This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/23/romney-obama-presidential-election-live

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Democrats to target Mitt Romney's conservative ties - US politics live Democrats to target Mitt Romney's conservative ties - US politics live
(12 months later)
4.55pm: And finally this evening: one of history's greatest monsters* is finally being brought to justice:4.55pm: And finally this evening: one of history's greatest monsters* is finally being brought to justice:
A lawsuit has been filed against Tareq Salahi and two related entities involved in a wine tour venture for alleged violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced Monday.A lawsuit has been filed against Tareq Salahi and two related entities involved in a wine tour venture for alleged violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced Monday.
Among the alleged violations: not delivering tours as promised, not providing refunds for tours they canceled, and misrepresenting reputable businesses as "official partners."Among the alleged violations: not delivering tours as promised, not providing refunds for tours they canceled, and misrepresenting reputable businesses as "official partners."
Tareq Salahi, you may recall, aided and abetted the production of The Real Housewives of Washington DC, as well as allegedly crashing a White House state dinner.Tareq Salahi, you may recall, aided and abetted the production of The Real Housewives of Washington DC, as well as allegedly crashing a White House state dinner.
* legal disclaimer: that is a joke* legal disclaimer: that is a joke
4.30pm: Now Liddy Huntsman enters into the BuzzFeed versus Jon Huntsman war:4.30pm: Now Liddy Huntsman enters into the BuzzFeed versus Jon Huntsman war:
My favorite past time, politics, keeps getting more obnoxious thanks to the self-proclaimed "journalists" #BuzzkillMy favorite past time, politics, keeps getting more obnoxious thanks to the self-proclaimed "journalists" #Buzzkill
Bit late to figure that out. Anyway, just give up now before someone gets hurt.Bit late to figure that out. Anyway, just give up now before someone gets hurt.
4.27pm: The Associated Press gives us "Les Vacances de M. Romney":4.27pm: The Associated Press gives us "Les Vacances de M. Romney":
Mitt Romney spent two years as a Mormon missionary in France but says his best memories of the country are from vacations there.Mitt Romney spent two years as a Mormon missionary in France but says his best memories of the country are from vacations there.
Asked to recall his favorite times in France, Romney on Monday cited vacations with his wife, Ann, and "walking around the city of Paris." He said he looks forward to "occasional vacations again" in France.Asked to recall his favorite times in France, Romney on Monday cited vacations with his wife, Ann, and "walking around the city of Paris." He said he looks forward to "occasional vacations again" in France.
Romney has criticized Democratic President Barack Obama for "jetting around the world" and has said Obama's "elaborate vacations" set a bad example for the government.Romney has criticized Democratic President Barack Obama for "jetting around the world" and has said Obama's "elaborate vacations" set a bad example for the government.
I'm not sure why this is news. Perhaps Romney ate a horse while on holiday there.I'm not sure why this is news. Perhaps Romney ate a horse while on holiday there.
4.15pm: BuzzFeed's rapid march from blog to world domination continues apace, with news that it is doing a joint production with Comedy Central tomorrow night to cover the primaries:4.15pm: BuzzFeed's rapid march from blog to world domination continues apace, with news that it is doing a joint production with Comedy Central tomorrow night to cover the primaries:
The live special will be hosted by BuzzFeed's Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith and editorial producer of Comedy Central's Indecision Mary Phillips-Sandy. The "UnSuper Tuesday" team will offer commentary and analysis in the run-up to Mitt Romney's general election launch while the Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island primary results come in.The live special will be hosted by BuzzFeed's Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith and editorial producer of Comedy Central's Indecision Mary Phillips-Sandy. The "UnSuper Tuesday" team will offer commentary and analysis in the run-up to Mitt Romney's general election launch while the Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island primary results come in.
Obviously this would have been much more fun if tomorrow's primaries actually mattered a damn to anyone, but hey. Also: in your face Politico Live and your Open University-production values.Obviously this would have been much more fun if tomorrow's primaries actually mattered a damn to anyone, but hey. Also: in your face Politico Live and your Open University-production values.
4.05pm: This is a story with huge political implications: Pew's Hispanic Centre estimates that net migration between the US and Mexico – both legal and illegal – is now zero, and may in fact be in reverse.4.05pm: This is a story with huge political implications: Pew's Hispanic Centre estimates that net migration between the US and Mexico – both legal and illegal – is now zero, and may in fact be in reverse.
If true – and the claim is based on multiple sources on both sides of the US-Mexico border – may explain why immigration as an issue has been receding based on polls of US voters.If true – and the claim is based on multiple sources on both sides of the US-Mexico border – may explain why immigration as an issue has been receding based on polls of US voters.
