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| Trump's India visit continues as South Carolina Democratic TV debate looms – live updates | Trump's India visit continues as South Carolina Democratic TV debate looms – live updates |
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| Trump continues India visit amid clashes while Democrat challengers prepare for South Carolina debate | Trump continues India visit amid clashes while Democrat challengers prepare for South Carolina debate |
| The row over US moves to deploy low-yield nuclear missiles on submarines continued in Geneva today, with criticism of the decision from Iran. In a move unlikely to further endear the Iranians to the Trump administration, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for international and legal affairs Mohsen Baharvand told the Conference on Disarmament in the UN building in Geneva said that “Such provocative actions must be condemned”. | |
| “A new nuclear arms race is being accelerated”, he added. | |
| The US Defense Department confirmed earlier this month that the Navy had fielded a low-yield, submarine-launched ballistic missile warhead. Low-yield nuclear weapons have a strength of less than 20 kilotons, which is about the same as the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. | |
| Moscow has already expressed alarm at the decision. | |
| A set of polling figures suggests that while Andres Oppenheimer thinks Sanders is going to be a problem for Democrats in Florida (see below), that may not be the case in California. David Lauter at the LA Times has written about the widespread support Sanders enjoys among communities of colour in California, outstripping his nearest Democratic rivals. Of the poll he says: | A set of polling figures suggests that while Andres Oppenheimer thinks Sanders is going to be a problem for Democrats in Florida (see below), that may not be the case in California. David Lauter at the LA Times has written about the widespread support Sanders enjoys among communities of colour in California, outstripping his nearest Democratic rivals. Of the poll he says: |
| It also reveals that support for Sanders is generationally split, regardless of ethnicity: | It also reveals that support for Sanders is generationally split, regardless of ethnicity: |
| Read the piece here: “Bernie Sanders has broad support in diverse California communities, new poll finds” | Read the piece here: “Bernie Sanders has broad support in diverse California communities, new poll finds” |
| There’s a strong opinion piece in the Miami Herald from Andres Oppenheimer, picking at two of the threads where Sanders has faced criticism in recent days - his comments about Cuba on 60 Minutes, and his decision to skip the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) annual policy conference. He doesn’t mince his words about how he thinks that will play for Sanders in Florida. | There’s a strong opinion piece in the Miami Herald from Andres Oppenheimer, picking at two of the threads where Sanders has faced criticism in recent days - his comments about Cuba on 60 Minutes, and his decision to skip the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) annual policy conference. He doesn’t mince his words about how he thinks that will play for Sanders in Florida. |
| Read the full blast here: “Sanders praised Cuba, spurned Israel group. If he’s the nominee, he just lost Florida” | Read the full blast here: “Sanders praised Cuba, spurned Israel group. If he’s the nominee, he just lost Florida” |
| There’s more detail coming from Julian Assange’s lawyers in London about the way the Wikileaks founder has been treated while being detained. They claim he was handcuffed 11 times, stripped naked twice and had his case files confiscated after the first day of his extradition hearing yesterday. | There’s more detail coming from Julian Assange’s lawyers in London about the way the Wikileaks founder has been treated while being detained. They claim he was handcuffed 11 times, stripped naked twice and had his case files confiscated after the first day of his extradition hearing yesterday. |
| My colleague Ben Quinn has more from the court in London, where the US is attempting to extradite Assange from the UK. | My colleague Ben Quinn has more from the court in London, where the US is attempting to extradite Assange from the UK. |
| President Trump has begun giving a press conference in India. It is typically wide-ranging. So far he has said that India doesn’t have “much of a problem” with coronavirus, and has suggested that there has been tremendous praise for the peace efforts in Afghanistan. He says he plans to bring the troop presence down to 8,600 in the country. | President Trump has begun giving a press conference in India. It is typically wide-ranging. So far he has said that India doesn’t have “much of a problem” with coronavirus, and has suggested that there has been tremendous praise for the peace efforts in Afghanistan. He says he plans to bring the troop presence down to 8,600 in the country. |
| On other foreign policy issues he has urged Iran to crack down on Isis, and says that he has a “very good relationship” with Pakistan’s prime minister. He says he is willing to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. | On other foreign policy issues he has urged Iran to crack down on Isis, and says that he has a “very good relationship” with Pakistan’s prime minister. He says he is willing to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. |
| Trump also says he has discussed the issue of religious freedom with India’s Narendra Modi. The bakdrop to this Trump visit has included violent scenes on India’s streets as people protest a new citizenship law which many say is discriminatory against Muslims. | Trump also says he has discussed the issue of religious freedom with India’s Narendra Modi. The bakdrop to this Trump visit has included violent scenes on India’s streets as people protest a new citizenship law which many say is discriminatory against Muslims. |
