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 19 Version 20
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
A newly uncovered video from a forum in March 2019 shows Bloomberg saying that trans rights were about “some guy wearing a dress and whether he, she, or it can go to the locker room with their daughter, that’s not a winning formula for most people,” according to a report by Buzzfeed News. A new poll finds Bernie Sanders would win against Mike Bloomberg in a two-way race.
The revelation comes on the same day that Bloomberg’s campaign released a video touting the former New York mayor’s record on LGBTQ issues, Buzzfeed notes. When asked how they’d vote if they had to choose between Sanders and Bloomberg, 57% of Democratic primary voters polled chose the former.
Bloomberg’s campaign has cast the primaries has a “two-man” race between the former New York mayor and the Vermont senator.
A newly uncovered video from a forum in March 2019 shows Bloomberg saying that trans rights were about “some guy wearing a dress and whether he, she, or it can go to the locker room with their daughter, that’s not a winning formula for most people”, according to a report by Buzzfeed News.
The revelation comes on the same day that Bloomberg’s campaign released a video touting the former New York mayor’s record on LGBTQ+ issues, Buzzfeed notes.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands:Here’s where the day stands:
Trump falsely claimed he was “the chief law enforcement officer” of the US, a title that actually belongs to attorney general William Barr.Trump falsely claimed he was “the chief law enforcement officer” of the US, a title that actually belongs to attorney general William Barr.
Trump commuted the sentence of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who has served seven years in prison on corruption charges after being caught on tape trying to sell a US Senate seat.Trump commuted the sentence of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who has served seven years in prison on corruption charges after being caught on tape trying to sell a US Senate seat.
The Blagojevich commutation was one in a series of acts of clemency from Trump, who also pardoned former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik and financier Michael Milken.The Blagojevich commutation was one in a series of acts of clemency from Trump, who also pardoned former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik and financier Michael Milken.
The sentencing of former Trump associate Roger Stone will take place on Thursday, as scheduled, while Stone’s legal team continues to push for a new trial.The sentencing of former Trump associate Roger Stone will take place on Thursday, as scheduled, while Stone’s legal team continues to push for a new trial.
Trump appeared to indicate his support for granting Stone a new trial in a series of tweets quoting a Fox News analyst.Trump appeared to indicate his support for granting Stone a new trial in a series of tweets quoting a Fox News analyst.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Bernie Sanders’ campaign has responded to Pete Buttigieg’s earlier comment that he has concerns about Sanders’ ability to win in a general election against Trump.Bernie Sanders’ campaign has responded to Pete Buttigieg’s earlier comment that he has concerns about Sanders’ ability to win in a general election against Trump.
The Sanders campaign pointed to the candidate’s formidable fundraising operation and popularity with people of color, particularly Latinx voters, as evidence of the Vermont senator’s broad appeal.The Sanders campaign pointed to the candidate’s formidable fundraising operation and popularity with people of color, particularly Latinx voters, as evidence of the Vermont senator’s broad appeal.
But some of Sanders’ critics fear he will see his polling numbers dangerously slide once the Trump campaign starts focusing on the self-described democratic socialist.But some of Sanders’ critics fear he will see his polling numbers dangerously slide once the Trump campaign starts focusing on the self-described democratic socialist.
Trump himself appears to relish the idea of facing Sanders and has repeatedly accused the Democratic party of trying to prevent Sanders from winning the nomination, although he has offered no evidence for that claim.Trump himself appears to relish the idea of facing Sanders and has repeatedly accused the Democratic party of trying to prevent Sanders from winning the nomination, although he has offered no evidence for that claim.
A new poll from Maine shows Republican senator Susan Collins locked in a close race with her expected Democratic opponent, state House speaker Sara Gideon.A new poll from Maine shows Republican senator Susan Collins locked in a close race with her expected Democratic opponent, state House speaker Sara Gideon.
The Colby College poll found that 42% of Maine voters support Collins, compared to 43% who support Gideon. In comparison, Collins won reelection in 2014 with more than 68% of the vote.The Colby College poll found that 42% of Maine voters support Collins, compared to 43% who support Gideon. In comparison, Collins won reelection in 2014 with more than 68% of the vote.
The poll also found that Collins’ vote to acquit Trump in the Senate impeachment trial is hurting her with the state’s many independent voters.The poll also found that Collins’ vote to acquit Trump in the Senate impeachment trial is hurting her with the state’s many independent voters.
Of the independents polled, 39% said Collins’ acquittal vote made them less likely to support her, compared to 13% who said it made them more likely to support her.Of the independents polled, 39% said Collins’ acquittal vote made them less likely to support her, compared to 13% who said it made them more likely to support her.
Democrats consider Collins’ seat to be one of their top pick-up opportunities as they attempt to take control of the Senate, which would require flipping four Republican seats (or three if they can also win the White House).Democrats consider Collins’ seat to be one of their top pick-up opportunities as they attempt to take control of the Senate, which would require flipping four Republican seats (or three if they can also win the White House).
In a pair of tweets, Trump accused Mike Bloomberg of “illegally buying” the Democratic presidential nomination as the billionaire candidate spends hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising.In a pair of tweets, Trump accused Mike Bloomberg of “illegally buying” the Democratic presidential nomination as the billionaire candidate spends hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising.
Some of Bloomberg’s critics have raised concerns about the former New York mayor receiving endorsements from lawmakers who have benefitted from his political donations, but those endorsements do not run afoul of campaign finance laws.Some of Bloomberg’s critics have raised concerns about the former New York mayor receiving endorsements from lawmakers who have benefitted from his political donations, but those endorsements do not run afoul of campaign finance laws.
Bernie Sanders’ campaign has released its first television ad in South Carolina ahead of the state’s primary next week.Bernie Sanders’ campaign has released its first television ad in South Carolina ahead of the state’s primary next week.
The ad features Richland county council vice-chair Dalhi Myers, who swung to Sanders after initially supporting Joe Biden.The ad features Richland county council vice-chair Dalhi Myers, who swung to Sanders after initially supporting Joe Biden.
“I don’t think there’s anything more important than defeating Donald Trump,” Myers says in the ad.“I don’t think there’s anything more important than defeating Donald Trump,” Myers says in the ad.
“Initially I was a Joe Biden supporter. I switched from the Biden campaign to the Sanders campaign because I want to see the kind of lines around the building that we saw in 2008.”“Initially I was a Joe Biden supporter. I switched from the Biden campaign to the Sanders campaign because I want to see the kind of lines around the building that we saw in 2008.”
South Carolina polls have shown Biden in the lead, but Sanders has been on the rise after his strong performances in Iowa and New Hampshire.South Carolina polls have shown Biden in the lead, but Sanders has been on the rise after his strong performances in Iowa and New Hampshire.
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.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.”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.“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.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: