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Joe Biden campaigning in South Carolina ahead of crucial Democrat primary - live updates Joe Biden campaigning in South Carolina ahead of crucial Democrat primary - live updates
(32 minutes later)
Secretary of State appearing before House Committee on foreign affairs to give evidence on US policy in the middle eastSecretary of State appearing before House Committee on foreign affairs to give evidence on US policy in the middle east
One of the problems facing Joe Biden as he goes into the South Carolina primary is that he is attempting to defy history. Over on Bloomberg Paul Murray has put together a series of charts showing historical polling data for the primaries since 1980. He says of Biden:
To put it bluntly: “no candidate has held a polling lead going into the first nominating contest, lost that lead and then come back to win the nomination.”
That’s quite some challenge for Biden. You can see the data here.
“It’s the perfect time for businesses, health care systems, universities and schools to look at their pandemic preparedness plans, dust them off, and make sure that they’re ready,” Trump said Wednesday at his White House news conference on the coronavirus.
Accordingly schools across the United States are canceling trips abroad, preparing online lessons and even rethinking their “perfect attendance” awards as they brace for the possibility that Covid-19 could begin spreading in their communities.
There’s also a big question mark about how the healthcare system could cope if there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in the US.
And there’s a specific factor that could make a difference to how the coronavirus might spread - the uninsured. Carl Gibson is one of those 27.5 million people - here are his thoughts on what the impact of the coronavirus could be.
Here is Amanda Holpuch in New York, looking at how it is low-income Americans who are most likely to be at risk.
There’s also a potentially worrying development in terms of how America has been handling the virus. The Washington Post was reporting last night that a whistleblower has come forward to say that officials at the Department of Health and Human Services sent workers to receive the first Americans evacuated from Wuhan, China, without proper training for infection control or appropriate protective gear. They then wren’t tested to see if they had contracted the new coronavirus themselves.
The Democratic race is in full swing, with votes in South Carolina on Saturday and then in over a dozen states including California on Super Tuesday, 3 March. Who are the key contenders as the race enters its next phase?The Democratic race is in full swing, with votes in South Carolina on Saturday and then in over a dozen states including California on Super Tuesday, 3 March. Who are the key contenders as the race enters its next phase?
Bernie SandersBernie Sanders
Who:Who:
Veteran socialist senator from Vermont and Democratic frontrunner who thinks his ship may finally have come in.Veteran socialist senator from Vermont and Democratic frontrunner who thinks his ship may finally have come in.
Strengths:Strengths:
Huge army of passionate voters. Distinctive and consistent policy platform. Powerful momentum from success in first three contests of primary race.Huge army of passionate voters. Distinctive and consistent policy platform. Powerful momentum from success in first three contests of primary race.
Weaknesses:Weaknesses:
Leftwing policies and “socialist” label may prove a bridge too far for many moderate Americans. Decades of outspoken affinity with leftwing causes is already being weaponised against him.Leftwing policies and “socialist” label may prove a bridge too far for many moderate Americans. Decades of outspoken affinity with leftwing causes is already being weaponised against him.
Key quote:Key quote:
“Every other major country on Earth has achieved universal health care. This is the wealthiest nation in the world and there is no reason we cannot do the same.”“Every other major country on Earth has achieved universal health care. This is the wealthiest nation in the world and there is no reason we cannot do the same.”
Key policies:Key policies:
Universal public healthcare system and abolition of health insurance. Paid parental leave. Free college tuition. Support for radical Green New Deal to tackle climate change and create jobs.Universal public healthcare system and abolition of health insurance. Paid parental leave. Free college tuition. Support for radical Green New Deal to tackle climate change and create jobs.
Joe BidenJoe Biden
Who:Who:
Personable former vice-president to Barack Obama whose shaky performance in the primary race has seen his lead disintegrate and his frontrunner status disappear.Personable former vice-president to Barack Obama whose shaky performance in the primary race has seen his lead disintegrate and his frontrunner status disappear.
Strengths:Strengths:
Pundits thought his folksy manner, working-class roots and moderate policies would appeal to rust-belt voters won by Donald Trump in 2016.Pundits thought his folksy manner, working-class roots and moderate policies would appeal to rust-belt voters won by Donald Trump in 2016.
Weaknesses:Weaknesses:
Voters seemed less convinced after a series of muddled debates and gaffe-prone public appearances. Although many make the argument that “your uncle would vote for him”, it’s hard to find anyone actually excited about the prospect of President Biden.Voters seemed less convinced after a series of muddled debates and gaffe-prone public appearances. Although many make the argument that “your uncle would vote for him”, it’s hard to find anyone actually excited about the prospect of President Biden.
Key quote:Key quote:
“I ain’t a socialist, I ain’t a plutocrat, I’m a Democrat.”“I ain’t a socialist, I ain’t a plutocrat, I’m a Democrat.”
