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FBI gets warrant to search Huma Abedin's laptop for Clinton emails – election live FBI gets warrant to search Huma Abedin's laptop for Clinton emails – election live
(35 minutes later)
3.26pm GMT
15:26
Dan Roberts
From Washington bureau chief Dan Roberts in Cleveland
The Republican campaign is seizing on signs of momentum to target an expanded map of states that it now sees as winnable, including once safely Democratic territory in industrial Midwest.
Donald Trump was due to speak in Grand Rapids and Warren in Michigan on Monday, before appearing with running mate Mike Pence in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Tuesday.
Until his polling gap began to narrow again last week, Trump had been forced back back to a dwindling number of competitive-looking swing states, while it was Hillary Clinton who was expanding her campaign ambitions by eyeing Republican territory in Utah, Arizona and Georgia.
But renewed optimism among Republicans, particularly after the FBI letter, has created an unusually vast national battleground for both candidates to cover, particularly as Trump’s economic populism scrambles traditional demographic dividing lines.
Michigan and Wisconsin have both been hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs and were the scene of surprise defeats for Clinton during the Democratic primary when large numbers of blue-collar workers favored Bernie Sanders.
Signs of fresh Democratic nervousness in Wisconsin first became apparent last week when the Clinton campaign suddenly announced a new advertising blitz. Sanders has now been despatched to help campaign for Clinton in the state on Wednesday.
The impact of early voting may also be forcing Trump to look further afield for the necessary electoral college votes however. States such as a North Carolina, which were seen as must win for Republicans, have seen heavy early turnout among Democrats and may be relatively immune from any late swing away from Clinton.
If he cannot win North Carolina but picks up the must-win states of Florida and Ohio, Trump’s best hope of pulling off a shock victory would rely on over-performing either in rustbelt states like Michigan and Wisconsin, or closing ground rapidly in the North East by wining New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and a congressional district in Maine.
Clinton meanwhile is redoubling her efforts to prevent Trump from even reaching this point. Two stops on Monday in Ohio will be followed by three stops in Florida on Tuesday and another swing to North Carolina later in the week as Democrats look to nip any resurgent Republican hopes firmly in the bud.
3.25pm GMT
15:25
“It’s surprising to me that anybody would say that ‘you’re beyond the pale’ for a position that’s taken by around half the country,” says Peter Thiel, in his DC address.
“This is the first time I’ve done something that is conventional... and it’s been the most controversial thing ever,” he adds.
3.23pm GMT
15:23
Clinton strong in Nevada early voting
Jon Ralston, dean of Nevada journalism, has been tracking early voting in Nevada and he thinks Hillary Clinton looks strong.
Dems are up 15 points in Clark (it was 16 in 2012), which is a point above registration, and that firewall is going to get to 60,000-plus, unless something strange happens. I repeat: Trump appears to have no path here, but the Senate race is not quite over yet.
Nevada is one of three states, with Ohio and Florida, to have voted for every presidential winner since 1996; it’s also a very important state for Trump this year.
After Sunday, the Dems are leading in Nevada by 34,000 votes. So far voter turnout is 31% of all voters.
3.07pm GMT
15:07
“Real events seem like the rehearsals for Saturday Night Live,” says billionaire Peter Thiel, kicking off his chat about why he’s backing Trump.
3.03pm GMT3.03pm GMT
15:0315:03
Billionaire Peter Thiel is about to address the National Press Club in DC about why he supports Donald Trump.Billionaire Peter Thiel is about to address the National Press Club in DC about why he supports Donald Trump.
3.00pm GMT3.00pm GMT
15:0015:00
Former AGs speak out against Comey's handling of Clinton emailsFormer AGs speak out against Comey's handling of Clinton emails
Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal questioning the FBI’s handling of the entire investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails.Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal questioning the FBI’s handling of the entire investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails.
The publicity around the case “do no credit to him [FBI chief James Comey], or to the leadership of the Justice Department, of which the FBI is a part,” writes Mukasey.The publicity around the case “do no credit to him [FBI chief James Comey], or to the leadership of the Justice Department, of which the FBI is a part,” writes Mukasey.
