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Version 6 Version 7
Hillary Clinton delivers remarks in South Carolina – live Hillary Clinton delivers remarks in South Carolina – live
(35 minutes later)
3.36pm ET20:36
The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs is getting ready to watch Santorum in Cabot, Pennsylvania, just north of Pittsburgh and near where Santorum grew up.
Rick Santorum supporter card includes an option to "offer prayer" pic.twitter.com/UMevRvfu0x
Let's get it on briefly starts to play at Santorum rally before being switched off
Updated at 3.37pm ET
3.30pm ET20:30
He’s pointing at his gut.
never forget https://t.co/RwpQypgJGf
3.27pm ET20:27
If you’re not following the Hillary Clinton propaganda Twitter feed The Briefing, you might miss video clips from her campaign appearances. Here’s one to get you started, from this afternoon’s appearance in South Carolina:
What's one key way Hillary thinks we can strengthen families? Equal pay. Get the facts: http://t.co/3JfVgHTlHF pic.twitter.com/WHeqJkVH6B
3.10pm ET20:10
Spoiler alert: He likes root beer floats and cutting his own hair!
What the heck are we talking about? The new US Weekly rundown of 25 interesting factoids about Republican presidential hopeful Rand Paul:
13. I’m not an expert stargazer, but I can recognize many of the constellations and am always interested to see the next eclipse.
Read all 25 here.
(h/t: @rosiegray)
2.57pm ET19:572.57pm ET19:57
Sabrina Siddiqui unveils some of the hidden villains in Clinton’s remarks:Sabrina Siddiqui unveils some of the hidden villains in Clinton’s remarks:
Without taking names, Clinton cites GOP candidates saying equal pay is "bogus issue" (Walker) and Congress is "wasting time" (Rubio).Without taking names, Clinton cites GOP candidates saying equal pay is "bogus issue" (Walker) and Congress is "wasting time" (Rubio).
2.49pm ET19:492.49pm ET19:49
The Paul-Jindal smackdown continues:The Paul-Jindal smackdown continues:
Rand Paul camp hits Jindal on flip-flops: "The American people are looking for a candidate who can express a coherent viewpoint"Rand Paul camp hits Jindal on flip-flops: "The American people are looking for a candidate who can express a coherent viewpoint"
2.49pm ET19:492.49pm ET19:49
Clinton event wrapsClinton event wraps
Clinton exits. Happy crowd there in South Carolina.Clinton exits. Happy crowd there in South Carolina.
Updated at 2.49pm ETUpdated at 2.49pm ET
2.47pm ET19:472.47pm ET19:47
Clinton closes with a pair of anecdotes she’s already told a couple times on the trail, one about getting the call from Obama to take the secretary of state slot, the other about appearing on the Awesome show in Indonesia and getting asked how she could work with Obama after their heated primary campaign.Clinton closes with a pair of anecdotes she’s already told a couple times on the trail, one about getting the call from Obama to take the secretary of state slot, the other about appearing on the Awesome show in Indonesia and getting asked how she could work with Obama after their heated primary campaign.
.@HillaryClinton in SC about losing to Obama: "He won and I lost and then I went to work to make sure he'd win".@HillaryClinton in SC about losing to Obama: "He won and I lost and then I went to work to make sure he'd win"
Obama walloped Clinton 55-27 in the 2008 South Carolina Democratic primary. John Edwards, who had dropped out of the race but was still on the ballot, mopped up 18%.Obama walloped Clinton 55-27 in the 2008 South Carolina Democratic primary. John Edwards, who had dropped out of the race but was still on the ballot, mopped up 18%.
2.37pm ET19:372.37pm ET19:37
Clinton: 'I've been coloring my hair for years'Clinton: 'I've been coloring my hair for years'
Clinton brings down the house with a self-deprecating joke about her age and dying her hair.Clinton brings down the house with a self-deprecating joke about her age and dying her hair.
She says being president is a tough job that takes a visible toll on the chief executive.She says being president is a tough job that takes a visible toll on the chief executive.
“Think of what they look like on inauguration day,” Clinton says. And then what happens?“Think of what they look like on inauguration day,” Clinton says. And then what happens?
They grow grayer. And grayer. And by the time they leave, they’re as white as the house they live in.They grow grayer. And grayer. And by the time they leave, they’re as white as the house they live in.
“I might not be the youngest candidate in this race, but I have one big advantage. I’ve been coloring my hair for years!“I might not be the youngest candidate in this race, but I have one big advantage. I’ve been coloring my hair for years!
“So you’re not going to see me turn white in the White House!“So you’re not going to see me turn white in the White House!
The crowd loooves it.The crowd loooves it.
2.32pm ET19:322.32pm ET19:32
Clinton is on to the wage gap between men and women.Clinton is on to the wage gap between men and women.
She calls on Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which she sponsored when she was in the Senate. “It’s time to get this done,” she says. She also calls for better reporting on salary ranges so women employees know they have pay parity.She calls on Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which she sponsored when she was in the Senate. “It’s time to get this done,” she says. She also calls for better reporting on salary ranges so women employees know they have pay parity.
“I think transparency, when it comes to pay, is our friend.”“I think transparency, when it comes to pay, is our friend.”
(When is transparency not our friend?)(When is transparency not our friend?)
Third, Clinton says, we need to raise wages for the lowest-paid jobs. And make it easier for women to enter higher-paying fields.Third, Clinton says, we need to raise wages for the lowest-paid jobs. And make it easier for women to enter higher-paying fields.
2.30pm ET19:302.30pm ET19:30
Clinton shares her new least-favorite statistic – and it’s another dig at hedge fund managers:Clinton shares her new least-favorite statistic – and it’s another dig at hedge fund managers:
The 25 biggest hedge fund managers earn more than all the kindergarten teachers in America combined. What does that say about our values?The 25 biggest hedge fund managers earn more than all the kindergarten teachers in America combined. What does that say about our values?
Could rhetoric like this create uncomfortable moments between Clinton and her son-in-law, who is.... a hedge fund manager?Could rhetoric like this create uncomfortable moments between Clinton and her son-in-law, who is.... a hedge fund manager?
Not likely! It appears he’s losing money and may not be in the really rich group. The Wall Street Journal reported in February:Not likely! It appears he’s losing money and may not be in the really rich group. The Wall Street Journal reported in February:
Eaglevale Partners LP, founded by Marc Mezvinsky and two former colleagues from Goldman Sachs Group Inc., told investors in a letter sent last week they had been “incorrect” on Greece, helping produce losses for the firm’s main fund during two of the past three years, according to the letter. Mr. Mezvinsky married Chelsea Clinton, the former first daughter, in 2010.Eaglevale Partners LP, founded by Marc Mezvinsky and two former colleagues from Goldman Sachs Group Inc., told investors in a letter sent last week they had been “incorrect” on Greece, helping produce losses for the firm’s main fund during two of the past three years, according to the letter. Mr. Mezvinsky married Chelsea Clinton, the former first daughter, in 2010.
2.27pm ET19:272.27pm ET19:27
Clinton, on a rhetorical roll, lists four definitions for “middle class.” Being middle class, she says, should mean you:Clinton, on a rhetorical roll, lists four definitions for “middle class.” Being middle class, she says, should mean you:
– feel in control of your financial destiny– feel in control of your financial destiny
– have a little more so you can worry a little less– have a little more so you can worry a little less
– can invest in the future– can invest in the future
– can go to sleep knowing that everything you worked for won’t be lost in a flash– can go to sleep knowing that everything you worked for won’t be lost in a flash
2.23pm ET19:232.23pm ET19:23
Clinton: 'when Democrats win, Americans win'Clinton: 'when Democrats win, Americans win'
Clinton shifts to talk of the economy and the family unit. There’s the pat line about coming through tough economic times but only with tough sacrifices and we’re not there yet.Clinton shifts to talk of the economy and the family unit. There’s the pat line about coming through tough economic times but only with tough sacrifices and we’re not there yet.
“Democratic presidents, and there’s two in particular I’m thinking about over the last 35 years, seem to inherit a mess of problems, and so they have to dig us out of the ditches...“Democratic presidents, and there’s two in particular I’m thinking about over the last 35 years, seem to inherit a mess of problems, and so they have to dig us out of the ditches...
“And of course I’m talking about Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.”“And of course I’m talking about Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.”
Clinton: "I am running to live again at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave … but I don't want to be there all by myself."Clinton: "I am running to live again at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave … but I don't want to be there all by myself."
Clinton wants to elect more Democrats along the way, she says.Clinton wants to elect more Democrats along the way, she says.
Clinton casts the choice between Republicans and Democrats as one between “people who want to keep the deck stacked in favor of those at the top” and people who “make sure the success of the country is shared across the economy.”Clinton casts the choice between Republicans and Democrats as one between “people who want to keep the deck stacked in favor of those at the top” and people who “make sure the success of the country is shared across the economy.”
Another analogy Clinton likes on the economy: “We’re standing up, but we’re not yet running.”Another analogy Clinton likes on the economy: “We’re standing up, but we’re not yet running.”
Updated at 2.25pm ETUpdated at 2.25pm ET
2.20pm ET19:202.20pm ET19:20
Clinton is speaking at a lectern at the Democratic Women’s Council. Behind her is a stageful of Democratic women. Clinton is cruising through introductions.Clinton is speaking at a lectern at the Democratic Women’s Council. Behind her is a stageful of Democratic women. Clinton is cruising through introductions.
I first came to South Carolina as a young lawyer working for the children’s defense fund, started by your own Marian Wright Edelman,” she says.I first came to South Carolina as a young lawyer working for the children’s defense fund, started by your own Marian Wright Edelman,” she says.
“I’m back because I want to support you. The theme of the event is how to build a party, a party that really respects women” and assures them not only a place “at the table but at the head of the table,” Clinton says.“I’m back because I want to support you. The theme of the event is how to build a party, a party that really respects women” and assures them not only a place “at the table but at the head of the table,” Clinton says.
2.16pm ET19:162.16pm ET19:16
The next stage of the Clinton trip to South Carolina is now being broadcast live on CSPAN here. Clinton is about to speak.The next stage of the Clinton trip to South Carolina is now being broadcast live on CSPAN here. Clinton is about to speak.
2.15pm ET19:152.15pm ET19:15
The Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui (@sabrinasiddiqui) reports from Hillary Clinton’s first campaign visit to South Carolina, at a roundtable with a group of minority women who are small business owners in the Palmetto State.The Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui (@sabrinasiddiqui) reports from Hillary Clinton’s first campaign visit to South Carolina, at a roundtable with a group of minority women who are small business owners in the Palmetto State.
“The event was held Wednesday afternoon at Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, located in a strip mall northeast of downtown Columbia, the latest in a string of low-key stops as Clinton continues her quiet listening tour in key early voting states,” Sabrina reports:“The event was held Wednesday afternoon at Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, located in a strip mall northeast of downtown Columbia, the latest in a string of low-key stops as Clinton continues her quiet listening tour in key early voting states,” Sabrina reports:
Roughly 40 patrons were at the restaurant, which opened its doors in 2012 and is the first to serve chicken and waffles in the Midlands. Clinton arrived shortly after noon in a royal blue pantsuit to a round of applause from excited customers, who suspected they were in for a special visitor based on the tight security but wondered aloud if it might be South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, a Republican.Roughly 40 patrons were at the restaurant, which opened its doors in 2012 and is the first to serve chicken and waffles in the Midlands. Clinton arrived shortly after noon in a royal blue pantsuit to a round of applause from excited customers, who suspected they were in for a special visitor based on the tight security but wondered aloud if it might be South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, a Republican.
Clinton made the rounds to each table to shake hands with customers as onlookers snapped pictures. She did as most candidates do – greeted individuals while asking how they were doing, cooed at a baby girl and posed for the occasional picture.Clinton made the rounds to each table to shake hands with customers as onlookers snapped pictures. She did as most candidates do – greeted individuals while asking how they were doing, cooed at a baby girl and posed for the occasional picture.
The former secretary of state spent an extra couple of minutes chatting with two women in the army, asking them how long they had been in the service and thanking them.The former secretary of state spent an extra couple of minutes chatting with two women in the army, asking them how long they had been in the service and thanking them.
Clinton also encountered a family celebrating a high school graduation. When the student, named Dayzjohna Roberts and a graduate of WJ Keenan High School, told Clinton she wanted to join the military, Clinton recommended she talk to the two service members she had spoken with moments before. She even returned to the two service women and told them about the graduate, recommending that they all speak.Clinton also encountered a family celebrating a high school graduation. When the student, named Dayzjohna Roberts and a graduate of WJ Keenan High School, told Clinton she wanted to join the military, Clinton recommended she talk to the two service members she had spoken with moments before. She even returned to the two service women and told them about the graduate, recommending that they all speak.
The traveling press was not permitted to stay for the roundtable, Sabrina writes, but a Clinton official said it would focus on “the challenges facing minority and women business owners and how government can make it easier for these small business owners to grow their business and create jobs.”The traveling press was not permitted to stay for the roundtable, Sabrina writes, but a Clinton official said it would focus on “the challenges facing minority and women business owners and how government can make it easier for these small business owners to grow their business and create jobs.”
