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Republican presidential contenders face off in New Hampshire - live Republican presidential contenders face off in New Hampshire - live
(35 minutes later)
7.53pm ET00:53
Jeb Lund
Still not over Walker saying “I’m not a scientist, I’m an eagle scout.” Can we do this for everything now? “Mr Lund, you owe Comcast Cable $142, but we will accept a late payment of $71.”“I’m not a mathematician. [weary sincere sigh] I make pizzas.”George Pataki is talking, but I assume he will stop soon. By December at the latest.
7.53pm ET00:53
The forum now segues to the three presidential candidates who stayed in Washington for the vote to defund Planned Parenthood today. There is a noticeable lag which matters in a forum that is more speed date than debate.
7.50pm ET00:50
George Pataki cites his service as Governor of New York to argue he can convince Democrats to vote to repeal Obamacare.
George Pataki suggests that as president, he would be able to convince Democrats to repeal Obamacare. #VotersFirst
7.49pm ET00:49
As MSNBC’s Benjy Sarlin notes, the moderator hasn’t exactly been making it tough for candidates so far.
Moderator keeps asking candidates two questions, candidates keep answering the easier one, ignoring the hard one. Doesn't work.
7.48pm ET00:48
George Pataki starts off by saying “we should get rid of Obamacare and we should get rid of Common Core” in an attempt to appeal to the GOP base.
7.46pm ET00:46
Scott Walker is asked “are you anti-union or anti-worker.” Shockingly, his response is “No, I am pro-worker and pro-taxpayer.”
7.45pm ET00:45
Jeb Lund
Bobby Jindal’s really taking it to those people who “measure success in the growth of the government.” Those guys are bad. But a big, big unforced error on Jindal’s part to not condemn the Romulans, the Sith, and the bugs in Starship Troopers. (Also bad.)
Updated at 7.52pm ET
7.45pm ET00:45
Scott Walker is now on stage. He is very skilled at both staying on message and talking quickly. Expect his stump speech to be delivered on fast forward.
7.42pm ET00:42
In a forum that values the ability to speak quickly, Bobby Jindal has a big advantage.
No one. i mean NO ONE, can talk faster than Jindal. This is his moment
7.41pm ET00:41
Like every other candidate, Bobby Jindal uses another line from his stump speech. This one praises Bernie Sanders for being honest about being a socialist, unlike Hillary Clinton.
Bobby Jindal: "Give Bernie Sanders credit -- a least he's honest enough to call himself a socialist." #VotersFirst
Updated at 7.43pm ET
7.39pm ET00:39
Jeb Lund
There’s an irony here in Carly Fiorina taking nearly nearly three of her four minutes of her time to illuminate the problem of merely talking about the status quo without doing anything, then not mentioning anything to do about the bad status quo.
She also dropped your first official “Benghazi” of the night. Finish your drink. I know we didn’t post a list of drinking game rules, but I just assume you made your own.
Updated at 7.41pm ET
7.38pm ET00:38
Carly Fiorina, who is now on stage, is the first candidate to bring up Benghazi and slam Hillary Clinton. She also is the first to go out of her way to praise Joe McQuaid, the publisher of New Hampshire’s largest newspaper, the Union Leader.
7.37pm ET00:37
The unanimous opinion of the forum so far is that candidates are rushing and that there are no follow up questions. Shane Goldmacher of National Journal sums this disappointment well
Theproblemwiththisforumisthatitdoesntprovideanytimeorspaceforfollowups
7.33pm ET00:33
Jeb Bush takes the first shot at the media of the evening as well. When talking his economic plan, he says “the fact that Paul Krugman disagrees with me warms my heart.”
7.32pm ET00:32
Jeb Bush seems to somewhat contradict himself about Syria. He says we “don’t need boots on the ground” but that we should deploy Special Forces there.
7.31pm ET00:31
Jeb Lund
Bold move by Ben Carson to refuse to speed up the space of his comments to maximize the time allotted. Because there are fewer words per minute, each one is actually MORE meaningful. Also, it’s interesting that the mechanics of his replacement for Obamacare are, evidently, “Pay for health care and try to save money.” My God, why didn’t we try this?
7.31pm ET00:31
Jeb Bush takes the stage and is the first candidate to praise an opponent. “Senator Graham is absolutely right” says the former Florida governor in response to a question about Homeland Security.
7.29pm ET00:29
Ben Carson gets the first question about Planned Parenthood of the night. He warns about “the level of depravity we have sunken to as a nation” and says that the organization should not receive federal funds.
7.27pm ET00:27
Top Republican consultant Stuart Stevens has his own take on the forum so far and the rush of candidates on and off the stage.
Have to say the "40 Year Old Virgin" version of this NH forum was more fun. #speeddating
7.26pm ET00:26
Ben Carson deviates ever so slightly from GOP orthodoxy on Obamacare. Instead of “repeal and replace,” the renowned neurosurgeon says it “needs to be replaced before we repeal it.”
However, Carson is still vague on what he would replace Obamacare with.
Updated at 7.28pm ET
7.25pm ET00:25
Chris Christie says “the war on drugs is a failure” and calls drug abuse “a disease.”
Updated at 7.27pm ET
7.22pm ET00:22
Chris Christie is now on stage and trying quickly give his stump speech on entitlement reform as quickly as he can.
7.22pm ET00:22
Jeb Lund
Both Rick Santorum and Lindsey Graham have talked about protecting American industry (with Graham specifically focusing on China tweaking their currency). It’s always awkward to watch them walk right up to suggesting that free trade might not always be great, then slink away. The 240 seconds of interview time (or whatever it is) and the 60-second allotments on Thursday are going do vagueness a lot of favors.
7.20pm ET00:20
Graham says “I’m fluent in Clintonspeak. When Bill says I didn’t have sex with that woman, that means that he did.”
7.19pm ET00:197.19pm ET00:19
While not on the stage, C-Span’s camera takes a brief shot of John Kasich and Rick Santorum sitting together and smirking about something as Graham talks.While not on the stage, C-Span’s camera takes a brief shot of John Kasich and Rick Santorum sitting together and smirking about something as Graham talks.
Updated at 7.24pm ET
7.19pm ET00:197.19pm ET00:19
Lindsey Graham gives a hometown shout out to former New Hampshire senator Judd Gregg as he rushes to fit in more and more of his stump speech in the five minutes allotted.Lindsey Graham gives a hometown shout out to former New Hampshire senator Judd Gregg as he rushes to fit in more and more of his stump speech in the five minutes allotted.
Updated at 7.26pm ET
7.18pm ET00:187.18pm ET00:18
Lindsey Graham now argues for “hitting back” against China and says “we’re getting walked all over.” He sounds almost Trumpian in his foreign policy going after how Putin and the Iranians have taken advantage of what he perceives as the weakness of the Obama Administration. The difference, of course, is Graham is a three-term senator with a long and vocal history speaking out on foreign policy issues.Lindsey Graham now argues for “hitting back” against China and says “we’re getting walked all over.” He sounds almost Trumpian in his foreign policy going after how Putin and the Iranians have taken advantage of what he perceives as the weakness of the Obama Administration. The difference, of course, is Graham is a three-term senator with a long and vocal history speaking out on foreign policy issues.
7.16pm ET00:167.16pm ET00:16
Lindsey Graham gets a question the very instant he sits down on stage and becomes the first candidate of the night to go after China. He won’t be the last.Lindsey Graham gets a question the very instant he sits down on stage and becomes the first candidate of the night to go after China. He won’t be the last.
7.16pm ET00:167.16pm ET00:16
Jeb LundJeb Lund
John Kasich just called for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, and the Alexander Hamilton on the ten-dollar bill in my pocket just went: “Uh...”John Kasich just called for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, and the Alexander Hamilton on the ten-dollar bill in my pocket just went: “Uh...”
7.15pm ET00:157.15pm ET00:15
John Kasich dodges a question on NAFTA and urges the need to “protect” workersJohn Kasich dodges a question on NAFTA and urges the need to “protect” workers
7.12pm ET00:127.12pm ET00:12
Tonight’s forum is already showing how awkward the debate will be on Thursday as candidates only have a few minutes to speak and try to rush in their entire platform in one whole breath. Santorum now rushes off and Kasich comes on the stage in what feels more like a substitution in a football game than a political debate.Tonight’s forum is already showing how awkward the debate will be on Thursday as candidates only have a few minutes to speak and try to rush in their entire platform in one whole breath. Santorum now rushes off and Kasich comes on the stage in what feels more like a substitution in a football game than a political debate.
7.11pm ET00:117.11pm ET00:11
Jeb LundJeb Lund
Rick Perry took about 0 seconds to pivot from the question about illegals already in the United States to a pre-packaged comment about securing the border, and Carly Fiorina is already totally checked out, looking at her phone. This is how Carly Fiorina can generate enthusiasm across the aisle.Rick Perry took about 0 seconds to pivot from the question about illegals already in the United States to a pre-packaged comment about securing the border, and Carly Fiorina is already totally checked out, looking at her phone. This is how Carly Fiorina can generate enthusiasm across the aisle.
7.10pm ET00:107.10pm ET00:10
Rick Santorum praises Maine’s controversial governor Paul LePage on stage as he discusses welfare reform.Rick Santorum praises Maine’s controversial governor Paul LePage on stage as he discusses welfare reform.
7.09pm ET00:097.09pm ET00:09
Perry is off the stage after three minutes and it’s now Rick Santorum in a rather speedy switcharoo.Perry is off the stage after three minutes and it’s now Rick Santorum in a rather speedy switcharoo.
Santorum immediately pushes his tax plan to incentivize manufacturing.Santorum immediately pushes his tax plan to incentivize manufacturing.
7.06pm ET00:067.06pm ET00:06
Perry dodges on reducing legal immigration while pushing for a stronger effort to track those illegal immigrants who have overstayed their visas in the United States.Perry dodges on reducing legal immigration while pushing for a stronger effort to track those illegal immigrants who have overstayed their visas in the United States.
7.03pm ET00:037.03pm ET00:03
Rick Perry takes the stage as the forum beginsRick Perry takes the stage as the forum begins
Perry gets the event kickstarted and the first question is about immigration reform.Perry gets the event kickstarted and the first question is about immigration reform.
Interestingly, all the candidates are sitting in the first row and watching the forum while sitting together.Interestingly, all the candidates are sitting in the first row and watching the forum while sitting together.
Updated at 7.06pm ETUpdated at 7.06pm ET
7.03pm ET00:037.03pm ET00:03
Jeb LundJeb Lund
I’m glad that the candidates are being introduced on a small triangular stage, because that means that, like in the Octagon, it’s more difficult to evade strikes and takedowns.I’m glad that the candidates are being introduced on a small triangular stage, because that means that, like in the Octagon, it’s more difficult to evade strikes and takedowns.
7.00pm ET00:007.00pm ET00:00
As Evan McMorris-Santoro from Buzzfeed reports, some candidates are bonding while standing together on stage.As Evan McMorris-Santoro from Buzzfeed reports, some candidates are bonding while standing together on stage.
Rick Santorum & Rick Perry kinda bro hugged on stage after Perry stood on his tiptoes for a sec next to the towering PatakiRick Santorum & Rick Perry kinda bro hugged on stage after Perry stood on his tiptoes for a sec next to the towering Pataki
Updated at 7.07pm ETUpdated at 7.07pm ET
6.58pm ET23:586.58pm ET23:58
All 11 candidates present are now being brought on stage in alphabetical order so that the audience can give them a round of applause and they can stand awkwardly together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.All 11 candidates present are now being brought on stage in alphabetical order so that the audience can give them a round of applause and they can stand awkwardly together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
6.52pm ET23:526.52pm ET23:52
The audience at St. Anselm is told that “the show will begin momentarily” over the PA system.The audience at St. Anselm is told that “the show will begin momentarily” over the PA system.
It’s a very interesting choice of words for a presidential forum.It’s a very interesting choice of words for a presidential forum.
6.47pm ET23:476.47pm ET23:47
Jeb LundJeb Lund
I am extremely excited for the 2016 Republican Candidates “Voters First Forum” live on C-Span and broadcast from the KIA Sign-and-Drive Sales Event.I am extremely excited for the 2016 Republican Candidates “Voters First Forum” live on C-Span and broadcast from the KIA Sign-and-Drive Sales Event.
