Takes Go Silent pledge
Bush tweets that he has taken the #GoSilent pledge for Memorial Day. He includes a link to the website of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s (IAVA) website.
Join me in honoring our nation’s fallen this Memorial Day
I took the #GoSilent pledge. Join me in honoring our nation's fallen this Memorial Day http://t.co/hQ3H3ZjC6c
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) May 25, 2015
Memorial Day message
Trump tweets a Memorial Day message.
I would like to wish everyone, including all haters and losers (of which, sadly, there are many) a truly happy and enjoyable Memorial Day!
I would like to wish everyone, including all haters and losers (of which, sadly, there are many) a truly happy and enjoyable Memorial Day!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2015
Commemorates Memorial Day
Sanders marches in one of Vermont’s annual Memorial Day parades and tweets a photo of himself and a quote of his own for Memorial Day.
If you are not prepared to take care of the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend this country – who came back wounded in body, wounded in spirit – if you’re not prepared to help those people, then don’t send them to war in the first place.
…wounded in body, wounded in spirit… pic.twitter.com/tjfL3Elqhp
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) May 25, 2015
Christie, Wiesel meet
Christie meets with Wiesel for a privately to discuss leadership. Wiesel tells Christie:
[You] should create a circle of intellectuals, wise and learned men and women, people with whom he could be completely candid. Meet with them regularly. Let them bring the benefit of scholarship to your endeavors. [And] When you discuss policy always ask the question: What about morality? What is the correct moral dimension in all of these discussions?
Memorial Day message
Fiorina tweets a photo of a military cemetery and a message for Memorial Day.
This Memorial Day we pause to remember and commemorate all those who have given so much to defend this blessed nation.
This Memorial Day we pause to remember & commemorate all those who have given so much to defend this blessed nation. pic.twitter.com/YwRPzIYQz3
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) May 25, 2015
Memorial Day tweet
Clinton tweets a message for Memorial Day:
We have a sacred responsibility to those who serve and sacrifice for this country–today we remember and honor the values they fought for.
We have a sacred responsibility to those who serve and sacrifice for this country—today we remember and honor the values they fought for. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 25, 2015
Memorial Day video
Rubio posts a video on Facebook in honor of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day has always been a time of unity for our nation. It’s a time when we put aside partisanship and politics and come together…As President, I will devote the necessary resources to our national defense. I will ensure that they never are sent into a fair fight but rather are always equipped with the upper hand.
Pataki to announce
Pataki says he will formally announce his candidacy in Exeter, N.H., the city the GOP claims is the birthplace of the Republican Party.
It will be a very stiff climb up a very steep mountain, but that hasn’t stopped me in the past.
Wants inclusive debate
Despite his own surge in popularity that makes him a strong candidate for the first Republican debate, Carson asks the RNC to allow all candidates to participate.
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 so many qualified candidates running for president, more than a typical debate format can handle. Surely we could find a format to allow every voice to be heard.
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.
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.