This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/feb/18/donald-trump-democrats-nevada-bloomberg-bernie-sanders-joe-biden-amy-klobuchar-live-updates

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 15 Version 16
Trump falsely declares himself 'the chief law enforcement officer' of the US – live Trump falsely declares himself 'the chief law enforcement officer' of the US – live
(32 minutes later)
President’s statement – pertaining to the Roger Stone case – is incorrect, as the attorney general is chief law enforcement officerPresident’s statement – pertaining to the Roger Stone case – is incorrect, as the attorney general is chief law enforcement officer
In a new statement, five House Republicans from Illinois criticized Trump’s decision to commute the sentence of the state’s former governor, Rod Blagojevich.
The Republican lawmakers said they were “disappointed” by Trump’s commutation of Blagojevich, who was described as “the face of public corruption in Illinois.”
“History will not judge Rod Blagojevich well,” the statement concludes.
At least two of the lawmakers reportedly appealed directly to Trump not to commute the sentence of the former Democratic governor, who was caught on tape trying to sell a US Senate seat.
Attending a campaign event in Nevada, Pete Buttigieg echoed a voter’s concern that Bernie Sanders would lose in a general election to Trump.Attending a campaign event in Nevada, Pete Buttigieg echoed a voter’s concern that Bernie Sanders would lose in a general election to Trump.
Sanders’ campaign has pushed back against such “electability” complaints by pointing to head-to-head polling showing the Vermont senator is ahead of Trump.Sanders’ campaign has pushed back against such “electability” complaints by pointing to head-to-head polling showing the Vermont senator is ahead of Trump.
But some of Sanders’ critics have predicted he will see his numbers decrease once Trump’s campaign starts turning its fire on the self-described democratic socialist.But some of Sanders’ critics have predicted he will see his numbers decrease once Trump’s campaign starts turning its fire on the self-described democratic socialist.
Three senior congressional Republicans -- Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate judiciary committee chairman Lindsey Graham -- have issued a statement in support of attorney general William Barr.Three senior congressional Republicans -- Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate judiciary committee chairman Lindsey Graham -- have issued a statement in support of attorney general William Barr.
The statement describes Barr as “a man of the highest character and unquestionable integrity” and dismisses calls for the attorney general to resign.The statement describes Barr as “a man of the highest character and unquestionable integrity” and dismisses calls for the attorney general to resign.
“Suggestions from outside groups that the Attorney General has fallen short of the responsibilities of his office are unfounded,” the statement says. “The Attorney General has shown that he is committed without qualification to securing equal justice under law for all Americans.”“Suggestions from outside groups that the Attorney General has fallen short of the responsibilities of his office are unfounded,” the statement says. “The Attorney General has shown that he is committed without qualification to securing equal justice under law for all Americans.”
More than 1,100 former Justice Department employees have signed a letter calling on Barr to resign over his handling of the case of former Trump associate Roger Stone.More than 1,100 former Justice Department employees have signed a letter calling on Barr to resign over his handling of the case of former Trump associate Roger Stone.
The Republicans’ statement concludes, “We expect that, as always, efforts to intimidate the Attorney General will fall woefully short.”The Republicans’ statement concludes, “We expect that, as always, efforts to intimidate the Attorney General will fall woefully short.”
In the White House’s statement on the pardons of Bernard Kerik and Michael Milken, a number of prominent figures from conservative media and the Trump administration are mentioned as supporters of the pardons.In the White House’s statement on the pardons of Bernard Kerik and Michael Milken, a number of prominent figures from conservative media and the Trump administration are mentioned as supporters of the pardons.
In addition to the commutation of Rod Blagojevich, Trump has also offered a pardon to former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik, who pleaded guilty to eight felony charges in 2009.In addition to the commutation of Rod Blagojevich, Trump has also offered a pardon to former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik, who pleaded guilty to eight felony charges in 2009.
Kerik confessed to tax fraud and lying to White House officials and served more than three years in prison. In a statement, Kerik, who appeared on Fox News last night, thanked Trump for the pardon.Kerik confessed to tax fraud and lying to White House officials and served more than three years in prison. In a statement, Kerik, who appeared on Fox News last night, thanked Trump for the pardon.
Trump has also approved a pardon for Michael Milken, the well-known financier who became the face of financial scandals in the 1980’s and was convicted for racketeering and fraud.Trump has also approved a pardon for Michael Milken, the well-known financier who became the face of financial scandals in the 1980’s and was convicted for racketeering and fraud.
In his comments to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said he had not considered pardoning Roger Stone, but he complained that his former associate was being treated “very unfairly.”In his comments to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said he had not considered pardoning Roger Stone, but he complained that his former associate was being treated “very unfairly.”
