UK government has not talked to China about building HS2 rail project: minister
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-rail-china/uk-government-has-not-talked-to-china-about-building-hs2-rail-project-minister-idUSKBN20A08F
LONDON (Reuters) - The British government has not talked to China about helping build High Speed 2, the major rail project given the green light last week despite being billions of pounds over budget, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Sunday.
A report in the Financial Times said China had offered to build the rail line, known as HS2, in five years and for less money.
“I’ve certainly had no advice on the subject, obviously I will be asking to see what the communication has been,” Shapps told the BBC’s Andrew Marr on Sunday.
“This has not been a discussion with the department, it’s been a discussion with HS2 as I understand it.”
國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（七）
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Social Democrats accuse Fine Gael of 'game-playing' and cancel meeting
https://www.thejournal.ie/fine-gael-sinn-fein-government-talks-5011094-Feb2020/
THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS have cancelled a planned meeting with Fine Gael.
In a statement released this morning, the party said it came to the decision after Leo Varadkar last night said Fine Gael was preparing to enter opposition.
“In light of Leo Varadkar’s statement yesterday evening, the Social Democrats have taken the decision to cancel today’s proposed meeting with Fine Gael.
“It is clear to all that FG are now engaged in a game-playing exercise and we refuse to participate in what is essentially theatrics by FG.
“While it was always the case that we were unlikely to find much common ground with FG, we intended to honour our commitment of engaging openly with all parties.
“Clearly Fine Gael’s intention is to engage in shadow-boxing for the coming weeks and we’ve no interest in participating in such a charade,” the statement noted.
Varadkar last night said his party is “preparing to go into opposition” following a six-hour parliamentary party meeting.
The proposal of a grand coalition with Fianna Fáil has been met with significant resistance within Fine Gael.
While some senior figures are in favour of a coalition, the majority of TDs and much of the membership of the party are understood to be against it.
Varadkar and others in the party have consistently ruled out forming a government with Sinn Féin.
When asked by TheJournal.ie if there will be a grand coalition with Fianna Fáil, Varadkar said: “I really just don’t see that happening.”
“It’s a last resort,” he said, but added “it shouldn’t come to that”.
“Other parties sought a mandate, made a lot of extraordinary impossible promises to the Irish people and they have a duty now to fulfil those promises,” Varadkar said.
A statement issued last night said: “Fine Gael will represent the interests and the aspirations of the 450,000 people who voted for the party in the election and hold the new government to account.
“The Taoiseach said he also plans to consult with public representatives and members about the future direction of Fine Gael, and looks forward to rebuilding the party in the years ahead.”
If Sinn Féin fails to form a government, Varadkar added that the onus passes to Fianna Fáil to form a government, either with Sinn Féin or other smaller parties.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland today, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said the party had a “difficult meeting yesterday” because there is a “huge amount of disappointment” in the party after the election.
“We recognise that people voted for change… The onus is on the parties that got the most votes and the party that got the most seats to show some leadership,” he said.
“We now have a very difficult situation to face up to. Irish politics is fractured. No political party got more than a quarter of the vote.”
He reiterated the party’s stance of preparing for opposition, saying he “relishes the opportunity to hold the government to account”.
“We see our future in opposition given how people have voted, but we’re not going to tie our hands and we’ll have to wait and see how it develops over the next few weeks,” Coveney said.
The Fine Gael parliamentary party will be meeting again next week.
https://www.thejournal.ie/fine-gael-sinn-fein-government-talks-5011094-Feb2020/
THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS have cancelled a planned meeting with Fine Gael.
In a statement released this morning, the party said it came to the decision after Leo Varadkar last night said Fine Gael was preparing to enter opposition.
“In light of Leo Varadkar’s statement yesterday evening, the Social Democrats have taken the decision to cancel today’s proposed meeting with Fine Gael.
“It is clear to all that FG are now engaged in a game-playing exercise and we refuse to participate in what is essentially theatrics by FG.
“While it was always the case that we were unlikely to find much common ground with FG, we intended to honour our commitment of engaging openly with all parties.
“Clearly Fine Gael’s intention is to engage in shadow-boxing for the coming weeks and we’ve no interest in participating in such a charade,” the statement noted.
Varadkar last night said his party is “preparing to go into opposition” following a six-hour parliamentary party meeting.
The proposal of a grand coalition with Fianna Fáil has been met with significant resistance within Fine Gael.
While some senior figures are in favour of a coalition, the majority of TDs and much of the membership of the party are understood to be against it.
Varadkar and others in the party have consistently ruled out forming a government with Sinn Féin.
When asked by TheJournal.ie if there will be a grand coalition with Fianna Fáil, Varadkar said: “I really just don’t see that happening.”
“It’s a last resort,” he said, but added “it shouldn’t come to that”.
“Other parties sought a mandate, made a lot of extraordinary impossible promises to the Irish people and they have a duty now to fulfil those promises,” Varadkar said.
A statement issued last night said: “Fine Gael will represent the interests and the aspirations of the 450,000 people who voted for the party in the election and hold the new government to account.
“The Taoiseach said he also plans to consult with public representatives and members about the future direction of Fine Gael, and looks forward to rebuilding the party in the years ahead.”
If Sinn Féin fails to form a government, Varadkar added that the onus passes to Fianna Fáil to form a government, either with Sinn Féin or other smaller parties.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland today, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said the party had a “difficult meeting yesterday” because there is a “huge amount of disappointment” in the party after the election.
“We recognise that people voted for change… The onus is on the parties that got the most votes and the party that got the most seats to show some leadership,” he said.
“We now have a very difficult situation to face up to. Irish politics is fractured. No political party got more than a quarter of the vote.”
He reiterated the party’s stance of preparing for opposition, saying he “relishes the opportunity to hold the government to account”.
“We see our future in opposition given how people have voted, but we’re not going to tie our hands and we’ll have to wait and see how it develops over the next few weeks,” Coveney said.
The Fine Gael parliamentary party will be meeting again next week.
China Uighurs: Detained for beards, veils and internet browsing
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51520622
A document that appears to give the most powerful insight yet into how China determined the fate of hundreds of thousands of Muslims held in a network of internment camps has been seen by the BBC.
Listing the personal details of more than 3,000 individuals from the far western region of Xinjiang, it sets out in intricate detail the most intimate aspects of their daily lives.
The painstaking records - made up of 137 pages of columns and rows - include how often people pray, how they dress, whom they contact and how their family members behave.
China denies any wrongdoing, saying it is combating terrorism and religious extremism.
The document is said to have come, at considerable personal risk, from the same source inside Xinjiang that leaked a batch of highly sensitive material published last year.
One of the world's leading experts on China's policies in Xinjiang, Dr Adrian Zenz, a senior fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington, believes the latest leak is genuine.
"This remarkable document presents the strongest evidence I've seen to date that Beijing is actively persecuting and punishing normal practices of traditional religious beliefs," he says.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51520622
A document that appears to give the most powerful insight yet into how China determined the fate of hundreds of thousands of Muslims held in a network of internment camps has been seen by the BBC.
Listing the personal details of more than 3,000 individuals from the far western region of Xinjiang, it sets out in intricate detail the most intimate aspects of their daily lives.
The painstaking records - made up of 137 pages of columns and rows - include how often people pray, how they dress, whom they contact and how their family members behave.
China denies any wrongdoing, saying it is combating terrorism and religious extremism.
The document is said to have come, at considerable personal risk, from the same source inside Xinjiang that leaked a batch of highly sensitive material published last year.
One of the world's leading experts on China's policies in Xinjiang, Dr Adrian Zenz, a senior fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington, believes the latest leak is genuine.
"This remarkable document presents the strongest evidence I've seen to date that Beijing is actively persecuting and punishing normal practices of traditional religious beliefs," he says.
Bloomberg to join Democratic debate amid poll surge
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51545383
Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg will take part in a nomination debate for the first time on Wednesday, his campaign confirmed.
In order to take part in the Nevada debate, he had to poll above double digits in four national polls recognised by the Democratic Party.
On Tuesday, a NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found he had support from 19% of those surveyed.
The ex-New York Mayor is not competing in the first four nomination contests.
Mr Bloomberg, 78, has instead chosen to enter the race on 3 March, known as Super Tuesday, when 14 states will vote.
He came in second place in the NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. Bernie Sanders came in first with 31% support nationally and Joe Biden was in third place with 15%.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51545383
Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg will take part in a nomination debate for the first time on Wednesday, his campaign confirmed.
In order to take part in the Nevada debate, he had to poll above double digits in four national polls recognised by the Democratic Party.
On Tuesday, a NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found he had support from 19% of those surveyed.
The ex-New York Mayor is not competing in the first four nomination contests.
Mr Bloomberg, 78, has instead chosen to enter the race on 3 March, known as Super Tuesday, when 14 states will vote.
He came in second place in the NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. Bernie Sanders came in first with 31% support nationally and Joe Biden was in third place with 15%.
Hanau: Eight dead in mass shooting in Germany
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51567971
Eight people are dead following two shootings at shisha bars in the western German city of Hanau.
At least five people were injured after gunmen opened fire at about 22:00 local time (21:00 GMT), police told the BBC.
Police added that they are searching for the suspects, who fled the scene and are currently at large.
The first shooting was at a bar in the city centre, while the second was in Hanau's Kesselstadt neighbourhood, according to local reports.
Police officers and helicopters are patrolling both areas.
An unknown number of gunmen killed three people at the first shisha bar, before driving to the second and shooting dead another five victims, regional broadcaster Hessenschau reports.
The motive for the attack is unclear, a police statement said.
Hanau, in the state of Hessen, is about 25km (15 miles) east of Frankfurt.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51567971
Eight people are dead following two shootings at shisha bars in the western German city of Hanau.
At least five people were injured after gunmen opened fire at about 22:00 local time (21:00 GMT), police told the BBC.
Police added that they are searching for the suspects, who fled the scene and are currently at large.
The first shooting was at a bar in the city centre, while the second was in Hanau's Kesselstadt neighbourhood, according to local reports.
Police officers and helicopters are patrolling both areas.
An unknown number of gunmen killed three people at the first shisha bar, before driving to the second and shooting dead another five victims, regional broadcaster Hessenschau reports.
The motive for the attack is unclear, a police statement said.
Hanau, in the state of Hessen, is about 25km (15 miles) east of Frankfurt.
Julian Assange: Trump 'offered pardon for Russia denial'
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51566470
A lawyer for Julian Assange has alleged that President Donald Trump offered to pardon the Wikileaks founder, if he said Russia was not involved in leaking emails during the 2016 US election.
The offer is said to have been conveyed by the former Republican Congressman, Dana Rohrabacher.
Assange's barrister revealed the claim at Westminster Magistrates' Court ahead of an extradition hearing next week.
The White House said the claim was "a complete fabrication and a total lie".
Leaked emails published by Wikileaks ahead of the 2016 vote contained embarrassing details about the Democratic Party, and were seen to have damaged its presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton.
Assange has previously denied receiving the material from the Kremlin, although Russian intelligence officials have been indicted in the US for the leak.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51566470
A lawyer for Julian Assange has alleged that President Donald Trump offered to pardon the Wikileaks founder, if he said Russia was not involved in leaking emails during the 2016 US election.
The offer is said to have been conveyed by the former Republican Congressman, Dana Rohrabacher.
Assange's barrister revealed the claim at Westminster Magistrates' Court ahead of an extradition hearing next week.
The White House said the claim was "a complete fabrication and a total lie".
Leaked emails published by Wikileaks ahead of the 2016 vote contained embarrassing details about the Democratic Party, and were seen to have damaged its presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton.
Assange has previously denied receiving the material from the Kremlin, although Russian intelligence officials have been indicted in the US for the leak.
Democratic debate: candidates set to clash in crucial test before Nevada caucuses – live
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/feb/19/debate-tonight-live-democratic-news-nevada-bernie-sanders-mike-bloomberg-latest
Where things stand in the race
Bernie Sanders is leading in polls with 31% support nationally, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. Mike Bloomberg is in second place, with 19% support – which allowed him to qualify for today’s debate. Joe Biden comes in third, with 15% – down nine points since December – and Elizabeth Warren was fourth, with 12% support.
Amy Klobuchar – who made a strong showing in New Hampshire and in the previous Democratic debate – has gained a few points since the poll was last conducted, in December. She placed fourth with 9% support, followed by Pete Buttigieg with 8%.
However, Buttigieg currently has the most delegates of the pack – one more than Sanders – following his narrow advantage in Iowa.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/feb/19/debate-tonight-live-democratic-news-nevada-bernie-sanders-mike-bloomberg-latest
Where things stand in the race
Bernie Sanders is leading in polls with 31% support nationally, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. Mike Bloomberg is in second place, with 19% support – which allowed him to qualify for today’s debate. Joe Biden comes in third, with 15% – down nine points since December – and Elizabeth Warren was fourth, with 12% support.
Amy Klobuchar – who made a strong showing in New Hampshire and in the previous Democratic debate – has gained a few points since the poll was last conducted, in December. She placed fourth with 9% support, followed by Pete Buttigieg with 8%.
However, Buttigieg currently has the most delegates of the pack – one more than Sanders – following his narrow advantage in Iowa.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl has been re-elected Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann
https://www.thejournal.ie/sean-o-fearghail-has-been-re-elected-ceann-comhairle-of-dail-eireann-5015115-Feb2020/
Ó Feargháil received 130 votes with Independent TD Denis Naughten receiving 28 votes.
FIANNA FÁIL TD Seán Ó Feargháil has been re-elected Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann.
The Kildare South TD – who first took up the role in 2016 – defeated Independent TD Denis Naughten in a vote today.
Ó Feargháil received 130 votes with Naughten receiving 28 votes.
The Ceann Comhairle is the chair of the Dáil and is expected to observe strict impartiality and keep order in the house.
Whoever is elected to the role is automatically re-elected to the next Dáil.
Ó Feargháil was Ceann Comhairle of the 32nd Dáil and was the first to be elected by secret ballot in 2016. Previously, the government of the day would simply choose who would take up the role.
He was the first Fianna Fáil Ceann Comhairle to be elected since Seámus Kirk who held the post in the 30th Dáil between 2009 and 2011.
https://www.thejournal.ie/sean-o-fearghail-has-been-re-elected-ceann-comhairle-of-dail-eireann-5015115-Feb2020/
Ó Feargháil received 130 votes with Independent TD Denis Naughten receiving 28 votes.
FIANNA FÁIL TD Seán Ó Feargháil has been re-elected Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann.
The Kildare South TD – who first took up the role in 2016 – defeated Independent TD Denis Naughten in a vote today.
Ó Feargháil received 130 votes with Naughten receiving 28 votes.
The Ceann Comhairle is the chair of the Dáil and is expected to observe strict impartiality and keep order in the house.
Whoever is elected to the role is automatically re-elected to the next Dáil.
Ó Feargháil was Ceann Comhairle of the 32nd Dáil and was the first to be elected by secret ballot in 2016. Previously, the government of the day would simply choose who would take up the role.
He was the first Fianna Fáil Ceann Comhairle to be elected since Seámus Kirk who held the post in the 30th Dáil between 2009 and 2011.
Scoop: Top NSC official reassigned to Energy Department amid "Anonymous" fallout
https://www.axios.com/scoop-top-nsc-official-reassigned-to-energy-department-amid-anonymous-fallout-83edb9b8-d47e-4211-baf7-e06b99004c85.html
Deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates will be reassigned as a senior adviser to Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, the National Security Council said Thursday — and a senior White House official said that the administration "rejects" the rumors that she is "Anonymous."
Why it matters:
Coates has battled claims that she is the still-unknown Trump administration official that penned a New York Times op-ed and book critical of President Trump.
Coates has vehemently denied the charges, which strained her working relationship with national security adviser Robert O'Brien, to colleagues.
The decision confirms Axios' reporting that such a move was being considered earlier this week.
What they're saying:
"The White House leadership rejects rumors that have circulated recently and does not put any stock in the suggestion that Victoria Coates is the author of 'A Warning' or the related op-ed in the New York Times," says a senior administration official.
"Dr. Coates’ transition to the Department of Energy has been in the works for several weeks and reflects the continued trust and confidence the administration places in her as she takes on this sensitive role at the Department of Energy, where she will continue working to implement the president’s agenda," the official added.
O'Brien said: "While I’m sad to lose an important member of our team, Victoria will be a big asset to Secretary Brouillette as he executes the president’s energy security policy priorities. She has served the president loyally since the earliest days of the administration and has played a valued role in the President’s Middle East policy."
https://www.axios.com/scoop-top-nsc-official-reassigned-to-energy-department-amid-anonymous-fallout-83edb9b8-d47e-4211-baf7-e06b99004c85.html
Deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates will be reassigned as a senior adviser to Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, the National Security Council said Thursday — and a senior White House official said that the administration "rejects" the rumors that she is "Anonymous."
Why it matters:
Coates has battled claims that she is the still-unknown Trump administration official that penned a New York Times op-ed and book critical of President Trump.
Coates has vehemently denied the charges, which strained her working relationship with national security adviser Robert O'Brien, to colleagues.
The decision confirms Axios' reporting that such a move was being considered earlier this week.
What they're saying:
"The White House leadership rejects rumors that have circulated recently and does not put any stock in the suggestion that Victoria Coates is the author of 'A Warning' or the related op-ed in the New York Times," says a senior administration official.
"Dr. Coates’ transition to the Department of Energy has been in the works for several weeks and reflects the continued trust and confidence the administration places in her as she takes on this sensitive role at the Department of Energy, where she will continue working to implement the president’s agenda," the official added.
O'Brien said: "While I’m sad to lose an important member of our team, Victoria will be a big asset to Secretary Brouillette as he executes the president’s energy security policy priorities. She has served the president loyally since the earliest days of the administration and has played a valued role in the President’s Middle East policy."
Afghanistan war: US and Afghan Taliban start partial truce
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51584126
A seven-day "reduction in violence" between the US and the Afghan Taliban has begun, officials say.
"This is an important step on a long road to peace," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday.
If successful, the two sides will then sign the first phase of a deal aimed at ending nearly two decades of conflict.
The agreement, which began at midnight local time, comes after more than a year of talks between American and Afghan Taliban representatives.
In a statement, Taliban negotiators said "a suitable security situation" would be created ahead of signing a deal they hoped would "lay the groundwork for peace across the country with the withdrawal of all foreign forces".
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move, adding that this was "a critical test of the Taliban's willingness and ability to reduce violence, and contribute to peace in good faith".
The Afghan government, which is currently grappling with a dispute over the results of the country's presidential elections, was not part of the negotiations.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51584126
A seven-day "reduction in violence" between the US and the Afghan Taliban has begun, officials say.
"This is an important step on a long road to peace," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday.
If successful, the two sides will then sign the first phase of a deal aimed at ending nearly two decades of conflict.
The agreement, which began at midnight local time, comes after more than a year of talks between American and Afghan Taliban representatives.
In a statement, Taliban negotiators said "a suitable security situation" would be created ahead of signing a deal they hoped would "lay the groundwork for peace across the country with the withdrawal of all foreign forces".
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move, adding that this was "a critical test of the Taliban's willingness and ability to reduce violence, and contribute to peace in good faith".
The Afghan government, which is currently grappling with a dispute over the results of the country's presidential elections, was not part of the negotiations.
Bernie Sanders wins Nevada caucus
https://www.axios.com/2020-election-nevada-caucus-bernie-sanders-14383c30-7349-46de-b236-732b3bc57d21.html
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to supporters at a campaign rally on February 21, 2020 in Las Vegas
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to supporters at a campaign rally on Friday in Las Vegas. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
Sen. Bernie Sanders is projected to win the Nevada Democratic primary caucus, according to the Associated Press and other media outlets.
Why it matters:
Nevada is the first state with a diverse population to hold a nominating contest, highlighting candidates' abilities to connect with voters of color — particularly Latino voters.
The big picture:
This is the third straight contest where Sanders has either won or finished in a virtual tie, giving him the frontrunner status ahead of South Carolina and Super Tuesday.
Between the lines:
Sanders' campaign invested millions to attract Nevada's Latino voters going into caucus, Politico reports.
76 of the 250 Sanders staffers in Nevada are Latino.
His campaign hosted 35 events in Spanish.
Sanders targeted Latinos on digital platforms like YouTube, Hulu and Pandora.