2.10pm ET19:102.10pm ET19:10
The GOP: the party of diversity in 2016?The GOP: the party of diversity in 2016?
Which is the party of diversity in 2016? pic.twitter.com/BIFuRnaWgTWhich is the party of diversity in 2016? pic.twitter.com/BIFuRnaWgT
2.07pm ET19:072.07pm ET19:07
Santorum song: 'unleash the pride'Santorum song: 'unleash the pride'
It’s an embarrassment of riches today on the custom campaign song front. We had a Christian Ted Cruz rap and a look back at Rick Santorum’s 2012 campaign megahit.It’s an embarrassment of riches today on the custom campaign song front. We had a Christian Ted Cruz rap and a look back at Rick Santorum’s 2012 campaign megahit.
Now there’s a new song attached to Santorum’s current campaign launch: Take Back America.Now there’s a new song attached to Santorum’s current campaign launch: Take Back America.
Isn’t it time to take back America?Isn’t it time to take back America?
Isn’t it time to unleash the pride?Isn’t it time to unleash the pride?
Santorum comes out with what is sure to be the next big radio hit: Take Back America #WatchOutTaySwift https://t.co/baeyrovewGSantorum comes out with what is sure to be the next big radio hit: Take Back America #WatchOutTaySwift https://t.co/baeyrovewG
Updated at 2.08pm ETUpdated at 2.08pm ET
2.01pm ET19:012.01pm ET19:01
As we wait for Hillary Clinton to begin speaking, we’d invite you to bone up on the political career of Rick Santorum – helpfully summarized in one of our trademark Guardian candidate resumes (click through to read all nine!):As we wait for Hillary Clinton to begin speaking, we’d invite you to bone up on the political career of Rick Santorum – helpfully summarized in one of our trademark Guardian candidate resumes (click through to read all nine!):
Work experience:Work experience:
Candidate, 2012 Republican presidential primariesCandidate, 2012 Republican presidential primaries
1.52pm ET18:521.52pm ET18:52
Fiorina on Clinton: 'Perhaps she's following me'Fiorina on Clinton: 'Perhaps she's following me'
Speaking with reporters in Columbia, South Carolina, Republican presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina dismissed speculation that she was following Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton, also speaking today in Columbia.Speaking with reporters in Columbia, South Carolina, Republican presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina dismissed speculation that she was following Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton, also speaking today in Columbia.
“Perhaps she’s following me,” Fiorina said. “I have never been following Mrs. Clinton. The Hill has more:“Perhaps she’s following me,” Fiorina said. “I have never been following Mrs. Clinton. The Hill has more:
“Hillary Clinton is the personification of the professional political class,” Fiorina said. “We need a nominee who can ask her these questions.”“Hillary Clinton is the personification of the professional political class,” Fiorina said. “We need a nominee who can ask her these questions.”
Sarah Isgur Flores, Fiorina’s deputy campaign manager, slammed the Clinton campaign as the “Hillary for America But Against Transparency campaign” in an email to reporters Tuesday.Sarah Isgur Flores, Fiorina’s deputy campaign manager, slammed the Clinton campaign as the “Hillary for America But Against Transparency campaign” in an email to reporters Tuesday.
“Our events tomorrow are all open to the press. And by open press, we mean we’ll actually take questions,” Flores said.“Our events tomorrow are all open to the press. And by open press, we mean we’ll actually take questions,” Flores said.
1.45pm ET18:451.45pm ET18:45
Wish there was a way to waste a couple minutes before the Clinton event starts. Like if a Christian rapper would drop a Ted Cruz track.Wish there was a way to waste a couple minutes before the Clinton event starts. Like if a Christian rapper would drop a Ted Cruz track.
make DC listenmake DC listen
switch off the dead newsswitch off the dead news
the lamestream mediathe lamestream media
feeding us the fed stewfeeding us the fed stew
collectivism everyone’s a victimcollectivism everyone’s a victim
like the Reds dolike the Reds do
and for our next president,and for our next president,
we’re all in for Ted Cruzwe’re all in for Ted Cruz
Circulating in Iowa: Video of a Ted Cruz campaign song by Christian rapper Joe Salant. "Grind for righteousness." https://t.co/7cUduqAIHjCirculating in Iowa: Video of a Ted Cruz campaign song by Christian rapper Joe Salant. "Grind for righteousness." https://t.co/7cUduqAIHj
woooooooooorrdwoooooooooorrd
1.38pm ET18:381.38pm ET18:38
Ready to go.Ready to go.