Here's Pew's initial commentary:Here's Pew's initial commentary:
After four decades that brought 12 million current immigrants – more than half of whom came illegally – the net migration flow from Mexico to the United States has stopped – and may have reversed, according to a new analysis by the Pew Hispanic Center of multiple government data sets from both countries.After four decades that brought 12 million current immigrants – more than half of whom came illegally – the net migration flow from Mexico to the United States has stopped – and may have reversed, according to a new analysis by the Pew Hispanic Center of multiple government data sets from both countries.
The standstill appears to be the result of many factors, including the weakened US job and housing construction markets, heightened border enforcement, a rise in deportations, the growing dangers associated with illegal border crossings, the long-term decline in Mexico's birth rates and changing economic conditions in Mexico.The standstill appears to be the result of many factors, including the weakened US job and housing construction markets, heightened border enforcement, a rise in deportations, the growing dangers associated with illegal border crossings, the long-term decline in Mexico's birth rates and changing economic conditions in Mexico.
Read the whole report here [pdf].Read the whole report here [pdf].
3.35pm: After being labeled "Bottom Feeder" by loser Jon Huntsman for taking his remarks out of context, the omnibloggers at BuzzFeed Politics poke him in the eye with an extended video of those comments.3.35pm: After being labeled "Bottom Feeder" by loser Jon Huntsman for taking his remarks out of context, the omnibloggers at BuzzFeed Politics poke him in the eye with an extended video of those comments.
3.01pm: Surprise, surprise: a new study by Pew finds that Mitt Romney's media coverage got a big boost once he was perceived to have won the Republican primary:3.01pm: Surprise, surprise: a new study by Pew finds that Mitt Romney's media coverage got a big boost once he was perceived to have won the Republican primary:
After Romney's tight victory in the Michigan primary on February 28, news coverage about his candidacy became measurably more favorable and the portrayal of his rivals – particularly Rick Santorum – began to become more negative and to shrink in volume.After Romney's tight victory in the Michigan primary on February 28, news coverage about his candidacy became measurably more favorable and the portrayal of his rivals – particularly Rick Santorum – began to become more negative and to shrink in volume.
One main component of that shift in the narrative is that after Michigan, the news media began to view Romney's nomination as essentially inevitable. Indeed, a close look at the coverage finds that references to delegate math and the concept of electoral inevitability spiked in the media the week after Michigan, rising twelve fold, for instance, on television news programs. From that point on, the amount of attention in the press to Romney's candidacy began to overwhelm that of his rivals, and the tone of coverage about him, which had been often mixed or negative before, became solidly positive.One main component of that shift in the narrative is that after Michigan, the news media began to view Romney's nomination as essentially inevitable. Indeed, a close look at the coverage finds that references to delegate math and the concept of electoral inevitability spiked in the media the week after Michigan, rising twelve fold, for instance, on television news programs. From that point on, the amount of attention in the press to Romney's candidacy began to overwhelm that of his rivals, and the tone of coverage about him, which had been often mixed or negative before, became solidly positive.
The study also highlights one reason why Rick Santorum never became a fully-fledged challenger to Romney – he never got an extended sweet-spot of positive media coverage during the primaries:The study also highlights one reason why Rick Santorum never became a fully-fledged challenger to Romney – he never got an extended sweet-spot of positive media coverage during the primaries:
Santorum, who emerged as Romney's chief rival and captured some important primary victories, never enjoyed a sustained period of positive press. He had three moments over the 15 weeks examined in which his coverage was more positive than negative – following his strong showing in Iowa, following his victories in Missouri, Colorado and Minnesota and the week of his win in Louisiana. But these periods never lasted more than two weeks, largely because his primary and caucus wins were followed fairly soon by losses in subsequent contests and doubts over his organization and financing.Santorum, who emerged as Romney's chief rival and captured some important primary victories, never enjoyed a sustained period of positive press. He had three moments over the 15 weeks examined in which his coverage was more positive than negative – following his strong showing in Iowa, following his victories in Missouri, Colorado and Minnesota and the week of his win in Louisiana. But these periods never lasted more than two weeks, largely because his primary and caucus wins were followed fairly soon by losses in subsequent contests and doubts over his organization and financing.
2.37pm: Have we mentioned that there are a whole swag of primaries tomorrow? Well there are, in New York and four other states, and it is almost certain that a candidate will clinch his party's nomination.2.37pm: Have we mentioned that there are a whole swag of primaries tomorrow? Well there are, in New York and four other states, and it is almost certain that a candidate will clinch his party's nomination.
Not Mitt Romney but Barack Obama, who will reach the 2,778 delegates he needs to be nominated. Quite a contrast to 2008.Not Mitt Romney but Barack Obama, who will reach the 2,778 delegates he needs to be nominated. Quite a contrast to 2008.
Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich is toiling – sort of – in tiny Delaware for the primary there tomorrow. Byron York of the Washington Examiner has a look and finds Gingrich's campaign (such that it is) grasping at straws:Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich is toiling – sort of – in tiny Delaware for the primary there tomorrow. Byron York of the Washington Examiner has a look and finds Gingrich's campaign (such that it is) grasping at straws:
[Gingrich spokesman RC] Hammond brings up the World War II movie Force 10 from Navarone, in which a small group of intrepid Allied fighters struggles to destroy a bridge in Yugoslavia that is crucial to Nazi forces. All they can do is set off explosives that might open up a few cracks in an upstream dam, but the cracks soon enlarge, and then the dam breaks, and then the flood of water destroys the bridge. "That's Delaware," says Hammond.[Gingrich spokesman RC] Hammond brings up the World War II movie Force 10 from Navarone, in which a small group of intrepid Allied fighters struggles to destroy a bridge in Yugoslavia that is crucial to Nazi forces. All they can do is set off explosives that might open up a few cracks in an upstream dam, but the cracks soon enlarge, and then the dam breaks, and then the flood of water destroys the bridge. "That's Delaware," says Hammond.
One hates to correct Professor Gingrich, but Force 10 from Navarone was, ah, fictional. Now if you want an actual dam-related wartime metaphor, try this one. Cracking theme tune.One hates to correct Professor Gingrich, but Force 10 from Navarone was, ah, fictional. Now if you want an actual dam-related wartime metaphor, try this one. Cracking theme tune.
2.03pm: Mystery surrounds a $400,000 donation to the Mitt Romney-supporting super Pac, Restore Our Future, reports AP:2.03pm: Mystery surrounds a $400,000 donation to the Mitt Romney-supporting super Pac, Restore Our Future, reports AP:
The pro-Romney group's founder and top strategist, Carl Forti, blamed the mistake on a clerical error but would not explain how the money erroneously was attributed to a South Florida corporation established by a former stock trader, Scott DeSano.The pro-Romney group's founder and top strategist, Carl Forti, blamed the mistake on a clerical error but would not explain how the money erroneously was attributed to a South Florida corporation established by a former stock trader, Scott DeSano.
Forti said Monday that DeSano — who in the past has been disciplined by the Securities and Exchange Commission — was not behind the $400,000 donation and that his Palm Beach firm was mistakenly listed instead of another firm with an identical name.Forti said Monday that DeSano — who in the past has been disciplined by the Securities and Exchange Commission — was not behind the $400,000 donation and that his Palm Beach firm was mistakenly listed instead of another firm with an identical name.
1.39pm: In total Mitt Romney answered about five questions, including two on his vice presidential choice and one on ... his holidays in France? Yes.1.39pm: In total Mitt Romney answered about five questions, including two on his vice presidential choice and one on ... his holidays in France? Yes.
Mitt went on to wax fondly about his vacations in France, for some reason, which is slightly weird given that Romney has been bashing Obama for "elaborate" holidays:Mitt went on to wax fondly about his vacations in France, for some reason, which is slightly weird given that Romney has been bashing Obama for "elaborate" holidays:
I have a lot of memories of France. I think the best memories were with my wife on vacations, from time to time in France. The last vacation we had there, walking around the city of Paris – not just in the Champs-Elysees but also over to the Jardin of Luxembourg and around the city – as one of the most magnificent cities in the world and I look forward to occasional vacations again in such a beautiful place.I have a lot of memories of France. I think the best memories were with my wife on vacations, from time to time in France. The last vacation we had there, walking around the city of Paris – not just in the Champs-Elysees but also over to the Jardin of Luxembourg and around the city – as one of the most magnificent cities in the world and I look forward to occasional vacations again in such a beautiful place.
Well, one thing is clear. The time away from taking reporter Q's hasn't changed Romney's penchant for sounding like a rich guy.Well, one thing is clear. The time away from taking reporter Q's hasn't changed Romney's penchant for sounding like a rich guy.
Personally I don't have a problem with Romney going on holiday in France – where's he supposed to go? New Jersey? – but just last week Romney was slapping Obama on that subject in an interview with NRO:Personally I don't have a problem with Romney going on holiday in France – where's he supposed to go? New Jersey? – but just last week Romney was slapping Obama on that subject in an interview with NRO:
I think the example starts at the top. People have to see that the president is not taking elaborate vacations and spending in a way that is inconsistent with the state of the overall economy and the state of the American family.I think the example starts at the top. People have to see that the president is not taking elaborate vacations and spending in a way that is inconsistent with the state of the overall economy and the state of the American family.
