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Clinton gaining ground as Obama's approval ratings go up – campaign live Clinton gaining ground as Obama's approval ratings go up – campaign live
(35 minutes later)
12.18am BST
00:18
Donald Trump campaigns in Sandown, New Hampshire
Watch it live here:
11.18pm BST11.18pm BST
23:1823:18
That’s the wrong building.That’s the wrong building.
Looking forward to a great future... pic.twitter.com/5i1EkvThymLooking forward to a great future... pic.twitter.com/5i1EkvThym
10.50pm BST10.50pm BST
22:5022:50
Evan McMullin to announce running mateEvan McMullin to announce running mate
#NeverTrump spoiler candidate Evan McMullin, who joined the race for the White House in August, will announce the official selection of his running mate with only 33 days to go before the presidential election, according to Buzzfeed News.#NeverTrump spoiler candidate Evan McMullin, who joined the race for the White House in August, will announce the official selection of his running mate with only 33 days to go before the presidential election, according to Buzzfeed News.
The choice is another little-known Republican: Mindy Finn, a Republican consultant who has advised the Republican National Committee and founder of conservative women’s organization Empowered Women whose LinkedIn page describes her as “a media strategist, an early founder of the digital democracy movement, and specializes in brand marketing, issue advocacy and civic reform.”The choice is another little-known Republican: Mindy Finn, a Republican consultant who has advised the Republican National Committee and founder of conservative women’s organization Empowered Women whose LinkedIn page describes her as “a media strategist, an early founder of the digital democracy movement, and specializes in brand marketing, issue advocacy and civic reform.”
McMullin is running as an independent conservative alternative to Trump, backed by some of the Republican nominee’s most determined rightwing opponents.McMullin is running as an independent conservative alternative to Trump, backed by some of the Republican nominee’s most determined rightwing opponents.
10.07pm BST10.07pm BST
22:0722:07
President Barack Obama is cutting short the sentences of 102 federal inmates as part of his ongoing push to grant clemency during his final months in office.President Barack Obama is cutting short the sentences of 102 federal inmates as part of his ongoing push to grant clemency during his final months in office.
The latest round brings to 774 the number of sentences Obama has commuted, including 590 this year. The White House says it is more than the previous 11 presidents put together.The latest round brings to 774 the number of sentences Obama has commuted, including 590 this year. The White House says it is more than the previous 11 presidents put together.
Almost all of those receiving commutations were convicted of drug-related offenses. Most are considered non-violent offenders, although some were convicted of firearms charges in connection with drug crimes.Almost all of those receiving commutations were convicted of drug-related offenses. Most are considered non-violent offenders, although some were convicted of firearms charges in connection with drug crimes.
Many of the recipients had been serving life sentences.Many of the recipients had been serving life sentences.
But Obama is not setting them all free right away. Many of those receiving commutations will see their sentences end in October 2018, almost two years into the next president’s term.But Obama is not setting them all free right away. Many of those receiving commutations will see their sentences end in October 2018, almost two years into the next president’s term.
9.45pm BST9.45pm BST
21:4521:45
Update: Matt Drudge is now a Hurricane Matthew truther.Update: Matt Drudge is now a Hurricane Matthew truther.
Hurricane Center has monopoly on data. No way of verifying claims. Nassau ground observations DID NOT match statements! 165mph gusts? WHERE?Hurricane Center has monopoly on data. No way of verifying claims. Nassau ground observations DID NOT match statements! 165mph gusts? WHERE?
9.43pm BST9.43pm BST
21:4321:43
For the first time in the history of presidential debates, the American public has the opportunity to vote for some of the questions that will be asked during Sunday night’s presidential debate.For the first time in the history of presidential debates, the American public has the opportunity to vote for some of the questions that will be asked during Sunday night’s presidential debate.
Any one of the top 30 questions voted on the Open Debate Coalition’s website will be up for consideration - and some of them are making major waves on social media:Any one of the top 30 questions voted on the Open Debate Coalition’s website will be up for consideration - and some of them are making major waves on social media:
Which ones do you think should be asked?Which ones do you think should be asked?