"I'm ready to do this again," Rick Santorum tells me on joining the 2016 race. pic.twitter.com/ay1sQYhgwZ"I'm ready to do this again," Rick Santorum tells me on joining the 2016 race. pic.twitter.com/ay1sQYhgwZ
1.17pm ET18:171.17pm ET18:17
When you look at it this way...When you look at it this way...
Bernie Sanders 2016 has more support than Graham, Jindal, Fiorina, and Kasich combined, @pbump notes http://t.co/2nNdSoCWvfBernie Sanders 2016 has more support than Graham, Jindal, Fiorina, and Kasich combined, @pbump notes http://t.co/2nNdSoCWvf
1.14pm ET18:141.14pm ET18:14
Where’s Hillary Clinton?Where’s Hillary Clinton?
Columbia, South Carolina, where she’s scheduled to deliver remarks beginning in about a half hour to the South Carolina House Democratic Women’s Caucus and the South Carolina Democratic Women’s Council.Columbia, South Carolina, where she’s scheduled to deliver remarks beginning in about a half hour to the South Carolina House Democratic Women’s Caucus and the South Carolina Democratic Women’s Council.
Clinton is also scheduled to speak this afternoon, her campaign says, with minority women small business owners in Columbia.Clinton is also scheduled to speak this afternoon, her campaign says, with minority women small business owners in Columbia.
We’ll have it all right here.We’ll have it all right here.
1.09pm ET18:091.09pm ET18:09
Did Hillary Clinton just edge an inch closer to the Democratic presidential nomination? Jim Webb is the former senator from Virginia and secretary of the Navy who has been seen as positioning himself to be among the Democratic politicians who could swoop in to fight for the nomination should Clinton stumble.Did Hillary Clinton just edge an inch closer to the Democratic presidential nomination? Jim Webb is the former senator from Virginia and secretary of the Navy who has been seen as positioning himself to be among the Democratic politicians who could swoop in to fight for the nomination should Clinton stumble.
It’s harder to swoop without Iowa, though.It’s harder to swoop without Iowa, though.
NEW: Dem presidential hopeful Jim Webb's Iowa director, Rania Batrice, resigned last week, she confirmed to me today. @RaniaBatriceNEW: Dem presidential hopeful Jim Webb's Iowa director, Rania Batrice, resigned last week, she confirmed to me today. @RaniaBatrice
1.02pm ET18:021.02pm ET18:02
Rand Paul is joining the “convo” on the #southside, meaning south of Chicago, where Paul spoke to a crowd on an outdoor stage moments ago. The Paul camp said the candidate visited the area on the invitation of local pastor Cory Brooks.Rand Paul is joining the “convo” on the #southside, meaning south of Chicago, where Paul spoke to a crowd on an outdoor stage moments ago. The Paul camp said the candidate visited the area on the invitation of local pastor Cory Brooks.
We must get beyond party labels to find solutions. I'm proud to be in the #southside today to be part of the convo pic.twitter.com/dFzgT7RnyNWe must get beyond party labels to find solutions. I'm proud to be in the #southside today to be part of the convo pic.twitter.com/dFzgT7RnyN
12.52pm ET17:5212.52pm ET17:52
Potentially illegal ice cream at Sanders eventPotentially illegal ice cream at Sanders event
As painful as the campaign process can be for voters who only experience it in endless negative ads interrupting their favorite TV or in junky fliers junking up their mailboxes, there’s something about the business of retail politics that can create these heartfelt moments of American happiness, little moments like smiling babies and I Voted buttons and ice cream, perhaps donated in bulk to mark the launch yesterday evening of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential run.As painful as the campaign process can be for voters who only experience it in endless negative ads interrupting their favorite TV or in junky fliers junking up their mailboxes, there’s something about the business of retail politics that can create these heartfelt moments of American happiness, little moments like smiling babies and I Voted buttons and ice cream, perhaps donated in bulk to mark the launch yesterday evening of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential run.
It turns out that ice cream is ILLEGAL in this context unless it is reported as a campaign donation to the FEC.It turns out that ice cream is ILLEGAL in this context unless it is reported as a campaign donation to the FEC.
so @BernieSanders rallies against corporations but has no problem taking @benandjerrys free handouts at kickoffso @BernieSanders rallies against corporations but has no problem taking @benandjerrys free handouts at kickoff
Thanks to Republican National Committee communications director Sean Spicer for flagging this incredibly flagrant abuse of campaign finance law by a candidate who was one lick away from the Democratic nomination. A candidate, no less, who would position himself as a critic of the hundreds of millions of anonymous dollars about to flow from banks and industry and maybe even foreign rich people into the 2016 race.Thanks to Republican National Committee communications director Sean Spicer for flagging this incredibly flagrant abuse of campaign finance law by a candidate who was one lick away from the Democratic nomination. A candidate, no less, who would position himself as a critic of the hundreds of millions of anonymous dollars about to flow from banks and industry and maybe even foreign rich people into the 2016 race.
.@benandjerrys great. There are still laws. One is you can't donate without reporting it to the Federal Election Commission.@benandjerrys great. There are still laws. One is you can't donate without reporting it to the Federal Election Commission
12.34pm ET17:3412.34pm ET17:34
Jindal slams Paul: 'unsuited' to be presidentJindal slams Paul: 'unsuited' to be president
Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, who is exploring a presidential run, has just unleashed some heavy-duty friendly fire on fellow Republican – and potential primary opponent – Rand Paul.Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, who is exploring a presidential run, has just unleashed some heavy-duty friendly fire on fellow Republican – and potential primary opponent – Rand Paul.
Paul has expressed reluctance about new foreign military expeditions in general and hesitancy in particular about deploying thousands of additional US troops to the Middle East to confront Isis militants or for any other reason.Paul has expressed reluctance about new foreign military expeditions in general and hesitancy in particular about deploying thousands of additional US troops to the Middle East to confront Isis militants or for any other reason.
Update: and in a television hit this morning, Paul said that “Isis exists and grew stronger because of the hawks in our party who gave arms indiscriminately.”Update: and in a television hit this morning, Paul said that “Isis exists and grew stronger because of the hawks in our party who gave arms indiscriminately.”
In a statement issued Wednesday, Jindal accuses Paul of taking “the weakest, most liberal Dem position”:In a statement issued Wednesday, Jindal accuses Paul of taking “the weakest, most liberal Dem position”:
(1/5) Sen. Paul’s comments on ISIS take the weakest, most liberal Dem position, showing he is unsuited to be Commander-in-Chief.(1/5) Sen. Paul’s comments on ISIS take the weakest, most liberal Dem position, showing he is unsuited to be Commander-in-Chief.
Jindal continued:Jindal continued:
It’s one thing for Senator Paul to take an outlandish position as a Senator at Washington cocktail parties, but being Commander-in-Chief is an entirely different job. We should all be clear that evil and Radical Islam are at fault for the rise of ISIS, and people like President Obama and Hillary Clinton exacerbate it.It’s one thing for Senator Paul to take an outlandish position as a Senator at Washington cocktail parties, but being Commander-in-Chief is an entirely different job. We should all be clear that evil and Radical Islam are at fault for the rise of ISIS, and people like President Obama and Hillary Clinton exacerbate it.
American weakness, not American strength, emboldens our enemies. Senator Paul’s illogical argument clouds a situation that should provide pure moral clarity. Islam has a problem. ISIS is its current manifestation. And the next President’s job is to have the discipline and strength to wipe ISIS off the face of the earth. It has become impossible to imagine a President Paul defeating radical Islam and it’s time for the rest of us to say it.”American weakness, not American strength, emboldens our enemies. Senator Paul’s illogical argument clouds a situation that should provide pure moral clarity. Islam has a problem. ISIS is its current manifestation. And the next President’s job is to have the discipline and strength to wipe ISIS off the face of the earth. It has become impossible to imagine a President Paul defeating radical Islam and it’s time for the rest of us to say it.”
(4/5) The next President must have the discipline and strength to wipe ISIS off the face of the earth.(4/5) The next President must have the discipline and strength to wipe ISIS off the face of the earth.
Jindal has moribund poll ratings and has nothing to lose, the thinking runs, from talking nationally noticeable smack. Which is not to contend that he doesn’t mean exactly what he says.Jindal has moribund poll ratings and has nothing to lose, the thinking runs, from talking nationally noticeable smack. Which is not to contend that he doesn’t mean exactly what he says.
