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Trump seems to call for new Roger Stone trial – live updates Trump seems to call for new Roger Stone trial – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Billionaire Bloomberg will face opponents on debate stage in Las Vegas after rules change that opened door to his participationBillionaire Bloomberg will face opponents on debate stage in Las Vegas after rules change that opened door to his participation
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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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:NBC News reports:
But the press secretary of the Pentagon pushed back against the report, claiming Graham never made the comment.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.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 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.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.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.”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.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”: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: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.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%.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%.The billionaire candidate is trailed by Bernie Sanders at 14% and Joe Biden at 12%. Elizabeth Warren, who grew up in Oklahoma, hit 8%.
In addition to qualifying for the next Democratic debate, Michael Bloomberg also got some good news from a Virginia poll out this morning.In addition to qualifying for the next Democratic debate, Michael Bloomberg also got some good news from a Virginia poll out this morning.
According to the Monmouth University survey, Bloomberg and Bernie Sanders are tied among likely voters in Virginia, which will hold its primary on Super Tuesday.According to the Monmouth University survey, Bloomberg and Bernie Sanders are tied among likely voters in Virginia, which will hold its primary on Super Tuesday.
Bloomberg and Sanders both hit 22% in the poll, trailed by Joe Biden at 18% and Pete Buttigieg at 11%. No other candidate registered in the double digits.Bloomberg and Sanders both hit 22% in the poll, trailed by Joe Biden at 18% and Pete Buttigieg at 11%. No other candidate registered in the double digits.
Bloomberg’s stategy of skipping the early voting states to focus on the 14 states that will hold contests on March 3 appears to be paying dividends. The billionaire candidate was campaigning in Virginia this weekend, and he has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising across the country.Bloomberg’s stategy of skipping the early voting states to focus on the 14 states that will hold contests on March 3 appears to be paying dividends. The billionaire candidate was campaigning in Virginia this weekend, and he has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising across the country.
But there’s still plenty of time for things to change before March 3. Only 25% of Virginia’s likely primary voters said they were firmly set on their chosen candidate.But there’s still plenty of time for things to change before March 3. Only 25% of Virginia’s likely primary voters said they were firmly set on their chosen candidate.
Trump’s comments come as a conference call on the status of the Stone case is expected to take place today.Trump’s comments come as a conference call on the status of the Stone case is expected to take place today.
US District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued the unusual order for the call after the entire four-person prosecution team quit following following attorney general William Barr’s intervention to rescind their recommendation of a seven-to-nine year sentence for Stone.US District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued the unusual order for the call after the entire four-person prosecution team quit following following attorney general William Barr’s intervention to rescind their recommendation of a seven-to-nine year sentence for Stone.
Trump goes on to recap some of his grievances against the Mueller investigation, concluding: “If I wasn’t President, I’d be suing everyone all over the place ... BUT MAYBE I STILL WILL. WITCH HUNT!”Trump goes on to recap some of his grievances against the Mueller investigation, concluding: “If I wasn’t President, I’d be suing everyone all over the place ... BUT MAYBE I STILL WILL. WITCH HUNT!”
Donald Trump is obviously keeping a keen eye on any developments in Roger Stone’s sentencing – for which there is a hearing by telephone scheduled today (see earlier).Donald Trump is obviously keeping a keen eye on any developments in Roger Stone’s sentencing – for which there is a hearing by telephone scheduled today (see earlier).
This morning the president is focusing on calls for a new trial 0f Stone based on allegations that the foreperson of the original trial had anti-Trump views.This morning the president is focusing on calls for a new trial 0f Stone based on allegations that the foreperson of the original trial had anti-Trump views.
The president has been widely criticised for interfering in the sentencing. More than 1,000 former US justice department officials, including some of the top government lawyers in the country, have called on attorney general William Barr to resign over his handling of the case.The president has been widely criticised for interfering in the sentencing. More than 1,000 former US justice department officials, including some of the top government lawyers in the country, have called on attorney general William Barr to resign over his handling of the case.
The justice department reduced its sentencing recommendation for Stone, a Trump ally, after the president tweeted calling it “horrible and very unfair”.The justice department reduced its sentencing recommendation for Stone, a Trump ally, after the president tweeted calling it “horrible and very unfair”.
Quoting Fox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano, Trump tweeted today:Quoting Fox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano, Trump tweeted today:
Stone will be sentenced for obstruction, false statements and witness tampering on 20 February.Stone will be sentenced for obstruction, false statements and witness tampering on 20 February.
