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Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg set to endorse Biden at evening rally – live Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg set to endorse Biden at evening rally – live
(32 minutes later)
Minnesota senator ends presidential campaign and plans, reportedly alongside Buttigieg, to endorse Biden on Monday night – follow all the latestMinnesota senator ends presidential campaign and plans, reportedly alongside Buttigieg, to endorse Biden on Monday night – follow all the latest
Bloomberg is pouring money into Facebook ads about coronavirus
New: Between February 27 and today, Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign spent more than $885,000 on ads about coronavirus, like the one below.
None of the other presidential candidates appear to be mentioning coronavirus in their Facebook campaign ads.
This data comes from my analysis of Facebook’s political ad archive application programming interface, or API, which the company introduced in 2018, as one of the reforms the company introduced in the wake of revelations about how Russia used Facebook’s platform to interfere in the US election.
More background on how Bloomberg is spending tens of millions of dollars on close to 2 billion impressions of targeted Facebook ads, and on how experts on disinformation have criticized his campaign’s misleading ads.
Trump unenthusiastic about giving federal funds to ‘rich’ drug companies to expedite coronavirus vaccine
Trump met with pharmaceutical executives today for a briefing on efforts to develop a vaccine for coronavirus, and what the federal government could do to assist the process.
Asked whether the president would considering steering additional federal funds to any of the companies present to speed up research and development of a vaccine, the president “seemed cool to the idea,” the White House pool reporter noted.
“Some of them are so rich,” Trump joked about the drug companies present, “they can actually loan money to the federal government.”
Trump did indicate his administration would work to streamline the federal drug process to get treatments to market. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence both praised the drug companies with executives present at the meeting for for pledging to share information and otherwise collaborate to more quickly development effective coronavirus treatments.
“You’re competitors but in this case it’s different,” Trump said. “I love the complementary, if you can do that.”
The consensus update from the White House meeting was that a coronavirus vaccine would take at least a year to a year and a half to develop, according to National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci.
But therapeutic human trials could begin this spring, as early as April.
Trump hints at further travel restrictions from ‘certain countries’
At a White House meeting today with executives from major pharmaceutical companies, Trump hinted that his administration is eyeing new travel restrictions to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“Yes, we are,” the president in response to a press question, “from certain countries where they’re having more of a breakout.” He declined up name the specific countries, according to the White House pool reporter.
Donald Trump supporters awaiting his campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, expressed confidence in the president’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak and accused Democrats of playing political games.Donald Trump supporters awaiting his campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, expressed confidence in the president’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak and accused Democrats of playing political games.
“Nobody knows what to expect but he’s got a lot of people around him that know how to handle this,” said Suzette Gerhardt, wearing a pink “Women for Trump” cap and t-shirt. “He’s listening to their advice and I believe he’s doing all he can. People are criticising but it’s not like they would do anything different.”“Nobody knows what to expect but he’s got a lot of people around him that know how to handle this,” said Suzette Gerhardt, wearing a pink “Women for Trump” cap and t-shirt. “He’s listening to their advice and I believe he’s doing all he can. People are criticising but it’s not like they would do anything different.”
Gerhardt, 57, a real estate agent, added: “I think the Democrats talk out of both sides of their mouths. They’re exploiting it to their benefit. They haven’t given him any credit on the economy, the jobs he’s created or anything good he’s done.”Critics have suggested that the virus has brutally exposed Trump’s incompetence and could ultimately cost him the election. But David Walters, 65, an electrical contractor, insisted: “He’s doing as much as he can. He made some good initial decisions to not let certain people into the country.Gerhardt, 57, a real estate agent, added: “I think the Democrats talk out of both sides of their mouths. They’re exploiting it to their benefit. They haven’t given him any credit on the economy, the jobs he’s created or anything good he’s done.”Critics have suggested that the virus has brutally exposed Trump’s incompetence and could ultimately cost him the election. But David Walters, 65, an electrical contractor, insisted: “He’s doing as much as he can. He made some good initial decisions to not let certain people into the country.
“The health secretary did a good job of explaining that this is like flu and you need to take precautions but not panic. At this point it is serious but I think they’re doing a good job. I don’t know what else they could do.”“The health secretary did a good job of explaining that this is like flu and you need to take precautions but not panic. At this point it is serious but I think they’re doing a good job. I don’t know what else they could do.”
