Super Tuesday: Bloomberg endorses Biden in bid 'to defeat Trump' as Sanders launches fresh attack on frontrunner
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Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to mock Michael Bloomberg after he dropped out of the Democratic 2020 race and to sow division among progressive candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren following the party’s Super Tuesday primaries, accusing the latter of splitting the vote and damaging her friend and rival’s chances in key regions.
Former US vice president Joe Biden was the big winner as 14 states went to the polls yesterday, completing the comeback he began at last weekend’s South Carolina primary by claiming at least nine key states including Texas, with Maine also projected to be confirmed in his favour.
Sanders did take home the top prize, the delegate-rich state of California, but otherwise secured only three others, an outcome that saw the moderate wing of the party come together emphatically to back Biden.
In the fallout of those contests, Mr Bloomberg held a rally in New York City where he announced he was endorsing Mr Biden.
Mr Sanders, meanwhile, opened fresh lines of attack on Mr Biden as the two gear up for a two-man race going forward.
And, Ms Warren's team suggested she is considering her path forward — with many believing that means she plans on dropping out of the race imminently.
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Trump sues The Washington Post over 'false claims'
In another alarming instance of business-as-usual, the president's attempt to clampdown on the free press post-acquittal continues apace...
How the American press covered the Super Tuesday results
I think The New York Post wins this one.
Biden confused his wife for his sister and it was very, very awkward
Joe may have had a superb night but it wasn't entirely gaffe-free...
James Besanvalle explains all for Indy100.
Bernie Sanders begins Biden fightback with new Obama ad
The Bern just went nuclear.
Here's Chris Riotta on a new promo that heavily implies the 44th president is endorsing him - and not his own former deputy - without actually saying so. Cunning as a fox.
Michael Bloomberg ends 2020 campaign
After a fairly disastrous Super Tuesday, with only American Samoa to his name after well over $500m (3390m) spent, the former mayor of New York is dropping out of the race.
I'm sure we can expect a gloating Trump tweet any moment.
Here's Danielle Zoellner with the breaking story.
Bloomberg endorses Joe Biden
Wasting no time, the billionnaire issues the following statement:
“I’ve always believed that defeating Donald Trump starts with uniting behind the candidate with the best shot to do it. After yesterday’s vote, it is clear that candidate is my friend and a great American, Joe Biden.
“I’ve known Joe for a very long time. I know his decency, his honesty, and his commitment to the issues that are so important to our country – including gun safety, health care, climate change, and good jobs.
“I’ve had the chance to work with Joe on those issues over the years, and Joe has fought for working people his whole life. Today I am glad to endorse him – and I will work to make him the next President of the United States."
Warren camp in 'bleak' mood after Super Tuesday
Here's Trump continuing to stir up the progressives by blaming Liz Warren for Biden wins in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Texas.
Despite a bullish insistence otherwise, Team Warren is not a happy camp this morning.
"There are six more primaries just one week away, and we need your help to keep up the momentum," the campaign says in an email.
“Elizabeth is talking to her team to assess the path forward,” an aide says, sounding glum.
According to Politico, the campaign is in "bleak" mood and facing up to the cost of its defeat, particularly concerning because it "has financial constraints that come with a unionised staff of over 1,000 people - the largest field operation in the race besides Mike Bloomberg’s - even after raising $29 million [£22.6m] in February.
"With a payroll at over $6 million [£4.7m] per month, the campaign likely needs to keep at least several million dollars on hand to cover paychecks, benefits, and other assorted shutdown costs to avoid going into debt. Warren was able to raise a significant amount of that money with her strong debate performances, but there is not another debate until March 15."
Trump taunts 'Mini Mike' one final time
Well well well, what have we here?
Trump to visit tornado-hit Tennessee
The president has said he will visit the southern state on Friday after a twister tore through Nashville, leaving at least 22 dead and many more injured.
The disaster also interferred with Super Tuesday voting and prompted local Democrats to sue Davidson County to extend voting hours.
Here's Zoe Tidman and Oliver O'Connell's report.
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