9.36pm BST9.36pm BST
21:3621:36
As Donald Trump’s campaign urges Floridians in Hurricane Matthew’s path to seek shelter, some of his supporters are apparently wondering whether the entire “strongest Florida storm in more than a century” thing is just a liberal conspiracy:As Donald Trump’s campaign urges Floridians in Hurricane Matthew’s path to seek shelter, some of his supporters are apparently wondering whether the entire “strongest Florida storm in more than a century” thing is just a liberal conspiracy:
The deplorables are starting to wonder if govt has been lying to them about Hurricane Matthew intensity to make exaggerated point on climateThe deplorables are starting to wonder if govt has been lying to them about Hurricane Matthew intensity to make exaggerated point on climate
This is, for the record, insanely dangerous.This is, for the record, insanely dangerous.
9.15pm BST9.15pm BST
21:1521:15
PEAK TRUMP, asked about Yucca Mountain, read this whole thing: "And I will come very strongly one way or the other. I will have an opinion." pic.twitter.com/0K6H8XPFW0PEAK TRUMP, asked about Yucca Mountain, read this whole thing: "And I will come very strongly one way or the other. I will have an opinion." pic.twitter.com/0K6H8XPFW0
8.56pm BST8.56pm BST
20:5620:56
Sabrina SiddiquiSabrina Siddiqui
With 32 days remaining until the US election, Hillary Clinton’s campaign is touting its advantage over opponent Donald Trump in the early voting process that is already underway in pivotal battleground states.With 32 days remaining until the US election, Hillary Clinton’s campaign is touting its advantage over opponent Donald Trump in the early voting process that is already underway in pivotal battleground states.
“We are certain that more voters are going to cast ballots in this election than any other election in our nation’s history,” Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters on a Thursday conference call, while predicting a historic show of early voting as well.“We are certain that more voters are going to cast ballots in this election than any other election in our nation’s history,” Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters on a Thursday conference call, while predicting a historic show of early voting as well.
Key swing states such as Nevada, North Carolina and Florida “could be decided before Election Day,” he added, stating the campaign’s objective to create an “insurmountable lead” by encouraging supporters to cast their ballots early.Key swing states such as Nevada, North Carolina and Florida “could be decided before Election Day,” he added, stating the campaign’s objective to create an “insurmountable lead” by encouraging supporters to cast their ballots early.
Citing a 50% increase in vote-by-mail requests in Florida alone, compared with the same point in the race in 2012, Mook said the Clinton campaign was already succeeding in turning out its low propensity voters as opposed to Republicans.Citing a 50% increase in vote-by-mail requests in Florida alone, compared with the same point in the race in 2012, Mook said the Clinton campaign was already succeeding in turning out its low propensity voters as opposed to Republicans.
Another significant development working in Democrats’ favor: An uptick in voter registration among African Americans and Hispanics. Vote-by-mail requests among Hispanics in Florida, for example, were up 77% since this juncture four years ago, Mook said.Another significant development working in Democrats’ favor: An uptick in voter registration among African Americans and Hispanics. Vote-by-mail requests among Hispanics in Florida, for example, were up 77% since this juncture four years ago, Mook said.
The trend of more vote-by-mail requests extended to other demographics who have increasingly voted Democrat and might feel alienated by Trump, such as Asian Americans. Changes to strict voter ID laws in some battlegrounds, enacted by Republicans and found to disproportionately target minorities, would also help to boost Clinton’s campaign, Mook said.The trend of more vote-by-mail requests extended to other demographics who have increasingly voted Democrat and might feel alienated by Trump, such as Asian Americans. Changes to strict voter ID laws in some battlegrounds, enacted by Republicans and found to disproportionately target minorities, would also help to boost Clinton’s campaign, Mook said.
“We think we have a superior turnout operation than Donald Trump does and early voting is the time when we can really put that to use and exploit that advantage that we have,” Mook said.“We think we have a superior turnout operation than Donald Trump does and early voting is the time when we can really put that to use and exploit that advantage that we have,” Mook said.
Republicans have historically dominated the process of voting early by mail. While Clinton’s campaign acknowledged Democrats were unlikely to overtake their opponents overall in early voting this cycle, they were optimistic about closing the gap.Republicans have historically dominated the process of voting early by mail. While Clinton’s campaign acknowledged Democrats were unlikely to overtake their opponents overall in early voting this cycle, they were optimistic about closing the gap.
Mook also said the campaign was requesting that officials in Florida extend its Oct. 11 voter registration deadline in light of Hurricane Matthew. The Category 4 deadly storm, which is making its up up the Florida coast, prompted its governor to declare a state of emergency.Mook also said the campaign was requesting that officials in Florida extend its Oct. 11 voter registration deadline in light of Hurricane Matthew. The Category 4 deadly storm, which is making its up up the Florida coast, prompted its governor to declare a state of emergency.
Mook additionally previewed the next presidential debate, slated for Sunday evening in St. Louis, Missouri. While Clinton was near unanimously regarded as the winner of the first debate, Mook said the campaign did not anticipate Trump to be as undisciplined.Mook additionally previewed the next presidential debate, slated for Sunday evening in St. Louis, Missouri. While Clinton was near unanimously regarded as the winner of the first debate, Mook said the campaign did not anticipate Trump to be as undisciplined.
“We expect a more focused, more prepared Trump at this debate,” Mook said.“We expect a more focused, more prepared Trump at this debate,” Mook said.
And while Trump has foreshadowed bringing up controversial issues such as Bill Clinton’s previous infidelities, Mook was less convinced. “We do not expect him to come with the personal and harsh attacks he’s been threatening,” he said.And while Trump has foreshadowed bringing up controversial issues such as Bill Clinton’s previous infidelities, Mook was less convinced. “We do not expect him to come with the personal and harsh attacks he’s been threatening,” he said.
8.44pm BST8.44pm BST
20:4420:44
Ryan FeltonRyan Felton
Bernie Sanders blasted Donald Trump as a billionaire who exemplifies a “corrupt American political system” in the Vermont senator’s first visit to Michigan on the campaign trail for Hillary Clinton today.Bernie Sanders blasted Donald Trump as a billionaire who exemplifies a “corrupt American political system” in the Vermont senator’s first visit to Michigan on the campaign trail for Hillary Clinton today.
At a local United Auto Workers chapter in Dearborn, the first of four campaign stops across the state, Sanders’ appearance on behalf of Clinton came several months after he eked out a shocking victory in Michigan’s primary election. But in his roughly 50-minute speech, Sanders stressed the importance of electing Clinton, declaring Trump’s policy agenda is “particularly dangerous and un-American”.At a local United Auto Workers chapter in Dearborn, the first of four campaign stops across the state, Sanders’ appearance on behalf of Clinton came several months after he eked out a shocking victory in Michigan’s primary election. But in his roughly 50-minute speech, Sanders stressed the importance of electing Clinton, declaring Trump’s policy agenda is “particularly dangerous and un-American”.
The Republican nominee, Sanders said, differs from any candidate in modern history for one reason: “The reason Trump’s campaign is particularly dangerous and un-American is that he has made the cornerstone of his campaign bigotry.”The Republican nominee, Sanders said, differs from any candidate in modern history for one reason: “The reason Trump’s campaign is particularly dangerous and un-American is that he has made the cornerstone of his campaign bigotry.”
He continued, “This campaign, what Trump is trying to do trying to win votes by dividing us up, by insulting the Latino brothers and sisters, by insulting the Muslim community, by every day hurling insults at women.”He continued, “This campaign, what Trump is trying to do trying to win votes by dividing us up, by insulting the Latino brothers and sisters, by insulting the Muslim community, by every day hurling insults at women.”
Sanders said the revelation of Trump’s 1995 tax returns released last week accomplished more in one day “than I have in a year” to illustrate the “corrupt” American economy.Sanders said the revelation of Trump’s 1995 tax returns released last week accomplished more in one day “than I have in a year” to illustrate the “corrupt” American economy.