What does "elaborate holidays" that are "inconsistent with the state of the American family" even mean?What does "elaborate holidays" that are "inconsistent with the state of the American family" even mean?
1.29pm: Naturally, Mitt Romney wouldn't be drawn on the question of who was going to pick to be his vice presidential nominee.1.29pm: Naturally, Mitt Romney wouldn't be drawn on the question of who was going to pick to be his vice presidential nominee.
Romney does however make a swift move to the political centre-ground when asked about plans to halt the forthcoming interest rate increase on student loans, proposed by the White House and opposed by Republicans in the House of Representatives:Romney does however make a swift move to the political centre-ground when asked about plans to halt the forthcoming interest rate increase on student loans, proposed by the White House and opposed by Republicans in the House of Representatives:
I fully support the effort to extend the low interest rate on student loans. There was some concern that would expire halfway through the year, and I support extending the temporary relief on interest rates for students, as a result of student loans, in part because of the extraordinarily poor conditions in the job market.I fully support the effort to extend the low interest rate on student loans. There was some concern that would expire halfway through the year, and I support extending the temporary relief on interest rates for students, as a result of student loans, in part because of the extraordinarily poor conditions in the job market.
There's that Etch-A-Sketch in action. At a wild guess Primary Romney would have said no such thing, although we can't be sure. Anyway, Romney refuses to make a similar declaration of support for Marco Rubio's immigration reforms. "It is something that we are studying," is all he will say.There's that Etch-A-Sketch in action. At a wild guess Primary Romney would have said no such thing, although we can't be sure. Anyway, Romney refuses to make a similar declaration of support for Marco Rubio's immigration reforms. "It is something that we are studying," is all he will say.
1.19pm: Some actual political campaigning is going on today, with Mitt Romney campaigning in Pennsylvania and supported by that well-known Pennsylvanian, Florida senator Marco Rubio.1.19pm: Some actual political campaigning is going on today, with Mitt Romney campaigning in Pennsylvania and supported by that well-known Pennsylvanian, Florida senator Marco Rubio.
Romney and Rubio took questions from the media – the first such availability by Romney for more than a month – and predictably the question of the vice presidential spot came up.Romney and Rubio took questions from the media – the first such availability by Romney for more than a month – and predictably the question of the vice presidential spot came up.
Romney refused to take the bait over whether Rubio is experienced enough to serve as vice president, given that he has only been in the Senate a little more than a year: "I don't think I have any comments on qualifications for individuals to serve in various positions in government at this stage," Romney said.Romney refused to take the bait over whether Rubio is experienced enough to serve as vice president, given that he has only been in the Senate a little more than a year: "I don't think I have any comments on qualifications for individuals to serve in various positions in government at this stage," Romney said.
1.09pm: RedState's Erick Erickson calls a spade a bloody shovel:1.09pm: RedState's Erick Erickson calls a spade a bloody shovel:
Mitt Romney is a deeply flawed candidate. His path to victory was smoothed based on familiarity by Republican voters, their habit of picking the guy who ran last time, and his money. He only shined in states where he massively outspent his opponents. That spending advantage covered up many, many flaws. Were the economy to improve, Mitt Romney would lose to Barack Obama. It is abundantly clear, however, from Democrat hyperbole about a host of ancillary issues and their hard spin on economic data that the economy is not improving and the metrics of victory are in Mitt Romney's favor.Mitt Romney is a deeply flawed candidate. His path to victory was smoothed based on familiarity by Republican voters, their habit of picking the guy who ran last time, and his money. He only shined in states where he massively outspent his opponents. That spending advantage covered up many, many flaws. Were the economy to improve, Mitt Romney would lose to Barack Obama. It is abundantly clear, however, from Democrat hyperbole about a host of ancillary issues and their hard spin on economic data that the economy is not improving and the metrics of victory are in Mitt Romney's favor.
So it really is the economy, stupid. So how's that economy getting along? That's the question. And the LA Times isn't as convinced as Erickson is that things going pear-shaped:So it really is the economy, stupid. So how's that economy getting along? That's the question. And the LA Times isn't as convinced as Erickson is that things going pear-shaped:
Many economists have become more confident about prospects for economic growth and corporate sales and profits than at the start of this year, according to a new survey released Monday by the National Assn. for Business Economics.Many economists have become more confident about prospects for economic growth and corporate sales and profits than at the start of this year, according to a new survey released Monday by the National Assn. for Business Economics.