A 51-year-old woman, who gave her name only as Rebecca J, backed the president’s allegations of a hoax. “I thought that was all fake news,” she said. “He was saying it’s not as bad as people make out. It’s scary, don’t get me wrong, but I’m good.”A 51-year-old woman, who gave her name only as Rebecca J, backed the president’s allegations of a hoax. “I thought that was all fake news,” she said. “He was saying it’s not as bad as people make out. It’s scary, don’t get me wrong, but I’m good.”
A 43-year-old man, who gave his name only as Scott S, rejoined: “We pray God is strong and we trust the Lord.”A 43-year-old man, who gave his name only as Scott S, rejoined: “We pray God is strong and we trust the Lord.”
Lois Beckett here, taking over our politics live blog on the day before Super Tuesday.Lois Beckett here, taking over our politics live blog on the day before Super Tuesday.
In a joint statement, the heads of the Justice Department, the State Department, the Defense Department, the Department of Homeland Security and other major national security agencies are warning voters to be on the lookout for disinformation and propaganda from foreign actors as they head to the polls.In a joint statement, the heads of the Justice Department, the State Department, the Defense Department, the Department of Homeland Security and other major national security agencies are warning voters to be on the lookout for disinformation and propaganda from foreign actors as they head to the polls.
From the statement:From the statement:
That’s it from me today. I’m handing the blog over to my west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. I’m handing the blog over to my west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Amy Klobuchar is dropping out of the Democratic presidential primary, further narrowing the field as Joe Biden attempts to consolidate the support of moderate Democrats.Amy Klobuchar is dropping out of the Democratic presidential primary, further narrowing the field as Joe Biden attempts to consolidate the support of moderate Democrats.
Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg reportedly plan to endorse Biden at his Dallas rally tonight, presenting a message of unity to voters before tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg reportedly plan to endorse Biden at his Dallas rally tonight, presenting a message of unity to voters before tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.
Biden saw a wave of endorsements from prominent Democrats -- including former Senate majority leader Harry Reid, former national security adviser Susan Rice and a number of Democratic lawmakers in Super Tuesday states.Biden saw a wave of endorsements from prominent Democrats -- including former Senate majority leader Harry Reid, former national security adviser Susan Rice and a number of Democratic lawmakers in Super Tuesday states.
Senate Republicans are seeking to continue their investigation of Joe Biden and his family, as the former vice president sees his primary prospects brighten.Senate Republicans are seeking to continue their investigation of Joe Biden and his family, as the former vice president sees his primary prospects brighten.
The US markets surged after last week’s steep losses due to coronavirus fears, even as Washington state reported six total deaths from the disease so far.The US markets surged after last week’s steep losses due to coronavirus fears, even as Washington state reported six total deaths from the disease so far.
The Supreme Court will hear an Obamacare case in its next term, which starts in October, meaning a decision won’t come until after the presidential election.The Supreme Court will hear an Obamacare case in its next term, which starts in October, meaning a decision won’t come until after the presidential election.
Lois will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Lois will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The US markets have seen a rally, despite the news that Washington state has now seen six total deaths from coronvirus.The US markets have seen a rally, despite the news that Washington state has now seen six total deaths from coronvirus.
The Guardian’s Graeme Wearden reports:The Guardian’s Graeme Wearden reports:
Follow the Guardian’s business live blog for more updates:Follow the Guardian’s business live blog for more updates:
Now that Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar have dropped out of the presidential primary, what happens to the pledged delegates they have already won?Now that Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar have dropped out of the presidential primary, what happens to the pledged delegates they have already won?
The answer to that question is a bit complicated and will matter far more if no candidate can win a majority of pledged delegates before Democrats hold their nominating convention in July.The answer to that question is a bit complicated and will matter far more if no candidate can win a majority of pledged delegates before Democrats hold their nominating convention in July.
Buttigieg won 26 pledged delegates from the four early voting states, while Klobuchar won 7.Buttigieg won 26 pledged delegates from the four early voting states, while Klobuchar won 7.
The two candidates’ delegates will still go to the July convention, but Buttigieg and Klobuchar would have the option to “release” their delegates, allowing them to back another candidate.The two candidates’ delegates will still go to the July convention, but Buttigieg and Klobuchar would have the option to “release” their delegates, allowing them to back another candidate.
If they did release their delegates, those delegates would likely support Joe Biden, the candidate who Buttigieg and Klobuchar are reportedly endorsing, because the Democratic National Committee’s delegate selection rules say that pledged delegates “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.”If they did release their delegates, those delegates would likely support Joe Biden, the candidate who Buttigieg and Klobuchar are reportedly endorsing, because the Democratic National Committee’s delegate selection rules say that pledged delegates “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.”
Again, all of this becomes much more important if there is a contested convention, where no candidate has won a majority of pledged delegates. Then again, FiveThirtyEight currently puts the chances of a contested convention at about 2 in 3, so it could end up mattering greatly.Again, all of this becomes much more important if there is a contested convention, where no candidate has won a majority of pledged delegates. Then again, FiveThirtyEight currently puts the chances of a contested convention at about 2 in 3, so it could end up mattering greatly.
Here’s another important thing to keep in mind as we head into Super Tuesday: hundreds of thousands of people have already voted early.Here’s another important thing to keep in mind as we head into Super Tuesday: hundreds of thousands of people have already voted early.
That could stunt the potential success of Joe Biden, who is riding a wave of momentum from his landslide victory in South Carolina and a number of endorsements from prominent Democrats.That could stunt the potential success of Joe Biden, who is riding a wave of momentum from his landslide victory in South Carolina and a number of endorsements from prominent Democrats.
Some states, like Michigan, give voters the chance to “spoil” their ballots in order to obtain a new one, but Texas and California, the two biggest prizes on Super Tuesday, do not allow that.Some states, like Michigan, give voters the chance to “spoil” their ballots in order to obtain a new one, but Texas and California, the two biggest prizes on Super Tuesday, do not allow that.
So candidates who have dropped out in the past couple days, such as Pete Buttigieg, will likely still receive thousands of votes tomorrow that could have gone elsewhere.So candidates who have dropped out in the past couple days, such as Pete Buttigieg, will likely still receive thousands of votes tomorrow that could have gone elsewhere.
Susan Rice, former national security adviser under Barack Obama, has also endorsed Joe Biden.Susan Rice, former national security adviser under Barack Obama, has also endorsed Joe Biden.
Biden has picked up a number of endorsements from prominent Democrats today, most notably his former primary opponents Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar.Biden has picked up a number of endorsements from prominent Democrats today, most notably his former primary opponents Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar.
The endorsements are a clear effort by moderate and establishment Democrats to consolidate their support around Biden, as frontrunner Bernie Sanders looks to secure an insurmountable delegate lead on Super Tuesday tomorrow.The endorsements are a clear effort by moderate and establishment Democrats to consolidate their support around Biden, as frontrunner Bernie Sanders looks to secure an insurmountable delegate lead on Super Tuesday tomorrow.
Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden stand to benefit the most from Amy Klobuchar’s withdrawal, according to a CBS News poll taken in January.Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden stand to benefit the most from Amy Klobuchar’s withdrawal, according to a CBS News poll taken in January.
Of course, the race has shifted considerably since the January poll was taken, so the results should be taken with a grain of salt.Of course, the race has shifted considerably since the January poll was taken, so the results should be taken with a grain of salt.
Regardless, those numbers will likely cause some jitters among Bernie Sanders’ supporters heading into Super Tuesday tomorrow.Regardless, those numbers will likely cause some jitters among Bernie Sanders’ supporters heading into Super Tuesday tomorrow.
Joe Biden attacked Bernie Sanders as a threat to down-ballot Democrats in a CBS News interview set to air later today.Joe Biden attacked Bernie Sanders as a threat to down-ballot Democrats in a CBS News interview set to air later today.
“It’s not going to be enough just to beat Donald Trump. We have to win back the Senate, we have to keep the House,” Biden said.“It’s not going to be enough just to beat Donald Trump. We have to win back the Senate, we have to keep the House,” Biden said.
The former vice president noted some vulnerable Democrats have expressed concerns that a Sanders nomination would jeopardize their own campaigns.The former vice president noted some vulnerable Democrats have expressed concerns that a Sanders nomination would jeopardize their own campaigns.
“Whether they’re right or not, those people who are running for those offices think that Bernie was not likely to help them, but hurt them in their pursuit of their Senate or their House seat or their governor’s seat,” Biden said.“Whether they’re right or not, those people who are running for those offices think that Bernie was not likely to help them, but hurt them in their pursuit of their Senate or their House seat or their governor’s seat,” Biden said.
Echoing his South Carolina victory speech, Biden argued voters were looking for “results” rather than the “revolution” promised by Sanders.Echoing his South Carolina victory speech, Biden argued voters were looking for “results” rather than the “revolution” promised by Sanders.
“It’s going to be a real choice that the Democrats are going to have to make between a revolution and results,” Biden said. “I admire Bernie, but I think that what he’s proposing is he keeps going for this revolution. I think people are looking for results.”“It’s going to be a real choice that the Democrats are going to have to make between a revolution and results,” Biden said. “I admire Bernie, but I think that what he’s proposing is he keeps going for this revolution. I think people are looking for results.”
Pete Buttigieg reportedly intends to endorse Joe Biden at his Dallas rally tonight, appearing alongside former opponent Amy Klobuchar.Pete Buttigieg reportedly intends to endorse Joe Biden at his Dallas rally tonight, appearing alongside former opponent Amy Klobuchar.
A charter flight scheduled to travel from Buttigieg’s hometown of South Bend, Indiana, to Dallas had already raised eyebrows, and a source confirmed the former mayor’s plans to CNN.A charter flight scheduled to travel from Buttigieg’s hometown of South Bend, Indiana, to Dallas had already raised eyebrows, and a source confirmed the former mayor’s plans to CNN.
The visual of Biden, Buttigieg and Klobuchar sharing a stage is clearly meant to send a message to moderates: it’s time to consolidate before Super Tuesday.The visual of Biden, Buttigieg and Klobuchar sharing a stage is clearly meant to send a message to moderates: it’s time to consolidate before Super Tuesday.
Joe Biden’s landslide victory in South Carolina appears to have come at the exact right moment to boost his campaign as frontrunner Bernie Sanders seemed poised to secure a significant delegate lead on Super Tuesday.Joe Biden’s landslide victory in South Carolina appears to have come at the exact right moment to boost his campaign as frontrunner Bernie Sanders seemed poised to secure a significant delegate lead on Super Tuesday.
Biden defeated Sanders by more than 28 points on Saturday, and that performance helped quiet concerns about whether the former vice president was capable of defeating Trump.Biden defeated Sanders by more than 28 points on Saturday, and that performance helped quiet concerns about whether the former vice president was capable of defeating Trump.
With only three days between the South Carolina primary and Super Tuesday, Biden can benefit from the momentum of his win while avoiding the closer scrutiny that may have come with a longer lag time between contests.With only three days between the South Carolina primary and Super Tuesday, Biden can benefit from the momentum of his win while avoiding the closer scrutiny that may have come with a longer lag time between contests.
The country will see tomorrow whether Biden can mitigate Sanders’ delegate gains, but the trajectory of this primary certainly looks very different than it did four days ago.The country will see tomorrow whether Biden can mitigate Sanders’ delegate gains, but the trajectory of this primary certainly looks very different than it did four days ago.
Pete Buttigieg may be joining Amy Klobuchar at Joe Biden’s Dallas rally tonight, if charter plane schedules are any indication.Pete Buttigieg may be joining Amy Klobuchar at Joe Biden’s Dallas rally tonight, if charter plane schedules are any indication.
Buttigieg and Klobuchar repeatedly sparred on the debate stage, but the pair now appear ready to come together to promote Biden as he tries to consolidate the support of moderate voters.Buttigieg and Klobuchar repeatedly sparred on the debate stage, but the pair now appear ready to come together to promote Biden as he tries to consolidate the support of moderate voters.
Mike Bloomberg said he spoke to Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar after they dropped out, and the former New York mayor oddly noted that his former opponents had “behaved themselves.”Mike Bloomberg said he spoke to Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar after they dropped out, and the former New York mayor oddly noted that his former opponents had “behaved themselves.”
Even though Bloomberg said he entered the race to stop Bernie Sanders from getting the nomination, he showed no sign of dropping out to help Joe Biden further consolidate the moderate vote.Even though Bloomberg said he entered the race to stop Bernie Sanders from getting the nomination, he showed no sign of dropping out to help Joe Biden further consolidate the moderate vote.