8.25pm BST
20:25
Donald Trump has issued a statement regarding the impending landfall of Hurricane Matthew:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the path of Hurricane Matthew, namely in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, and we encourage everyone to listen to their Governors and local emergency officials urging the evacuations of at-risk coastal communities. These warnings are very, very serious – if your home is in the path of the hurricane and you are being advised to leave, you need to do so right now. Nothing is more important than the safety of your family.
I would also like to offer my thanks to the law enforcement, first responders and power crews making the necessary preparations for the storm and carrying out their plans to help our communities survive and recover in the aftermath.
I also want to extend my personal condolences to those families in Haiti who lost loved ones as this storm tore through their island. The news reports that over a hundred people are feared dead saddens us all, and the United States should offer our assistance to help our island neighbors.
Please stay safe.
7.55pm BST
19:55
Pence says Trump no longer wants a Muslim ban
Trump running mate Mike Pence this morning told CNN that Trump no longer supports a ban on Muslims entering the US but wants a ban on immigrants “from countries compromised by terrorism.”
Even before Tuesday’s debate, a large part of Pence’s job had become to describe Trump’s policies and views as less extreme than the candidate has described them (see the lengthy Sunday show footage of Pence taking questions about whether Trump still wants a “deportation force”).
“We’re going to suspend immigration from countries compromised by terrorism,” Pence says.
CNN’s Chris Cuomo does a good job of pushing him: “But governor that is a finessed position,” Cuomo says, pointing out that Pence strongly condemned Trump’s call for a Muslim ban back when he was supporting Ted Cruz.
“You condemned those comments. Why do you not condemn them now?”
Pence laughs, as if no questions could be sillier. “Well because it’s not Donald Trump’s position now.” Ha. Ha.
Why isn't Mike Pence condemning Trump's past call for a Muslim ban? "Because it's not Donald Trump's position now" https://t.co/9fAIpGXCd4
The plan is still to ban immigration from Muslim-majority countries, which is based on religion. https://t.co/DQ4M1ZPrzW
7.40pm BST
19:40
Here is a mashup of Hillary Clinton and a bunch of other Democrats pronouncing “Nevada” correctly as Donald Trump, speaking to a Reno crowd last night, did not (see earlier):
Hey @realDonaldTrump,We made this video to help you pronounce Nev-AD-a!https://t.co/T1hQzrqaZx
7.32pm BST
19:32
A debate Wednesday in the interesting – or not – Democrat-on-Democrat US senate race in California, pitting state attorney general Kamala Harris, who leads in polls, against US representative Loretta Sanchez culminated with congresswoman Sanchez dabbing.
To wit:
Today in 2016 election moments: US Senate candidate Rep. Loretta Sanchez dabbed after her closing statement in tonight's California debate pic.twitter.com/pZWIwiL9hm
@seungminkim this: https://t.co/Ry3PTr8DKu
7.23pm BST
19:23
Become a Guardian supporter
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Updated
at 7.23pm BST
7.22pm BST
19:22
The man who ran Trump tower
Here’s an eye-opening Associated Press report: Donald Trump once hired a convicted felon – a man who had tried to help a triple murderer break out of prison – to run Trump tower.
Here’s the top of the report:
Six years after George Gjieli left federal prison, where he’d been sent for trying to break out a triple murderer, Donald Trump gave him a job running Trump Tower, where the billionaire businessman lived and worked.
For a decade, the Albanian immigrant, whom federal prosecutors had described as having “utter disdain for the laws of our country,” was the live-in residential superintendent of Trump’s most prized Manhattan high-rise. Meanwhile, he was accused in court papers of coordinating a cash-for-jobs racket inside the building, an Associated Press review has found.
Trump’s decision to entrust responsibility of his namesake Fifth Avenue skyscraper to Gjieli adds to a growing public accounting of men with questionable backgrounds whom Trump has hired or partnered with. The AP and others have reported they include a Mafia-linked government informant whom Trump named as a senior adviser and a convicted cocaine dealer whom Trump supported in a letter to a federal judge.
