pneumonia, Clinton has repeatedly got herself into trouble by going out of her way to hide information from the public. The obvious question is: what does she have to hide? The usual explanation is that Clinton has been on the receiving end of so many smears over the years that she has learned to be cautious, but this should also teach her to be wary of cover-ups. Why should someone who ignores medical advice to rest, or legal advice to keep email on government servers, be trusted to take wise decisions in office?
How would you reduce income inequality?Supporters would argue that Clinton has provided many answers to this question: from infrastructure spending and a jobs program to minimum wage increases and taxing the rich. Yet many still wonder if a campaign so heavily funded by America’s rich and powerful really understands or is committed to helping its middle class. Her answers may be more nuanced than Trump’s crude protectionism, but they need to cut through with voters if she is to blunt his appeal in the rust belt.How would you reduce income inequality?Supporters would argue that Clinton has provided many answers to this question: from infrastructure spending and a jobs program to minimum wage increases and taxing the rich. Yet many still wonder if a campaign so heavily funded by America’s rich and powerful really understands or is committed to helping its middle class. Her answers may be more nuanced than Trump’s crude protectionism, but they need to cut through with voters if she is to blunt his appeal in the rust belt.
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What are the third-party candidates up to?What are the third-party candidates up to?
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will be the only two candidates to participate in tonight’s presidential debate at Hofstra University on Long Island - polling limitations have limited the field to just the two major-party candidates, as has happened in every presidential debate since 1992 - but that doesn’t mean that the other would-be presidents have given up on participating in some capacity.Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will be the only two candidates to participate in tonight’s presidential debate at Hofstra University on Long Island - polling limitations have limited the field to just the two major-party candidates, as has happened in every presidential debate since 1992 - but that doesn’t mean that the other would-be presidents have given up on participating in some capacity.
Former New Mexico governor and Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson will watch tonight’s debate from New York City with his running mate, Bill Weld, and will be livetweeting the proceedings from Twitter’s offices in Chelsea.Former New Mexico governor and Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson will watch tonight’s debate from New York City with his running mate, Bill Weld, and will be livetweeting the proceedings from Twitter’s offices in Chelsea.
Green party nominee Jill Stein, meanwhile, plans to “literally insert herself” into the debate tonight, responding to each of the debate questions via Periscope livestream. Responses will also be livestreamed via Facebook Live on her Facebook page. “In effect, using a range of cutting-edge social media tools, Jill Stein will literally ‘insert’ herself into the debate process,” according to Meleiza Figueroa, Stein’s press director.Green party nominee Jill Stein, meanwhile, plans to “literally insert herself” into the debate tonight, responding to each of the debate questions via Periscope livestream. Responses will also be livestreamed via Facebook Live on her Facebook page. “In effect, using a range of cutting-edge social media tools, Jill Stein will literally ‘insert’ herself into the debate process,” according to Meleiza Figueroa, Stein’s press director.
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Nigel M SmithNigel M Smith
In the latest episode of Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver dedicated much of the show to make the case that Donald Trump’s worst scandals “trump” those of opponent Hillary Clinton.In the latest episode of Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver dedicated much of the show to make the case that Donald Trump’s worst scandals “trump” those of opponent Hillary Clinton.
“This campaign has been dominated by scandals, but it is dangerous to think that there is an equal number on both sides,” he said. “And you can be irritated by some of Hillary’s – that is understandable – but you should then be fucking outraged by Trump’s.“This campaign has been dominated by scandals, but it is dangerous to think that there is an equal number on both sides,” he said. “And you can be irritated by some of Hillary’s – that is understandable – but you should then be fucking outraged by Trump’s.
“Ethical failings in a politician are like raisins in a cookie,” he explained. “They shouldn’t be there. They disgust people. But most politicians have at least a few raisins.“Ethical failings in a politician are like raisins in a cookie,” he explained. “They shouldn’t be there. They disgust people. But most politicians have at least a few raisins.
“Hillary is a cookie like this one,” he said, holding an oatmeal raisin cookie. “She arguably has more raisins than average.”“Hillary is a cookie like this one,” he said, holding an oatmeal raisin cookie. “She arguably has more raisins than average.”
As for Trump? “The man is a fucking raisin monsoon,” yelled Oliver, as a torrent of raisins rained down on his desk.As for Trump? “The man is a fucking raisin monsoon,” yelled Oliver, as a torrent of raisins rained down on his desk.
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Three days after he endorsed onetime foe Donald Trump, Texas senator Ted Cruz sat down for an interview with one of his most infuriated former supporters: Glenn Beck.Three days after he endorsed onetime foe Donald Trump, Texas senator Ted Cruz sat down for an interview with one of his most infuriated former supporters: Glenn Beck.
The interview is, as you might imagine, extremely uncomfortable.The interview is, as you might imagine, extremely uncomfortable.
“I tried very very hard, as did you, to prevent it from being a binary choice between Hillary and Donald Trump and I think it is fair to say there was no other Republican candidate who left more on the field and did more to stop Donald from being the nominee than I did,” Cruz protested, “but the voters made a different decision and you have to respect the democratic process even if you may not be terribly happy with the outcome.”“I tried very very hard, as did you, to prevent it from being a binary choice between Hillary and Donald Trump and I think it is fair to say there was no other Republican candidate who left more on the field and did more to stop Donald from being the nominee than I did,” Cruz protested, “but the voters made a different decision and you have to respect the democratic process even if you may not be terribly happy with the outcome.”
In a statement posted to Facebook on Friday, Cruz declared that “after many months of careful consideration, of prayer and searching my own conscience, I have decided that on Election Day, I will vote for the Republican nominee, Donald Trump.”In a statement posted to Facebook on Friday, Cruz declared that “after many months of careful consideration, of prayer and searching my own conscience, I have decided that on Election Day, I will vote for the Republican nominee, Donald Trump.”
Citing Trump’s release of a long list of potential supreme court justices he would nominate to replace the late Antonin Scalia, Cruz said that, in his eyes, the list indicated that the nominee is “critically committed that the only nominees he would consider for the court were on that list. Now that was a major shift.”Citing Trump’s release of a long list of potential supreme court justices he would nominate to replace the late Antonin Scalia, Cruz said that, in his eyes, the list indicated that the nominee is “critically committed that the only nominees he would consider for the court were on that list. Now that was a major shift.”
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Dan RobertsDan Roberts
Five awkward questions Donald Trump might field tonight:Five awkward questions Donald Trump might field tonight:
How can you be trusted with the nuclear codes?A symbolic question, but one that goes to the heart of concerns about Trump’s suitability for the job of commander-in-chief. He has made a number of erratic comments appearing to suggest a cavalier approach to nuclear proliferation; he has also threatened to undermine both Nato and a longstanding commitment to non-nuclear allies in Asia. Combining all this with a general belligerence that terrifies even generals, Trump has much to do to reassure voters he is not a dangerous loose cannon.How can you be trusted with the nuclear codes?A symbolic question, but one that goes to the heart of concerns about Trump’s suitability for the job of commander-in-chief. He has made a number of erratic comments appearing to suggest a cavalier approach to nuclear proliferation; he has also threatened to undermine both Nato and a longstanding commitment to non-nuclear allies in Asia. Combining all this with a general belligerence that terrifies even generals, Trump has much to do to reassure voters he is not a dangerous loose cannon.
Did you support US intervention in Iraq and Libya?Trump has tried to have his cake and eat it on the subject of Middle East policy, attacking Clinton for backing regime change in Iraq and Libya while implying he was opposed to both wars at the time. But though this real estate investor’s foreign policy views were not then widely sought out, there is a plenty of evidence to suggest he kept any opposition very quiet. Asked if he backed the invasion of Iraq, he said: “I guess so.”Did you support US intervention in Iraq and Libya?Trump has tried to have his cake and eat it on the subject of Middle East policy, attacking Clinton for backing regime change in Iraq and Libya while implying he was opposed to both wars at the time. But though this real estate investor’s foreign policy views were not then widely sought out, there is a plenty of evidence to suggest he kept any opposition very quiet. Asked if he backed the invasion of Iraq, he said: “I guess so.”
Why would Mexico pay for you to build a wall?The flagship policy of building a physical wall on the southern border is frequently embellished with a boast that Trump would make sure Mexico paid for its construction. A recent meeting with the Mexican president, however, made clear that this is highly unlikely. Trump appeared to mislead supporters almost immediately afterward and continues to ignore evidence that Mexican net migration into the US has dropped to near zero in recent years. The mechanics of his deportation policy are even vaguer.Why would Mexico pay for you to build a wall?The flagship policy of building a physical wall on the southern border is frequently embellished with a boast that Trump would make sure Mexico paid for its construction. A recent meeting with the Mexican president, however, made clear that this is highly unlikely. Trump appeared to mislead supporters almost immediately afterward and continues to ignore evidence that Mexican net migration into the US has dropped to near zero in recent years. The mechanics of his deportation policy are even vaguer.
Is there anyone you regret offending?An open question that could lead Trump into uncharted territory. For over a year, the Republican nominee has outraged Muslims, African Americans, women, Latinos and disabled people with a series of ever-more outrageous comments. Any attempt to hold him to account for offensive language was dismissed as mere political correctness. Attacking the family of a Muslim war hero after the Democratic convention finally seemed to damage Trump in the polls, though, and prompted a half-apology. Who else will he say sorry to?Is there anyone you regret offending?An open question that could lead Trump into uncharted territory. For over a year, the Republican nominee has outraged Muslims, African Americans, women, Latinos and disabled people with a series of ever-more outrageous comments. Any attempt to hold him to account for offensive language was dismissed as mere political correctness. Attacking the family of a Muslim war hero after the Democratic convention finally seemed to damage Trump in the polls, though, and prompted a half-apology. Who else will he say sorry to?
What evidence do you have against climate change?Like many Republicans, Trump has repeatedly suggested that action to prevent man-made climate change is unnecessary because he does not “believe” it is real. He is even threatening to pull the US out of the Paris climate accord. Yet in the face of overwhelming evidence from world scientists, surely the onus is now on skeptics to prove their claims with facts and numbers of their own. What proof does Trump have that climate change is a “hoax”?What evidence do you have against climate change?Like many Republicans, Trump has repeatedly suggested that action to prevent man-made climate change is unnecessary because he does not “believe” it is real. He is even threatening to pull the US out of the Paris climate accord. Yet in the face of overwhelming evidence from world scientists, surely the onus is now on skeptics to prove their claims with facts and numbers of their own. What proof does Trump have that climate change is a “hoax”?
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Jill Abramson: ‘Saving the country from Donald Trump isn’t enough of a message’Jill Abramson: ‘Saving the country from Donald Trump isn’t enough of a message’
Dear Hillary Clinton,Dear Hillary Clinton,
The debates give you the best opportunity to describe a real vision of where you want to lead the country and to get voters excited about a future you can help create as president.The debates give you the best opportunity to describe a real vision of where you want to lead the country and to get voters excited about a future you can help create as president.
Saving the country from Donald Trump isn’t enough of a message. Your toughness and readiness to do battle with him have been amply demonstrated. Most voters already know why they should not vote for Trump.Saving the country from Donald Trump isn’t enough of a message. Your toughness and readiness to do battle with him have been amply demonstrated. Most voters already know why they should not vote for Trump.
But they are not sure they can trust your leadership to bring about change in Washington, DC. They worry that you will be “more of the same.” So it’s vital that you have a crisp, forward-looking message about why you want to be president, where you’ll lead the country, and how you will improve the lives of people. Many of your specific policy proposals actually do this. Show that you are excited about enacting them and that you have a record of getting things done by building bipartisan alliances. Cite your accomplishments, so the audience knows it can count on you to get the job done. Rinse and repeat.But they are not sure they can trust your leadership to bring about change in Washington, DC. They worry that you will be “more of the same.” So it’s vital that you have a crisp, forward-looking message about why you want to be president, where you’ll lead the country, and how you will improve the lives of people. Many of your specific policy proposals actually do this. Show that you are excited about enacting them and that you have a record of getting things done by building bipartisan alliances. Cite your accomplishments, so the audience knows it can count on you to get the job done. Rinse and repeat.
Stay on the high road and don’t let Trump drag you down.Stay on the high road and don’t let Trump drag you down.
Best of luck,Best of luck,
Jill AbramsonJill Abramson
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The topic of live fact-checking during tonight’s presidential debate has become one of the most heated issues relating to the first face-to-face confrontation between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump - we honestly can’t say why - and one network appears ready and willing to take on the challenge.The topic of live fact-checking during tonight’s presidential debate has become one of the most heated issues relating to the first face-to-face confrontation between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump - we honestly can’t say why - and one network appears ready and willing to take on the challenge.
According to Politico, Bloomberg TV, which you might recognize as the most orange-data-choked channel in your cable package, will fact-check tonight’s debate at Hofstra University on Long Island in real time onscreen, setting it apart from other networks that don’t want to appear biased. (Biased towards reality, we guess?)According to Politico, Bloomberg TV, which you might recognize as the most orange-data-choked channel in your cable package, will fact-check tonight’s debate at Hofstra University on Long Island in real time onscreen, setting it apart from other networks that don’t want to appear biased. (Biased towards reality, we guess?)