“I felt sorry for them, but I’m in it to win it,” Bloomberg said.“I felt sorry for them, but I’m in it to win it,” Bloomberg said.
It’s a good day to be Joe Biden. The former vice president is picking up endorsements from a number of prominent Democrats today -- including former Senate majority leader Harry Reid.It’s a good day to be Joe Biden. The former vice president is picking up endorsements from a number of prominent Democrats today -- including former Senate majority leader Harry Reid.
“President Donald Trump has done unspeakable damage to our country, our institutions and the rule of law. Democrats need a candidate who can assemble the largest, most diverse coalition possible to defeat Trump and lead our country following the trauma of Trump’s presidency,” Reid said in a statement. “That candidate is Joe Biden.”“President Donald Trump has done unspeakable damage to our country, our institutions and the rule of law. Democrats need a candidate who can assemble the largest, most diverse coalition possible to defeat Trump and lead our country following the trauma of Trump’s presidency,” Reid said in a statement. “That candidate is Joe Biden.”
Reid participated in the Nevada caucuses last month, but the former Senate leader said he voted “uncommitted” for all three of his preferences in order to avoid putting his thumb on the scale for any candidate.Reid participated in the Nevada caucuses last month, but the former Senate leader said he voted “uncommitted” for all three of his preferences in order to avoid putting his thumb on the scale for any candidate.
However, Reid’s endorsement of Biden is unsurprising considering the narrowing field. The pair worked together in the Senate for decades, and Reid has expressed doubts about Bernie Sanders’ signature campaign promise, Medicare for all.However, Reid’s endorsement of Biden is unsurprising considering the narrowing field. The pair worked together in the Senate for decades, and Reid has expressed doubts about Bernie Sanders’ signature campaign promise, Medicare for all.
The exits of Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg are undeniably good news for Joe Biden, who is trying to consolidate the support of moderate voters in the Democratic primary.The exits of Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg are undeniably good news for Joe Biden, who is trying to consolidate the support of moderate voters in the Democratic primary.
But there are a few important caveats to keep in mind about Biden benefitting from Klobuchar and Buttigieg withdrawing.But there are a few important caveats to keep in mind about Biden benefitting from Klobuchar and Buttigieg withdrawing.
First, the polling is unclear about whether Biden is actually the top second choice for Klobuchar and Buttigieg supporters. Some polls indicate Bernie Sanders is popular among Buttigieg voters, for example, and the candidates’ endorsements of Biden may not sway many of their supporters.First, the polling is unclear about whether Biden is actually the top second choice for Klobuchar and Buttigieg supporters. Some polls indicate Bernie Sanders is popular among Buttigieg voters, for example, and the candidates’ endorsements of Biden may not sway many of their supporters.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Mike Bloomberg will be on the ballot tomorrow and could pick off some of the moderate voters who would otherwise be inclined to support Biden.Another thing to keep in mind is that Mike Bloomberg will be on the ballot tomorrow and could pick off some of the moderate voters who would otherwise be inclined to support Biden.
Finally, Elizabeth Warren remains in the race, and the Massachusetts senator’s campaign has expressed confidence that she will benefit from a narrowed race.Finally, Elizabeth Warren remains in the race, and the Massachusetts senator’s campaign has expressed confidence that she will benefit from a narrowed race.
All of those elements will be put to the test tomorrow, when 14 states head to the polls for Super Tuesday.All of those elements will be put to the test tomorrow, when 14 states head to the polls for Super Tuesday.
Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg are really competing with each other right until the bitter end of their campaigns.Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg are really competing with each other right until the bitter end of their campaigns.
Moments after news broke that Klobuchar would withdraw from the race and endorse Joe Biden, Buttigieg’s campaign said he would also be endorsing the former vice president.Moments after news broke that Klobuchar would withdraw from the race and endorse Joe Biden, Buttigieg’s campaign said he would also be endorsing the former vice president.
Buttigieg reportedly spoke to Biden and former preisdent Barack Obama last night, after announcing he would suspend his campaign.Buttigieg reportedly spoke to Biden and former preisdent Barack Obama last night, after announcing he would suspend his campaign.
The former Indiana mayor had been leaning toward endorsing Biden, and the announcement will provide Biden with another boost heading into tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.The former Indiana mayor had been leaning toward endorsing Biden, and the announcement will provide Biden with another boost heading into tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.