Updated at 1.04pm ETUpdated at 1.04pm ET
12.20pm ET17:2012.20pm ET17:20
Carly Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard executive who lost big in her 2010 Senate run but who has been making them tingle in Iowa, has drawn a target on Hillary Clinton’s back, to the extent that she maintains www.readytobeathillary.com.Carly Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard executive who lost big in her 2010 Senate run but who has been making them tingle in Iowa, has drawn a target on Hillary Clinton’s back, to the extent that she maintains www.readytobeathillary.com.
.@HillaryClinton must not be President. Check out our new site to learn more. http://t.co/3DUlwa16Kt. #Carly2016.@HillaryClinton must not be President. Check out our new site to learn more. http://t.co/3DUlwa16Kt. #Carly2016
Fiorina is rumbling into South Carolina today with events planned before and after Clinton is to speak.Fiorina is rumbling into South Carolina today with events planned before and after Clinton is to speak.
To learn more about Fiorina, consult our handy election résumé. Did you know that her yachts are called Alchemy and Alchemy [sic] and her terriers are called Max and Snickers?To learn more about Fiorina, consult our handy election résumé. Did you know that her yachts are called Alchemy and Alchemy [sic] and her terriers are called Max and Snickers?
While @HillaryClinton continues to hide from tough questions, I look forward to answering more of them in Columbia, SC today. #Carly2016While @HillaryClinton continues to hide from tough questions, I look forward to answering more of them in Columbia, SC today. #Carly2016
Updated at 12.22pm ETUpdated at 12.22pm ET
12.08pm ET17:0812.08pm ET17:08
Paul: 'first amendment is about the right to be despicable'Paul: 'first amendment is about the right to be despicable'
Rand Paul, the Republican presidential candidate, invoked the Ku Klux Klan on Tuesday to explain why he opposed the construction of a Muslim community center – pejoratively known as the “Ground Zero mosque” – near the site of the September 11 attacks in lower Manhattan.Rand Paul, the Republican presidential candidate, invoked the Ku Klux Klan on Tuesday to explain why he opposed the construction of a Muslim community center – pejoratively known as the “Ground Zero mosque” – near the site of the September 11 attacks in lower Manhattan.
During an appearance on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the Republican senator from Kentucky said he had been “horrified” at the Muslim community center proposal but that he opposed any law that would prevent it.During an appearance on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the Republican senator from Kentucky said he had been “horrified” at the Muslim community center proposal but that he opposed any law that would prevent it.
“When they told me that they were going to build a mosque at 9/11 [sic], I was horrified and thought that was a terrible thing,” Paul said. “But I’m not for a law to prevent them. If you want to march down the street and you’re a part of the KKK, I’m horrified by that, and object to it. But there are certain – the first amendment is about the right to be despicable.”“When they told me that they were going to build a mosque at 9/11 [sic], I was horrified and thought that was a terrible thing,” Paul said. “But I’m not for a law to prevent them. If you want to march down the street and you’re a part of the KKK, I’m horrified by that, and object to it. But there are certain – the first amendment is about the right to be despicable.”
A plan to erect a 13-story Muslim community center, which would have included a space for prayer, at a site north of the World Trade Center that already hosted prayers became mired in political controversy in 2010. Prominent Republicans from Newt Gingrich to John McCain to Sarah Palin condemned the development plan.A plan to erect a 13-story Muslim community center, which would have included a space for prayer, at a site north of the World Trade Center that already hosted prayers became mired in political controversy in 2010. Prominent Republicans from Newt Gingrich to John McCain to Sarah Palin condemned the development plan.
Read our full coverage here.Read our full coverage here.
Updated at 12.10pm ETUpdated at 12.10pm ET
12.06pm ET17:0612.06pm ET17:06
The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs (@bencjacobs), after some robust Bernie Sanders reporting yesterday, turns to the Santorum announcement.The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs (@bencjacobs), after some robust Bernie Sanders reporting yesterday, turns to the Santorum announcement.
The Guardian confirmed with a source familiar with the former Pennsylvania senator’s thinking that Santorum will launch his second bid for the White House today, Ben reports:The Guardian confirmed with a source familiar with the former Pennsylvania senator’s thinking that Santorum will launch his second bid for the White House today, Ben reports:
Santorum will hold a rally at Penn United Technologies, a factory a few miles from the western Pennsylvania town where he grew up, to announce his decision.Santorum will hold a rally at Penn United Technologies, a factory a few miles from the western Pennsylvania town where he grew up, to announce his decision.