He continues:He continues:
Friday’s announcement had a history. Recall that Mr. Comey’s authority extends only to supervising the gathering of facts to be presented to Justice Department lawyers for their confidential determination of whether those facts justify a federal prosecution.Friday’s announcement had a history. Recall that Mr. Comey’s authority extends only to supervising the gathering of facts to be presented to Justice Department lawyers for their confidential determination of whether those facts justify a federal prosecution.
Nonetheless, in July he announced that “no reasonable prosecutor” would seek to charge her with a crime, although Mrs. Clinton had classified information on a private nonsecure server—at least a misdemeanor under one statute; and although she was “extremely careless” in her handling of classified information such that it was exposed to hacking by hostile foreign nations—a felony under another statute; and apparently had caused the destruction of emails—a felony under two other statutes. He then told Congress repeatedly that the investigation into her handling of emails was closed.Nonetheless, in July he announced that “no reasonable prosecutor” would seek to charge her with a crime, although Mrs. Clinton had classified information on a private nonsecure server—at least a misdemeanor under one statute; and although she was “extremely careless” in her handling of classified information such that it was exposed to hacking by hostile foreign nations—a felony under another statute; and apparently had caused the destruction of emails—a felony under two other statutes. He then told Congress repeatedly that the investigation into her handling of emails was closed.
Those decisions were not his to make, nor were the reasons he offered for making them at all tenable: that prosecutions for anything but mishandling large amounts of classified information, accompanied by false statements to investigators, were unprecedented; and that criminal prosecutions for gross negligence were constitutionally suspect.Those decisions were not his to make, nor were the reasons he offered for making them at all tenable: that prosecutions for anything but mishandling large amounts of classified information, accompanied by false statements to investigators, were unprecedented; and that criminal prosecutions for gross negligence were constitutionally suspect.
Former AG Eric Holder’s Washington Post op-ed today also points out Comey’s previous public statements in July about Clinton’s emails were problematic and against DOJ policy.Former AG Eric Holder’s Washington Post op-ed today also points out Comey’s previous public statements in July about Clinton’s emails were problematic and against DOJ policy.
This controversy has its roots in the director’s July decision to hold a news conference announcing his recommendation that the Justice Department bring no charges against Hillary Clinton. Instead of making a private recommendation to the attorney general — consistent with Justice Department policy — he chose to publicly share his professional recommendation, as well as his personal opinions, about the case. That was a stunning breach of protocol. It may set a dangerous precedent for future investigations. It was wrong.This controversy has its roots in the director’s July decision to hold a news conference announcing his recommendation that the Justice Department bring no charges against Hillary Clinton. Instead of making a private recommendation to the attorney general — consistent with Justice Department policy — he chose to publicly share his professional recommendation, as well as his personal opinions, about the case. That was a stunning breach of protocol. It may set a dangerous precedent for future investigations. It was wrong.
Over the weekend, the Clinton campaign got nearly 100 former federal prosecutors and Department of Justice officials, including Holder and former Deputy AG Larry Thompson, to sign an open letter questioning Comey’s behavior.Over the weekend, the Clinton campaign got nearly 100 former federal prosecutors and Department of Justice officials, including Holder and former Deputy AG Larry Thompson, to sign an open letter questioning Comey’s behavior.
Perhaps most troubling to us is the precedent set by this departure from the Department’s widely-respected, non-partisan traditions. The admonitions that warn officials against making public statements during election periods have helped to maintain the independence and integrity of both the Department’s important work and public confidence in the hardworking men and women who conduct themselves in a nonpartisan manner.Perhaps most troubling to us is the precedent set by this departure from the Department’s widely-respected, non-partisan traditions. The admonitions that warn officials against making public statements during election periods have helped to maintain the independence and integrity of both the Department’s important work and public confidence in the hardworking men and women who conduct themselves in a nonpartisan manner.