The president then made the eye-popping (and false) claim that he is “the chief law enforcement officer of the United States.”The president then made the eye-popping (and false) claim that he is “the chief law enforcement officer of the United States.”
That is, of course, not true:That is, of course, not true:
Trump also did not rule out the possibility of weighing in on Stone’s case in the future. “The attorney general is a man with great integrity,” Trump said. “I chose not to be involved. I’m allowed to be involved. I could be involved if I want to be.”Trump also did not rule out the possibility of weighing in on Stone’s case in the future. “The attorney general is a man with great integrity,” Trump said. “I chose not to be involved. I’m allowed to be involved. I could be involved if I want to be.”
Barr complained in an interview last week that Trump’s tweets about the Stone case “make it impossible for me to do my job.”Barr complained in an interview last week that Trump’s tweets about the Stone case “make it impossible for me to do my job.”
On that point, Trump actually did not disagree. “I do make his job harder,” Trump said. “He’s working against a lot of people who don’t want to see good things happen in my opinion.”On that point, Trump actually did not disagree. “I do make his job harder,” Trump said. “He’s working against a lot of people who don’t want to see good things happen in my opinion.”
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac before boarding Air Force One, Trump confirmed that he has commuted the sentence of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.Speaking to reporters on the tarmac before boarding Air Force One, Trump confirmed that he has commuted the sentence of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.
“He served eight years in jail. That’s a long time,” Trump said of Blagojevich, who was originally sentenced to 14 years on corruption charges.“He served eight years in jail. That’s a long time,” Trump said of Blagojevich, who was originally sentenced to 14 years on corruption charges.
The president said he didn’t know Blagojevich “very well,” even though the former governor was briefly a contestant on “Celebrity Apprentice” while Trump was its host. But Trump said he had seen Blagojevich’s wife on television, and he expressed sympathy for their children not being able to see their imprisoned father.The president said he didn’t know Blagojevich “very well,” even though the former governor was briefly a contestant on “Celebrity Apprentice” while Trump was its host. But Trump said he had seen Blagojevich’s wife on television, and he expressed sympathy for their children not being able to see their imprisoned father.
“It was a prosecution by the same people -- Comey, Fitzpatrick -- the same group,” Trump said, referring to former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by the president.“It was a prosecution by the same people -- Comey, Fitzpatrick -- the same group,” Trump said, referring to former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by the president.
Comey’s close friend Patrick Fitzgerald, the former US attorney, led the prosecution against Blagojevich.Comey’s close friend Patrick Fitzgerald, the former US attorney, led the prosecution against Blagojevich.
But again, Blagojevich was caught on tape trying to sell the US Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama when he became president.But again, Blagojevich was caught on tape trying to sell the US Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama when he became president.
Mike Bloomberg released a raft of proposals to strengthen Wall Street regulation on Tuesday as he shapes up for his first Democratic presidential debate.Mike Bloomberg released a raft of proposals to strengthen Wall Street regulation on Tuesday as he shapes up for his first Democratic presidential debate.
Bloomberg is expected to face a hostile reception from his rival candidates, and his new proposals will head off some attacks - though probably not many - by bringing his policies closer to those of the rest of the field.Among his proposals: Bloomberg would toughen tests intended to determine whether banks can withstand an economic downturn;impose a tax on financial transactions; restore consumer protections and strengthen the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), established under Senator Elizabeth Warren’s leadership.Bloomberg is expected to face a hostile reception from his rival candidates, and his new proposals will head off some attacks - though probably not many - by bringing his policies closer to those of the rest of the field.Among his proposals: Bloomberg would toughen tests intended to determine whether banks can withstand an economic downturn;impose a tax on financial transactions; restore consumer protections and strengthen the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), established under Senator Elizabeth Warren’s leadership.
“The stock market is at an all-time high, but almost all of the gains are going to a small number of people,” said Bloomberg. No doubt Warren et al will be keen to point that he is one of those people.“The stock market is at an all-time high, but almost all of the gains are going to a small number of people,” said Bloomberg. No doubt Warren et al will be keen to point that he is one of those people.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Trump sent a series of tweets indicating support for a new trial in the case of his former associate Roger Stone, whose sentencing is scheduled to take place on Thursday.Trump sent a series of tweets indicating support for a new trial in the case of his former associate Roger Stone, whose sentencing is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
Mike Bloomberg has qualified for tomorrow’s debate, with a national poll showing the billionaire former New York mayor climbing to second place behind Bernie Sanders.Mike Bloomberg has qualified for tomorrow’s debate, with a national poll showing the billionaire former New York mayor climbing to second place behind Bernie Sanders.