| On trade Trump declares that India is probably the highest tariff nation in the world. He singles out Harley Davidson, saying they have to pay a “Tremendous tariff” when they sell to India. If a trade deal is to happen with India, he says, it will be towards the end of the year. Trump insists that the “United States has to be treated fairly” and that deals have to be reciprocal. “We have a large deficit of $24bn with India. That is very high.” | On trade Trump declares that India is probably the highest tariff nation in the world. He singles out Harley Davidson, saying they have to pay a “Tremendous tariff” when they sell to India. If a trade deal is to happen with India, he says, it will be towards the end of the year. Trump insists that the “United States has to be treated fairly” and that deals have to be reciprocal. “We have a large deficit of $24bn with India. That is very high.” |
| He has also mentioned yesterday’s Harvey Weinstein verdict, describing it as “a great victory, sends a very very strong message”. Trump himself stands accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour by more than a dozen women. Trump has denied the allegations. | He has also mentioned yesterday’s Harvey Weinstein verdict, describing it as “a great victory, sends a very very strong message”. Trump himself stands accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour by more than a dozen women. Trump has denied the allegations. |
| Trump had joked that he would be “very, very conservative” in his answers to avoid distracting from his “fantastic two days” in the country. But he also waded into domestic issues, including criticizing Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor. | Trump had joked that he would be “very, very conservative” in his answers to avoid distracting from his “fantastic two days” in the country. But he also waded into domestic issues, including criticizing Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor. |
| “I just don’t know how they can not recuse themselves for anything Trump or Trump-related,” he said. | “I just don’t know how they can not recuse themselves for anything Trump or Trump-related,” he said. |
| He added: “What Justice Sotomayor said yesterday was highly inappropriate. She’s trying to shame people with perhaps a different view into voting her way.” | He added: “What Justice Sotomayor said yesterday was highly inappropriate. She’s trying to shame people with perhaps a different view into voting her way.” |
| He said that Ginsburg had gone “wild” against him during the 2016 campaign. | He said that Ginsburg had gone “wild” against him during the 2016 campaign. |
| It is going to be a slightly unfamiliar meal for the president and his wife in India today. Trump is well known for his love of burgers and steaks, but cows are considered sacred in the Hindu religion. The main dish at the banquet tonight will be goat. The banquet is for around 90 guests, and a spokesman for India’s president’s office says the chefs will prepare food with “a careful combination of spices to suit Indian and American palates.” | It is going to be a slightly unfamiliar meal for the president and his wife in India today. Trump is well known for his love of burgers and steaks, but cows are considered sacred in the Hindu religion. The main dish at the banquet tonight will be goat. The banquet is for around 90 guests, and a spokesman for India’s president’s office says the chefs will prepare food with “a careful combination of spices to suit Indian and American palates.” |
| While Trump has been focussed on talks with prime minister Modi and Indian businessmen, first lady Melania has been visiting a “happiness class” at a government-run school in the Indian capital. The curriculum dovetails with her “Be Best” initiative to teach children and young adults to be kind, avoid drugs and take care of themselves. | While Trump has been focussed on talks with prime minister Modi and Indian businessmen, first lady Melania has been visiting a “happiness class” at a government-run school in the Indian capital. The curriculum dovetails with her “Be Best” initiative to teach children and young adults to be kind, avoid drugs and take care of themselves. |
| It has been clear for a few days now that the main Mike Bloomberg campaign strategy was going to be to turn his fire specifically on Bernie Sanders. With Sanders out in front in polling, to stand a chance of winning the nomination one of the chasing pack needs to peg him back urgently before he amounts an unassailable lead. | It has been clear for a few days now that the main Mike Bloomberg campaign strategy was going to be to turn his fire specifically on Bernie Sanders. With Sanders out in front in polling, to stand a chance of winning the nomination one of the chasing pack needs to peg him back urgently before he amounts an unassailable lead. |
| Bloomberg’s attack today is that some internal polling that suggests Sanders’ nomination could drag down vulnerable House Democrats trying to hold onto their competitive districts. | Bloomberg’s attack today is that some internal polling that suggests Sanders’ nomination could drag down vulnerable House Democrats trying to hold onto their competitive districts. |
| Here’s an analysis of the tactic and the data by Christopher Cadelago and Laura Barrón-López for Politico: “Bloomberg internal poll claims Bernie would sink downballot Dems” | Here’s an analysis of the tactic and the data by Christopher Cadelago and Laura Barrón-López for Politico: “Bloomberg internal poll claims Bernie would sink downballot Dems” |
| It isn’t traditional for US presidents to comment on domestic politics while at events on foreign trips, but that’s what the US president has been doing in India. At a meeting of Indian business leaders today he has told them that the US economy is being held back by the upcoming presidential election. | It isn’t traditional for US presidents to comment on domestic politics while at events on foreign trips, but that’s what the US president has been doing in India. At a meeting of Indian business leaders today he has told them that the US economy is being held back by the upcoming presidential election. |
| Warning of economic turmoil at home if he loses his November election, Trump told his hosts “if the wrong person gets elected, everything will come to a halt” and unemployment will rise. He blamed the recent fall in US stock markets on the coronavirus outbreak, and predicted that the stock market will soar if he wins a second term. | Warning of economic turmoil at home if he loses his November election, Trump told his hosts “if the wrong person gets elected, everything will come to a halt” and unemployment will rise. He blamed the recent fall in US stock markets on the coronavirus outbreak, and predicted that the stock market will soar if he wins a second term. |