We believe that adherence to longstanding Justice Department guidelines is the best practice when considering public statements on investigative matters. We do not question Director Comey’s motives. However, the fact remains that the Director’s disclosure has invited considerable, uninformed public speculation about the significance of newly-discovered material just days before a national election. For this reason, we believe the American people deserve all the facts, and fairness dictates releasing information that provides a full and complete picture regarding the material at issue.We believe that adherence to longstanding Justice Department guidelines is the best practice when considering public statements on investigative matters. We do not question Director Comey’s motives. However, the fact remains that the Director’s disclosure has invited considerable, uninformed public speculation about the significance of newly-discovered material just days before a national election. For this reason, we believe the American people deserve all the facts, and fairness dictates releasing information that provides a full and complete picture regarding the material at issue.
The full letter is available on Clinton’s website.The full letter is available on Clinton’s website.
2.39pm GMT2.39pm GMT
14:3914:39
Peter Thiel to explain his support of TrumpPeter Thiel to explain his support of Trump
Controversial billionaire Peter Thiel, who secretly funded the Hulk Hogan lawsuit that shut Gawker down, will speak at the National Press Club in Washington, DC at 11am today about why he supports Donald Trump.Controversial billionaire Peter Thiel, who secretly funded the Hulk Hogan lawsuit that shut Gawker down, will speak at the National Press Club in Washington, DC at 11am today about why he supports Donald Trump.
Thiel, a Facebook board member, donated $1.25 million to the Trump campaign two weeks ago.Thiel, a Facebook board member, donated $1.25 million to the Trump campaign two weeks ago.
He wants today’s address to be a dialogue.He wants today’s address to be a dialogue.
“Ideally, this will have the give-and-take of debate,” he told the New York Times. “Obviously, I’ll get some very tough questions about Trump. But I thought the best way to advance the discussion was not to have some completely contrived format. The future of this country depends on us engaging with the tough questions.”“Ideally, this will have the give-and-take of debate,” he told the New York Times. “Obviously, I’ll get some very tough questions about Trump. But I thought the best way to advance the discussion was not to have some completely contrived format. The future of this country depends on us engaging with the tough questions.”
2.25pm GMT2.25pm GMT
14:2514:25
Sport is surely more unpredictable than an election, but still.Sport is surely more unpredictable than an election, but still.
Cubs have slightly better chance of winning World Series than Trump does winning Presidency. Split screen via @FiveThirtyEight @jonkarl pic.twitter.com/yx095451e1Cubs have slightly better chance of winning World Series than Trump does winning Presidency. Split screen via @FiveThirtyEight @jonkarl pic.twitter.com/yx095451e1
1.57pm GMT1.57pm GMT
13:5713:57
Original 'Daisy girl' stars in Clinton nuclear weapons adOriginal 'Daisy girl' stars in Clinton nuclear weapons ad
The original “Daisy girl”, from the 1964 Lyndon B Johnson ad warning of nuclear war, appears in a Hillary Clinton ad warning of Trump’s embracing of nuclear weapons.The original “Daisy girl”, from the 1964 Lyndon B Johnson ad warning of nuclear war, appears in a Hillary Clinton ad warning of Trump’s embracing of nuclear weapons.
“The fear of nuclear war that we had as children, I never thought our children would ever have to deal with that again. And to see that coming forward in that election is really scary,” says Monique Corzilius Luiz in the newly released ad.“The fear of nuclear war that we had as children, I never thought our children would ever have to deal with that again. And to see that coming forward in that election is really scary,” says Monique Corzilius Luiz in the newly released ad.
"The fear of nuclear war that we had as children, I never thought our children would ever have to deal with that again." pic.twitter.com/7LYCDaUau9"The fear of nuclear war that we had as children, I never thought our children would ever have to deal with that again." pic.twitter.com/7LYCDaUau9
And for old times sake, here’s the original Daisy ad (over 50 years later and it stands up well as a fear-inducing ad, don’t you think?).And for old times sake, here’s the original Daisy ad (over 50 years later and it stands up well as a fear-inducing ad, don’t you think?).