Anchor and debate host Lester Holt has a history of fact-checking during his interviews, but hasn’t made it known whether he plans on correcting falsehoods from either candidate. Janet Brown, the executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates that organizes the debates every election, told CNN that “I don’t think it’s a good idea to get the moderator into essentially serving as the Encyclopedia Britannica,” and that “I’m not sure, what is the big fact, and what is a little fact?”Anchor and debate host Lester Holt has a history of fact-checking during his interviews, but hasn’t made it known whether he plans on correcting falsehoods from either candidate. Janet Brown, the executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates that organizes the debates every election, told CNN that “I don’t think it’s a good idea to get the moderator into essentially serving as the Encyclopedia Britannica,” and that “I’m not sure, what is the big fact, and what is a little fact?”
The Guardian will also be fact-checking tonight’s debate live.The Guardian will also be fact-checking tonight’s debate live.
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Hillary Clinton announces guests for first debateHillary Clinton announces guests for first debate
At 9pm tonight, Hillary Clinton will take to the stage at Hofstra University on Long Island with an audience of 100 million people watching at home - and four special guests in the debate hall itself.At 9pm tonight, Hillary Clinton will take to the stage at Hofstra University on Long Island with an audience of 100 million people watching at home - and four special guests in the debate hall itself.
Clinton’s guests to the debate “are people who she has worked with and fought for during her career in public service,” according to the campaign, which extended invitations to four voters who “embody some of the causes of [Clinton’s] career”:Clinton’s guests to the debate “are people who she has worked with and fought for during her career in public service,” according to the campaign, which extended invitations to four voters who “embody some of the causes of [Clinton’s] career”:
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During the first presidential debate tonight, the Guardian Mobile Innovation Lab and the Guardian US opinion desk will send experimental web notifications with real-time opinions from Guardian columnists as they watch the debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.During the first presidential debate tonight, the Guardian Mobile Innovation Lab and the Guardian US opinion desk will send experimental web notifications with real-time opinions from Guardian columnists as they watch the debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
These experimental alerts, available to users of Android devices who have an updated Chrome browser installed on their phones, will supplement the news alerts sent from the Guardian’s Android app with reactions from Guardian columnists Richard Wolffe and Lucia Graves. They will be sent at key moments throughout the debate, while the Guardian app news alerts will provide only the most important updates. (The alerts can also be received through desktop Chrome browsers but unfortunately not iPhones. We’re working on a way to release iOS versions of our notifications experiments and hope to have that ready next month.)These experimental alerts, available to users of Android devices who have an updated Chrome browser installed on their phones, will supplement the news alerts sent from the Guardian’s Android app with reactions from Guardian columnists Richard Wolffe and Lucia Graves. They will be sent at key moments throughout the debate, while the Guardian app news alerts will provide only the most important updates. (The alerts can also be received through desktop Chrome browsers but unfortunately not iPhones. We’re working on a way to release iOS versions of our notifications experiments and hope to have that ready next month.)
During the debate, you will hear from the columnists with their quick takes on the candidates’ policy statements, their debating styles, and who’s winning and who’s losing.During the debate, you will hear from the columnists with their quick takes on the candidates’ policy statements, their debating styles, and who’s winning and who’s losing.
This project is the latest installment in ongoing experimentation with notifications, part of the Mobile Lab’s mission to learn more about mobile storytelling. After the experiment, we’ll send out a survey soliciting feedback on the experience.This project is the latest installment in ongoing experimentation with notifications, part of the Mobile Lab’s mission to learn more about mobile storytelling. After the experiment, we’ll send out a survey soliciting feedback on the experience.
Sound interesting? Want to sign up? Web notifications are currently only available on Chrome on Android devices or desktop. If you have an Android mobile phone (Samsung, included!), open this page in a Chrome browser and tap to sign up.Sound interesting? Want to sign up? Web notifications are currently only available on Chrome on Android devices or desktop. If you have an Android mobile phone (Samsung, included!), open this page in a Chrome browser and tap to sign up.
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Immigration officers endorse Donald TrumpImmigration officers endorse Donald Trump
A union representing 7,600 federal immigration officers has endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential bid ahead of the upcoming presidential debate tonight, a boon to a candidate who has made immigration the centerpiece of his campaign’s platform.A union representing 7,600 federal immigration officers has endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential bid ahead of the upcoming presidential debate tonight, a boon to a candidate who has made immigration the centerpiece of his campaign’s platform.