Gjieli, who said Trump wrote him a recommendation letter when he left Trump Tower in 2001, denied taking kickbacks including cash in envelopes delivered to his 29th floor office. In an interview, he called the allegations “bulls-t,” likely made by Romanian building workers harboring generations-old European ethnic rivalries.
The AP uncovered no evidence that Trump knew of money being paid for jobs. His presidential campaign spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, declined to address whether Trump ever conducted a background check before hiring Gjieli. She said Trump wasn’t familiar with the kickback allegations.
“Mr. Trump’s management style has led to the creation of one of the great private companies anywhere in the world,” she said. Trump himself has said he cares more about his supervisors’ ability to get things done than their tactics or pasts, writing approvingly in his best-selling “Art of the Deal” about a “con man” project manager who likely stole $50,000 annually from the company, including from his secretaries’ funeral fund used to buy flowers.
“Even so, I was probably getting a bargain,” Trump wrote, saying the con man it was not Gjieli was a good manager.
Read the full piece here.
7.09pm BST
19:09
In an unusual development, Trump fliers appearing in mailboxes in Iowa, Colorado and Pennsylvania are listed as paid for by the New York state Republican party. It could indicate that polling in New York has convinced the local GOP that mailing these in-state would be a waste.
Or maybe the phenomenon represents a jury-rigged coordination among the state parties or some other Trumpian disorganized logic.
Trump campaign mail hitting Iowa mailboxes. Paid for by New York State GOP pic.twitter.com/2QJ2onwgcL
New Trump flier hitting CO mailboxes. Check out who paid for it. #copolitics pic.twitter.com/nLfTw2JQeu
(h/t @bencjacobs)
6.41pm BST
18:41
Trump works to hold Nevada
Nicky Woolf
In front of an energetic crowd at the Reno-Sparks convention center in Reno, Nevada, Trump on Wednesday sang a symphony composed largely of old favorites from his songbook: Nafta took up a large part of his speech, with the debates – either his last week or his running mate’s on Tuesday – barely mentioned.
Pence, who was widely considered to have bested Kaine in the debate, merited only the barest of nods. “The problems we face as a country are immense – and, by the way, didn’t Mike Pence do a great job?” The line did not get much of a cheer, and he did not mention his running mate again.
If Trump has suffered in national polling since his debate with Clinton last week, his supporters did not seem to mind. The atmosphere in Reno was almost festive, with the crowd engaging in Trump’s call-and-responses with gusto. “What’s my economic – my economic,” Trump said, pretending to forget, and the crowd shouted back: “Jobs! Jobs!”
Only when Trump asked if there were any Latinos in the room was the Republican candidate met with near-silence. Even the booing of the media – a ritual at Trump rallies – seemed milder and more good-natured than usual.
Read the full piece here:
Can we please get these? pic.twitter.com/eNhhJq8I1a
Updated
at 6.43pm BST
6.05pm BST
18:05
Anywhere but Washington: Maine edition
As Hillary Clinton makes history while openly campaigning for gun law reform, the NRA faces possible defeat in a Maine referendum. Paul Lewis and Tom Silverstone travel to Maine, where a push for universal background checks is being bankrolled by billionaire Michael Bloomberg:
6.02pm BST
18:02
Trump tells Page Six he won't bring up Bill at second debate
At the end of the first presidential debate last week, Donald Trump patted himself on the back for not bringing up some unnamed thing relating to the Clinton family, which pretty clearly was Bill Clinton’s infidelities.
After the debate, Trump continued to pat himself on the back for not bringing up Clinton’s infidelities, which most political analysts agreed was not a fight that would end well for him.
Now Trump has definitively declared – on Page Six of the New York Post – that he will NOT bring up “Bill Clinton’s past”:
“I want to win this election on my policies for the future, not on Bill Clinton’s past,” Trump told Page Six via email. “Jobs, trade, ending illegal immigration, veteran care, and strengthening our military is what I really want to be talking about.”