| Here are a few interesting reads from around the internet to set you up for the day. | Here are a few interesting reads from around the internet to set you up for the day. |
| Ben Mathis-Lilley over on Slate is arguing that the Democrats who are so worried that Sanders might grab the nomination should think hard about whether they’ve been doing the right thing in backing Biden. | Ben Mathis-Lilley over on Slate is arguing that the Democrats who are so worried that Sanders might grab the nomination should think hard about whether they’ve been doing the right thing in backing Biden. |
| Sally Goldenberg on Politico has a bit on the inside track of how Mike Bloomberg is preparing for tonight’s debate with a simple plan - “Nuke Bernie”. | Sally Goldenberg on Politico has a bit on the inside track of how Mike Bloomberg is preparing for tonight’s debate with a simple plan - “Nuke Bernie”. |
| The Democratic challenger field is notably on the elderly side, with Biden, Bloomberg and Sanders all in their late 70s. Is that too old to run the country? Not according to John H Rowe, a professor of health policy and ageing at Columbia University. In the Washington Post he has argued that: | The Democratic challenger field is notably on the elderly side, with Biden, Bloomberg and Sanders all in their late 70s. Is that too old to run the country? Not according to John H Rowe, a professor of health policy and ageing at Columbia University. In the Washington Post he has argued that: |
| Trump’s visit to India has been high on pomp and ceremony, and a little short on substance. The president started the day with an elaborate outdoor welcome ceremony in front of the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential Palace in New Delhi, where he was welcomed with canon fire and horseback soldiers. | Trump’s visit to India has been high on pomp and ceremony, and a little short on substance. The president started the day with an elaborate outdoor welcome ceremony in front of the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential Palace in New Delhi, where he was welcomed with canon fire and horseback soldiers. |
| The Trumps then went on to visit a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi where the president and first lady paid their respects in a petal throwing ceremony. The memorial is at Raj Ghat where the famed independence leader was cremated after his assassination in 1948. Trump also signed a guest book and was presented with a bust of Gandhi. | The Trumps then went on to visit a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi where the president and first lady paid their respects in a petal throwing ceremony. The memorial is at Raj Ghat where the famed independence leader was cremated after his assassination in 1948. Trump also signed a guest book and was presented with a bust of Gandhi. |
| Meeting prime minister Narendra Modi later on, Trump commented that he thought the crowds at the joint mass rally yesterday had been there more for Modi than for him. He said there were cheers every time he mentioned Modi’s name, “so they love you in India and that’s a good thing.” | Meeting prime minister Narendra Modi later on, Trump commented that he thought the crowds at the joint mass rally yesterday had been there more for Modi than for him. He said there were cheers every time he mentioned Modi’s name, “so they love you in India and that’s a good thing.” |
| Modi went on to say that the two had a productive exchange on issues including defence cooperation, energy and technology, and said talks will continue. He said that he and Trump have now met five times over the past eight months and said ties between the two nations is the “most important partnership of the 21st century.” | Modi went on to say that the two had a productive exchange on issues including defence cooperation, energy and technology, and said talks will continue. He said that he and Trump have now met five times over the past eight months and said ties between the two nations is the “most important partnership of the 21st century.” |
| Good morning. | Good morning. |
| It’s been another showy day already for Donald Trump as he continues his whirlwind 36-hour trip to India to meet prime minister Narendra Modi. The two have posed for photos together in New Delhi, but there have been violent clashes on the streets. Trump is due to attend a banquet in the evening, and then at 10pm local time (11.30 ET) he flies out. | It’s been another showy day already for Donald Trump as he continues his whirlwind 36-hour trip to India to meet prime minister Narendra Modi. The two have posed for photos together in New Delhi, but there have been violent clashes on the streets. Trump is due to attend a banquet in the evening, and then at 10pm local time (11.30 ET) he flies out. |
| Back at home the Democrats are preparing for the next TV debate ahead of Saturday’s South Carolina primary. Businessman Tom Steyer has made the cut, meaning there will be a crowded field of seven challengers. Will anyone be able to cut through the noise and make a decisive move against current frontrunner Bernie Sanders? | Back at home the Democrats are preparing for the next TV debate ahead of Saturday’s South Carolina primary. Businessman Tom Steyer has made the cut, meaning there will be a crowded field of seven challengers. Will anyone be able to cut through the noise and make a decisive move against current frontrunner Bernie Sanders? |
| It’s not just about South Carolina either. It is the last TV showdown before the 3 March Super Tuesday primaries. The debate is on from 8pm to 10:15pm ET, and is being hosted by CBS News. There are details on how to watch here. | It’s not just about South Carolina either. It is the last TV showdown before the 3 March Super Tuesday primaries. The debate is on from 8pm to 10:15pm ET, and is being hosted by CBS News. There are details on how to watch here. |
| In London, the second day of a court hearing into the extradition of Julian Assange from the UK to the US will take place. | In London, the second day of a court hearing into the extradition of Julian Assange from the UK to the US will take place. |