Castro defends Clinton
Castro appears on CNN and answers questions about Clinton and the 2016 campaign.
Let’s take a look at this issue of Benghazi. This thing has been studied to death by Republicans and Democrats, several committees including in Congress that have all said, yes, of course what happened was tragic but Secretary Clinton was not in any way at all responsible. And what you have here with these e-mails is basically a witch hunt. And you know, Congressman Gowdy, who is leading this, is very intentionally trying to manipulate this witch hunt to play politics.
I think we need focus on more substantive things. As one who hasn’t spent my lifetime in D.C., I know that out there in America they care about are you reducing Veteran homelessness, are you providing the impetus for young people to be able to achieve their dreams, are we making sure that America in this 21st century remains the undisputed land of opportunity, not whether somebody had e-mails or didn’t have them
Tax plans criticized
Officials at the Tax Policy Center criticize Huckabee after he says that the fair tax plan benefits the bottom third of the economy the most.
In fact, it’s the bottom third of the economy who benefit the most from the FairTax, and the people at the top third who benefit the least Everybody benefits some. That tax study is one that has been discredited by the people who spent over $20 million, very thoughtful economic study developing the FairTax. It’s not just some political idea….
The Tax Policy center criticizes the plan:
He has the distributional benefits backwards. The notion that a tax on consumption will help the poor and hurt the rich is contrary to just about everything that is known about rich/poor spending and income habits, not just our model.
Criticizes campaign coverage
In an appearance on CNN’s Reliable Sources Sanders says:
In terms of campaign coverage, there is more coverage about the political gossip of the campaign, about raising money, about polling, about somebody saying something dumb, or some kid works for a campaign and sends out something stupid on Facebook, right? We can expect that to be a major story. But what your job is, what the media’s job is, is to say, ‘Look, these are the major issues facing the country.’ We’re a democracy. People have different points of view. Let’s argue it…I think that instead of coming up with the next news of the moment, ‘Breaking news! There was an automobile accident and a cat got run over,’ here’s breaking news: For 40 years the American middle lass has been disappearing and the rich have been getting richer. Why?
Attacked over Duggar support
Huckabee is bombarded with criticism on Facebook after pledging support of one of the Duggar sons after allegations of sexually inappropriate acts come to light. In response to the criticism, Huckabee says:
It is precisely because we are all sinners that we need (God’s) grace and His forgiveness. We have been blessed to receive God’s love and we would do no less than to extend our love and support for our friends. In fact, it is such times as this, when real friends show up and stand up. Today, Janet and I want to show up and stand up for our friends. Let others run from them. We will run to them with our support.
Last season with Lakers
Bryant tells general manager Kupchak that the 2015-16 season will be his last season with the Lakers. Bryant is 36 years old, and will be entering his 20th season in the NBA. Kupchak:
I think first and foremost, he’s on the last year of a deal. There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don’t think there will be. A year from now, if there’s something different to discuss, then it will be discussed then. I talk to him from time to time … and he is recovering. He’s running. He’s getting movement and strength in the shoulder. We expect a full recovery, but yeah, he’s much closer to the end than to the beginning.
Agrees with U.S. policy on Iraq
At a news conference in New Hampshipre Clinton speaks on the U.S. handling of Iraq.
I think it’s a very difficult situation and I basically agree with the policies that we are currently following, and that is, American air support is available. American intelligence and surveillance is available.
American trainers are trying to undo the damage that was done to the Iraqi army by former prime minister Maliki, who bears a very big part of the responsibility for what is happening inside of Iraq today.
This has to be fought by and won by Iraqis. There is no role whatsoever for American soldiers on the ground to go back, other than in the capacity as trainers and advisers.
Supports decision to destroy records
Huckabee supports the decision by an Arkansas judge to destroy the records of the investigation into Duggar’s sexual misconduct. Huckabee:
There was no consideration of the fact that the victims wanted this to be left in the past and ultimately a judge had the information on file destroyed — not to protect Josh, but the innocent victims.
Requires secure treatment facility
A Walter Reed spokesperson says that the eldest son of vice president Biden was hospitalized at a military hospital because it was secure enough to allow regular visits from his father. She will not say whether he remains there, contending that releasing any information would violate his privacy.
[The hospital] often admits individuals as a matter of security precaution. The vice president and Dr. (Jill) Biden’s regular visits to see their son necessitate his treatment in a facility that is more secure than a traditional hospital.
It remains unclear when Biden was admitted.
Announces campaign launch
Sanders’ staffers announce his presidential campaign launch less than a week before the Tuesday rally at Waterfront Park in Burlington, VT. Sanders will stand on public land he fought for in the 1980s as he announces his presidential ambitions — while spectators will be provided Ben & Jerry’s ice cream at the free, non-ticketed event.
Burlington-based band Mango Jam will play in the park. Cohen and Greenfield, from Ben & Jerry’s and environmentalist and author McKibben are expected to speak.
Defends Patriot Act
Bush defends the Patriot Act and the permission it gives the government to collect phone records in bulk. Bush claims that such laws are essential for protecting their homeland.
There is ample evidence that the Patriot Act has been a tool to keep us safe…There is no evidence of anyone’s civil liberties being violated because of it.
Speakers announced
A Sanders spokesman says that McKibben will speak at Sanders’ presidential campaign kickoff. In an email McKibben writes:
Bernie is the ultimate what-you-see-is-what-you-get politician. There’s no fancy moves and no adroit spin, just relentless day-in day-out advocacy for working people, and for a working planet. Bernie’s been in the forefront of all the crucial environmental fights of recent years, always willing to knuckle down and do the hard work of fighting the big corporations.
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc., are also expected to speak — with free ice cream in tow.
To visit Iowa and New Hampshire
O’Malley plans back-to-back trips to Iowa and New Hampshire after his presidential announcement at the end of this month and has been adding staff in both states, according to activists in those states. They say O’Malley will then travel to Iowa, where he has events scheduled in Davenport and Des Moines, and he plans to be in New Hampshire the following day, with an itinerary that includes a house party in Gilford.
Raises concern on GOP debate
Carson raises concerns over polling requirement for GOP candidates to participate in Fox News presidential debate. He also asks Republican National Committee for a solution that is inclusive of every voice.
I am writing you today about an issue that concerns me greatly…I am very worried that out of broadcasting convenience our party is about to exclude voices from our debate programs that are critical to making our party bigger, better, and bolder…The rules may be good for me personally, but they are not good for the process. We are blessed to have many qualified candidates running for President. More than a typical debate format can handle. Surely we can find a format that allows every voice to be heard.
Announces first ‘big event’
Clinton’s campaign tweets that she will hold “the first big event” of her 2016 presidential campaign on June 13.
Get excited: Hillary will be making her official campaign announcement speech at the first big event of her campaign on June 13th.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 21, 2015
Stands by Duggar family
Huckabee stands by the Duggar family amidst child molestation accusations.
Josh’s actions when he was an underage teen are as he described them himself, ‘inexcusable,’ but that doesn’t mean ‘unforgivable’. He and his family dealt with it and were honest and open about it with the victims and the authorities. No purpose whatsoever is served by those who are now trying to discredit Josh or his family by sensationalizing the story.
Tweets support
Following the appearance of posters on Columbia campus calling both Dunham and and Sulkowicz liars, Dunham tweets her support:
Dear Emma, anyone who wants can call us anything they want, but you helped me to stand in my skin & I am so grateful: http://t.co/2H6dBzN6BX
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) May 21, 2015
Criticizes Fox News debate rules
Santorum denounces the rules set by Fox News for its Republican presidential primary debate to allow participation of only ten candidates polling the highest in national surveys.
I’m someone who believes that we should have an inclusive process. If you’re a United States senator, if you’re a governor, if you’re a woman who ran a Fortune 500 company and you’re running a legitimate campaign for president, then you should have the right to be on stage with everyone else.
He also questions the legitimacy of national polls.
The idea that someone at 1.15% is in and someone at 1.14% is out, that to me is not a rational way, particularly given the fact that they’re using national polls, which isn’t a legitimate way in my opinion to determine the viability of the candidate.
Criticizes brother’s spending
Jeb Bush says that while he agrees with his brother George W. Bush on many things, he disagrees with his brother on other policies:
I want to share a little about my life, because apparently there’s a little confusion that all family members are supposed to be clones of one another
On budgeting and controlling spending, Jeb:
I think that, in Washington during my brother’s time, Republicans spent too much money. I think he could have used the veto power. He didn’t have line-item veto power, but he could have brought budget discipline to Washington, D.C.
On the Patriot Act:
There is not a shred of evidence that anybody’s civil liberties have been violated by it. t’s already been proven constitutional, and there is ample evidence that it has protected us
Proud of middle class focus
At a Center for American Progress event Biden says that he’s proud that he’s spent his career focused on the middle class.
In this town, being referred to as ‘Middle Class Joe’ is meant as an insult. No, I really mean it. Because you’re not sophisticated if you’re middle class. Because even among some of we Democrats, we’re sophisticated jerks lots of times.
He stands by the straightforward comments that have gotten him into trouble:
I got criticized for saying LaGuardia was like a Third World airport. Guess what? The governor and everybody else, including The New York Times, calls it a Third World airport. And they’re changing it. We have to invest.
He advises Democrats making a White House bid:
We should run on what we’ve done. Whoever’s running should also talk about what the resurgence in place in the future is, and talk about in 2016 what we’ve done. Some say this amounts to a third term for President Obama. I call it sticking to what works and expanding on it to restore the middle class.
Demands media apology
Christie demands an apology from media over the Bridgegate scandal.
I do believe there’s an absolute bias and a rush to judgment. You all know this, you saw the coverage of me 15 months ago. I was guilty, I had done it…Now we’re 15 months later, where are the apologies pouring in? Not one thing I said the day after the bridge situation has been proven wrong.