6.46pm ET23:466.46pm ET23:46
Austin Barbour, a top strategist for a pro-Rick Perry superPAC, tweets that the former Texas governor will be the first candidate to appear on stage tonightAustin Barbour, a top strategist for a pro-Rick Perry superPAC, tweets that the former Texas governor will be the first candidate to appear on stage tonight
At 7:00 EST @GovernorPerry is up first in the Voters First Presidential Forum live on @cspanAt 7:00 EST @GovernorPerry is up first in the Voters First Presidential Forum live on @cspan
6.41pm ET23:416.41pm ET23:41
Earlier today …Earlier today …
6.37pm ET23:376.37pm ET23:37
The forum doesn’t start until 7PM but several new polls have come out tonight.The forum doesn’t start until 7PM but several new polls have come out tonight.
The most eye popping poll comes from South Carolina where, according to a poll conducted by Gravis, Donald Trump is supported by 34% of Republican primary voters. This is more than the next three Republican candidates, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush and Scott Walker combined.The most eye popping poll comes from South Carolina where, according to a poll conducted by Gravis, Donald Trump is supported by 34% of Republican primary voters. This is more than the next three Republican candidates, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush and Scott Walker combined.
The poll also contains some rather detailed crosstabs which show that Trump is supported by 64.5% of self-identified Hispanics who plan on voting in the Palmetto State’s Republican primary. However, considering that the poll also indicates that 100% of Jewish Republicans in the state will back Chris Christie, it is likely those numbers have a high margin of error.The poll also contains some rather detailed crosstabs which show that Trump is supported by 64.5% of self-identified Hispanics who plan on voting in the Palmetto State’s Republican primary. However, considering that the poll also indicates that 100% of Jewish Republicans in the state will back Chris Christie, it is likely those numbers have a high margin of error.
In another poll released today by NBC and the Wall Street Journal, Trump is in first place among Republican primary voters nationwide with 19% of the vote. He is closely followed by Scott Walker at 15%, Jeb Bush at 14% and Ben Carson at 10%.In another poll released today by NBC and the Wall Street Journal, Trump is in first place among Republican primary voters nationwide with 19% of the vote. He is closely followed by Scott Walker at 15%, Jeb Bush at 14% and Ben Carson at 10%.
6.29pm ET23:296.29pm ET23:29
Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Voters First Forum in Manchester, New Hampshire, which won’t be a full-fledged debate but will offer a good preview of the fireworks expected in Cleveland on Thursday for the first official 2016 presidential debate.Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Voters First Forum in Manchester, New Hampshire, which won’t be a full-fledged debate but will offer a good preview of the fireworks expected in Cleveland on Thursday for the first official 2016 presidential debate.
Tonight, 14 of the 17 Republican candidates for the White House are scheduled to take turns answering questions on stage at Saint Anselm College in a forum broadcast nationally from 7pm ET on C-Span. Eleven of them will be there in person, while senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul and Marco Rubio will participate remotely from Washington DC. (They couldn’t miss a scheduled vote on defunding Planned Parenthood.)Tonight, 14 of the 17 Republican candidates for the White House are scheduled to take turns answering questions on stage at Saint Anselm College in a forum broadcast nationally from 7pm ET on C-Span. Eleven of them will be there in person, while senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul and Marco Rubio will participate remotely from Washington DC. (They couldn’t miss a scheduled vote on defunding Planned Parenthood.)
The only two candidates not participating are former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and real estate mogul Donald Trump.The only two candidates not participating are former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and real estate mogul Donald Trump.
The event in Manchester will be the largest gathering of presidential candidates so far in the 2016 campaign and allow voters to compare and contrast how each candidate performs while under pressure. Ben Jacobs will be here with your liveblog, Sabrina Siddiqui is in New Hampshire, and Guardian columnist Jeb Lund will be keeping a watchful eye on the candidates.The event in Manchester will be the largest gathering of presidential candidates so far in the 2016 campaign and allow voters to compare and contrast how each candidate performs while under pressure. Ben Jacobs will be here with your liveblog, Sabrina Siddiqui is in New Hampshire, and Guardian columnist Jeb Lund will be keeping a watchful eye on the candidates.