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Senate Republicans appear to resume efforts to investigate Biden and family – live Amy Klobuchar to drop out of Democratic race and endorse Biden – live
(32 minutes later)
Texas congresswoman Veronica Escobar and Illinois senator Tammy Duckworth both endorse Biden Senator is flying to Dallas to join Biden at his rally tonight while Texas congresswoman Veronica Escobar endorses former vice-president
Amy Klobuchar has reportedly informed her campaign staff she is dropping out of of the Democratic presidential primary.
Klobuchar’s departure leaves five candidates in the race: Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Mike Bloomberg and Tulsi Gabbard.
Combined with Pete Buttigieg’s exit last night, the moderate candidates appear to be looking to consolidate support around Biden before tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.
Amy Klobuchar has reportedly decided to suspend her presidential campaign and endorse Joe Biden.
The Minnesota senator exceeded expectations in New Hampshire, where she finished in third place, but her sixth-place performances in Nevada and South Carolina raised serious questions about her path to the nomination.
A new post-South Carolina poll shows Joe Biden pulling nearly even with Bernie Sanders.
According to the Morning Consult poll, Biden has climbed up to 26%, while Sanders has dropped slightly to 29%. Those numbers represent a 7-point bump for Biden and a 3-point slump for Sanders.
Mike Bloomberg is holding steady in third place at 17%, but the poll is already slightly out-of-date because it includes Pete Buttigieg, who dropped out last night.
The poll indicates Biden may be getting a national bump from his landslide victory in South Carolina, but the true test of his support will come tomorrow on Super Tuesday.
Here’s where the day stands as of now:Here’s where the day stands as of now:
The Supreme Court said it would take up a case challenging Obamacare in its next term, which begins in October, so a decision is not expected until after the presidential election.The Supreme Court said it would take up a case challenging Obamacare in its next term, which begins in October, so a decision is not expected until after the presidential election.
Pete Buttigieg is reportedly leaning toward endorsing Joe Biden after the former Indiana mayor dropped out of the presidential primary last night.Pete Buttigieg is reportedly leaning toward endorsing Joe Biden after the former Indiana mayor dropped out of the presidential primary last night.
Senate Republicans want to continue an investigation into the business activities of Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, as the former vice president sees his primary prospects brighten after a landslide victory in South Carolina.Senate Republicans want to continue an investigation into the business activities of Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, as the former vice president sees his primary prospects brighten after a landslide victory in South Carolina.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Mike Bloomberg used his speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee to bash Bernie Sanders, who has refused to attend AIPAC’s annual gathering.Mike Bloomberg used his speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee to bash Bernie Sanders, who has refused to attend AIPAC’s annual gathering.
“Unfortunately, not all of my fellow Democrats in this race have attended an AIPAC conference,” Bloomberg said. “One of them, Senator Sanders, has spent 30 years boycotting this event. And as you’ve heard by now, he called AIPAC a racist platform. Well let me tell you, he’s dead wrong.”“Unfortunately, not all of my fellow Democrats in this race have attended an AIPAC conference,” Bloomberg said. “One of them, Senator Sanders, has spent 30 years boycotting this event. And as you’ve heard by now, he called AIPAC a racist platform. Well let me tell you, he’s dead wrong.”
Bloomberg touched on his own experiences as a Jewish American to warn about the dangers of anti-Semitism.Bloomberg touched on his own experiences as a Jewish American to warn about the dangers of anti-Semitism.
“Anti-Semitism is hardly the exclusive domain of any one group. It can be found on both the right and the left, on town squares and campus quads,” Bloomberg said.“Anti-Semitism is hardly the exclusive domain of any one group. It can be found on both the right and the left, on town squares and campus quads,” Bloomberg said.
The former New York mayor then offered implicit criticism of Trump without mentioning the president’s name. “But there is one fact that we cannot ignore: Presidential leadership matters,” Bloomberg said. “It sets a tone. It is either inclusive or exclusive, divisive or uniting, incendiary or calming.”The former New York mayor then offered implicit criticism of Trump without mentioning the president’s name. “But there is one fact that we cannot ignore: Presidential leadership matters,” Bloomberg said. “It sets a tone. It is either inclusive or exclusive, divisive or uniting, incendiary or calming.”
Bloomberg is the only Democratic presidential candidate attending AIPAC. Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have said they won’t participate, and Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar appeared by video.Bloomberg is the only Democratic presidential candidate attending AIPAC. Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have said they won’t participate, and Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar appeared by video.
Texas congresswoman Veronica Escobar has endorsed Joe Biden, the latest in a stream of lawmakers from Super Tuesday states to announce support for the former vice president.Texas congresswoman Veronica Escobar has endorsed Joe Biden, the latest in a stream of lawmakers from Super Tuesday states to announce support for the former vice president.
Those endorsements could help Biden turn out voters in crucial states tomorrow, and they could be key to a victory if the nominating contest extends to the convention, as a Texas Tribune reporter noted:Those endorsements could help Biden turn out voters in crucial states tomorrow, and they could be key to a victory if the nominating contest extends to the convention, as a Texas Tribune reporter noted:
The progressive group Democracy for America has endorsed Bernie Sanders’ White House bid after holding a vote among its members.The progressive group Democracy for America has endorsed Bernie Sanders’ White House bid after holding a vote among its members.
Sanders won nearly 80% of the DFA membership vote, compared to 13% for second-place Elizabeth Warren. No other candidate received more than 3%.Sanders won nearly 80% of the DFA membership vote, compared to 13% for second-place Elizabeth Warren. No other candidate received more than 3%.
The endorsement is a bit of a slap in the face for Warren, considering the group encouraged her to launch a presidential campaign in 2016.The endorsement is a bit of a slap in the face for Warren, considering the group encouraged her to launch a presidential campaign in 2016.
“Bernie Sanders has built a powerful multi-racial, multi-generational movement and we’re excited to join the campaign at this critical moment in the Democratic race,” DFA chair Charles Chamberlain said in a statement.“Bernie Sanders has built a powerful multi-racial, multi-generational movement and we’re excited to join the campaign at this critical moment in the Democratic race,” DFA chair Charles Chamberlain said in a statement.
“The overwhelming support for Bernie we saw in our member vote should be a wake-up call to the broken, visionless, corporate Democratic establishment.”“The overwhelming support for Bernie we saw in our member vote should be a wake-up call to the broken, visionless, corporate Democratic establishment.”
Senate Republicans appear to be resuming efforts to investigate Joe Biden and his family, as the former vice president’s primary prospects rise after his South Carolina victory.Senate Republicans appear to be resuming efforts to investigate Joe Biden and his family, as the former vice president’s primary prospects rise after his South Carolina victory.
Trump’s impeachment focused on whether the president and his allies pressured Ukraine to announce an investigation into Biden and his son, Hunter.Trump’s impeachment focused on whether the president and his allies pressured Ukraine to announce an investigation into Biden and his son, Hunter.
The issue appeared to be abandoned in recent weeks, as Bernie Sanders simultaneously became the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.The issue appeared to be abandoned in recent weeks, as Bernie Sanders simultaneously became the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.
But Trump’s Senate allies now seem to be resurrecting the issue as moderate Democrats look to consolidate support around Biden.But Trump’s Senate allies now seem to be resurrecting the issue as moderate Democrats look to consolidate support around Biden.
Pete Buttigieg spoke to Joe Biden and Barack Obama yesterday after dropping out of the race, according to the New York Times.Pete Buttigieg spoke to Joe Biden and Barack Obama yesterday after dropping out of the race, according to the New York Times.
The Times reports:The Times reports:
If Buttigieg does endorse Biden today, it could give the former vice president another boost before tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.If Buttigieg does endorse Biden today, it could give the former vice president another boost before tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.
As expected, Illinois senator Tammy Duckworth has endorsed Joe Biden ahead of her state’s March 17 primary.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.“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.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.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.“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.”“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.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.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.“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.”“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.