In a statement, Chris Crane, the union’s president, blamed “the unconstitutional executive orders of President Obama, embraced by Hillary Clinton,” for regulations preventing the union’s members “from enforcing the most basic immigration laws.”In a statement, Chris Crane, the union’s president, blamed “the unconstitutional executive orders of President Obama, embraced by Hillary Clinton,” for regulations preventing the union’s members “from enforcing the most basic immigration laws.”
“Donald Trump reached out to us for a meeting, sat down with me to discuss his goals for enforcement, and pledged to support ICE officers, our nation’s laws and our members. In his immigration policy, he has outlined core policies needed to restore immigration security -- including support for increased interior enforcement and border security, an end to Sanctuary Cities, an end to catch-and-release, mandatory detainers, and the canceling of executive amnesty and non-enforcement directives.”“Donald Trump reached out to us for a meeting, sat down with me to discuss his goals for enforcement, and pledged to support ICE officers, our nation’s laws and our members. In his immigration policy, he has outlined core policies needed to restore immigration security -- including support for increased interior enforcement and border security, an end to Sanctuary Cities, an end to catch-and-release, mandatory detainers, and the canceling of executive amnesty and non-enforcement directives.”
According to the statement, which characterized the union’s endorsement as a first in its history, Clinton received the support of only 5% of the union’s members.According to the statement, which characterized the union’s endorsement as a first in its history, Clinton received the support of only 5% of the union’s members.
The National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council represents 7,600 officers, agents and employees who work for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for responsible for security along the American border.The National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council represents 7,600 officers, agents and employees who work for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for responsible for security along the American border.
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Hofstra University debate: what you need to knowHofstra University debate: what you need to know
With T-minus 12 hours until the first of three presidential debates between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump, here’s a rundown of the whos, wheres and whens of tonight’s debate - including some predictions and runups from the Guardian’s crack political reporting team.With T-minus 12 hours until the first of three presidential debates between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump, here’s a rundown of the whos, wheres and whens of tonight’s debate - including some predictions and runups from the Guardian’s crack political reporting team.
Who: Aside from Clinton and Trump, the debate will be moderated by NBC’s Lester Holt, the most-watched daily news broadcaster in the country with a reputation as a persistent fact-checker despite a 12-year stint as a weekend morning host. Trump has expressed displeasure with the selection of Holt, dismissing him as a Democrat in an interview with Fox News last week. (Holt is a registered Republican.)Who: Aside from Clinton and Trump, the debate will be moderated by NBC’s Lester Holt, the most-watched daily news broadcaster in the country with a reputation as a persistent fact-checker despite a 12-year stint as a weekend morning host. Trump has expressed displeasure with the selection of Holt, dismissing him as a Democrat in an interview with Fox News last week. (Holt is a registered Republican.)
When: Tonight’s debate will begin at 9pm ET, running for 90 minutes without commercial interruption. The debate will consist of six sections, running approximately 15 minutes long apiece. Each of the six sections will begin with a question, with both candidates provided two minutes to answer. The candidates may also respond to direct mentions, accusations or calumnies made by their opponent, and Holt may ask follow-up questions.When: Tonight’s debate will begin at 9pm ET, running for 90 minutes without commercial interruption. The debate will consist of six sections, running approximately 15 minutes long apiece. Each of the six sections will begin with a question, with both candidates provided two minutes to answer. The candidates may also respond to direct mentions, accusations or calumnies made by their opponent, and Holt may ask follow-up questions.
Holt has separated the debate into three themes so nebulous as to be almost meaningless: “America’s Direction,” “Achieving Prosperity” and “Securing America.” Whether or not these blocks are divided into 30-minute segments depends on the succinctness of the candidates’ answers and Holt’s willingness-slash-ability to reign them in.Holt has separated the debate into three themes so nebulous as to be almost meaningless: “America’s Direction,” “Achieving Prosperity” and “Securing America.” Whether or not these blocks are divided into 30-minute segments depends on the succinctness of the candidates’ answers and Holt’s willingness-slash-ability to reign them in.
Where: The debate will be held at Hofstra University on Long Island, which also hosted presidential debates in 2008 between then-Illinois senator Barack Obama and Arizona senator John McCain and in 2012 between President Obama and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. It is the only university to ever host three consecutive presidential debates.Where: The debate will be held at Hofstra University on Long Island, which also hosted presidential debates in 2008 between then-Illinois senator Barack Obama and Arizona senator John McCain and in 2012 between President Obama and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. It is the only university to ever host three consecutive presidential debates.