The April survey found member economists, who are employed by companies or industry associations, also were much more optimistic about employment over the next six months. That may seem at odds with March's disappointing jobs report and weak jobless claims data in early April that fanned worries of a spring stall.The April survey found member economists, who are employed by companies or industry associations, also were much more optimistic about employment over the next six months. That may seem at odds with March's disappointing jobs report and weak jobless claims data in early April that fanned worries of a spring stall.
And we all know that economists are usually bang-on with their forecasts.And we all know that economists are usually bang-on with their forecasts.
12.30pm: My excellent colleague Tom McCarthy watches ABC News's "exclusive inside look at the Republicans' anti-Obama war room":12.30pm: My excellent colleague Tom McCarthy watches ABC News's "exclusive inside look at the Republicans' anti-Obama war room":
Opposition research fills the arsenals of any political campaign. In a presidential race, whole factories spring up to produce crate after crate of material to use against the other side, from smart-quote bombs to video ammo clips. In politics, the dirtiest strikes win: just ask John Kerry about his Swift Boat experience.Opposition research fills the arsenals of any political campaign. In a presidential race, whole factories spring up to produce crate after crate of material to use against the other side, from smart-quote bombs to video ammo clips. In politics, the dirtiest strikes win: just ask John Kerry about his Swift Boat experience.
Now we have a peek inside the 2012 Republican oppo factory, thanks to ABC News White House correspondent Jake Tapper. He visited the bunkered (windowless at least) facility where Republican National Committee staffers surf the internet and study the Obama campaign in hopes of turning up useful tidbits. They are also constructing a comprehensive database of what the president has said on every issue.Now we have a peek inside the 2012 Republican oppo factory, thanks to ABC News White House correspondent Jake Tapper. He visited the bunkered (windowless at least) facility where Republican National Committee staffers surf the internet and study the Obama campaign in hopes of turning up useful tidbits. They are also constructing a comprehensive database of what the president has said on every issue.
"Everything he has ever said, done, written, we have captured, catalogued," says RNC communications director Sean Spicer."Everything he has ever said, done, written, we have captured, catalogued," says RNC communications director Sean Spicer.
From Tapper's report we learn a few things. One, RNC chair Reince Priebus keeps a huge gold WWE (that's World Wrestling Entertainment) title belt in his oppo research office. "It goes with everything," he quips.From Tapper's report we learn a few things. One, RNC chair Reince Priebus keeps a huge gold WWE (that's World Wrestling Entertainment) title belt in his oppo research office. "It goes with everything," he quips.
Two, the RNC already is working 24 hours a day to defeat the president, employing young staffers around the clock in staggered shifts.Two, the RNC already is working 24 hours a day to defeat the president, employing young staffers around the clock in staggered shifts.
And three, those young staffers really are young. Apart from Priebus and Spicer, virtually none of them looks old enough to rent a car, license a gun or remember Ronald Reagan.And three, those young staffers really are young. Apart from Priebus and Spicer, virtually none of them looks old enough to rent a car, license a gun or remember Ronald Reagan.
12pm: Speculative Romney vice presidential speculation, Republican National Committee edititon.12pm: Speculative Romney vice presidential speculation, Republican National Committee edititon.
The National Journal says everyone at the RNC meeting really wants Condi Rice as Romney's VP pick:The National Journal says everyone at the RNC meeting really wants Condi Rice as Romney's VP pick:
At the annual meeting of state Republican Party chairmen in Arizona last week, more members told me they wanted to see Romney pick Rice than any other candidate – both for her foreign policy experience and for the message she would send as a member of the ticket.At the annual meeting of state Republican Party chairmen in Arizona last week, more members told me they wanted to see Romney pick Rice than any other candidate – both for her foreign policy experience and for the message she would send as a member of the ticket.
Meanwhile, BuzzFeed Politics says everyone at the RNC meeting last weekend really wants Rob Portman as Romney's VP pick:Meanwhile, BuzzFeed Politics says everyone at the RNC meeting last weekend really wants Rob Portman as Romney's VP pick:
In an informal survey of more than half of the Republican State Chairmen and national committee people at this weekend's State Chairman meeting at a resort here, two-thirds said they believe Portman is the most-likely and best-qualified running-mate for Mitt Romney. The committee members spoke to BuzzFeed only on the condition of anonymity.In an informal survey of more than half of the Republican State Chairmen and national committee people at this weekend's State Chairman meeting at a resort here, two-thirds said they believe Portman is the most-likely and best-qualified running-mate for Mitt Romney. The committee members spoke to BuzzFeed only on the condition of anonymity.
In conclusion: Marco Rubio.In conclusion: Marco Rubio.