1.35pm GMT1.35pm GMT
13:3513:35
On Thursday Melania Trump will deliver a speech in Philadelphia, her first since her address at the Republican National Convention in July, which was partly copied from a speech by Michelle Obama.On Thursday Melania Trump will deliver a speech in Philadelphia, her first since her address at the Republican National Convention in July, which was partly copied from a speech by Michelle Obama.
New: the next First Lady, @MELANIATRUMP, to deliver speech in suburban #Philly on Thursday. #MAGANew: the next First Lady, @MELANIATRUMP, to deliver speech in suburban #Philly on Thursday. #MAGA
When Trump mentioned last week in an interview with George Stephanopoulos that Melania would be making two to three speeches before the election, she appeared surprised:When Trump mentioned last week in an interview with George Stephanopoulos that Melania would be making two to three speeches before the election, she appeared surprised:
Donald Trump tells @GMA Melania will be making "two or three speeches" https://t.co/uK3nCE5p1h https://t.co/UFgEF1lcsTDonald Trump tells @GMA Melania will be making "two or three speeches" https://t.co/uK3nCE5p1h https://t.co/UFgEF1lcsT
1.25pm GMT1.25pm GMT
13:2513:25
Ex-congressman Joe Walsh - he of the recent “if Trump loses, I’m grabbing my musket” comments - may despise Hillary Clinton, but he doesn’t agree with FBI chief James Comey’s actions either.Ex-congressman Joe Walsh - he of the recent “if Trump loses, I’m grabbing my musket” comments - may despise Hillary Clinton, but he doesn’t agree with FBI chief James Comey’s actions either.
Politics aside, James Comey has screwed this thing up from the get go.He wrongly let her off in July & he wrongly stuck it to her Friday.Politics aside, James Comey has screwed this thing up from the get go.He wrongly let her off in July & he wrongly stuck it to her Friday.
U may hate me, but I'll always say what I believe.I want Trump to win, but what Comey just did to Hillary Is wrong & really unfair to her.U may hate me, but I'll always say what I believe.I want Trump to win, but what Comey just did to Hillary Is wrong & really unfair to her.
Hillary is corrupt as hell, but the FBI Dir has no right to mess with an election.He goes public cuz of emails no one has seen? Just wrongHillary is corrupt as hell, but the FBI Dir has no right to mess with an election.He goes public cuz of emails no one has seen? Just wrong
12.33pm GMT12.33pm GMT
12:3312:33
Happy Halloween and welcome to our live-wire coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. It’s a scary time for the Clinton campaign, after the director of the FBI alerted Congress on Friday to newly discovered emails relating to the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server. FBI chief James Comey has also had a fright, coming under fire for what might be seen as some rather partisan behavior.Happy Halloween and welcome to our live-wire coverage of the 2016 race for the White House. It’s a scary time for the Clinton campaign, after the director of the FBI alerted Congress on Friday to newly discovered emails relating to the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server. FBI chief James Comey has also had a fright, coming under fire for what might be seen as some rather partisan behavior.
The FBI has acquired a warrant needed to examine thousands of emails found on a laptop used by Clinton’s top aide Huma Abedin, whose estranged husband, Anthony Weiner, is under investigation for allegedly sending illicit texts to a minor.The FBI has acquired a warrant needed to examine thousands of emails found on a laptop used by Clinton’s top aide Huma Abedin, whose estranged husband, Anthony Weiner, is under investigation for allegedly sending illicit texts to a minor.
As many as 650,000 emails were found about a month ago during the separate investigation of Weiner, reports said. Some of them may have been sent through the Clinton private server and perhaps not examined by the FBI in its initial investigation of the Clinton emails, which ended with no charge in July.As many as 650,000 emails were found about a month ago during the separate investigation of Weiner, reports said. Some of them may have been sent through the Clinton private server and perhaps not examined by the FBI in its initial investigation of the Clinton emails, which ended with no charge in July.
Eight days out from the election, the effect of all this remains uncertain. Here, Dan Roberts asks if it will cost Clinton the election. Here, a Morning Consult/Politico poll has Clinton still three points ahead.Eight days out from the election, the effect of all this remains uncertain. Here, Dan Roberts asks if it will cost Clinton the election. Here, a Morning Consult/Politico poll has Clinton still three points ahead.
