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Pete Buttigieg drops out as crucial Super Tuesday looms – live updates Pete Buttigieg drops out as crucial Super Tuesday looms – live updates
(31 minutes later)
Crucial day of campaigning ahead as Democrat field narrows before Super TuesdayCrucial day of campaigning ahead as Democrat field narrows before Super Tuesday
As expected, Illinois senator Tammy Duckworth has endorsed Joe Biden ahead of her state’s March 17 primary.
“As a combat Veteran and former Assistant VA Secretary, I know that Joe Biden won’t just pay lip service to those sacrifices, he’ll make sure our troops and Veterans receive the support, care and respect they’ve earned,” Duckworth said in a statement released by Biden’s campaign.
Biden has received a flood of endorsements since his landslide victory in South Carolina, as a number of Democratic lawmakers apparently try to consolidate support against Bernie Sanders.
Trump defended the safety of holding campaign rallies with the coronavirus spreading, as the president prepares for another rally in the Super Tuesday state of North Carolina tonight.
“Well this was set up a long time ago, and others are,” Trump said when asked about his rally tonight.
“You could ask that to the Democrats. ... They’re all having rallies, that’s what they’re doing, they’re campaigning. ... I think it’s very safe.”
Elizabeth Warren has released a plan to combat coronavirus, which includes a $400 billion fiscal stimulus package to avoid an economic downturn tied to the health threat.
Warren would also create an “emergency paid leave program” to easily allow anyone showing symptoms to get time off work and ensure Americans have free evaluation and care for coronavirus.
“Coronavirus is a public health emergency and a serious threat to the American economy,” Warren wrote on her website.
“While it’s important that our leaders communicate calmly and clearly about the situation to avoid unnecessary panic, it’s just as important that we take decisive action to keep American families healthy and stabilize our economy as the virus spreads.”
And here’s another endorsement for Joe Biden: freshman Democratic congressman Gil Cisneros of California has announced his support for the former vice president.And here’s another endorsement for Joe Biden: freshman Democratic congressman Gil Cisneros of California has announced his support for the former vice president.
“From New Castle County Council to the United States Senate to the right-hand man of President Obama, Vice President Biden has proven time and time again that he has the experience and temperament to unite our country,” Cisneros said in a statement released by the Biden campaign.“From New Castle County Council to the United States Senate to the right-hand man of President Obama, Vice President Biden has proven time and time again that he has the experience and temperament to unite our country,” Cisneros said in a statement released by the Biden campaign.
Biden has picked up a number of endorsements from lawmakers in Super Tuesday states since his landslide victory in South Carolina, indicating the more moderate members of the party are trying to consolidate support around him.Biden has picked up a number of endorsements from lawmakers in Super Tuesday states since his landslide victory in South Carolina, indicating the more moderate members of the party are trying to consolidate support around him.
For vulnerable incumbents like Cisneros, a Biden endorsement has the added benefit of putting some distance between them and Bernie Sanders, who may be seen as too progressive in their swing districts.For vulnerable incumbents like Cisneros, a Biden endorsement has the added benefit of putting some distance between them and Bernie Sanders, who may be seen as too progressive in their swing districts.
Trump said he will discuss a possible coronavirus vaccine with pharmaceutical executives today.Trump said he will discuss a possible coronavirus vaccine with pharmaceutical executives today.
“We’re talking about a vaccine, maybe even a cure,” the president told reporters after the White House press pool was unexpectedly called in to the Oval Office.“We’re talking about a vaccine, maybe even a cure,” the president told reporters after the White House press pool was unexpectedly called in to the Oval Office.
The president’s meeting with pharmaceutical executives was previously supposed to focus on drug prices.The president’s meeting with pharmaceutical executives was previously supposed to focus on drug prices.
Joe Biden is picking up key endorsements in March voting states, as the former vice president becomes the leading moderate candidate in the presidential primary.Joe Biden is picking up key endorsements in March voting states, as the former vice president becomes the leading moderate candidate in the presidential primary.
Biden has already secured endorsements from a number of lawmakers in Super Tuesday states like Virginia and North Carolina.Biden has already secured endorsements from a number of lawmakers in Super Tuesday states like Virginia and North Carolina.
Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, which has 155 pledged delegates up for grabs and will vote on March 17, will now also reportedly endorse Biden.Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, which has 155 pledged delegates up for grabs and will vote on March 17, will now also reportedly endorse Biden.
Pete Buttigieg is likely to endorse Joe Biden’s presidential bid after dropping out of the race, according to CNN.Pete Buttigieg is likely to endorse Joe Biden’s presidential bid after dropping out of the race, according to CNN.
Reports emerged last night that the pair had exchanged voicemails as Buttigieg announced he would withdraw from the Democratic primary.Reports emerged last night that the pair had exchanged voicemails as Buttigieg announced he would withdraw from the Democratic primary.
It now appears the former Indiana mayor is leaning toward backing Biden, but it’s unclear whether he will do so before tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.It now appears the former Indiana mayor is leaning toward backing Biden, but it’s unclear whether he will do so before tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.
Polling is also muddled on whether Buttigieg’s supporters are inclined to back Biden. Some surveys indicate Bernie Sanders is the second choice of most Buttigieg supporters, while other polls say those voters prefer candidates like Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren.Polling is also muddled on whether Buttigieg’s supporters are inclined to back Biden. Some surveys indicate Bernie Sanders is the second choice of most Buttigieg supporters, while other polls say those voters prefer candidates like Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren.
This will actually mark the third time the Supreme Court has decided the fate of Obamacare. The justices have twice upheld the healthcare law, in 2012 and 2015.This will actually mark the third time the Supreme Court has decided the fate of Obamacare. The justices have twice upheld the healthcare law, in 2012 and 2015.
Chief justice John Roberts, who was appointed by former Republican president George W Bush, memorably sided with his more liberal colleagues to keep the law in place in 2012, when Barack Obama was seeking reelection.Chief justice John Roberts, who was appointed by former Republican president George W Bush, memorably sided with his more liberal colleagues to keep the law in place in 2012, when Barack Obama was seeking reelection.
Roberts and those four liberal justices remain on the court today, which could be a good sign for the law’s future.Roberts and those four liberal justices remain on the court today, which could be a good sign for the law’s future.
The news of the Supreme Court taking up an Obamacare case is another reminder of how far apart the presidential candidates remain on the issue of healthcare.The news of the Supreme Court taking up an Obamacare case is another reminder of how far apart the presidential candidates remain on the issue of healthcare.
Bernie Sanders has said he wants to create a government-run, single-payer healthcare system, which would eliminate the need for Obamacare.Bernie Sanders has said he wants to create a government-run, single-payer healthcare system, which would eliminate the need for Obamacare.
But Joe Biden has said he wants to build on the former president’s signature healthcare law by adding a public option to the policy.But Joe Biden has said he wants to build on the former president’s signature healthcare law by adding a public option to the policy.
Biden took a swipe at Sanders for his stance on Obamacare while delivering his victory speech in South Carolina on Saturday.Biden took a swipe at Sanders for his stance on Obamacare while delivering his victory speech in South Carolina on Saturday.
“Democrats want to nominate someone who will build on Obamacare, not scrap it,” Biden told the crowd.“Democrats want to nominate someone who will build on Obamacare, not scrap it,” Biden told the crowd.
And of course, Trump would like to repeal Obamacare altogether and replace it with something better -- but the president has provided no details on what that “something better” would look like.And of course, Trump would like to repeal Obamacare altogether and replace it with something better -- but the president has provided no details on what that “something better” would look like.
The Supreme Court has announced it will hear a case on whether a part of Obamacare is unconstiutional.The Supreme Court has announced it will hear a case on whether a part of Obamacare is unconstiutional.
The justices said they would take up the case in their next term, which begins in October, so a decision is not expected until after the 2020 election.The justices said they would take up the case in their next term, which begins in October, so a decision is not expected until after the 2020 election.
The healthcare law will remain in effect until then, so its future will become even more of a top concern in this year’s presidential election.The healthcare law will remain in effect until then, so its future will become even more of a top concern in this year’s presidential election.
The announcement comes after a federal appeals court ruled in December that Obamacare’s individual mandate, which requires every American to have health insurance, was unconstitutional, casting doubt upon the rest of the law.The announcement comes after a federal appeals court ruled in December that Obamacare’s individual mandate, which requires every American to have health insurance, was unconstitutional, casting doubt upon the rest of the law.
Nineteen Democratic states appealed the decision, which will now be reviewed by the Supreme Court.Nineteen Democratic states appealed the decision, which will now be reviewed by the Supreme Court.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
Pete Buttigieg’s fourth-place finish in South Carolina on Saturday sealed his decision to withdraw from the presidential primary, as it became clear the young former mayor’s struggle to appeal to voters of color would plague his candidacy on Super Tuesday.Pete Buttigieg’s fourth-place finish in South Carolina on Saturday sealed his decision to withdraw from the presidential primary, as it became clear the young former mayor’s struggle to appeal to voters of color would plague his candidacy on Super Tuesday.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
I’m just about to hand over to Joan Greve in Washington. In the meantime, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference is on today, and there’s a live stream on their website. There will be speeches in the next couple of hours from vice president Mike Pence, Democratic Presidential Candidate Mike Bloomberg and Senator Cory Booker. You can watch it here.I’m just about to hand over to Joan Greve in Washington. In the meantime, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference is on today, and there’s a live stream on their website. There will be speeches in the next couple of hours from vice president Mike Pence, Democratic Presidential Candidate Mike Bloomberg and Senator Cory Booker. You can watch it here.
One quirk of Pete Buttigieg dropping out of the race to be the Democratic nomination at the weekend is that now Joe Biden, incredibly, is the youngest man seeking to be the Democrats’ next nominee.One quirk of Pete Buttigieg dropping out of the race to be the Democratic nomination at the weekend is that now Joe Biden, incredibly, is the youngest man seeking to be the Democrats’ next nominee.
At 77, he is younger than both Mike Bloomberg and Bernie Sanders, who are both 78. All of which makes Donald Trump’s 73 years look positively sprightly.At 77, he is younger than both Mike Bloomberg and Bernie Sanders, who are both 78. All of which makes Donald Trump’s 73 years look positively sprightly.
Of the remaining women, Elizabeth Warren is 70, Amy Klobuchar is 59, and Tulsi Gabbard is a very youthful 38.Of the remaining women, Elizabeth Warren is 70, Amy Klobuchar is 59, and Tulsi Gabbard is a very youthful 38.
This looks like a chewy read to keep you busy for a bit over a coffee. Atlantic magazine have just published their cover story for April online. By George Packer, he is arguing that “The president is winning his war on American institutions”.This looks like a chewy read to keep you busy for a bit over a coffee. Atlantic magazine have just published their cover story for April online. By George Packer, he is arguing that “The president is winning his war on American institutions”.
Read it here - The Atlantic: The president is winning his war on American institutionsRead it here - The Atlantic: The president is winning his war on American institutions
It is difficult to over-estimate the importance of Super Tuesday tomorrow.It is difficult to over-estimate the importance of Super Tuesday tomorrow.
14 states across the country – Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia – as well as one US territory (American Samoa) and Democrats abroad will cast their votes on the same day.14 states across the country – Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia – as well as one US territory (American Samoa) and Democrats abroad will cast their votes on the same day.
Between them, more than a third of available delegates are up for grabs. Here’s a refresher on what to expect on the night: What is Super Tuesday?Between them, more than a third of available delegates are up for grabs. Here’s a refresher on what to expect on the night: What is Super Tuesday?
Among those states, it is California which could carry the most weight. It is the first time that the state’s primary has been part of the Super Tuesday line-up, and California will send a total of 495 delegates to the Democratic national convention. Here’s a guide specifically for how the day will unfold on the west coast.Among those states, it is California which could carry the most weight. It is the first time that the state’s primary has been part of the Super Tuesday line-up, and California will send a total of 495 delegates to the Democratic national convention. Here’s a guide specifically for how the day will unfold on the west coast.
Reuters have just published a few more details of the meeting that Donald Trump is expected to have today with drug company executives.Reuters have just published a few more details of the meeting that Donald Trump is expected to have today with drug company executives.
The White House has not said which pharmaceutical makers would be at today’s meeting with the president and his White House coronavirus task force. However it is now known that executives from Sanofi SA, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer Inc will attend, according to representatives for the companies.The White House has not said which pharmaceutical makers would be at today’s meeting with the president and his White House coronavirus task force. However it is now known that executives from Sanofi SA, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer Inc will attend, according to representatives for the companies.
Trump, in an early morning tweet, said they would discuss “progress on a vaccine and cure.”Trump, in an early morning tweet, said they would discuss “progress on a vaccine and cure.”
Top US health officials have said any vaccine is at least a year from hitting the market, and there is no treatment, although patients can receive supportive care.Top US health officials have said any vaccine is at least a year from hitting the market, and there is no treatment, although patients can receive supportive care.
The number of coronavirus cases has ticked up in recent days, with more than 75 confirmed cases in the US, including two deaths. Both deaths occurred in Washington state where a cluster of cases is centered on a nursing home near Seattle. New York and Florida, among other U.S. states, have also confirmed cases.The number of coronavirus cases has ticked up in recent days, with more than 75 confirmed cases in the US, including two deaths. Both deaths occurred in Washington state where a cluster of cases is centered on a nursing home near Seattle. New York and Florida, among other U.S. states, have also confirmed cases.
Some slightly unconventional reports coming out of the Trump campaign today that they are planning to fly a blimp over swing states during the summer.Some slightly unconventional reports coming out of the Trump campaign today that they are planning to fly a blimp over swing states during the summer.
The blimp with Trump logos is apparently set to fly between May and July, and will encourage Trump supporters to text the campaign in a move aimed at helping to refine the campaign’s data on voters in key states.The blimp with Trump logos is apparently set to fly between May and July, and will encourage Trump supporters to text the campaign in a move aimed at helping to refine the campaign’s data on voters in key states.
There’s no indication yet of what the blimp might look like - although it is unlikely to be adopting the design of the controversial Trump baby blimp that has flown over London in recent years when the president has been visiting the UK.There’s no indication yet of what the blimp might look like - although it is unlikely to be adopting the design of the controversial Trump baby blimp that has flown over London in recent years when the president has been visiting the UK.
Mike Bloomberg and president Trump are having a little tit-for-tat over on Twitter. One of Trump’s early morning flurry of tweets today mentioned Bloomberg, criticising his “bad debate performances” and his handling of a crises when he was New York’s mayor.Mike Bloomberg and president Trump are having a little tit-for-tat over on Twitter. One of Trump’s early morning flurry of tweets today mentioned Bloomberg, criticising his “bad debate performances” and his handling of a crises when he was New York’s mayor.
Bloomberg has just taken a swipe back, linking to a piece from the Washington Post and describing it as a “Very sad Washington Post story with your own aides trashing you and making fun of you behind your back.”Bloomberg has just taken a swipe back, linking to a piece from the Washington Post and describing it as a “Very sad Washington Post story with your own aides trashing you and making fun of you behind your back.”
The piece, from a couple of days ago, was a widely shared story headlined “Inside Trump’s frantic attempts to minimize the coronavirus crisis”The piece, from a couple of days ago, was a widely shared story headlined “Inside Trump’s frantic attempts to minimize the coronavirus crisis”
My colleague Julia Carrie Wong in San Francisco has an interesting dive into where employees of Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple, Uber, Tesla and SpaceX, Oracle and Microsoft are donating their dollars during this election campaign.My colleague Julia Carrie Wong in San Francisco has an interesting dive into where employees of Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple, Uber, Tesla and SpaceX, Oracle and Microsoft are donating their dollars during this election campaign.
It is not perhaps a huge surprise that a workforce that skews towards youth is also, like the demographics of the race to the White House as a whole, skewing towards Bernie Sanders.It is not perhaps a huge surprise that a workforce that skews towards youth is also, like the demographics of the race to the White House as a whole, skewing towards Bernie Sanders.
California votes tomorrow, and with 415 pledged delegates on offer, it is the biggest prize for Democrats on Super Tuesday.California votes tomorrow, and with 415 pledged delegates on offer, it is the biggest prize for Democrats on Super Tuesday.
You can have a look at the figures - and how little cash Donald Trump is raising from these people - here:You can have a look at the figures - and how little cash Donald Trump is raising from these people - here: