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/26/barack-obama-mitt-romney-campaign-live

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Obama plans back-to-back rallies to kick off campaign – the day in politics Obama plans back-to-back rallies to kick off campaign – the day in politics
(12 months later)
9.15am: Good morning and welcome to our Thursday live blog coverage of American politics. Tom McCarthy here in New York wearing the blogger helmet (it's soundproof but you can sort of see out of it) this morning, and here's a summary of where things stand.9.15am: Good morning and welcome to our Thursday live blog coverage of American politics. Tom McCarthy here in New York wearing the blogger helmet (it's soundproof but you can sort of see out of it) this morning, and here's a summary of where things stand.
• 'Obama to kick off campaign in – where else – Ohio.' That's the world-weary headline the Cincinnati Enquirer has attached to its coverage of the Obama campaign announcement last night that the juggernaut will roll out with campaign rallies May 5 in Columbus and Richmond, Va.• 'Obama to kick off campaign in – where else – Ohio.' That's the world-weary headline the Cincinnati Enquirer has attached to its coverage of the Obama campaign announcement last night that the juggernaut will roll out with campaign rallies May 5 in Columbus and Richmond, Va.
• Vice-president Joe Biden speaks this morning at NYU on foreign policy. He will argue that the Obama administration has done a good job. We'll be watching, 10.30am ET. Should provide an interesting contrast with Sen. Marco Rubio's Brookings speech yesterday, which, by the way, the New Yorker's Ryan Lizza thought was "notable for its civility and relative policy heft."• Vice-president Joe Biden speaks this morning at NYU on foreign policy. He will argue that the Obama administration has done a good job. We'll be watching, 10.30am ET. Should provide an interesting contrast with Sen. Marco Rubio's Brookings speech yesterday, which, by the way, the New Yorker's Ryan Lizza thought was "notable for its civility and relative policy heft."
• There's a new poll out from a major news organization showing Barack Obama with a favorability rating among Americans (+2) that is five points better than rival Mitt Romney's (-3). But it's a Fox poll, so they're probably just trying to make the president look bad.• There's a new poll out from a major news organization showing Barack Obama with a favorability rating among Americans (+2) that is five points better than rival Mitt Romney's (-3). But it's a Fox poll, so they're probably just trying to make the president look bad.
9.37am: Karl Rove's Super Pac, American Crossroads, has released an entertaining ad called Cool. As anti-Obama videos go, this one is way more fun than that Santorum fright-wig nightmare Obamaville thing.9.37am: Karl Rove's Super Pac, American Crossroads, has released an entertaining ad called Cool. As anti-Obama videos go, this one is way more fun than that Santorum fright-wig nightmare Obamaville thing.
Cool strings together clips of the president being cool: wearing 3-D glasses, drinking a beer, singing Al Green, dancing with Ellen DeGeneres (cool!). The tag line is, "After four years of a celebrity president, is your life any better?"Cool strings together clips of the president being cool: wearing 3-D glasses, drinking a beer, singing Al Green, dancing with Ellen DeGeneres (cool!). The tag line is, "After four years of a celebrity president, is your life any better?"

What do you think?
What do you think?
10.07am: Not to be outdone in the ad wars, the Obama campaign is going after Mitt Romney on student loans.10.07am: Not to be outdone in the ad wars, the Obama campaign is going after Mitt Romney on student loans.
"Romney's budget plan cuts Pell grants and locks in higher student loan rates," the new ad says. It's part of team Obama's Mitt Romney v Reality series. Ads in the series use the same blue background and logo and draw heavily on footage from the primary campaign. The tone of the ads is straightforward, point-counterpoint – not quite professorial, but appealing to voters' logic as opposed to the emotion or fear centers in the voter brain."Romney's budget plan cuts Pell grants and locks in higher student loan rates," the new ad says. It's part of team Obama's Mitt Romney v Reality series. Ads in the series use the same blue background and logo and draw heavily on footage from the primary campaign. The tone of the ads is straightforward, point-counterpoint – not quite professorial, but appealing to voters' logic as opposed to the emotion or fear centers in the voter brain.
10.31am: Rep. Paul Ryan has just finished his prepared remarks at Georgetown University and is preparing to submit to a Q&A. Watch the action here.10.31am: Rep. Paul Ryan has just finished his prepared remarks at Georgetown University and is preparing to submit to a Q&A. Watch the action here.
Ryan's speech, "America's Enduring Promise," is the Georgetown University Public Policy Institute's 2012 Whittington Lecture.Ryan's speech, "America's Enduring Promise," is the Georgetown University Public Policy Institute's 2012 Whittington Lecture.
Ryan said budget reform is needed to salvage the country's long-term viability.Ryan said budget reform is needed to salvage the country's long-term viability.
"This will not be our destiny," Ryan said. "Americans won't stand for a shrunken vision of our future. We will get back on a path to prosperity. We will get this right.""This will not be our destiny," Ryan said. "Americans won't stand for a shrunken vision of our future. We will get back on a path to prosperity. We will get this right."
The first question is about the moral calculus of the Paul Ryan budget. Does it leave out the poor and others who would see benefits disappear under the banner of budget austerity?The first question is about the moral calculus of the Paul Ryan budget. Does it leave out the poor and others who would see benefits disappear under the banner of budget austerity?
"You can't lift people out of poverty if you don't have a growing economy," Ryan says. "...Hardly Draconian, I would argue.""You can't lift people out of poverty if you don't have a growing economy," Ryan says. "...Hardly Draconian, I would argue."
10.37am: Next question for Ryan is taken from the Obama ad this morning: What about cuts to the Pell problem?10.37am: Next question for Ryan is taken from the Obama ad this morning: What about cuts to the Pell problem?
Ryan said his budget keeps the Pell grant award at $5,500 – and people are calling it a cut only because his budget doesn't expand the grant as usual. Then Ryan pivots to a criticism of rising tuitions. That's the problem, he says; not the lack of government subsidy.Ryan said his budget keeps the Pell grant award at $5,500 – and people are calling it a cut only because his budget doesn't expand the grant as usual. Then Ryan pivots to a criticism of rising tuitions. That's the problem, he says; not the lack of government subsidy.
"Let's look at why tuition is growing at such a fast pace.""Let's look at why tuition is growing at such a fast pace."
10.43am: Rep. Paul Ryan is at Georgetown talking about his plan to bring sanity back to the budgeting process.10.43am: Rep. Paul Ryan is at Georgetown talking about his plan to bring sanity back to the budgeting process.
On April 3 Mitt Romney won the primary in Wisconsin, Ryan's home state, 44-37. Ryan helped Romney campaign there. Later this month Ryan was asked the veep question: is he interested?On April 3 Mitt Romney won the primary in Wisconsin, Ryan's home state, 44-37. Ryan helped Romney campaign there. Later this month Ryan was asked the veep question: is he interested?
"It's his decision months from now, not mine," Ryan said. "So why spend my time thinking about it?…If this bridge ever comes that I should cross it, then I'll think about it then. It's not the time to think about it.""It's his decision months from now, not mine," Ryan said. "So why spend my time thinking about it?…If this bridge ever comes that I should cross it, then I'll think about it then. It's not the time to think about it."
The Obama campaign might like to see more of the two onstage together. The re-election team has spent weeks trying to tie Mitt Romney to the Ryan budget, which fails to raise taxes on the wealthy while eviscerating entitlements and other popular subsidy programs.The Obama campaign might like to see more of the two onstage together. The re-election team has spent weeks trying to tie Mitt Romney to the Ryan budget, which fails to raise taxes on the wealthy while eviscerating entitlements and other popular subsidy programs.
10.50am: Vice President Joe Biden is speaking this morning at NYU to "contrast the Administration's record with the empty rhetoric of Governor Mitt Romney, who continues to distort and mischaracterize the President's accomplishments on foreign policy and national security without offering policy alternatives of his own," as a White House statement puts it.10.50am: Vice President Joe Biden is speaking this morning at NYU to "contrast the Administration's record with the empty rhetoric of Governor Mitt Romney, who continues to distort and mischaracterize the President's accomplishments on foreign policy and national security without offering policy alternatives of his own," as a White House statement puts it.
Excerpts of the speech have been released beforehand. Biden will flog one line we've been hearing for months but are likely to hear a lot more of:Excerpts of the speech have been released beforehand. Biden will flog one line we've been hearing for months but are likely to hear a lot more of:
"If you are looking for a bumper sticker to sum up how President Obama has handled what we inherited, it's pretty simple: Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive.""If you are looking for a bumper sticker to sum up how President Obama has handled what we inherited, it's pretty simple: Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive."
10.56am: And we'll have more on that Biden speech for you just as soon as the AV club gets it together.10.56am: And we'll have more on that Biden speech for you just as soon as the AV club gets it together.
Same question. Anyone? RT @alanagoodman: Is Biden's speech running late? Or is the campaign's live feed just not working?Same question. Anyone? RT @alanagoodman: Is Biden's speech running late? Or is the campaign's live feed just not working?
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) April 26, 2012— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) April 26, 2012
11.06am: How long did House Republicans wait after Barack Obama's inauguration before putting in place a plan to make sure he would never be reelected? Oh, about as long as it takes to get out of that damn crowd on the Capitol bleachers and into a restaurant.11.06am: How long did House Republicans wait after Barack Obama's inauguration before putting in place a plan to make sure he would never be reelected? Oh, about as long as it takes to get out of that damn crowd on the Capitol bleachers and into a restaurant.
That's according to Robert Draper's new book, "Do Not Ask What Good We Do: Inside the U.S. House of Representatives." On the night of Obama's inauguration, top GOP lawmakers and strategists held a private dinner at which they agreed to vote no on everything the president might try to do.That's according to Robert Draper's new book, "Do Not Ask What Good We Do: Inside the U.S. House of Representatives." On the night of Obama's inauguration, top GOP lawmakers and strategists held a private dinner at which they agreed to vote no on everything the president might try to do.
Sam Stein of the Huffington Post has an excerpt this morning:Sam Stein of the Huffington Post has an excerpt this morning:
The dinner lasted nearly four hours. They parted company almost giddily. The Republicans had agreed on a way forward:The dinner lasted nearly four hours. They parted company almost giddily. The Republicans had agreed on a way forward:
Go after Geithner. (And indeed Kyl did, the next day: 'Would you answer my question rather than dancing around it—please?')Go after Geithner. (And indeed Kyl did, the next day: 'Would you answer my question rather than dancing around it—please?')
Show united and unyielding opposition to the president's economic policies. (Eight days later, Minority Whip Cantor would hold the House Republicans to a unanimous No against Obama's economic stimulus plan.)Show united and unyielding opposition to the president's economic policies. (Eight days later, Minority Whip Cantor would hold the House Republicans to a unanimous No against Obama's economic stimulus plan.)
Begin attacking vulnerable Democrats on the airwaves. (The first National Republican Congressional Committee attack ads would run in less than two months.)Begin attacking vulnerable Democrats on the airwaves. (The first National Republican Congressional Committee attack ads would run in less than two months.)
Win the spear point of the House in 2010. Jab Obama relentlessly in 2011. Win the White House and the Senate in 2012.Win the spear point of the House in 2010. Jab Obama relentlessly in 2011. Win the White House and the Senate in 2012.
The Obama camp is wounded but not shocked.The Obama camp is wounded but not shocked.
This is sad, appalling but not terribly surprising. A GOP plan to obstruct from day one. huff.to/K6hEHxThis is sad, appalling but not terribly surprising. A GOP plan to obstruct from day one. huff.to/K6hEHx
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) April 26, 2012— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) April 26, 2012
11.09am: Vice President Joe Biden is making the case that the Obama administration has improved American security at home and abroad – gains that might be reversed if Mitt Romney is elected president.11.09am: Vice President Joe Biden is making the case that the Obama administration has improved American security at home and abroad – gains that might be reversed if Mitt Romney is elected president.
Biden's speaking at NYU. The speech is streaming live right here.Biden's speaking at NYU. The speech is streaming live right here.
"The question is: Where does Gov. Romney stand? How would he keep our citizens safe and our nation secure? ... Well the truth is, we don't know for certain. But we know where the governor starts. He starts with a profound misunderstanding of the responsibilities of the president and the commander in chief.""The question is: Where does Gov. Romney stand? How would he keep our citizens safe and our nation secure? ... Well the truth is, we don't know for certain. But we know where the governor starts. He starts with a profound misunderstanding of the responsibilities of the president and the commander in chief."
Biden quotes Romney as saying that the president can lean on the State Department for policy expertise. "That's not how it works," says Biden. "No matter how experienced the team... the buck literally stops on the president's desk in the Oval Office."Biden quotes Romney as saying that the president can lean on the State Department for policy expertise. "That's not how it works," says Biden. "No matter how experienced the team... the buck literally stops on the president's desk in the Oval Office."
One has to think that Romney wouldn't disagree.One has to think that Romney wouldn't disagree.
11.16am: Biden at NYU.11.16am: Biden at NYU.
"How do we fairly assess the views of Gov. Romney on foreign policy?... We know Gov. Romney reflexively criticizes the president's policy. ... We know that when he agrees with the president, he then goes on to mischaracterize our record to make what is a nonexistent contrast. ... In my view, he would take us back to dangerous and discredited policies that would make America less safe and less secure.""How do we fairly assess the views of Gov. Romney on foreign policy?... We know Gov. Romney reflexively criticizes the president's policy. ... We know that when he agrees with the president, he then goes on to mischaracterize our record to make what is a nonexistent contrast. ... In my view, he would take us back to dangerous and discredited policies that would make America less safe and less secure."
Biden is talking about how Biden "kept his commitment" to end the war in Iraq.Biden is talking about how Biden "kept his commitment" to end the war in Iraq.
11.25am: Biden says Romney "seems to want to keep troops in Afghanistan indefinitely."11.25am: Biden says Romney "seems to want to keep troops in Afghanistan indefinitely."
"The American people deserve an explanation" of Romney's plan for Afghanistan, Biden says."The American people deserve an explanation" of Romney's plan for Afghanistan, Biden says.
Is the national discourse capable of holding a serious debate over Romney and Obama's respective Afghanistan policies in the next six months?Is the national discourse capable of holding a serious debate over Romney and Obama's respective Afghanistan policies in the next six months?
A quick note about Biden today versus Marco Rubio talking about foreign policy yesterday. Biden's the gray head, Rubio was the greenhorn. Biden is talking about what the administration has done around the world. Rubio couldn't talk about a foreign policy decision he was involved in; he talked about policy from the outside. Rubio presented theories; Biden is talking about recent history he saw firsthand. Not to begrudge Rubio his relative lack of experience. But that's the contrast.A quick note about Biden today versus Marco Rubio talking about foreign policy yesterday. Biden's the gray head, Rubio was the greenhorn. Biden is talking about what the administration has done around the world. Rubio couldn't talk about a foreign policy decision he was involved in; he talked about policy from the outside. Rubio presented theories; Biden is talking about recent history he saw firsthand. Not to begrudge Rubio his relative lack of experience. But that's the contrast.
11.28am: Now Biden's talking about the death of Osama bin Laden. He quotes Mitt Romney from 2008:11.28am: Now Biden's talking about the death of Osama bin Laden. He quotes Mitt Romney from 2008:
"There would be a very insignificant increase in safety... if bin Laden is brought to justice," Romney said. "... It's not worth moving heaven and earth, spending millions of dollars, just to catch him.""There would be a very insignificant increase in safety... if bin Laden is brought to justice," Romney said. "... It's not worth moving heaven and earth, spending millions of dollars, just to catch him."
Well, that quote doesn't look so good now.Well, that quote doesn't look so good now.
Biden has always been good about awarding credit for bin Laden's death to the president. He is doing so now. He's telling stories about how Obama ordered then CIA-chief Leon Panetta to go after bin Laden and about how Obama made the "very difficult decision" to ultimately mount the attack that killed the Al-Qaeda leader.Biden has always been good about awarding credit for bin Laden's death to the president. He is doing so now. He's telling stories about how Obama ordered then CIA-chief Leon Panetta to go after bin Laden and about how Obama made the "very difficult decision" to ultimately mount the attack that killed the Al-Qaeda leader.
"On this gut issue, we know what President Obama did. We can't say for certain what Gov. Romney would have done.""On this gut issue, we know what President Obama did. We can't say for certain what Gov. Romney would have done."
"Thanks to President Obama, bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive. You have to ask yourself, if Gov. Romney were president, could you use that same slogan, in reverse?""Thanks to President Obama, bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive. You have to ask yourself, if Gov. Romney were president, could you use that same slogan, in reverse?"
11.36am: The biggest applause line so far in Biden's speech at NYU is when the vice president alluded to his tendency to commit slips of the tongue. The self-deprecating Biden humor played well with the students because, well, that's what the guy's famous for, in some corners of the Internet.11.36am: The biggest applause line so far in Biden's speech at NYU is when the vice president alluded to his tendency to commit slips of the tongue. The self-deprecating Biden humor played well with the students because, well, that's what the guy's famous for, in some corners of the Internet.
i feel like this apple-cheeked NYU crowd was expecting less taking-OBL-to-the-gates-of-hell stuff and more of The Onion's version of Bideni feel like this apple-cheeked NYU crowd was expecting less taking-OBL-to-the-gates-of-hell stuff and more of The Onion's version of Biden
— Rosie Gray (@RosieGray) April 26, 2012— Rosie Gray (@RosieGray) April 26, 2012
Speaking of college humor. Biden has just quoted Roosevelt, "Speak softly, and carry a big stick." Then Biden says, "I promise you, the president has a big stick."Speaking of college humor. Biden has just quoted Roosevelt, "Speak softly, and carry a big stick." Then Biden says, "I promise you, the president has a big stick."
Then a bunch of people in the audience hoot.Then a bunch of people in the audience hoot.
Biden, citing Teddy Roosevelt quote: "I promise you, the president has a big stick. I promise you."Biden, citing Teddy Roosevelt quote: "I promise you, the president has a big stick. I promise you."
— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) April 26, 2012— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) April 26, 2012
11.45am: Biden's done. He finishes with a metaphor accusing Mitt Romney of being a hindsight visionary, saying the country needs to move ahead by "looking forward and not in the rear view mirror."11.45am: Biden's done. He finishes with a metaphor accusing Mitt Romney of being a hindsight visionary, saying the country needs to move ahead by "looking forward and not in the rear view mirror."
It's the second mention of the rear-view mirror in the speech. Sounds like an image we may encounter again over the course of the campaign.It's the second mention of the rear-view mirror in the speech. Sounds like an image we may encounter again over the course of the campaign.
11.52am: "The Piece of Paper that Killed bin Laden" – the Atlantic Wire has the memo from then-CIA director Leon Panetta saying that President Obama had approved the raid on the Abbottabad compound and the navy should go for it.11.52am: "The Piece of Paper that Killed bin Laden" – the Atlantic Wire has the memo from then-CIA director Leon Panetta saying that President Obama had approved the raid on the Abbottabad compound and the navy should go for it.
Received phone call from Tom Donilon who stated that the President made a decision with regard to AC1 [Abbottabad Compound 1]. The decision is to proceed with the assault. The timing, operational decision making and control are in Admiral McRaven's hands. The approval is provided on the risk profile presented to the President. Any additional risks are to be brought back to the President for his consideration. The direction is to go in and get bin Laden and if he is not there, to get out. Those instructions were conveyed to Admiral McRaven at approximately 10:45 am.Received phone call from Tom Donilon who stated that the President made a decision with regard to AC1 [Abbottabad Compound 1]. The decision is to proceed with the assault. The timing, operational decision making and control are in Admiral McRaven's hands. The approval is provided on the risk profile presented to the President. Any additional risks are to be brought back to the President for his consideration. The direction is to go in and get bin Laden and if he is not there, to get out. Those instructions were conveyed to Admiral McRaven at approximately 10:45 am.
Click through to see the memo.Click through to see the memo.
12.10pm: For those of you following the Supreme Court review of Arizona's immigration law, my colleague Chris McGreal and the Guardian interactive team have dug into the transcripts of yesterday's oral arguments and produced a handy breakdown. Check it out here:12.10pm: For those of you following the Supreme Court review of Arizona's immigration law, my colleague Chris McGreal and the Guardian interactive team have dug into the transcripts of yesterday's oral arguments and produced a handy breakdown. Check it out here:
[Paul] Clement [on behalf of Arizona] did not get very far before he came under questioning from Justice Sonya Sotomayor, who honed in on the contentious issue of what happens when an individual is stopped by the police for good reason and then separately subject to an immigration check - through a call to the federal authorities - because the officer suspects they may be in the country illegally.[Paul] Clement [on behalf of Arizona] did not get very far before he came under questioning from Justice Sonya Sotomayor, who honed in on the contentious issue of what happens when an individual is stopped by the police for good reason and then separately subject to an immigration check - through a call to the federal authorities - because the officer suspects they may be in the country illegally.
JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR
What happens if -- this is the following call -- the call to the -- to the Federal Government. Yes, he's an illegal alien. No, we don't want to detain him.		JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR
What happens if -- this is the following call -- the call to the -- to the Federal Government. Yes, he's an illegal alien. No, we don't want to detain him.
What does the law say, the Arizona law say, with respect to releasing that individual?What does the law say, the Arizona law say, with respect to releasing that individual?
MR. CLEMENT
Well, I don't know that it speaks to it in specific terms, but here's what I believe would happen, which is to say, at that point, then, the officer would ask themselves whether there's any reason to continue to detain the person for State law purposes.		MR. CLEMENT
Well, I don't know that it speaks to it in specific terms, but here's what I believe would happen, which is to say, at that point, then, the officer would ask themselves whether there's any reason to continue to detain the person for State law purposes.
I mean, it could be that the original offense that the person was pulled over needs to be dealt with or something like that.I mean, it could be that the original offense that the person was pulled over needs to be dealt with or something like that.
JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR
I'm putting all of this outside of --

MR. CLEMENT
But -- but if what we're talking about is simply what happens then for purposes of the Federal immigration consequences, the answer is nothing. The individual at that point is released.		JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR
I'm putting all of this outside of --

MR. CLEMENT
But -- but if what we're talking about is simply what happens then for purposes of the Federal immigration consequences, the answer is nothing. The individual at that point is released.
The court won't issue a ruling until late June.The court won't issue a ruling until late June.
12.39pm: Look who's doling out wisdom about selecting a vice presidential nominee! Republican strategist Karl Rove. 12.39pm: Look who's doling out wisdom about selecting a vice presidential nominee! Republican strategist Karl Rove.
In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Rove begins by saying it's a waste of breath to talk about who the vice presidential nominee will be: "This exercise is largely useless."In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Rove begins by saying it's a waste of breath to talk about who the vice presidential nominee will be: "This exercise is largely useless."
Then Rove describes the excruciating care that goes into the selection.Then Rove describes the excruciating care that goes into the selection.
"Having played a role in this process, I know that if done well this will be a political proctology exam for each individual considered.""Having played a role in this process, I know that if done well this will be a political proctology exam for each individual considered."
We know that Rove didn't like the Sarah Palin pick. That might give him an ounce of credibility on this question. Except that listening to Karl Rove hold forth on how nominees ought to be selected is a lot like listening to Dick Cheney on how national security threats ought to be assessed.We know that Rove didn't like the Sarah Palin pick. That might give him an ounce of credibility on this question. Except that listening to Karl Rove hold forth on how nominees ought to be selected is a lot like listening to Dick Cheney on how national security threats ought to be assessed.
Having gotten something so wrong once, you should thereafter be required to shut up about it. Right?Having gotten something so wrong once, you should thereafter be required to shut up about it. Right?
Karl Rove was White House deputy chief of staff under George W. Bush when Bush made one of the most egregiously nepotistic and cynical and bad nominations in the history of government, of White House Counsel Harriet Miers as a Supreme Court Justice to replace Sandra Day O'Connor. The Miers nomination lasted three embarrassing weeks, during which every senator she met with recoiled in horror at her ignorance and told the White House it wasn't happening. Then she withdrew.Karl Rove was White House deputy chief of staff under George W. Bush when Bush made one of the most egregiously nepotistic and cynical and bad nominations in the history of government, of White House Counsel Harriet Miers as a Supreme Court Justice to replace Sandra Day O'Connor. The Miers nomination lasted three embarrassing weeks, during which every senator she met with recoiled in horror at her ignorance and told the White House it wasn't happening. Then she withdrew.
The best part about Rove's op-ed, though, is his crowning example of a good vice presidential pick, the kind of pick that changed his thinking about how the process should work: Dick Cheney.The best part about Rove's op-ed, though, is his crowning example of a good vice presidential pick, the kind of pick that changed his thinking about how the process should work: Dick Cheney.
Put governing first. This was brought home to me in 2000, when then-Gov. George W. Bush was strongly leaning toward picking Dick Cheney as his VP. He knew I was opposed and invited me to make the case against his idea. I came to our meeting armed with eight political objections. Mr. Bush heard me out but with a twist: I explained my objections with Mr. Cheney sitting, mute and expressionless, next to the governor.Put governing first. This was brought home to me in 2000, when then-Gov. George W. Bush was strongly leaning toward picking Dick Cheney as his VP. He knew I was opposed and invited me to make the case against his idea. I came to our meeting armed with eight political objections. Mr. Bush heard me out but with a twist: I explained my objections with Mr. Cheney sitting, mute and expressionless, next to the governor.
The next day, Mr. Bush called to say I was right. There would be real political problems if he chose Mr. Cheney. So solve them, he said. Politics was my responsibility. His job was different: to select his best partner in the White House and a person the country would have confidence in if something terrible happened to him. The country was better served by Mr. Bush's decision than by my advice.The next day, Mr. Bush called to say I was right. There would be real political problems if he chose Mr. Cheney. So solve them, he said. Politics was my responsibility. His job was different: to select his best partner in the White House and a person the country would have confidence in if something terrible happened to him. The country was better served by Mr. Bush's decision than by my advice.
12.55pm: In our previous post, Karl Rove called speculation on the veep nomination "largely useless."12.55pm: In our previous post, Karl Rove called speculation on the veep nomination "largely useless."
1992 is trying to force us to agree with Karl Rove.1992 is trying to force us to agree with Karl Rove.
Here's who the pundits thought the VEEP shortlist was in 1992. Notice that Al Gore is nowhere to be found. #wastingtime twitter.com/ForecasterEnte…Here's who the pundits thought the VEEP shortlist was in 1992. Notice that Al Gore is nowhere to be found. #wastingtime twitter.com/ForecasterEnte…
— Harry Enten (@ForecasterEnten) April 26, 2012— Harry Enten (@ForecasterEnten) April 26, 2012
1.37pm: Howard Beale lives. The Daily Dish asks Danger Room blogger Spencer Ackerman what he hates about DC culture.1.37pm: Howard Beale lives. The Daily Dish asks Danger Room blogger Spencer Ackerman what he hates about DC culture.
Stand back.Stand back.
(Dish)(Dish)
2.27pm: Remember when Rick Santorum said nice things about Mitt Romney in 2008, then the Romney campaign used video of the comments to undercut the mean things Rick Santorum was saying about Mitt Romney in 2012?2.27pm: Remember when Rick Santorum said nice things about Mitt Romney in 2008, then the Romney campaign used video of the comments to undercut the mean things Rick Santorum was saying about Mitt Romney in 2012?
Now the Republican National Committee is using the same devastating tactic on Barack Obama. They've dug up debate footage from 2007 in which then-presidential candidate Joe Biden "stands by" his earlier statement that Obama is not ready to president.Now the Republican National Committee is using the same devastating tactic on Barack Obama. They've dug up debate footage from 2007 in which then-presidential candidate Joe Biden "stands by" his earlier statement that Obama is not ready to president.
The video asserts that Obama is #StillNotReady to be president, what with the bad economy.The video asserts that Obama is #StillNotReady to be president, what with the bad economy.
3.07pm: Newt Gingrich has managed to rack up a record amount of debt in his abortive presidential run. Ryan J. Reilly of Talking Points Memo:3.07pm: Newt Gingrich has managed to rack up a record amount of debt in his abortive presidential run. Ryan J. Reilly of Talking Points Memo:

Figures dating back to 1992 compiled for TPM by the Center for Responsive Politics show that no other Republican presidential candidate who didn't become the GOP nominee has closed out the cycle with as much debt as Gingrich's campaign.
Figures dating back to 1992 compiled for TPM by the Center for Responsive Politics show that no other Republican presidential candidate who didn't become the GOP nominee has closed out the cycle with as much debt as Gingrich's campaign.
Gingrich's campaign, according to the latest figures available from the Federal Election Commission, is $4.3 million in debt and had $1.5 million on hand. The closest failed Republican nominee in recent memory to approach the $4.3 million sum is Rudy Guiliani, whose campaign finished out the 2008 cycle $3.5 million in the hole. The campaign was only $2.2 million in debt when he dropped out in January 2008, barely half of Gingrich's debt total.Gingrich's campaign, according to the latest figures available from the Federal Election Commission, is $4.3 million in debt and had $1.5 million on hand. The closest failed Republican nominee in recent memory to approach the $4.3 million sum is Rudy Guiliani, whose campaign finished out the 2008 cycle $3.5 million in the hole. The campaign was only $2.2 million in debt when he dropped out in January 2008, barely half of Gingrich's debt total.
3.50pm: It's Karl Rove day here on the live blog: the Republican strategist's political consulting firm has just released its first analysis of how electoral votes will stack up in the general election.3.50pm: It's Karl Rove day here on the live blog: the Republican strategist's political consulting firm has just released its first analysis of how electoral votes will stack up in the general election.
In short, Rove gives Obama the edge, with 284 electoral votes solid or leaning Obama and only 172 solid or leaning Romney. Check out the Rove map here.In short, Rove gives Obama the edge, with 284 electoral votes solid or leaning Obama and only 172 solid or leaning Romney. Check out the Rove map here.
Yesterday we linked to similar analysis by Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. Interestingly, Sabato's map looks better for Republicans and worse for Obama.Yesterday we linked to similar analysis by Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. Interestingly, Sabato's map looks better for Republicans and worse for Obama.
Sabato's map names seven tossup states. Rove agrees that three of those states are tossups: Iowa, Virginia and Florida.Sabato's map names seven tossup states. Rove agrees that three of those states are tossups: Iowa, Virginia and Florida.
But Rove thinks Sabato's four other tossups – Nevada, Colorado, Ohio and New Hampshire – all are either solid or leaning Democratic.But Rove thinks Sabato's four other tossups – Nevada, Colorado, Ohio and New Hampshire – all are either solid or leaning Democratic.
Why is Rove so bullish on Obama?Why is Rove so bullish on Obama?
Maybe the biggest disagreement between Rove and Sabato, though, is in South Carolina. Sabato calls it "safe" Republican. Rove calls it a tossup.Maybe the biggest disagreement between Rove and Sabato, though, is in South Carolina. Sabato calls it "safe" Republican. Rove calls it a tossup.
The last time South Carolina went Democratic for president was in 1976, when they voted for Jimmy Carter, who hails from neighboring Georgia. South Carolina voted for Barry Goldwater in 1964. In 1948, South Carolina voted for Strom Thurmond, whose campaign was built around continued segregation of the races.The last time South Carolina went Democratic for president was in 1976, when they voted for Jimmy Carter, who hails from neighboring Georgia. South Carolina voted for Barry Goldwater in 1964. In 1948, South Carolina voted for Strom Thurmond, whose campaign was built around continued segregation of the races.
But this year South Carolina apparently is a tossup. Why? Does Rove's model see Bible-belt opposition to a Mormon candidate strong enough to overcome racist opposition to a black candidate?But this year South Carolina apparently is a tossup. Why? Does Rove's model see Bible-belt opposition to a Mormon candidate strong enough to overcome racist opposition to a black candidate?
We'll tweet him and see what he says. Stay tuned.We'll tweet him and see what he says. Stay tuned.
4.52pm: Another Mitt Romney vs. Reality video from the Obama camp.4.52pm: Another Mitt Romney vs. Reality video from the Obama camp.
We currently don't like this video series. It's purely reactive. The point-counterpoint setup is overly lawyerly. All of these videos are utterly forgettable. If the election were a court case, these videos might win.We currently don't like this video series. It's purely reactive. The point-counterpoint setup is overly lawyerly. All of these videos are utterly forgettable. If the election were a court case, these videos might win.
On the other hand we like this series. It's just what our political discourse should aspire too: a fact-based discussion of the issues, without resort to storytelling that plays on voters' desires and fears.On the other hand we like this series. It's just what our political discourse should aspire too: a fact-based discussion of the issues, without resort to storytelling that plays on voters' desires and fears.
What do you think?What do you think?
4.59pm: Karl Rove has answered our question about how his election model can show South Carolina as a tossup state.4.59pm: Karl Rove has answered our question about how his election model can show South Carolina as a tossup state.
Rove's answer was directed to ABC News' Rick Klein, who asked a similar question on Twitter. We're counting it.Rove's answer was directed to ABC News' Rick Klein, who asked a similar question on Twitter. We're counting it.
Rove says his model is based on polls and there hasn't been much polling in SC yet/lately.Rove says his model is based on polls and there hasn't been much polling in SC yet/lately.
And here's that link to the full Rove methodology.And here's that link to the full Rove methodology.
5.23pm: The Violence Against Women Act has been reauthorized by the Senate in a 68-31 vote. The bill now goes to the House. The law, first passed in 1994, provides resources to investigate and prosecute violent crimes against women.5.23pm: The Violence Against Women Act has been reauthorized by the Senate in a 68-31 vote. The bill now goes to the House. The law, first passed in 1994, provides resources to investigate and prosecute violent crimes against women.
Politico's Scott Wong has the details:Politico's Scott Wong has the details:

Earlier in the day, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) held a news conference announcing that their 47-member caucus would not filibuster final passage of VAWA, though Republicans wanted to water down new Democratic provisions in the bill that would cover same-sex couples, undocumented immigrants and Native American women.
Earlier in the day, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) held a news conference announcing that their 47-member caucus would not filibuster final passage of VAWA, though Republicans wanted to water down new Democratic provisions in the bill that would cover same-sex couples, undocumented immigrants and Native American women.
The two GOP senators joined anti-violence activists in calling for a tougher version of the law that would give authorities more tools to investigate sex offenders and end the backlog of untested rape kits, but those changes were not expected to be adopted in the final version of the bill.The two GOP senators joined anti-violence activists in calling for a tougher version of the law that would give authorities more tools to investigate sex offenders and end the backlog of untested rape kits, but those changes were not expected to be adopted in the final version of the bill.
5.34pm: The White House has named 13 recipients of the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor (as far as honors the government gives out). The medals will be presented at the White House "in late spring."5.34pm: The White House has named 13 recipients of the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor (as far as honors the government gives out). The medals will be presented at the White House "in late spring."
Recipients include John Glenn, Toni Morrison, Shimon Peres and John Paul Stevens. A list of recipients with paragraph-long descriptions of their accomplishments is here.Recipients include John Glenn, Toni Morrison, Shimon Peres and John Paul Stevens. A list of recipients with paragraph-long descriptions of their accomplishments is here.
Oh yeah. Plus Bob Dylan. He gets one too.Oh yeah. Plus Bob Dylan. He gets one too.
5.45pm: We're going to bring our live blog coverage of the day in politics to a close. Turn out the lights, the party's over. Wish there was somebody around we could sucker into helping take out the trash.5.45pm: We're going to bring our live blog coverage of the day in politics to a close. Turn out the lights, the party's over. Wish there was somebody around we could sucker into helping take out the trash.
Mitt Romney taking out the garbage. twitpic.com/9e4dtxMitt Romney taking out the garbage. twitpic.com/9e4dtx
— Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) April 26, 2012— Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) April 26, 2012
Here's a summary of what happened:Here's a summary of what happened:
• The Obama campaign announced the beginning of Major Campaign Operations next Saturday with events in Ohio and Virginia.• The Obama campaign announced the beginning of Major Campaign Operations next Saturday with events in Ohio and Virginia.
• Vice President Biden said Mitt Romney has "a profound misunderstanding of the responsibilities of the president and the commander in chief" in a speech at New York University. Biden called on Romney to give the American people an explanation of his views on Afghanistan.• Vice President Biden said Mitt Romney has "a profound misunderstanding of the responsibilities of the president and the commander in chief" in a speech at New York University. Biden called on Romney to give the American people an explanation of his views on Afghanistan.
• The ad wars heated up, with new video releases from the Obama campaign and the Republican National Committe. Obama went after Romney on student loans and foreign policy. The Republicans rolled out a new hashtag, #stillnotready.• The ad wars heated up, with new video releases from the Obama campaign and the Republican National Committe. Obama went after Romney on student loans and foreign policy. The Republicans rolled out a new hashtag, #stillnotready.
• The Senate voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which promotes prosecution of violent crime against women. The reauthorization now goes up for a House vote.• The Senate voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which promotes prosecution of violent crime against women. The reauthorization now goes up for a House vote.
• Rep. Paul Ryan defended his budget plan in a speech at Georgetown. "You can't lift people out of poverty if you don't have a growing economy," he said.• Rep. Paul Ryan defended his budget plan in a speech at Georgetown. "You can't lift people out of poverty if you don't have a growing economy," he said.
guardian.co.uk today is our daily snapshot of the top news stories, sent to your inbox at 8am