11.34am: Speaking of things in US politics that may or may not be funny – last night I wrote this on first impressions of Veep, Armando Iannucci's re-creation of British politics-and-swearing comedy The Thick Of It set in Washington DC.11.34am: Speaking of things in US politics that may or may not be funny – last night I wrote this on first impressions of Veep, Armando Iannucci's re-creation of British politics-and-swearing comedy The Thick Of It set in Washington DC.
Spoiler warning: it contains more spoilers than a Formula One starting grid, including the entire plot and funniest lines. So if you want to utterly kill any chance that you would enjoy watching Veep, go ahead. Also, the chick in the Crying Game is really a man.Spoiler warning: it contains more spoilers than a Formula One starting grid, including the entire plot and funniest lines. So if you want to utterly kill any chance that you would enjoy watching Veep, go ahead. Also, the chick in the Crying Game is really a man.
11.10am: Two alternative views of Mitt Romney. According to BuzzFeed Politics – "Bottom-feeder, Buzzsaw, Buzzfeed, whatever they are," cf Jon Huntsman – Romney is "actually a pretty funny guy" based on six things, two of them being David Letterman Top 10 appearances.11.10am: Two alternative views of Mitt Romney. According to BuzzFeed Politics – "Bottom-feeder, Buzzsaw, Buzzfeed, whatever they are," cf Jon Huntsman – Romney is "actually a pretty funny guy" based on six things, two of them being David Letterman Top 10 appearances.
The other, more acerbic view is from Salon's Alex Pareene, who has a new ebook entitled The Rude Guide To Mitt – a snip at $2.99 for your Kindle:The other, more acerbic view is from Salon's Alex Pareene, who has a new ebook entitled The Rude Guide To Mitt – a snip at $2.99 for your Kindle:
Mitt Romney is very weird. He seems incapable of natural conversation and frequently uncomfortable in his own skin. He's simultaneously dorkily earnest and ingratiatingly insincere. He suggests a brilliantly designed politician/android with an operating system still clearly in beta. All video of him attempting to interact with normal humans is cringe-inducing... He seems to have been told that "small talk" is mostly made up of cheerfully delivered non sequiturs.Mitt Romney is very weird. He seems incapable of natural conversation and frequently uncomfortable in his own skin. He's simultaneously dorkily earnest and ingratiatingly insincere. He suggests a brilliantly designed politician/android with an operating system still clearly in beta. All video of him attempting to interact with normal humans is cringe-inducing... He seems to have been told that "small talk" is mostly made up of cheerfully delivered non sequiturs.
Those of you without a Kindle or $2.99 can read an extract here.Those of you without a Kindle or $2.99 can read an extract here.
Of course Romney can both be weird and funny. In reality, the idea that a starchy political figure is also non-stop giggles in private is a well-worn one. For previous examples see John Major, Al Gore, and so on. Maybe it's true. Or maybe when you ascend the upper echelons of politics and tell a knock, knock joke, everyone falls about in hysterics – in the same way that they all nod gravely when you just repeat something about China from last week's Economist.Of course Romney can both be weird and funny. In reality, the idea that a starchy political figure is also non-stop giggles in private is a well-worn one. For previous examples see John Major, Al Gore, and so on. Maybe it's true. Or maybe when you ascend the upper echelons of politics and tell a knock, knock joke, everyone falls about in hysterics – in the same way that they all nod gravely when you just repeat something about China from last week's Economist.
10.52am: Meanwhile, the US Treasury announced new sanctions on six Iranian and Syrian organisations, as well as the head of Syria's intelligence directorate, after President Obama signed an executive order this morning allowing their assets to be frozen and barring Americans from doing business with them. AP reports:10.52am: Meanwhile, the US Treasury announced new sanctions on six Iranian and Syrian organisations, as well as the head of Syria's intelligence directorate, after President Obama signed an executive order this morning allowing their assets to be frozen and barring Americans from doing business with them. AP reports:
Six of the seven – Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, national police, and intelligence ministry as well as the Syrian intelligence chief and his agency and the state-controlled cell phone company – were already subject to US sanctions. The new addition is Iran's Datak Telecom Internet provider.Six of the seven – Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, national police, and intelligence ministry as well as the Syrian intelligence chief and his agency and the state-controlled cell phone company – were already subject to US sanctions. The new addition is Iran's Datak Telecom Internet provider.
10.35am: The purpose of today's event at the Holocaust Memorial Museum is – according to the White House – to discuss "how the US is honoring the pledge of 'never again' by developing a comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to mass atrocities".10.35am: The purpose of today's event at the Holocaust Memorial Museum is – according to the White House – to discuss "how the US is honoring the pledge of 'never again' by developing a comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to mass atrocities".