The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will waive federal contracting laws to speed construction of his signature border wall at the US-Mexico border, the Associated Press reports.The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will waive federal contracting laws to speed construction of his signature border wall at the US-Mexico border, the Associated Press reports.
Politico has more on Bloomberg’s preparations to join the debate stage for the first time. He is not known as a brilliant orator, and many of his fellow Democrats may relish the chance to play up his wealth, his past as a Republican, and the controversies about racism and sexism that have blown up in the past couple of weeks.Politico has more on Bloomberg’s preparations to join the debate stage for the first time. He is not known as a brilliant orator, and many of his fellow Democrats may relish the chance to play up his wealth, his past as a Republican, and the controversies about racism and sexism that have blown up in the past couple of weeks.
His rivalry with Sanders is becoming increasingly bitter, and the Vermont senator is unlikely to pull his punches, telling a crowd earlier this week: “Now, Mike Bloomberg is struggling — he’s down to his last $60bn. Hey, life is hard, you know — food prices going up, housing going up. How are you going to make it on $60bn? Mike is trying.”His rivalry with Sanders is becoming increasingly bitter, and the Vermont senator is unlikely to pull his punches, telling a crowd earlier this week: “Now, Mike Bloomberg is struggling — he’s down to his last $60bn. Hey, life is hard, you know — food prices going up, housing going up. How are you going to make it on $60bn? Mike is trying.”
As Politico reports:As Politico reports:
The poll that has opened the door for Bloomberg also has good news for Sanders, however.The poll that has opened the door for Bloomberg also has good news for Sanders, however.
The NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist survey shows the Vermont socialist senator well at the head of the field, with 31% – up nine points since the last poll by this company in early December.The NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist survey shows the Vermont socialist senator well at the head of the field, with 31% – up nine points since the last poll by this company in early December.
Bloomberg comes in second with 19% (up 15). Biden is on 15% (down nine), Warren on 12% (down five), Klobuchar on 9% (up five) and Buttigieg on 8% (down five).Bloomberg comes in second with 19% (up 15). Biden is on 15% (down nine), Warren on 12% (down five), Klobuchar on 9% (up five) and Buttigieg on 8% (down five).
The poll also asked which Democrats would beat Donald Trump in the popular vote in November, finding that all the main contenders would.The poll also asked which Democrats would beat Donald Trump in the popular vote in November, finding that all the main contenders would.
Their leads ranged from Biden’s six points, to Bloomberg’s four points, Sanders’ three points, Buttigieg’s and Klobuchar’s two points, and Warren’s one point.Their leads ranged from Biden’s six points, to Bloomberg’s four points, Sanders’ three points, Buttigieg’s and Klobuchar’s two points, and Warren’s one point.
The election is decided based on the electoral college, however, not the popular vote. In 2016 Trump lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by nearly 3m votes, but still won the election, thanks to his strength at picking up delegates in key states.The election is decided based on the electoral college, however, not the popular vote. In 2016 Trump lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by nearly 3m votes, but still won the election, thanks to his strength at picking up delegates in key states.
Bloomberg’s appearance on the debate stage is highly controversial.Bloomberg’s appearance on the debate stage is highly controversial.
The Democrats changed their qualification rules just weeks ago, scrapping the need for participants to reach a threshold of donations.The Democrats changed their qualification rules just weeks ago, scrapping the need for participants to reach a threshold of donations.
The billionaire Bloomberg is funding his own campaign, and the rule change was widely seen as a move by the Democratic establishment to allow the centrist former mayor to take part.The billionaire Bloomberg is funding his own campaign, and the rule change was widely seen as a move by the Democratic establishment to allow the centrist former mayor to take part.
Bernie Sanders has been particularly scathing about the change, noting: “Suddenly a guy comes in who has not campaigned one bit in Iowa or New Hampshire … but he’s worth $55bn and I guess if you’re worth $55bn you can get the rules changed for a debate.”Bernie Sanders has been particularly scathing about the change, noting: “Suddenly a guy comes in who has not campaigned one bit in Iowa or New Hampshire … but he’s worth $55bn and I guess if you’re worth $55bn you can get the rules changed for a debate.”
Michael Bloomberg has qualified for tomorrow’s Democratic debate in Las Vegas – the first time he will face his opponents on the debate stage.Michael Bloomberg has qualified for tomorrow’s Democratic debate in Las Vegas – the first time he will face his opponents on the debate stage.
The former New York mayor needed four poll ratings of 10% or above to qualify. A poll from NPR, PBS NewsHour and Marist released on Tuesday showed Bloomberg with 19% support.The former New York mayor needed four poll ratings of 10% or above to qualify. A poll from NPR, PBS NewsHour and Marist released on Tuesday showed Bloomberg with 19% support.
Good morning.Good morning.
The presidential candidates are back on the campaign trail today, with Democrats Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg in Nevada ahead of Saturday’s caucuses there.The presidential candidates are back on the campaign trail today, with Democrats Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg in Nevada ahead of Saturday’s caucuses there.
Sanders, Buttigieg and Klobuchar will all appear on CNN tonight for town hall-style interviews.Sanders, Buttigieg and Klobuchar will all appear on CNN tonight for town hall-style interviews.
It’s also the deadline at midnight ET tonight for candidates to qualify for the next Democratic debate, which takes place in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Biden, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Sanders and Warren have all qualified – but a change in the rules means Michael Bloomberg may qualify to appear for the first time. He needs to reach 10% in one more poll to make it. The Democrats controversially scrapped a rule that meant participants had to reach a donor threshold, allegedly to allow the self-funding billionaire former New York mayor to take part.It’s also the deadline at midnight ET tonight for candidates to qualify for the next Democratic debate, which takes place in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Biden, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Sanders and Warren have all qualified – but a change in the rules means Michael Bloomberg may qualify to appear for the first time. He needs to reach 10% in one more poll to make it. The Democrats controversially scrapped a rule that meant participants had to reach a donor threshold, allegedly to allow the self-funding billionaire former New York mayor to take part.
Bloomberg – who joins the race in earnest on Super Tuesday, 3 March – has come under fire over the past week for allegedly racist policing policies as New York mayor and for alleged sexist and misogynistic comments as a businessman. His fellow Democrats stuck the knife in further yesterday, with Biden saying: “$60bn can buy you a lot of advertising, but it can’t erase your record.”Bloomberg – who joins the race in earnest on Super Tuesday, 3 March – has come under fire over the past week for allegedly racist policing policies as New York mayor and for alleged sexist and misogynistic comments as a businessman. His fellow Democrats stuck the knife in further yesterday, with Biden saying: “$60bn can buy you a lot of advertising, but it can’t erase your record.”
Sanders, the leftwing Vermont senator who is now the frontrunner in the race, seems to be pulling ahead in polling in Nevada, with the ailing centrist Biden now nine points behind him in polling averages. The former vice-president has also plunged in national Democratic polling following his poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire this month, leaving Sanders in the lead but with centrists Bloomberg and Buttigieg gradually climbing. Warren, Sanders’ rival on the left, seems to be on the slide too.Sanders, the leftwing Vermont senator who is now the frontrunner in the race, seems to be pulling ahead in polling in Nevada, with the ailing centrist Biden now nine points behind him in polling averages. The former vice-president has also plunged in national Democratic polling following his poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire this month, leaving Sanders in the lead but with centrists Bloomberg and Buttigieg gradually climbing. Warren, Sanders’ rival on the left, seems to be on the slide too.
Like Iowa, Nevada holds caucuses rather than primaries – complicated, hours-long public meetings with multiple rounds of balloting. (Here’s more on how they work.) But after the shambles in Iowa where an app malfunctioned, the Nevada Democratic party has said it won’t use the same technology. But it’s not clear what they will use instead. “Reports suggest the party has decided to abandon the app for a combination of Google forms and scannable paper ballots as a backup,” writes Kari Paul.Like Iowa, Nevada holds caucuses rather than primaries – complicated, hours-long public meetings with multiple rounds of balloting. (Here’s more on how they work.) But after the shambles in Iowa where an app malfunctioned, the Nevada Democratic party has said it won’t use the same technology. But it’s not clear what they will use instead. “Reports suggest the party has decided to abandon the app for a combination of Google forms and scannable paper ballots as a backup,” writes Kari Paul.
Donald Trump is heading west too, meeting the LA 2028 Olympic Organizing Committee and supporters in Beverley Hills and then heading to Las Vegas.Donald Trump is heading west too, meeting the LA 2028 Olympic Organizing Committee and supporters in Beverley Hills and then heading to Las Vegas.
Trump waded into controversy last week when his attorney general, William Barr, criticised him for interfering in criminal cases such as that of his friend Roger Stone, who is due to be sentenced for obstruction, false statements and witness tampering on 20 February. There is a pre-sentence hearing on that case today.Trump waded into controversy last week when his attorney general, William Barr, criticised him for interfering in criminal cases such as that of his friend Roger Stone, who is due to be sentenced for obstruction, false statements and witness tampering on 20 February. There is a pre-sentence hearing on that case today.
Here’s some of the US politics news you may have missed from yesterday:Here’s some of the US politics news you may have missed from yesterday: