On the eve of New Hampshire the Hillary campaign takes its biggest gamble: bringing in Bill to attack Bernie

On the eve of New Hampshire the Hillary campaign takes its biggest gamble: bringing in Bill to attack Bernie

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Does the former President still hold much sway? So we are almost there in what has in past White House races been the contest that has proved to be the most crucial – the first full primary in the New England State of New Hampshire. While much of the attention has been on the Republicans there’s a battle royal going on in the Democratic primary where the 74 year old socialist Bernie Sanders has been enjoying double digit leads over…

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For their own good, it can be argued, young people should be compelled to vote

For their own good, it can be argued, young people should be compelled to vote

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Donald Brind on cumpulsory voting Eddie Izzard writes his own jokes. He made that very clear when I offered him what I thought was a good line he could use in pressing young people to get out and vote. “Vote and you get stuff, don’t vote and you get stuffed.” I was touring North London marginals with the Labour-supporting comedian and Eddie was a bit sniffy about my offering. It cut no ice when I pointed out that the author…

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Guess who? Looking for Jeremy Corbyn’s successor

Guess who? Looking for Jeremy Corbyn’s successor

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Alastair Meeks on his 200/1 tip to be next Labour leader. Pitt the Elder did not lack confidence, declaring to the Duke of Devonshire: “My Lord, I am sure I can save this country, and no one else can.”  Is there anyone who can save Labour?  It’s a good question and it’s not at all clear that there’s an answer.  The Labour party is being torn apart by a profound schism between the purist left membership and the much more…

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In May we might find out if Corbyn is the liability for Labour the Tories hope he is

In May we might find out if Corbyn is the liability for Labour the Tories hope he is

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The Tory plan to win the London Mayoral election is to portray Khan as Corbyn's man in London, part I pic.twitter.com/EMnM3jpX8V — TSE (@TSEofPB) February 7, 2016 The Tory plan to win the London Mayoral election is to portray Khan as Corbyn's man in London, part II pic.twitter.com/3ScoN4pS4o — TSE (@TSEofPB) February 7, 2016 The Tory plan to win the London Mayoral election is to portray Khan as Corbyn's man in London, part III pic.twitter.com/uwYb4inyEY — TSE (@TSEofPB) February 7,…

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Rubio slips back on Betfair following what’s described as “robotic” NH debate performance

Rubio slips back on Betfair following what’s described as “robotic” NH debate performance

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The Twitter verdicts of leading pundits https://twitter.com/JamesFallows/status/696181161173843968 Marco Rubio isn’t ready for prime time. Let the panic begin. — Taegan Goddard (@politicalwire) February 7, 2016 What makes Rubio's performance even more perplexing, he seemed unprepared for the attacks even though it was telegraphed all week — Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) February 7, 2016 Trump, Kasich, Jeb and Christie all had good nights. — Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) February 7, 2016 After his surprisingly close 3rd place in Iowa all the narrative in…

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The other divide in EURef polling: the more positive it looks for BREXIT if actual words not used

The other divide in EURef polling: the more positive it looks for BREXIT if actual words not used

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The ballot format gives a significant boost for REMAIN Since August PB has been featuring a regular table on the state of voting intentions for the referendum. For the sake of consistency the only polls that are included are those where the actual wording on the ballot, as above, is used. Some polls have used different formats like Lord Ashcroft in December in his large sample online poll. He wrote: “Rather than replicate the referendum question itself we asked people…

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Assessing Marco Rubio: A surge or just a bubble

Assessing Marco Rubio: A surge or just a bubble

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David Herdson on why he’s yet to be convinced Ted Cruz can feel a little hard done by. It was he, after all, who won the Iowa caucus, beating Donald Trump, the reports of the pollsters, and indeed everyone else. Normally, that would be enough to fire him into the media spotlight as the man with the momentum. Not this time. The ‘momentum’ badge has instead been awarded to Florida senator, Marco Rubio. Although he finished only third in Iowa,…

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The left could be preparing for Corbyn to stand down & be replaced by McDonnell

The left could be preparing for Corbyn to stand down & be replaced by McDonnell

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Might be a good bet Just had a small bet at 18/1 on Betfair on the shadow chancellor, John. McDonnell, being Corbyn’s successor. This follows speculation this afternoon started by Ken Livingston that McDonnell might be the one to take over when Corbyn goes. What’s odd is that the former London Mayor should be talking in these terms at all barely five months after Corbyn was elected. There have been suggestions that Corbyn has found aspects of the job, particularly…

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