Key policies:Key policies:
“Public option” to compete with private health insurance. Green New Deal. Repealing capital punishment. Decriminalisation of cannabis.“Public option” to compete with private health insurance. Green New Deal. Repealing capital punishment. Decriminalisation of cannabis.
Michael BloombergMichael Bloomberg
Who:Who:
Billionaire businessman and former New York mayor distrusted by many liberals who has steadily climbed in the polls thanks to big spending.Billionaire businessman and former New York mayor distrusted by many liberals who has steadily climbed in the polls thanks to big spending.
Strengths:Strengths:
Limitless spending power. Centrist policies that may win over some Republicans. Record of business success that contrasts favorably with Trump’s.Limitless spending power. Centrist policies that may win over some Republicans. Record of business success that contrasts favorably with Trump’s.
Weaknesses:Weaknesses:
Originally elected in New York as a Republican, Bloomberg is viewed by many liberals as a Democrat in name only and the kind of super-rich businessman they exist to rein in. Controversies over alleged sexist, racist and anti-trans remarks, a discriminatory policing policy known as “stop and frisk”, and the treatment of women at his business have not helped.Originally elected in New York as a Republican, Bloomberg is viewed by many liberals as a Democrat in name only and the kind of super-rich businessman they exist to rein in. Controversies over alleged sexist, racist and anti-trans remarks, a discriminatory policing policy known as “stop and frisk”, and the treatment of women at his business have not helped.
Key quote:Key quote:
“Two billionaires [running]? Who’s the second one?”“Two billionaires [running]? Who’s the second one?”
Key policies:Key policies:
Universal background checks for gun purchases, assault weapons ban and crackdown on gun trafficking. Net zero carbon emissions by 2050. “Public option” for healthcare.Universal background checks for gun purchases, assault weapons ban and crackdown on gun trafficking. Net zero carbon emissions by 2050. “Public option” for healthcare.
Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Warren
Who:Who:
Liberal Massachusetts senator and financial services expert who has been crowded out by Sanders and the moderates.Liberal Massachusetts senator and financial services expert who has been crowded out by Sanders and the moderates.
Strengths:Strengths:
Less leftwing than Sanders, much less rightwing than Bloomberg, more experienced than Buttigieg, more convincing than Biden. Would be the first woman president.Less leftwing than Sanders, much less rightwing than Bloomberg, more experienced than Buttigieg, more convincing than Biden. Would be the first woman president.
Weaknesses:Weaknesses:
Not as ideologically pure as Sanders, not as rich as Bloomberg, not as fresh as Buttigieg, less appeal in the heartland than Biden. Sexism is probably playing a role in dragging her down.Not as ideologically pure as Sanders, not as rich as Bloomberg, not as fresh as Buttigieg, less appeal in the heartland than Biden. Sexism is probably playing a role in dragging her down.
Key quote:Key quote:
“I’d like to talk about who we’re running against: a billionaire who calls women fat broads and horse-faced lesbians. No, I’m not talking about Donald Trump. I’m talking about Mayor Bloomberg.”“I’d like to talk about who we’re running against: a billionaire who calls women fat broads and horse-faced lesbians. No, I’m not talking about Donald Trump. I’m talking about Mayor Bloomberg.”
Key policies:Key policies:
Wealth tax on those worth more than $50m. Universal childcare. Relief of student loan debts. Supports the Green New Deal, public healthcare replacing health insurance and breaking up the big tech companies.Wealth tax on those worth more than $50m. Universal childcare. Relief of student loan debts. Supports the Green New Deal, public healthcare replacing health insurance and breaking up the big tech companies.
Pete ButtigiegPete Buttigieg
Who:Who:
Small-town Indiana mayor who would be first gay president and needs to build on strong early start in Iowa or risk fading away.Small-town Indiana mayor who would be first gay president and needs to build on strong early start in Iowa or risk fading away.
Strengths:Strengths:
Millennial military veteran who presents himself as the young and upbeat voice of moderation, compromise and national unity.Millennial military veteran who presents himself as the young and upbeat voice of moderation, compromise and national unity.
Weaknesses:Weaknesses:
His main political experience comprises eight years as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a city of 100,000 people. As mayor he made enemies of many black voters – something that has hobbled him in the Democratic race. It remains to be seen how homophobia would affect his chances if he became the nominee.His main political experience comprises eight years as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a city of 100,000 people. As mayor he made enemies of many black voters – something that has hobbled him in the Democratic race. It remains to be seen how homophobia would affect his chances if he became the nominee.
Key quote:Key quote:
“We need a president focused on the future and ready to leave the politics of the past in the past.”“We need a president focused on the future and ready to leave the politics of the past in the past.”
Key policies:Key policies:
Backs a publicly run health insurance scheme, background checks for gun-buyers, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and a moderate climate change plan.Backs a publicly run health insurance scheme, background checks for gun-buyers, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and a moderate climate change plan.
Also runningAlso running
Businessman Tom Steyer has poured money into South Carolina and is hoping for a strong showing there. Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar has had her moments but it’s hard to see where she goes from here. The quixotic Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made the most impact when she sued Hillary Clinton for calling her a Russian asset.Businessman Tom Steyer has poured money into South Carolina and is hoping for a strong showing there. Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar has had her moments but it’s hard to see where she goes from here. The quixotic Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made the most impact when she sued Hillary Clinton for calling her a Russian asset.
Ahead of his appearance at the House committee of foreign affairs this morning, Mike Pompeo has published his opening witness statement, and it is fair to say that he does not mince his words about the Trump administration’s attitude to Iran. Among other things he says:Ahead of his appearance at the House committee of foreign affairs this morning, Mike Pompeo has published his opening witness statement, and it is fair to say that he does not mince his words about the Trump administration’s attitude to Iran. Among other things he says:
Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism – and anti-Semitism.Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism – and anti-Semitism.
Its forces, and the militias it supports, prop up Syria’s Bashar Assad, undermine democracy in Lebanon and Iraq, and steal humanitarian aid in Yemen.Its forces, and the militias it supports, prop up Syria’s Bashar Assad, undermine democracy in Lebanon and Iraq, and steal humanitarian aid in Yemen.
Iran is responsible for downing a civilian airliner in January. 176 people were killed. The regime lied about that tragedy, and still hasn’t turned over the black box.Iran is responsible for downing a civilian airliner in January. 176 people were killed. The regime lied about that tragedy, and still hasn’t turned over the black box.
The regime just rigged an election – yet again denying the Iranian people the free and fair elections they’ve sought for 41 years.The regime just rigged an election – yet again denying the Iranian people the free and fair elections they’ve sought for 41 years.
You can read the full statement here.You can read the full statement here.
Good morning - there’s quite a bit on the agenda today.Good morning - there’s quite a bit on the agenda today.
It is the final full day of campaigning before the South Carolina primary, and Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Tom Steyer are all in the state today. Joe Biden has been considered the frontrunner in the southernmost state to vote so far, but he needs a decisive victory over Sanders if he’s to convince people that his campaign has a chance of eclipsing the leftwing senator and making a strong push for the nomination.It is the final full day of campaigning before the South Carolina primary, and Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Tom Steyer are all in the state today. Joe Biden has been considered the frontrunner in the southernmost state to vote so far, but he needs a decisive victory over Sanders if he’s to convince people that his campaign has a chance of eclipsing the leftwing senator and making a strong push for the nomination.
Donald Trump will also be out campaigning in South Carolina. There’s no Republican primary, but nevertheless he’s attending a rally at 7pm EST in North Charleston. Amy Klobuchar, meanwhile, is visiting Virginia and Tennessee with an eye on Super Tuesday.Donald Trump will also be out campaigning in South Carolina. There’s no Republican primary, but nevertheless he’s attending a rally at 7pm EST in North Charleston. Amy Klobuchar, meanwhile, is visiting Virginia and Tennessee with an eye on Super Tuesday.
We can expect a lot of focus on the coronavirus. Much of Trump’s upbeat messaging about the outbreak was designed to keep the markets steady. That approach seems to have failed as Wall Street and markets around the world tanked yesterday on fears about the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that two people in the US have the coronavirus from person-to-person transmission, rather than exposure to the disease overseas.We can expect a lot of focus on the coronavirus. Much of Trump’s upbeat messaging about the outbreak was designed to keep the markets steady. That approach seems to have failed as Wall Street and markets around the world tanked yesterday on fears about the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that two people in the US have the coronavirus from person-to-person transmission, rather than exposure to the disease overseas.
There’s a host of big names appearing at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Fort Washington, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler, Donald Trump Jr, Candace Owens, Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump and the so-called “Anti-Greta” Naomi Seibt are all appearing today. There are sessions on what the map of Israel should look like, how to fight the left’s “voter fraud machine”, “how the left justifies acts of violence” and the culture war. It should be a lively day. You can see the full line-up here.There’s a host of big names appearing at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Fort Washington, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler, Donald Trump Jr, Candace Owens, Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump and the so-called “Anti-Greta” Naomi Seibt are all appearing today. There are sessions on what the map of Israel should look like, how to fight the left’s “voter fraud machine”, “how the left justifies acts of violence” and the culture war. It should be a lively day. You can see the full line-up here.
And another big draw is that secretary of state Mike Pompeo will be appearing before the House committee on foreign affairs to be grilled on US policy on Iran and Iraq. You’ll be able to watch the session here.And another big draw is that secretary of state Mike Pompeo will be appearing before the House committee on foreign affairs to be grilled on US policy on Iran and Iraq. You’ll be able to watch the session here.