Comey slammed for election interferenceComey slammed for election interference
Eric Holder, attorney general in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2015, wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post saying Comey broke justice department policy by possibly interfering with an election and commenting on an ongoing investigation:Eric Holder, attorney general in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2015, wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post saying Comey broke justice department policy by possibly interfering with an election and commenting on an ongoing investigation:
These rules have been followed during Republican and Democratic administrations. They aren’t designed to help any particular individual or to serve any political interest. Instead, they are intended to ensure that every investigation proceeds fairly and judiciously; to maintain the public trust in the department’s ability to do its job free of political influence; and to prevent investigations from unfairly or unintentionally casting public suspicion on public officials who have done nothing wrong.These rules have been followed during Republican and Democratic administrations. They aren’t designed to help any particular individual or to serve any political interest. Instead, they are intended to ensure that every investigation proceeds fairly and judiciously; to maintain the public trust in the department’s ability to do its job free of political influence; and to prevent investigations from unfairly or unintentionally casting public suspicion on public officials who have done nothing wrong.
Director Comey broke with these fundamental principles.Director Comey broke with these fundamental principles.
Holder joined dozens of formal federal prosecutors criticizing Comey for contacting Congress about the emails just 11 days out from the election.Holder joined dozens of formal federal prosecutors criticizing Comey for contacting Congress about the emails just 11 days out from the election.
Senate minority leader Harry Reid, meanwhile, launched a blistering attack on Comey, accusing him of possibly violating the law:Senate minority leader Harry Reid, meanwhile, launched a blistering attack on Comey, accusing him of possibly violating the law:
My office has determined that these actions may violate the Hatch Act, which bars FBI officials from using their official authority to influence an election. Through your partisan action, you may have broken the law.My office has determined that these actions may violate the Hatch Act, which bars FBI officials from using their official authority to influence an election. Through your partisan action, you may have broken the law.
Reid also claimed, without citing evidence, that Comey’s FBI had withheld information about links between the Trump campaign and Russia.Reid also claimed, without citing evidence, that Comey’s FBI had withheld information about links between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Congressman Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, called on Comey to resign:Congressman Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, called on Comey to resign:
If Director Comey cares about the bureau and the rule of law, as I have felt he has in the past, I’m sure upon reflection of this action, he will submit his letter of resignation for the nation’s good.If Director Comey cares about the bureau and the rule of law, as I have felt he has in the past, I’m sure upon reflection of this action, he will submit his letter of resignation for the nation’s good.
The Clinton campaign has called for Comey to explain what is going on – so far there is no indication that the FBI or Comey will clarify anything.The Clinton campaign has called for Comey to explain what is going on – so far there is no indication that the FBI or Comey will clarify anything.
Clinton camp goes quietClinton camp goes quiet
Joe Scarborough, host of NBC’s Morning Joe, noted this morning that Clinton surrogates avoided coming on TV to discuss the email drama:Joe Scarborough, host of NBC’s Morning Joe, noted this morning that Clinton surrogates avoided coming on TV to discuss the email drama:
We have been asking Clinton campaign officials and senior Democrats to come on the show all weekend. The invitation remains wide-open.We have been asking Clinton campaign officials and senior Democrats to come on the show all weekend. The invitation remains wide-open.
Where the rallies are todayWhere the rallies are today
Today Trump is in Michigan, a state most expect to vote Democratic: he has a rally in Grand Rapids at 12pm, then another in Warren at 3pm. His VP pick, Mike Pence, is hosting three events in Florida. Clinton is in another battleground state, Ohio, hosting early vote rallies in Kent and Cincinnati. Her veep, Tim Kaine, is in North Carolina.Today Trump is in Michigan, a state most expect to vote Democratic: he has a rally in Grand Rapids at 12pm, then another in Warren at 3pm. His VP pick, Mike Pence, is hosting three events in Florida. Clinton is in another battleground state, Ohio, hosting early vote rallies in Kent and Cincinnati. Her veep, Tim Kaine, is in North Carolina.
Please join us in the comments.Please join us in the comments.