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Kellyanne Conway, Donald Trump’s campaign manager - well, by title, anyway - disputed characterizing Trump’s insistence that NBC anchor and debate moderator Lester Holt is a Democrat (factually inaccurate, as voter registration records show that Holt is a registered Republican), asserting that Trump can’t lie when he doesn’t know he’s saying something that’s not true.Kellyanne Conway, Donald Trump’s campaign manager - well, by title, anyway - disputed characterizing Trump’s insistence that NBC anchor and debate moderator Lester Holt is a Democrat (factually inaccurate, as voter registration records show that Holt is a registered Republican), asserting that Trump can’t lie when he doesn’t know he’s saying something that’s not true.
.@KellyannePolls: Trump 'didn't lie' about Lester Holt, 'a lie would mean that he knew the man's party registration' https://t.co/dZWTCwpoim.@KellyannePolls: Trump 'didn't lie' about Lester Holt, 'a lie would mean that he knew the man's party registration' https://t.co/dZWTCwpoim
For those who haven’t read Harry Frankfurt’s On Bullshit - we recommend it for this and every election year - here’s a salient line from the tome:For those who haven’t read Harry Frankfurt’s On Bullshit - we recommend it for this and every election year - here’s a salient line from the tome:
It is impossible for someone to lie unless he thinks he knows the truth. Producing bullshit requires no such conviction.It is impossible for someone to lie unless he thinks he knows the truth. Producing bullshit requires no such conviction.
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Donald Trump takes lead in Bloomberg poll hours before debateDonald Trump takes lead in Bloomberg poll hours before debate
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s campaign live blog.Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s campaign live blog.
Mere hours before the most highly anticipated presidential debate in generations – 74% of Americans plan to watch tonight, according to an ABC/Washington Post survey – both nationwide and swing state polls have tightened to a statistical dead heat between former first lady, New York senator and secretary of state Hillary Clinton and real estate tycoon Donald Trump. In some polls, the Republican nominee has taken a small lead.Mere hours before the most highly anticipated presidential debate in generations – 74% of Americans plan to watch tonight, according to an ABC/Washington Post survey – both nationwide and swing state polls have tightened to a statistical dead heat between former first lady, New York senator and secretary of state Hillary Clinton and real estate tycoon Donald Trump. In some polls, the Republican nominee has taken a small lead.
A new poll from Bloomberg, released Monday morning, shows the candidates locking horns with the support of 46% of likely voters in a head-to-head contest, with Trump up 43% to 41% with the inclusion of third-party candidates. A meaningful national poll, the Bloomberg survey suggests Trump has fully recovered from his post-convention flameout. Over the weekend, a Washington Post/ABC poll put Clinton two points ahead among likely voters, 46% to 44%. A survey by the Morning Consult website gave Trump an edge of one point.A new poll from Bloomberg, released Monday morning, shows the candidates locking horns with the support of 46% of likely voters in a head-to-head contest, with Trump up 43% to 41% with the inclusion of third-party candidates. A meaningful national poll, the Bloomberg survey suggests Trump has fully recovered from his post-convention flameout. Over the weekend, a Washington Post/ABC poll put Clinton two points ahead among likely voters, 46% to 44%. A survey by the Morning Consult website gave Trump an edge of one point.
Similarly positive numbers for Trump in Colorado and must-win Pennsylvania indicate that while eight in 10 voters say their minds are made up, tonight’s contest at Hofstra University in New York could prove decisive.Similarly positive numbers for Trump in Colorado and must-win Pennsylvania indicate that while eight in 10 voters say their minds are made up, tonight’s contest at Hofstra University in New York could prove decisive.
Over the weekend, as the 90-minute matchup between two candidates with vastly different debating styles, skills and sensibilities approached, the fight became increasingly dirty. Trump reacted to news that the Clinton campaign had invited critic and fellow billionaire Mark Cuban by musing that he might invite Gennifer Flowers, a former model who had an extramarital encounter with Bill Clinton in the 1980s. Flowers told news outlets she had accepted an invitation; the Trump campaign later denied that Flowers was invited.Over the weekend, as the 90-minute matchup between two candidates with vastly different debating styles, skills and sensibilities approached, the fight became increasingly dirty. Trump reacted to news that the Clinton campaign had invited critic and fellow billionaire Mark Cuban by musing that he might invite Gennifer Flowers, a former model who had an extramarital encounter with Bill Clinton in the 1980s. Flowers told news outlets she had accepted an invitation; the Trump campaign later denied that Flowers was invited.
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