The bottom line:
Sanders had a winning strategy in Nevada. If replicated on Super Tuesday, Sanders could win big in states with large numbers of Latino voters such as California, Texas and North Carolina, Politico writes.
https://www.axios.com/2020-election-nevada-caucus-bernie-sanders-14383c30-7349-46de-b236-732b3bc57d21.html
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to supporters at a campaign rally on February 21, 2020 in Las Vegas
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to supporters at a campaign rally on Friday in Las Vegas. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
Sen. Bernie Sanders is projected to win the Nevada Democratic primary caucus, according to the Associated Press and other media outlets.
Why it matters:
Nevada is the first state with a diverse population to hold a nominating contest, highlighting candidates' abilities to connect with voters of color — particularly Latino voters.
The big picture:
This is the third straight contest where Sanders has either won or finished in a virtual tie, giving him the frontrunner status ahead of South Carolina and Super Tuesday.
Between the lines:
Sanders' campaign invested millions to attract Nevada's Latino voters going into caucus, Politico reports.
76 of the 250 Sanders staffers in Nevada are Latino.
His campaign hosted 35 events in Spanish.
Sanders targeted Latinos on digital platforms like YouTube, Hulu and Pandora.
The bottom line:
Sanders had a winning strategy in Nevada. If replicated on Super Tuesday, Sanders could win big in states with large numbers of Latino voters such as California, Texas and North Carolina, Politico writes.
Bernie 46%
South Carolina 都羸其他人點追
South Carolina 都羸其他人點追
trump 又可以走返中間小小
可能No Majority 呢
Bernie's juggernaut
https://www.axios.com/bernie-nevada-caucus-juggernaut-6f386a6d-40cd-4a73-bebe-0bf1c36f2210.html
Sen. Bernie Sanders won so big in the Nevada caucuses that Democrats are hard-pressed to sketch a way he's not their nominee.
Driving the news: With 60% of precincts counted (slow, but better than Iowa!), Sanders is running away with 46% of delegates — crushing Joe Biden's 20%, Pete Buttigieg's 15%, Sen. Elizabeth Warren's 10% and Sen. Amy Klobuchar's 5%.
Why it matters: This thing could be effectively over 10 nights from now, after Super Tuesday.
The Bloomberg campaign's Kevin Sheekey tells me that according to his models, if the current field remains on Super Tuesday (March 3), Sanders would win about 30% of the vote — and 45% of the delegates.
"The next candidate would have less than half that number — and little or no ability to catch up before the convention," Sheekey said.
Two other takeaways from the Silver State:
1. Sanders — whose campaign brags of a multi-ethnic, multi-generational movement — is competitive in almost every demographic, as entrance polling shows (via Washington Post):
He leads among white voters, has a massive edge among Latinos, dominates with both women and men, does best among both college and non-college graduates and even did best of the field among moderates/conservatives.
The only places where he's not dominating, Axios' Justin Green points out, are old people (Biden has an edge), African Americans (but he's narrowed Biden's edge) and among voters who prioritize foreign policy.
2. A big factor in Sanders' blowout was strong caucus-goer support for his Medicare for All plan.
Six of 10 supported single-payer health care, according to the Washington Post rundown of entrance polls — more than the general public.
Sanders easily won that group. Voters who oppose switching to a government health plan split between Biden, Buttigieg and Klobuchar.
Before you conclude that we're seeing a groundswell for Medicare for All, check out this Kaiser Family Foundation polling, narrated by Axios managing editor David Nather:
67% of Medicare for All supporters think they'll be able to keep their current health insurance. Sanders' plan would get rid of private health insurance.
That's going to matter a lot, given that health care was the most important issue for more than 4 of 10 caucus-goers — by far the biggest issue for these Democrats.
Don't forget: Health care was also a driving issue in the 2018 midterms, helping Democrats win the House.
https://www.axios.com/bernie-nevada-caucus-juggernaut-6f386a6d-40cd-4a73-bebe-0bf1c36f2210.html
Sen. Bernie Sanders won so big in the Nevada caucuses that Democrats are hard-pressed to sketch a way he's not their nominee.
Driving the news: With 60% of precincts counted (slow, but better than Iowa!), Sanders is running away with 46% of delegates — crushing Joe Biden's 20%, Pete Buttigieg's 15%, Sen. Elizabeth Warren's 10% and Sen. Amy Klobuchar's 5%.
Why it matters: This thing could be effectively over 10 nights from now, after Super Tuesday.
The Bloomberg campaign's Kevin Sheekey tells me that according to his models, if the current field remains on Super Tuesday (March 3), Sanders would win about 30% of the vote — and 45% of the delegates.
"The next candidate would have less than half that number — and little or no ability to catch up before the convention," Sheekey said.
Two other takeaways from the Silver State:
1. Sanders — whose campaign brags of a multi-ethnic, multi-generational movement — is competitive in almost every demographic, as entrance polling shows (via Washington Post):
He leads among white voters, has a massive edge among Latinos, dominates with both women and men, does best among both college and non-college graduates and even did best of the field among moderates/conservatives.
The only places where he's not dominating, Axios' Justin Green points out, are old people (Biden has an edge), African Americans (but he's narrowed Biden's edge) and among voters who prioritize foreign policy.
2. A big factor in Sanders' blowout was strong caucus-goer support for his Medicare for All plan.
Six of 10 supported single-payer health care, according to the Washington Post rundown of entrance polls — more than the general public.
Sanders easily won that group. Voters who oppose switching to a government health plan split between Biden, Buttigieg and Klobuchar.
Before you conclude that we're seeing a groundswell for Medicare for All, check out this Kaiser Family Foundation polling, narrated by Axios managing editor David Nather:
67% of Medicare for All supporters think they'll be able to keep their current health insurance. Sanders' plan would get rid of private health insurance.
That's going to matter a lot, given that health care was the most important issue for more than 4 of 10 caucus-goers — by far the biggest issue for these Democrats.
Don't forget: Health care was also a driving issue in the 2018 midterms, helping Democrats win the House.
Iran elections: Record low turnout but hardliners set for win
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51605942
Iran has seen the lowest turnout in a parliamentary election since the 1979 revolution, with 42.6% of eligible voters casting their ballots.
Officials had banned thousands of contenders, many of them reformers.
Hardliners are set for big gains in the first vote since US sanctions resumed.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described Friday's turnout as stunning, as he said Iran's enemies had tried to put people off voting by exaggerating the coronavirus outbreak.
"This negative propaganda about the virus began a couple of months ago and grew larger ahead of the election," he said, according to his official website Khamenei.ir.
"Their media did not miss the tiniest opportunity for dissuading Iranian voters and resorting to the excuse of disease and the virus."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51605942
Iran has seen the lowest turnout in a parliamentary election since the 1979 revolution, with 42.6% of eligible voters casting their ballots.
Officials had banned thousands of contenders, many of them reformers.
Hardliners are set for big gains in the first vote since US sanctions resumed.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described Friday's turnout as stunning, as he said Iran's enemies had tried to put people off voting by exaggerating the coronavirus outbreak.
"This negative propaganda about the virus began a couple of months ago and grew larger ahead of the election," he said, according to his official website Khamenei.ir.
"Their media did not miss the tiniest opportunity for dissuading Iranian voters and resorting to the excuse of disease and the virus."
Hamburg election: SPD win, far-right AfD scrape by
https://www.dw.com/en/hamburg-election-spd-win-far-right-afd-scrape-by/a-52486002
The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) have won the regional election in Hamburg, with partial results from Sunday's election indicating that the party will maintain leadership in the northern German city-state.
Provisional results from the electoral commission showed the SPD winning 39.0% of the vote.
Support for the environmentalist Greens surged, putting them in second place with 24.2%, meaning a likely coalition between the SPD and the Greens.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) fell to 11.2%, the party's worst state election result in 70 years.
"This result should wake us all up bit and show us that, right now, there's a lot at stake," said German Health Minister Jens Spahn. "It's Hamburg. It's Thuringia. It's the poll results. It’s the position of the party."
The CDU politician is considered a potential successor to party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who had announced earlier this month that she will step down from her post.
The most closely-watched result of the night was for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), with early results indicating that the party might not garner enough votes to remain in Hamburg's state parliament.
Provisional results put the AfD at 5.0% — the bare minimum needed to stay in parliament, though later polling suggested that the party's vote share was up at 5.3%.
https://www.dw.com/en/hamburg-election-spd-win-far-right-afd-scrape-by/a-52486002
The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) have won the regional election in Hamburg, with partial results from Sunday's election indicating that the party will maintain leadership in the northern German city-state.
Provisional results from the electoral commission showed the SPD winning 39.0% of the vote.
Support for the environmentalist Greens surged, putting them in second place with 24.2%, meaning a likely coalition between the SPD and the Greens.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) fell to 11.2%, the party's worst state election result in 70 years.
"This result should wake us all up bit and show us that, right now, there's a lot at stake," said German Health Minister Jens Spahn. "It's Hamburg. It's Thuringia. It's the poll results. It’s the position of the party."
The CDU politician is considered a potential successor to party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who had announced earlier this month that she will step down from her post.
The most closely-watched result of the night was for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), with early results indicating that the party might not garner enough votes to remain in Hamburg's state parliament.
Provisional results put the AfD at 5.0% — the bare minimum needed to stay in parliament, though later polling suggested that the party's vote share was up at 5.3%.
同之前Hanau單shooting有無關
Sanders痴線
Sanders says he'd meet with Kim Jong Un as president and would take action if China invaded Taiwan
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/23/politics/bernie-sanders-north-korea-meeting-military-force-china-taiwan/index.html
(CNN)Sen. Bernie Sanders says he would meet with the leader of North Korea and other US adversaries if he were elected president.
"Meeting with people who are antagonistic is, to me, not a bad thing to do," the Vermont senator said during a "60 Minutes" interview slated to air Sunday, referring to a meeting with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un. "I think, unfortunately, (President Donald) Trump went into that meeting unprepared. I think it was a photo opportunity -- and did not have the -- kind of diplomatic work necessary to make it a success."
Sanders, a Vermont independent who solidified his status as the front-runner vying for the Democratic presidential nomination after claiming victory in the Nevada caucuses Saturday, has before praised Trump for his meetings with Kim. But the Vermont senator has also ripped the President for his foreign policy.
Sanders has repeatedly argued that military action should be a last resort, and he recently led an effort to freeze funding for any military action in Iran without express approval from Congress -- a bill he introduced shortly after the Trump administration held a classified briefing in which advisers outlined the case for their military strike that killed a top Iranian general.
In the interview with Anderson Cooper, Sanders also spoke to the conditions under which he would use military force, saying he would be willing to take military action if threats were made against Americans and US allies across the world. When asked how he would react if China took military action against Taiwan, Sanders said he would do so in alliance with other countries.
"I mean, I think we have got to make it clear to countries around the world that we will not sit by and allow invasions to take place, absolutely," he said.
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/23/politics/bernie-sanders-north-korea-meeting-military-force-china-taiwan/index.html
(CNN)Sen. Bernie Sanders says he would meet with the leader of North Korea and other US adversaries if he were elected president.
"Meeting with people who are antagonistic is, to me, not a bad thing to do," the Vermont senator said during a "60 Minutes" interview slated to air Sunday, referring to a meeting with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un. "I think, unfortunately, (President Donald) Trump went into that meeting unprepared. I think it was a photo opportunity -- and did not have the -- kind of diplomatic work necessary to make it a success."
Sanders, a Vermont independent who solidified his status as the front-runner vying for the Democratic presidential nomination after claiming victory in the Nevada caucuses Saturday, has before praised Trump for his meetings with Kim. But the Vermont senator has also ripped the President for his foreign policy.
Sanders has repeatedly argued that military action should be a last resort, and he recently led an effort to freeze funding for any military action in Iran without express approval from Congress -- a bill he introduced shortly after the Trump administration held a classified briefing in which advisers outlined the case for their military strike that killed a top Iranian general.
In the interview with Anderson Cooper, Sanders also spoke to the conditions under which he would use military force, saying he would be willing to take military action if threats were made against Americans and US allies across the world. When asked how he would react if China took military action against Taiwan, Sanders said he would do so in alliance with other countries.
"I mean, I think we have got to make it clear to countries around the world that we will not sit by and allow invasions to take place, absolutely," he said.
屌
同之前Hanau單shooting有無關