Obama mentions an earlier visit, when he vowed to "prevent and end atrocities," and reports back on the administration's plans:Obama mentions an earlier visit, when he vowed to "prevent and end atrocities," and reports back on the administration's plans:
We're making sure that the United States government has the structures, the mechanisms to better prevent and respond to mass atrocities. So I created the first-ever White House position dedicated to this task. It's why I created a new Atrocities Prevention Board, to bring together senior officials from across our government to focus on this critical mission.We're making sure that the United States government has the structures, the mechanisms to better prevent and respond to mass atrocities. So I created the first-ever White House position dedicated to this task. It's why I created a new Atrocities Prevention Board, to bring together senior officials from across our government to focus on this critical mission.
This is not an afterthought. This is not a sidelight in our foreign policy. The board will convene for the first time today at the White House. And I'm pleased that one of its first acts will be to meet with some of your organizations, citizens and activists who are partners in this work, who have been carrying this torch.This is not an afterthought. This is not a sidelight in our foreign policy. The board will convene for the first time today at the White House. And I'm pleased that one of its first acts will be to meet with some of your organizations, citizens and activists who are partners in this work, who have been carrying this torch.
As part of this effort, Obama says that USAID will "invite people and high-tech companies to help create new technologies to quickly expose violations of human rights".As part of this effort, Obama says that USAID will "invite people and high-tech companies to help create new technologies to quickly expose violations of human rights".
10.27am: Speaking outside the Holocaust Memorial Museum, President Obama mentions Israel and Iran:10.27am: Speaking outside the Holocaust Memorial Museum, President Obama mentions Israel and Iran:
On my visit to the old Warsaw ghetto a woman looked me in the eye and she wanted to make sure America stood with Israel. She said, "It's the only Jewish state we have." And I made her a promise in that solemn place. I said, "I will always be there for Israel."On my visit to the old Warsaw ghetto a woman looked me in the eye and she wanted to make sure America stood with Israel. She said, "It's the only Jewish state we have." And I made her a promise in that solemn place. I said, "I will always be there for Israel."
So when efforts are made to equate Zionism to racism, we reject them. When international fora single out Israel with unfair resolutions, we vote against them. When attempts are made to delegitimize the state of Israel, we oppose them. When faced with a regime that threatens global security and denies the Holocaust and threatens to destroy Israel, the United States will do everything in our power to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.So when efforts are made to equate Zionism to racism, we reject them. When international fora single out Israel with unfair resolutions, we vote against them. When attempts are made to delegitimize the state of Israel, we oppose them. When faced with a regime that threatens global security and denies the Holocaust and threatens to destroy Israel, the United States will do everything in our power to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
10.21am: President Obama is speaking this morning at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC, where he was introduced by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. It's a sombre moment:10.21am: President Obama is speaking this morning at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC, where he was introduced by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. It's a sombre moment:
We must tell our children about a crime unique in human history, the one and only Holocaust, six million innocent people, men, women, children, babies sent to their deaths just for being different, just for being Jewish.We must tell our children about a crime unique in human history, the one and only Holocaust, six million innocent people, men, women, children, babies sent to their deaths just for being different, just for being Jewish.
We tell them, our children, about the millions of Poles and Catholics and Roma and gay people and so many others who also must never be forgotten.We tell them, our children, about the millions of Poles and Catholics and Roma and gay people and so many others who also must never be forgotten.
Let us tell our children not only how they died, but also how they lived, as fathers and mothers, and sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters who loved and hoped and dreamed just like us.Let us tell our children not only how they died, but also how they lived, as fathers and mothers, and sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters who loved and hoped and dreamed just like us.
10.09am: With the John Edwards case kicking off today, Politico has the top lines to watch – including this teaser:10.09am: With the John Edwards case kicking off today, Politico has the top lines to watch – including this teaser:
At least five current Obama administration or campaign officials are on the prosecution or defense witness lists for the trial, and Obama's 2008 campaign is expected to be drawn into the trial's storyline, as prosecutors argue that Edwards's political ambitions were very much alive even after he dropped out of the race in January 2008.At least five current Obama administration or campaign officials are on the prosecution or defense witness lists for the trial, and Obama's 2008 campaign is expected to be drawn into the trial's storyline, as prosecutors argue that Edwards's political ambitions were very much alive even after he dropped out of the race in January 2008.
9.45am: The Democratic party is still figuring out the best way to take on Mitt Romney – and the advice from Bill Clinton is to forget the flip-flopping line and highlight his embrace of the Republican right during the primary campaign.9.45am: The Democratic party is still figuring out the best way to take on Mitt Romney – and the advice from Bill Clinton is to forget the flip-flopping line and highlight his embrace of the Republican right during the primary campaign.
That comes on the eve of Romney's assured victory in five primaries tomorrow – Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island – although there's some question that Newt Gingrich's campaign is still showing a faint pulse in tiny Delaware.That comes on the eve of Romney's assured victory in five primaries tomorrow – Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island – although there's some question that Newt Gingrich's campaign is still showing a faint pulse in tiny Delaware.
Romney himself is going through the routine with some campaigning in Pennsylvania, but the more exciting political news goes back a few years with the trial of former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, who is alleged to have transferred nearly $1m from his campaign donors to his mistress.Romney himself is going through the routine with some campaigning in Pennsylvania, but the more exciting political news goes back a few years with the trial of former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, who is alleged to have transferred nearly $1m from his campaign donors to his mistress.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from Ryan Devereaux:Here's a round-up of the latest news from Ryan Devereaux:
• The Obama campaign has adjusted its strategy for attacking Romney by taking advice from former president Bill Clinton, according to Politico. Rather than target Romney as a flip-flopper for making a stark leap to the right in his bid for the presidency, Clinton has reportedly suggested the president's team target him for him embracing a Tea Party brand of conservatism that potentially alienates Hispanics, women and moderate independents. The strategy would theoretically block Romney from moving back to the center and ideologically corner him.• The Obama campaign has adjusted its strategy for attacking Romney by taking advice from former president Bill Clinton, according to Politico. Rather than target Romney as a flip-flopper for making a stark leap to the right in his bid for the presidency, Clinton has reportedly suggested the president's team target him for him embracing a Tea Party brand of conservatism that potentially alienates Hispanics, women and moderate independents. The strategy would theoretically block Romney from moving back to the center and ideologically corner him.
• The Associated Press is out with a new article on Mitt Romney's approach to government spending. The presidential hopeful's plan is rife with programmes and efforts to be cut, including health care for the poor and the disabled, food inspection, border security and education. In true Republican fashion, however, there will still be plenty of money set aside for the nation's war-making apparatus, with Romney promising budget increases for the Pentagon. As the AP points out, this is an area of starkest contrast between President Obama and Romney.• The Associated Press is out with a new article on Mitt Romney's approach to government spending. The presidential hopeful's plan is rife with programmes and efforts to be cut, including health care for the poor and the disabled, food inspection, border security and education. In true Republican fashion, however, there will still be plenty of money set aside for the nation's war-making apparatus, with Romney promising budget increases for the Pentagon. As the AP points out, this is an area of starkest contrast between President Obama and Romney.
• Weekly Standard editor and Republican cheerleader Bill Kristol has called on Mitt Romney to act like a president. "Romney has to behave presidentially — more like a leader than a campaigner," Kristol writes. He calls on the former Massachusetts governor to "lay out his governing agenda to restore our solvency, put us on a path to prosperity, attend to our security, and safeguard our liberty...instead of giving rebuttals and prebuttals to Obama's speeches".• Weekly Standard editor and Republican cheerleader Bill Kristol has called on Mitt Romney to act like a president. "Romney has to behave presidentially — more like a leader than a campaigner," Kristol writes. He calls on the former Massachusetts governor to "lay out his governing agenda to restore our solvency, put us on a path to prosperity, attend to our security, and safeguard our liberty...instead of giving rebuttals and prebuttals to Obama's speeches".
• Former candidate John Huntsman has attempted to walk back a comment he made comparing the Republican party to China's Communist party. On Sunday night, Huntsman appeared at the 92nd Street Y in New York City where he expressed disappointment that the GOP disinvited him to a Florida fundraiser after he publicly called for a third party. ""This is what they do in China on party matters if you talk off script," Huntsman, formerly Obama's ambassador to China, said. On Monday, Hunstman appeared on MSNBC, where he blamed blogs for taking his comment out of context: "You get these blogs out there, you know, Bottom-feeder, Buzzsaw, Buzzfeed, whatever they are, and they take a sentence out of context and it becomes a headline and pretty soon mainstream newspapers pick up on that."• Former candidate John Huntsman has attempted to walk back a comment he made comparing the Republican party to China's Communist party. On Sunday night, Huntsman appeared at the 92nd Street Y in New York City where he expressed disappointment that the GOP disinvited him to a Florida fundraiser after he publicly called for a third party. ""This is what they do in China on party matters if you talk off script," Huntsman, formerly Obama's ambassador to China, said. On Monday, Hunstman appeared on MSNBC, where he blamed blogs for taking his comment out of context: "You get these blogs out there, you know, Bottom-feeder, Buzzsaw, Buzzfeed, whatever they are, and they take a sentence out of context and it becomes a headline and pretty soon mainstream newspapers pick up on that."
guardian.co.uk today is our daily snapshot of the top news stories, sent to your inbox at 8am