Trump reportedly plans to commute the sentence of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama.Trump reportedly plans to commute the sentence of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
ABC News has more on Trump’s expected commutation of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich:ABC News has more on Trump’s expected commutation of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich:
Trump reportedly intends to commute the sentence of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who has been in prison since 2012 on corruption charges.
The president has previously toyed with the idea of a commutation for Blagojevich, who was caught on tape trying to sell the Senate seat left open by Barack Obama.
Trump tweeted this back in August:
The White House announced earlier today that Trump would grant clemency to Eddie DeBartolo Jr, the former owners of the San Francisco 49ers who pleaded guilty in 1998 to failing to report a bribe from an elected official.
According to a new poll, about two-thirds of American voters have seen a television ad from Mike Bloomberg.
In comparison, about half of voters have seen a television ad from Trump, and 40% have seen one of Bernie Sanders’ ads.
Bloomberg has spent more than $300 million on campaign advertising, surpassing Barack Obama’s ad spending during the entire 2012 race.
CNN dug up a 2016 clip of Mike Bloomberg denouncing the democratic socialism supported by Bernie Sanders by claiming young Americans are simply confused about the meaning of the term.
“Young people listened to ... Bernie Sanders, and they said, ‘Yeah, democratic, that’s good. Socialism, yeah, that’s that social media stuff.’ Because our kids no longer learn civics in school. They no longer study western history. They no longer read western literature.
“We are trying to change and dumb down the system, and if you don’t know what happened in the past, you’re going to have to relive it.”
Sanders and Bloomberg have intensified their attacks on each other in recent days, as national polls show Sanders leading the presidential field while Bloomberg is on the rise.
In a new Medium post, Democratic senator Chris Murphy described meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy over the weekend.
Murphy said he and Republican senator Ron Johnson met with Zelenskiy in Kyiv before attending the Munich security conference.
During the meeting, Murphy expressed his displeasure about Rudy Giulaini’s efforts in Ukraine to get dirt on Joe Biden, which reportedly continued as Trump’s impeachment trial unfolded.
Murphy writes:
Zelenskiy’s conversations with Trump were at the center of the president’s impeachment, and the controversy has caused issues for the Ukrainian leader back home.
US district judge Amy Berman Jackson, who is overseeing the trial of former Trump associate Roger Stone, said his sentencing would take place on Thursday, as planned.
There had been questions raised about a potential delay in sentencing, as Stone’s lawyers push for a new trial due to the alleged anti-Trump bias of one of the jurors.
However, Jackson said the sentencing should occur as scheduled, while noting that its execution may be delayed because of the concerns raised by Stone’s team.
The White House has just announced Trump is granting clemency to Eddie DeBartolo Jr, the former owners of the San Francisco 49ers.
In 1998, DeBartolo pleaded guilty to not reporting a bribe from Edwin Edwards, the former governor of Louisiana.
The Pentagon is pushing back against a report that senator Lindsey Graham told defense secretary Mark Esper he would “make your life hell” if the US withdrew troops from the Sahel region in Africa.
NBC News reports:
But the press secretary of the Pentagon pushed back against the report, claiming Graham never made the comment.
Hours after qualifying for the next debate, Michael Bloomberg released a set of proposals aimed at reforming the criminal justice system.
The billionaire former mayor of New York is calling for a $22.5 billion investment to cut the US prison population in half by 2030. Bloomberg is also proposing spending $1 billion on programs for young men of color.
The release of the plan comes as Bloomberg has faced renewed scrutiny over his “stop and frisk” policy as mayor of New York. Criminal justice reform advocates have said the policy unfairly targeted men of color.
Bloomberg began his presidential campaign by apologizing for stop and frisk, but many of his critics have said that he has not done enough to reckon with the damage the policy caused.
Addressing supporters in Washington state yesterday, Bernie Sanders called stop and frisk a “racist” policy that caused communities of color to “live in fear and humiliation.”
With Michael Bloomberg climbing in the polls, the billionaire candidate’s campaign is going on the offensive against frontrunner Bernie Sanders.
Bloomberg’s campaign manager suggested the opposition research on Sanders would be “disqualifying”:
One of Sanders’ advisers replied by criticizing Bloomberg for his past support for the Iraq war and his record on criminal justice:
The good polling news for Michael Bloomberg just keeps on coming this morning.
A new poll from Oklahoma, which will also hold its primary on Super Tuesday, shows Bloomberg leading the field with 20%.
The billionaire candidate is trailed by Bernie Sanders at 14% and Joe Biden at 12%. Elizabeth Warren, who grew up in Oklahoma, hit 8%.