The former two-term senator finished second to Mitt Romney in the 2012 GOP primary and won 11 states. An ardent social conservative, Santorum was considered an afterthought for much of the Republican primary before he surged in the run-up to the crucial Iowa caucuses. Although Romney was initially given credit for winning Iowa, a recount showed Santorum had won by a hair.The former two-term senator finished second to Mitt Romney in the 2012 GOP primary and won 11 states. An ardent social conservative, Santorum was considered an afterthought for much of the Republican primary before he surged in the run-up to the crucial Iowa caucuses. Although Romney was initially given credit for winning Iowa, a recount showed Santorum had won by a hair.
Santorum hopes to triumph in the crowded GOP field in 2016 by touting his message of “blue-collar conservatism.” However, he faces new obstacles in his second run for the White House. Unlike 2012, there are a number of strong contenders this year, such as Ted Cruz and Mike Huckabee, who appeal the Republican Party’s evangelical base.Santorum hopes to triumph in the crowded GOP field in 2016 by touting his message of “blue-collar conservatism.” However, he faces new obstacles in his second run for the White House. Unlike 2012, there are a number of strong contenders this year, such as Ted Cruz and Mike Huckabee, who appeal the Republican Party’s evangelical base.
Further, Santorum faces the possibility of being excluded from televised debates, as he is just at the national polling threshold necessary to participate.Further, Santorum faces the possibility of being excluded from televised debates, as he is just at the national polling threshold necessary to participate.
Prior to his White House bid, Santorum served two terms in the House and two terms in the United States Senate representing his home state of Pennsylvania. The former senator lost his 2006 bid for re-election to Democrat Bob Casey by a margin of 59%-41%.Prior to his White House bid, Santorum served two terms in the House and two terms in the United States Senate representing his home state of Pennsylvania. The former senator lost his 2006 bid for re-election to Democrat Bob Casey by a margin of 59%-41%.
Updated at 12.11pm ETUpdated at 12.11pm ET
11.35am ET16:3511.35am ET16:35
Rick Santorum: Game on! againRick Santorum: Game on! again
Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum, who has made something of a career of upsetting those who would count him out, is running for president once again, AP and ABC News report.Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum, who has made something of a career of upsetting those who would count him out, is running for president once again, AP and ABC News report.
We’re scheduled to hear from the candidate at midday.We’re scheduled to hear from the candidate at midday.
11.07am ET16:0711.07am ET16:07
Good morning and welcome to what promises to be a positively hopping day in the national politics. Teed up for today is nothing less than a major presidential announcement, a surprise challenge on the ground to Hillary Clinton and an effort to make sense of comments last night by Senator Rand Paul about the Ku Klux Klan, the so-called “Ground Zero mosque” in lower Manhattan and “the right to be despicable”.Good morning and welcome to what promises to be a positively hopping day in the national politics. Teed up for today is nothing less than a major presidential announcement, a surprise challenge on the ground to Hillary Clinton and an effort to make sense of comments last night by Senator Rand Paul about the Ku Klux Klan, the so-called “Ground Zero mosque” in lower Manhattan and “the right to be despicable”.
We’ll be at the scene for a Paul campaign appearance in Chicago this morning, before skipping toWe’ll be at the scene for a Paul campaign appearance in Chicago this morning, before skipping to
PittsburghPittsburgh
Cabot, Pennsylvania, where Rick Santorum, the runner-up in the 2012 Republican nominating contest, is scheduled to announce that he’s back in the saddle. Last time around he won 11 states! Cabot, Pennsylvania, where Rick Santorum, the runner-up in the 2012 Republican nominating contest, is scheduled to announce that he’s back in the saddle. Last time around he won 11 states!
The day’s liveliest action, however, may play out in South Carolina, where Carly Fiorina, the Republican hopeful who has been lighting up Iowa, has scheduled dueling events with Clinton, the Democratic standard-bearer. Will Clinton pay Fiorina any heed? Will Fiorina manage to steal some of Clinton’s steam?The day’s liveliest action, however, may play out in South Carolina, where Carly Fiorina, the Republican hopeful who has been lighting up Iowa, has scheduled dueling events with Clinton, the Democratic standard-bearer. Will Clinton pay Fiorina any heed? Will Fiorina manage to steal some of Clinton’s steam?
We’re going to hear from Bernie Sanders, too, as he takes his message of taming the banks to the good people of New Hampshire. Read on ...We’re going to hear from Bernie Sanders, too, as he takes his message of taming the banks to the good people of New Hampshire. Read on ...
Updated at 11.36am ETUpdated at 11.36am ET